After Peregrine's coming and going, Dante had needed some time to cool down. He had gone for a run of the borders, seething and extremely upset. He really needed more time, but time was something they didn't have. There was much to get sorted out and, thanks to the short notice, not a lot of time to do it.
Taking a deep breath, Dante steadied himself, attempting to clear his mind and focus on the problem on hand. There was little he could do about the situation, so right now they needed to figure out how the pack would be led going forward. Lifting his muzzle, he let out a call for Blue Willow. The decision would need some discussing.
Blue had departed after Peregrine and she had some time to herself. She needed that time to reflect and calm her stormy ire. She was sorely disappointed in her friend, sorely she felt terrible and he had made her feel worthless. She had never been so let down in her life. Her mother had always told her not to get close to anyone unless she was certain of their heart, because even the best of intentions could rip you apart. She had not believed her, but now, yes now she did. She simply sat and looked around her, at the shambles that were left. They would need to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and start over again.
Blue Willow heard the howl and with a small snort she started towards it with a lofty gait. Truth be told she had wanted to sit idle for awhile, but she couldn't. There was far too much that needed attending too, and her and Dante they were it for leaders at the moment. She smiled as she saw him, though it was a sad smile and she gave him a small nudge to the shoulder. You called my friend?
When Dante saw how down Blue was, it only heightened his frustration. But now he needed to keep a level head, for things of great importance needed to be discussed.
"It seems we have some things to discuss." He replied. "since, well, you know." He let out something halfway between a sigh and a growl, looking at Blue Willow. "I'm not being overly judgemental, right?! I'm justified in being upset? I mean, why couldn't they have told us? Why the hell would they keep that big of a decision secret? From US?" He fell silent, looking down, then out in the general direction that Peregrine had gone. He hadn't wanted to vent to Willow, but she was about the only one he felt he could to. To the rest he needed to keep a calm veneer, for they neeeded to know that the leadership wasn't rattled by the change. No matter how untrue that may be.
IT was unusual for Blue to be as down as she felt, but she was fighting to keep a level head and above water. She was certain if she wasn't careful, the small pain in her chest would heighten to agony, and she would drown on her own sorrows and pain. The sharp blade of betrayal, no matter how accidental it was, was enough to leave her breathless and tired.
Blue smiled sadly as he started out evenly, and it just got worse. No you are not wrong Dante. You should never ever apologize for your feelings, you cannot help what you feel. As for Peregrine and Fox, yes they should have taken us aside and told us on their own, preferably before they went looking. Especially since I'm fairly certain that Fox already knew she would not be staying here as soon as she got here. And I am afraid Dante that they kept it a secret from us and I could be wrong, but because frankly Fox does not want to share leadership or Perry. I could be wrong and that could be very cruel of me to be thinking, but that is my take on it at the moment. She grew quiet then and looked down, ashamed at herself for thinking such terrible things, but she couldn't help it. Perhaps she would ask them herself, though truth be told she probably wouldn't.
Dante hadn't even thought of her theory, though he considered it now. Maybe in Fox's case it was true, but Peregrine had chosen them for their jobs... why would he do so only to decide he did not want them beside him now? Besides, he didn't know about Blue, but he hadn't been a very invasive Beta since the promotion. Perhaps that wasn't the greatest thing, considering what had happened.
"In any event, we have what they left us. Which doesn't amount to much by way of guidance." He heaved a sigh. "So, how do you think we should do this?" He deferred to her wisdom and seniority in this... even though this was his home, she had called it so longer, so her word would be final in this instance. If she wanted his input, then he would give it, but he wasn't about to step on her. There'd been enough of that of late.
Blue was not meaning to lay the blame solely at the feet of Fox, but that was how it was sounding. In a way it was Fox's fault, Perry would not have left had he not mated Fox. He would not have rushed off if Fox had not gotten hurt, though that was no fault of hers. Accidents did happen sometimes, you couldn't help them.
