Beric walked leisurely, his head a little lowered as his paws sunk in the sand of the beach, leaving traces of where he had been. He was coming back from the stretch of rocks that made up their south border. His pawprints from his walk there were long since washed away by the salty sea water and the light rain coming down from the sky, making his fur lay heavy on him. His mood was as cloudy as the sky, impartial to any rays of sunshine that might be trying to break through. He would not blame Claire for being upset with him; he was upset at himself. He had been caught between a rock and a hard place, and in the end, his loyalty to his pack had to be met before his loyalty to a non-pack friend. It was the way of their world.

Still, it did not make him feel any better. Turning towards the water, he sat down on his haunches. After a few minutes, he was rewarded with a break in the rain, not that he noticed it much at all anyways. He took in a deep breath, and then sighed. Eventually, he hoped Claire would forgive him, but he was planning on the worst. Once she was free of her punishment, would she feel she was free of him, as well? Would she leave without so much as a thought to him again? He would not, could not, blame her if she hated him.

His ears detected sound, and his head turned so that he could see what was making it. Thistle Cloud was walking towards him with child wolf, but not the same one that had been in the drama with Claire. He turned his body towards her and lowered his head in respect to her and her rank. It was true that he may not like that Claire was being held captive here, but Thistle could have very well chosen to kill her instead. He was thankful that she hadn't.

She formally introduced herself and the child, and he nodded his head in greeting, offering a tight smile. It's nice to meet you both, officially, he responded. He wasn't sure what to say... He wasn't usually so tongue-tied, but, then again, he wasn't usually this somber, either. Are you, um... checking the beach out? he asked, a little awkwardly.

She explained the boy like to explore, and Beric looked to him, returning his smile. This boy seemed more chill than the girl he met did. She had a mouth on her. Beric found himself not liking her, but he knew he needed to push those feelings aside, as young wolves were apt to be outspoken. He turned his attention to Thistle when she apologized to him for the incident involving Claire. He nodded his understanding, I realize you did her a favor, and I was glad it was you and not Ragnar who met her. She is a friend of mine, and I don't know if I could have let him harm her, if he chose to, he admitted. I'm also not quite sure where she and I stand at the moment. She doesn't understand what happened, I think. All she knows is that I was not on her side. He paused a moment before continuing. She seems so innocent, and I think that's why this is affecting her so much. But, you did the right thing. Of that I am sure, he added confidently.

He hoped Claire would one day come to forgive him, and he would do all he could to show her how sorry he was of the circumstances. I'm not sure if you know, but.. I took her to my den instead of where the other captives are being held, he admitted. I've been sleeping not far from it, he added, letting Thistle know he wasn't sleeping there while Claire was there.

Beric's head lowered, his gaze fell to his front paws, and his ears flattened upon his head. Thistle was right; he had spoken too openly, and he shouldn't have. Even words against the Alpha could be construed as blasphemy, and that was not his intent, really. He would not argue with her, though. I understand, he replied, his voice soft. He only hoped the male at her side wasn't paying attention. Pups could talk without knowing what they were saying, and if he accidentally said something, Beric could get into trouble.

She seemed to accept Claire's currently location, but warned that he should obey Ragnar, should he choose to want her moved. I will, I promise, he confirmed. Even if Thistle had told him to move her, he would have. He understood that what his leaders wanted came before his outside friends. He only hoped Claire could understand that one day, as well.

Thistle sat, seemingly getting comfortable before asking what brought him here. Verrine and Julooke, he said easily. They are my family... Last year, we all, including several more siblings of Julooke, and my brother, joined a pack. It disbanded, and we all got separated. I ran into Verrine one day not long ago on the beach, and that's how I learned they were here, he said.

Thistle seemed very understanding to his position that day, and he was grateful. He had done his best to be a good subordinate, but it had been hard to betray Claire. He was protective over his family, and would do anything for them- even break the heart of a friend. Thank you, Thistle Cloud. I really appreciate your understanding, he replied sincerely.

Beric had heard that Verrine and Julooke were very well-respected here, working their way into the pack and proving their worth. That didn't surprise Beric. They were both hard-working wolves and had never known a lazy day in their lives. He was much the same. His "work" was his life, and he enjoyed providing for the pack. The way Verrine and Julooke talked about the pack, they were like family to them, and he hoped one day he could think the same of them. He nodded, I absolutely agree; I was lost until I found them again. Beric's gaze went down to the young wolf, and he smiled. Verrine's a lot of fun, huh? he asked.

Looking back to Thistle Cloud, he confided, I hope I can earn as much respect as they have. I know I'm just learning the ropes around here, but I make a fairly good guard, and I'd like to earn that trade. He figured it would be a good idea to let the leaders know of his intent since it would be an asset to the pack.

Beric's opinion of Thistle Cloud had not been negative in reaction to her punishment on Claire; it had remained neutral. Now, it was slowly changing to positive. She seemed like she did her best to do what was best for the pack, and even when she had to do the tough things, she still remained respectful and understanding while not wavering from her duties. It was a difficult a thing to do, he knew. Many leaders had trouble doing the hard things while remaining sympathetic. Some were downright like dictators and didn't care how others felt- they just wanted the job done. He smiled gratefully at her response, thankful it had not been Ragnar he had been so candid with.

The young pup smiled, giggling, and telling Beric that Verrine taught him how to wrestle. He did, huh? Maybe I'll challenge you to a dual one day soon- see who wins, he said with a playful smile. Beric didn't have a lot of experience with pups, but he knew he needed it, and was hopeful Tveir would give him a chance.

Thistle confirmed that if he just worked his hardest and mind his manners, which he usually did, he would do fine. He nodded, smiling. Thank you, he responded. He was well accustomed to earning his keep, so that wouldn't be a problem. He just hoped he wouldn't step on any toes accidentally in the process.

Beric smiled at the way Tveir puffed his chest, sure that he would win against the older male. We'll have to see, he confirmed. He would have to make a mental note to ask Thistle if he could take Tveir out one day to hang out. Beric didn't have much experience with pups outside of his immediate family, and it would do him some good to get some. Puppies had a way of brightening the darkest of days.

His smiled widened toward Thistle, and his tail wagged as she welcomed him home. I'm honored, he replied. He had doubts on whether he would ever find a home like Sterrenvuur when he came in search of Julooke and Verrine. It seemed the pair had done the work in finding a pack, Beric just needed the time to settle into it to see it was just like home. She asked if there was anything else, and in the next breath asked if he wanted to walk with them. he nodded. Sure, I'd like to walk with you two, he replied, falling in step beside Tveir.