Sex: FemaleNina was so glad that she had gained a student who listened to her words and processed the information that she was giving out with patience. Those were the ones that Nina knew would make adequate healers. Aideen seemed to hang onto her every word and Nina was glad that she was so attentive. It made her feel much better in the situation that she was currently in. With Koda's presence still looming heavily over her head, the mother's stress level had rocketed. She didn't even find joy in waking up in the morning and would often seek out Mirren in order to avoid confrontation with anyone else within the pack. She had certainly become much more withdrawn, and she felt even worse about it now that when she realized that her pack definitely did need her. The fact that Hollow was still here calmed her nerves though and she would also go to him for comfort. A comfort that he only seemed to be able to provide.
She should have kept this in mind all along, but something in her mind had always been pulling her back. She tried to ignore it, but every once and awhile, a certain darkness would creep back into her mind. Her wandering mind was brought back into focus when Aideen spoke once again, and a light, happy smile crossed her features, ”Exactly, because when we panic, we freeze up, and if we freeze up, then we can not save lives, which is what our duty is.” The thought brought her mind back to the past with Koda, a faraway look in her single eye as she remembered the times that they would care for one another and how much he had appreciated what she had done for a living. They had acquired a certain understanding, which had eventually turned to love. When love had become such a faraway thing from her mind, Nina didn't know, but every once and awhile she would look back upon those times, and she would miss them quite heavily.
Nina's smile made a similar light brighten up the tri-colored girls face, a tiny string of pride swelling in her chest. She had never spend much time as a student - when she was a pup, her older brother had tried hard to teach her and her littermates about the world, but his penchant for knowledge had never rubbed off on his younger half-siblings - now though, the otherwise so flighty lass found herself enthralled by every word falling from her teacher's maw. This was a subject she burned so deeply to master, a calling she had only recently discovered, but that none the less consumed her.
So it delighted her to find, that this wish to learn made her a better apprentice than she had been in other areas. Nina's confirming words made the fiery fae nod, with a bit more enthusiasm than previously, copper eyes glowing with understanding; Our duty..! Oddly enough, the heavy word lifted some weight off Aideen's shoulders, the one eyed leader's teachings having brought some clarity to her distressed mind; to save lives, that was her calling, and she would work as hard as she could to master it.
As they sat there, opposite each other, the fox-like wolfess' tail wagging slightly, a feeling of, almost lazy, calm settled over the clearing, Nina's gaze growing distant. Her mind seemed to be reeling, probably filled with a number of worries of her own; No wonder... As alpha, the golden dame had a huge responsibility on her shoulders, having to juggle with the qualms and well-being of every pack member along with her own; the idea always sort of scared Aideen, she doubted heavily that she could ever manage such a task. But being a healer, that held a lot of the same duties - perhaps that was why Nina managed her position so well - and yet, it felt much more accomplishable than the idea of actually leading a pack.
Dragging her own wandering thoughts back to the present, Aideen noticed her teacher's absent expression and slowly rose to her feet, clearing her throat lightly; Nina obviously had a lot to deal with, she had taken up enough of her time for now. Still smiling, the young woman lowered her head respectfully to her leader; "Thank you Nina," She said in a warm voice, looking up to briefly meet the golden queen's emerald gaze; "This helped me a lot. I hope... That we can continue these lessons another time..?" The was a slight shyness to her convoluted request, but it came along with a steely determination in her eyes; ...To save lives, that is our duty! She would cling to that, forever.
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There had also been a point in time where the only thing that Nina had been afraid of was whether or not there would be enough herbs for winter. But after the incident with Koda...and now Hollow, Nina felt empty inside. She no longer had that spark of empathy or love. The alpha was scared of such an emotion, irked by what it could possibly mean for the future of things. Her thoughts were abruptly cut off by the clearing of Aideen's throat. Embarrassed, the mother's gaze snapped back towards her subordinate, a slight flush overcoming her body. It seemed that often now, Nina would have small bursts where she would lapse out of reality and into the past. Now she once again had to remind herself of who she was and listen to what was being said.
It felt good to know that her teachings were once again needed and wanted. Nina wanted to be able to succeed in helping other, and teaching others her lessons. Her former teacher had been so kind and had helped her through a majority of her life when her mother had not been able to. Now, she was doing just as her former teacher had once down. So without much thought, Nina spoke calmly, her voice projecting easily, ”Of course! And if you ever have a problem or question feel free to let me know. I love to help when I can.” As she said this, she was pleased to know that she had the respect of one wolf in her pack. As her student left, the mother found herself looking towards the ground, her body easily sliding to the earthy ground to take a rest that was well deserved.