[html]
The matter was, of course, a big one for Strelein, the one in question that had been wronged. Trent did feel that he had, thought it was kind of stupid for the pack to cast away Strelein like an old rag doll when he was in trouble, punish him for what appears to be losing control... The pack should support its weakest link to make it stronger, and thus the whole pack stronger; not cast it away in a dark corner and wait for better times. Trent thought it was an outrage, truthfully, that he of all people seemed the only one man enough to show up at Strelein's door and try to make him feel better, help him, maybe be his friend and help him clamber out of the dark hole he'd dug himself into. It was everybody's responsibility, and usually Trent was one for running away from such responsibilities. But not today.
Trent watched the uncorked bottle of stuff thoughtfully while he listened to Strelein's brief life history. Trent smiled empathically -- well, as empathically as he could, anyway -- as Strelein concluded his tale, and then went on about how his mate had left him. Oh, the bitch, leaving someone in their darkest, deepest moments. Trent was about to ask what happened and make an off-handed comment about what a bitch she was when Strelein took away all cause to do so.
"Err..." Trent swallowed, not really sure how to go about it tactfully. "... Him? Your mate was a...?" Trent looked down at the bottle in his hands automatically, fidgetting with it and submissively avoiding the Serf's gaze (not really consciously so). Trent couldn't help but wonder if this was the reason that Strelein had been demoted, that they had disapproved of his... lifestyle. But it would be rude to ask, now wouldn't it? Trent quickly put the bottle to his mouth, although he was no master at drinking from a bottle (usually he'd still search for a river when thirsty, and drink straight from it). Some of it slipped past, although in retrospect, he was grateful for it, because what didn't sent him into a brief coughing fit. Trent couldn't quite discern whether he really liked or really disliked the feeling.