As she spoke, Halcyon pressed into her side further, blending their fur and their scents together, as he tried his best to comfort her. Solstice had confirmed what he had suspected as she announced that her father had passed. So many wolves had been taken from those who were too young. Pups who would never again feel the warm embrace that only a parent can give. Silently, he cursed Fate at her cruel hand in their lives. It was she that took those far too soon. It was she who orphaned pups before they could even have the chance to get to know their loved ones more. For a long while, nothing else was said between the two imprints as the young female simply mourned.
Suddenly, she pulled away, offering an apology. Halcyon's ears drooped and he stood up slowly taking a step towards her again, only to have her retreat. Making no further actions, the alpha simply stood where he was, somewhat awkwardly as Solstice took stock of their surroundings. He, too, took a moment to gaze at Asteraia, unable to stop the sense of pride that filled his chest. His homeland, returned to him and his family to once again care for and protect. A small smile spread across his lips.
Turning at her question, the russet wolf tilted his head to the side. Why would she need to ask him if she could stay here? After all, besides Aster, she was the most important wolf to him. She was welcome anywhere he was, without question. And, if she lived in Asteraia, it would be easy for him to watch over her and protect her from any harm, be it from an attack or grief. "Of course you can stay here. My home is your home. You will always be welcome here!" he said with a soft smile.
Than, as an after thought, he let the smile fade as he gazed at the young wolfess, a grim line touching his lips. "Solstice, if you don't mind me asking, how did your father die?" Perhaps it was too soon to ask, but he needed to know. There had been rumors of large predators attacking wolves in the free lands and if her father had been the target of one of those beasts, it might be time for Asteraia to hunt down some of these monsters and put an end to their reign of terror!