It had grown quiet in the moments that followed, my form given to rest against Kane’s own as we followed the golden one with the voice most big to the den we had been given, Calliel and Seraphina nearby, their scents a comfort to myself as my gaze drifted to my Vega, Achilles, Guardian and Maddox whom lingered ever close. If ever it was within my hear to bleed for another it was surely for they- my wolves, my family- whom no longer held a land to call their own and yet it has been said this day most often and by many. Hoem is not a land- it is they whom you reside with and I have been so fortunate this day, so very fortunate- that I have lost none of those most dear to myself. My children are safe, my mate is safe, my pack wolves are safe within the mountain and with the olves whom call it home as once we sheltered them. Heyel had been wise that day he had sought to befriend Boneclaw of Solevion, he had known perhaps- that the strength of her line would last and if ever I held a final wish in this moment most dark it would be surely that through my time as Queen- the line of Heyel would last too and shine once more. I held nothing but pride in my Kane this evening, for there is no shame in losing to a younger opponent- my Kane is not so young anymore and nor am I, indeed, I am the same age as my sire had been when he had stepped from the throne and perhaps I understand his tiredness in his, perhaps it is time for us to rest and leave our legacy to seek retribution when the time is right.

I pushed such thoughts away, for I would not waste them upon one unworthy, one whom would….remove not only my son for his place as heir but one whom would turn upon Guardian….my nephew and one so pure of heart even I am amazed that he is born from Azrael- thankful each day for Andromeda’s blood. My grandchildren too, mingled amongst us, though some headed for the lands of the free and this I did not begrudge- each was old enough to choose for themselves and I was at peace in this as I laid myself beside my Kane and allowed my tongue to caresses his wounds. It would scar, this I knew, merely another scar to add to his pelt- though my own surely held just as many hidden beneath the thick of my fur- my ruff never having sat quite right after the battle against Purge before her repulsion from Moladion and yet, as Heyel had proudly worn his ear, so I war my own scars, each a medal of the battles I had fought and won, of a life well lived and this is all I may ask.

The sound of running feet saw my head lift from my work, violet eyes peering within the coming gloom of darkness at the approach of one I knew so well. My Shiloh. My baby girl- for ever and for always. My own tail waved, eager for her embrace as it came, my neck wrapping about her as only a mother may can for a child, jaws parting to kiss softly her ear and soothe her as once I had done when the night was dark and monsters not real had worried her in her sleep. I will not fall apart, I will not allow my worry to consume me. A queen is strong, always, a queen cannot be seen to break and I will not, not here and not now even if he whom had once chased the nightmares from my dreams was missing still within the night.

“All is well my Shiloh, all is well- I have all that is being important to me and for this I am being most proud. Home is not a land, it is they whom made it so, we are all safe though I do fear most greatly, my Shiloh, that Azrael has taken his family, save for Guardian and those of the free lands- to your Taviora. Perhaps…you will watch over your uncle for me, yes?”

I smiled once more, seeking to bring lightness to her heart, seeking to hide from her and my Kane the pain and worry that tore within myself as Kane offered his own complaint and my lips pulled upward once more though it shook softly all the same as the violet of my gaze sought Shiloh once more.

“My Shiloh, is it so that…Heyel has gone to Taviora? Is your grandfather being with Azrael? He….is not being seen in many hours, before battle, his eyes are not as they was I am being most sure all is well yet perhaps….if you is seeing him you may be sending him home, yes?”

I wished most assuredly the shake within my voice could not be heard, refusing even now to bow to the worry and fear that so threatened to overcome, remaining as ever dignified and calm as always I was, one ear inclined towards Kane, knowing well I had not yet told him of Heyel being missing yet I had not sought to worry him and even now did not seek to do so, remaining calm as my gaze rested upon Shiloh once more- so very pleased to see her this day.