What hurts the most

As his father spoke the yearling gave a nod of understanding. It wasn't his burden, but he knew he would help support his father regardless. If the Warlord needed to talk, or a trusted shoulder to cry on, he would be there. His father mentioned him heading to the Hallows, saying he had the right to go. He was also sure to mention he would come for his son should he be kept against his will. He received a kiss from Seer, and Charlie offered him a reassuring smile. "I do what I do because I love you guys, the Armada. It makes me happy doing what I can." He drew in a breath. The talk of his mother was still a tender subject, but they were making progress on it.

For the moment, however, the yearling wanted to be transparent about his intentions. "I'm not sure when I intend to go to the Raider's Hallow… but I will go. I want to talk to Dread, and hear what has made him feel this way." His expression softened. "I know the Armada has reasons to distrust them… but there is a reason Dread trusts Deluge and would stand up for her. When we were alone there were no threats, no violence. Just two kids enjoying a scenic view." Charlie shuffled on his paws.

"It is too early to say for certain but… maybe the problem isn't necessarily the whole of the pack. Conflict is a natural part of life, isn't it? Maybe it's the ones who take that too far, rather than just doing what is necessary." Charlie averted his gaze. He felt a knot in his stomach at sharing this information with his dad but he needed to say it. "If we had to face Dread in battle, I couldn't look at him as an enemy… even if he is with them." Charlie confessed.

"...when I go, I'll bring Silveris. Should any of them cause trouble, she will come back for you." He drew a breath. "Deluge gave me her word I wouldn't be harmed coming to talk to Dread… and I want to believe her." But he wasn't naive enough to believe that every raider might behave, either. They were enemies of the Armada for a reason. But if she had gained Dread's trust, her word was good for something. Her methods rough, but she cared for Dread's right to speak with his siblings. That counted for something... Right?

"Speech," 'Thought.'