Words unsung

As the queen awaited the smaller woman's arrival, her mind continuously went back and forth through mental blanks. Who was she calling for again? What was she to say? Was it even important? She had to keep reminding herself of those things. Perhaps it was the stress messing with her head. Stressed? No, she couldn't be stressed. How stressful could talking with a fellow pack member be? Oh, maybe it was. She imagined the rest of the pack to have high expectations of their leaders, and they should, no doubt about that. The constant fear of slipping up somewhere between the lines or showing uncertainty loomed close behind her.

When she caught a glimpse of the ashen female snaking her way through the trees, all her mental preparation just went poof. No matter, she could improvise. Just smile. And nod. Act like you have all this planned out. She didn't have to launch straight into the subject of healing - that would come eventually. Asking some general questions could buy her some time to figure out her next inquiries. "Yes, but we can discuss that after," she assured with a small smile. "How are you, Armai? Settling in alright?"