The tired brute padded his way across the lands of Tortuga, having not said a word since the pack meeting. He could only hope that Qanik was not far behind, and that she had understood his wordless message. But just in case, Dayton planned to call for her specifically when he arrived at his destination. It had been a while since the quiet man had spoken to her on his own. But he nonetheless looked forward to it. He needed a strong and patient presence in his life right now. Whether she knew it or not, he depended on Qanik. He was sustained by her guidance. And now, in his darkest hour, Dayton knew she was the only one he could speak to. Not Misha, not August, not even Crucifix. He needed someone with wisdom and compassion. He needed Qanik. The small gentleman continued to move silently through the woods, his ears twitching as he followed the sounds of the waterfall. When he had finally arrived, he came to the edge of the water and lightly laid his body at the shore. His toes dangled gently in the cold water, and he sighed. His bones felt too heavy for his age. Then again, he had endured a lot. Dayton lifted his head in the waning sunlight and sent a call into the air. All around him, the forest was coming alive again. Short tufts of bright green grass were sprouting along the water, and there was a constant aroma of flowers in bloom. Spring meant new life, new love, and new opportunities. Every day meant everything was possible again. For the first time in weeks, Dayton felt a surge of hope deep inside him. This day wasn't over yet. Walk."Talk."Think.

Qanik

in defense of the innocent

Dayton's depression had seemed to linger through the meeting as Roman spoke about ranks and promotions before his gaze met hers questioningly and she had given a nod. Yes, she would meet with him after this ended. Yes, she would speak with him.

And when the meeting broke up and he drifted away, Qanik followed. He outpaced her, though, and he'd been out of sight for some time when his howl came to alert her to his whereabouts. Her pale form paced up to join him. "Dayton," she greeted him quietly. Her blue-gray eyes, dark with concern, studied him. What had happened between him and Misha to turn him into this quiet, fearful shell of who he had been? "How can I help?" The words meant more than simply what-rank-were-you-wanting or what-did-you-want-me-for.



.

cowardice is the only sin

The regal woman was not far behind him, her steps quiet but sure as she approached. Her form would emerge from the trees, and Dayton would heave another sigh before lifting his form to greet her. He mustered all of his courage as he stood, finally coming up with a small smile to give her. But Qanik was smart, and of course she saw through his thin veil of happiness. It fell as she looked at him, her dark blue eyes pulling the smile away and restoring his real self. He felt the need to be honest around her. She truly wanted to know how she could help. So the boy allowed his false expression to crumble. His eyes regained their fear and doubt, with that stain of tears forever darkening them. His brow furrowed under the burden of grief. His posture changed too. He looked more broken, more hunched and afraid. The spitting image of who he had once been. How had this come to be? Dayton would have to tell her, so she could understand. His legs shook as he parted his lips and began to speak. "Before I address any official matters, I have a few things to... to explain. I'm sorry for my attitude lately. But something terrible has befallen me." Then the brute let all formal phrases die away, giving Qanik his story in its raw form. "I went looking for Misha one day and found her at the beach where we had shared many memories. I thought she was trying to be romantic, leading me there. But she didn't want to be around me. It was one of her mood swings, getting in the way again. Of course I tried to cheer her up, but she wouldn't accept any of it. Then, when I tried to kiss her, she..." His breaths grew raspy, and his eyes looked like they should hold tears. But he had no tears left to cry. "She kind of attacked me, grabbing my scruff to tear me away. I'm not sure what happened after that, because something snapped inside me. I think I imagined that she was my father, abusing me like he always had. I'm not completely sure. But I ran away. What else could I do at that point? She had wounded me." He looked up at Qanik then, aching on e more for her guidance and wisdom. What would she say? How could she possibly react? He chose to wrap things up, clearing his throat as he did. "So I, um, had to assume that what we had was over. She disappeared for a while, impossible to find even when I searched for her. When I did see her again, she didn't react. She seems to have actually forgotten me. I'm not sure what else I can do." He was broken and lost again, in need of redemption. What could be done to heal this new scar? Walk."Talk."Think.