King Elk Forest -- when the ones that damn the innocent are on the nightly news

he isn't expecting that reaction, one paw pulled against his chest in surprise. "bri," the androgyne says, voice catching in his throat.

his courage flees him and he shifts his weight from paw to paw, his head lowering as he tries to catch the words he wanted to say. "trajan and uka never came back," delight finally says. she probably knows that already. he shakes his head. "i meanum, i'm sorry." 

snow settles wetly atop the crown of his head but he does not shake it off, watching her with rounded eyes, expression mournful. all he can do is hope she won't blame him forever.. especially if he's meant to lead her now.