NarniaMUCK

Ulfden Clearing

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You stand in the midst of a clearing in the woods. Tall trees surround you on

all sides, with a wooded hill looming over you to the west. Little sunlight

streams through the foliage of the trees above. Rocks jut from the ground and

hill, giving the clearing a wilder look. Jutting out of the wooded hill to the

west is a rocky overhang casting a slight shadow around the entrance to what

seems like a cave. A scraggily wolf pads back and forth before the entrance,

glancing your way.

The clearing ends in a rock path leading through scattered trees to the east.

A small cave entrance dwells underneath the overhang to the west.

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You can go: In the Cave <W>, East <E>

Contents:

A wolf with a snow-white coat and golden eyes (Eirwyn)

Beo

Eirwyn sits in the Clearing, scanning the surrounding woods. Her ears flick every so often

Caileana comes trotting out of the den

Eirwyn turns at the sound of pawsteps. When she sees it is Caileana, she gets to her paws and turns to full face. “Ah, Caileana. Good evening.”

Caileana smiles warmly when she sees Eirwyn in the Clearing. “Good evening, Alpha.” She dips her head.

Eirwyn gives a small smile in return. “It is good to have you back. How are you?”

Caileana pads a little closer. “I am well.” Her smiles softens. “Glad to be back.”

Eirwyn sits back down. Her smile fades, but her tone and expression remain even and calm. “Good. I am told that much occured at the festival.”

Caileana does not deny it. “Indeed.” She sits as well, adding, “Far more than I expected.”

Eirwyn asks, “Why don’t you tell me about it?”

Caileana says, “Glyn and I got a opportunity to speak to Zayev and the Wolves he brought with him from Winterden shortly after we arrived. He brought Drune and Tempest.”

Caileana says, “At first, I wanted intensely to dislike Tempest, because of that time when she had come to the Waste. I recalled you being upset after the encounter. But the Wolves of Winterden fought well in the melee, and afterwards, Glyn and I got an opportunity to speak with Drune and Tempest without our superiors. At first, it went as to be expected – fairly peaceful, with an underlying current of tension. But Tempest started to be offended when Drune and I began to reflect a little on the past, and then Glyn was offended at her offense. And it could have gone very badly, I suppose, but I ended up making a point about how being a part of Ulfden did not make us any less susceptible to pain in our pasts. Which led to this extremely long conversation about past mistakes and regrets, and we – all four of us – found things in our past that we regretted and would have changed. It brought us together somehow, even tore down the walls that Tempest had around her. She told us a little about what had happened to her,

Caileana shakes her head, pain in her eyes. “It was awful.”

Eirwyn remains quiet. Her expression doesn’t change as Caileana speaks, but she continues to listen intently. She nods. “Go on.”

Caileana nods. “Somehow, even after that one conversation, we were all friends. Drune asked Tempest’s forgiveness for the way he had treated her. He, well the depth of pain and emotion he showed in that talk moved me. I admired him for it. After that, you could say we flirted a bit, spoke a few times. Until Virika told us both that it wasn’t polite to encourage something that could never happen. And I got incredibly offended – it felt like a deliberate attack against my ability to make decisions for myself. I realize now it wasn’t, but that’s what it felt like. I wasn’t trying to lead him on, I wasn’t even thinking of the consequences at the time. Virika and I got into an argument over it, which Zayev and Drune overheard.” She shakes her head. “I said some things I regret. But I apologized to her the next day, after thinking through the situation more. She didn’t really respond.”

Caileana adds, “I think I really upset her. But…I did try,”

Eirwyn frowns a little deeper. She nods. “Virika spoke to me about it. I’m glad you realize Virika was not attacking your ability to make decisions. I have to say, I agree with Virika pointing that out. I don’t understand the concept of flirting for flirting’s sake. It isn’t polite to encourage things you don’t mean. Now, I want to know a few things. So, after that one conversation you’re all friends? Virika told me this has caused you to doubt some things. Is this true? I want to hear it from you.”

