Ferdie walked the edge of the oasis, Chewing absently on the grass that grew on the edge of the water every now and then. He knew that come spring he'd need to have a mate he'd need to breed and create new life for the pack and he'd need to get to know the wolves of his pack well enough to leave a good protective wolf in charge of the pups now and again.

But he was now afraid to fall in love, his heart ached for some wolf but he ignored it and wouldn't even try to figure out whom that was. He didn't want to have love mixed into it he feared love now, it had cost him greatly in the past, and he sought to ignore love's call. He thought all he wanted was an alpha female to be obscenely loyal too.

So lost in thought he was he didn't notice the duck nest tread upon; The drake duck screamed and quacked at him flying into his face, Ferdie yelped and fell over backwards, being thoroughly surprised and beaten by a duck. Ferdie trying to hide his head below his leg as the duck flapped in his face and quacked nipping at his pelt ripping out small chunks.

Ferdie rolled onto his belly and stood up, with the duck gone and the surprise attack over he felt rather foolish. With a snort he walked over to the dead duck grabbing it up he gave it a good shake making sure the silly beast was dead. Only then did he lift his eyes to look at his savior, she was already talking for him, he blinked making sure he heard her right...

hum..... he said though a mouthful of duck. Setting the bird down he placed a paw on it claiming it as his own even though it was not he who killed it. It is always the desire of the lower ranks to love the wolves above them. He spoke purposely skirting her question answering it without actually answering it. I will have to take a mate in the spring, but my mate will be alpha female; I will have to pick only the strongest female with the wits to keep us safe and strong as a pack. This female will have to prove herself as a leader only time and actions will show me whom my mate shall be.

Ferdie added this more for himself since he was trying to avoid ever falling in love again, even if his heart had other plans My mateship will be based on strengthening the pack not Love. That is my duty. Ferdie picked up the duck and held it again nodding to her. Speaking though his mouthful I am going to see the captives from swiftcurrent creek care to join me? one is not eating and I need to keep them in good health. I don't suppose you are a healer by any chance?