Steady had been diligent in his patrols, and so was already aware that Valette had crossed into the territory. He hadn't followed her scent, however, knowing that the kind of trip she took would have most likely worn her out. He had intended to let her settle in and get her barrings back before asking for any information she might have.

But, the afternoon came, and she called for him. He was a little surprised, but made his was to her. Maybe she had something that couldn't wait any longer. His tail wagged and he smiled, attempted to bump his nose with hers in greeting. The closer he got, the more he realized how much she smelled like Ezekiel. That was very interesting, considering she had been back less than a full day. He made no comment on it, however, feeling it was none of his business until they made it so. Or until he pried it out of Ezekiel. I'm so happy you're back! You look good! Did you fare okay? he asked, wanting to know that she was was okay, first and foremost.

He was glad to hear that Valette was doing well after her travels. He listened closely about what she had learned, both about the different land and climate there, as well as the packs. She seemed to have quite of bit of information, and it took some effort on Steady's part to keep it all in line as he processed it. 

What negative things did she say? Did she give the name of the pack? If it was, in fact, disbanding, the wolves would either group up somewhere else, or find new packs to go to. He wanted to know what that pack was like, in case any came here. Are the other two friendly packs? he asked.

It seemed the questions he asked that he thought were simple, opened up a whole new abundance of information. Steady sat back on his haunches as he tried to keep up with all the information. He nodded here and there to let her know silently that he was understanding what she was saying. He was a little put off that she had come upon a less than friendly pack. He hated that scouts seemed to be more prone to running into danger, but he supposed they understand that when they picked the trade. I'm glad you didn't run into trouble with that pack. 

There was one pack he recognized, Ryujin. I've met a wolf from Ryujin before, named Menta. She was very friendly. I'm glad to hear the rest of her pack is, too. He did his best to consume all of the information she gave him, making a point to remember names of packs and whether or not they were friendly. He chuckled along with her. Yes, you do seem to know a lot of wolves. He hoped that would be an asset. Having many friends in many packs might put her in a difficult position, should they not be on good terms with one of those packs wondered, silently, if she would be loyal to Silvertip over them. 

When she was finished, Steady took a few moments to absorb everything, staying quiet as he did so. When he was done, he moved his gaze back to her, a smile on his maw. It amazes me that you've come up with so much information in such a short amount of time. I, for one, could not have done it. Especially since he never leaves home. You have earned your Ranger trade with gusto, and I thank you for being so determined in your goals, and finding the information I asked for. He dipped his head to her in respect. All I ask now is that you rest and regain your strength before you go out again. I want you at one hundred percent. He couldn't imagine another so focused in their priorities, but he wanted to make sure she didn't wear herself thin. 

He saw her eyes light up when he awarded her the Ranger trade. Did she think she wouldn't get it? Steady knew she had worked hard, and he wanted to make sure she was rewarded for that. He smiled at her response. I know it does, he said honestly. She wouldn't have worked so hard for it if it didn't mean something to her.

He thought he had told her to take a break, and he was pretty sure she said she would. But, then she was talking about her Deerstalker Trade. He couldn't hold back a chuckle. I thought you were going to rest? he said with a smile. He wouldn't hold her down- he didn't think he could even if he tried- but he did hope she would rest. She was young, and energetic, but the body could only take so much. 

She inquired on who the next Beta was going to be, and he smiled. It's Ezekiel, he replied, assuming she would be alright with that. He didn't know the misunderstanding they were currently having.

He couldn't resist rolling his eyes at her promise to rest. He realized that she was determined, but he hoped she would keep her word and not be too hard on her body. Alright, alright, he said finally. At least with deer stalking she would be closer to home and able to rest properly when she was back here.

Steady smiled in return. I think so, too. He was surprised to hear he had the backing of the pack. I think he assumed I would just appoint someone I approved of instead of kind of letting the pack vote. I like it better this way; feels more... family-like, he said. He wasn't a dictator, after all, and he valued the opinion of the rest of the pack.