Swiftcurrent Creek vesnianka

Though her words were blunt, the woman had not immediately attacked him. A small miracle! Hirundo was grateful, and he gave her a calm, lupine smile, pink tongue lolling. Still, he kept his head respectfully low, just in case. She was a striking sight: tall and powerful, with eyes as yellow as an owl's. Jaws as strong as an owl's talons too, probably. Definitely stronger than him.

To welcome back spring, Hirundo answered simply, but also because I feel like it. Small joys can be hard to come by.

His mother's words, he realized, and Hirundo swallowed past the strange lump in his throat. He tried to put his thoughts out of his head; fortunately, a distraction now stood across from him.

Do you like to sing? I can teach you this one, if you like. It sounds better in a duet.