Blacktail Deer Plateau Here's looking at you, kid

Kavik spoke next, offering words that were similar to those previosuly spoken by Rue. Once he was finished, Rue naturally looked to Liri for her input. The ivory alpha had to cough before she began, which drew Rue's silent concern. The cough seemed to source from Liri's chest-- it was certainly more than a simple throat-clearing cough. Rue had not forgotten Elixir's recent bout of greencough, nor did it escape her that Liri had been exposed to the contagious disease while caring for the ailing wolfdog. 

Rue's focus was reluctantly drawn away from Liri's health and onto Liri's words as the alpha spoke, offering more details about her own thought processes and feelings surrounding the situation with Grezig. Rue knew Liri to be a fair leader and she had never doubted the alpha's actions, but it was reassuring to hear Liri speak with such sound logic.  Who could deny now that Liri had done her best, especially when put in such a difficult situation?

Rue could not help but crack a small smile as Liri mentioned her future children. This was the first Rue was hearing of any concrete plans for a litter this spring, although Rue had been quietly hoping that Liri and Kavik had such intentions. The thought of pups running around the plateau warmed her heart. The arrival of the newest generation always restored hope, motivation, and joy after a difficult winter, and Rue thought that was exactly what Blacktail Deer Plateau needed. 

Minori seemed to deflate more and more as the leaders spoke, and she seemed to be very much humbled by the conversation. It was an odd look for the steely mercenary. Truthfully, Minori's request had felt a bit like a power-grab at first, but now the mercenary seeemed truly remorseful after it was suggested that she had pushed too hard, too soon. Despite "not being good with the whole friendship and emotion situation," Minori seemed to understand when the leaders explained their complicated feelings around the matter. 

Rue moved forward to nudge against Minori's shoulder, hoping to offer comfort. "You want to help," Rue said quietly, understandingly. "We see that, Minori. We are grateful to have a packmate who is eager to rise to the occasion in such a challenging time." Rue thought that perhaps more than simply seeking reward or recognition, Minori was looking for how she could be of best service to the pack. If that was true, Rue thought that was a noble desire. 

Rue looked to the alphas as Minori sought her dismissal.