As my song faded from my lips, I let my eyes fall back to the sea, gazing upon its majestic glory as I waited for a reply or answer of any kind. After a few moments of silence, I relaxed my hindquarters to the earth, angling my bodice slightly so that I would not have to crane my neck to look upon the incoming waves in the distance. Inwardly I considered how I would go about executing the task my father had laid before me. It was simple, really; I was meant to learn as much as I could about the pack and its alphas. Naturally curious about all things unknown to me, it would be easy enough to open up a conversation with whoever might approach me. Or so I hoped. Whether the conversation to be had would give me the insight I required – was the pack in an imbroglios state, were the alphas of strong and sound minds to a point that their friendship would be beneficial to Glorall, and many other questions would need to be answered. Although I knew what I needed to ascertain from this encounter, it would be quite rude to just berate whoever greeted me with such pointed questions. I was far less brash than all that, anyways.

One ear folded backwards at the sound of a wolf approaching, and I finally broke my gaze away from the entrancing sea. Eyes of soft lavender turned to see the shewolf of larger proportions than I as she approached. Her size did not shock me, as I had gleaned as much information from the weight of her paw steps as she made her advance. A genuine smile graced my face as I recognized her as the alpha female by a combination of her scent and posture. I chose not to rise, instead remaining in my unassuming seated posture and dipping my head in greeting. The salutation I received was polite but not impersonal. Rhae paid me and my home a kindness by coming forth to sit with me, trusting that as a wolf of Glorall I was not here to impose any threat upon her or her pack. Though her body language exuded her leadership, it also displayed her potential for gentleness – her movements fluid and soft despite her size. It was her eyes that truly gave away her good nature, though, and I found myself developing a pleasant first impression of the Queen.

“It is most lovely to meet you, Queen Rhae. I am Vesper, a daughter of Glorall,” I said, the lilt of my voice most pleasant. “My Potentate has sent me here this day to do that which I love most – to learn.” Though being blunt was not in my nature, I was also one who preferred to be honest from the get go rather than beat around the bush in matters such as these. It was not an altogether sensitive topic, and I thought that perhaps the chance to teach an outside wolf about her homeland might be appealing to the Queen. Her mention of Iblis’ absence had not gone unnoticed, but I would not press her for more information, instead hoping to reveal what I wished to learn through friendly conversation. “Your home seems quite beautiful, Rhae; maybe you could tell me more about it?” My tones were laced with curiosity, an innocent inquisitiveness alighting in my eyes as my head tilted the smallest bit to the side, wondering what – if anything – I would learn on this day about Asteraia.