This show of force perpetrated by the Swiftcurrent wolves seemed to be a pointless endeavor. While Njal and his handpicked few were indeed strong and able-bodied, there was nothing that he could say that would dissuade these hounds upon the mountain. He knew that now—realizing it as Ferdie began to speak. Meanwhile, as Danica slipped away, Njal caught a shadow pulling away from behind the approaching group to pursue her. He gave the stranger a small look, which drifted to the rumbling Viatrix as attention drifted back to Ferdie.
"You do not know the full events that transpired that fateful day." Ferdie stated, "And like her you will not listen. I thought you, Njal, wiser." This caused Njal to chuff softly to himself, but say nothing. And then Ferdie had the gall to compare his situation to a hypothetical one. The mention of Tuwawi made the Beta bristle visibly and lift his head as if to challenge the so-called Leader; and still he was silent. When the male's expression darkened, they shared a look of utmost contempt for one another. "... you would do well to turn back home and leave us in peace if you expect us to do the same. I hope you don’t trip on the rocks in the Vale as you trespass though other territories to slink back where you came from." Trespass through other territories? They had not trespassed to reach the mountain. It was on the outskirts of the Swiftcurrent territory.
When the other wolf took a step towards him and his gathered group, Njal turned his head and cast a sharp look upon his allies; do not move, he told them. The tension had nearly broken down the meeting entirely, and it would no doubt become something far more volatile unless something was done. Njal was tasked with forcing these wolves off of the mountain; however, he wanted to avoid the possibility of receiving damage.
Njal finally responded to the allegations Ferdie had brought up: the lies, the secrets of Fox, and other such ridiculousness that the other had brought up. He tried to remain level-headed and at first, that worked. His voice was loud enough for the group to hear but it was calm, frigid. My leader follows the instinctual law of the wolf. My marriage follows the same law. Had Fox been against us having children, we would have obeyed her. That is the way of things. Tuwawi is not the reason we are here.
For a moment his jaw set in to a clench, and then when he spoke it became more difficult to control the hostility in his voice. You attacked a child. Had I been there instead of Jace, you would not be alive today. His inability to end your life,
Njal's gaze shifted to the dark boy as soon as his name was uttered, Is the reason why you were cast out instead. It is understandable that you would bond over this, but your disrespect of Fox and her rules makes you an enemy to us.
The beast stepped towards Ferdie in the next moment despite the warning growl that had increased in volume. It was clear that both sides were not eager to spill blood or attack first. It was a stalemate, with the first move reserved for whoever wished to instigate the war that may potentially arise from this confrontation. Instead of strike though, Njal lowered his chin to protect his own throat and stepped towards the leader. You are a threat until proven otherwise.
Njal was close enough to simply reach for Ferdie's flesh to rend it, if the urge came upon him. He was dangerously close to the other wolf, which placed them both in poor positions if a fight were to break out—but then Njal withdrew himself a step, and gradually turned towards his force. We are leaving.
The beast ordered, his voice booming one final time. If Danica had reached any sizable cache or not, they had been found out too early. At the very least the group could return without harm and relay information back to Fox. This was only the beginning.