Ghost Lion Crag Alone

Perhaps it was a kind offer, though of course Nyssa would have to earn her keep. Meerkat didn’t mention that now, instead settling in to listen when her companion indicated she wouldn’t mind unburdening. Her ears cupped forward, her eyes resting on Nyssa’s face, noticing the various shades of gray around her buttery yellow eyes.

It was a lot to process. Nyssa had lost her home, then her family. Meerkat could empathize, to a point. She’d lost homes and loved ones. But she’d never lost everything, all at once. Nyssa had even lost her siblings, in the end, though Meerkat quietly hoped they were alive out there, somewhere, perhaps also snowed in with a kind stranger.

That’s a lot to go through, she acknowledged. I’m sorry for your losses, Nyssa. Nothing can replace your home, or your parents, but maybe you can rebuild with us.

As she spoke, she untucked a paw and extended it to rest on top of one of Nyssa’s. She clasped it loosely for a moment, then gave it a squeeze and withdrew. Meerkat shifted her weight, folding her leg back beneath the warm press of her chest.

Let’s try to get some sleep, then we’ll set out first thing in the morning, assuming the weather’s cleared. The copse isn’t far, she murmured.

The snow fell heavily outside the door, though the cozy space grew increasingly warm from the she-wolves’ body heat. Meerkat felt drowsy. She thought of her visit with her mom, then of Njord surely worrying about her in The Taigh. She sighed, letting her eyes drift closed.

You’re welcome to assume she accompanied Meerkat home, met the others, etc, if you like. We should have another thread soon. :)