This disjunction between the wolf he remembered meeting in dueling combat and the howl he had heard upon the breeze became even more pronounced when she lifted her eyes to meet his. They were the same icy blues as before, but now they were hollowed by some sort of emptiness. Sleekwing kept his composure, remaining sincere in his greeting and warm in his presence. But he worried for this wolf who stood before him, only reminiscent of the Ailith he had once sparred with. Had the new ruler of Asteraia done something to make her this way? Or had living there prior to its fall somehow sapped her of her innate strength? The waving of Sleekwing’s tail slowed as he stood before her, concerned even as she reciprocates his greeting in a way most unique to her. His smile never faltered, instead trying to encourage the same that graced her features. But then her face fell into sadness once more and she spoke of how cruel life had been to her.

Her eyes were pointedly lowered as she spoke, and Sleekwing’s concern brought him a step closer, his tail stilling and his legs becoming rigid. She had once been pack, and even when she had left he had wanted nothing but the best for her. It was much the same as how he had convinced himself to feel about Natu’s departure, even though a craving for his lost friend still ate at his heart from time to time. Clearly something had gone wrong for Ailith in her time away from Spirane, and no matter if she stood as a member or not, Sleekwing would do whatever he could to help her. Slowly her eyes lifted back to his, and the wetness in the corner of her eyes nearly brought a growl to Sleekwing’s throat. Whoever had caused her such strife would pay. He contained his concern, however, as she spoke once more, a voice so different from what he had previously associated with his memory of her.

“Of course,” he answered, barely a breath taken between the end of her question and the reply he gave. There was no question in the matter, no consideration to be had. Ailith was a strong wolf, despite her current emotional turmoil, and she had always been a valued member of the pack. She had aspired to become the Mercenary, and her drive to do so had been commended by their alpha. Her leaving of the pack had been abrupt, but Sleekwing knew well that Daenerys had been sorry to see her go. Ailith held so much promise, and the pack’s Castellan had recognized that the day he’d met her to spar.

Once more Sleekwing stepped forward, then pivoting so that he stood beside his renewed packmate. He nudged his shoulder against hers in a form of reassurance, then stepped forward, hoping she would move with him and together they could reenter her former – and now once more – home.