Sleepy Fox Hollow we don't know what we're doing, but we're standing proud

Success! Wylla hadn't really expected Emmerich to catch it, but when he straightened up with the vole writhing in his jaws, she felt a rush of pride. Good boy! she said, waving her tail along with him. Give it a good shake and then let's go show your vater!

That title for Mahler was coming more naturally, whether she noticed or not. When Emmerich had dispatched the vole, she padded over to nudge the underside of her son's jaw and gave him an amiable jostle with her shoulder. You're an even better hunter than me now, she praised, feeling there was some truth in it. Wylla was still something of an amateur herself.

She let Emmerich lead the way to Mahler so he might see his son proudly bearing the vole toward him first, but she was right behind him, smiling still at her boy's success.