Ouroboros Spine astronaut in the ocean

Meerkat hadn't asked Rue about her strange gait—she didn't know if that might be rude—though she'd certainly noticed it. The mention of a wound in her spine made the yearling wince sympathetically. How awful! Kukutux went on to say she knew of some sort of remedy to help Rue's plight. It made sense that hot water might soothe her aches and pains.

"I'll let her know as soon as I get back to the caldera," Meerkat vowed. She paused. She didn't meant to be impatient but she wondered, "Is there anything you need to do before we head to Yuèlóng?" It would be hard to wait but she would, with the understanding that Kukutux likely had to make arrangements, at the very least notifying Sialuk and her other pack mates.