11/19/2025, 5:07 AM
Although an injury as severe as a broken limb could excuse any lapse in activity, Aurelia at least appreciated the woman's self-consciousness regarding her current situation. That is not to say she was unwelcome - but lately Dawnbreak had turned into something of a charity and homeless shelter, a fate she distinctly remember the other founders disagreeing with when laying the ground rules for their future.
One joined the pack; one contributed to the pack; then one earned their place in the pack, and thus their right to vote and hold formal discussions during electoral processes.
It was difficult to break free of the shackles of preconceived notions. Dawnbreak had been built upon the iron backs of wolves forged from hardship and loss; it was natural that they should default to taking care of their own first, always looking within rather than without.
Still.
Her mother's kind face prodded at her memory.
Svajonė was pleasant enough, and it was doubtful she'd wanted a fractured leg in the first place. Hardly her fault.
Something peculiar flashed across the injured woman's expression for a moment, but it was too fleeting to grasp. Aurelia had to know someone well in order to make sense of such glimpses, and unfortunately Svajonė was a stranger to her - and she did not think it appropriate to ask questions or probe further.
Pausing to gather her thoughts, Aurelia considered how best she might describe the current functions of each role. They all had their own separate duties, but together, they came together as a whole entity, a living, breathing organism clawing its way toward survival and a better life.
Breath was what fueled voice, effort, endurance - even presence.
Without breath, courage cannot surge, wisdom cannot speak. Power represents the lungs, the driving breath of determination.
Wisdom thinks.
Courage endures.
Power breathes.
'I wish Tiberii knew how truly important she was,' Aurelia thought sorrowfully.
There was a lighthearted moment where the woman offered a soft, languid smile, and Aurelia thought it too genuine to bother correcting her statement with the truth of the sisters' earth-shattering bouts of alcoholism.
All in due time.
One joined the pack; one contributed to the pack; then one earned their place in the pack, and thus their right to vote and hold formal discussions during electoral processes.
It was difficult to break free of the shackles of preconceived notions. Dawnbreak had been built upon the iron backs of wolves forged from hardship and loss; it was natural that they should default to taking care of their own first, always looking within rather than without.
Still.
Her mother's kind face prodded at her memory.
Svajonė was pleasant enough, and it was doubtful she'd wanted a fractured leg in the first place. Hardly her fault.
Svajonė,she repeated back, enunciating carefully. Aurelia was not particularly fond of nicknames.
Those who think it too difficult simply have not practiced it enough. A little bit of effort is not so troublesome.
It is important your wound heals properly the first time; do not try anything outside of your current limitations,she admonished, although her tone was something closer to gentle (as she knew it).
That is all that is expected of you. Rest, and save your strength.
Something peculiar flashed across the injured woman's expression for a moment, but it was too fleeting to grasp. Aurelia had to know someone well in order to make sense of such glimpses, and unfortunately Svajonė was a stranger to her - and she did not think it appropriate to ask questions or probe further.
Well, trusting your gut has gotten you this far, has it not?Aurelia continued. Perhaps a year or two ago, she might have pooh-poohed the notion entirely, believing strongly at the time that all sound decision-making came from one's head and the reliable system of logical deduction - but having seen and experienced so much since then, she had doubts. Besides, if anyone was a poster child for one's gut being a trustworthy compass, it was Tiberii - even the Wisdom knew not to discredit its mystic abilities these days.
You sound very knowledgeable to me. I think we could learn a great deal from you, Svajonė,she said sincerely.
I do not know how long you plan to stay with us, but you are welcome to choose a path so that you might truly belong here for a time.
Pausing to gather her thoughts, Aurelia considered how best she might describe the current functions of each role. They all had their own separate duties, but together, they came together as a whole entity, a living, breathing organism clawing its way toward survival and a better life.
I currently represent the path of Wisdom; mediators and healers, we are the eyes, the brain of the pack, meant to be clear-headed and careful,she said, with a slight emphasis on meant. Even the little Shakti-Vaès knew she was terribly imperfect.
It is natural that Courage should be the heart, forging the way forward as scouts and messengers, encouraging each other when we are weak and in need of strength; while Power best represents our lungs, our breath. Breath fills the body with momentum, empowers us to action, rendering us capable of defending ourselves and our own.
Breath was what fueled voice, effort, endurance - even presence.
Without breath, courage cannot surge, wisdom cannot speak. Power represents the lungs, the driving breath of determination.
Wisdom thinks.
Courage endures.
Power breathes.
'I wish Tiberii knew how truly important she was,' Aurelia thought sorrowfully.
There is no wrong choice. We have use for everyone, here.
There was a lighthearted moment where the woman offered a soft, languid smile, and Aurelia thought it too genuine to bother correcting her statement with the truth of the sisters' earth-shattering bouts of alcoholism.
All in due time.
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