Big Salmon Lake Dashing Thru' the Snow

The little creature's paws skimmed easily over the snow, bringing it to a halt right before Dash's nose. Dash's eyes widened. He had never before been approached by such a tiny, delicate creature-- most small mammals (and indeed, most wolves, if we're being honest) kept their distance from the often loud, lumbering boy.

He sniffed curiously at the creature, unable to really do much else in his constricted state. He was surprised to find her scent much like that of a wolverine-- a fearsome predator, to say the least. His ears lowered in respect for the little creature, understanding it was likely more than met the eye.

It asked if he needed help, and it began working its little paws frantically in the snow around Dash's neck. Now that it was closer, Dash found that he could understand her words much more readily. Or, maybe it was just his imagination? Either way, the boy felt he had made a friend here. 

"Were you hunting?" Dash asked incredulously, scenting a recent meal on the creature's breath.  "That's amazing. I have ancestors that could dive like that in the ocean, but I bet a mouse is tastier than some old fish." As the tops of his shoulders were freed he began to wiggle, loosening the snow around the rest of his entombed body.