Try Honesty-- open!

[[Midnight]]

Caden stood silenty and gave Bandit his full attention when she spoke further. He almost had expected her to stand up for herself and scold him for thinking he could tell her to just forget about everything. He knew he was asking too much, probably, telling her to leave the past behind. Sometimes the most obvious of better choices were the nearly impossible ones. He understood that, as a leader.

He didn't really know Bandit, after all they had been through. He pictured her as some intimidating female who didn't need to lean on anyone, for anything. Perhaps in the humane sense of it that was still true. Here she was, standing in front of him, refusing to show him her tears that she had held in for many long, long seasons. He didn't see her, however, as any less intimidating or strong. She was simply having a moment, that's all. It was bound to happen the moment she ran into Duke. He hadn't took her for the vindictive type, though. He still didn't think it was in her nature, but simply a feeling she had forced on herself; an obligation to avenge her family.

Caden surprised himself. He felt a strong feeling of sorrow when she spoke of how hopeless her existance seemed. He realized it made him sick to hear her talk that way.

"Straighten up. This is a bad look for you," he chastised in a fatherly sort of manner. He stepped closer and reached to bump his nose under her chin, a wolfish show of respect for authority or affection. His eyes were understanding, caring, when he looked at her closely.

"I respect you, too, Bandit. You must not realize how much I've already begun to rely on you. Whenever an issue comes up in the pack, one of the first things I think of is... 'Would Bandit approve of this?'"
He smiled kindly, hoping she'd see his sincerity. It was true; he hadn't thought about it much up until now, however, that he truly valued Bandit's opinion. She had made it clear with him from the beginning that this pack was important to her, and he loved that about her.

"Hearing myself say that out loud makes me understand that I don't have much of a choice," he said, raising a brow and giving her a hopeless grin. "I think you'll have to be my second-in-command."

Caden had been looking for the right Beta for a while now, and he was confident that he was making the best decision. If he were to step down or die, someone would have to lead the pack. His trust in Bandit had grown exponentially. She could certainly replace him if need be. It was, after all, her desire.

"I'll give you a purpose, if you'll accept it. Will you be my Beta? And whatever happens after this... We'll cross that path when it comes."

He waited hopefully for her response and reaction, and also hoped to see her cheer up. He did not like this side of Bandit, and hoped to see less of it.

[Paint]

Bandit looked up at him after his affectionate bump under her muzzle. She was only crying a little now, as he spoke. While it was not in her nature to cry, she could probably never become hysterical. She was too controlled for that. Her amber eyes watched as he spoke, eyeing the contours of his face and fur as she listened.

"Thank you," she finally said. She lifted her leg and used it to wipe any remaining tears from her cheeks. She shook her head a little before she looked back up at him, straightening up to her usual tall self. It was far more comfortable than slouching. "And if you really would like me to be your Beta, then I can, and I will. I will do so with honour."

She paused a little, studying his green eyes, trying to search him a little.

"But if you are only giving me this to stop me from being upset then I can't accept it," she sighed. "I hope you can understand, that's what this feels like. I'm afraid I'm too proud for pity positions. Unless you really think I am the best for the job."

She didn't think that Caden would want to patronise her so much, but she had given him good reason to. She felt embarrassed for crying but knew there was nothing else she could do about it now. The memory of seeing Duke was seared into her mind and every time she closed her eyes, even just to blink, he burned there.

[[Midnight]]

As her eyes searched his, he did the same with his own brown gaze. Through their red rims he could already see her eyes reflecting the stronger side of Bandit. Her words made him shake his head and scrunch up his face. Surely she knew that her Beta position was far from a gift out of pity. He figured deep down she already knew that, but still decided to reassure her anyway.

"Oh please, Bandit. Now I feel a bit like a chump. Of course it's not a gift out of pity," he responded. "And it's not because of Duke and what I said. It's not for anything but your Beta qualities. So I expect you to live up to your promise that you're going to rebuild your father's pack. This could be your chance to contribute."

