Cricket Creek Bog hippopotamus

he shook his head, expression one of stubborn humor. no. i've lived too long to pledge myself to wolves like that, adi replied, moving deeper, letting the water cover the ever-more pronounced sway of his back. i will go, then.

exhaled, then, almost a snort, and sent shivering ripples across the surface of the fetid pond. they will make no friends and many enemies this way, he continued, though he supposed they knew that already. no one will wish to join their ranks—they will have to take recruits by force.

there were downsides to less aggressive packs, too, but one way or another, they all eventually fell. and when that inevitable demise came, it was better to have allies, those to lean on when times grew, well, lean.

how long will you stay? he asked quietly.