Swiftcurrent Creek red spring

Her thought had been correct, and Fox looked Ame over, scrutinizing every inch of her. At the very least, she knew how to act like a proper wolf, which was more than Fox could say for some of the wolves around here. Ame looked well-worn, and Fox wondered how long she had been on her own. No pack wolf would allow themselves to get that thin without some kind of serious injury. Considering the black wolf looked perfectly healthy aside from the lost weight, Fox did not think injury was the cause.

This time, the yearling addressed Ame directly. “What can you bring to the creek?” she asked. Once Ame was fattened up by their stores, she would likely be able to help them with the pups that would soon be on their way. Able wolves were welcome, but those who brought nothing to the table would be turned away. Fox had no capacity for slackers.