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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2023 20:05:19 GMT
Askabi had fooled himself into believing that he would eventually grow used to the wound on his face. He truly felt he would grow accustomed to having a single eye to view the world with. He was entirely wrong. Though the gash was old he swore he was beginning to feel the burn of infection once more growing in the empty socket.
The brute grunted irritably as he padded closer to the rushing water. The loud bubbling over the rocks managed to numb his mind. He scattered pebbles as he drew closer and nearly tossed his body to the ground. Completely oblivious to the world around him, the canine gently pushed the wounded side of his face into the water. Hoping that a good wash would deter inflammation from reforming.
He was bitter about the entire thing. Bitter about how life had chewed him up and spit him out as though he was a useless thudu (rabbit).
The water pushing against a piece of his flesh that had reopened made him whimper pitifully.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2023 6:48:51 GMT
Some old dog had forgotten his favorite bone at the post office in midtown, and Mosi’rarimiri had just finished retrieving it and returning it to him all the way over by the docks. Normally she’d be loath to venture such a long way for a single job, but the pay had been particularly good this time.
A pretty woven collar wrapped around her throat, nearly concealed by the mass of her white fur were it not for its vibrant yellow and blue colors. A silver chain wrapped twice around the ankle of her left paw, clinking softly together as she walked. Oh, yes, the pay had been particularly good. She just needed something for her brow, or maybe behind her ear, and her makeshift outfit would be complete. But first, though, she desperately needed to rinse the mud and fish oil from the docks from her paws, and the closest place to do it was the river.
Mosi was a fairly good swimmer, even enjoying the occasional dip, but the water was far too cold for a full-body plunge to be pleasant. Instead, she searched for a relatively clear spot to crouch and rinse her paws, too distracted by her search to scent the other canna before she saw him. There was a larger dog dipping half of his face into the water just across the way, though the water at the moment concealed his injury. Dipping her forelegs into the river, she swished them around to rid them of any filth as she considered the odd male across from her.
”That’s a bathing technique I haven’t seen before. Did someone get dirt in your eye?” She asked, shaking out her plush white pelt and affixing a curious smile to her maw. She peered closer, toes brushing the water’s edge as she inched nearer to the shore line in her attempt to see him better. He had a short brown pelt with the occasional darker accent, and the one eye she could see above the waterline was nearly as pale as she was. Nothing too special, but boy was he muscle-y. He had to be a stray, or maybe one of those clan dogs she occasionally did the odd retrieval job for. He could use a meal or two, though, that was for sure.
He hadn’t said a word, but she liked the look of him. Her tail gave a soft wag, and she wondered if someone that strong looking would be up to the arduous task of getting her the head-piece she so desired. There had to be a flower in those woods, right? How could she convince him to fetch her one?
”My name is Mosi’rarimiri, but I know it’s a mouthful. Call me Mosi, or Momo if it suits you. What do you go by, canna?”
@askabi
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2023 0:53:04 GMT
 ★⸻𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒊⸻★
Askabi had been in such a state of tranquility that he hadn't noticed the brilliantly white she-dog approaching him. It was only when she spoke that his ears pricked in her direction. His large cranium slowly followed as he fixed his single eye on her. Honestly, he was a bit stunned that her pelt was so clean. There were no longer humans here to tame that fur, and yet she appeared as though she had just received a good grooming.
"Mosi." He tried the name on his tongue, his voice rattling out of his throat may have caused a more timid dog to hesitate. He watched her carefully, she seemed completely at ease in his presence despite their size difference.
With his single orb now facing her, he didn't feel he needed to explain there was no eye to get dirt into.
His lips parted, and he seemed to linger before giving his name. Mostly because he despised the title. If she was up-to-date on her canna-tongue then she probably knew the meaning behind it. "Askabi." He slowly pushed himself back from the water, but didn't make any sudden moves to get up.
