Arrow Lake didn't see that coming

The squirrel leapt from one branch to another in time to the cadence of Kazimir's words; whether it understood what was being said or not, it paused and chattered from its vantage point overhead. Another object was lobbed from the trees but it wasn't aimed well, and landed between the two wolves, rebounded, and scattered down the hillside.

Mesa ignored it. He was fully focused on the adult now, scoffing at her words and rolling his eyes. Its scrawny, sure. Don't have to eat it, just have to catch it. He pointed out with a sharp tone, but then let it drop entirely. It was no use debating something like this with someone as useless as her.

So, he changed tactics.

The boy feigned interest in the piles of acorns on a terrestrial level, sniffing at one, kicking aside another with a swipe of a paw. He drifted closer to Kazimir with as much interst in her as he'd probably show a chewing bone. When his gaze resumed observing her, he let out a snort. What are you doing here anyway? Wait—don't answer, I bet I can guess. He narrowed his eyes, pretended to think hard, and then sneered as he said, I know, you're back because you want us to hunt for you! I bet if you were alone you'd already be dead. Oh woe-is-you, it must suck to be so lame.