Caileana says, “Doubt is the word I used. But it may be a bit strong – I think the whole thing caused me to think more critically about what I believed and stood for. I don’t approve of Zayev’s leaving this pack, but I respect him as a Wolf and a leader. I don’t see Tempest the way I did either – whatever her faults, I can’t blame her for them, not after all she’s been through. And Drune – well, I cannot see him as a traitor either. We are all Wolves – our shared experiences bind us. Simply because we hail from different packs or have made mistakes in our past should not be enough to make us turn against each other forever. We are much the same, when it comes down to it. And yes, we are all friends, at least on my part. With Drune there may be something more, but we do not have intentions beyond friendship as of now.”

Eirwyn continues to frown, but her voice remains calm. “Whether you meant it or not, did you say you doubted your pack in front of Zayev?”

Caileana frowns. “I am not certain. He came upon us while we were in the heat of our argument, but I am not sure how long they were there before I noticed them.”

Eirwyn inhales deeply. “And this thing with Drune… what do you mean as of now?”

Caileana looks her in the eye. “My pack is my pack. I did make a point to say that, and I did say it in front of Zayev. I do have some feelings for Drune – I don’t know how deep they run. I barely know him. And I don’t intend to act on them until I know more, which may take some time given our locations. So there is nothing between us at the moment more than mutual admiration and respect.”

Eirwyn looks her right back in the eye. “I want to make sure you understand why Virika reacted the way she did. And why I’m not exactly thrilled to hear this. And there are a few points to this. I understand that nothing has happened, and I’m glad to hear you recognize the fact that you barely know Drune. But first, what do you think would happen, if you somehow did get to know him and you wanted to act on those feelings?”

Caileana says honestly, “I don’t know. It would depend upon the amount of time that had passed and the status of the pack’s peace. If it were to happen now…the only solution that is immediately obvious would be me leaving for Winterden.” She frowns and winces a bit at this last part.

Eirwyn gives a small nod. “Exactly. And in all honesty, I do not foresee us changing Drune’s status. Now, you spoke with Zayev about this? Or at least in front of him? Am I correct that he encouraged these feelings?”

Caileana says, “He did not encourage, but neither did he discourage. He was the one that pointed out that we still did not know each other well. If anything, he was much like a voice of reason. What he said calmed me and allowed me to think clearly on the entire situation.”

Eirwyn says calmly, “I want to know what he said to you. Virika seemed to say that he told her it could lead to something, that it should be allowed to continue. And given the current circumstances, I find it troubling because Zayev knows perfectly well what the current situation with Drune is, and he knows you would have only option. It comes off sounding to me like Zayev has no reason to discourage it, because it would mean he would gain another packmate. Am I wrong?”

Caileana says, “He told us specifically not to rush into anything.” She shakes her head. “He did not speak to me of that, but I do not believe he was thinking of gaining a new packmate. It seems to me what he meant was that it could be a way to strengthen our alliance, not tear it down as my leaving would. Exactly how that would occur, I do not know. But I would agree that there is hope for it.”

Eirwyn frowns. “And that brings up another point. WHAT alliance? Who has been talking about an alliance? Because as I made perfectly in our talks, there /is/ no alliance. We have agreed to give each other time to earn one another’s respect. We have no formal arrangement with Winterden. So answer me, who in all of this has been using the term alliance like we have one?”

Caileana frowns. “You did make that clear. I suppose I have,” she admits.

Eirwyn says, “And Winterden, no? Glyn told me Winterden has been giving some pretty talk about an alliance to just about every Wolf except Nevarre.”

Caileana says, “I cannot speak to that specifically, but it may well be our fault. After that talk – well, Tempest and Glyn and Drune and I think of each other as allies, even if we are not technically so.”

Eirwyn nods. “I want it to remain clear, then. There is no alliance. Ulfden cannot go from where we were with Winterden to being in any formal alliance with them. But we /are/ giving them a chance. A cautious chance. As I explained to Glyn, it is important to be cautious with any Wolf you don’t know. Whether they be in a pack other than yours or rogue. I’m surprised they didn’t exercise more caution with you.”

Caileana nods in understanding, but frowns at the last part of Eirwyn’s words. “Be that as it may,” she says, “I still feel as though I respect those of Winterden I have met.”

Glyn comes trotting out of the den to the west.

A wolf with a smoky coat comes trotting out of the den to the west.

====> A wolf with a smoky coat is an adult female Wolf, with gray fur and golden eyes.