He peered at her pretty face and delicate paws. Surely she had once belonged to a human. At the very least, she must belong to a clan to be so tidy.
"I haven't seen you around here before. Do you belong to a clan?"
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2023 5:15:00 GMT
Her own eyes widened when she saw the other half of his face, an aborted ”Oh,” slipping past her parted lips. Her ears angled slightly down, the only physical sign of her mortification before they perked up atop her head once again. Nice going, Mosi. Maybe they should have named you foot-in-mouth.
He seemed to hesitate before giving his name, and wondered in the brief silence if he had been named something cruel– or embarrassing. She’d met a couple of dogs with names that came off as silly, if not downright sad. There was one dog named skunk-foot, and another named pig-face. Yet another dog’s human-given name was Ralph, which sounded unfortunately close to the canna word for vomit. Would he have an equally ill-suited name?
Well, it was certainly ill-suited, but it wasn’t silly. She didn’t know all the nuances of clan titles, but she knew that askabi meant traitor. The lowest of the low. She didn’t, however, know what was needed to earn such a name. ”Yes, but— well, didn’t you have a name before that? You don’t have to tell me if it was an embarrassing name. Mine was, mind you, and no bribe in the world would get me to reveal it.” She tried to lighten the abruptly somber mood with her chatter, affixing him with a faux-critical eye.
”No, don’t tell me. Randan’hu (mud fur)? Or maybe Ka’katha (tall tree)? Or– hmm. If you’re still kicking after an injury like that– Navir’kef (warrior up high)?” She tried to guess, a playful smile curling her lips. Shaking a few droplets of water from her paws, she met his question with a hearty chuckle, nose raising the slightest amount as her smile grew to a grin.
”Nope! Free as a fli, that’s me. I’m too big for the Rithr’flik and… well, the Why’os aren’t bad, but I can never quite get their howl down, y’know. Plus I like what I do, and I don’t think I’d be able to run jobs for other clans if I joined just one.” She shrugged, not seeming all that torn up about it. She found enough companionship floating from place to place, and she was more or less welcome at borders so long as she didn’t take from the clan’s resources.
”How about you? You don’t look like you’ve spent a single day as anyone’s pet– no offense meant, of course. It’s just that most dogs with humans don’t have that much muscle.” She complimented unabashedly, head tilting to the side. ”Clan? Or ro?” She could wait a few minutes before trying to coax an accessory out of him. Her curiosity was getting the better of her.
@askabi
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2023 1:25:44 GMT
★⸻𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒊⸻★
Askabi could not help the slight twitch of his maw, a glimmer of a smile beneath the shadow of dread he seemed to carry constantly. He wasn't usually the type to involve himself in personal conversations or get to know others. Not since losing his eye and his title. The slight crook of his muzzle showed his internal pleasure at he she-dog requesting his true name.
"Rapha'yona was the name I held before--though I do like your suggestions." He slowly sat himself up, slightly shaking his pelt to get the extra water off his fur. "Now you have me curious Mosi. You can't leave me on a ledge like that." He couldn't help the chuckle that escaped after that.
He listened to her tale about her freedom and couldn't help the coil was jealousy that formed itself in the pit of his stomach. Here she was, free to roam the world without judgement, while he remained trapped beneath Damien.
It was only then that a thunderous laugh came from his chest and he had to quickly quiet it in hopes the sudden change didn't come off as threatening. He looked to Mosi with a very clear grin this time, his tail beginning to tap the ground behind him as he nodded his head.
"You're correct, I've never been a pet. I belong to a clan, for now. The Ah'mir clan." The last words slipped out without thinking, but he didn't correct himself. He then tilts his head at the female with a inquisitive gleam in his eye. "What is your job?"
