Swifttail gave a quiet laugh, not quite bitter, but close.
“Aye, well... I guess I’m not like most beasts in the Imperium.”
He shifted his weight slightly, glancing toward the tent flap where pale morning light filtered through the seams.
“Grew up in a place where the world didn’t care if you were brave, or strong, or clever. Iskatyut was all wind and snow and dark winters. You needed others just to survive it. We didn’t have the luxury of thinkin’ only of ourselves.”
He paused a moment, scratching lightly at the side of his muzzle.
“Seein’ what I’ve seen since leavin’... it’s just made me more certain. I want to be better. Kinder. ‘Cause if beasts out here are gonna be cruel, someone’s gotta show the kit what the other side looks like.”
His ears perked slightly at the muffled sound of Finn’s voice outside.
“He’s a good one, that kit.”
Swifttail’s tail gave a soft, slow wag.
“Never had a brother m’self. There were a few kits in my village, sure... but I always dreamed of havin’ a younger one. Someone to teach things to. Stories, skills... how to make peace with the world, even when it feels like it don’t want you.”
He smiled, though it carried a quiet, fragile sort of hope.
“I want to teach him before the VI gets to him too bad. Before he forgets what gentle looks like.”
At that, Silvertongue approached and offered him a pair of gloves. Gates, he hadn't noticed how cold his paws had gotten! Living in warmer climates the past 6 years or so sure made a beast forget about the simple comfort items in times like this!
Swifttail nodded to the Cerulean-dressed ships aide and gratefully took the gloves, wagging his tail.
"Thank ye' Silvie! See, 'eres another good beast at heart. Look past all the scum and treachery, and there are other diamonds in the rough!"