Directly after
their conversation with Rye, Lane held
@Ensio back. She wanted to hear more from the boy, and what he thought of what he had heard. But first...
"Hey Ensio, I meant speak to you about this earlier.. but I'm so impressed with how you've stepped up for the pack. You joined the scouting group and found this amazing home for us, you helped at Rivenwood when they needed us, and now you're doing a great job laying the groundwork for Atautsikut. I want to promote you to Kappa for now--" The highest puppy rank.
"--and when you age into the adults ranks, I'd like you to be an Eta." The other pups would age into Theta positions, which would put Ensio ahead of his age-mates in rank. Lane felt it was well deserved.
For the most part, during the conversation with Rye, who was visibly upset, Ensio kept to the sidelines. He remained largely silent, interjecting only where he felt it was needed. His role was that of support and affirmation. He would not place himself between the adults if the matter did not centrally involve him.
Pulled aside by Lane, he followed quietly. When they had the moment alone, he reclined on his haunches. He absorbed her praise in silence, pale glacial crystals for eyes gleaming intelligently. He could be largely un-readable. Impassive but just as intimidating in form as both of his parents. But he also could be explosive.
Only when Lane named a promotion for him - to Kappa - did, his stare widen with surprise. But there was more. She wished for him to assume the Eta rank, when he came of age. His stony façade dropped, his mouth falling open mutely. "Lane, I..." He began, speechless. He had done his fair share, sure, but he had never known it had such a profound impact in the eyes of his Alpha. "I only did what I believed was best for us as a whole." He bowed his head. "I would be honored."
Lane smiled warmly. Ensio's genuine surprise was sweet and refreshing, and though she was tempted, she dared not chuckle at the boy's reaction-- she respected him too much to do that. She offered a congratulatory nudge to his shoulder.
He said that he thought only of what was best for the pack as a whole, earning a nod of approval from Lane.
"Keep doing that, and you will become every bit the leader your father was." Lane would not say so aloud, but she thought Ensio had the potential to be even
better than Wintersbane, especially if he continued to receive guidance from the Tatkret brothers.
She would linger only if Ensio had additional questions or insights to share. The appearance of that woman from the Saints had put her on edge, and she wanted to make sure that the messenger hadn't hung around after disappearing back into the trees.
Feel free to fade/archive, unless Ensio has anything he wants to talk about!
He smiled slightly. The nudge she gave to his shoulder, he returned with one of his own. The mention of his father made his throat tighten up a bit. He hoped Wintersbane would be proud. Whether or not Ensio ever turned out to be a leader, he didn't care. He wanted to do what was right. To look out for the pack first. Not himself and his own interests.
"Thank you." With nothing more to add or to ask, confident that Lane would eventually speak to either Issorartuyok or Tuuluuwaq about the possible issue with the Saints nearby. But as always, he would keep close with his ears open. With a grateful nod, he turned away and set off to continue his day.