She looked down at her small paws. An expression of deep contemplation masked her elaborate face. She thought back to what she had wanted for that breath of time she had been alone. Fate had granted her the one thing she needed which she learned she had wanted. A pair of big paws and a gruff affection she would never have traded for the world. As an infant, cold and alone, she had wanted food, protection, and love. She wondered if adults still craved the same thing. Food. She stated simply. Protection. A place to turn when times are hard. It did not mean they would be bound to the pack they had helped overtake, but the pack loyalty to them would remain. A big paw of a pack, extended in a time of need, just as Big Wolf had done for her.

She nodded at last and smiled hopefully. If Halcyon’s niece was the Alpha of the forest, and Cenmatl lived there, she was confident those of Taviora would stand by their side, either in the act or at least in the aftermath. Together they could build the pack to be great once more. Even those who stood alone there had to be a few who would stand by honor and right a simple and moral wrong that had been done.

With a breath, she got a plan. I will stay in Taviora. My Imprint is there, I think he will help us. If you find anyone who might help us...that is where I will be. Her plan did not extend far beyond there. She thought it would be strange, and not very friendly, if she jumped into the forests and invited a pack of rebels into someone else’s packland. She sighed through her nose, which came out as a snort. Once upon a time she would have done it anyway. See, Big Wolf, she could be mature! I think I will have to hide, Aranck knows my name and my scent. I don’t want to see anyone hurt, so it would be best not to use my name… Shaking her head as if it was an afterthought, something to figure out later, she jumped forward and nuzzled her face briefly into Halcyon’s rough before jumping back (knowing Aster would kill her if lingered too long). Thank you, Halcyon. I believe in us. You truly are a hero. She grinned at him again and slipped away. They both had a lot of work to do.