Whitebark Stream The final destination of our long journey.

"A bath," he laughed at the suggestion of such, considering the season. Glad to dive into good humour, he played along: "have you been out there? You'd be frozen solid in seconds."

She shifted a little, turning her lovely crown to look upon the soft curve of her flank. Artyom's mahogany gaze followed, lingering on his mate's belly with eager curiosity - so strong was his desire to be sure. His inexperienced eyes could find no obvious change in her, and he made a tentative step forward to dare a closer look.

Dawn smiled then, a knowing expression that allowed his heart to swell. At his backside his tail sprung to life, sweeping the den wall with renewed enthusiasm, and he beamed down into the ashen leader's metallic with giddy affection. Nose to hers, Artyom delivered a swift kiss to her muzzle. "Whatever you desire," he told her, "I will make it happen."

Together they ventured deeper into the territory, seeking a hollow that would serve as Dawn's whelping burrow. She knew exactly what she was looking for and Artyom, keen to make it perfect for her, followed dutifully.