Swiftcurrent Creek What's that?

Leonore found herself growing in spurts now, and with that came far more energy.

She had begun to take an interest in the prey that remained, but with winter coming in many animals had disappeared and bugs were rare. More often that not sticks and pinecones were her victims due to this - and Saturin of course.

Despite being told not to play in the lake, she would still play next to it, and today she had found something particularly interesting; the washed up skull of an antlered ungulate. Though to her, it was a mystery what it may be.

Tail waving high in the air she poked at the object, unsure of what it's purpose may be.

Vi was on the hunt for Lestan. She had really liked spending time with him and wished to do so more often. However, she couldn't really find him today. Which was a pity really. She was now completely bored and out of things to do. Her brothers were stinky and boring. She wasn't sure what her sister was up to but ... probably focussing on plants... She kicked at a small branch and it went flying. She went after it, scooping it up and biting on it while walking. Soon it broke and she was left with nothing.

The girl then spotted another wolf, the other one from the meeting! Violet was instantly curious. She trotted forward. The girl was not stupid however, and she had learned from the last time that this other pup had not really liked her. She hadn't understood why, but at least she knew not to rush towards her. What was conflicting however was that she found something that looked rather interesting. Vi stepped closer, nose sniffing. Hello, she greeted.

She was soon joined by another. Lenore recognized her from the meeting; the loud one. But with no minnows on the line she no longer held anything against her. Plus, now she was old enough to use her words.

Hi. She returned the greeting, her tail waving slightly. Admittedly it was exciting to have someone her age. This girl was a bit older than her too, right? Maybe she knew what this strange object was.

Poking the skull with her paw, she looked to the other. Has your maman shown you one of these? She asked. I found it, it looks funny but I've never seen one before.

Violet's tail wagged when she was greeted and not met with bared teeth. She dared a little step closer. Her tail was wagging as well. She took another good look at the skull and then she nodded. Yes! Mama put chewed up plants in it sometimes!!, she spoke and then dared close enough to sniff it.

It made her think of the bones she sometimes got to play with. Reminds me of bones Dad brings us!, she added. We could ask Mama or Dad? She wasn't sure if the other wanted that, Violet was usually quick to bombard anyone with questions. Is your mama named Maman?, she asked.

Mhm, maman. She confirmed whilst considering the other's suggestion.

A frown settled on her face as she decided. We might not be allowed to have it, so we shouldn't tell. There were pointy ends, and she could already imagine the worrying voice of a panicked adult. We'll learn on our own.

Looking to the other girl, she tilted her head. What's your name? Mine's Leonore.

It was confirmed that her Mama was named Maman. She would need to remember that. Vi angled her head a little as the other frowned. Why?, she asked curiously and looked at the skull. She never really hid anything from her parents, but that was because they never got too mad at her. Sure she was corrected and taught but... She didn't see the danger of this thing. However, she was quickly convinced by the 'on our own' part. She was in the 'I can do it myself phase.' Okay! I do know we got those pointy things from Dad to chew on!, she pointed out.

I'm Violet!!, she smiled. Do you want to be my friend?, she asked, tail wagging behind her. She liked that idea, her mama had told her about making friends recently now they were exploring more outside the rendezvous site. She looked back at the found item.

A friend - she could get behind that, especially since this girl seemed willing to listen to her. Leonore was quick to nod. Mhmm, as long as you promise to be helpful. A simple requirement!

She turned her attention back to the object now. Violet was right, the things attached to it's head were familiar. Her uncle had brought them back to her once. What are they doing there then? She spoke with a frown. It made no sense!

Violet angled her head at her demand. Umm... Okay. Yeah, I can do that. Will you be helpful to me tooo?, she asked curiously. Her mother had asked her to help out with things so she was pretty sure it was things like that. And if not, then Leonore should tell her.

Vi's attention moved back to the skull. Well, that was a DAMN good question. Oh-she wasn't allowed to use that word... She didn't actually used it but well, kinda in her mind. She was a little delayed in her answer. I don't know!, she sounded baffled. Oh no, now she wasn't really be helpful to her new friend! Slight panic settled in.

We can maybe ask the deer??? Or go look for them and see how they use it?

Sure! She responded with a giggle, as though Violet's suggestion was amusing.

Ask the deer... she frowned momentarily.

Now, that was a great idea! She grinned, nodding enthusiastically. Yes! The deer, let's find them. Her excitement was clear, her tail waving high. Wait - but did the deer talk?

She supposed there was only one way to find out.