Nadine's eyes narrowed slightly, a cautious glint in her gaze as she continued to dissect the remains of her meal. "Nadine," she replied, her tone measured, withholding a bit more than before. "Rules... well, sometimes they keep things in check." She couldn't shake the feeling that Isla's presence might disrupt the delicate balance of her solitary existence.
"Isla, the one with an exchange that sounds almost too neat," Nadine remarked, choosing her words carefully. "Guarding borders and getting shelter in return. Seems like a tidy deal, but I've learned things aren't always as they seem." Her paw lingered on the dead bird, a silent reminder of the unpredictable nature of survival.
She glanced at Isla with a guarded expression. "What's your game here, Isla? Beyond the borders, seeking something more, or just passing through with a trade deal in tow?" Nadine's caution was palpable, as if she were assessing not just Isla's words, but the unspoken intentions beneath them. It was strange, to have a woman part of a pack without claiming loyalty to that pack... it was enough to put her slightly on edge.