Mazikeen grins as well to see the chestnut wolf, easily delighted by this victory that belongs, in different ways, to all three of them. She continues to play her part, finding it easier now, and nods more solemnly when Gale continues, mentioning that Bolder’s development might have been harmed permanently if he had gone longer without shifting.
Certainly, there is no way that could be true but it wasn’t entirely false either - the more Bolder practiced, the better he would be, and the longer he went without doing so the harder it would become. Slivers of truth hidden in lies.
She finds that while hearing the old Gale’s voice is uncomfortable, it only bothers her because she knows it is false (some lies are easier to handle - the difference being who is on the receiving end). There is a different accent, filled with different inflections, that she’s become used to and has grown to favour. And Mazikeen wonders what this version of Gale has planned for that run.
Before she can think about it too much, he’s growing wings and taking off. Mazikeen is momentarily annoyed that he leaves her with Bolder. How convenient that Gale had been the one to want to steal the yearling and yet she is the one left to look after him. Perhaps she could leave too, but Mazikeen wants to make sure Bolder feels comfortable here - that’s key to getting him to stay of his own free will. If he wishes to explore on his own she will leave him to do so but until then she will make some effort to be helpful in whatever way she can.
So after watching Gale disappear into the sky, Mazikeen looks over at her young friend with a grin and asks “Well, Bolder? What do you feel like doing?” They had, after all, told him he could do anything here - so the choice is up to him.
@bolder