Dhaska didn’t mask his expression, it was undoubtedly admirable for her to have made it this far, but he couldn’t shower her with too much praise… He had yet to see her prove she wasn’t simply begging everyone for food. Not to say that wasn’t a valid way to survive, but it wasn’t exactly the type of packmate he was seeking. He’d be a little more impressed if he saw her actually pulling her weight.

Same, he answered, his gaze softening into something a hint sadder as his mind wandered towards the past, I… Had a pack. Hell if I know what happened to ‘em.

He neglected to mention that he had many, many children and two ex-wives. She didn’t necessarily have to know that.

He quickly changed the subject before she thought to ask, You from around here?

Clementine shook her head. Nae. She was quiet for a moment, her gaze drifting toward the trees.

I left my family after an argument with my mother. She didn't like the fact that I was wantin' tae flow the urge my heat gave me. Figured it was better tae leave than stay an' keep fightin'. There was no bitterness in her voice, only acceptance. It had happened, and she'd made her choice. I wandered fer quite a while after that.

Her eyes returned to Dhaska.

I'm new tae these lands. As a matter o' fact... A faint smile tugged at her muzzle. Ye're the first wolf I've laid eyes on in a good month or so.

She gave a small shrug. Suppose that makes this place quieter than most.

Dhaska

Dhaska did not flinch at her plain wording, rather he nodded in understanding, as there were many such cases. He observed his own sisters and then daughters dispersing to escape the discomfort whilst staying with their families, it created new pack leaders and encouraged young wolves not to take up precious resources within their natal range.

Figured, he grunted, leaning his weight on his haunch but remaining upright. He scanned the area around them passively, My guess is everyone’s already got somewhere to be, someone to be with. You’re the first wolf I’ve seen out here, too.

It made him feel a little less alone to know he wasn’t the only outsider. His eyes eventually found their way back to her, searching her face inquisitively, ... You lookin’ for anything?

Clementine let out a quiet snort, the corner of her mouth quirking into a grin.

Aye. Somewhere tae park me fat arse. She shrugged, as though it were the simplest thing in the world. Someplace worth stayin'. Her holly-green eyes settled on him for a moment, studying him with the same quiet curiosity she'd carried since stepping from the trees.

But... She flicked an ear. I wouldnae mind travelin' with someone either. There was no desperation in her offer. If that's what ye're lookin' fer, too.

She left the thought there, content to let him decide whether the idea held any appeal.

Dhaska

He did flinch that time, both ears snapping back but not quite flattening against his head. The absurdity of the statement settled in, and before he knew it, a single huff of astonished amusement left his lips, which remained in a slight smile. Alright, so she had a likeable personality. That was a plus.

You’d never guess that’s what I’m lookin’ for, too, he quipped back, before looking her up and down in a pointed fashion, Can you hunt?

He wouldn’t tolerate any freeloader, and he wasn’t just going to take her word for it, at some point he needed to see it with his own eyes. Sure, companionship was nice, but he couldn’t rely on that to keep the skin on his back and stave off hunger.

Clementine let out a quiet chuckle, shaking her head at the question.

Aye, I can hunt. There wasn't a shred of offense in her voice. If anything, she respected the question. She'd have asked the same if their roles were reversed. I've made it this far on my own, havenae I? A teasing glint flickered in her holly-green eyes.

If ye're still no convinced... She gave a small shrug. I'll take the next hunt. Her smile widened just a touch. Then ye can decide fer yerself whether I'm worth keepin' around.

Dhaska