Arrow Lake shine on

Although Mahler left ambiguous the specific "rewards" to which he referred, something about the levity in his tone told the perceptive lady all she needed to know. She lifted a brow in silent, amused interest. She wasn't sure that she and Mahler were yet friendly enough for her to remark upon the comment, but it did spark her curiosity.

Rue remembered all too well the females of Swiftcurrent fawning over and constantly flitting around Constantine-- was Mahler's leadership position also winning him extra attention this season? For some reason it was difficult to picture proud wolves like Kazimir or Takiyok behaving in such a way, and imagining such was its own source of entertainment. 

She had let her imagination run away with her, and it was only when Mahler spoke once more that Rue realized they had been sitting in silence. His words were quiet, honest. And yet they continued to brim with praise. Rue almost dismissed the commendation once more, but she instead swallowed her impulse to reject his kind words and nodded gratefully.

Mahler raised his muzzle to taste the air-- air that had become rather heavy, in Rue's opinion. The tessarius also inhaled deeply, an ear flicking in annoyance as she confirmed Mahler's observation. Rue was almost certain that the coyotes lingering at the Diaspora border were the same band that had gotten the better of Blacktail Deer Plateau, which meant Rue had a grudge to settle.

Mahler's use of her new title sparked a glimmer of appreciation in her expression."Yes Kapitän, we shall," Rue answered, tone similarly light. She bumped her shoulder against him in a companionable way, waiting for him to take the lead.