Bearclaw Valley for every life,

breathless but joyous, they'd stepped foot back into bearclaw land. fur windswept and cow-licked from the run, while his dove's looked perfect, plush. as if she could never look anything but. he yearned to lean over and sink into that silk and warmth, to breathe her in until his lungs burned and ached. but for now, he was content on being at her side, even if his legs ached, even if bones felt considerably older. 

with a crooked, wolffish grin, he shook his heavy head. he hadn't even thought about claiming or digging a den; not when the first thing he'd done, when accepted into bearclaw, was seek her. "afraid i don't. s'alright, i'll dig one out quick." he chuffed, his docked tail waving at his hind. he'd lay claim to earth close where she laid, should that be acceptable. 

"dove, there ain't nothin' i'd like more." he assured her, dipping his head to gently nudge at her shoulder. "you lead this time. got this old fool outta breath." he chuckled, low and rich, teasing.