Duck Lake Lakeside View

The two adults engaged in a brief, back-and-forth quarrel, remaining calm but clearly displeased with one another. Bones listened carefully, trying to get a feel for the situation between the two packs, and found herself finding more fault with Ferdie than with Xi'nuata. She felt a bit guilty about that, seeing as he was her pack mate, but Bones couldn't much help it, could she?

"I don't understand, Ferdie. These aren't our lands. They're close to our lands but they're not actually our lands. So why can't she be here?" the youth questioned openly and honestly. The whole thing reminded her of Ira's warning about Jinx's mountain. Since when did borders suddenly stretch so far? "And why would Cap'n Fox not like it?"

To Xi'nuata, the youth said, "No, it's all right, we'll go. It's time to head back home anyway. Sorry," she added with a light shrug and a fleeting frown. She wasn't sure what else to say. She'd enjoyed Xi'nuata's company but she supposed it would be best to cut the meeting short if there was an existing issue between the packs. She didn't want to go against Fox or anyone else in Swiftcurrent Creek. That included Ferdie too.

"C'mon, let's go home, Ferdie," Bones said lightly, beginning to trot away from Duck Lake.