The Heartwood Omak

She wasn't surprised to hear that he wasn't familiar with Tartok. She'd only known of them through Kigipigak; they weren't common in this region and were more established the further north you went.

He went on to describe the wolves that he'd stayed with, and she smiled. They sound like good wolves, she agreed. I like that they hunt with wild laughter—good-natured fun is important. They seemed like a breath of fresh air compared to the wolves of Tartok; maybe she'd meet them one day.

While she wanted to know everything about his adventures, a more pressing question burned in her mind. What brought you down here? she asked, quickly adding with a laugh: That is, if you don't mind me asking!