Blacktail Deer Plateau "It is our choices that show us who we really are"

Rue’s mind buzzed with questions after Kavik’s reply.  She couldn’t imagine what sort of first impression she had made that would allow him to make such a generalization, and with such confidence to boot.  Wondering about it might have made the young lady feel self-conscious, if she had been allowed to wonder for any amount of time. Instead, the alpha continued to speak, directing Rue’s curiosity toward the inner-workings of the pack’s “democracy.”  Liri chimed in, offering an elaboration on the concept, and Rue’s head tilted in interest.

“Ten or so voices… all from very different wolves... and all have an equal say?” She was a perceptive young woman, and judging from the scents that lingered at the borders and on the pelts of the alphas, Rue had concluded that there were ten pack members give or take. Liri had mentioned earlier how varied the personalities were among the Plateau wolves.

Rue was only vaguely familiar with the concept of “democracy,” but her impression was that all voices were equal. If a higher rank didn’t necessarily mean more decision-making power, then what were ranks for exactly? How were they chosen? “Does the Council also assign ranks?” Rue asked, finally deciding on her next question. She had so many it was difficult to choose.

Ah yes, here came the question the Rue had been anticipating—the question that she was surprised Liri hadn’t asked her right up front. What were the skills she was bringing with her, essentially, what’s in it for us? Rue’s eyes darkened with something akin to doubt. “Nothing special,” she admitted quietly, “My former pack trained all members to develop competency with the basics of hunting, border defense, and wound care.” Of course the plant life around here would be a little different from what she was used to, so she would likely have to receive some lessons from a medicine-wolf before she could bring her first aid skills up to par once more.

“The most I can offer is loyalty, and a desire to assist where I am needed.” Rue was so used to being simply told what was required of her that she had never considered what sort of trade she wanted to pursue. So far, she had never even been asked. Her existence had always been about what the pack needed. Personal desires, pursuits or curiosities always came second.