Mend this Burning Bridge

“Yah, would have been more fun under other circumstances but it was still good.” Almost more the memory of the travel was better than it.  “Think I learned a few things too, so that’s good.”  Rudy could learn things, he just always seemed to have to experience challenges to learn from them.  “It’ll be great when we can do it together.  Though, with everything going on and your new rank, you might be needed around here a lot for us to go far ya know.” It was both said in jest but some truth to it.  That was one of those things about leadership, some things had to be given up to gain it.  It was totally worth it though and it didn’t mean they couldn’t travel, just not as much.

The more serious topic had to come, “Not yet, I was going to later today though.  How is she?” Rudy didn’t know if he really wanted the answer but how could he not ask?  It was like not wanting Gwynn poking at home when injured; unwanted but necessary.  “Well, I guess I’ll learn soon enough anyway.” He wanted mom to be mom, just one more time.

“I kind of thought mom would take over but, Ulric isn’t a bad choice.  He’s a pretty level-headed guy and he’s got a good personality that a wolf can trust.  If he says a thing I trust him to keep to it.  Past that I guess we’ll have to see.” Rudy wasn’t ready for leadership yet nor was Art so this was for the best.  Rudy smirked at the mention of knight, “yup, I got the title you wanted and you got the title I wanted,” there was a soft laugh when he said it.  “Though I guess baron is kind of like a senior knight or such really.”  

What did he think of Art as a knight? Rudy grinned, the largest grin since this horrible mess had started and there was even that trouble-maker sparkle in his eye. “Proves I was right all the time.  You didn’t question me being alpha nearly as much as yourself.” Rudy shrugged, “I’ll catch up, you need to get use to the idea and gain confidence in it before me right?  So, what I think? I think this proves I was right and you shouldn’t doubt me when I talk about our futures.”  No sore point there apparently at all.  “Congrats on the baron title Art, you’ve more than earned it.  I’ll be up there with you later I’m sure.  I know my future.” Art was on his side again and there was nothing he couldn’t manage so long as they were together.  Well, except saving mom.  Ouch.  He felt better for a few moments.  “Have you told mom about your promotion yet?  She’d be really proud.”

That topic was too painful to end it on and Rudy quickly followed it up. “Yup, came a long way and it’d be harder to drown me now.” The grin was weaker this time but Rudy managed it, “I’m taller.”  Rudy nodded to the water, “We need another beach spar at some point to prove it, don’t you think?”

Rudyard Carpathius