Dawnlark Plains Nɨ paa nɨ’a

silatuyok’s ears lifted high, and her whole body shifted with unspoken joy, head lowering with a soft whine as the woman’s voice curled in familiar rhythm. it was like water in a dry place—hearing her language again after so many moons, spoken by a stranger.
she crept forward a step, tail swaying slowly behind her in low, wolfish arcs.
náa! tǘwɨ! she murmured in return, voice breathy with disbelief.
then, slower, more certain now, i have gotten by on scraps, she confirmed, ears canting slightly. i know no other place than the tundra as my home…
her eyes flicked up to white woman’s, sharp but earnest, like a beast waiting to know if it would be fed or driven off. but… i do not know where to go now. i came with the snow, and now it is melting.