Broken Antler Fen life's like this

When the pup uttered her question, and then began to babble with the incoherence of infancy, Livia's brow furrowed. Perhaps it had been a little off base of her to think she could speak rationally with such a young child. This was not something she wanted to see through, and part of her wished she had not decided to bring the fish to the den.

But she couldn't very well just leave the girl here where a hawk could swoop her up.

"Let's get you back to the den," she said, more to herself, although she did wonder what, if anything, the girl was able to understand. "Come,  she added, taking a few steps in the direction of the den, stopping and looking down at the pup. She tilted her head, beckoning her to follow.