====> A wolf with a smoky coat is the picture of health.

Glyn trots into the clearing from the east.

Eirwyn nods, but she frowns as well. She sits by Caileana. “Very well. They have yet to earn mine. I am glad to have heard your side of this though. Nevarre will be glad for the explanation as well.”

Caileana nods. “I have yet to speak to the Alpha on this matter, but I have no doubt he will wish to speak with me soon.” She looks at Eirwyn, “I appreciate you reacting calmly, however.”

Eirwyn gives a wry smile. “He is aware of the situation. I’m sure we will both wish to speak with you again. And I got my yelling out of the way already. I am glad to have your side.”

A wolf with a smoky coat enters the clearing. She pauses at the edge upon seeing the unfamiliar wolves.

Glyn notices Eirwyn and Caileana and trots over, eyeing each of them curiously. “Good evening, Alpha, Scout.”

Caileana chuckles a little. “As did I,” she admits. She flicks an ear at Glyn’s greeting and smiles at him. “Good evening, Glyn.” She has apparently not noticed the other Wolf.

Eirwyn looks to the two recent arrivals. She nods to them. “Good evening.” She looks to Indra specifically, and motions with her head for her to join them.

A wolf with a smoky coat steps forward hesitantly, glancing between the two unfamiliar Wolves and bowing her head to Eirwyn.

Glyn follows Eirwyn’s signal and finally notices the strange new wolf. He keeps his tail high and posture unaggressive, but looks to Eirwyn for reassurance.

Caileana follows Eirwyn’s gesture with her eyes, and frowns when she sees a Wolf she does not recognize. She tilts her head, scrutinizing her, and then looks back at Eirwyn questioningly.

Eirwyn observes the other Wolves. She inhales deeply, looking calm enough. She looks to each Wolf as she says his or her name, “Glyn, Caileana, this is your fellow packmate.” She then looks to Indra, giving a small nod.

A wolf with a smoky coat’s eyes settle on Caileana, especially her scar. A look of shock crosses her face, and she says nothing, perhaps too taken aback to introduce herself.

Glyn nods his head politely to the new wolf. “Well met, friend. I’m Glyn, a tenderfoot of Ulfden.”

Caileana eyes her suspiciously, narrowing her eyes a bit. She nods politely to her, but says nothing, glancing back to Eirwyn as though awaiting an explanation.

Eirwyn explains, “She arrived shortly after you left for the festival, but before Nevarre joined you.” She looks to Indra. “Shall I introduce you, or would you care to introduce yourself?”

A wolf with a smoky coat takes another step foreward. “My name is Indra.” Her eyes continue to stay on the young she-Wolf. “My mate was called Cailean.”

Glyn blinks and takes a step backward. He glances over at Caileana, searching her face.

Caileana steps back and /stares/. She shakes her head, her breathing getting heavier. “M – mum?” she sputters.

Eirwyn gets to her paws, but remains in her place, standing almost protectively by Caileana. She gives a small nod, but allows Indra to speak.

A wolf with a smoky coat says, “If you can bring yourself to call me that after what I did to you.”

Glyn stands stock still and just listens, his gaze flicking between Indra and Caileana.

Caileana shakes her head again, obviously in shock. She gapes, then shifts her gaze to Eirwyn. Her eyes are uncertain, hurt, shocked. They seem to beg Eirwyn fro an explanation.

Eirwyn looks to Caileana. “She explained her reasons for being gone. If you want, I will let her tell you herself. Nevarre and I did not find a reason to doubt her. She was a respected member of the pack before she left. Her story holds, and she convinced us of her sincerity, so we have allowed her to come back and to see you, if you want to see her.”

Indra lowers her head to the ground, eyes closing.

Glyn asks tentatively, “… are you alright, Cail?”

Caileana swallows and does not speak for a long moment. She stares at her mother, studying her, her eyes glinting with so many emotions they cannot be read. After a bit, she lets out a long breath and the emotions vanish from her eyes as if curtained off. She nods to Eirwyn. “I will speak to her Alpha,” her tone is neutral. She glances at Glyn and shakes her head slightly, allowing him to see for a moment how shocked she is before turning back to Indra expressionless.

