The wind keeps worrying at the stone outside, but the hollow stays still and warm. River is tucked near the food bundle, and the rest of the team settles into a loose half-circle around her.
Mack
That wolf has better manners than most strangers we meet, once he decides to use them.
Mack’s tail gives a slow, dry wag, but his eyes stay on River, waiting to see how she takes the question.
TicTac
I did not like him at first. I still do not. But he moved when River told him to.
Harold
That is what I keep trying to sort out. He helps, then he watches, then he helps again.
Harold’s ears tip back, not quite arguing now, just thinking out loud. Joseph Lafayette glances from face to face, taking in the rhythm of it all.
Banks
I said I would keep watch. I did not say I would be invisible.
A few quiet huffs pass through the group. Even Pine lets out a low breath that might almost be amusement. The circle loosens another fraction, warm fur against warm fur, as the storm stays outside where it belongs.
“"He can be a bit irritating at times, but he's been helpful and that's worth something. We never really got the chance to play with him much," she turns to Banks "what sort of games do you like?"”
SUCCESS (Good Inspiration, rolled +2)
River lets the quiet stretch a moment, then turns her muzzle toward Banks. Her tone stays even, almost conversational, as she folds his usefulness into the room with the others.
River
He can be irritating, but he has been helpful, and that matters. We never really got the chance to play with him much... what sort of games do you like?
Banks
Banks’ ears angle forward. He blinks once, caught off guard by the question, then his posture loosens by a breath.
Banks
Games? Chasing, mostly. Testing footing. A good bluff, if that counts. Anything that makes another creature show its true shape.
Mack’s mouth twitches. TicTac glances sideways at Banks, then at River, as if waiting to see whether the answer is a trick.
Harold
That explains a few things. I thought you were only being difficult.
Banks
I can be both.
A low ripple of quiet passes through the huddle. Even Joseph Lafayette pauses his watch on the gear, listening as the storm presses faintly at the stone.
Banks
If you mean games for a group, I know one. Track a scent, lose it, find it again. Cleanest way I know to learn who stays calm.