The tiger-Columba girl smiled, gazing softly at the two. “I can introduce you to everyone at the next pack meeting. In the meantime, are you two thirsty? Or possibly hungry? I can take you to the river, or hunting.” She would need to tell Mother that there were two new pups to take care of - and let Queen Themis and King Mabbit know as well. “We may come across others whom I can introduce you to. Amberbjorne isn’t a crazily large pack. Last I checked, we number fourteen. Some have been pretty scarce, though. I haven’t even seen Queen Themis in weeks . . . or, for that matter, Mabbit, unfortunately.” Elli heaved a sigh. “But no matter; I’ll introduce you two as you meet others of the pack.” She twisted to lick some ruffled fur back into place, tongue ghosting over starry stripes and fur of dark orange.

“Step one, you say, we need to talk, he walks, you say sit down it’s just a talk.”