Swiftcurrent Creek sound off

The whelp came into view, and Fox scrutinized her every move. At the very least, she was submitting properly, meaning that Fox would not have to oust her right away. Instead, the girl cowered as if she knew that this day would bring her death. Fox was not quick to judge, though, believing that she had given this girl a chance for a reason. The yearling's tail remained high over her back, and finally, she spoke.

"Can you fend for yourself, youngling?" asked Fox, having either never gotten or not remembered the pup's name. She had never considered herself to have the best memory, and since she half-assumed that the girl would be dead in a week's time, she had not committed her name to memory.