I hadn’t yet left Asteraia since coming here. I am trying to do as I was told, learn the land, the members, the way Halcyon thought and acted. I hadn’t met with him again since my joining, I told him why I was here and what I wanted to do and I would do it. I knew it would take time, more time maybe even than what it took to get in Taviora, but I would not fail my mother, or grandmother I would do whatever it was to make them proud and also see to it that Asteraia was still the haven Grandmother wanted it to be for the cannibals. I see them differently, but not as most do. I do not need the taste of flesh or feel the need to kill as perhaps maybe my grandmother did. She was ruthless, her imprint was a cannibal, and she did what she thought was right to protect them and their family here in Asteraia. It seemed most didn’t want Halcyon’s protection. Most members left leaving entirely new scents in their wakes yet Halcyon could have done nothing to prevent it.

I sit upon a knoll I call my spot not. Despite almost always rolling down it by the end of the day it allows me to watch and observe the movements of its members. Not far away the den where my grandmother was laid to rest was my own den was in the works. I didn’t have a lot done of it, but right now I didn’t feel it was high on my priority list. Plus knowing my luck it would cave on me anyway. I was always followed by bad luck, I wonder if it was because of the root of my conception, or simply my name itself was a curse. It was no secret, it never had been, my father had been a salacious male that forced himself upon my mother. She had a hard time dealing with that…and me. Sometimes I wonder if that was why she sent me away, telling me to dedicate my life to Taviora, where she didn’t have to look at me, her reminder of her rape day in and day out. I knew she cared for me but I was the rude awakening she had in her life… Now though she was gone, I wondered if she took Starfall with her yet that was part of her new life, a life I wasn’t sure I would have been welcome in.

I ponder these things quietly today, and I also ponder what pack I should go to and secure an alliance with. The only packs I could think of would be Spirane and Diveen at the moment. Glorall was very far away, so naturally our next two neighbors seemed important since Taviora had already been secured by blood. Diveen though was right across the border, I know little if nothing of its alpha and I think perhaps it would be good to go there first. After that I might carry on Glorall on the other side of it. I give a firm nod happy to have the plan before standing up and walking down the hill.

I didn’t trip, I didn’t even stumble that was until someone ran up to me causing me to suddenly turn my head, before falling over my feet. I didn’t fall all the way, just stumbled a little bit. I stare at the girl knowing exactly who she was instantly despite not having seen her in so long. I knew she was here, knew she was the queen but it surprised her to see her grown up and here. My tail wagged about happily, how could I forget. I shook my head dismissing the very thought of forgetting her. I know a few times I was watched by Aithne rather than my own mother I was around Aster a little before I was moved to Taviora but I still remembered her.

”Of course I remember! I could never forget the kindness Aithne did for me or Mother. Regarding him… But I haven’t been here all along, Mother and Grandmother sent me to Taviora, I have been there all this time. Grandmother wanted me here for Halcyon just before she passed away.” I say my last words ending a bit sadly but there was little I could do. ”It will be like the world has come full circle though with you here, for I told Halcyon I would work to be his advisor! So that would be yours too!” I am confident in this, confident I will become her advisor and by proximity Haclyon’s too. It was something that was interesting, if not amusing. My family just seemed destined to serve Aster’s no matter what land we called home.