Ghost Lion Crag wilting lotus

His ear turned back as she called to him, and soon followed his body as he quartered toward her, offering her his attention but retaining and displaying his intent to go his own way. Yet, for a moment, he considered what she offered. Under most circumstances, her company would have appealed to him, but in these times, he disagreed with her logic. He shook his head slowly.

"'Preciate the offer," he responded, sincerity in his tone. "But I think I am best alone or with a pack. I wish you the best. Perhaps we'll walk the same trail again in the future - fed and fat." He winked then, and once more turned away. He walked on, because he felt that small game was best hunted alone, especially when so few remained, and that even as a pair any large game was not likely to be theirs to take down, nor keep if they were able. He would survive this famine on his own talents, or by calling on the strength of a pack.