Porcupine Ridge little bird cry no more

Even if he wasn't truly impressed by her menial achievement, Terich had the heart and forethought to appear engrossed in her success. Diane inexplicably felt more embarrassed by this than she would've been if he had scoffed at her—particularly since she had expected the latter—and though there was no founding reason behind it, she felt incredibly shy in the presence of the stormborn wolf (moreso than she usually was). Internally, she fought the desire to make a swift, ducking exit. And it wasn't that the Gamma intimidated her, for he was no more impressive than the mountainous Novak or Taggarik himself, but she didn't trust the first impression she was making upon him; much like with the Ridge's Beta pair. How could Terich honestly be anything but disappointed in a wolf who had only just made her first kill in their ranks—two weeks in?

Diane swallowed, his praise easing her outward emotions but the inner turmoil was continuous. A sudden transition into a new lifestyle would make anyone self-conscious; but she was upset to be affected so deeply by the harmful thoughts of herself that had manifested deep into her psyche. The problem was exacerbated too, by the abrupt changes in her personality—things she didn't understand, and couldn't hope to control. "You're very kind, Terich," she said after a contemplative moment that had seemed like an eternity, but in reality had only been several seconds. And then she smiled, auric eyes taking on a blithe glint. "Where did your talent for cheering up others come from?"