The laughter that poured out of the woman was so pure and genuine the trees themselves would have questioned their natural standing. She was so thrilled to see her friend, feel her as they tussled and to know her charge was not only still alive, but whole and full enough she could still enjoy the simplicity of being able to laugh and rumble with her lifelong friend. It was Aster, her family, and the family she had found in Iromar who had driven her to be who she was and everything she had become. Fighting with Aster she remembered why she was sworn to fight. Stepping away, her face twitched in a shift and remembrance of why she had come here. Not only to make sure Aster was still alive…

Her smile turned a little sheepish, before turning sad. I have been hiding, and going by the name Matini. Her face drooped along with her head. I did not mean to worry you. When Aranck took over, I ran. Well.. I tried to bite him in the face. Then I ran… Cenna, my Imprint, took me in. We have been trying to think of ways to stay hidden so we can take back Iromar. At the thought of being able to go back to the moors, walk in the mists once more, excited the young woman. Tipped ears lifted and forested eyes gleamed. The fire and passion the burned within her sparked again. Together they could do this. They could never right the wrong that had been done to the Empress’ family, but they could still return the rightful heir to her throne. Halcyon and Pine had sworn themselves to Aster’s family, and they would do what it took to ensure it was that family that thrived.

Emboldened, she lifted her eyes, power and energy starting to trace itself in the fine lines of her body and pelt. He will help! Him and his pack. I am sure of it. We can take back Iromar, destroy that bastard. And you! You can take back what is your’s! Invigorated, she ran circles around her charge and princess. Halcyon will help. He is already working to gather warriors. Even Despoina is trying to do what she can. She hesitated at the thought of the brutish woman. Despoina had few skills outside of brawling and snarling. The tasks at hand took a certain amount of cunning and logistics. Cringing, she hesitated her movements. Despoina’s thoughts and motives were in the right place but.... Maybe we shouldn’t count on Despoina getting a lot of help… Shrugging, she panted and turned back to Aster, her tongue starting to roll out, her posture shifting to one of lazy and familiar attention. Formality and protocol was unheard of between them. Your troops await your orders, ‘Lady! Looking at Aster, through it all, Pine could still never help but grin.