Lost Creek Hollow As information

Aha, and the wolf that she found -- well, found her -- was one that was a good idea for her to seek, out of both curiosity and duty.  She bowed her head in greeting to him.  For a brief time, he wondered if the boy and his father were gone permanently, but obviously Pheiros had returned.  So where was Cortland?  Had he gone and pulled an Indra/Laurel?  Had he been alone Arbiter wouldn't have wondered, nor would she have thought too hard if Pheiros had also disappeared entirely, for the obvious solution would have been that they left together.  

But this was not some ideal world.  Cortland was a question mark and there was a boy here alone, and he didn't seem to have the determination that Merrick did.  How did one deal with this?  She was not a particularly emotional creature, nor was she always the best at relating to others.  She was practical.  Practicality called for whatever would be the best path that would keep things running smoothly, but whether that was to express pity or pretend as nothing was awry, she didn't know.

Instead, she picked the route that she felt would have the strongest chance of letting him guide, Pheiros.  Interested in seeing if anything stirs in the warrens for dinner?  Or what is it that has you wandering?  Choice.  No matter what the world did, there was always something that could be chosen.  Perhaps from his reply, then she'd know what her next step would be.