Blacktail Deer Plateau the devil's bleeding crude oil from a hole in his chest

Mordecai seemed tentative, but Dante was patient, allowing him to finish before speaking. None of what he said was unexpected... in fact, it was the very reason the meeting had gone the way it had. Lasher had told of his directive, and Dante's words had been to temper that so that none would feel obligated to take part in a feud they had no hold in.

"I understand. I would not ask you to pass any judgement, not when you do not wish to." His ears spanned sideways momentarily when Mordecai mentioned some history to be necessary. He hadn't felt the need to address them with Junior's name, or give them a drawn out story of happenings that had occurred before they joined. He wished the Plateau to move on, to get out from under the weight of past mistakes. He carried his anger, as did Lasher, but it was not his intention to pass this burden on to others.

"Peregrine's daughter was a member of this pack. She was family to me, and to Lasher and Blue Willow as well. Much as Saena is. She felt wronged by Peregrine, cast aside, and so apparently went seeking retribution. Her actions.... they were her choice. And by rights she might have earned her death, but I can't believe they even saw another option. That they cared enough to try subduing her without taking her life." He frowned. "It was shortly after this Saena was attacked. I would not start something if they stay within their lands, but I wanted to be sure those here were warned in case Fox and Peregrine decide that we, too, pose too much a threat to leave in peace. It is a small chance, but one that we must consider. Saena too... it may be wrong of me, but even though we are in different packs, I can't discount her and leave her should the Caldera try to kill her." He wondered if the male could understand this, or if, like the wolves of the south, he saw any not within his own pack as not worth bothering with.

"I'm sorry I didn't explain at the meeting further, but I don't expect you all to deal with this when none of it need be an issue." So long as everything remained as it was, with all adhering to their own lands neutrally, nothing had to be done. If others requested an explanation when he addressed them, he would deliver it in kind as well. But only if they wished it. Mordecai might have been stating a fact, not asking, but Dante had taken his words as a request all the same.

"Now what did you wish to discuss? Before I sidebarred you." He smiled a little more genuinely, aware of his own wordiness and the abrupt change of subject. Mordecai could come back with more if he wished, but Dante was just as happy to move on to what he sought.