His ears flattened reflexively at the sudden interruption, but his expression didn't waver. Nen'tah remained wholly fixated on the den in front of him. Unfortunately Yesbaa continued to flounce noisily nearby, settling next to the boy with a soft thump as she came to a halt at his side - loud, stark white, and decidedly not hidden or helpful. He sighed, vexed.

Hunting, he said by way of answering, motioning with his head toward the crudely-concealed burrow. There likely wouldn't be anything to show for it now, he thought dejectedly; it would have been nice to bring back something for the others in any demonstration of skill, considering how he'd utterly flubbed the tests Caan had laid out before them.

If he was a goody-two-shoes, he certainly could try harder at it. As it was he felt middling to mediocre at best - but there would be other trials, other challenges to overcome, he supposed.

Hoped it would come out before nightfall, he said. Join?

Mother and Father would surely understand, he thought - especially if they actually managed to catch it.