Lost Creek Hollow Pickled Hot Peppers

Their silence was companionable and Breccan was happy to follow in Nuna's wake. She was only a few months older, but she seemed so worldly and knowledgeable. She had much to teach him, and she would do it all without using words. For this reason, he looked up to her; she was probably one of the coolest wolves he knew (aside from his dad, of course).

Naturally, he imitated her and paused to leave his own messages on trees and shrubbery, hiking a back leg or using a forepaw to scratch at the bark or dirt. When she halted and listened intently, he did too; and when nothing came of this, he was quick to resume trailing her as she moved along.

The loud noise that stopped them in their tracks was just as surprising to Breccan as it was to Nuna. He exchanged a surprised glance with her, then frowned thoughtfully, ears pressing forward as he tried to make out just what could be emitting such a weird sound. He gestured with his snout and raised his brows, indicating in a questioning way that they should keep going and investigate -- right?