Otatso Wetlands There once was a bittersweet man

He quirks a brow at her response. He wonders by which metric she measures her preparedness, beyond an arbitrary number. Could she hunt to feed herself? Could she mend a wound, should she sustain an injury? If she fell ill, did she know which natural remedies might heal her? Vermouth doubts, though it's really none of his business, so he doesn't question her further.

His mouth opens to tell her about his lack of allegiance when she flings an accusation at him. The same brow arches even more, though he snorts in amusement. She's clearly bold and confident, which can carry a wolf far, even without the support of a pack. Vermouth wonders if she might one day establish her own territory. He hardly knows her, though she seems to have the makings of a future Alpha female.

"I came from a pack," he tells her, "but it's been a long time since I ran with them. I'm a loner, like yourself," and the lifestyle suits him. It has for a long time now. But inspired by his own thoughts regarding her, he adds, "I'm scouting the area, looking for a good territory to claim for my own."

Vermouth says nothing further, his tail idly swinging behind him. He anticipates questions from Leonore and slants his muzzle in silent invitation to voice them.