Shy Deer Steppes tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow

She'd left Sumac once more, this time only for a day trip down the valley. It was hard to say yet whether new life has taken hold, but all the same, the black bear was driven to find a good place to make her den.

There weren't quite enough trees in this area. There wasn't quite enough anything, to be frank. Still, something drew her steadily along, until gradually, she realized she was following a scent. She paused, drinking it in with deeper, huffing breaths and a curled black lip —

"Madhuri?"

It seemed impossible that her granddaughter should be here in this place. The black bear was gripped by a premonition — none of her offspring were where she thought they were. But there was no telling if this was paranoia or preternatural insight, so she set it aside. One child, at least, was near at hand. Easy turned in a right circle, scanning her surroundings — and spied a flock of vultures clattering away, startled.

With her heading marked, the black bear loped toward the disruption. Sure enough, a pearl was hidden among the sands.

"Chhotee ranee," she called out, warmth blooming in her chest. It had been some time since she'd been able to see her only grandchild.