and looked at the stars. Although there were many trees, they had a good view of the sky. The stars filled the night. There were many of them. And the full moon lit of a pure white glow.

            The two of them sat without a word; both gazing at the sky. They sat close together, with the crickets still chirping and the owls still calling. It was a beautiful moment, and in a way it seemed romantic.

Aleu: Wow. Look how bright the moon is tonight.

            Niju turned to Aleu; head up, and staring at the moon.

Niju: Yeah… I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this bright before.

Aleu: Me neither.

            Niju looked at her, emotionless it seemed, while she looked up at the sky. Niju started to notice a slight attraction towards Aleu whenever he looked at her. He thought that she actually looked… beautiful.

            There was a short moment of silence then Niju began to speak.

Niju: So… when are you leaving?

            Aleu turned back to Niju, not knowing what he was talking about.

Aleu: Leaving? What do you mean?

Niju: Well, the only reason you came here is to visit, so I was just wondering when you’re leaving.

            Aleu thought about it. She never really thought of a time when they were going to go back to their territory by the shore.  

Aleu: I don’t know.

            Aleu turned to Niju and saw his expression. He seemed a little sad to think that she was leaving.

Aleu: Oh, don’t worry. It won’t be any time real soon. I think we’ll stay for about two more weeks. We’re in no hurry to leave.

            Niju was relieved to hear that and looked back up at the stars. But after a while, Niju stood up, pointed his nose up towards the sky, and howled. Aleu looked up at him and smiled as she heard the familiar howl that she heard the other night. Then she stood up beside him, lightly lifted up her right paw, pointed her nose up and howled.

            Niju then looked at Aleu in shock. Niju now understood that it was Aleu who howled back at him the night she came back to Nome.

Niju: It was you. You howled back at me that night you came back.

            Aleu looked at Niju and nodded, not doubting at all that it was the truth.

Niju: But how did you know it was me.

Aleu: I could hear the sadness in you voice, un-like any other I’ve heard before. Right then, I knew it was you.

Niju: But then you howled back. Why?

Aleu: I thought about what you said a while after I woke up that night.

Niju: You did?

Aleu: Yeah. It’s a long story.  

            Aleu got up and started to walk inside.

Niju: A long story? Wait a minute I want to hear it.

Aleu: Niju, it’s already late as it is.

Niju: Yeah I guess you’re right. You must be tired.

Aleu: Just a little bit.

            Aleu yawned and settled down. Niju walked up to her. He wasn’t completely sure of what he was going to say. But he thought he looked like an idiot standing there without saying anything.

Niju: Well, good night.

Aleu: Good night, Niju. Sweet dreams.

            Niju walked over to a corner and settled down.

Niju: You too.

            Niju watched Aleu lay her head down. He looked at her for a moment. He was desperate to know what she was thinking that night when she heard him howl.  But he was pretty tired, so he didn’t want to think about it too much. Niju set his head down and closed his eyes. Within moments he was asleep.

Chapter19

            Aleu had pretended to be asleep. She got up, making sure Niju wouldn’t wake up, Aleu started to walk toward the small opening she saw in the cave earlier. She ducked down and squeezed through. It was a bit brighter on the other side, but the walls were darker, and glittering. There were small dripping water puddles on the floor. Aleu saw something glowing on the walls. She started to move quietly farther into the cave until she finally reached a large room with many different colored lights on the walls. She continued to look down along the walls. And to her surprise, she saw Seph and Muru sitting in front of a pile of tall, thin crystals, watching the lights.

            Aleu was completely surprised to see Muru. She hadn’t seen him in about a year. Although it had only been a few days since she’s seen Seph, she was very happy to see both of them.

Aleu: Seph?

            Aleu started to walk toward them. Seph stood up and turned around.

Seph: Aleu. I’m glad you came.

            Aleu turned to Muru.

Aleu: Muru?

            Muru turned around on the small ledge he was sitting on.

Muru: Hello Aleu. It has been a long while.

Aleu: (With a chuckle) it has.

Seph: Muru was just telling me a little about his songs.

Aleu: I remember. But Seph, you’re an angel. Don’t you- 

Seph: I do. But thou shall love your neighbor as yourself.  

_

            When Niju woke up in the middle of sleeping, he looked over where Aleu was lying. He noticed she wasn’t there. He looked around, making sure she may not have been behind him.

Niju: Oh no.

            Niju felt embarrassed. He thought she had left him to go home. But then, he heard a voice, a very faint voice talking normally. It was Aleu, he thought. The sound was coming from the small opening in the back of the cave. He hadn’t noticed it before, but as he heard the voice, he started to care less. He walked over to it and squeezed inside.

            He saw lights along the walls. He started to walk quietly towards the voice he heard. When he turned a few small corners, he saw her. Niju was relieved. At least she didn’t go home, he thought. But why was she here? And who was that wolf she was talking to. Although he had so many questions, he didn’t want to be seen. He spotted a tall, wide rock next to him. He dashed behind it and poked out his head just a little to hear clearer about what they were talking about.

Seph: So I take it you talked to Niju by now.

Aleu: Yes, I have.

            Niju was confused. He didn’t think he had ever met this wolf. How would he know his name? And how does he know Aleu?

Seph: How did it go?

Aleu: All I can say is… you were right. He really did mean what he said. 

            Niju began to listen more closely.

Aleu: He haschanged. And I would have never expected that, him being the kind and sweet person that he is now.

            Niju was touched. He started to smile. That was the nicest thing that anyone has ever said to him.

Aleu: I don’t think I’ve met anyone like him before, being the way he is now. Now we’re the best of friends. And it really is great to have him as a friend.

            Niju’s heart sank again. Tears started to roll down his eyes. All the thoughts and questions concerning the other wolf had left his head completely. He couldn’t believe what he heard.

Seph: I am very glad to hear that, Aleu.

            Aleu looked away and started to think about him. That if he was only here to hear what she had to say about him.

Aleu: Seph. I just want to say… thanks. For helping me see the good in him.

Seph: You’re very welcome, Aleu. I’m glad to help.

Aleu: Well, I’d better get going.

Seph: Of course. You must be tired.

Aleu: Yeah. I’m spending the night with Niju. He probably doesn’t know that I’m gone.

            Niju was suddenly reminded that they didn’t know he was there. He started to quickly and quietly walk back to the small opening he came from.

            Aleu walked up to Seph and nuzzled him.

Aleu: Thanks again.

Seph: You’re welcome, Aleu.