With Solstice snuggled up on the opposite side of Samhain’s belly I was left distraction free and able to focus all my attention on her father. He was more than twice my size but he could have a fraction of my mass and I would have still felt a certain safety with him that I had not felt before. The way he looked at me set my heart racing but stilled my fears at the same time. A part of me yearned to never leave his side; alas I knew not of his wants and would not wish to make myself unwanted cargo. But the thought of parting ways with him and his sweet daughter was almost heart wrenching. Before I can let it get to me much more, Samhain’s voice fills my ears and I flicker my troubled looking blue eyes up to meet his. I disguise my voice as to not show my uneasiness and a soft smile is spread across my lips,

"I am not one to judge another’s actions without knowing the motives behind them. As long as you treat me well you will not hear me accusing you of being cruel.”

I knew nothing of his past and he knew nothing of mine, we hardly knew each other. Most males wouldn’t bother with me and the ones that did showed no kindness. Perhaps that is why I felt so drawn to him so quickly, it was not often I found friendly companionship knocking at my door and I was not one to pass up on a rare occasion such as this. In the back of my head one fear is able to weasel through the protective barrier that washes over me around Samhain: What if I was setting myself up only to be let down? I ponder in my head the number of scenarios that could unfold. The ideas float through my head and it doesn’t take long for me to come up with something that could possibly work out for all parties, if Samhain and his kin didn’t have a place to call home that was. But it would also help convince me that there was a possibility of something growing from this random exchange. Solstice speaks before I can, her question opening up more possibilities. I think for a moment, my once troubled eyes now showing some enthusiasm within the blue hues. There is no need to disguise my voice and I speak with a joyous ring in my tone as I look at Solstice.

"If your father would have me, I would gladly accompany you into the forest. However, Asteraia is my home and I will eventually have to return.” My eyes shift to Samhain now and I speak to him, "Perhaps if you ever find yourself in need of a pack I could take you to talk with The Monster.” A part of me hopes that Samhain would take me up on my offer and our friendship would blossom into something more; trying as hard as I can to ignore the small nagging fear in the back of my skull that this is just some big prank being played on me by the god's above.