Orin grinned conspiratorially as Shawchert took meager offense to her joke with Skye, though they all knew it was in fun, but all humor was gone as the man began to tell his story. She wasn't ready to hear about the other crimes Argul committed and froze when she heard the name. He even only summarized the events but still it shocked her to hear. The woman froze like a deer in headlights when he began to explain the havoc the gray devil set loose on the pack, but it was when he mentioned another pup killing that her eyes welled up with tears. “He did it to someone else, too?” Grief welled within her. Poor Valinta. Orin hadn't even known the woman very well, but they were pack sisters all the same. “Is Valinta still here?”
And there was still more. As if all of that wasn't enough, Shawchert had face even more strife. She was curious of details but wouldn't dare ask him to relate more. Not with her pup's sensitive ears so close by, even if it seemed like they weren't listening right now. And not so soon after reuniting. There was still so much to process.
“I'm sorry,” she moved closer to Shawcher and rested a tiny hand on his shoulder. A meager offer of comfort. She knew from her own experiences that no words would dilute the pain of what he had been through.
Orin composed herself while Skye began speaking. She filed each bit of information away in neat little sections of memory – all the things she would get to as soon as possible, including visiting Valinta if the woman was still a part of Cercatori.
With her hand still on Shawchert's shoulder, she turned to Skye as the Capitana filled her in on the rest. “I can see how a change in the ranks might prove useful. Morale must be up a little, and it sounds like everyone might feel a little more encouraged to collaborate. And after last winter, livestock is probably one of the best moves for Cercatori yet.”
Naturally, it had been only a matter of time before a pack that put out as much product as d'Arte did would begin to sell its wares. It was a good thing. Now the art and legacy of Cercatori would spread throughout 'Souls, and the pack would prosper from the hard work and immense creativity of its members. “Some time in the future I might like to join one of these expeditions. At least... if it's going to the Court,” the idea was grand, but the thought of traversing the woods and visiting other packs made her sick to her stomach. In time that might wear off... might.
Orin glanced to her right in time to see Juliet laying on the ground, happily chomping away at some unidentified object. Before she could say anything the item was sucked in and gone from sight. Orin rolled her eyes, “Juliet, you can't eat just anything you see! It's been a long time since we ate,” now she was talking to Skye and Shawchert again. “Is there someplace we can grab a quick bite?”
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