The older wolf could be seen moving slowly along the borders of his lands, marking different items with his strong scent. A bush here, a batch of flowers there, a single tree over there. Ever since learning a wolf had trespassed into his lands while he had been absent, Iblis was taking time every other day to make sure the fine line that separated free land from pack land was not so thin. He has not quite forgiven himself for his last… departure from Asteraia. In a way, forcing himself to remain busy at all times was like trying to repay his family for his mistake. He was not fit to rule them just yet. He would have to work for it again. To rebuild their trust in him. For now, they followed Rhae. She had been so good to take up his mantel in his absence and they all seemed to love her for it. It was thanks to her that Asteraia had not fallen into ruin. How could he ever repay her for that?

As he wandered, his thoughts were of her. The love of his life, the reason for each breath he drew. They had been together for many years after fate bounded them with a silver chain. As loners, the struggled together and even started a family. Each pup born was a testament to the love the two wolves shared. They grew up, healthy and strong, even if some had had minor disabilities. And that is when Iblis caught her scent. It was fresh and carried with it the pine that all wolves of Spirane carried. Ears perked up at once as he sniffed the air to be sure. Yes! Gaia had in fact been here only a few minutes before. Brown eyes gazed around as he followed her trail, the borders forgotten. It didn’t take him long to find the little group gathered together around the small russet wolf who looked so much like him and yet not. She had grown so much in the last five years. And with a sudden, sinking feeling, Iblis realized that his eldest daughter had grown up and he had missed it.

Slowly, the small king approached his family just as he heard Rhae tell Isolde that Gaia was her sister. Another stab in his chest reminded him that some of his youngest pups had yet to meet their older siblings. How must it be for them to not realize that they had family outside of their pack? Without a word, Iblis moved to stand beside the queen as mother and daughter embraced one another. Then he stared at his child with the loving eyes of a parent and moved to hug her as well. She was slightly taller but he noticed that she had moved to a laying position like a small puppy would as he held her. After so long, he was finally able to beg his little girl for forgiveness. He didn’t say it with words, but let his actions and the small whine that left his mouth speak for him. Then, in a quiet whisper only she could hear he said. ”Welcome home, Gaia. I have missed you.”