Blacktail Deer Plateau and all god's people find their place

News of Lane's upcoming trip had a lukewarm reception, at best, from her packmates. No one had been particularly enthusiastic about her travel plans, for obvious reasons. Lane had expected to get some grief from Rye and Tzila about it, but she had been wholly unprepared to face judgement from strangers. Particularly such seemingly young strangers.. had this girl even seen her second winter yet?

"Uh.." 

Well, why should Lane have to be home? Was she supposed to sit on her ass and do nothing for half a year just because she had a little too much fun at the wrong time of the spring? The stranger was just a kid. Probably hadn't even been through a heat yet. She had no idea what it was like. Hell, Lane was a medical professional, and it had even caught her by surprise. 

Lane exhaled, flicking her tail in annoyance. 

"I have some loose ends to tie up," she answered vaguely, trying to keep the defensive edge out of her voice. She stood, preparing to depart. If this kid wasn't able or willing to give decent directions, that was fine, but Lane wasn't going to hang around for more judgy questions.