Banshee stared into the Ashen territory with a tired gaze. She took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled before looking down to Verity. The fanged woman leaned down to plant a tiny lick on her daughters head. "We made it." Offering a small smile she then allowed her gaze to move back towards the territory. Eyeing the beautiful white trees with dwindling familiarity. This was the pack she had been born into so many years ago. There were both good and bad memories lingering within those trees. But, it wasn't long into her life that she had left and made a new life in Armada. A small pang of sorrow filled her chest at the thought, remembering how caring Sirius had been. Silently the fae hoped he was doing well, wherever he was. Before making her way to Ashen Banshee stopped by the former Armada lands. She hoped to find the pack and call upon her former adoptive father. But, it was as if they vanished. The territories were unclaimed and the scents were stale. Banshee didn't know if they relocated or disbanded and really had no time to investigate further. Thus, she decided to go to Ashen. Armada and Ashen were once rather strong allies and she figured if Armada did disband that is where she could find Sirius or relatives that would be willing to aid them. She figured Hannibal was still long gone and he was really the only Klein she had an issue with so there wouldn't be any conflicts, that she could think of. Now some time had passed since her last interaction with the Empire so Banshee was still weary of what they had become in that time. But, she hoped for the best. - Banshee tossed her head towards the sky and let forth a howl, calling leadership. "Speech"

Honestly, Verity was rather grumpy. She was fed up with the constant traveling. Her paws were sore, she missed her friends, and she was constantly hungry. Mother kept telling her it'd all be fine soon enough. But, soon enough wasn't good enough. This was displayed on her visage with a nearly permanent frown. - Verity was too young to really grasp why they left but she knew her mother had good reason. She never had a positive relationship with her Pa. He never let her explore or venture off with the other pups. The only time she was allowed to play was when he was gone for hours at a time and she begged Mother to let her go. And whenever Pa found out she went further then their camp he'd yell at Mother. Verity always felt afraid of him for both of their sake. She did not really miss her Father, but she did miss the the comforts of home. As they arrived to the white forest Verity her curiosity was definitely peeked. Never before had the youngling seen such interesting trees. Honestly, she was rather excited to know what lurks beyond. But, as Mother explained they had to ask to go in otherwise they'd be in trouble. Verity hoped they would be allowed that way she could explore such a cool looking forest. - Her Mother spoke and broke her focus. Verity huffed gently and fell onto her haunches. The youngling hung her head in a display of that former grumpiness as they waited for someone to come.

Not so much time had passed since Venom’s silver tipped ears had last heard a voice from the past. Incubus had recently meandered back into their life and was carving his place within Ashen. The sound of Banshee at her border put the Empress off guard. For a moment she could have sworn it was Recluse at her border, but that couldn’t be right. So she left the warm arms of her lover and made her way towards Ashen’s border. Her duties were always first priority.

She hadn’t known Banshee very well when she was younger, the girl was older than she was and Venom remembered her better being a part of the Armada than Ashen. With Sirius having moved recently Venom was sure this visit was to glean information in that regard. She was given yet another surprise when she saw the young girl at Banshee’s side. Likely her own daughter, but Venom had already made enough assumptions.

Venom lifted a curious brow and offered a nod of greeting. "Hello, Banshee.” She lowered herself to her haunches, head tilting to the side curiously. "Been a long time since I’ve seen you here.” Her sunset gaze shifted to the pup beside her. "Who might this be?” Venom was a hard and cold woman in most regards, but she had gained quite a motherly side in the last couple of years.

"Venom"

It did not take long for someone to approach. Banshee gave Verity a small reassuring smile before turning her full attention to the Wolf headed her way. Venom. It had been some time since she interacted with the seemingly former heiress. It was honestly impressive how much she looked like Deathbelle in those moments. They never had a real relationship so whatever happens in this conversation will be the real foundation, she figured. A hello was heard and Banshee returned the sentiment. "Greetings Venom." The fanged fae dipped her head down to show her respect. "It indeed has." With that Venom's attention turned to Verity. The pouting babe at her side. Banshee knew her daughter was tired and hungry and thus being rather moody. She couldn't blame the youngling for her display and she hoped Venom would be understanding. "My daughter, Verity." Banshee smiled softly as she looked back towards the Empress, "We've traveled a long way. We are both rather tired..." It was the truth, no pup should have to make such a journey. It was time to get down to business. "We had to leave our home due to a rather toxic relationship I found myself in. The specifics of which I can discuss later." Her eyes flicked to Verity to hint at the fact that she didn't want to go into detail with her daughter here. "I came back to seek a more stable home for both my self and more importantly my daughter." A pause. "My intentions were to visit Sirius but it seems Armada is gone... Did they relocate?" Banshee didn't want Venom to think she was the second choice but Ban had formed a rather strong relationship with Sirius in her time. That being said, she had no ties to what either pack has become. She knows Sirius is older now, if he's still around, and likely passed the throne to one of his sons. She had no intentions of making a decision to drag her daughter elsewhere and join a pack led by a mostly unknown Wolf just because said Wolf came from the loins of someone she was close to. Ashen has always been a sturdy and stable pack, if that has changed she hasn't a clue. But, it would not be a bad choice in the grand scheme of things to just join her birth pack, for Verity's sake. "Speech"

The sound of pad falls filled her ears and the curious girl tilted her head up some to see who it was. Green eyes fell upon that of the most beautiful Wolf she'd ever seen. A woman painted in inky blacks and vibrant whites battling for their station. Verity knew immediately this had to be a Queen or something like that. An involuntary wag of her tail could be seen just from the excitement. But, she quickly stopped the appendage as embarrassment set in. Verity didn't want to seem silly in front of such an important lady. Green eyes flicked from her Mother and to Venom as they spoke. Suddenly, the attention was on herself. Heat swam to her cheeks as Venom reguarded her and Mother introduced her. Verity was frozen for just a moment before nodding and letting forth a small voice, "It is nice to meet you Miss Venom." Mother had instructed Verity to be mindful of her manners as this was an important conversation. So, she respected her Mothers wishes. Despite only wanting to slip through the border and finding a place to take a name. Preferably under those pretty white trees.

