get a re-write

It was a beautiful day. 

For the first time in a long time, Ries woke without that itch in his paws and that pull in his chest that demanded he move. Instead, he'd stretched, and he'd taken a drink from a nearby stream, and he'd caught a rabbit, and he'd settled to watch out over the land far below. Renn had died that way, he knew - fallen from a cliff just like the one Ries' forepaws were dangling from, as though there was no risk involved at all. 

There was a familiar pang of grief in his chest at the thought of his sibling, of his grandfather, of his father, all buried on this mountain. Ries knew it would always be there, aching, until the day he went to join them, but it was less intense than it used to be. He no longer felt as though he was drowning on dry land. 

Ries took a deep breath through his nose and let it out. For the first time in a long, long time, he felt as though things were going to be okay. 

---

@Runar <3

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It was always hard to see a brother go, but who was he to stop Ulrik and his ambitions? Traveling was in their blood, and even their own parents had taken journeys from time to time. He too wished to see beyond mountain walls, but his travels would come with time. With Ulrik's departure, there were bigger things to think about, such as the pack and its future. Their mother saw promise in him, just as she did Katja, but Runar was still young, inexperienced. @Katja he trusted in regards to their safety, but she was less of a people person than him or Ulrik. Runar followed his gut, but that did not mean that he would not appreciate another's.

The High King traveled the mountain ridge, his brother's scent fresh to his nose. It was only a matter of time before his earthen coat and unmistakable splotchy paw came into view. Ries had stayed longer than his previous visits, though he wasn't sure if it was for the loss in their family or his own interests. Runar was certain Ries would hear his approach, but for the sake of his current perch, he'd chuff a good few yards away to avoid startling him once he was a tail length away. “Something troubles you, Brother?”
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Ulrik would be heading out on his trip soon, or maybe he already had. It would be good for him, Ries hoped, to see the world, stretch his legs. Normally, he'd want to go with him, take any excuse to free himself from within the confines of these borders. But, while the pull was still there, it was minimized - eclipsed by the desire to stay. Odd, really, but Ries was grateful for it.

He heard Runar approaching before the chuff, his tail thumping on the ground as he turned his head to look up at his mountainous brother.

"Just hoping Ulrik has a good trip," he said, smile warm on his face. "What about you? No troubles, I hope." It would be difficult not to have a least a few, for a man in Runar's position - so young and suffering so much loss, coupled with this new rise to power. There had to be at least some stress involved.

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“No troubles brew with Runar!” His concerns were mild to the joy he felt for his brother’s journey. The things he’d see, the tales he’d share, Runar only hoped he would remember to visit as Ries had. “But Ulrik’s departure leaves hole.” one he had thought would always be filled. He and his siblings had been thrust into leadership early, but they had each other, and mother of course, but decisions ultimately fell on his head, not hers.

A part of him had always wondered why the first born were not raised to lead, but it seemed their mother had originally a different plan for them. “Makes…Runar wonder…” The golds of his eyes slipped to his brother as he found a perch, one step back from the cliff edge Ries had grown comfortable with, “What plans other siblings might have?” it was an indirect question, one he hoped Ries would answer for himself. One where he might decide to stay.
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No troubles were a good thing. It was nice that they were in the same mindset, then. There had been far too many troubles recently, Ries decided. It was nice that Ulrik was able to strike out on his own for a while, but that did, unfortunately, leave a gap in their leadership.

He perked up a little at the line of questioning. It was fair, given Ries' flighty nature, but not something Runar needed to worry over.

"I'm not going anywhere," he assured, looking over to his larger brother with a smile. "However I can help, put me to work." He'd been aching to do something more meaningful, to help his siblings in some way that was more than bringing home a stray or finding a decent meal.

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The perpetual smile on his maw brightened as Ries spoke the only words he wished he would say. He planned on staying this time. The mountain king hummed at his brother’s request, almost as if he hadn’t thought about it prior to seeing him out, “You have been helpful as you are. Even brought new faces to home.” Runar was not the most familiar with Belenus, but he could tell the man was cast in more shadows than he may want to admit.

