Bitterroot Valley objects of ceremony

He felt Sega's presence at his back as the display reached a crescendo, but heard no voice. The two men sat in silence until the sky began to smolder and the darkness thickened, swallowing Miska's dark fur.

He was tickled to receive praise for something that had been achieved without violence or terror. His paws ached pleasantly, and there was a stillness in Miska's soul that he had not known for a long time.

"Great sky," he echoed. "I look for new life, bracie Sega. Good life, where maybe I am guard, maybe have singing wife. I am seeing almost four winter - HA! Can you believing? Only young or insane choose life of brotherhood after four winter." He flashed Sega a grin. "I am only little insane. Sometime it good to have." In a more sober tone, eyes lit by the lingering glow of sunset, he said, "This good land. Need guard."