While Alash was sleeping peacefully just outside the meeting room, his quiet breathing untouched by the storm gathering around his name, the leaders inside sat beneath warm lantern light and spoke in low, careful voices.
The chamber itself was modest compared to the importance of those within it.
Root-wrapped walls curved around a round wooden table worn smooth by years of use, its surface scarred by restless claws, ink stains, and the weight of too many difficult decisions.
Four chairs stood around it, mismatched but sturdy, the sort chosen for endurance rather than beauty.
Miarielle Veyra sat with her back straight and her hands resting lightly on the table.
To her right was Liora Burrow, leader of the Rabbit faction.
She was slight even by beastkin standards, with soft brown fur along her jawline and wrists, and long ears that shifted with every nuance of feeling.
Her hair, chestnut touched with pale silver, was braided neatly over one shoulder.
