Halcyon, feeling comfortable in Vesper’s presence, sat on his haunches as he listened intently to what the other wolf had to say. So, like him, Vesper had been forced from her pack when another had claimed the throne. He wondered if that meant her sire was dead as well, but decided it would be rude to ask and kept quiet. The older wolf continued by mentioning how strong the pack was. At that, the russet boy found himself nodding in agreement. He had seen the wolves of Iromar in action before, while watching from the sidelines, and knew firsthand how mighty they were. Vesper mentioned that the queen had been a friend to her before she became as such. It was good to know that his leader was a good wolf to have many followers she considered friends.

The conversation turned and it was Halcyon’s turn to be questioned. It was bound to happen and he was quite used to having to re-tell his past. Having to do so made the ache of loss lessen with each telling, but it never completely stopped the pain. Ears drooped slightly and a sad glaze filled his eyes. ”I was born in Asteraia. My parents were Iblis and Rhae, but my mother was killed defending the pack. My father died shortly afterwards, of a broken heart, I’m told. I was separated from my siblings in the confusion that followed and had been wandering the free lands, until Aithne found me and… brought me here.” He stopped a moment to clear his throat. It was hard not to sound like he had a lump caught in it and to keep his eyes dry. Though it had been almost two years since the death of his parents, Halcyon still felt the sting of their absence in his heart. But he didn’t want to show it. To show it was to show weakness and if the child had learned anything in the past few years, weakness meant death.

A few moments passed by until he could speak clearly again. Hoping Vesper would not become irritated with his poor behavior, he smiled pleasantly at her as he continued. ”I have been wondering if I want to make Iromar my new home. So far, I have to say this is a good place. I have no idea what my father’s issue with this pack was, but I am saddened he didn’t even try to get to know Aithne and the wolves of Iromar before he passed.”