Duskfire Glacier moth to a flame

The unusually severe look on her face softened the moment she spotted him. Issorartuyok called out a greeting and she hastened her step, the meaning of his words lost in her distraction even as she savored the relief she felt merely being in his company. She halted perhaps a yard from him, attention fixed on his familiar, strong features.

"The glacier needs someone to step up as leader now that Wintersbane's incapacitated," Meerkat said without preamble, unaware that this was news to her swarthy friend. "I'm the highest ranking wolf in the pack besides him and I can't—I don't—" Abruptly, she grew flustered.

After stopping to take a couple deep breaths, Meerkat's eyes rested beseechingly on his face. "I know you're more experienced. I want to guide the pack in this but I honestly need some guidance myself," the yearling freely admitted. "What should I do? Call a pack meeting? Ask for volunteers? Or...?"