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2023 2:32:16 GMT
”Oh-ho! So does that mean you’ll be able to fish me out if I don’t manage to cross this river, Rapha’yona?” Fish-hunter! She never would have guessed! ”Though I may be harder to wrangle than a trout. Best for me and you that I manage it all on my own, I think?” Mosi’rarimiri paced along the river side, as if any slight adjustment would change the task at hand— it wouldn’t, but she was particular, like that. With a deep breath that puffed out her already considerably fluffy cheeks, she slid into the water and paddled, paddled, paddled. The thickness of her pelt was a blessing, as the chill of the river failed to make her muscles lock up. Before long, she was on the same side of the water as Askabi– no, Rapha– was, a pleased glimmer in her eye.
She preened when he released a laugh, her pleasure at eliciting such a sound thankfully concealing how very startled she had been to hear it. His grin seemed to change him into a different dog altogether; his features transformed from gloomy and wary to something altogether new and brighter, a glimpse of what might have been if he hadn’t faced whatever had troubled him so. Something flighty and altogether girlish skipped in her chest, and her next smile was more genuine than the last– something soft and gentle.
”I wasn’t named runs-to-deliver for nothing. I’ve always been good at bringing things to others. Lost items, lost stories– even occasionally the lost dog.” She winked, a somewhat smug smile on her face. But was it a crime, to take pride in what she did? ”No matter what or who it is, I always get the job done. And other canna pay me in pretty things– this collar and bracelet, for example.” She gestured to each adornment with a practiced paw.
”Say, if you really want to know what my human-given name was– I’ll strike you a deal. But it will cost you a flower and a story. Are you up for the task?” She hadn’t run a job for the Ah’mir clan before, but maybe it was for good reason. She was sure that only fools would move against a dog such as he.
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PRIMADONNA GIRL, YEAH ALL I EVER WANTED WAS THE WORLD |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2023 3:17:43 GMT
★⸻𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒊⸻★
"Haha, perhaps!" The brute commented playfully and absentmindedly tensed his muscles in an attempt to show her how robust he could be. He hadn't yet noticed that his own mind appeared to be at peace with this she-dog. The rigid body he held before was beginning to relax as he grinned at her. "I bet you'd be much softer than a trout though." He quickly tried to cover that statement with a cough, "I'd happily rescue you from the waters."
He then watched as her long coat was soaked by the river and she paddled her way towards his spot. He couldn't help that his tail began to pat the earth behind him a bit quicker. His ears perked when she mentioned her job. Immediately curious about what tasks she has accomplished in her time with such a job. How many dangerous situations has she risked for the prize? Hell, it seemed she was doing her profession, just possibly bringing his new future across the canal with her.
His eye followed her accessories as she mentioned them. They were definitely pretty against her fair fur. Something about her made him consider risking it all. She seemed like a dog that could tempt him into the darkest depths or the brightest lights.
"You've definitely piqued my interest, Mosi." He huskily murmured the words, his single, pale gaze staring into hers intensely. What was the harm of getting to know a canna outside of the clan? She may be of use to them--and more importantly, may be just what he needed to come into his life.
He slowly stood, towering over her small frame as he eased a bit closer. "I believe I'm up for the task." If he were a cat, he'd of purred the words.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2023 1:35:34 GMT
Oh, to say she was pleased would be an understatement. She was like a sunflower basking in the warmth of his regard, even the hint of a compliment taken in like nourishment. ”Well, I certainly hope so. I’m probably about as soggy as one right now, though!” She murmured with a hint of amusement, subtly eyeing the flex of muscle beneath brown fur. She could never pull off the hardened street-dog look— even if she abandoned all her possessions and let dirt and debris gather in her pelt, there was just too much fur to tell what lay underneath. She could be as soft as an overcooked noodle or as tough as a rottweiler, and no one would be able to tell until they touched her. But that didn’t mean she didn’t appreciate it in others.
Her eyes widened slightly when he rose to his full height, unable to suppress the slight stutter to her pulse before her heart calmed again. She’d known he was larger, but she hadn’t realized by how much. Mosi was vain, no doubt about it, but she wasn’t arrogant. There was something humbling in meeting someone and knowing with certainty that she couldn’t outrun nor outfight them. Even so, Rapha’yona didn’t seem like the type of dog to snap at her out of the blue. Her implicit trust in him was perhaps a little hasty– but she liked to think that she was a good judge of character.
