Ankyra Sound Enough is Enough

There were so many lessons Raleska had yet to learn, and as Vengeance wheeled around and fixed her with his iron-sights, she was keenly taught another one: always ask the right questions.

Still, that didn't ease the hurt that staked through her heart as Vengeance pretty much announced he was throwing in the towel. Raleska had lived a hard life: she was young, but she had been through a crucible many others would soon perish in. Even then, it didn't dampen the blow as she saw yet another wolf she liked walk in, and then just as easily walk out, of her life. Her father (involuntary). Eurycrates (involuntary). Niamh (voluntary). Even Vercingetorix, where there was little love lost between them, had shown wolves were fickle and not to be trusted.

Did that mean Kaertok too would eventually leave...? ... Rosalyn ...? Erzulie...?

The frown across her features deepened. She would not beg him. She would not stop him if that was his wish. Everything she wanted to say or counter was brought to her tongue and then it withered and died there.. Leaden and powerless to speak in a controlled manner, Raleska's eyes hardened and she simply nodded in response.

Fine, go -- if that's how you feel..  Raleska could not help the bitterness that tinged her expression. She would not stop him. She would not fight to prove herself to those she ought not need to prove herself to; perhaps that was a hard lesson to swallow, too -- because too often, we put our faith in those who did not deserve it. And we fought too hard for things that in the end, were our undoing. Raleska did not want to make that mistake, and she fought to keep her composure even though it threatened to break through.

No, she would be strong.. and if Vengeance was strong too, maybe she would see him around someday. But she would not beg.