Blacktail Deer Plateau with heavy heart

"Thanks, Aunt Willow! I'll do my best to make sure you know it's me." Saena slowly clambered to her feet, then threw her forelegs out in front of her and stretched deeply. Grunting contentedly, the petite female straightened, waved her tail, and reached out to plant a grateful lick or three against the side of the Beta's snout.

"I'm gonna go try to catch something, but I promise I'll visit soon," said Saena. As she turned and padded away, she couldn't stop herself from beaming and feeling elated that she would have some role to play in her young cousins' lives, and that they would soon arrive. In fact, she practically skipped away. Nothing could puncture her happy bubble at that moment.