”Good,” The canna breathed out, head tilted up so that she could continue meeting his pale gaze with her own black one– before she daintily cleared her throat and broke eye contact abruptly, wondering when he had gotten close enough for her to feel the warmth of his body without them actually touching. ”Good. I’d like you to find me a flower that I can tuck behind my ear. Hopefully the winter frost hasn’t killed them all– I do so miss the spring.” She mumbled the last part to herself before perking up again.
”And as for the story… I’d like to hear what happened to your eye, if you’re willing.” She was a little hesitant, here, hoping that she hadn’t trodden on a metaphorical landmine by bringing it up. She wasn’t sure what the mood between them was, so to speak, but the air felt charged with something and she was certain it was caused by that damnably pretty eye. She had always been a sucker for lovely things, and his eye was like a lone star in his face.
@askabi
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PRIMADONNA GIRL, YEAH ALL I EVER WANTED WAS THE WORLD |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2023 0:42:44 GMT
★⸻𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒊⸻★
Askabi's attention was fully on this small she-dog as she simply requested him to seek a blossom for her. So gentle the request was, the brute almost seemed to be expecting her to ask for something more. Instead, all she searched for was a flower and for him to reveal a piece of himself. While he was definitely known to keep the tale a secret, something about those dark eyes told him that Mosi wouldn't take advantage of him.
"I think we can make a deal." A smile twitched at his lips once more, his single eye meeting hers for a moment as he appeared to search her soul. He tilted his muzzle to the sky, sniffing at the air for any floral scents. "I'll find you your flower first." He abruptly dropped his head, a playful expression on his face as he murmured, "try and keep up."
With that, the hound was dashing into the trees, his long legs taking him in massive strides. Though he assumed she was quick, he understood his larger body would make him stay a few paces ahead of her. Thus, he forced his limbs to ease, not wanting to lose the prize currently following him.
There it was, the scent was drawing near. He skidded to a halt, throwing snow in the process as he found himself panting excitedly. His eye finally found the splash of pink hidden amongst the snow. His tail wagged, a rare feeling nowadays, as he dipped his head and tugged loose a few candy-stripe phlox.
He turned towards Mosi, the flowers gently held in his maw as he approached her.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2023 6:19:27 GMT
When he showed no spark of ire at her daring, she brightened seemingly from within, her pleasure practically tangible on the crisp winter air. It was words that she had heard a thousand times before; a deal sealed and a promise made. She always found such things to be a delight, but this time it sparked a little thrill within her– though perhaps that was because she was trespassing on what she now knew to be clan territory, escorted by one of their own or not.
Before she knew it, he had caught the scent; there was no other explanation for the way he took off into the wilderness with marked confidence. A bright peal of laughter burst from her chest as she broke into a run as well, a white streak against the icy backdrop of the forest. She was notably faster than the average canine, but still her speed could not match up to the length of his strides. She had known this before, yet at no moment did the larger dog leave her sight. She felt a flicker of gratitude, having no desire to be caught in these woods alone.
The breeze from their short run had dried her pelt, though it did leave her looking a little windblown as they drew to a halt. She released a high yip when Rapha’yona threw snow onto her flanks when he skidded to a stop; it was high spirits and a playful air that she drew in close and then shook herself off, fully intending to splash him as recompense. Mosi’s own breath came in short pants, and she eased herself into a sit as she fought for breath.
It was stolen away again when the male turned, a few delicately striped flowers gripped between his teeth. And okay, sure, she had something of a weakness for all things pretty; it was well established. She could count a number of times that she’d gotten herself into trouble over a trinket or otherwise. But she’d bet her nose that any warm-blooded canna would feel their heart skip a beat if an attractive dog approached them with flowers. There was no way it was just her!
