Dark pools of shadow and blood scan the land of Iromar, my home, the place where my family resides, looking for any sign of life as the winter sun dips below the horizon. I have been wandering for several months, looking for any sign of the Angel spread beyond Diveen's borders. I have only found that Spirane and Glorall both harbor the ilk of heaven. What I had not expected to find was Rogue's scent on the woodland pack's borders, knowing full well that the alpha had allied himself with our enemy, and had infact dwelled within the Angel lands himself. More of the Angels had come to live with him, though the one I had seen looked really young. I still needed to come home, the scent of the swamps has left my fur, and I find that I actually really miss the mud on my scarlet clad paws. I had to see my mother, as news of this past spring hit my ears, I began my long journey to Iromar. Mother had almost died bringing in Haedes' brats, and perhaps it was Mother taking Haedes to mate that had driven my location attempts. I was angered by the news, upset that she had dishonored Father's memory like that, by taking someone else to care for. How could she? And she expected us to stay quiet about it, to not speak our minds, but I suppose it is too late now. The ceremony has been done, and they are forever linked by blood now. Do not get me wrong, I look up to Haedes, he is strength and will personified, and yet...I can't help feeling like he was just waiting to strike, all along.

I move across the invisible boundary, the rank smell of the swamp now tamped down by snow and ice, something to be thankful for, to be sure. During the summer, this place reeked of stagnant water and sweltering bog. It is full of biting insects and large reptiles, and I simply can't stick around in the humidity, it messes up my fur. Now is not time for bugs and reptiles, if they came out now they would die. I smirk, wondering if that big alligator still lurked within the borders of Iromar, maybe I can take Haedes and throw him to the reptile king? What? It's just an idea, I mean I don't hate the guy, but I don't like him either. because of him, I almost lost my mother! I can't lose her, she is all I have other than my siblings. The likes of whom I have not seen in ages. I call for my Mother, letting her know I am home, and raising my voice before hers in the ways of our customs. Sitting here, I realize that I never should have left, I could have helped Mother with her new litter. Though, usually it is Lux, Dante, Saqr and myself who greet the newest siblings, none of us were present for this one. I wonder if it means we all dislike Mother's choice, not that we would ever voice it, that was simply not for us to decide. I pick a rather bone-littered spot to hang around, sending a call with my location to my mother's ears. Find me quick, Mother, we have much to discuss.

"Speaking" Thoughts