Spring was almost here and Halcyon couldn’t be happier. The last year had been a roller coaster of emotions but he had come out of it stronger than ever. At long last, he had proved his worth and gained the rank of Elite Guard within Iromar. He had met with his sister-in-law and was able to send his parent’s memory off with a determined howl. The young heart was healing and it made him happy to have a place in the world, making a name for himself. Perhaps that was why he had come here again, after a long year. To close the final door on his painful past. The crags had given him a home while he struggled to live in the wilds of Moladion and he wanted to see his den again. Nimble paws danced over the crags with ease as he made his way to the small cave. It was there that Aithne had found him, half-starved and barely alive, but still kicking wildly as she dragged him to the swamps. It was where he had shared the night with Lailah, keeping her safe and warm before escorting her back to Spirane.

The afternoon sun was shining brightly, melting the snow, as he approached the cave. He gazed at it and chuckled softly to himself. The entrance seemed so small now! He knew there wasn’t a chance he was going to be able to fit in there again, a sign of his growth. The scent that surrounded the den now was strong and musky, probably a fox or a badger. At least it was being used by something now. He rubbed his cheek along the wall, as if to say good bye, and moved off. There was much to do now that he was a guard and he didn’t have the time he used to. As a pup he seemed to have all the time in the world, but now, he was far too busy to keep track of things. It was a nice change and one he welcomed. Having never really had a childhood, Halycon didn’t want others to see him as a cub. In his eyes, he was just as much of an adult as Aithne.

There was another scent in the air suddenly that made the boy stop. Nose in the air, he pinpointed the direction it was coming from. Then, with a bark of happiness, he bolted towards his friend. It took him a moment to catch up to the taller wolf, but when he saw him he barked again and skidded to a halt in front of him. “Ame! How you doing, buddy?” It had been several months since the two rogues had met up and the last time they did, things had been a bit depressing. Halcyon wondered if his best friend was doing better now. Tail wagging and eyes bright, the russet boy waited to see how Ame would react to his sudden appearance.