Notes:
Eaglesight- Thanks! And lol, sorry about your password.
Ch.3
~Ritco~
Ritco's legs wobbled beneath her as she stood before the whole pack. She noticed that some of them drew back when she told them her name. The chocolate furred and black brindled Alpha female was kneeling in front of her, sympathy in her hetero blue-brown eyes. Ritco wondered at those eyes, not seeing such a combination often. The Alpha sighed and stood up. "Do not fear, Ritco. Flower is very knowledgeable about herbs. I'm sure that she will be able to take care of you for the time being." As she said this, a black she-wolf with white markings walked to Ritco's side, looking down at her with a soft smile. Ritco only nodded. Then the Alpha male spoke up, his voice deep and rumbling. "What are we all standing around for? Ice, go with Tiger, Snow, and Birch to get the rest of that deer. And Ridge, take some wolves on a patrol." The Betas nodded and got started on their orders right away while the other wolves were hesitant to disperse, though they, too, got back to their daily activities and duties.
Ritco tensed as Flower picked her up by the scruff and took her to the nursery den. Inside, the air was warm with the scent of milk. Flower dropped the pup on a pile of dry grass and wolf fur. Ritco jumped in surprise when a silver wolf in the corner shifted to look at her. The wolf smiled before closing her eyes and laying her head on her paws while the pup near her stomach snuggled closer to her. Ritco watched them a moment, wondering if she and her mother were like that when she was younger.
~River~
River was walking away with the other wolves when Flower called to her. "River! Come here, please." River trotted to the nursery den, where Flower was standing near the mouth of the den. "River, could you watch the pup while I get some herbs for her nerves? Pool is much too tired." The moment River nodded, Flower walked briskly into the forest. River looked inside at the pup. She had never seen a grown wolf so thin, much less a pup. She walked inside and the pup's gaze was immediately locked onto her, her eyes wide and uneasy. River sat down by Ritco's nest and cast a glance at the dozing Pool. "So, Ritco", River began, the name strange on her tongue, "I know you might be a little frightened, but I promise that nothing bad will happen to you here. Is… is it okay if I ask you just a couple questions?"
~Ritco~
Ritco nodded hesitantly. The gray she-wolf- River, was it? - simply stared at her for a moment, as if surprised Ritco had agreed to answer her questions. Ritco stared back, her brown eyes meeting River's dark blue gaze, when the she-wolf finally spoke. "I'm sorry, I guess I haven't introduced myself. I'm River." She paused. "So, how old are you?" Ritco furrowed her brow in concentration, trying to remember. She sometimes forgot how old she was. Keeping track of her age never seemed that important. After some thought, she answered. "Five."
River smirked, a look of confusion on her face. "Five? You couldn't possibly be that old! You'd be a full grown wolf!" Ritco narrowed her eyes at her. Don't patronize me, Lightbringer. she thought angrily to herself. "I am. Five moons isn't that old, and you know it. So please stop acting like it." River lowered her head slightly, seeming to be embarrassed. "Oh. Five moons. Sorry, I should've realized that."
Ritco replied simply with a huff and a roll of her eyes. But then she realized something. I'm… upset. And not just upset, but upset with another wolf. A small smile appeared on her face. And I'm… well, I'm arguing with her and she won't hurt me for it! Ritco's smile grew, and she even giggled while River looked at her quizzically. I can act like any other pup! I can be happy here… Suddenly her smile vanished. …can't I?
Ritco's round, brown eyes rose to look at River. "What will happen now?"
~River~
River frowned slightly. She wanted to ask Ritco some more questions. I suppose they can wait she decided silently. "Well, Flower should be here soon. I don't think it takes terribly long to find a couple plants. When she comes back I can go get you something to eat." The pup stared up at her. "You know that's not what I meant" she said quietly. River's gaze shifted away from Ritco to the ground, replying, "I know. But I just… I just don't know. It's up to Fox and Ivy to decide." As she spoke, Flower walked in with leaves in her mouth. She stops beside Ritco's nest and spats them out onto the floor. She begins delicately sifting through them with her paw as River stands. "Is it alright if I get her some prey?" Flower nods then looks up at River with a warm smile before going back to her leaves, picking up a couple and placing them in front of the pup. River leaves before she sees what is done with them.
As River walks to the main den, Birch approaches her. "You won't believe what I just heard" he said quickly. River smirked to herself. I love how Birch oh-so loves his gossip. Birch didn't seem to notice her expression as he continued, "I won't reveal my sources, but I heard that we might be keeping the pup. After she's been asked some questions, of course." River stopped, forgetting the prey. "What? What do you mean? And who's going to ask her questions?" Her friend paused as if he was suddenly unsure if he should tell her any more, but the shuffling of his paws told her otherwise. "Fox and Ivy might be considering accepting her into the pack. I think they're going to have Ridge 'interrogate' her. But I can't be sure of this." River growled, her gaze hard. "If you're not sure, then why are you even telling me this? These are all just possibilities!" she snapped.
Birch took a step back, clearly surprised by this outburst. River's gaze softened and she looked down at the ground, ashamed of herself. "I'm sorry. Things have been kind of tense lately and I just want to know what's going on." Birch moved to her side, rubbing his head on hers. "I know. It's alright" he said softly. "Things will get back to normal soon enough." River nodded silently. I certainly hope so. She gave him a small smile before continuing on towards the main den to get Ritco her prey, leaving Birch staring after her.