He gave his pelt a quick shake, and wasn't totally sure why. Perhaps he was still getting over the spook of almost breaking the peaceful relations with Falling Moon. Caden wasn't a coward...or at least, he had never felt like one until now. Had he been wrong to hold Bandit back? To appease Duke's anger?

He sighed and searched Bandit again, enthusiasm somewhat mellowed down.

"Now that you're Beta, I feel I can ask you freely. What is your stand on Falling Moon? What would you be doing in my position?"

He tried to hold her gaze, then sighed again, looking away.
"That's a beefy question. Maybe I shouldn't ask it."

[Paint]

Bandit felt her chest breathe a little, a quick swell of pride and then she released the air she didn't realise she'd been holding within her. She smiled. Part of her almost wanted to place a paw on Caden's, perhaps even quickly embrace him, but she knew that was inappropriate. No matter that he was there for her, it seemed, even when she was breaking down. Bandit knew the etiquette.

"It's okay, I've calmed now. Released a lot of tension," she shook her head, staring away for a moment. A flash of imagintion - her snapping her teeth into Duke's throat- swept through her brain but then it was gone again. She looked back at Caden, calm again. "I'm not sure. They're not that much of a threat, I suppose. It's only if they get angry or greedy enough to want to take our lands. I'm guessing they haven't attacked yet because they would have had pups too, this spring."

She felt her brow furrow in thought.

"I suppose we just have to hope that the new generation don't rise out of Duke's ashes and turn this lull into warfare again," she sighed.

[sully]

Thud, Thud, Thud...

Enepay's large paws hit the ground in tempo, his golden gaze sweeping the territory for the body belonging scent he'd been following for some time now. His dark snout lowered to the ground as his body became still, lean muscles tensing for a moment as he dashed into the forest.

Darting through the trees, the scent of the Alpha Caden and the second Beta, Bandit became stronger. Enepay, the most dedicated of wolves wanted to report that all was safe under his watch. Enepay had taken the Beta role months ago, and had taken his promotion very seriously. He made sure the lands were safe, everyone was fed and the Alpha was heard.

Gaze sweeping left, then right.... Enepay finally spotted them speaking to one another. Slowing his pace, the tall gray peppered male came to a slow trot and eventually came to a halt as he approached them.

"Caden," he nodded before looking to the female, "Bandit." he said nodding to her catching her gaze. It was clear that something had just happened but he wasn't nosy so left it at that. Enepay looked at Caden and spoke again, "I just came back from patrolling the territory... all seems calm." he said, confident in his words. He'd never let Caden down before, and never planned on it.

"Pardon me for interrupting, if I had." he added, feeling a little awkward about barging in on an obvious already begun conversation. His golden gaze shifted from Cadens' eyes to Bandits as he looked out into the distance, giving a final look to make sure the lands were in fact, completely safe.

[[Midnight]]

Caden smiled smally as she gained back all of her normal composure. He certainly didn't doubt that she released what she needed to let go of. She would be okay, he was certain of it. With his usual attentiveness he listened eagerly to her side of things, her opinion on the Moons. It surprised him to hear how unbiased she was about it. She didn't let her hatred for Duke spoil her judgement. This was so entirely important in a good leader; his admiration for her grew even deeper. He was going to convey this to her when another voice interrupted his thoughts and cut him short, making his head turn swiftly. It was unexpected, as he had not heard Enepay's approach, and for a split second Caden wondered if was Duke returning to the scene.

His heart still thud even after he realized the newcomer's identity. He let none of his moment's fright show and gave Enepay a welcoming nod of the head and a brief wag of his tail. Caden enjoyed Enepay's honest company, and he had no doubt that the caring fellow would disapprove of Bandit's new appointment as his fellow Beta.

He gave his full attention to Enepay's short but reassuring report on the territory. After his apology, Caden simply blinked slowly in response, studying the male with his brown, thoughtful gaze.

