Change. It was a powerful force that none could stop, not even Fate. There had been a peaceful balance between all the packs and now things had tilted. Of course, this wasn't the first time such a change had occurred and it certainly wouldn't be the last. Halcyon remembered his father telling him about a great war that had ravaged the land. Iblis had taken part of it before he had become the first alpha of Asteraia. Was war upon the packs again? He shuddered at the thought, a painful impulse that made him gasp. The wolfess continued and the king made himself more comfortable now that the warmth of the den was beginning to rejuvenate him. As she explained further as to what "soul sickness" was Halcyon felt himself wonder if this is what had ravaged his body. Of course, he would never dream of harming another, unless they provoked an attack first. But there was no doubt that whatever illness had consumed him was poisoning more than just his physical body.

At last, her name was given. Beltane. Yes, he remembered now. Though he had never truly met this wolfess outside of a hurried greeting, she had been present to a few pack meetings. Her name seemed to chime in the back of his mind, as if he should know more about her. But it was an easily ignored feeling and soon it was gone. He knew nothing of her connection to his imprint or the fact that she was searching for her. Solstice was his imprint and therefore, under his undying protection. There may be a chance that, in the future, these two wolves would meet again under darker circumstances. But for now, he was in her debt for saving him this cold night and he was glad for the company.

"I must thank you again, Beltane. I feel you have helped me more than just physically tonight. It has been so long since I have spoken with someone other than my mate. It does my heart good to know that there are still wolves who call the plains their home, even in these troubling times." He, not so subtly, moved the conversation away from "soul sickness". That was something that required much more thought and he was too tired to do that. "Tell me, do you see a war coming? Surely you have heard tales of the great battle that took place years ago between two of the most powerful packs in Moladion. Is this something that is whispered about?" This should have been a conversation to have with Jinx and Aster, but they weren't around and he was starving for company. And this Beltane seemed to be a very wise wolf who knew far beyond her years.