Raven's Watch viii Sanctified by their affliction.

Their route had not been obvious but it had helped Kigipigak was a tenacious creature with a hefty body. He spent some time in climbing and seeking a path and equal effort carving one with his shoulders so that when Valmua followed after him it was easier. Further exploration of these paths would wear them down for proper use. It would take time to make this place a home suitable for beasts. 

We will both hurt tomorrow, Valmua predicted ominously, earning a glance from the white wolf as well as a small huff, wanting to refute such a claim and prove how hale he was—but, knowing she was right. It had been a lot of work that neither had been wholly equipped for.

With a lunge Valmua came up alongside Kigipigak.

Kigipigak could not ignore the way she breathed so heavily, the swelling of her sides as she panted, and let his mind wander somewhat. There were bits of pine needle tangled in the burnished shoulder close to him and he gingerly began to pick them out with his teeth, taking more care with her coat than his own.

When he was finished Kigipigak said, We will rest then, like fat and happy issumatar while Stjor tends to our needs! It was a joke that lit his gaze with fire.