Duskfire Glacier moth to a flame

Lane seemed to come to herself a bit as Tzila nuzzled into her shoulder, and she placed a few comforting licks on her friend's crown. Veteran appeared and cuddled against her on her other side. It left Lane feeling a little claustrophobic, but she uncharacteristically endured, knowing that Tzila needed the support and Veteran needed to feel safe at her side, given Makatza's close proximity. 

Meerkat spoke briefly, requesting that would-be leaders speak up. This was the way of things, Lane remembered from Firefly Glen's downfall. Those who were less affected by tragedy were ultimately responsible for moving the pack forward. Lane's exhausted mind began drifting down a rabbit hole, wondering what had ever happened to Bronco, Antares, Keyni, and the others...

Tatkret spoke, nominating himself, and Lane's attention snapped sharply back to the present. She looked around, noting how Tatkret seemed a bit removed from everyone. It contrasted with her own position, smack in the middle of the group, with a former alpha leaned against her right side and a Duskfire child snuggled into her left. 

Tatkret was clearly a natural leader, but he might need help earning the pack's support. 

Lane shifted to her feet, moving slowly so as not to abruptly displace those leaned against her. She drifted to Tatkret's side, and then she turned to the pack to address them. 

"Tatkret has my support. The North has supplied several strong leaders to the Teekon Wilds, and I'm confident that he is one of them."  She paused, drawing in a breath. "And if you'll have me, I'd like to lead beside him, just temporarily-- until Wintersbane is well enough to assume his rightful place." As a founding member and a Duskfire mother, Lane's presence in leadership would represent the interests of both the youngest and the oldest members. Duskfire Glacier would be able to move forward with strong, capable leadership, but Lane would also make sure it retained important aspects of tradition and culture. 

Of course, Lane's motivations for leadership were also self-serving. Had this opportunity not spontaneously arisen, she likely would have left the ranks of Duskfire entirely, convinced that was her only way to protect her children from Makatza. But fate now offered her a new path.