Bramblepoint cranky curmudgeon

Rannoch accepted Cypress’ fealty with a mixture of what the eidolon perceived to be relief and gratitude. There were heavier forces driving the secondborn Frostfur now, and these forces would breed higher levels of stress hormone in Rannoch — and perhaps in Rian — for the rest of their lives. Easing that stress was where Cypress found his purpose, and his tail thumped heartily at the return of his old nickname — his true nickname. Although the argent prince stiffened at mention of Rian, Cypress did not make any move to backpedal on his words. It was obvious to all three of them that the true clash for leadership would be between Rian and Rannoch. It was also obvious, maybe moreso to Cypress than the two contenders, that they would find a way to work it out while keeping their family unit intact.

“Fair enough,” the raven replied to his brother’s plan, bobbing his head agreeably. He was just happy they were leaving the brambles and briars behind — hopefully far behind. “Let’s hope our next spot has less thorns,” he quipped. He returned to the subject at hand with a hefty sigh. “I just don’t want these new wolves to get to be more important to you and Rian than I am,” he confessed, betraying his deepest insecurity. “I don’t have whatever you guys’ve got — unless I’m around them.” He blew out a shaky breath. “Please tell me,” he joked weakly, “you’re in the market for friends, not brothers.”