Duck Lake Shadow of the day

Fear was a permeable scent not easily hindered by invented masks of confidence or bravery, and even though the two migrant women feigned composure, it was clear their resolve had been shaken. Trepidation ousted their bluff with unmistakable signals, such as a subtly bending ear or an uncomfortable shift, as they began to fold under the intense stare of the haematic Sveijarn. Her want, her need, to chase and expunge these outcasts was great, but the soft touch of her gentler kin quelled the need to do so immediately. It offered a brief respite from the dominant woman's threat, though her tail lashed wildly in protest. In spite of her desires, the fireblood would not undermine her comrade's penchant for civility, but rather assist it to unearth the true nature of the canids who so heedlessly skulked near Swiftcurrent's base.

Bazi began the official interrogation, though her accent was apologetic as if to preserve the objective nature required by an Outrider. Despite the calm delivery of her queries, the Silvertip wolf became visibly upset. It was obvious she felt slighted as vivid expressions of indigence and anguish creased her sepia features; ugly emotions befitting such an ignorant woman. The facts remained: she ran with Silvertip and dared to wander close to her rival's borders. To think she could stray without contest was unimaginable to the creek's Iota... a wolf of even basic sense would know wiser.

As if to perpetuate this already unflattering opinion, the mountain wolf spouted a poignant address. Unfortunately, her words were inconsequential to the unblinking Tuwawi, who felt unmoved by such a paltry speech. Even the final claim of Jinx's detestation for Swiftcurrent fell on deaf ears, and for the first time Tuwawi pitied the blooming alpha who appeared to endure such insufferable company. Bazi had it on the nose... The Mambo had never tolerated such insolence as Swiftcurrent's Beta, and it was known this trend continued within her new mountain claim. Truly, Jinx would be disappointed if her previous pack mates undid all the work she had crafted, and now it was up to Njal, Bazi, Ferdie, Jace, and Tuwawi to sustain these high standards set by the seaborn Kesuk. Regardless, this careless accusation would be reported to Fox.

A toothy, ornery sneer was all Tuwawi expressed when Lunar abruptly turned to leave the lakeside, happy to have abolished one of the strays. She looked to the dark waif now, vermilion shoulders rolling as her patience began to wane. This one was slower to become heated, which offered a moment to scrutinize her figure. Slender cheeks and luminous ochre eyes were the only redeeming qualities buried beneath a horrifically gaunt body and half disfigured head. Velvety onyx hair hung limply across her skeletal frame, and the ember wondered if disease was what blighted this ghostly jetsam. Even if she had shown the slightest interest to join their ranks, Tuwawi would have opposed it. Swiftcurrent needed strong, able bodies... not half-starved hounds to leech off their resources. Recently (by some unchecked passion for mercy) they had accepted a young, emaciated, handicapped half-yearling... and that alone was enough to cause unrest within the expectant mother. Two infirm wolves would be double the maintenance.

Though, at least this one still had all her senses intact and could probably hunt.

Thankfully, this unfortunate beast had no intention to apply for a rank within the valley pack. Without any cause to allow this specter to linger a moment longer, Tuwawi took an intrepid step towards Erika, past Bazi's position. Her tattered lips peeled away to unsheathe rows of sharp fangs. "No, you are not," her voice quaked pointedly as every muscle became spring-loaded, prepared to give chase should this wolf choose to not depart by her own free will. "Leave. Now." were the final commands; supremely resolute in their diction.

No second chance would be offered.