Dying Embers

A visible sense of focus came into the young woman’s eyes as Red responded. This was what she needed. Productive distractions. Planning. A grim sigh escaped as she considered the query. “He was. And he was also one of my uncles. But, unfortunately, despite my having promoted him to Predator, oujr first…. He never filled those paw-prints. I’m… honestly not surprised he’s missing, as he was rarely attentive to his duties in any way that we could reward him upon when he wanted to be a warrior. As a leader… I’m sorely disappointed in him. As a niece… I’m worried for him.”

She shook her head sharply, taking a breath and closing her eyes before turning her gaze down to Red as he spoke on. Her attention was well and truly captured, and her ears were attentive. This was the Aurielle that everyone knew, rather than the exhausted shell that had been staring into the sky in a trance.

Her head shook regretfully. “We haven’t had any experienced fighters in a long time. The children haven’t received regular training in battle. There aren’t enough experienced wolves to take them all on effectively. I had been hoping that… But it hasn’t turned out that way. And it needs to change. We need to train, and hard.”

Steel came into her voice and she slowly rose to a sitting position, studying him. “Would you care to spar in the Alcoves come morning? The ravine’s sheltered from the ash, at least, and the wide area just outside the cave is perfect for training.”

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