and tender greens. Still in no mood for conversation, most stayed to themselves. Hand in hand, Talli and Gilin took a walk and talked quietly.

    At dusk the others climbed to their tree holes, crawled in, and prepared for the night. Realizing this was the best they could hope for under the circumstances, they gradually relaxed and watched the sun set in the direction of home. Gilin and Talli watched the sunset from the ground, then climbed to holes they had selected for the night.

    The ravens settled into branches above. Taking turns sleeping, one always remained awake to guard their masters as they slept.

    Several red squirrels had been observing the kirins and cautiously approached their locations, then withdrew after satisfying their curiosity. Later the cal...

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