Lost Creek Hollow Pickled Hot Peppers

A few more paces, and Breccan was rewarded with the sight of Nuna, apparently waiting for him. Her expression was friendly and expectant, and, as usual, she greeted him without words but with a series of sniffs and nudges. His tail began to wag too as he returned the favor, now recognizing the scent of Merrick faintly woven into her fur, along with those of other wolves she had visited with recently.

His examination was perfunctory; he stepped back after a moment, orange eyes searching Nuna as he waited for her to explain herself. She seemed ready for something; the air was charged with understated excitement. Only a moment later, her ears stood tall on her head and she turned away from him with an understanding that he was to follow -- and follow he did, trotting quickly at her heels.