Then he responded, "Not at all a problem. You actually have great timing. You can be the first to know, appropriately, that Bandit is now a Beta. I'm sure you two will get along swimmingly."

He looked over at Bandit and gave her a smile. Though he had two Beta wolves now, Caden knew that he'd still rely heavily on them both for different reasons. The fact that Bandit had a history with Duke and the Moons, however, gave her a special edge for the benefit of the Stars' sake. Both Enepay and Caden knew far less about them than she likely did.

[Paint]

Although she was not fickle, Bandit was a proud wolf. As Enepay arrived she sat up a little stronger, hoping that the unwelcome tears had left no stain upon her fur. Her ears flicked backwards momentarily before pricking back up again to take Enepay in. She'd seen him around, of course, but wasn't sure how often she'd actually spoken to him.

"Hello," she dipped her head. She thought about getting to know Enepay better, deciding that she might invite him on a hunt or something so that they could figure out how well they worked together. They probably had different strengths and weaknesses.

Bandit glanced back at Caden, wondering about his take on the Falling Moons situation. She also wondered if he would ask Enepay about it. He seemed like a loyal wolf, but not as emotionally involved as Bandit was, perhaps. Neither of them really knew the history. It's a new valley, Bandit, she scolded herself, keeping her expression plain, It's a whole new game now. Stop living in the past.

[sully]

"Swimmingly, I assure you." he said with a nod, looking at Bandit. His golden eyes stared into hers with a wag of tail before continuing. "I couldn't agree more, Caden. Lovely choice sir." he said as he reclined upon his large hind quarters. He'd been patrolling all morning and needed to rest.

Carrying all that weight, his legs and paws grow sore at times. Surely, Enepay would appreciate a moment to himself but he'd never be able to relax enough. Perhaps if there were a reason to, but in this moment of his life he's in his prime... on top of his game. Although, one cannot carry the weight of himself, and the pack aside from the Alpha. Enepay was more than pleased to have Bandit under Cadens direct orders like him, and that he'd have not only someone else to lean on sometimes... but a strong female to lean on.

Enepay loved females, not just for their desirable curves or soft feminine touch... but for their extremely hard work and determination when it came to their pack status. Bearing and watching the community pups, fighting for themselves, and the Alpha... he had a great respect for them. But Bandit seemed a little more emotionally invested than he, which bothered him not. He knew he was strong, and silent... having someone who clearly wears their emotions on their paws is in Enepays eyes, excellent. Balances the pack out, and makes it stronger as a whole really.

Enepay's stomach growled as he looked Bandit over, he'd seen her a few times in fact. Like said before, Enepay loves females... he knows each female by name and a bit of history about them. Nothing serious, or out of the ordinary... but he believes that one should know the pack as a whole, not just the important parts. For one, Enepay was very glad that Caden picked Bandit for the second Beta position. Thinking it over in his head, he spoke to himself about how great this was. Unfortunately, he wasn't as much in his head as he thought.

"Perfect match." he said aloud, quickly realizing it so. He looked at Bandit, trying to play it off. "I think that his choice couldn't have been better." he said with a sheepish grin toward Bandit quickly changing his gaze to Caden, keeping himself quiet for a few moment to regain his thoughts.

[[Midnight]]

Caden smiled wide after watching this interchange. He didn't suspect that Enepay would have problem with Bandit and vice versa, but then again, things were only beginning. At least now he could rest a little easier, knowing there were two other dependable wolves who could take care of the pack if need be. How many intelligent Beta did Duke have?

He felt the need to return swiftly to Stars territory. Being out here in No Man's Land was almost a fluke for him; he only came when he felt it was time to scope things out again, make sure all was well. He had to admit he was like a fretting mother; being away from the pack for too long was just not his cup of tea. He tried to hide his sudden nervousness and channeled out in the squirming of his toes.

