Whitebark Stream düsternis

She was idly scratching at an ear with her hind leg, a dopey smile on her face, when a nearby howl made her jump. Meerkat dropped her foot and sat up straighter, then swayed onto all fours. She peered in the direction of the call, then looked around for a sign of anyone else in the area. When she saw no one, the yearling decided she couldn't ignore someone so close by and began trotting south, following Qeya River out of the territory and then eastward as it dwindled.

She slowed when she spotted a swarthy figure beside the stream. "Hey there," Meerkat called, tail slowly swaying as she closed the distance. Towhee would've told her to say, "State your name and business." She opted for the slightly more diplomatic, "How can I help you?"