Bitterroot Valley subterranean homesick blues

a vision in white appeared among the purple, and his eyes were drawn to her instantly. she looked free as a bird—at least until their gazes met and she apologized. surya shook his head, smiling widely. no 'sorry' needed, he insisted gently. it's beautiful out here, isn't it?

there was something about her scent that seemed familiar, though he couldn't quite place it; the bitterroot aroma was quite pungent. before he could inquire as to how he possibly knew her, he noticed a little dark shape slip between her legs, and his jaw dropped.

chhotu! he exclaimed, then flattened his ears, realizing the volume of his speech could startle the boy. the pup was turning out to be quite capricious, between the thorns and now this. . .but then, he had just lost his parents. (and surya knew that, probably, someone told him behind the scenes, yes??)

what are you doing so far from home, bachcha? he asked, eyes shifting between the pale yearling and her tag-along.