"You and Bandit both are so versatile, you'd probably get along with anyone," was Caden's quiet response, pondering over Enepay's sudden and pointed comment. Caden felt a twinge of awkwardness by it, having suddenly imagined Enepay and Bandit as a mating pair, and he doubted that's what was meant to be implied. He, too, glanced quickly at Bandit, wondering if it would strike her sense of humor or if it would make her frown.

[sully]

Enepay cleared his throat nervously, for he knew that his thoughts transferred to his mouth once he saw Caden's reaction. Hoping to brush it off, he spoke before Bandit could get a word in.

"Thank you, Caden. I would like to think of myself as exactly that, more approachable as well. It certainly helps in times of need I think." he said, going over his previous statement in his head about how perfect Bandit being in the Beta position was. Though it came out wrong, he meant it. He'd watched the determined and hard working female from afar for some time and knew that she would make it to his position all along. Or at least felt she should fall into it one way or another...

That aside, Enepay's stomach began to growl audibly. Letting out a light chuckle, he looked to Bandit,
"Care to join me for a hunt? Give Caden a break for a small while?" he said with a grin. He knew that she wouldn't resist, but after his previous comment, he wasn't sure how she was going to take his words from now on. He hoped she'd let it roll of her back as they did... but Enepay knows well that this might he a little stickier than he'd hoped.

[Paint]

Bandit raised a brow at Enepay's slip of the tongue, but chose to ignore it. In fact she simply nodded and growled a friendly thanks. She noticed Caden looking at her with ever so slight awkwardness about him but she decided it would be best to ignore the comment. Bandit was one hundred percent sure that Enepay had not meant any of what he had said in mate-like way, she knew she was not classically beautiful and far more masculine than many males she had met not only in battle but in mindset. She was incredibly straightforward.

"Thank you Caden, and Enepay," she dipped her head to them both. Her ears flicked backwards a little as she caught the slight wriggle of Caden's toes in her peripheral vision. They had been in No Man's Land for quite some time. Now that they were all in some position of power, she supposed that at least one of them should be on their land.

"Lovely idea, Enepay, I was just about to suggest the same thing," Bandit replied, eyeing Caden and making it clear that she refused to be embarrassed about anything. Far too proud, and far too sensible, Bandit was not going to be frivolous about this new position. She knew that some wolves naturally thought the Betas would get together in the end but Bandit wasn't entirely sure. "Should we perhaps hunt on Stars land? The prey can be a little scarce in these foglands after all."

[sully]

Enepay nodded his head to the female, and began padding slowly toward the Stars territory. His tail lay silent behind him, showing no excitement in his body language. More seriousness. He always had his game face on, and never let anyone see inside his true emotions.

"Care to be off, then?" he asked, looking to Caden with a final nod as his large paws hit the ground methodically as he took off into the forest. Knowing well that Bandit would not have let him leave without her, he was sure she was hot on his trail.

"Have you great experience with hunting large animals, Bandit? Deer? Moose?" he asked, trying to get an idea of what kind of hunting she's done. Not that he thought she was incapable but simply because he had to see what kind of help he was going to get from her.

[Paint]

Bandit found his questions to be a little odd, not to mention his changeable body language. She kept her eyes trained on him as he walked off, evidently simply expecting her to follow. She dipped her head to Caden and smiled a little at him before trotting off to catch up with Enepay. Her expression remained largely blank as she spoke.

"Yes, I've had much experience with larger hunts," she replied, glancing sidelong at her pack equal. "But with only two of us there's no way we could bring down a moose. Depending on how fast you are, perhaps a small deer. A baby or a sick one. Personally I know my forte is the strength needed to bring the animal down and kill it, not catching up with it. Deer are tricky. Moose are too dangerous for two wolves."

"Of course, if you're fast enough, we could attempt a large animal," she offered. She didn't want to seem as if she were disagreeing with him for the sake of it. Her mind sought out other options to hunt, thinking of all the prey that was in the Stars land. She hoped that her 'if you're fast enough' wouldn't be taken as a challenge, but sometimes males thought everything was a challenge.