Family Ties

Surreal nodded as Arian admitted that she had never checked to see if Sin was a good fighter. No matter. If that Armada made the wrong move, Surreal herself would find out eventually. She noted the anxiety growing in her niece and pushed herself to her paws, encouraging Arian to move around without actually saying anything. Subtlety. It was something her mother had embedded in her head and what Cormalin had enforced in his training. Subtlety that would make one’s passage through a land silent, as long as they watched their step and the path they took. She had finished her rabbit, as had Arian, and that freed them to walk. “One of the rules of my pack will be that a wolf wishing to join must prove himself or herself to be competent in the field he or she wishes to join under.” It would be a way to assure that those wishing to join as a warrior at least knew some basics. Of course, if they only knew the basics, but did well in a testing spar, and showed promise, Surreal would give them a chance to join under a lower rank to work and train their way up.

She listened to Arian’s next words, head cocking slightly. If her niece hadn’t thought she could do it, why had she done it anyways? To right past mistakes and try again, maybe? That wouldn’t be enough. She tipped her head in a gesture to follow, starting off at a leisurely stroll through the woods. “What kind of make-over are you thinking? Are there any wolves in the pack that you feel in your gut that you cannot trust to pull their weight and contribute to the welfare of the pack? Who do you trust the most?” There were other questions, but she didn’t voice them aloud. Namely, If you found a trustworthy family member who was willing, would you pass it to them? Epiphron was out of the question. She was very trustworthy, yes, but she had also recently retired, and was happy where she was.

Her eyes turned to Arian’s. “On your next meeting, I would like to attend, and see how you and your pack interact. Maybe I can help more if I can see how they behave.” As an outside observer, she might be able to get a better handle on what Arian’s troubles were, and how to handle them.

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think