Word Count → 307
X'yrin's plan was not only effective, but intelligent. Kiara would have never thought of such a plan and would most likely have spent severals hours just trying to find her way back; that is, assuming she had managed to complete her task. Great idea X'yrin! At the nomads suggestion, the arctic wolf turned in a tight circle to face the opposite direction.
With her back against the cold stone, Kiara sat and waited while X'yrin searched for their prize. To occupy her thoughts, Kiara let her young mind wander. She had left the cave and gone flying back to her family in Wood Buffalo National Park. The sky was crisp and the cool shade form the trees near their den provided a welcome relief from the heat. A younger Kiara looked out from the safety of her mother's den. The bright light and strong smells had nearly overwhelmed Kiara's fragile senses. The young arctic wolf staggered out from the den and into the prickly grass. Kiara could hear her brother's and sister's protest from inside the hole. "I'm going to tell mom!" said a young male voice. One of her brothers, but which one? Kiara couldn't remember.
A crash brought the arctic wolf back to her senses. It sounded like X'yrin had run into another stalagmite, but a small clatter told Kiara that X'yrin had been far more successful. Are you okay X'yrin? Did you find a stalagmite? Do you need help finding your way back to me? The young wolf wasn't sure what to do. On one hand, she still had to search for a stalagmite and X'yrin might be hurt, but on the other hand if Kiara moved they would have a tougher time getting out of the caverns. Kiara shifted the weight on her paws nervously as she waited for the nomad to respond.
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