The Heartwood I know that I ended it,

Something practical? Katmai looked doubtful, but he supposed Leonore might be onto something. He could try it, at least, and see what sort of reception that got. His father had often told him that women knew best.

He got to know Leonore a little better, perking up just a bit at the mention of stories. He was intrigued, too, by such a young wolf's experience with pups. 

"Only if you're bored," he replied, his head cocking to the side. "Do you like pups, then? Do you think you'll have some?" There was a sense of immediacy in the question. He was speaking of the coming season; it had occupied his thoughts more often than not, lately. The idea of raising children was deeply fascinating to him.

He began wandering, sniffing around for the scent of old decay. A skull might be nice. Skulls could be pretty, couldn't they?

"I think I want lots," he told her, distracted by the mission but still interested in chattering. "Or to be around lots and lots. I'd tell them stories, too."