Big Salmon Lake cutback

White Elk tucked his chin over Callyope's head, and for the first time in his adult life, he held a woman close to his chest. His heart threatened to burst at the warmth of her, and at the odd comfort of a living wolf existing so close. He enjoyed it — guiltily, almost, except he thought that perhaps Callyope liked it, too.

"I do not know what to do for you," he admitted to her, "But if you need to be with your village — we should go there."

Perhaps they would know how to uplift her. But he made no move to go, awaiting some sign from Callyope before making any decisions. For now, he was only a steady presence beside her.