I could tell something was off about her, but what it was is impossible for me to tell. Almost distracted. I knew that look, the one that showed you were off in another world of your own while faced with someone, but that wasn’t something for me to delve into right now and certainly wasn’t something I was going to drag out of her. As much as it was my business to know I am also not the type to go prying into another's personal business unless they felt like sharing. It took a kind of finesse that many lacked I think to be able to ease people to come out of their shells at their own pace. After all I hold no shame in what I am, how was I come to be, it was not my choice that put me here like this so if asked I would open up, but there were other things I would prefer to be left untouched.

I can see though she feels bad for me as I explain why I had come, gone moved here and there. She was let go and had the freedom, I did not, and I still didn’t resent the fact. I let the edges of my lips pull up in a slight smile though as she offered for us to sometime go back to Taviora, if not just for a romp in the woods together. ”I am sure I will have business there at some point. You would be welcome to come too to visit your mother while I am there, then perhaps we can go for our walk.” I say though the only reason I say work will probably be the true reason we wander that way is because I don’t expect to make any fun trips to Taviora any time soon. With our alliance fairly secured in way by blood I am fairly certain our bonds will never break, but to discuss other things like events I suppose that would be the only reason I would likely go back. I like Zelda, I guess I could consider her as a friend but I see little reason to go visit soon.

She goes on to describe her own job then, the Care. I ponder for a moment if perhaps this is a good opportunity to see a future advancement. Spring is still yet a distance away, but I am hoping that instead maybe I can plan something else. ”The care, that sounds nice. Perhaps in spring or summer we should organise a play date with Taviora, Iromar or Diveen. Allow our pups to mix and further strengthen our ties. I could organize such a thing if you would be up to watching the children.” I was not asked to do this, but as aspiring Elder I feel it is part my duty to see that we continue to keep our bonds strong, perhaps I am over stepping… after all I do not yet have that rank yet I am sure Halcyon wouldn’t oppose… ”Only if you are up to it, Solstice.” I add assuring her that I would place hordes of children upon her if she didn’t wish it. Perhaps Taviora or Diveen have ranks similar to her own that could also attend and see to the safe play of the pups.

Though our conversation turns as she inquires about my rank. ”Advisor. Halcyon calls it Elder but I don’t think it’s quite befitting title for me.” I say giving a chuckle. After all I only in my first year of adulthood, hardly an ‘elder’ by any means yet I have, since I was young, been surrounded by and placed with the lofty goal of being such a thing. I wasn’t quite as young as my mother when she had reached her goal, but I still think I am one of the youngest to achieve such a high rank like that, other than her. It had always been expected of me though, I knew my path the moment I understood the world around me, set on it and told to walk forward. While perhaps the road winded a little more than I would have hoped I am almost at my goal. ”I am nearly there already, and you are helping, you just don’t know it.”

I feel I may have went above and beyond what Halcyon asked of me, but after taking so long in Taviora I felt little need to flounder about here. What she doesn’t know is she’s helping me help Aster too. I watch on what topics she focuses on what things she wishes to help me with, and honestly based on how little she mentions Halcyon and taking such a humble position that likely doesn’t mean she will be crossing paths with him often I feel like Aster is pretty safe in regards to her… relationship. ”Have you met Lady Aster before, Solstice?” One final prod to see what she thought then I think I will have what I need. See if she had jealous feelings, anger or anything else in regards to our young empress.