Seeming almost distraught by my toothy grin, Vefir spoke up again.

"What-t-t happened?"

I came back to myself, and turned to him. "That was me, my bad. I didn't realize what was going to happen."

Just then, I heard the clattering of scales and a rushing press of bodies from the hall. As I looked up, I say the majority of the swarm pressing in towards me, led by Sybil and Took. Took, upon seeing that I was physically ok, visibly relaxed and let the others pass her by as she nodded with a smile at me. That quiet understanding was something that I was going to wish for from all my followers soon...

"What was that, Leader?" Sybil, once she had settled in the room, was immediately in Gamma mode. She radiated a calming aura of sorts, that, combined with my obvious general wellbeing (all things considered, that is) worked together to allay and calm the general pressing mob.

I shrugged, trying my best not to show my embarrassment. "I developed a new ability while I rested, and was attempting to learn how it worked. I was unaware of its capabilities, thus creating that noise. My apologies for startling you."

As I spoke, I tried to struggle to my feet, but was quickly ushered down by Vefir.

"You were out of commission for almost an entire day--you passed out yesterday afternoon, and it's now almost lunchtime. I'm sure you need food and more rest."

I blinked heavily. That was much longer than I'd expected. I tried to come up with what a leader would say at this point, and figured I'd try to verify that everything was going as planned.

"Beta, Gamma. Anything to report?"

Took gestured over at Sybil, and Sybil stepped forward.

"The Beta's hunting team was able to return without incident yesterday afternoon. They have not gone out since, as between what your pack and hers brought back, we have a surplus. We were contemplating going on the hunt tonight though. We can discuss that later, once the swarm calms itself. Progress on the expansion of the den has been mostly completed, at least this phase. Planning for the next phase, expanding to offer space to the planned newcomers, has begun, and expansion should begin tomorrow. Training," Sybil shot me a look as she said training. Probably didn't want to say "indoctrination" in front of the rest... "for those who will contribute to the expansion of the hunting packs has been completed, and reintegration should also take place tomorrow. Other points of information are not especially pressing." She nodded, and stepped back.

Damn, she made me feel incompetent. However, I guess I did have a certain level of charisma about me, given how so many were currently looking at me in some form of idol worship. I nodded, and spoke up. I wasn't sure what to say, but it seemed like a moment to speak.

"Thank you for your concern. You make me proud, and I'm proud that I have shed blood beside you all. Grow more powerful, so that those scaleless cowards can never threaten us again!" Fortunately for me, this little speech was enough, and the swarm mostly retreated at that moment, with the exception of the leaders, Cazala, and the twins.

Cazala looked me deep in the eye, and spoke up. "I dunno if you're's good a leader's Shemira, but you're a much bedder hunner and I thankye fer backin me up. I follow you willin'ly now." He nodded deeply and saw himself out.

After watching him leave, my thoughts were interrupted by a softly speaking Sybil.

"The survivors of your pack are now absolutely loyal to you. Something about how you protected them at your expense." She looked me in the eye. "Good job out there, keeping the pack alive.

"Now," Sybil continued, "the indoctrination is mostly complete at this point. Only Shemira and maybe two or three others could even begin to push back against you, and they are far from enough to cause worry. I don't think we need to focus on them anymore, but instead on expanding our numbers of... preachers, I guess I'd call them. The spawnlings are going to be just as power-starved as the rest of us were and are, so we need to keep them from ever thinking about insurrection. Thus, more indoctrination."

"I trust you with that. I've trusted you til now, and you've only shown success. No reason to take away authority now." My immediate concession was in part due to her success, and also in part due to the fact that it just sounded immensely time-consuming and generally boring to head this indoctrination... committee. Sybil seemed happy with that, though, and stepped back.

I looked at Took, and finally got a response from her. "I found den." I cocked my head, confused. "Yes, I know you know where our den is..." I said. "No, enemy den." My eyes widened in joy as she continued, "I follow your lead." After her incredibly deep statement, I thought for a moment, rolled my eyes and looked on to the twins, Vefir, more specifically.

"So, how did you change?" I was too tired and pained to mince words at this point.

"All-low me to d-d-demonstrate." Vefir stepped forward and laid his hand on my neck, just above my injured right shoulder. After a moment's concentration and mental effort, I saw a slight pulse of warmth travel up his arms and to me, where it blossomed into a comfortable warmth that spread over my burningly painful wounds.

They still hurt, and it was far from equalling the effects of someone using the Words to heal, but I could feel a bit of relief in my shoulder as the effect spread throughout my shoulder and arm. I turned to Vefir and smiled. "Maybe you aren't a hunter, but you definitely are more than useful."

He ducked his head, and mumbled, "Thanks f-for letting-g me do what I c-can."

Someone who could help hasten recovery would be absolutely key. "You must stay safe, and continue practicing this ability as much as you can. The greater your mastery of this, the better." I nodded and smiled at him, before slowly rising to my feet. "By the way, Vefir... how many times have you used this power on me so far?"

He scratched his head briefly. "I... I'm n-not sure. At-t least a doz-zen."

Well, between that and evolution, I wasn't that surprised that I was already on my feet then.

"Well then, Took, get Brutus and follow me."

Sybil spoke up, "And where are you going?"

I grinned, "I just figured that, since we're always afraid of the wolfstag's heavy hitters, we may as well bring some of our own this time... and bring it to them."