Orren's face was one big smile as he watched his sister puzzle out the problem, slowly connecting the bits and pieces of information fed to her, until she had a full picture. For the first time, he understood what Naia had found so amusing and rewarding in teaching, leading the way for a young pupil and watching them get a grips on the world you already knew so well. Inna was obviously confused, but at the same time determination shone in her deep blue eyes. She was listening intently to everything they told her, and furrowing her tiny brows as she tumbled with the problem. It was clear that the load of information was hard on her little brain, and for a moment her older brother doubted the lesson; Perhaps she's too young for this... Then she turned her gaze on him, and her declaration made him beam, head bobbing swiftly in confirmation, she had understood. And her question was understandable, scents could be a confusing mess at first. The dark-masked yearling lowered his nose down to almost meet his sibling's, a twinkle in his warm orange eyes; "Tha's wha' ya' need t' learn, smells are strange and complicated, bu' with time, you'll learn wha' they mean." Encouragingly, he touched his dark snout to hers, winking reassuringly, it would take time, but he had no doubt she would get it.

And Inna certainly wasn't slow to understand, though her head initially shook with confusion, she continued to follow the lesson closely, and Naia's demonstration seemed to register with her. Her next declaration proved as much, her understanding of the phenomenon of reflection bringing a fresh smile to her brothers lips. "Yeah!" He nodded as she pointed to the water, grinning proudly down at the pup. And when she mentioned the scent he almost cracked with pride; "Exactly lightning-bug! Ya' nose's tellin' ya' tha' there's only water there, the reflection is just a trick, what ya' smell is what is real." He kept nodding as he explained, smiling adoringly at her the whole time, there was no joy like the one he felt, seeing her crack the code. He nodded again when she asked in about his mention of fishing, making an agreeing sound, but didn't elaborate; One lesson at a time, and I think this has been quite enough!

The scout seemed to disagree though, and as she disappeared through the foliage, Orren could only follow her lead, after all she was the more experienced one when it came to teaching. So he encouraged Inna to use what she had just learned, and the pup seemed willing, though there was confusion on her face. Still she pressed on, sniffing around for Naia's scent, which hung thick around them. The hunter nodded approvingly at her, waiting patiently as she got her bearings. Then he added instructions in a low voice, trying to guide her the way Naia had him; "Tha's it, see if ya' can catch her scent, then try to follow it. If ya' can't find it in the air, try the ground, animals always leave lots of scent where they step." It felt a little awkward, being the one to give direction, but he tried his best, hoping he wasn't saying too much, or using words that would only confuse Inna further. All he could do now was try and guide her, smiling encouragingly and waiting patiently, ready to follow her once she found the trail, and lead her back if she should stray.

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Thoughts ”Speech”

He laughed softly at her sign of recognition, watching with glowing eyes as she pieced together the puzzle. There was no doubt in his mind that his baby sister was a natural, and her gumption was contagious. Orren grinned widely, tail wagging eagerly as he looked at Inna, sniffing around, searching for the trail. "Ya'll learn soon enough lightning-bug!" He assured, smile widening at the glare she shot at the river; "Yeah it can, bu' it's also helpful, and we can't live without it." The river was the life blood of their pack, it had been at Cut Rock, and it was here, he didn't want her to disregard it. But this was not the time for seriousness, and the little fire-cracker was already off, having located Naia's trail and following it swiftly, nose to the ground; Look at her go! The yearling barked encouragingly, quickly taking up pursuit along the river, keeping right behind the dark pup.

It didn't take them long to catch up to the scout, who praised Inna for her quick work. Orren offered his own congratulation, by way of tapping his paw on the girls head. Then Naia once again directed their attention at the river, but while she explained the reflections to their mutual student, the aspiring hunters attention was drawn by something else. At the spot Naia had chosen to stop, the river spread out over a wide area, the water's surface appearing still as opposed to the otherwise constant rush the heart of Hearthwood. This was not, however, like the shallows of Cut Rock, where the stream widened to flow over the large, flat rocks. This water may look peaceful, but it's color spoke of dark depths and possible undercurrents; A pond had formed in the middle of their river.

Naia's voice made her older student snap to attention, head spinning to look at her, a fresh smile appearing at her question; So Inna's not the only one getting tested..! And Orren wasted no time in sowing his worth; "Something's blocking the water…" He looked back out over the small lake, searching for an explanation. In this flat land, it was unlikely that rocks or dirt would have tumbled into the river. Whatever had changed the flow of the water, it hadn't happened naturally. In the end, it was the scent that gave him the answer, just like he had been teaching Inna. The yearling's grin was crooked when he looked back to his mentor, excitement glowing in his eyes; "Beavers!"

Word count: 419

Thoughts ”Speech”