Now that Meesei was facing Sabine, she brought her other hand forward to grip her other arm. "They have been trying without you. Many people are angry. They have been struggling without a leader."

Sabine shifted a little closer. "Meesei, I remember you praising me when I thought I could do nothing. I could protest. I could say that I could not trust myself to do any of that. But, no matter how many mistakes I made, you thought I could do it. You kept encouraging me." She looked down and let a breath out through her nose. "I would never be here as I am today without that. Not without you thinking that I was capable. And you were very patient." She turned her eyes up to Meesei again. "You did make some mistakes, just like I have, but I still believe you can help the clans. I still believe you can lead everyone, even if you do not trust yourself. You are weak now, but you can come back stronger."

Sabine looked over at the rest of the pack and back to Meesei again. "All of us have made mistakes and come back stronger. Some were not even mistakes. They were just misfortune. But you helped us every time. We will help you. I will help you. You can come back stronger."

Fendros had his arm around Ahnasha, who wore clothing that showed the top of her faded scar down her front. Janius and Fendros did not say anything, but they would return any look Meesei gave them with a small smile or a nod.