Morningside Cuesta it's much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise & rationality

An introduction came, and the pale leader's expression softened. "I'm Artyom," he offered in return, the words accompanied by a friendly sway of his tail. Surya's question came as no surprise, and the hunter appreciated his effort to progress their conversation - small talk or not.

"Whitebark Stream," he answered simply, gaze lifting as he turned his head to point his ivory muzzle in the general direction of his home. "What of you?" Artyom inhaled deep as he shifted to look upon his companion again, testing the air for any suggestion of a local pack on Surya's pelt. He found nothing recognisable, and thus felt safe to assume that he might be new to the area.