Cricket Creek Bog fragile stuff, all show

The response was more gruff, and Bronco felt himself being chided, even if Ridgeback hadn't intend to do so. He dipped his head apologetically and moved a few steps forward, his tail waving between his hocks and ears turned back as a show of deference. He side-stepped to avoid a small puddle, but given the marshy terrain, found himself slipping ankle-deep into a squelchy patch of mud regardless. He had to high-step to pull his feet out of the boggy muck, and once he'd approached the opposite side of the stream from Ridgeback, he offered him a somewhat guilty smile. Yeah, he was mud up to his ankles now- but at least he was friendly. 

"Hey," He responded, finally. "Sorry, didn't mean to, uh," He said, and shrugged. Whether he was aware of it or not, Ridgeback's cool, orange gaze made Bronco feel slightly vulnerable. "I'm from the Copse," He said, gesturing in the direction of his pack. "Just caught your trail while I was lookin' for muskrat dams," He said. "I'm Bronco," He said, feeling a bit idiotic for having been compelled by some social anxiety to explain himself to the handsome stranger.