Rising Sun Valley ﹌ Kilvan

tey’gan remained in the water, letting the river carry him, his body light in its embrace. he watched as skuka pulled herself onto the bank, the way her fur clung to her frame, the way she shook out the cold. she was learning the river’s ways, but it was not yet home to her.
her question made him pause, ears twitching. 
he exhaled slowly, gaze drifting to where the river stretched ahead, winding like a silver path toward the unknown. he had spent so long searching, hoping that the next bend, the next crossing, would bring him closer to them.
we welcome them. the words were steady, but there was something quiet in his tone, something not so certain beneath his confidence. if they are of my blood, then they are my family, no matter how much time has passed. if they are not, then we teach them, help them understand.
he moved, following her to the bank. water dripped from his pelt, darkening the clay beneath his paws. he did not shake himself dry yet, not when she sprawled in the sunlight, trying to soak in its warmth. instead, he stood near her, letting the last remnants of river water trail down his limbs.
some will listen, he mused, voice thoughtful. some will not. his golden eyes flicked down to meet hers, the hint of a smile playing at his lips. but i have found that the right words, the right patience, can make all the difference.