@Ezekiel
Steady was feeling only slightly better after his talks with Krypton and Niita, but it was something. He still had others to face after the pack meeting, and he wasn't sure how they would respond, but he held some form of confidence that maybe not everyone would abandon him because of what he felt he had to do.
With two of the most prominent wolves in his pack taken care of, Steady howled for Ezekiel. He knew their friendship had been a little rocky, but Steady did respect the other male, and now it was time to see if he would stick around. The hard life wasn't for everyone, Steady would be the first to admit that. But, when it came down to it, he understood that not everyone might see things like he did, and that was okay. There would be no hard feelings over it, regardless of who stayed or left.
Ezekiel heard the howl from his patrol, it was specifically for him. Punishment? Or just a talk? Or a mission! No that was silly, that was the Bluff he was thinking of, this pack didn't have missions. Whatever it was for, his alpha was calling, so he obeyed, dropping his patrol duty and heading towards the source of the howl. He soon found the large black wolf, waiting for him in a clearing. Zeke gave his friend a quick nod of respect then went to sit in front of him on a patch of browned moss. Sure it was brown and dry, but it was moss all the same. A good sign for Teekon Wilds.
Hey Steady! What did you call me for?
He asked, looking up at the alpha with his large icy eyes.
Ezekiel arrived, and Steady returned his nod, though, it didn't feel as friendly as before. He was quiet as the other male sat down in front of him, and asked why Steady had called him here. The moment seemed formal to the Alpha, not at all what he wanted, but he supposed he would take it. Ezekiel seemed eager to get down to business, and Steady wouldn't disappoint.
I made the decisions I did at the pack meeting, and I wanted to know if your loyalty is still the same, he said, his tone matter-of-fact. While he wouldn't hold any hard feelings if anyone left him, he wanted to know sooner rather than later.
Ezekiel was glad that Steady got what he wanted to say out fast. He wasn't one for long pleasantries, he preferred to get things done before the goofing off started. Steady's question was very considerate of him, back at the Bluff decisions were made and going against them was a death wish. Ezekiel liked the freedom's that this pack gave him. He sighed, the sad day of the meeting still haunted him. Worry for the pups that had ran away and sadness that it seemed the entire Silvertip family had been thrown off balance. He didn't know them all to well, but he could tell that it pained Steady to see it all going to hell.
Steady. You made a hard decision, but you thought you made the right one. The pups running away wasn't your fault, you were just trying to help them. Anyone here who can't see that doesn't know what real leadership is. I'm sure we can find them, but if not, it will be alright. You are a great leader because you do what's best for all of us, not what you think you should do to get ahead. I'm with you to the end of the line man.
He offered Steady a genuine smile, hoping his explanation offered his friend some comfort. What he said was truly how he felt.
Omg sorry for the quote I couldn't resist xD
He listened as Ezekiel spoke, not condemning him for his decision, but understanding why he had to do it. Steady, and the others, had lost so many wolves, and he was at his wits end. He felt so helpless that they couldn't seem to gather enough food to feed everyone, and the ones who seen it the most had given their own portions to others. Steady had felt so weak, so lost on how to help. But, a weak man knew the value of strength, the value of power. Steady had used his power to order his pack mates to eat, knowing under different circumstances they would have never done it.
He let out a heavy breath, the tension leaving his body as his friend pledged his loyalty until the end. It awe Steady how he had gotten so lucky to have such good wolves on his team. It was not something he would take for granted. Thank you, friend. I hope I'm as good a leader as you are loyal, he said, returning a smile.
With that settled, Steady was curious how the others were doing. Have you spoken with anyone else? Krypton and Niita are good. What about Makui, Reiko, or Anita? he asked. Chaska was still recovering from his injuries and hadn't attended the meeting, though he sent a howl. Steady didn't even know if anyone had told him what went on. Phocion had been absent lately, and Steady wasn't sure why.
Steady seemed relieved that he had Ezekiel on his side, and Zeke was glad to be there. He trusted Steady, and knew that he was making the right decision by sticking with him. He beamed at the compliment and replied, Im sure you will be pal.
He said, forgetting for a moment that he didn't like contact and nudging his friendly playfully. Then they were done with the serious chat, Zeke had pledged his loyalty and what not and they were out of the little funk they had been in.
The alpha asked about the other pack members, Reiko, Makui, and Anita. Zeke sighed, he had lots to say. Reiko's very nice, I'm glad you let her join us. Makui, I still haven't formally met him, but I went on a hunt with him Phocion and Anita. Anita and I don't get along too well.
He'd leave it at that for now. He didn't want to be labeled as the pack tattle tale, but he desperately wanted to tell Steady how much he truly hated the recruit.
With his fear of Ezekiel leaving now dissipated, they moved on to talk of the others. Steady looked a little surprised that Ezekiel admitted that he and Anita didn't get along. His ears perked, his head cocking to one side. He thought Ezekiel's abrasiveness was wearing off a little since he had joined, but possibly not. Then again, there was always the possibility that it was Ezekiel who had the problem.
Why don't you two get along? he asked. He liked knowing what was going on his pack, as letting things fester too long could be cause for disaster. Generally, he felt it better to get things out into the open and settled before anything turned bad. A slight disagreement between the two could easily be mended, but if they let the anger go on instead of dealing with it, who knew how bad it could get? All Steady knew was that prey had to return soon, and any discord needed to be settled if they were going to work together.
