To say that I was resting easy would be an overstatement. I was on edge in the most peculiar of ways. The ordeal with Malignus has taken my mind from most of my internal troubles and yet, as I lounge away from Iromar, I find myself torn between the two troubles at the moment. I was trusting of my fellow pack mates and their ability to keep him under lock and key, but I cannot help to worry over his whereabouts and what he could be getting into. Had I made a mistake with bringing the beast into the same realm of which his victim resided? Surely the Iromanians were more watchful than my doubts supposed.

And then every so often my thoughts would turn back to the plaguing matter of my beloved mother’s ceremony. I still needed to bring the idea of such to Aithne so that those demons may be laid to rest once and for all. Perhaps it would be right to include Taji and Malleah as well, despite Malleah’s strange disappearance for the most part of our younger years. I had been the only one who was so painfully close to mother; it was only right that I carry this emotional burden for so many years.

I am reclined within the reeds of the river just outside of Iromar’s territory, the cool dirt ailing my heat stricken form. Despite my pale coloration I have been blessed and cursed – depending upon which season – with the thickest of coats. It has shed itself for the most part, though long tendrils of silver and white hair still cling to the tips of the shorter summer fur, causing my appearance to be a bit… unruly. I had hardly ever cared much for how I presented myself in such a way though.

But perhaps a female companion could change these things. Eyes of pink and jade instantly flicker over toward the silveresque figure of the female as she descends upon the river. She is careful and precise, something to admire in the slightest, as she steps. Her cautiousness is naught for good as the softened earth crumbles beneath her weight and she turns quickly to regain ground. My position is across the water from her, mostly hidden within the reeds and shadows, but I choose to make myself known as she stands in shock upon the bank now. I slowly rise from my position, pale head protruding above the riverbank and into the last golden rays, my eyes intent upon her splayed form.

I do not rush to her side but instead move with a calm quietness as I wade through the slow moving water. She has plenty of time to witness my approach and flee if she thinks necessary, though I do not hold a hostile posture or expression. ”Not much time around the river, I suppose? I speak toward her now as the space between us is eaten away and I am soon standing below the area she had just recovered from.