A long time had passed since Venom knew anything about Banshee, but it seemed like she had for the most part done well for herself. Until she hadn’t and wound up at her borders with a small child in tow. The Empress was much more sympathetic these days, going through difficult times gave you insight. Venom could feel for her cousin, as she did for Recluse. She was getting ahead of herself though, it was nice to have their attention on the pup for a brief second. The girl was a sweet little thing, and Venom did appreciate her wagging tail even if professionalism demanded she mostly ignore it. All except for a small pull at the corner of her lips.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Verity.” She offered with a small dip of her head in return to the pup’s greeting. But silver tipped ears perked back up when Banshee mentioned exactly why she was here now. Venom had a hunch, but Ban promised to explain later. Now she needed somewhere to rest with her daughter and the Armada was gone. "You’ll be glad to know the Armada still remains, but they did indeed move themselves to the North.” She didn’t know if Banshee wanted to stay in Ashen indefinitely, or if this was just a quick stop before reaching Sirius. "You’re welcome to remain here. Get some rest and have a meal before going on to the Armada. If that is your intention?” Venom questioned with a tilt of her head.

"Venom"

Banshee's chest swelled with pride as she listened to her daughter speak. Verity was always a rather respectful and usually unproblematic girl. Sometimes her will to explore wound her up in a bit of trouble but other then that the babe listened. Part of her knew that had to do with her overbearing father but Banshee hoped if they settled down somewhere decent Verity would be able to explore her interests more. A little smile swept across Ban's lips as her eyes moved from Verity and back to Venom. The exchange between the two was pleasant but they quickly shifted back to business. Aramada still remained but they had moved to the north. Banshee thought this over for a moment as Venom continued speaking. They could stay in Ashen for a night or two, get a meal, have some rest, and then go to Armada. But, that was another long journey that would likely be rough on her daughter. The youngling was ready to stop the constant stop and go they have been on for some time now. The two packs would likely bring them both equal opportunity but Banshee was aware that Armada was much more militant then Ashen and perhaps it would be best just to remain in her birth pack and raise her daughter where she had been raised. "I believe we'd like to remain in Ashen, actually." A pause as she watched Venom. "I will seek out Sirius at some point to reconnect but I'd like Verity to be raised where I was." Banshee was aware that her daughter had no real interest in fighting or anything of that sort. The babe was always studying wildlife, bugs, and find the nooks and crannies of the world no one else could. Ashen would be a great place for her to actually blossom those interests into something more. A more militant pack did not suit the youngling at all. "I will take whatever rank you deem appropriate but I was hoping Verity could study under one of your Healers at some point. If you would have us, that is." "Speech"

Verity sat silently and listened to the two adults speak. Her ears flicked from time to time as her name was mentioned. But, a little smile grew as her mother mentioned staying in Ashen. This not only meant she could stop traveling but it also meant she could explore the white woods. A little tail flick could be seen as her attention poured into Venom. Hoping the Empress would say yes to them staying as well as the proposed apprenticeship. Any promise of knowledge and exploration excited her. It was something she may have never been able to do back home.

Venom didn’t really expect to be corrected after offering a rest and food to go on to the Armada. Banshee belonged to Sirius, and yet it was Ashen where she would seek her refuge. Venom couldn’t deny that Verity looked very tired, but it wasn’t just getting rest. She wanted her daughter to be raised here in the pack that she knew from her own childhood. The Empress could empathize with wanting the best for her child. The Armada was a militant pack, if the girl didn’t have a talent for fighting, she would likely do better somewhere like here. Banshee was putting her daughter first, and Venom could admire that quality.

"Then you may have your place. I’ll place you both in an apprentice role until you can prove yourselves. Ashen has a couple healers who will be happy to teach you.” Venom offered, "Welcome home.” She added with a gesture as she offered to lead them to a meal and warm, dry place to sleep.

"Venom"

Anticipation ate at the woman as she awaited Venom's decree. Vibrant blue eyes poured into her half-sibling and blossomed with joy as those words were heard. They were both accepted into Ashen's ranks. A fang filled smile swept across her lips as she leaned down and nudged Verity gently with her nose. She hoped her daughter would be at least a smidge excited to move into such a promising pack. Banshee had a hunch her daughter was already planning some exploration. But first they needed rest. "Thank you, Empress." At this point in her like Banshee was much more concerned about her daughter's well being then her own so she would graciously take any rank given. Ambition did flow through her veins just as most Kleins but that could rear it's head later when they were settled. "Let us go choose a den." These words were directed at Verity. She allowed the pup to gather herself before they both moved into the territory, following Venom. "Speech"

A little smile swept across Verity's lips as they were accepted into the pack. The babe leaned into her mother's nuzzle as her eyes moved across the territory in front of them. Promise leaked from those white trees. Not only would Ver get to explore but she'd be able to learn about healing beneath one of Ashen's healers. It all excited the youngling. But, the only thing on her mind after some of those vibrant emotions faded was sleep. Mother spoke and Verity followed, picking herself up off the ground and stepping into the territory. "Can I help pick?" Her small voiced lifted into the air as blue eyes took in the environment vigorously.