Don't judge me, cuz if you did I could judge you

Azriel invited Bigs into the room, and the small dog happy came trotting in with Atreyu. When he didn't return her chaste kiss, Atreyu knew something was definitely wrong. It did not help the raging doubt in her mind, but she held herself with her usual regal air. Her brow furrowed with concentration as she listened to him, absorbing every word and weighing it carefully in her mind. Black ears pinned back against a pink, spotted crown, holographic eyes going wide with shock and maybe a bit of horror as they searched his face. What was he saying? Why wouldn't he just come out and ask her? She knew what he alluded to, that they would have to raid for resources - but that would make them no better than the ones who attacked Judila. Bigs understood the need for it, but he had not been at Judila's fall.

Atreyu stared at her betrothed for a long while, studying him and his words for a full two minutes before even truly responding. She allowed him to reach for her paw, his feathered kisses making her heart beat faster, but it didn't change the furrow in her brow. Finally, Atreyu took a long, slow inward breath and let it out just as slowly through her mouth. She hated to admit it, but he was right. Their stocks were running low and they couldn't very well survive from quail eggs alone. If she wanted Judila to grow, she would have to make this decision. Sink or swim, that was what they had come to. Her face changed then, from stoic listening to curling up her lips in distaste for the subject. She was stuck. They had nothing to trade for resources, no real way to keep livestock, and no other options. With a huff and a small growl, Atreyu looked to Bigs and then back to the mismatched eyes of Azriel.

"Atreyu, he makes sense." Bigs said carefully, his dark beady eyes full of understanding. Holographic eyes rolled in their sockets, black sclera emphasizing the motion. She tossed her head a little and gave another frustrated growl. Searching the face of her betrothed and second in command, Atreyu could see his conviction and understood his motives. "Is there no other way?" Despite the frustration she clearly displayed, her voice seemed sad, mournful almost. She was glad for the foresight Azriel showed, sending Alaric to scout out the packs, but did they really have to raid for their resources? Could they not come about it peacefully? Ask the neighbors for a cup of sugar, so to speak. Her eyes held warring emotions, but there was a grief in her gaze that could not be ignored.

"Atreyu" || "Azriel"