Eirwyn observes Caileana closely. Her voice is calm and gentle, “Caileana, I want you to know. My priority remains with you. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Would you like the opportunity to speak with her alone?”

Indra does not try to influence her daughter or her Alpha.

Nevarre comes trotting out of the den to the west.

Glyn stands and waits for Caileana’s answer.

Caileana looks clearly overwhelmed, especially with all that has happened recently. She takes a deep breath.

Nevarre stands in the darkness of the cave, watching silently

Caileana looks to Eirwyn, “I…I would like an explanation, Alpha, if nothing else.”

Eirwyn stands close to Caileana, remaining almost protective. She nods. “You are entitled to it.”

Glyn’s gaze shifts to Indra, measuring.

Indra asks, “Here?”

Caileana nods to Eirwyn, her expression grateful. She turns to Indra. “Not here. I would prefer it if we spoke alone,” she glances at Eirwyn for her approval.

Glyn frowns, but nods to Caileana and moves closer to Eirwyn.

Glyn mumbles “You’ll be careful, right?”, to Caileana.

Glyn mumbles “You’ll … careful, right?”, to Caileana.

Eirwyn nods once more. “If that is what you wish, you may. Howl if you need us.”

Caileana nods again, once to Eirwyn in confirmation, and once to Glyn. She nuzzles his shoulder reassuringly and beckons her mother to follow, padding out of the Clearing.

In Lantern Waste

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Lantern Waste is a dense and varied woodland. It consists predominantly of oak and white pine trees, with a variety of other groves growing here and there. Down here the undergrowth is quite thick, making it rather hard to see any distinct paths leading in any particular direction. Above you, the blue sky and bright sunlight are barely visible through the thick canopy of leaves overhead.

There are wolf tracks here leading north.

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You see no obvious way out.

Caileana stops only a short way from the den, and turns to face Indra, her face expressionless.

Indra pads after Caileana, her manner unthreatening and even ashamed.

Caileana sighs, looking lost for words. She looks at Indra, studying her.

Indra says, “Your father was the love of my life. When you were born, I became depressed, strangely apathetic. It was not long after that I lost Cailean. For the first time since your birth, I felt something besides only my own sadness. It was a rage. I vowed to revenge him. My mind was fevered. I did not see what I was doing to my pack, or to my daughter.”

Caileana waits silently for her to continue. She sits.

Indra says, “I wandered the Moors about two months. In that time I had begun to see my folly and to think of returning to the pack, but I did not feel I could honorably return without something to show for my absence. It was during that time that I let my guard fall and I was attacked by the Werewolf. I killed it, but it was a battle I barely survived.”

Caileana flinches a bit at this last part, but otherwise her expression is empty.

Caileana continues to wait silently.

Indra says, “The Werewolf broke several of my ribs, and there was poison in his claws. In order to keep from being detected again, I tried to hide and heal myself. But it was not very long before I became aware that I could not. I rid myself of the poison, but my ribs made it difficult to move or hunt. After a long time of being lost, searching for the way back into Narnia and a healer, I finally stumbled into Barfield. The healer there was kind, if not very skilled. In my state, it took her many months to heal me, and when she had, she convinced me that I had to stay in order to regain my strength and be worthwhile to you and my pack.”

Caileana remains silent, though it is obvious from her ears that she is listening intently.

Indra says, “When I had finished that, I did head toward home, but I waited about a month in order to be sure I was not followed. My months of hiding in the Moors kept me afraid of anyone watching for me, and I would not hurt my pack. Finally, I felt confident enough that I had not been followed to come home. You, of course, were gone, to the festival.”

Caileana nods, taking this all in. She rubs a paw at her eyes, once more looking overwhelmed. “All this time, I thought you were dead,” she says finally.

Indra says, “I treated you wrongly.”

Caileana addss quietly, “Only in the last week have I allowed myself to consider that you may still be alive, that you simply /left/ me.” Her voice cracks on the word. “But even then I did not believe it to be possible.”

Indra says, “Caileana, there is no excuse for my abandonment of you.”

Caileana looks her in the eye, finding her anger. “Do you even know what it did to me to lose /both/ my parents in so short a time?” She nearly yells it, her lip curling in a snarl.

Indra says, “I can know only of my own pain, and what of yours you reveal to me. What I imagine of it is unthinkable.”

