Sacre wasn’t quite sure if he was more afraid of the battle between elephant and dragon or the sudden growth of anger that burned from the gathering crowd. In fact, it grew so much much that the fox-boy couldn’t even get a word in edge ways even if he wanted to. Instead he stood, like an awkward beanpole, wincing at every hungry swipe from the fight or heated word from his fellow onlookers. Though to Sacre the aggravation between the Edgers didn’t seem be a matter of stolen bags, but rather a growing rift between ranks that had been present at the last herd meeting. It wasn’t that he didn’t have an opinion on the argument, as it was tossed back and forth, but Sacre found the way his fellow members tore into each other rather disconcerting and wished no part in it. Though now he was lost as to what to do, he couldn’t leave without knowing what would happen to Tembovu and the Falls Czarina, but Tilney had not asked for his help either with the healing. His presence here was obsolete and he found no entertainment in lingering, but there was one face who appeared in the gathered that gave Sacre a reason to brighten a little.

Ranjiri!

He ducked around the flying arguments, pausing only to gaze at Raeden on his way past, grimacing at her last words “life should not be a game nor should war” he was gentle in his conviction, not accusing, simply proffering his own belief and not wanting young ears to believe that war was anything but the end product of failure. Life should be sanctified above everything—precious and sacred. “The young filly is right, I believe” he nodded to the dark bay girl from the Falls before continuing onwards, heading towards a familiar hybrid, he had said more than he had intended anyway.

“Jiji!” he called with his usual bright voice, but his face was downcast with a lopsided grimace, his two foxes trailed beside him, both awed by what was happening around them. He wondered what she thought of it all as he fell in beside her, attempting to brush his shoulder with hers, enjoying a moment of familiarity in spite of the animosity that surrounded them. What did Ranjiri think of all this bickering? Yet, Sacre had another question, one he was more curious about, as he shot worried glances towards the sparring leaders “who is this Czarina?” he asked with intrigue colouring his voice.