Alpine Lake A Father's Prayer

The dark man stepped closer, but Amber kept her paws rooted to the spot while her soulful eyes watched every move. A smile spread across her face, though, and her tail was wagging. 
Finch spoke with such a light tone, so smoothly, that never once did she think he was lying: and that was something coming from Amber, who usually read people like a book. 
He was scouting for a pack, he said, learning the land and mapping it in his head for Saltwinter. The ebony woman understood, dipping her head as he went but pausing when he'd asked directly about her pack. There was no harm in telling him where they were, so he could stay away, right? The Creek was strong, healthy, what could possibly be a danger to them in the warm Summer months?
              "A couple hours travel that way."
Jerking her muzzle behind her, back the way she'd come, Amber was actually a bit surprised that she couldn't see many things that were familiar on a day to day basis. She really had gone far, huh? Oh well, she'd come down to Silver Creek from here and it would be no problem going back.