Years come and go. Season changed. The passage of time can be a curse or a blessing. But, somethings don't alter. The bond between good friends was too strong for time to erode. As Halcyon trotted up to his oldest and most trusted friend, he couldn't help but smile. The taller wolf was a sight for sore eyes and seeing him brought back memories of days gone by, when things were so complicated. How he longed to sit under the shade of a tree and reminisce of their childhood. The expression on Ame's face changed as he gazed at his friend, seeing the seriousness in his own eyes, and Halcyon knew they could not linger in the past. Quick as a whip, the wanderer knew something was up and he didn't hesitate in asking. There was no reason to beat around the bush and so Halcyon nodded in reply, dashing into the nitty gritty of the situation.

"Hello, my old friend. I wish this visit was on better terms, but alas, that's not the case," he started. Soon, the determined father had explained the entire situation of Iromar, everything from Blackthorne's hostile takeover to the kidnapping of several pups, including his own children. He could not hold back the sob that caught in his throat as he relayed in detail the look of horror Aspis and Archana had etched on their faces as their own father, their protector, left them behind. "What else could I have done? I have no doubts that bastard would have killed my son if I had tried to attack. I couldn't let that happen."

Staring at his paws, Halcyon had never felt more ashamed in his life. Not when he had stepped down from his role as alpha or when he had come close to betraying Aster during that cruel winter. Gazing up at Ame with tears in his chocolate colored eyes, his lips formed a hard line as he finally explained his plans to the wise wolf. "We have to get them back and diplomacy isn't going to work anymore. We must infiltrate Iromar's borders and fight our way to the cubs. I can't do it alone and there are few wolves I would trust with this kind of mission." It was a lot to ask, he knew, but there was nothing a father wouldn't do for his children. Even if it meant putting his best friend's life at risk.