Don't Need Help

Bright heard the pup's low growl as her nose brushed his cheek gently, and she slowed her motion just slightly until he leaned into her ever so lightly, his gaze softening. His shivering had come to a halt. She pulled back when he jerked away suddenly, as though he'd realized he'd made himself vulnerable. He had a strong stubbornness about him, an independence brought on by the circumstances that had led him here alone. Don't be so willful! she pleaded to him within her head, but the words never reached her tongue. He would come around in his own time, if he did.

She saw him lick his lips immediately when she asked him if he was hungry, and he seemed to glance at his belly with a glare. It was like he didn't want to admit he was hungry. But finally he'd look up at her, shuffling his paws as though he was decided whether or not to admit he wanted something to eat. Then he nodded slowly. Bright smiled at him and pounced into a playful bow, nudging his chin with her nose. "Well, follow me then, and we'll go find something! she suggested, her forepaws shuffling in the snow as she stood straight and turned away from the pup, her nose twitching as she scented the frigid air, "Have you ever hunted before?" For his age, she doubted he'd ever successfully caught something, especially in this season. Even she had a difficult time catching prey scent with the cold air stinging her nostrils.