Ri'vashi chuckled. "Well, this one may be their leader, but most of them are werelions, so we call ourselves a pride. That is one way in which we are different from the beasts on which our lycan forms are based. Animals do not tend to gather together with those outside their own kind, and indeed, it is against the instincts of our beast spirits, but as people, we can act against our own nature. This one's pride is seven strong, and consists of people of varying ranks. None of her pride are on her council, by the rules established by her father. The council works best if the leader views them as advisers instead of direct subordinates."

The pair reached the dining chamber shortly afterwards and started gathering their meals, though Ri'vashi continued the conversation. "Anyway, there are some born lycans within this one's clan. Perhaps not as many as some older clans, but some of our younger members were born in this stronghold. Some were born elsewhere, and joined us along with their families. Personally, Ri'vashi almost envies them. It would be the ideal way for new lycans to be created, rather than infection from an existing lycan. So many tragic experiences could be avoided that way. Is your family still safe back in the Bruma clan?"

---

With the answered she had received so far, Meesei showed some relief. Asking parents to separate from their children for an extended time was not easy, nor something she wanted to do, but it was perhaps necessary. "I was going to suggest that they stay here, yes. This time, our warband will consist only of those who are going to be needed for our attack. However, unless the enemy stronghold's defenses are significantly weaker than I am expecting, I can say that I would prefer to have you all with me. You are my pack, those who I trust, and that I know work together well. I worry it would endanger us to split ourselves apart for this attack. The reason I wanted to speak with you all was to ask if you would be comfortable leaving them here during that time. This should be a safe place for them, far more safe than they have been for the past few weeks. I would suggest that whoever is left here with them be someone who will not be needed in the attack."

Ahnasha was not exactly comfortable with the suggestion, but was too conflicted to outright protest. She looked down at Rhazii, along with Newt, who was sitting on the ground at Fendros' feet, looking up at Rhazii. Though it had been years, the tragedy that had occurred with Rhazii in Black Marsh was not something she would ever forget. It still weighed on her mind, and influenced her thoughts about leaving him behind now. Granted, they would be leaving him in the care of friends and allies, rather than a den of Vampires, but she still would not be able to see him for weeks. 

"You want them to...stay here?" Ahnasha said, pausing for a deep breath. "Of course I don't want them to be with us out in danger, but...who [i]exactly[/i] should we leave them with? What if it turns out we will need Gallus' pack? They are mostly warriors. Though...I would rather take that risk than leave Rhazii with someone I can't trust."