Blackfoot Forest ROLE CALL · River seeks the deep

It seemed her attempt to mediate and divert a physical fight was not going to work, even with Vires seconding her. Although the leadership in Bon Dye had influenced rank, despite what Leto said, she was right about the current circumstances and rightly pointed out that they were the only ones left to determine status. Pied reluctantly but firmly nodded her head to acknowledge this fact, though she paused at the word bloodshed, her mouth twisting into an apprehensive frown.

This expression deepend when Leto began to verbally mock Hawkeye before launching into a long speech meant to highlight her candidacy. Although tempted to interrupt, Pied politely waited until Leto finished before opening her mouth—only to be cut off as Hawkeye rejoined. Giving no indication of her impatience, Pied nonetheless didn't bother listening to either pitch. Words meant little, possibly even nothing, in this situation.

Eventually, Pied said, "Stop." She paused, ears twisting backward slightly. "Words don't mean much of anything right now, so let's not waste time. It looks like a challenge is inevitable. Whoever wins it should be Alpha, fair and square." She wanted to give Hawkeye an apologetic look, yet resisted. "And maybe the loser can step up as Beta."

Whether or not they heard her, Pied wasn't sure. They seemed to have only eyes and ears for each other right now—and not in a particularly good way. Leto repeated her request for acceptance of her leadership—directing it at Hawkeye in particular now—and Pied frowned simply because she felt a camaraderie with Hawkeye and really wanted to see her triumph. She found Leto both pompous and overbearing. However, that didn't mean she wouldn't make a good leader and her preference did not change the fact that Pied would defer to the victor.

"Fair and square..." Pied muttered under her breath, shifting her weight and feeling a flash of cold feathers against the side of her neck. Lower, so as not to be overhead by anyone but Mag, she added, "C'mon, Hawkeye..."

She drew in a breath to steady and brace herself for the eminent locking of horns. She looked sideways to exchange a glance with Zombie and Vires. To her surprise, she saw Cuan standing on the outskirts of their group. Her mismatched eyes studied him a moment, then she flicked her head to gesture for him to step closer. One more wolf, even an Omega like Cuan, would make their makeshift pack stronger yet.