Ankyra Sound the long way round

Objectively, Wildfire knew the her mate's commands were reasonable and fair. She did feel a strong twinge of pity for Eljay, though. It would be difficult to prove himself—his particular skills, especially—when relegated to the outskirts. But there were things he could do to try and win over the Heda. Wildfire could appeal to her too, in the meantime.

She said nothing when Thuringwethil looked at her. She blinked under the weight of that stern gaze, wishing the commander valued her word and her judgment when it came to recruitment. She couldn't really blame her mate, though, not when Eljay looked and behaved the way he did. To an outsider, he must look like a real wreck.

When the commander strode away to resume her other duties, Wildfire swallowed a sigh and turned to face Eljay. Her eyes widened as he proceeded to break down right there on the borders. The Feisripa shot a shrewd glance toward her mate's retreating figure—she was already out of view, thankfully—then furrowed her brow and sat next to Eljay.

"Eljay, I want to help you. But it's in your hands now. You've got to help yourself," she said to him quietly. "You have to pull yourself together. Life outside the caldera is going to be harder, because you don't have the benefit of being among blood family." Wildfire paused. "But I meant what I said to Heda. I think you've got it in you to do well here. You're the only thing holding you back." After those words came out of her mouth, she flinched, realizing they sounded rather harsh. It was the truth, though. Eljay's biggest obstacle in life was Eljay.