Duskfire Glacier Katinngak

"I know this is difficult. I know this has been your home."

Emotion welled in Veteran. Maybe it was babyish of him, but he wanted his mom. He had never had to face such heavy news without her immediately present. His eyes darted wildly as he sought validation for his emotions in the faces of his siblings. Wayfarer looked unfazed. Ensio had the decency to look pained, at least. 

Then Ensio spoke with words that Veteran would never have expected to hear from him. His jaw dropped open. Ensio was going to give up the Glacier, their namesake, just like that? Issorartuyok praised Ensio, and Veteran looked away, annoyed. The last time Veteran had gotten emotional and called Ensio out, Issorartuyok had taken Ensio's side. This situation was shaping up exactly the same. When did Ensio turn into the golden boy? 

Suddenly, the three rabbits that Ensio carried were no longer impressive to Veteran-- they now seemed like more of a show-offy boast, which was just irritating. 

Issorartuyok was talking about the pack having more pups now, which was additionally overwhelming and confusing. Where were pups going to come from? His dad was dead, and so was Tzila. How could there be more pups, with just Lane left as the only parent..?

Was Lane pregnant?

Veteran spiraled. He was losing his home to disease and probably losing his mentor to Ensio... would he also have to lose his mom to some new litter? His face felt really hot, and his heart was beating too fast. 

Wayfarer piped up with her offer to go, and Veteran looked over to her, his distress evident on his face. He then looked to Issorartuyok. 

"I want to save the village," he stammered out, voice small. He didn't want to break down or make any kind of scene in front of the other kids, but his eyes pleaded silently with Issorartuyok for reassurance. Comfort. Support. Anything.