Turtleback Lake but the beating of our hearts

He nipped at her ear affectionately, a soft smile tugging at his pale features. You’ll do just fine, he hummed as he leaned back to observe her through narrowed brows. While it had been quite some time since the blue-eyed sparrow had used her skills Lachesis did not doubt that she would be able to recall them when necessary. She was the perfect candidate to organize training sessions and scuffles between members. Lachesis had only fought once—maybe twice—in his life. The scuffle between the dark she-wolf being one of them, as well as defending his title from Kjors. He was generally a peaceful wolf, using words and diplomacy to get his point across. Tooth and claw was never his weapon of choice—not if he could help it.

You can count on it, he laughed, his chin tipped to the side. He knew it was necessary for him to tighten up his fighting skills, especially when it came to non-canine enemies. Unfortunately the river wolves had a bad history with felines.

I did speak to Anastasia, he murmured, his peridots searching her tawny features as he spoke, and she expressed that she was interested in pursuing the role of Advisor. He trusted her just as much as his mate, for they had years of history together. He’d always trusted her opinion, especially in the past when he was nothing but a frail, nervous little boy. She was more thoughtful than he was; cautious and methodical. Always wanting to hear both sides, which was perfect for the role.

'cause darling you're nothing but brave

She smiled back at him. Ah just ‘ope th’pack doesn’t react badly ta it. The suggestion of learning to fight, she realized might not go over well. It went particularly hand in hand with the death of Kisla and so many other tragedies that had been afflicted upon the pack in the past… but they were vital skills to making sure the pack stayed together and could protect their territory. Besides, she had Lachesis backing her up – both leaders… if someone didn’t like it, they could bring it up with her in private. Cats, she promised, were going to go to hell.

Her head softly tilted to the side when he mentioned speaking to Anastasia. She still had yet to formally meet the woman, though she wouldn’t say she was the only one avoiding that conversation. She knew she needed to make more of an effort… but she couldn’t help the irrational paranoia that she felt. Ah’ve afraid ah’ve never been able ta ‘ave a proper conversation with ‘er… m’sure she’d make a fine advisor though… She had faith that her mate knew Anastasia would be a good fit, and that was why he was bringing it up to her, and she trusted him and his judgement.

There might be a few, he mused aloud, the corners of his mouth tightening, but I wouldn’t worry. Nothing we can’t handle. He could see the cubs being opposed to the idea—especially his ivory-furred daughter, who was just as cautious as he was. Even Anastasia, as she was the most docile of the river wolves. But she had always been that way. Always more diplomatic; using words to smooth things over rather than tooth and claw. The rest, however, Lachesis didn’t worry about. If they wanted to participate they could, and if they did not Lachesis would not force them to. While he and his mate were becoming stricter since the move they also did not want to become dictators. Do as I say, no questions asked. That wasn’t Lachesis, no matter how stern he became. He was still a big ol’ softie.

His ears cupped in the direction of his mate as she confessed that she had not gotten the chance to have a proper conversation with the blue-eyed dove. You’ll like her, he commented, his features smooth as he turned to her. She reminds me of Kisla and Maksim rolled into one. A little softer than the late Baranski’s, but just as loyal and thoughtful. Anastasia was far more suited for the role of Advisor than she had been for the role of teacher. It would work well with her personality and help her boost her confidence, as it had diminished in her absence from Hearthwood.

'cause darling you're nothing but brave

His support assured her, smiling softly at him. She hoped, of course, they’d never have to use those skills, especially on other wolves but also at all, but she wanted everyone to be prepared just in case, and she knew a large part of that was her past experience with violence… the long laundry list of it. She trusted how well he knew both herself and the blue eyed dove, so when he said that he’d like her, she believed him. The idea of the pair who had led the River rolled into one made her smile… she’d never met Maksim, but she had heard so much about him. She leaned into him slightly. We’re ‘ome. She commented softly.

-Fade-