Kotori had been working hard as of late and now it was time to get to know a member of the family he had hardly met at all.  Kotori had seen Aia but that was hardly the same as knowing the young pup.  He made his way to where the tiny little puffball could be found.  Sure, he’d seen some smaller wolves, even n his family there were some smaller wolves like Asla herself.  He knew they could be respected as much as larger ones.  What would become of the tiny fluffball? Whatever last name it was given, she was still of Fatalis bloodline so he had high hopes for her.  Size wasn’t everything.

“Aia,” He’d call to the pup, “want to go exploring a bit?  Go down to the hot springs and take a look about?” Maybe exploring would be a good way to get to know her and bond a little bit.

"Kotori"

Life was good for little Aia. She had a loving mother and father. Loving siblings and was surrounded by family. What else was there in the world? The girl had everything that she wanted right here in Valta. This was home. Her family was home.

Aia had learned a little bit of healing from her father, but as yet she hadn't contributed to the pack. Still being as young as she was, it hadn't exactly been expected of her yet. Not that she would shirk any duties given to her, mind you. Aia would be more than happy to work as she was able. Some small, lightweight task or something of that sort.

Dark ears perked as a voice called her name. A smile instantly pulled at her tiny maw as the large, horned man came close. "Uncle Kotori!" The tiny purple puff ran circles around her uncles legs, giggling as she did so. He stopped her in her tracks by asking if she wanted to go exploring with him. The child's bright blue eyes lit up and she released a soft gasp. "Ohhh, can we?!" Excitement thrummed through the girl and she pranced a little more. "Let's go!" She was obviously ready.

"Aia Indarra"

Aia was over six months if Kotori recalled correctly and yet she was still so tiny.  Asla herself was no giant but Kotori couldn’t imagine this small child even reaching his older sister's height.  He hated to discount anyone as a potential fighter, wanting to give everyone a chance to prove themselves but watching the young one dance about it was hard to imagine.  As long as she could learn ways to defend herself and have ways to survive alone should she ever need then that was enough.  There were other skills wolves could learn to be of use.

Despite himself, the frolicking joy of the kid brought a faint smile to the wolf.  He headed towards the falls, glancing back at her, “alright then, like you said, let's go.”  Her tiny steps had no way to match up to Kotori's if they both aimed for the same pace.  Carrying her was an option but a pointless one.  There was exercise to be gained in her keeping up and Kotori would keep to a casual walk at first, though if she kept up easily he’d pick up the pace to a brisk walk.  She had lots of energy obviously anyway, she was bound to want to burn it.  “Have you been exploring the pack land a lot?  Learned where everything is?” The questions were conversational, trying to learn what his niece was like.  Clearly, she was happy at the chance to explore.

Pups had felt an annoyance to care for in armada.  Kids needing attention was a thing for their parents to deal with, right?  When the pups got old enough to care for themselves and help the pack, that was when they became useful.  Now it felt a bit different.  This time it was his pack.  These children were his blood the same as prior ones he'd known had been.  It was also the first small pup in his pack, and as his younger sister in his pack, he wanted to do right by her.  Could he run a pack that would help teach the children what it was to be worthy of a noble station?  She was cute too.

"Kotori Fatalis"