Caileana snorts and growls out, “It nearly destroyed me, Mother. You were my whole world, the both of you. And everything – /everything/ I have done since then has been to honor your memories – everything I dedicated myself to, everything I strove to become, everything I valued. If it weren’t for the Great Lion himself, I would be /dead/ now.” She barks the word. “I would have given up and succumbed to all the hopelessness and loss in this world, without a reason to go on because YOU WEREN’T THERE.”

Indra says, “I cannot make up those years to you, Caileana.”

Caileana looks at her with a hint of disgust. “No, Mother. That you cannot.”

Indra says, “If you ask me to, I will tell Alpha Nevarre and Alpha Eirwyn that I cannot be part of the Ulfden pack.”

Caileana falls silent, looking a bit surprised. “You would do that?”

Indra says, “I have forfeited any place I earned here by my selfishness.”

Caileana considers this. “No, Mother. I would deny no Wolf a pack who seeks one, no matter the mistakes they have made. Neither would I push you from the pack that has meant so much to all of us.”

Indra lowers her snout to the ground. “That is mercy, and perhaps more than I deserve.”

Caileana looks at her without expression. “Far be it from me to deny mercy to any creature of Aslan’s.”

Indra cringes a little at the rebuke. “You have grown both strong and wise in my absence, as the Alphas assured me.”

Caileana looks at her a moment, her eyes vaguely sad. “You have been gone long,” she says.

Indra says, “It has been long for me, too.”

You say, “So I see.”

Indra’s own eyes grow sadder than their general unhappy cast. “I am sorry, Caileana.”

Caileana clearly doesn’t know how to respond to this. “I’m sure you are. But Aslan forgive me, I don’t know if I can forgive you for it.” Her eyes take on their overwhelmed cast once again, and she looks tired.

Indra cringes again. “I do not deserve forgiveness, and do not ask it, especially now, when I am no one to you. That is why I would leave Ulfden for you. A pack should be able to trust one another.”

Caileana says, “This is so. But I will not ask it of you.” She sighs. “There are many who come to Ulfden who must earn trust as packmates, and I would not deny you the same right, particularly if the Alphas have accepted you back. But I -” she shakes her head vigorously. “I cannot face all this now. There has been too much that has occured in the last few days. I would ask that we speak of this again another time.”

Indra inclines her head. “Of course.”

You say, “I will take you back to the den.”

Ulfden Clearing

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You stand in the midst of a clearing in the woods. Tall trees surround you on

all sides, with a wooded hill looming over you to the west. Little sunlight

streams through the foliage of the trees above. Rocks jut from the ground and

hill, giving the clearing a wilder look. Jutting out of the wooded hill to the

west is a rocky overhang casting a slight shadow around the entrance to what

seems like a cave. A scraggily wolf pads back and forth before the entrance,

glancing your way.

The clearing ends in a rock path leading through scattered trees to the east.

A small cave entrance dwells underneath the overhang to the west.

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You can go: In the Cave <W>, East <E>

Contents:

A wolf yearling with emerald eyes (Glyn)

Glyn appears to be watching the path into the clearing carefully, on alert.

Caileana comes padding into the Clearing, her steps weary, and Indra not far behind.

Indra follows behind her daughter deferentially.

Glyn immediately gets to his feet and watches both wolves carefully before approaching Caileana. “Are you alright?”

Indra gives them some berth to speak, making her way to the den. She, too, looks weary.

Caileana starts to nod as if automatically, but the nod quickly turns into a shake. She drops onto the ground in a similarly exhausted fashion to a recent night.

Indra trots west. Beo gives Indra a slight nod and a gentle growl, allowing Indra to pass into the cave.

Glyn frowns and moves to stand over Caileana, watching after Indra as she enters the den.

Caileana practically moans, “Glyn…”

Glyn crouches down to sniff at Caileana with concern. “What’s wrong? Did she hurt you?”

Caileana shakes and sniffs as she tries to hold back huge tears. She wiggles her head to and fro, “No… Glyn, she’s /alive./” She sobs.

Glyn remains silent for a long moment before padding about to lie down alongside Caileana. “How do you feel about that?” he asks at last.

