Swiftcurrent Creek the knot

"I really am too young to be a mother," said the other, but it did not wipe the look of suspicion from Magpie's young face. Even as the older female settled herself into a more comfortable position, the teenager remained tense and unmoving. She had yet to be convinced that this particular pack mate wasn't really sick, and the little black female was uncertain of what the other was talking about (or, more importantly, why).

But Leaf, as she introduced herself, and began talking. It was more unprompted conversation, and Magpie wasn't sure she was being trusted with such information — weren't outsiders strict about loyalty and remaining within the pack? After the brief introduction was finished, the teenager continued her stiff posture while she worked out what to do. Magpie still wasn't comfortable speaking to these strange wolves, though she truly did yearn for conversation... and while she knew she ought to just turn and walk away, she eventually relaxed and sat down. With a tilt of her head, she tried to communicate, "Why? Why will you leave?"