Lavender is not the first of her kind. Despite how much I believed that those born of mountain blood were somehow tied to these lands, many before her had possessed a wandering spirit. Many of my family - blood and pack - had gone away from Spirane for lengths of time; Orca, Idunn, Ramiel, Swallowbane, Ragnarok, others to be sure. But they all returned, at one point or another. Often times I found myself wondering after my sisters, hoping that the next time they came back they would stay. No matter who they were - brother, cousin, pack mate - those who had left always lingered in the back of my mind. And sometimes I was so fortunate as to see them again. Such was the case with Lavender.

I listened to her words, calm collection evident upon my face. I was not upset with her for having gone, for no pack member of mine was held here as prisoner. I only wish she had let me know when she had left, so that I did not assume the worst at her disappearance. Still, a smile pulls at my features as she states that she's come home, if I would have her. "Those of the mountain are always welcome to come home again, Lavender." It was the simplest welcome I could give her, and I pivoted slightly to invite her within the pack lands once more. If it interested her, I would gladly walk with her for a while, to simply converse and perhaps catch up a little.

"I hope that your travels treated you well," I said, moving to walk with her if she seemed open to the idea. My eyes swept over the landscape of the foothills, thinking back to the last time I had seen her. Perhaps the mountain herself had not changed, but much within the ranks had. Our numbers had swelled, and the higher ranks slowly filled. Ambition seemed to be growing stronger among the wolves of my pack ever day, and I was proud of them for that. Lavender had once shown great ambition, and I could not help but wonder if she still aspired to greater things. "There are many new faces upon the mountain these days, Lavender, but many you will recognize as well. The ranks have shifted slightly, as well. Do your interests still lie in diplomacy, or have your travels broadened your horizons in more ways than one?" Warm mahogany eyes shifted towards her, curious what her answer might be as we treaded through the snowy landscape of the fading season.