Duskfire Glacier moth to a flame

Somehow, Meerkat found herself holding the highest rank in the pack excepting its injured Alpha. With @Wintersbane out of commission, she imagined it fell to her to sort out next steps. She had never felt less prepared for or qualified for anything in her life. She did not want to be a leader, though she could be a delegate and find someone more suitable for the job...

She would never forget Bronco's attitude following the fall of Moonspear and Firefly Glen, how he had gathered together the survivors and guided them. She tried to channel that energy as she went pacing through the territory, trying to keep in mind that this was a great opportunity to flex her life coaching skills. But who could she cheerlead into leadership?

One wolf came to mind immediately, though Meerkat knew she was biased. Would that pack even accept @Issorartuyok if he took the helm? Wasn't he currently occupying the lowest rank in the pack, with much to prove? She trusted his merits, though she might be alone in that. Besides, wasn't there someone else who'd been around longer who might be worthier of consideration?

She should call a pack meeting, she knew. But first, she sought out the man she had in mind. Meerkat needed to talk to someone about all of this. Besides, there was something else she needed to discuss with Issorartuyok: it looked like their road trip might have to be postponed indefinitely.