Qeya River Sticks and stones

The shell was a tough nut to crack but in her desperation she managed it, breaking a big enough hole to slide her muzzle in.  If the edges nicked her she ignored it, too busy gulping down her slightly overripe dinner. 

When the other approached, she pulled back and bent low, ready to aggressively defend herself if need be.  But that would not be necessary, as the one who interrupted was both familiar and (for the moment) friendly.  Judgemental, maybe, but friendly.  She let her suspicion go, funny as it was.  Likely no one would want to steal her 'meal' anyway.

"Sadly, the fish don't jump into your mouth anymore than any other snack," she quipped back, her attempt at humor falling slightly flat even to her own ears.  The fact that half the coast was to be avoided didn't help either.  She couldn't run into the sea witch or any of her old Saltwinter pals, not unless she wanted to go for round 2.  Tempting a notion as that was, it was doubtful it would end any better than round 1 had.