For weeks now had Belle remained silent, healing alone in the confines of her den. Part of her reasoning was the cold (it wouldn't help much in the healing of her shoulder), but the other half was due to fear. Fear feuled by anger, by angst, by reverence. Admittedly, Belle had been less than respectful of Steady's ranking or Valette's stance beside him, but now that he had asserted himself at her own disadvantage, she figured that he deserved proper recognition. Thus, she tilted her head back and called for her alpha, for she had a few things to say.
Steady had been content to allow Mirabelle to remain in her den and heal without a bother from him. He went on about his days, spending his time with
@Keoni and
@Nikai, and growing closer to
@Valette. He had doted upon Keoni a little more than usual, and even included Nikai in his extra attentions, as well, hoping to erase the memory of that day and build a stronger bond of trust with the both of them. He wanted... No, he needed them to realize that his anger would never be towards them, and that he was only trying to protect them.
When Mirabelle's howl rang out, he was a bit surprised. Some might have thought he was allowing her to mooch off the pack while not providing, but he knew her shoulder would take time to heal, and he didn't fault her for that. He figured she wouldn't soon forget about his punishment, and didn't wish to punish her further by not allowing her the time to heal. It certainly wouldn't help the pack any if she didn't.
He veered in the direction of the howl, his long legs trotting through the snow, though some spots were more difficult than others. He approached, a neutral stance, though his tail still naturally curved over his back. It did not wave, as he couldn't really say he was happy to see her. But, she was still a member of this pack, and he did still hope things might smooth over in time. Part of him still hung on to the fact she had taken Keoni, for whatever reason.
You called? he asked, his voice revealing his interest in her reason for bringing him here.
Steady was quick to the call, no real emotion showing through the brute. Though he didn't seem outwardly aggressive, the stillness of his frame acted as a warning to the young Belle. She had to step carefully, make each move only after proper calculation. So, she stood for a moment, breathing in the cold air and adjusting her own stance to one of submission. Her tail was lowered, as were her ears, and her eyes flickered between her Alpha and the ground. Yes
, she said, her voice smooth and leveled, I did. I owe you a proper apology. Whereas I cannot apologize for doing what I had to do to save Keoni's life, I do understand that taking her from your den without calling first was an act of disrespect against you, as her father.
It was obvious that Steady wasn't incredibly keen on meeting her there (or anywhere for that matter) so she tried her best to keep the conversation short. I am incredibly grateful for you allowing me to stay and rest. I know that I haven't really done much in the lst few weeks, but I'll be picking up a few things, now that I've begun to heal.
One last glance into his eyes before she was sitting back on her haunches with her chin lowered and her ears flat. Hopefully, she'd said enough because there was nothing more she could think of to fill the silence.
He listened as she spoke, his features carefully neutral as he thought about what she said. She was adamant that she only had Keoni's well being in mind, and Steady wanted to believe that. But, his version was different from hers. I'm doing my best to see your side of this situation, he said honestly. Though, it's difficult for my view, since all I know is that I left Keoni in my den, and she was alright, and the next time I see her, she's in your den, shaking and vomiting. His voice was even, trying not to get angry at the flashbacks.
He glanced away, taking a deep breath and expelling it as he tried to find some common ground in their situation. Trust was vital between family members, and if he didn't trust Mirabelle, her place in Easthollow would be in question. He turned his gaze back to her. I want to trust you, I do. I gave you a place here exactly because of your medical abilities, and I very much want to believe it was your intent to help Keoni, and what you did was just... in the moment of panic on her behalf. He paused, before continuing. It will take some time, but I do hope in the near future, this can be put past us. He offered no apology for what he had done, but he silently accepted hers.
How is your wound? he asked, speaking of the ones he gave her. She said she had been healing, and he hoped it was healing well. While she was the only one injured now, Keoni and Nikai were reaching the age that they wanted to go off and play, and in his mind he seen them getting into all sorts of things. He would certainly need Mirabelle's knowledge if anything happened to them.
Belle was glad to hear that Steady was open to a bond reforming between the two of them. She smiled and listened carefully to his words — I hope so as well.
— before answering his question of her health, I'm alright. It seems to be healing. How's Keoni?
The child was getting older now, and though she was still just a food mongering imp, she seemed to be growing on ol' Belle. Later, if you and Valette are okay with it, I can stop by your den and do a check-up with all of us there.
Belle didn't want to move too fast, but she hoped she wouldn't be denied her lone request.
Part of him was genuinely glad that she was healing well. A small part. Deep, deep down. Somewhere. While he knew this rift could not openly continue for much longer, as it would begin to affect the others of the pack, Steady wasn't sure he might ever let it all go. Maybe with time, and maybe once Mirabelle had proven herself trustworthy again. His brain and his gut were at war, though for the sake of the pack, his brain would win and he would at least be cordial to Mirabelle.
She seems to be getting better, he replied. He went silent for a moment after her next question, considering it. She was their medic, and that did entail looking after the sick pups. He supposed with at least he or Valette there, her checking on them could be a positive thing. He didn't want Keoni getting sick again, after all. I think that's a good idea. Your medical eye might see something that I don't. Maybe she might take that as a compliment, but to Steady, it was just fact.
I'm glad
, Belle admitted. Although she didn't care for the children of Easthollow, nor did she care much for their wellbeing, Keoni staying alive meant that she stayed alive as well, and therefore Belle planned to devote every ounce of herself into the girl's health. It's why I was brought into the pack, right? I'm always glad to help.
She took a deep breath and exhaled through her mouth, pawed at the ground a bit, then looked back to Steady. I don't want...I don't have any malicious intent, Steady. I want you to know that.
Okay so maybe she was stretching the truth a bit. She didn't want to hurt anyone in Easthollow, since that wouldn't do her very much good in the long run. Wolves outside of the border? Now that was another story. Steady was the alpha though, and Belle knew to choose her words wisely.
He nodded, agreeing with her.
Yes, it was a very big reason why you were accepted. Adeline had gotten hurt by a fox when she was younger, and we had no healer here. The pack needs someone with your knowledge when we get hurt. And they would. There would be hunting mishaps, accidents, scuffles, and so on. He knew healing would be much easier with someone with medical knowledge looking after them.
He looked at her then,
really looked at her, studying her for a moment.
I think I'm beginning to see that you don't. Well, maybe he, too, was stretching the truth, because his gut still told him not to trust her. But, he would keep that to himself for now. In the coming weeks, however, he would feel his gut had been right all along.
He stood.
I'm going to get back to my duties. Feel free to stop by later to see Keoni and Nikai, he said, waiting to see if there was more before he headed off.
Fade with your post?
Yes, of course
, she replied to his suggestion. She would be around later once the sun had gone down and the pack had retreated to rest. For now, Steady was right — they both had duties to attend to. She gave him a respectful nod and trotted away in the direction of her den, hoping she would be able to do a bit of foraging nearby.