You Wash Your Hands, You Come Home Clean...

Sweat collected at his brow and Ashiel woke up from the dream, his heart aching. It wasn't a vision, at least he didn't think so, merely the workings of a melancholy heart if one could in fact call such workings 'mere'. Griff opened one bright orange eye as he gazed at Ashiel but said nothing. Moving swiftly out of his room and into the cool morning air Ashiel sat wearily down. He couldn't do it, he wasn't strong enough. Ashiel was a father and a father's place was with his daughter. He could not bear to be separated from her, to have her growing up unseen even if she was growing up with the best instructor he could ever hope for. No, he needed to see her and most importantly he needed to be a father for her.

Ashiel moved to the courtyard and called for Malleus. The pack had been growing steadily and with the recent litter from Zinnia it was quickly reaching capacity. Risen had many good fighters and with Serene as an Oracle he didn't feel that his presence was vital. His absence would not break Risen and perhaps he could act as a liasion between the homeland and Risen on occasion. Ashiel just hoped that Malleus would understand.

"Talk"

Pyralis had been dragging her heels. With the cooler weather of winter falling upon Auster she contented herself with staying put and keeping warm but she knew if she wanted to head north she should do it now while the weather was reasonably fair. She'd spoken with her son and knew about his plans to head back to the homeland. She'd given him a give for Amon. As for herself, she'd always meant to spend her last few years as a wanderer and in truth she felt she hadn't contributed all that much to the pack of late. With their growing numbers and the younglings taking charge Pyralis didn't see the need for an old woman to hang around. She had a few more adventures left to experience before her final rest.

She nodded to Ashiel as she stepped up next to him. She nuzzled his cheek gently then sat to wait. She fully intended to stay in Auster most of the time but for now she need a good vacation north.

Because of the nature of his position Malleus had been up for hours. He'd seen to the borders, the halls of the castle and the maze that was the inner workings of the garden. Now he was back in the castle roaming the halls and debating what to have for breakfast. Ashiel's call pulled him away from making that critical decision. Breakfast could wait. