Sage didn't know what to think. Her head was swimming, and with each fresh story of bloodshed and abandonment, she became more and more weary of this meeting. In such a short time, the place she had put her trust and love into had undergone so many changes. She couldn't comprehend losing her father again, and she could voice no words to express her grief. Dull ambers sat staring sadly ahead, past the new Tenryu and everyone else besides. This wasn't what she'd wanted. She'd wanted father.
The Ma-Tzu could feel the heat of her cheeks as she tried to hold back her choked cries, eyes brimming with wetness. Her tail was low, her ears back. Already there had been killing here. Here, where she'd thought it would be safe. After their stories, though, Sage couldn't say that they were truly at fault; defending the pack was essential, since some (herself included) were hardly able to defend themselves. It was all too much for her to even consider, and when the Tenryu sentenced them both to demotion, she did little more than stand there, her gaze going between the former Yakuso and Konrei in turn. Her sympathy may have been more palpable on any other day, but she could offer little comfort to them while she dealt with her own sudden depression. At least they were alive, and still here.
The displays of aggression only made her feel more uncomfortable. As Jace and Saluce both left in a huff, her eyes trailed off after them, until she found herself staring at the ground. Of course she wouldn't object to Xy'rin's rulings-- they were only temporary demotions, besides-- but Sage couldn't help but feel awkward. Her stomach was already in knots, and she fiddled with a tangled strand of dark brown hair as she stood, wondering whether or not she too should leave. Nothing was left for her to say; her entire world had come crashing down once again, and she was lost. Father was gone again, with no word, and nothing could help her cope with this second abandonment.
The few minues were long, and punctuated with quiet murmurs that she didn't bother to hear. Her head was buzzing, and she wanted nothing more than to collapse into her bed and sob herself to sleep. Somber and silent, she turned, letting her gaze pass, motherly, over Dalgina and her sister, smiling a sad, small smile at the pair before mounting up and riding off quietly towards the ranch. Was this really the beginning of another nightmare? He promised to be here, but here I am, alone again.
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