Bearclaw Valley frozen

indra's growl had served as a warning -- a generous one -- to go away. she might have accepted the olive branch the female had extended to them if -- and only if -- it had not immediately been accompanied by an insolent stare.

indra was in disbelief, and it showed by the incredulous, outraged expression that stole across her features. a stare was a challenge in wolf language -- and this wolf had stared her down multiple times now without repercussion. it was the last straw, in indra's eyes; she would no longer gracefully accept reigi's presence alongside her. she would no longer give her warnings. she had given the female every opportunity to cease her relentless instigation and challenges, and instead, reigi was insubordinate at every turn.

she felt her hackles rifle and laurel's commentary was forgotten. she stalked forward, ears pressed assertively ahead.

reigi had the creek between her and indra, and for that she was lucky. she had plenty of time to make her escape before indra's fangs found her. indra approached at a stiff-legged trot, her entire body language dominant. either reigi looked away and ran, as was natural for a subordinate to do, or indra would attack her. and this time, xan was not here to save her.