Sleepy Fox Hollow Folk star

Wylla expected Mahler to protest, but he did no such thing. Her dark gums split into a wry smile instead, pleasantly surprised with his response. It lacked the cool formality he usually presented himself with. He was teasing her. What a strange feeling. It'd been a while.

Wise choice, said Wylla, surging ahead in the snow with a phantom nip toward his cheek as she went. Since she was a swift chaser, she was willing to bet she was a better hunter than Mahler. Even if she wasn't, she could help him secure a kill or two he might otherwise miss. Coming? she prompted with a smirk before taking off at a gallop.

Can fade here or continue, either is fine by me!