Bearclaw Valley They don’t get the context ‘cause it’s too complex

toad knew the moment donovan spoke that he did not like him. he had clearly never heard the phrase when in rome, do as the romans do- for he played by his own laws in ursus land, a dangerous game. it didn't take a genius to hear the passive aggressiveness in his words- a subtle nip at their reactions. 

did he think it was illogical, then, to be angry about an ally pack member breaking the ribs of the leader's son? 

if so, toad wanted to hear what donovan thought was 'logical'. but he kept his thoughts all to himself under the blanket of that poker face. astara was less subtle; her emotions painted across her face. that someone better start doing something damn right. she was a loaded gun.

the frogboy found it discouraging that the smaller man had to clean up the messiness of the brute's words behind him. it seemed things would've been better if derg came alone- but still, toad knew the apology was not enough, as much as he appreciated the gesture. it was not his apology to accept. 

in this situation, he also wondered what 'suitably taken care of' meant. it would've been nice if they'd brought her tail or a snowy leg as evidence of that trophy, that she'd been taken care of, but toad saw no such thing. had she really been properly punished, if there was no blood to speak of? or were they trying to keep their words civil? toad was not a man to pry into things aloud, but he was curious. what they'd done with her. 

when evien spoke, toad felt like a churchgoer wanting to scream AMEN! after his every statement. he had nothing against the most of the saints- but that loose cannon, making foolish choices with each thing she did- they could not call her an ally.

with all the doubt toad had about evien, fearful he would play the game too softly, he now saw a determined side of him that made a great leader. toad liked the ultimatum. he liked the finality. he liked the bravery, and the intelligence. and so he stood beside evien in this, casting forestgreen gaze to their allies(?) and awaiting a solid answer.