Mapplethorpe would find no surprise on Asta's face. Indeed, it was very much what she had been expecting. Hearing it spoken, hearing it solidified into something so certain... that perhaps caused the ball of nerves in her gut to tighten a little further. But she managed to her hold her ground and nodded once, sharply, to indicate she understood perfectly. As his tone eased up a little, the nerves dispersed and would surely disappear in a few moments time. Asta's tail swayed a little behind her again.

"I'm assuming that you have taken your vow?" he was saying, asking.

Asta readily recalled her first meeting with Naira on the peaks, where the young wolf had been eager to seek out the distant calls of other wolves. That very day Asta had pledged her allegiance - her loyalty and all that she stood for and could offer - the the pack. Maybe not in so many words. But she had. And if she was nothing else, she was loyal. Another brief nod and a "Yes sir" from the young wolf signaled her affirmation of such. However, after this she paused, her ears pricked. She had journeyed back to the Pass with Naira. Since then, Asta had gathered some understanding of this most secretive pack. It was both strange and new to her; she felt a familiarity in any case. Her parents had not been militant, but their expectations and behaviors concerning the pack had not been unlike Naira's in many ways... so Asta made her assumptions to fill in the gaps in her logic.

Asta stared at Mapplethorpe, the image of a man proud of his pack, of its (and his) place in the world. This man had praised her - again, however indirectly - and she had to fight a smile in favor of a more serious expression flavored with just a touch of uncertainty: "I... have some understanding. But I would not mind hearing them more... directly," she answered. She wanted it spelled out. She wanted there to be no room for mistakes on her part. If she failed then it would be her responsibility... and no one else's.

Everyone who isn't us is an enemy. Those words would flock to Asta's memory from this point forward, whether she meant them to or not. More than anything else the man said, those were the words that echoed in her head, cemented themselves deep within her center. The Nomads were survivors. The Pass was their home, their shelter. The Lady was theirs to protect and keep - above all else. If ever Asta faltered, she would deserve to be removed from the pack. Cohen, the last of her blood-family she'd ever known... he could never come back. He was dead. The pack was her family now - she was a Nomad. They were all she had. She would never betray them, not willingly. At least, her young mind could not imagine circumstances where she might.

It was only when he'd finished that Asta shifted again at last, her own muzzle pointing to the hare between her forepaws. She had no doubts what she'd do with it. The Lady was their center, and her children precious beyond measure. If Asta had not realized this before, she did so now. She would take her catch the Naira, an offering for her... and a thanks for the family the young hunter had gained in being brought to the Pass. She must never forget the thanks she owes.

"Be sure to put that to good use... now off with ye if there are no questions to be asked or other business to be settled."

A grin spread across the girl's maw before she could stop or think about it. "Thank you sir," she responded with a quick bow of her head. A moment later and the hare was in her jaws again. There was, undoubtedly, a bit more swagger in the young woman's steps as she made a beeline for @Naira's den. She'd do quite well here, she suspected... Asta smiled even through the hare, I am a Nomad.