Mazikeen is glad that her explanation makes sense - considering it was a combination of things she truly believed and things she thought Bolder needed to hear right now. She listens as he replies quietly, admitting what she had suspected (that the kill had been accidental) - and then continuing on to say something that brightens the smile in her orange eyes.
That shifting, and the instincts that come with it, feel natural. This is a good sign, one that will make it easier to keep him here. Maybe forever - maybe Bolder could be a part of a new generation of the pack. One stronger than the random collection of shifters that Mazikeen had never bothered to try to string together. They are not a unit, not bound together by anything other than a shared home. Not since Breach died, not since Sabal was kicked out, not since Mazikeen changed.
Her smile fades a little and she stands with him as she tells the young wolf “It is natural. An unfortunate lesson we all learn is that our parents are not always right, even when they mean well.” It is not hard to believe that Nashua had meant well, though Mazikeen doesn’t think it really matters anymore. His bias towards shifters had been clear that day by the lake and Bolder was being punished for a fear that had no grounds.
Not when the curse was safely housed in someone else.
Meaning well wasn't enough, and she'd be happy to make sure Nashua learned that.
Mazikeen continues, still making effort to make her voice warm and encouraging. It’s coming a little easier, the more time she spends with Bolder. The more she remembers that she actually does like him, even though she’s annoyed over having to care for him and that he is here while her own children are not. “You are a born shifter, Bolder. Just like me. I think your father is just scared of what he doesn’t understand. But if you stay here for a while, you’ll get to see all the types of shifting there are and how wonderful each is. And then maybe we can show Nashua that there’s nothing to worry about.” She pauses, and then offers another smile. “Besides, there’s nothing unnatural about me, right?”
@bolder