RETH

The discussions had paused for everyone to take a meal at high sun, but their talks continued an hour later. By mid-afternoon, Reth was becoming hopeful.

The issues had started specific and practical: Would the wolves be allowed to return to their former homes? How would the Tree City Anima that lived in the outskirts ever feel safe? With careful discussion amongst the councils, it was agreed that all Anima would return to the homes they'd had prior to the wolves banishment. Those in the outskirts could then take any homes now left empty, or even trade.

The elders—which included a male and female from each tribe—would appoint at least one of their representatives from the rebels, so their concerns were heard and led appropriately. Then as a whole, the councilors who had been appointed for this meeting would continue to work together to watch over families that had split down lines of loyalty

Resources would be shared among the tribes as they always had—making adjustments for numbers now. But no tribe or family group would be denied their rights as an Anima to everything they needed, or the chance to barter or trade.

As solutions were slowly found and agreed upon, the goals were written, and when the tribes came back together after the meal, the list of common and agreed goals was read. But even though there were more smiles and talk amongst the people, tension still hung thick in the air.

These questions and their solutions were all necessary to the function of the Tree City when the Anima returned and needed to be discussed. But they did not address the conflict that had seeded this battle. Reth feared if the people—all the people—didn't acknowledge the tensions that had been in place before, didn't resolve their mutual responsibility for them—nothing would change. But he couldn't raise it. He couldn't be seen to be antagonizing the wolves. How to get someone to broach the original rift?

Then, to his surprise, Lerrin stepped froward, towards his former people and raised his voice.

"Don't be cowards!

" he snarled.

"I stand here, humbled, in a desire to see you brought to your true fruitfulness! Your best lives! You cannot do that if you will not raise your deepest concerns. If we do not dig out the root that brought us into conflict, it will only sprout again. Please, Anima! Speak! Why did you wish to leave! What do you feel will occur with time if you return? How do we move forward in a different direction than before?

"

Reth had to stifle a smile. He did not want the people to think that he had spurred Lerrin to this. But his desire to grin was short lived when none of the wolves stepped forward. Lerrin had a low growl rolling in his throat as the entire clearing remained silent, the wolves staring at each other.

"Oh, for **'s sake,

" the wolf snarled. He took a deep breath as if he would address the entire clearing again, when a quiet voice from Reth's right piped up and everyone leaned in to hear Suhle.

"The wolves and their allies felt... undermined, and undervalued,

" she said with quiet dignity.

"The Anima code is that all tribes are one. Yet, many of our roles and traditions require the setting apart of one group or another. While the Pride seems always to step from strength to strength--and their allies grow with them, particularly the Equines--the wolves experienced a hand of restraint. Of caution. Mistrust. Why should the wolves return in peace if they will only be pressed low again while other tribes flourish?

"

Reth had the unique pleasure to be watching Lerrin's face when Suhle spoke—to see the yearning and love pass behind his eyes, then be snuffed out like a candle.

There was hope for these two yet.

But when she finished her address, he cleared his throat and stepped forward.

"No Anima—including me—is blameless as we stand here today. I can see that I allowed personal conflicts with the former Alpha of the wolf tribe to grow and expand over the years. You are right to have determined your tribe was stifled. It is true I worked against you. I offer my apology for that. I seek your forgiveness. But I also see your acknowledgement: In recent years, the wolves prioritized their own tribe and worked to undermine others. I cannot tell you if the distrust began in the wolves, or in the Pride. But I can tell you that from this day forward I commit to speak with your leaders, to find common goals, and to eradicate the lines between our tribes. Lupine leadership will not be marginalized. Your people will no longer be stifled. We will, instead, work together to ensure the future is bright for all of us!

"

He waited for the response, but it was lukewarm at best.

They didn't believe him.

Reth looked at Lerrin who shrugged.

"You're going to have to do better, I'm afraid.

"

Reth turned back to the wolves, thinking hard. What could he give them that was more than words? What would show his commitment to hearing them? To leading them into true strength? He wanted to bring his mate back here without threat to her from within the people. He wanted his offspring to be born into an Anima that was not divided in the same way—and he was sure they did as well.

But how to show them the Anima he wanted his daughter to see? To know? To grow up in?

He could see it in his mind—tribal lines drawn, but not held. Leaders working in tandem, to mutual benefit. Wolves alongside equines, alongside birds, alongside sheep… Market tables turned into round tables for debate and discussion not within the tribe, but between them. A people who truly saw themselves as stronger when their neighboring tribes were growing.

That was the Anima he wanted his daughter to know and love and eventually lead.

Then it hit him.

His daughter.

That was exactly what they needed.