Strength in numbers

The fight with the bear had been terrifying, the possibility of losing Chade had shattered the lighter boy’s world and caused him to be reckless. Ricin had been thrown against a tree, bruising the pup and scrambling his brains slightly but, in the end, they had both survived… and that is all that matters. Menea had saved them, had them looked over by a healer and, when they were given the all clear, the purple wolf had led the brothers to her den. They had bedded down and Chade, exhausted from the events of the day, had quickly fallen into a deep slumber. However, thoughts of the botched fight and feelings of failing kept the lighter boy up. Curled up close to his brother, Ricin watches the darker pup’s sleeping form, keeping watch even while they are safe. He watches Chade’s relaxed features, pondering once again if Chade had made the correct choice.

Movement near the opening of the den has the lighter pup lifting his head quickly and wincing. Manea slips in silently, padding over to him and the pup once more lowers his head. Her voice is soft, kept low to try and prevent waking the sleeping brother. Crimson eyes turn to look into oceanic depths and Ricin can’t hide the raw emotions that lurk in his gaze. Failure, disappointment in himself, and sadness all leak out, solidifying into tears to slide down the lighter pup’s cheeks. When he speaks, his voice is soft and low as well. In part, to try from waking Chade up but also to try and hide the emotions that roll under his tones. He says, “I’m fine Mrs. Manea, thank you. Well, I guess… physically I am.” Shifting his head slightly, Ricin looks at his sleeping brother before turning back to Manea.

Shame fills his voice as he says, “Can… can I tell you something? You remember how I told you about how we got here? I… left out a part... and... I think you need to know it.” The tears still leak down his cheeks but Ricin pays them no mind, needing her to know he is a weak-link in the chain and that he will not put his own safety above the others members of her band. Swallowing thickly, Ricin awaits permission to speak of the dark secret that hunts him to this day.


"Speech"