Mend this Burning Bridge

Art was a lot calmer than the last time they spoke and certainly a good bit of time had passed since their last conversation.  Maybe had Rudy stayed in the pack and not run off to look for help he wouldn’t still be so upset but he’d had a lot of time alone to get lost in thoughts and memories, plenty of time to let Art’s angry words be repeated. Rudy nodded to the question, though if Art had looked at the sea it probably didn’t do much good.

Rudy moved over to sit next to his brother.  It felt so natural except, of course, for the friction that hung in the air.  The grey wolf imagined how this would normally play out, talk of training, or the future, or what happened during the day, and potentially ending in a fun spar.  

Rudy’s gaze was also on the sight before them, but all his focus was on the awareness of his brother, and indeed when he spoke Rudy was hanging onto every word. Rudy didn’t react to the apology at first.  His eyes looked out at the view before them, His mind seemed empty and while no words came at first tension was easing out of his muscles.  Art hadn’t called him out to put more faults on him.  He wasn’t trying to push him away.  

“It’s ok.” The acceptance of apology hadn’t come fast but when spoken it was sincere and humble,  “We were both upset but, did you mean it? Do you think I really aim just to be a ‘pretty face with a shallow smile and a fake crown?  Do you think I just want it to be about me?” The words were softly spoken as if to whisper in a crowded area instead of alone with Art here in a peaceful setting. Rudy wanted to just say no problem makeup and be done with it.  Art had just apologized and Rudy was letting the sense of distrust settle but was there any truth to Art’s past words?  If he didn’t ask and just had to wonder within then it would be a question to haunt his mind.  Art had called him out here for this so best to be open on it all now.

Best to know his brother's thoughts now.  Just get this all out.  If his brother saw him in such a fashion then how about everyone else?  

Rudyard Carpathius