Whitefish River reignwolf

"It's kind of like a truce," Bones replied, "and I still don't get it. If I'm nowhere near them, then what's the problem? Is anywhere safe?" she challenged, albeit in a bright, curious voice. "I can stand up for me'self," she added, a furrow appearing in her brow only to smooth out a beat later.

"Avast! The blaggard admits he's not always right!" Bones teased loudly, smiling at him. She truly hadn't expected such an admission and it made her playful endearment a bit more real. Bones couldn't be sure but she thought Ira might be warming up to her, perhaps even opening up to her, but she wouldn't push it.

Her ears quivered as he spoke to her of loyalty. "That's the thing..." she said softly when he finished, "I don't want to move. I genuinely like the creek and feel attached to it. I like me dad too—a whole lot! But..." Her head tilted the other way as she struggled to articulate concepts that were mature, even for her. "I guess I don't want to... uproot? We've only met once," she added, chewing on the inside of her cheek.

His last remark earned a blink and a titter from her. Bones's tail waved. "Aye, I love the stink of a swaggering blaggard nearby," she joked, returning his grin before leaping sideways, fully expecting retaliation.