Blacktail Deer Plateau In these trees there's no escaping truth

@Ruenna

Her trust in Grezig had been lost.

There was something about the way the Beta had looked at her on the day of her return, something that Liri believed akin to hatred. Or perhaps it was jealousy, the fae could not be sure. 

Yet, Liri could not demote her, refused to. Not for this personal matter. Despite the unrequited love triangle, the woman had been devoted to the pack since they'd first come across her. Liri respected her in that aspect and would not strip her of leadership. But she did need someone she knew she could trust. 

It had taken careful consideration for her to choose a Beta. 

Elixir had been with them nearly as long as Grezig but there was something about the young, spritely naturalist that just didn't seem capable of shouldering the burden. It took a great deal of responsibility and she couldn't simply give the rank to her friend based on their relationship alone. 

Minori had been another candidate but she had returned to their pack only a few weeks before; Liri could not be certain that she would not disappear again. 

That left Ruenna. Once the silver had come to mind, Liri felt an resounding confidence in her decision. She had been here for only a short time, yet Rue had proven herself a loyal pack mate and a hard worker. She could handle the responsibility, she was level-headed, and Liri trusted her.

With Kavik's blessing, Liri slipped from their den to return to the deep confines of the forest. It was here that she truly felt at home.

It was peaceful here in the heart of the forest, surrounded by the crisp scent of pine and the soft trills of birdsong. Amongst the rustling leaves, which had begun to fall in earnest with autumn's progression, Liri sat on her haunches to wait for Ruenna. They could speak privately here, amongst the dying things and the bare trees - their skeletal fingers reaching for the sky. 

Her head tipped back, a call for the bird alone ringing out over their territory. Her breath rose in white puffs to dissipate, the echo of her howl bouncing through the timber.

Left in silence, the healer waited amongst the ancients.