Duskfire Glacier across the universe

Her pack-mates swarmed to her, touching their cold, wet noses against her scraggly, yellowed fur. At least she was no longer filthy. Bazi nuzzled each girl, eyes brimming with happy tears and tail lashing against her ankles. She gave Kieran a broad, watery smile and a shrug - grand? Hardly, but all the better for seeing her family.

She missed the tension between Kaskara and Danica completely, and Malachi's appearance put a stop to whatever was going on between them. Bazi had yet to meet the wolf that had allowed her sanctuary - honestly, she had never considered that they wouldn't help her, but really, she had been lucky. Danica wasn't her biggest fan, and Malachi did not know her. If Njal had not returned when he did.. with winter approaching, the pack did not have the resources to care for a sickly wolf - and they had no obligation to Swiftcurrent Creek, either.

In a rare show of humility, Bazi lowered herself shakily onto her forelegs, copying Kaskara's bow. "Thank you. Thank you," she told him, blue eyes travelling from his face to Danica's, where they lingered in an attempt to catch her eye. They needed to talk - and soon. As soon as Bazi was strong enough, the Swiftcurrent wolves would depart.

Kaskara resumed her diligent inspection. Bazi put her nose close to the warrior's ear and whispered "I need to go home," before turning to the Duskfire wolves. "How can I repay my debt?"