Caileana buries her face in his shoulder and sobs some more. “I – can’t – deal – with this on top of everything else right now.” Her voice is a little muffled from her muzzle being pushed into his fur.

Glyn rests his muzzle lightly and comfortingly on top of her head. “It’s a lot to take in.”

Caileana simply nods her head into his fur. She hiccups slightly.

Glyn glances over at Beo briefly before speaking to Caileana more softly.

Glyn mumbles “Did you want to move somewhere more private to speak of this?”, to Caileana.

Glyn mumbles “… … … … move … … private … speak of …”, to Caileana.

Caileana simply looks miserable. “I don’t care.”

Glyn lets Caileana breathe. “You may not know how to feel, but you’re lucky to have her back. I can’t see my mother ever again.”

Caileana sniffs, her eyes bloodshot. “Not helpful, Glyn.”

Glyn sighs and lays his head on the ground. “I wish I knew how to help.”

Caileana returns her head to its position on his shoulder, although not quite as buried this time. “I don’t think there’s anything you can do,” she whispers, a huge tear rolling into her fur.

Glyn says, “What did she say to you? You don’t have to tell me…”

Caileana says, “She said she wasn’t thinking straight when she left, wasn’t thinking of anything but my father. And she got attacked by a werewolf, and – and it’s taken her this long to recover and get back. She said she’d leave Ulfden if I asked her to,” she continues to cry, a little softer now.

Glyn asks, “Why are you crying, Cail? How did she hurt you by coming back?”

Caileana is a little hysterical. “I don’t know – I thought she was dead, thought maybe she hadn’t chosen to left me, hadn’t abandoned me. But she’s not and she did leave of her own choice, left me in her dust like some worthless dog, and, and, all this just after Drune and my argument with Virika and the Alphas are upset with me, and I’ve disappointed everyone, and…” she dissolves into tears

Glyn frowns deeply. “Cail, the pack cares about you. Deeply. Do you understand that? You are a Scout of Ulfden, and the pack looks out for its own.”

Caileana mumbles, “I know…” around her tears. “I just feel like everything is a mess right now.” She certainly looks a mess, her fur damp and matted and eyes red.

Glyn rests his muzzle lightly on Caileana’s head again, and lets her cry if she needs to.

Glyn says, “You don’t need to see her until you want to.”

Caileana does so, for quite some time, before her tears begin to finally slow and her breathing starts to regulate. She nods and sniffs, rubbing a paw at her face.

Glyn says, “There are several people I’m sure you want to talk to, about all of these things, but I’m sure that everyone would understand if you took a few days for yourself first. You’ve been through a lot.”

Caileana nods again, looking a little miserable still, but most definitely more in control of herself. “I’m sorry, Glyn,” she mumbles. “I don’t mean to be so emotional. It’s all just so overwhelming.” She sniffles.

Glyn agrees, “It’s been an overwhelming week. You’ve nothing to apologise for.” He tilts his head. “You said the Alphas were mad with you? What happened?”

Caileana frowns a little. “I don’t know – they might not be mad at me, but they’re definitely upset. I said some dumb things to Virika,” she admits.

Glyn says quietly, “Virika did feel very worried for you–and hurt–after you spoke.”

Caileana mumbles a little, “So did I.”

Glyn says, “I’m sure… I wanted to talk to you about that, but I don’t think now is the time.”

Caileana hefts her muzzle to peer at him. “Oh?” she asks.

Glyn frowns for a while before speaking. “Virika spoke to me after we got back to the Waste. She wanted to make sure I understood what she was worried about, in case these events came to affect me later. She knows perfectly well what close friends we are.”

Caileana nods. “It’s not exactly a secret. But I’m glad she talked to you about it, that way I don’t feel like I told you anything when she didn’t want me to.”

Glyn nods and continues, “I don’t know exactly what she said to you, but her advice to me caused me to reconsider a few things. Cail, what do you know about Zayev and Drune?”

Caileana sighs a little, bracing herself for /another/ lecture. “Zayev was a tenderfoot just before I started my training. /Faol’s/ tenderfoot. He brought his complaints about the working of the pack to Nevarre and left shortly after Faol did. Drune was a packmember back in the days of Ryalt. He got himself kidnapped by werewolves and he led them straight the den when he escaped. Ryalt then banished him from the Waste on punishment of death, which has since been lightened by Nevarre. But his presence in the Waste is still discouraged.”