”Well aren’t you going to put them on me?” She invited, her tone still light and playful. But the way she tilted her head and leaned forward was all invitation as she said, ”Then maybe you can tell me for certain if I am softer than a trout.” One last lighthearted quip before what she was sure would be a sobering tale. After all, one didn’t lose their eye for a happy occasion.
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PRIMADONNA GIRL, YEAH ALL I EVER WANTED WAS THE WORLD |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2023 0:53:07 GMT
★⸻𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒊⸻★
Askabi was watching her with an amazed expression. The sun was dazzling on her pale coat, her eyes appearing bright just like her spirit. His breath was nearly taken away as he held those flowers and listened to her soft voice tease him. He needed to play it cool, but his heart was beating against his ribcage violently.
He drew near to her, her lovely scent seeming to surround him as he leaned in and ever-so-gently tucked the flowers behind one of her ears. She could probably see right through him. See the way he barely shivered due to nervousness. Hear the way his breath seemed to hitch as he tucked the flowers in their place and leaned away. He didn't pull far away, taking in the sight of her with her prize.
"Much softer than a trout." He murmured, a smile on his muzzle as he realized it was now time to tell her his story.
He slowly lowered himself and took a seat, his paws neatly placed together as he gave himself a quick shake to remove the snow. "So, that story you requested."
He shut his pale eye and took a quick breath before continuing. "I was born Randan'hu, to a mother who brought me into the clans for our safety. I was mentored and raised to be strong, and eventually received my true name.. Rapha'yona due to my skill set. As I aged my clanmates seemed to respect my opinion and seek me for answers."
He appeared to struggle a moment, swallowing tightly before continuing. "Then my leader died, and our general was destined to take his spot. I knew this dog for many moons and I know he will ultimately lead our pack into a war that will destroy us. He is hungry for power, and will get it at any cost--no matter who is destroyed in the process. It was only a matter of time before he sunk his teeth into his own pack."
"I gathered several clan members who were just as worried as I. We began to plan an escape." He hesitated, his breathing becoming a bit shaky now. His eye remained shut, eyebrows furrowed as the memories shook him. "Then we were caught, someone must have lost their cool and told of our plans. We were lined up and judged by this brute and those who were foolish enough to follow him. My companions betrayed me, seeing it as their only way out from punishment. They said I had tricked them... They were frightened, but I find it hard to forgive what their words lead to."
He now met her gaze, taking in her expression. "Then... The brute took my eye. I was the reminder to everyone not to cross him. My name was taken and everyone turned their backs to me. I suppose a more grateful dog would simply be happy to still have a pack to look after them. However being the scapegoat has been a tough life."
A hesitant, faint smile crossed his maw then as he murmured, "but you've reminded me there is still good in this world."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2023 5:38:57 GMT
She could not hide her expression of abject horror as his story unfolded. Despite her time living without the touch of a human hand, she knew that she was relatively pampered. Abuse, neglect, serious injury– Mosi’rarimiri had been fortunate enough to avoid it, through both her own merit and the blessing of the gods above. But Rapha’yona… had he experienced it all?
A clan, from what she had gathered, was supposed to nurture and protect those within. A group of like-minded individuals that came together for the purpose of bettering those around them; for working together to reach a common goal of prosperity and wellbeing. How, then, had such monstrosities come to befall Rapha’yona? The betrayal of his companions, the condemnation of his chief and peers… he had not, in their brief time together, given the impression of a rash or unintelligent dog. If he sensed danger in this new chief of his, then surely it must be so.
”Why,” She gasped out, before swallowing thickly and moving forward. ”Why do you stay with them? A leader that hurts you, a clan that doesn’t trust you… why endure it at all?” Her paw came to rest, tentatively, over his. What she felt was not pity, but a righteous indignation at the maltreatment of someone who she had deemed to be good.
