Swiftcurrent Creek creeper

Hi! :)

Bazi's senses were on high alert, and she heard the rustle of swift paws on grass long before the newcomer spoke - Rina walked as someone who had no reason to disguise their steps, and although her approach drew one of the beta's plush ears back, she did not break her gaze away from the distance.

"Hello. I'm Rina. Do you mind if I join you?"

The young leader dropped to the ground with an urgent "Shhh!", craning her neck to see who was responsible for the interruption. It was difficult to make out any details, but she knew Rina to be the dark fluff-ball among the recent recruits. Recent recruits. Alyss and Scout had both disappeared shortly after the pack meeting. Bazi doubted how long this newcomer would last, but nevertheless beckoned the girl forward with a jerk of her short, delicate muzzle.

"Come, and hunker down," she whispered. There was no time for pleasantries. Assuming Rina would do as she was bid (her submission was noted), the beta turned her face back to the still blackness. "Do you smell that? It smells like wolf, but not one of ours. I think there's an intruder hiding in the swamp up there." Judging by the cloying scent of stagnant water and the way the creek fanned out and separated, they were close to the wetlands.

Bazi lapsed into silence again, and barely noticed that Rina had chosen not to join her. By the time she realized, a distant rustle brought her attention right back to the murky darkness. Someone was out there.

Edited in a continuation in the hopes that this thread can be revived! :)