Steady was curled up in his den, snoozing the day away. He hadn't been sleeping very well lately, and when he did, he was plagued with nightmares. Mostly of the missing Ezekiel and Niita. He couldn't fathom anything but death would keep them away, but then he didn't want to think them dead, either. It was as if he was caught in a spot in the middle, where his heart and head were in a war, and he was afraid to side with either.

A voice jolted him from his snoozing, and his head jerked up. Chaska. Steady had kept himself so busy doing pack duties, that he had neglected the relationship of his family. He shifted his body and crawled out of the den, shaking the dust and dirt off his coat. His tail wagged as he extended his muzzle in an effort to nudge Chaska's neck in greeting. Chaska, how are you? he asked, his voice a little muffled from sleep, but he was waking quickly. 

Chaska, in addition to being adept at telling stories, was also one Steady knew had a listening ear, as well. He was a good friend, and he was glad that he had come back after his travels, and decided to move with the family. Steady sighed a bit, knowing he wasn't hiding his troubles very well. But, to him, it would have been like lying, and he wasn't good at that. 

I'm missing Niita and Ezekiel, he admitted. Ezekiel went missing when he and Valette were scouting out this area, and Niita during the move. I don't know what happened to either of them, he said with a frown. His brain had long since made up the worst possible things that could happen to him, but he simply didn't want to believe it. He wanted them to be safe. And here.

Chaska pushed that he didn't want Steady to wait too long to move on. The Alpha didn't quite understand the rush, but he supposed Chaska was simply making sure he was on task, and handling his duties to the family, and not sinking too deep into the loss of Niita and Ezekiel. Time will tell, he decided to reply. It was true. Steady didn't know how he would mourn, or for how long. No one could dictate it, either.

His face lifted when the subject of Adeline came up. She seems good. She likes the forest, and all the white trees. She seems to be settling in here rather well. He knew she and Ezekiel had been close, but the loss seemed to be replaced by the presence of Philos. I think she has found a friend in Philos, he commented aloud. Maybe it was helping her not be so sad. You should meet her, he said on Valette. I've promoted her to Beta, though it won't be technically announced until the celebration feast she's hosting. It wasn't a secret, but Steady did want a ceremony to commemorate her promotion, and their new home. 

He nodded, Me, too. I was worried that Ezekiel's disappearance would have more of an effect on her. I can't tell if she's suppressing it, or if she really is okay, he confessed. She's been through so much in her short life... I fear she is simply used to loss. It was such a sad thing to say, but there was a reality in Steady's words. Adeline had not had much stability in the beginning of her life, and she had to process the death of her loved ones early on. Was she just used to it now?

Steady sighed. I guess I should just be grateful that she's looking towards more positive things instead of focusing on the bad, he added. Maybe it was a blessing.

He thought about Chaska's words for a moment, about how they could learn from Adeline. It was true that she didn't seem to let much of anything phase her, and she was always looking for something new and exciting to focus on. I suppose you are right, he said softly, thinking of himself then. He couldn't dwell on his loss for very long, since the whole pack looked to him for guidance and protection. He could not, would not, fail them.

He smiled to his brother, always the understanding one. I think I might take a few to myself before I get started on things, he admitted. And a few moments would all it would be. He would keep Chaska's words in the back of his mind, reminding him that brighter days were ahead, and that's what he should look forward to.