Blacktail Deer Plateau beware the storm that gathers here

he watched grayday leave, the trepidation growing ever-so slightly, from a kernel into a small, paw-sized lump. it receded somewhat, though, when he looked at his mate and saw his entire world reflected in her amber eyes, and at easy, the spirited face of the future. they would be just fine.

aditya gave the plateau a long parting look. it was his first permanent home in many years, and it was a small heartbreak to have to leave it behind. even though he knew morningside was a nomadic pack, he had still fancied raising his children here--teaching them to fish in the catfish pond, or hunting turkeys on the plains. laying out beneath the stars, sharing songs and stories and love.

though there would be other places that would capture his heart, he would never forget this place. this beautiful, troubled place, which had given him new life in the face of death--not once, but twice, even. he hoped it would treat its next occupants better, but would give them the same joy it had given to him.

wordlessly, he nodded, both in farewell to blacktail deer plateau and in agreement to dawn's sentiment. he turned slowly and began to pad away beside her, the trio heading out into the bright sun of a new day.