Glyn nods and sighs. “I’m not here to lecture you, Cail. I’m not qualified. I didn’t even know that much about them until Virika spoke to me. What I did learn last night is that there is far more to Winterden than the noble words Zayev’s been using these past months, and that we all have good reason to be cautious, even if we do want there to be a truce.”

Caileana says, “I know that Winterden does not have the greatest history, Glyn. But neither did Ulfden. Who are we to judge them? I truly believe that the words Zayev speaks he holds as true, and will fight and die to fulfill.”

Glyn frowns. “And why do you believe that?”

Glyn asks, “What has he done to prove that, beyond the words he says?”

Caileana frowns at him. “I knew him when we were both tenderfeet, Glyn. I have seen the work he has done in reforming Drune into his Hunter from the Wolf Eirwyn told me of. And when Virika would have jumped to conclusions about something neither Drune nor I had really meant anything by, he told us to not rush things and be cautious in a /calm/ manner. I see in him the traits of a leader, even if I do not approve of the methods he has taken to become such a leader.”

Glyn nods and replies calmly, “That’s the only thing Virika has counselled me to do as well. Not to judge Zayev or Drune, but to be cautious and see them prove what their intentions are before trusting them too much.”

Caileana says, “I understand the need for caution, I do. But I feel as though Zayev and Drune have already earned my respect. Perhaps I give it too freely, but that is what I think.”

Glyn says, “You should make up your own mind and not rely on the judgment of others. But I do think the Alphas and Hunters have sober judgment, and I don’t want to discard it too quickly. For instance, did you notice that the Ulfden Alphas have never spoken of an alliance? Only Zayev has used that word. He only came to discuss a truce, but the pack is convinced that it’s an alliance we’re discussing, because Zayev has said so over and over. And what kind of alliance does he mean? Are they going to defend the Waste with us when they have the woods to defend?”

Caileana sighs. “Eirwyn spoke to me of this earlier. I did not think of it, because I do consider them my allies. And perhaps Zayev has done so as well, viewing us with far less suspicion than we view him, as allies under the Great Lion. Regardless, it is a matter to watch, but not one to start a war over.”

Glyn splays his ears. “I don’t like talking to you about this, because you know far more about it than I do and it’s not my place to advise you. I just don’t want you to get hurt. I also… don’t want to lose you.”

Caileana turns at this last bit, her eyes softening. She nuzzles his shoulder gently. “Glyn, I already told you. And Virika. And Alpha Eirwyn. I’m not going anywhere. Just because I have a different opinion than the Alphas and our Hunters only means that I have my own opinions on the matter, not that I’m about to defect. I’m not that kind of Wolf. My place is here.”

Glyn regards Caileana carefully, and nods. He appears pensive, but ultimately nuzzles her shoulder in return.

Glyn casts an anxious eye toward Beo.

Caileana glares at him a little. “Seriously,” she pouts. “It’s not like I’m going to turn into some Winterden-following monster just because I looked at one of their Hunters! It probably won’t even amount to anything anyways,” she mutters

Glyn shakes his head vigorously. “I don’t think anything like that, Cail. But the situation between Ulfden and Winterden is complicated, and might blow up in all of our faces. I honestly don’t know what could happen.”

Caileana grins a little as Glyn shakes his head. “Well, that’s a good thing,” she says. “And I know the situation is delicate – but we’re all making an effort. I don’t think its as volatile as you all seem to think.”

Glyn returns a small grin. “Well, I certainly hope you’re right.”

Caileana gives a giant yawn. “Enough politics for one night,” she says, rising.

Glyn finds himself yawning too. “That’s definitely right. I should get rest tonight if I’m going to–oh! I didn’t tell you my good news! Nevarre says that Virika and I can start sparring now!”

Caileana grins, her tail wagging a little. “That’s great, Glyn! You’ll be a Scout before you know it.” She winks before her expression sobers. “And, Glyn? Thanks for listening.”

Glyn smiles and dips his head. “You’re welcome. Thanks for trusting me.”

Caileana smiles tiredly but sincerely. “Of course.”

Glyn pads towards the den. “Let’s both go get some rest.”