Steady had indeed asked the question of why Ezekiel and Anita didn't get along well. Well now he was sort of required to tell. Damn. He thought as if he wasn't glad to share. Zeke sighed, preparing to explain. Well when we first met, she challenged my authority a bit, and stepped on my paw on purpose. And now she seeks me out just to mock me and torment me. Like the other day Reiko and I were going to hunt together, and Anita came in antagonizing me and forcing herself upon our group. I don't want to get her demoted or anything bad, but I would appreciate if she showed a bit more respect.
That felt good. He liked to keep his emotions to himself, but venting did feel good. Steady seemed a bit of a mediator himself, perhaps he could help deal with the issue.
Steady's ears were perked as Ezekiel spoke. Steady's instincts told him to react quickly, but he held them back until Ezekiel was finished speaking, hoping to find some redeeming quality about Anita that wouldn't make him want to stalk after her right now and chase her from the pack lands. They were a family pack, yes, but Steady did not tolerate insubordination in any way, shape, or form. He understood Ezekiel's hesitation about her punishment, but he knew if he let this go, Anita could get worse.
The fact that she actively sought him out to harass him made Steady's blood boil. Happening upon him and being rude was one thing. But, Ezekiel was her superior, and to go to great lengths to disrespect him showed just what kind of wolf Anita was.
In the end, Steady did his best to keep his anger in check, but knew his face would have showed some of it, at least. I'll have a talk with her, he said. But, there was another issue at hand here, maybe one Ezekiel didn't realize. Steady broached the subject cautiously. I'm not sure how high you intend to go in this pack, or any pack, he said. But, if you want to keep your current position, and teach others how to respect that position, you'll have to put them in their place sometimes. His voice was soft as he spoke, a little matter-of-fact. While Steady would uphold the positions he placed his pack mates in, they would need to show that they wanted to be in that spot, too. To lighten the subject, he added with a smile, This is where the asshole part of your personality comes in. He knew Ezekiel didn't quite like that aspect about himself, but Steady also knew he could use it to his advantage sometimes.
Ezekiel could tell that Steady didn't like what he'd been told. The dark wolf was a stickler for dominance and ranks of all things. He knew that Steady wouldn't let this slide so easily. Zeke's suspicions were confirmed when Steady said he'd have a talk with her. The large male was beginning to feel bad. He really disliked being around Anita, but that didn't mean he wanted her punished. Of course it would be nice to see her cleaning out his den or something, he hoped Steady wouldn't be too harsh on her. It wasn't her fault that they had such conflicting personalities.
Then Steady brought up a different point. And he was right. Zeke would have to stick up for himself more if he planned to get higher in the pack's rankings. He had been scared so far to be too assertive, not wanting to upset but also not wanting to upset the soldier inside of him. He'd already let some of it through, but back at the Bluff, ranking was everything. He had really hoped he could change that aspect of his life, become a more go with the flow kind of guy. But Steady was right, sometimes being abrasive was a good thing.
Ezekiel might not like Asshole Zeke, but Asshole Zeke was part of him that he couldn't hide even in this new pack. He smiled and nodded, respecting Steady's advice. Yes sir, I'll make sure to be a bigger asshole if that's what you want.
He joked, chuckling a bit at his own comment. He then stopped, a smile still faint but his face more serious. I'm kidding, but yes I understand. I guess I've just been kind of scared that I'll seem too rough with everyone if I'm too assertive, but I know I have to be that way sometime. Thanks for the advice.
He chuckled, glad that Ezekiel had taken his joke so well, but turned serious once again when his friend admitted that he was apprehensive about being too assertive. Steady could certainly understand that. I think many wolves go through that, including myself. To be completely honest with you, I had no aspirations of becoming Alpha of his pack- it was my brother's, after all, and Mason was next in line, he explained, hoping his pack mate wouldn't think less of him for admitting that. I was content to be their follower, to help them rise and succeed. It was through necessity that I took on leadership, and it's quite an adjustment. I've never had to decide whether or not someone needs a punishment...he trailed off, thinking of Anita for a moment and what he should do there.
He took a deep breath, coming back to the present and Ezekiel. You just have to find the right balance for you. Maybe you only need to voice to them that they need to cease their actions, maybe you need to physically reprimand them, it will all depend on the situation. He hoped that helped Ezekiel with his confidence a little. You're welcome to come to me with any questions, he offered. Maybe in the future he wouldn't take on the problems of his pack mates, and instead try to guide them to their own answers. This one, however, would be one he dealt with.
Steady seemed to understand what he meant, and his words were encouraging. He was right, again. Ezekiel would have to find his own way of being assertive. The darker wolf got into a bit of his own history, something Zeke would ask him about later. He was interested in learning more about what went on before he arrived, but he didn't want it to be too soon.
You're welcome to come to me with any questions. He nodded, if he had any questions Steady would be the first wolf he'd talk to.
Ezekiel felt it was probably time to make his way back to his patrol. The borders weren't gonna be safe by themselves!
Well, I think I'm gonna get back to my patrol. Thank you for coming to me.
He nodded to Steady then stood, preparing to leave.
Last from me! Omg stalking the Steady and Anita thread I'm dying xD
XD
Their conversation over, Steady nodded when Ezekiel made to leave.
Anytime, he said, hoping Ezekiel knew he meant that. The Alpha would take his own leave next, figuring he would head in the opposite direction as his friend to patrol the borders on the other side of the territory.