Moonstone Quarry Like blood upon the snow

aye, he answered simply, the word carrying the warmth of acceptance, if not the fire of more youthful times. his tail gave a single, muted sway at his hocks.

he moved toward the hide stretched over the rocks, the worn sinew bindings needing a second set of teeth and paws to draw them taut. his broad frame stooped as he gripped one corner, muscles shifting like stone beneath his coat. a quiet glance was spared for anoana — not command, but invitation — before he set to the work, sure in the knowledge that she would meet him in it.

if laughter was not yet ready to return to them, then labor would. shoulder to shoulder, as it had been before grief had hardened them both.