Seth felt his throat tighten. He nodded in understanding, unable to get any words out. After swallowing several times he spoke with an unstable voice.
"I see. She loved her pack very much. She loved you even more. Any doubt about that should be gone by now, if it ever existed."
He bowed his head for a moment out of respect for the dead she-wolf.
"Don't blame yourself for it, Azure. No amount of argument could've gotten Zanix out of the camp while you were still trapped. She would've died beside you sooner than abandon you, that's just who she was. I'm guessing she knew when she helped you that her survival was unlikely. But she trusted it would work out, and that you would care well for her pack. You and your pack are welcome to stay here until you find another place to live or until your forest recovers enough for you to return home. As much as I would like to be able to say you and your wolves can relax and we'll care for all of you, I cannot. Any of your wolves who are able to should hunt as well as mine. As much as I believe in my pack, I don't think they can support themselves and your pack, and I wouldn't ask them to,"
Seth explained, hoping Azure wouldn't take it as hostility.
"Malaban, I'd like you to take some of the strongest hunters from both packs out and hunt. We'll feast tonight in celebration of Zanix's life, and in her memory. I would also like to venture into the mountains and inform Jaro of what has happened. He can be a bit... Isolated at times, in his choice of territory."
Turning to Azure, the Alpha added,
"If you wish to come, I will be glad to have you at my side. If you would rather stay here with your pack, I completely understand, and I will send your regards with me to Jaro."
10-Dec-2014 00:49:22