Finally, a ghastly wolf with an enchanting red eye approached. His accent was just like her own, and it brought her comfort along with the location being right on the coast. I was lookin' fer a pack ta join, an' ye seem to have a fine one here,
Frankie explained with a small smile. Jus' call me Frankie. I can patch y'all up when ya need it.
A lone howl carried through the bay as Sandpiper dragged a paw through the sand. Water seeped in the gouge, slowly trickling in and repairing the gash shr had inflicted onto the shore. Sandpiper lifted her muzzle with a frown on her features - a howl meant a stranger which in turn meant the possible presence of an intruder.
She picked up a quick trot, scaling the dunes in time to see her brother rapidly apprehend the newcomer. From her distance she heard nothing of the conversation but hoped whatever he said was unkind and unwelcoming. She remained on the sandy rise for now, her gaze on the dark female as she spied on them from the slope.
The man had a point—she didn't know a thing about his pack's culture or rules. But, then again, beggars couldn't be choosers. Francine just wanted somewhere to stay, somewhere safe and around others. As long as the pack didn't consist of malevolent beasts, she'd take what she could get. She hoped she hadn't crushed her chance at getting accepted because she was too desperate.
Sorry, yer right. I can get ahead of meself,
She confessed with a sheepish smile. I'd love ta hear about yer pack.
Francine gave a small wave of her tail.
sandpiper remained on the dune as the two below conversed. the wind was only partially in her favor - she could make out the familiar murmur of her brother's accent, but most of what the female said was unintelligible due to the distance. try as she might to strain her ears forward, it did nothing to assist her eavesdropping endeavor. she considered approaching, but quickly ruled against it. on principle, sandpiper preferred not interacting with anyone -- so she kept to her position. there was something to be said about making smokestep do all the work anyway -- that way sandpiper could sit back and devote time to what really mattered -- tormenting the natives.
@Francine hope it is ok to PP for conclusion. permission from smokestep to pp him
sandpiper drifted closer, sand clattering down the dunes as she came within auditory range. the girl was too eager, too soft -- sandpiper gave a low woof and her ears pulled back in grim expression. they needed tough hands, coarse old salts -- a novice they could take in due time, but for now they were too fragile to accept some greenhorn.
"she is too inexperienced. come back in a month, if you are still alive." sandpiper called, her tail pricked as she regarded the darker stranger.
smokestep met her gaze and she canted her muzzle to the sea in a silent 'let's go'. the wolf was given no apology -- just a cold look before sandpiper shouldered her brother and the two turned in tandem for the beach leaving francine where she stood. should francine still be around in the months hence, perhaps she would be a welcome addition -- for now she was an unknown quantity, another mouth to feed in perilous times -- and sandpiper would not have it.