”Is it the… the companionship? The clan?” She tried to swallow past the lump in her throat. ”There are other clans out there. What keeps you here? Rapha,” The nickname escaped her unbidden. ”Let me show you that there is more good in this world. I could query the other li’canna– no true chief would turn down a dog such as you. Let me use my name for you.”
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PRIMADONNA GIRL, YEAH ALL I EVER WANTED WAS THE WORLD |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2023 1:01:14 GMT
★⸻𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒊⸻★
There was that tenderness again; the type of feelings he hadn't felt since who knows when. Well, he had never felt these strange butterflies towards another canine before, but he had felt this sense of conviction before. It was frightening to feel it again--especially since the last time he ended up losing an eye.
He had to hold himself back from shivering when her soft paw settled over his own. Such a gentle act, he could see the compassion in her gorgeous, dark eyes. Her questions made his chest clench with anxiety. These were questions that have been echoing in his mind lately. "It is hard to let go of something you believed so highly in." He hesitated, sadness lingering in his tone. "Especially when they had rescued you from nothing."
The nickname she spoke made his heart skip a beat. Rapha. Mosi was different from the pack he was currently with--she was good. She was kindness wrapped in a bundle of soft, white fur.
He couldn't help the emotion that coated his voice as he whispered. "You sound like you have a clan in mind, Mosi." He was staring intensely into her dark eyes, seeming to scoot just a tad bit closer. "I trust your judgement." As small as the statement seemed, it meant the entire world... To believe in someone again.
"I believe I'd be willing to let the past go," he hesitated, then spoke earnestly. "Especially if it means a future of seeing more of you."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2023 22:25:02 GMT
”I do,” She admitted, a delicately curved fang peeking over the edge of her lip as she bit at it somewhat unsurely. Mosi’rarimiri was not a dog that was prone to nervousness, but she was so very hopeful that Askabi would leave this life behind that she could not keep her nerves from making her fidget. ”I know the chief of the Why’o personally. Her name is Navira’e Hu’grair, but she usually goes by Li’Navira. And she is– she is new, to her position, but she is kind above all else. I have run jobs for her before.” She confessed, a smile returning to her maw at the memory.
When he expressed a willingness to let the past go, she perked up again, jaws parting as she grinned– open-mouthed, a wide smile that only a dog could pull off. Just as she was about to speak again, a high-pitched howl sounded in the distance, from beyond Ah’mir’s borders. It wavered in pitch, clearly a specific cry; one that made Mosi’s ears perk up and her head turn to look over her shoulder. It was the call that her clients used, the one that meant her services were needed; that she had a job to do.
”I have to go,” The white dog said regretfully, brows furrowing slightly as she huffed out a sigh. ”But– memorize that howl. If you call for me, just like that— I’ll come. And I’ll bring Navira with me.” The call sounded again, with a touch more urgency, and she got to her paws. If the canna howling for her was concerned enough to call twice, then perhaps it was one of her more important tasks– that of canna retrieval rather than a simple object.
If she were human, her blush at his last words would have been all-encompassing, coloring her cheeks and neck a rosy red. But she wasn’t human, so instead the only indication of her fluster was the sudden heating of her ears and cheeks, a small ah leaving her as she blinked. ”You make it hard to leave your side,” She breathed, before giving into the fanciful impulse that had been plaguing her since he had tucked a flower behind her ear.
Her boldness returned to her as she stepped forward, head sliding beneath the firm line of his chin in a flirtatious nuzzle before she lifted her head to rasp her tongue over the sharp curve of his jaw. It was a kiss, as chaste as it was daring, a dichotomy of girlish innocence and a siren’s beckoning. ”I’ll keep my ears perked for you.” And then she was gone, retracing her steps through the woods and back across the river, until her white pelt was nothing but an indistinguishable blur against the snow.
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PRIMADONNA GIRL, YEAH ALL I EVER WANTED WAS THE WORLD |
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