“I think they find comfort in you. You would agree?” Their family had never begrudged any of Runar’s siblings, but at the end of the day, they were family. To charm those with no ties but the bonds you make? That was different. That took a different kind of man, just like their father had been.
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Ries hardly felt helpful in the face of all Runar had taken on. His brother was impressive, falling into this role with an ease that Ries expected was only outward. There had to be struggle going on in that large head of his, and if Ries could manage it, he wanted to help. 

I think they find comfort in you. You would agree?

A smile crossed his face, a little unsteady. "I hope so," he admitted. "I'd like to make the newcomers more comfortable. Belenus is... well, I think he's been through a lot. I'm sure everybody has." 

He tilted his head to the side, now studying his brother, trying to figure out what he was getting at. "Do you?" he asked. "Find comfort in me." It was a weird question, and felt awkward on his tongue, but he was curious. Why else would Runar bring it up?

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“Runar knows so.” He'd interrupt shortly after his brother's humble words. As Ries spoke, he'd nod, just a fraction in beat to his thoughts and the news his brother shared. Perhaps he should check on Belenus himself. He had grown quiet since his acceptance, but Runar did not wish to crowd the man as he found a home for himself. He may be overbearing in his friendliness, but Runar was not oblivious. He knew where to keep boundaries.

“I do.” Runar confirmed without hesitation and a solid nod. “You are older, more experienced. Different views from Runar's small lens under Mother and Father. Plus you are brother. That is comfort enough.” A warm smile filled his maw as he let his words sit, only for Runar's brows to shoot up at the realization that he had danced around his own question, “You wish to help Vanderfell, yes?”
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Runar was being sweet. It wasn't unlike his bigger, younger brother to be kindhearted and jovial - the latter of which they'd both received from their father - but this felt weightier than usual. Like there was some meaning behind the conversation that Ries had yet to pick out. 

A small smile formed on his maw, genuine and a little sheepish under the kindness behind his words. It was undeserved, after he'd spent so much time away from home, but Ries' family was good like that. Always willing to welcome you back with open arms. He wanted to speak - to thank him, or to offer a rebuttal, but the weight of what his brother had said tightened his throat with emotion. 

You wish to help Vanderfell, yes?

"Yes," the word came easily. It was the truth - Ries wanted to do whatever he could to assist his family and their growing group. "Do you have something for me to do?" He tilted his head to the side, open, ready to spring into action at Runar's request. Perhaps they needed a message delivered? A hunting party? Ries would happily take on the task. 

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“I do.” Runar paused a beat before continuing, almost blurting out the words that followed, “Lead with me. Be my advisor with Katja. The position is open, and you are the most qualified, even with your travels. You'll know what it takes to protect our home, what kind of wolves to look out for, and those we can trust. Runar likes to believe gut is true, but I do not know wolves outside Vanderfell the way you do. The pack will trust you, and so does Runar.”
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Oh. Well. That was a lot more than a simple scouting mission. Ries' eyes widened in shock, stricken by the weight of what Runar was requesting of him. Not the work involved - Ries wouldn't mind it in the slightest - but the trust involved. The reliance.

And he wanted Ries to do it? 

"I- of course, Runar, I'll do whatever you need me to do," he began, stumbling over his words, still overwhelmed by the offer. "It's... I'd be happy to. If you're sure." It only felt right to offer him a way out - just in case this was some sort of mistake, and Runar wanted to change his mind.

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A grin quickly spilled his maw as he confirmed his decision, “Runar is sure. No better fit.” Perhaps there would be a wolf amongst them who rose with promise, but one did not need to lead to do great things. Realistically, who else would he trust to guide his decisions? The new faces that filled Vanderfell were pleasant, but just that. New. Settling. Most torn from their homes and face to face with the realization that they may never find a way back. Others had run to make a home for themselves. Vanderfell needed a Skald who had already found home in these mountains. Who were ready to lead, not just live. “That was all Runar wished to ask. I can leave be if you wish to resume gazing. Runar on other hand, would much rather leave cliffs, so he will go.”
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