Blue looked at Dante and spoke softly I think you should be alpha for now Dante. We have both been rocked to our cores, but I am having a very hard time adjusting to this betrayal myself how ever accidental it was, if it was accidental. I also have my healing duties that will be needed come winter and Atticus. So I am afraid I will be busy for some time, and I believe I would not be a very good alpha female right now.
Dante looked up sharply when she spoke of him taking lead, his stomach dropping. Him, Alpha? Oh no. Oh no no no. Bad idea, very bad idea. He had no clue how to lead a pack... not correctly, at least. All his training had been focused on leading through fear, and while he had been Beta here for a while, Alpha was a totally different animal.
Then again, who else? He did not want to force Blue into the position, for he knew she was already stressed with everything she had been dealing with of late. To make her assume responsibility for the entire pack would be a terrible thing for him to do, especially when she expressly stated she didn't feel up to it. None of the other members had shown much inclination towards such a rise either, and time was short. He couldn't throw someone into the rank or they would be in an even worse position than he was. At least he had some semblance of authority previous.
Deep down, he'd known going into this talk that this outcome was likely. And he'd known, despite what he had told Peregrine that day so long ago, that he would step up. Because that day, he hadn't felt what he felt now. He still hadn't accepted this as home.
"If that is how you really feel, then I will take the position. Though I hope you aren't going anywhere anytime soon, for I will need your help in this. I haven't the faintest clue how to run a pack, not really." He looked at her, silently questioning. Had any part of her wished to follow Peregrine? Or was her heart, as was his, tied to the Plateau?
Blue saw him look up at her sharply, but she held firm. She had already been alpha and she had enjoyed it. Right now it just did not fit with her current other duties. And he would be a good leader, and she wasn't about to stand beside him as alpha if they weren't mates. She was not going to do that again unless she had too, because clearly it ended badly. She suspected a part of Fox had resented her for being alpha, which was also part of the reason she had stepped down.
Besides the fact of alpha and mateship and all that jazz. She really wanted to focus solely on healing Atticus and the pack. She wasn't a fool and she knew there would be colds and sicknesses as the weather continued to grow colder. There would also be some sprains and pains, thanks to sliding on ice. She would rather not have the responsibility of the pack in a political sense, since she already had the responsibility of keeping them all healthy.
Blue chuckled No I'm afraid you are stuck with me. I had thought that if Atticus would like to go after Peregrine I might go, but even that does not appeal to me anymore. The Plateau is my home, and I hope to die here. She knew it may not happen, she may not grow old here, things could happen, but she liked it here enjoyed it. Did not want to willingly leave just because, would if she had too.
Tension Dante hadn't even realized was there released suddenly as Blue stated that she would, under any circumstances, be staying. "You can't know how glad I am to hear that," Dante replied, extremely relieved. "As you might have already realized, I have no intentions of going anywhere either. This is my home now." At times the wanderer's lust still called, but it was a weak summons and in no way compared to the ties that held him here.
"So I guess that's it, then." He was terrified at the prospect of what was to come, but willing to make the leap. A part of him also reveled in the chance this would provide him with... An opportunity to prove his father wrong about him.
Blue chuckled I am glad I can relieve a little of your burden. It is a great one. Blue had always traveled, since the day she was born. Perhaps that was her reason for not wanting to travel anymore. Or maybe there was just a peace here that she could not find anywhere else, or traveling. She wasn't really sure, but the thought of stepping past the borders for more than few days, now it made her ill. When before it had made her heart leap in joy and anxiety.
Yes that is it and I will be here the entire time, no need to worry my friend. She sat and lazily switched her tail back and forth back and forth. Enjoying the evening and the time spent with a friend, even in silence.
last from me, sorry it took a bit!
Dante personally thought her burden more so than his own, but did not belittle her statement by arguing. Instead he smiled his thanks, truly thankful for her support. Hopefully he in turn would be able to return the favor by also supporting her.
"I suppose I should figure out how to tell the pack. Thanks a lot, Blue, you really are a true friend." It wasn't only their shared position or her healing prowess that led Dante to respect her so much. It was her heart as well. Standing, he turned to go, his steps somewhat slow as he sank into his thoughts, planning how to call a meeting that would release the news to the rest.