Swiftcurrent Creek You're gonna feel the heat of my cavalry

Tavi wasn't exactly mentor material, according to her own declining self-image; but in a way her helping Desna was selfish too. She needed to learn the lay of the land, and her hunting skills were pretty awful. If hanging out with Desna improved both of those things, then why not try? There was a self-serving interest in the whole ordeal for Tavi. While she did like the dark-furred girl, there would be no point in helping her if Tavi couldn't get something out of it as well. Perhaps in time she'd become more adept at working with the pack instead of against it -- which she was doing now, albeit without intending the group any harm.

"Where is her father?" Tavi questioned in an affable tone. She knew of the girl's father just from what Desna had told her in the past - that he wasn't a nice creature. Another thought occurred to her: "Did she go alone?" If Desna's explanation of her family was the full truth, it wasn't a safe place for her, wherever the old man was. A brief expression of concern flit across Tavi's features as she spoke.