Verdigris Ravine Free

Candle was no leader, it was true; she was only their Mediator, and even then, only a stand-in for the one who had brought them all together. Yet she took her role seriously, temporary as it was, and began to seek each member of their dwindling Tribe.

Meridian's departure had not escaped her notice. The priestess was disheartened by it, but would not let it show as she yipped a cheerful greeting to Ko'a. She settled beside her, tail brushing back and forth across the ground. For the moment she made no attempt to speak, but turned bright eyes toward the woman, waiting for her to say whatever might be on her mind. The Tribe was a collective, after all; if Candle was to be their Mediator, she would need to hear every thought.