Beric had been feeling very guilty when it came to Claire and her situation. He felt he had no choice in the matter but to respect the pack's traditions and follow their rules. He knew they could have killed her for trespassing, but instead they were only making her stay a short while for punishment. Still, he knew she might be feeling depressed over her current predicament, and while it appeared as if she gained a little weight, Beric knew she could use to gain a little more.

So, earlier this afternoon he had gone out on a mission to catch her a meal, mindful that the pack leaders may not want him taking from the caches to feed the girl. It had taken him a little while, since he wasn't the hunter that Julooke was, but he had caught a healthy rabbit that was currently hanging limp in his jaws. He trotted towards where she was sleeping, slowing on his approach until he came to a stop. He dropped the rabbit, and then stepped away from it. Claire?. he called, hoping she would show herself.

The expression on her face told him everything he needed to know. She still had not forgiven him. However, that would not stop him from continuing to try. He nosed the carcass towards her before stepping back once more. I caught this for you; I though you might be hungry, he said. While she looked better than their first meeting, he thought she was still thin, not that it was any of his business what her weight was, but he wanted to make sure she was eating, at least. He knew depression might cause her appetite to leave, but maybe having a fresh kill in front of her would bring it back.

He sat back on his haunches, regarding her a moment. You hate me, don't you? he said softly. He wanted to tell her to put herself in his position and think of what it would cost her to have chosen him over her own pack, but he didn't say that. He could have been malicious about the entire situation, and not care to bring her a thing, but he did care, and he wished she would see that. He could have taken her to the other captives and left without a single glance back or thought as to her well being.

She stated that she couldn't keep it down even if she wanted to, but all Beric heard was that she didn't want to. An ear flicked back in discontent, but he could do nothing about it. He couldn't very well force it down her throat. I'll leave it anyways, just in case, he replied. Maybe the smell would finally get to her stomach and allow her to eat.

He was a little surprised to hear her say she didn't hate him, but, in fact, just didn't understand him. Maybe that was something he could work on. He didn't generally lay out his life story for people, but if it would help her understand why he did what he did, he would tell her. His voice was soft as he spoke. I'm very family-oriented, and for the past year I have been separated from them. I finally found them here just a couple of weeks ago... If I had spoken against Thistle, I feared she would have kicked me out, and then I would be without my family all over again. He paused before adding, I'm sorry if you feel I've betrayed you, but I couldn't give them up after just being reunite with them.

She locked her gaze with his, telling him she was paying attention to him as he explained his reasons for what he did. Many wolves would see this as a challenge or sign of aggression, but Beric and Claire were somewhat familiar with each other, so he didn't take offense to it. His ears perked at her hmm, wondering what it meant, but she was quick to tell him. Was she forgiving him? It seemed like she understood, at least. He nodded, Thank you, he said softly.

Though the reason he came seem to be settled now, he wasn't quick to want to leave. Trying to engage her in more conversation, he spoke again. I noticed when you came into the territory that you smelled like the Island wolves. Did you join them? he asked. If she did, what luck was it that he had left there, and then she joined? Not that it would have changed his mind, but if she had been there when he was, he might have asked her to come with him.

The setting sun cast its final rays onto the pair of wolves, illuminating the multitude of colors that made up her beautiful pelt. The flash of a smile, however, was more beautiful than anything. It was a glimmer of hope that maybe their friendship wasn't lost, and it gave Beric the determination to continue to let her see she could trust him.

She confirmed she was with the Isle wolves, and went on to say how she had come about to be there. It was no surprise to him that Ypres had offered her a home. She was a kind wolf, and he hoped a good leader. Claire admitted, though, that she didn't feel comfortable there. At her comment, he frowned. Nature has no sympathy. Either you survive, or you don't, he said softly. She couldn't feel sorry for herself- it wouldn't help anything. I know you have reservations about pack life, but it's really worth it when you find the right pack, he said. Maybe she would consider staying here, of her own accord, once her sentence was complete. He hesitated in asking. He knew he was still on thin ice with her, and he didn't want to push it.

Beric didn't have the doubts Claire did about loving her. Did he? No. But, his affection could grow, if she gave him the chance. That chance, however, is what he did doubt. He didn't like her outlook on life, either. Mother nature was not kind or fair. She did what she wanted, to who she wanted, without thought as to their character. It was just how the world worked, and he felt Claire needed to understand that if she was ever going to survive. Stuff happened, but generally wolves moved on with their lives, despite bad shortcomings.

Her question surprised him, and his expression conveyed that, the skin above his eyes shooting upwards. He thought a moment before answering. You have to figure that out for yourself. There are going to be good things and bad about any potential pack. You just have to find the one where the good outweighs the bad, he replied. Ragnar, for example, is a stern and sometimes unforgiving leader. However, he will protect his pack down to his last breath. He liked that in his leaders. You should meet Julooke, he added. She's outgoing, playful, and I think you would like her. Claire really needed someone to bond with, even if it wasn't going to be Beric himself.

Beric did want to shake that negativity out of her. He wished he could force her to see how much this world had to offer in goodness, rather than all the bad that was happening. But, he couldn't do that. She had to figure it out for herself. He would help, though, if she gave him the chance.

Her response left him wondering on just which she would like- to figure out if this was the pack for her, or to meet Julooke. He didn't ask, though, hoping for both. He was selfish enough to want her to stay, and he felt Julooke would be the perfect friend for Claire. If she had a friend, maybe that would make her want to stay. Julooke had a way of looking at the bright side of things, and Beric thought she might be able to rub some of that off onto Claire.

The conversation seemed to have come to an end. He couldn't say any more to convince her of the wonderfulness of life, and he didn't want to beat a dead horse. He stood. I'll leave you to your day, Claire, he said softly. He almost moved to try and nudge her in a friendly gesture, but stopped himself. They weren't that familiar yet, and he didn't want to pressure her into taking his friendship. Please let me know if you need anything, he said, before gesturing his muzzled to the food, Don't forget to eat that. He smiled softly, hoping she would take his offering after he left. He turned to leave, but he wouldn't go very far today, preferring to find a spot to sit close by the den.