After the meeting had concluded, she had ushered Eclypse back into the den and asked Nash to watch her so she might approach the young Vuesain. A soft smile forming her features as she let out a soft bark, breaking into a light canter in order to catch up with him. She had done her best to look after all of the children she had watched grow up, especially after Aleister’s passing… and Leo was no different in this moment.

“Leo, can we talk for a minute?” She had sensed his hesitation and apprehension over the mission she had offered him during the meeting and she hoped she would be able to soothe his worries. She would not have suggested him accompanying her daughter had she not thought the boy perfectly capable. He had grown up into a strong young lad, even if he seemed anxious at the idea of something like diplomacy.

He’d even rather risk an almost fight with the Backwater rather than that…

“I chose you for this assignment with Magg because I fully believe you are capable of it Leo, but I noticed you hesitate at the meeting… what’s on your mind?”

She understood what it took. She understood the turmoil and doubt that could be had in oneself… but she did not wish to see Leo have to make all the same mistakes that she made when she was his age. This would be good for him, of that she had little doubt.

And so when she listened to him confess his fears, she offered a sympathetic smile. “I know.” She stated, a light tone to imply that it was precisely why she had tasked him with it. “It is good to get a wide breadth of experience… even as a guardian, who remains primarily at home.” She assured him softly. “Taking up this diplomatic role will give you a better understanding of what it looks like on the other side, to wolves who approach our borders.” It would expand his intellectual palette.

“And on top of all of that, I know I can trust you to keep Magg safe, to ensure that she stays out of trouble… because you’re loyal, and honest, and you care about this pack just like Nash and I do.” It was his home, through thick and thin…

“It’s okay to be scared… your father was often scared. I am often scared… it’s normal. In fact, it is necessary. Bravery cannot exist in the absence of fear.” One could not exist without the other.

Aquene did not do much on a whim. She thought things through, and the situation in front of her was one that was no different. It would push him outside of his comfort zone, but she argued it would be good for him. Magg could likely handle the trip on her own, but Aquene did not want her to. Instead, she wanted him to get this experience, and for them to push each other. She only hoped they would be open and willing. So far it seemed like they were.

As he asked about his dad, her heart broke a little. There was not a day that went by that Aquene did not ask herself if Aleister would be happy with the choices that she and Nash had made when it came to the fate of the Cove after his passing. She liked to believe her friend would support everything, including this. “Yes, even your father.” She stated with a gentle smile. “He was brave, and he was brave because he was often afraid… but in the face of that fear he found a way to push through, to overcome.” She would explain with a gentler tone about her. This was pivotal, formative.

“I don’t think, Leo. I know you can do this, because you are your father’s son.” And Aleister would be so proud of him.

She had always strived to be a mother to the members of the pack, even if she was not their mother, she sought to fill the role by guiding them as best as she could… in many ways, she had succeeded with them where she had failed with her children. Some of her own had left, Kateri had gone to the Backwater and left there, disappearing from her own child… she thought many a times that she had failed, but then she recalled that no parent could be perfect. She herself had left home even though her father had asked her not to.

As he spoke, she knew that she had done right here at least, giving him the motivating words that he needed in order to push forward with a mission that she knew he was more than capable of completing. A gentle smile found her features as he offered a more confident statement, a promise to her. “I know you won’t.” She would offer in final confirmation of her complete and utter faith in him. “You and Magg are both wonderful, and both of you will represent the Cove well.” She reaffirmed.

Her mother and her uncle had always taught her that it was not enough to mend the physical… that wolves could not just be what they were physically capable of. Their identities, their interactions with others… it all shaped who they were and provided a wholistic health that every Shaman needed to look after and mend. She would offer him a gentle smile as he thanked her, and in that moment she knew she had done them both proud…

In that moment, she allowed herself to wonder if her uncle Lachesis was still alive… he had been older, and she knew the most likely answer… much of her family had likely given way to age.

“I know you will… and I eagerly look forward to you both returning... now go, I am certain you have much to prepare.”