Luneshale Pass Fearlessly, Tirelessly,

@Kemal

Safiya had been angry with Kemal and angry with herself. Because she had not been here that day. Instead she had been hunting. And upon her return everything seh knew was upside down and topsy turvy. She had stared at Kemal with heavy questions in her singular eye, but she hadn't spoken at first. 

Finally, she had asked for a brief reprieve to herself and she had turned without asking more. And she had marched off. Soto had lost his seat as the current leader. And though she hadn't wanted him too, because he was familiar she knew him. HE was her well something. Even she could not put into words the relationship or hold this wolf had on her or the one she had on him.  Fate? Destiny? Trauma?

However, her father had taught her that leaders came and went. And even Soto would not have begrudged the youth a challenge and he had won fair and square. So in a purely diplomatic view she understood.

She stood at teh outskirts of the pack lands. Knowing they were moving soon and she waited. At her paws a walking pack, dried meats, thing sshe knew she would need on a march. This was her acceptance of the turn of events however, much her heart rebelled against it.

Kemal had called on Safiya after defeating the segundo, and it was only upon her arrival when realization had set in. He didn't know what he had intended by summoning her, and he regretted showing her such a bloody sight. More than that, he wished she hadn't been the one to see him uncover his new hunger.

He had allowed it when she left, there was no world in which he would have stopped her. Kemal hadn't expected himself to be surprised when she returned.

He trekked to the borders now in search of her, for a chance to explain why he had done what he did. Kemal felt that he owed her that much.

Safiya.

Safiya had been uncertain as to why the male had called upon her when he had rendered Soto, quiet. But she had not begrudged him this. Perhaps to show her that he won, to force her to accept the events that had led here, that would possibly lead to her demise. Were she to follow a devil into hell, well surely it would take her. 

She blinked at him, one singular eye. Pretty in it's sea light. The other a gaping hole. The scars on her body testament to the fact she was not as young in soul as in body. 

Kemal. I bring walking pack, for marching.

That was all she said. She would walk this path for now.

Safiya spoke, and even he couldn't help raising a brow. Was she not upset, did she not want to speak with him?

Safiya, I want to speak to you. He watches her with searching eyes, as though waiting for something. I owe you an apology. He thought he did, anyways.

But it wasn't only that. He wanted Safiya to stay, and he wanted to give her a chance to be rewarded for the loyalty she had shown; not to Soto or to him, but Verpaz itself. After all she didn't have to come back, but here she was.

Why was he surprised? Was she upset that Soto no longer led? Of course. But there had been no cruelty. He had been challenged and lost.

She blinked her singular eye. What do you wish to speak about?

She wanted to ask what apology, for he had done no wrong to her. As far as she could tell

Kemal stared for a short moment before he spoke, expression sincere. I should have not called you that day. He said, bowing his head to her, I did what needed to be done, for Verapaz. But it was selfish to make you see.

I am sorry, Safiya.

He looks at her once more, searching for a reaction. If you stay, I want you promoted. It seemed deserved. I will give you the tasks to become a mercenary of Verapaz, if you let me.

Safiya gave a soft chuckle, tinged with bitterness. My eye was ripped from my skull while I was still conscious, by one of Soto's former leaders people. Not Soto himself. I assure you, you showed me nothing than I've already seen.But i do appreciate the sentiment.

She listened sizing up the title in her mind. Mercenary was not soldier, but it was something. A swift nod. 

I accept. What tasks are needed.

She accepted, and so Kemal would provide her tasks.

First, recruit a new member. How it was done didn't matter, but she needed to bring someone back. Before you return, hunt down an animal. Bring me the pelt.

Kemal paused, recording the tasks in his own mind. Can you do this?

Safiya made a noise quietly. There were not many to recruit. Most were holed up for the beginning of winter or long gone. There are not many out there you know. But I will do my level best.

Who could she even recruit. She had not seen more than the wolves in this pack and other packs for sometime. It was a quandary. 

A small smile. She didn't mind hunting. A nod in affirmation.

Kemal released a soft breath, pressing his head to her shoulder briefly. Stay safe, Safiya.

When you return, we will likely be in the mesa. Don't be afraid to come rest during your search. He had no intention of making her feel like she was being pushed out of the borders, after all.

With a final nod, he turned back and left her.