So far, Flair was less than impressed with pregnancy. Her sides had yet to start swelling, and yet she felt bloated and heavy, and in no mood to socialize. But she couldn’t hide away in her den for months like a hermit, not as long as she could still help to hunt and besides, the daily treks to the lake shore were of utmost necessity. Logically, she knew Chan was right, that they’d all be better off banding together, so she didn’t argue, but it would take a while for her to thaw to anyone else – Gwen’s disappearance was a fresh new wound.

Whether it was the pregnancy, or just the draught making it more notable, she seemed to feel constantly thirsty, and so took her time guzzling as much water as her stomach could hold before stepping back and taking a seat, waiting to see who might answer her companion’s call.

She was surprised to see the bistre youth arrive first, having followed their same trail to the lake as water got scarce. Flair gave her a court nod, still far from sure what to feel about the girl. Next was Jet, whom she knew from Chan was in the area, still trying to gather a pack of his own as far as she was aware. His confident smile came as quite the surprise – in the time they’d shared at the Cove he’d always seemed distant, and she’d never really gotten to know him well; Suppose there’s no time like the present…! Especially seeing as they were gonna be stuck around here for a while.

The dark man earned a friendly nod and the hint of a smile. Then, lastly, came Finley, clearly struggling though she tried to keep up a brave face. Flair’s feelings were mixed about the girl, who’d gotten herself in a situation she was clearly unprepared for, but the fiery woman couldn’t help but feel for her now, knowing she would be in the same state soon enough. Her rusty tail gave a friendly flick as she sent Finley an encouraging smile, before returning her attention to the other two, and waited for Chan to speak first.

Russet ears flicked as Chan greeted the group in typical, cordial fashion. Reika’s quick response surprised her, earning a snicker from Flair, her brows rising slightly as she looked over at the younger woman. Then Jethro chimed in with his own quip, making a fool fledged, crooked smile break on the fiery woman’s face; Aren’t we a merry bunch? She didn’t dislike it though; a healthy dose of casual sarcasm was her own preferred method of communication.

Chan went on to ask about the wolves who hadn’t shown, making a small wrinkle form between Flair’s eyes. Siyet had left with Jethro, presumably to help him in his pack-founding endeavors, it would be quite surprising if she wasn’t still with him – and indeed, Jet confirmed that she was around; Just couldn’t bother to show…! Flair couldn’t help but think of Gwen, disappearing from one day to the next, despite the connections she’d thought they had. Hopefully Siyet was simply preoccupied with something else, and not about to pull the same trick on her dark companion.

And then there was Colette, Chan’s old flame. Still largely an enigma, and one Flair was eager to learn more about. Yet she continued to elude the fiery woman, perhaps because of the circumstances; guess that’s understandable… She’d like the chance to speak with the other woman though, try to explain her and Chan’s relationship, the ex was owed that much, in the russet woman’s mind. But that was better kept for a private conversation anyway. For now, she looked around at the small group, clicking her tongue thoughtfully; “Y’ know, there’s enough of us fer a proper hunt. Might as well take advantage of that.” She paused, glancing down at Finley before adding, with a soft smile: “Those of us who aren’t about t’ burst!”