Restlessness had truly gripped the young woman. So much had happened in so little time and the opportunity was just within her reach, the moment just had not shown itself. Not only had Aster relinquished her claim to the titles, but she had risen with Halcyon in the plains of Asteraia. Her former charge had taken her place as the Heart of Asteraia and the life and soul of Halcyon. She had also given Pine the charge of being the one to avenge those of Iromar, to be the hand of justice and seal the fate of a murderer. Those who had once sworn to fight by her side, now only stood strong at her back. She would not ask for them to sacrifice themselves or put their lives in danger when they now had so much to live for. Aster and Halcyon needed to protect what was their’s and Pine needed to claim what was her’s.
Malleah had come to Taviora, swollen with pups and looking to destroy that which burdened her. She had become a key to the play, but still could not be trusted. The ex-guard could not rely on the single tie and had called on others she trusted. A weather witch from the shores of Glorall, creating and concocting schemes without anyone knowing the ties. Many of the alliances that had been formed and created were done so without Matini even catching wind. When the blow was to be struck, she would be the one to do it and none others would be put into danger for none could be tied to her. One way or another, the dominoes would fall and she would be the beginning and the end.
Still, her impatience seeped into her flesh. Unable to stay still with the pressure she left the den often to run, pace, and drill. Any warriors she could find she would ask to pace her, go through the motions that had been trained into her body until her movements were seamless. That was not enough. She would seek out pups wanting to grow into warriors and train with them as well. A new, towering male, had come to the forest and had been more than willing to continue to teach her. Though his silver paws reminded her of Big Wolf and her heart ached to ensure her father was doing well. As the day began to die and night begin to rise, she still felt as though something were missing and time was running out.
Small paws returned her to the sheltering den she shared with Cenmatl. A feeling of comfort started to wash over her as she drew closer. He was the one thing that could bring her peace. Whether he had intended it or not, she had slowly started to make herself at home around him. Whether he had wanted it or not, she moved into his den and washed herself in his scent. If she was too far gone from him for too long she would feel unsteady and return to his side, touch him once, and meander off again. This night he was off doing something or other, but she would return and wait for him, curled in his den where she had invited herself to be. This time she was mildly surprised to see Zelda there.
Forest eyes looked over the Goddess and she was once again taken aback at seeing the monarch fit so easily into her place and her role, as young as she was. When Zelda approached it was truly as the Goddess of the Forest. Habitually, Matini’s ears twitched around. Nothing but the sounds of the trees gave warning to eavesdroppers. Yes, of course. She said with a shrug. It was a little strange. She owed Zelda so much, but though she smelled of the forest and family, she was not a Tavioran wolf. Zelda was a goddess indeed, just not her goddess.
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