Qeya River do i wanna know?

intended for @Blackfell : @Other Shore welcome to join

the snow had softened beneath the weight of spring’s breath, but it still clung stubbornly to the earth. star eater lay upon it, her side pressed into the cold, as though it might soothe the ache of her swelling body. the curve of her belly was taut and round, her whelping points pink against the pale of her fur. each day, she grew heavier, but she bore it with the same stoicism that had carried her through every trial.
her eyes drifted to other shore, the young wanderer whose curiosity had yet to wane. she lingered close, as she often did now—a shadow eager to learn, eager to please. not far from her was the ginger girl sun eater had brought to her side. she had not been cruel to the girl, nor had she been especially kind. she watched her, measured her, waited to see what usefulness she might bring.
the world was quiet. the herd had moved further into the valley, and the saatsine followed, their new camp settled against a gentle rise. from here, star eater could see the trails carved by the caribou, the distant shapes of their hunters stalking through the frost.