Duck Lake Lakeside View

Ferdie's impeccable timing earned a surprised smile from Bones, who waved her tail in response to the friendly nudge. Although she was a happy-go-lucky type, she was also reasonably intelligent, so she took notice of her pack mate's tense demeanor. She supposed it was natural for some wolves to act stiffly around those from a different pack. At least Xi'nuata did not appear to be affected by Ferdie's abrupt arrival nor his unfriendly posture.

"This is Ferdie," Bones said casually, tipping her head sideways at him. Bones then proceeded with the conversation, seeing no reason to let Ferdie's presence disrupt it. "I traveled to the wilds from a place called Tortuga, just south down the coast. It took a couple'a days." She smiled proudly. "I left me negligent mother and came here to find me father... and I did find him!" she shared excitedly. "He's from Blacktail Deer Plateau."

Having answered Xi'nuata's question, young Bones took her turn. "The vale's hidden? Is it like a secret sub... subtenarrean lair? Did I say that right?" she questioned, blinking spring green eyes between the two adults, waiting for either one of them to let her know and correct her if she'd bungled it (which she was pretty certain she had).