Lost Creek Hollow venustas

For once it was Germanicus' vocational experience, rather than his personal wisdom, that had Ico enraptured as he sat still and listened alertly. Messages... so power lay with Messengers. That made sense. A wolf who returned from a neighbour to announce "they wish to take our land!" would incite war, while "they send their friendship and blessings" would strengthen peace.

Between rational packs, anyway. Ico had come to realise that of all the values Ursus held in high esteem, rationality was not one of them.

Perhaps I can find some way to do that for Ursus, he said a little desperately. The guardian's words were sound, but Ico was lost as to how he could practice them in situ. Perhaps he would start by trying to understand the politics between Ursus and the surrounding packs.

You'd be a great pack leader, Germanicus, Ico mused from the heart.