AND WE'LL NEVER BE ROYALS
IT DON'T RUN IN OUR BLOOD
THAT KIND OF LUXE JUST AIN'T FOR US

The night was filled with brilliant stars. Stars seemed to thrive in the winter. The air seemed clearer and the mists that usually cloud the look of the heavens. Hepzibah had always thought it was because the Heavens shunned those of her kind. Perhaps this was what Hell was like. Perhaps her mother was sleeping somewhere similar and dreaming of the children she had abandoned. A few lone clouds marred her clear blue night. The moon hung low in the sky still when she went wandering. She knew of the Auspex. She knew that her mother had held him in high regard but still did not rely heavily on him. She wondered if he would shed any light on the subject of her Mother--a creature she hardly knew and as she reached the threshold of her third year she wondered why it was ever important that her mother ruled. Andras did not hold the Demonic code but then again his sister was the first to rebel and leave.

She wanders, unafraid of the monsters that lurk within Iromar. She had grown up with alligators and knew their behavior almost as well as she knew that of other wolves. She knew that it was too cold for their leathery hides. If perchance she did find one not in water, perhaps she would make a meal of it. She had no qualms in an easy kill. As she moves through Iromar a voice submits itself to her, though it almost sounded like it was talking to someone else. A nose was brought to the air, sniffing as though she might find another packmate to discover. Yet it's nothing but the crisp, winter's air and the scent of Paldor. She wrinkles her nose. She was familiar with that scent but could not place it. It's a hazy memory, one of smells and sounds than anything else. What exactly did this wolf know?

She tilts her head as she regards his question. Did she remember the old days? Yes. "Reminiscor dierum antiquorum." Yes, she remembered the old days. The Demonic language slips easily from her tongue though she spoke it sparingly. "Et tu?" And Paldor? Did he remember? Did he recall the days when Demons were new here, feared here, and powerful? Was he sad to see the empire slowly fade the way it has been? Did he miss her mother? "Meministine te regina? Mater mea?" She inquires as to his relationship with the Bloodmouth. Wondering if he missed her the way that she missed her. Every day, even when her mind was elsewhere--that dull ache echoed in the background of her mind. "You are the Auspex. Paldor." There is no question behind that, simple accusation or statement depending on how he took it.

WE CRAVE A DIFFERENT KIND OF BUZZ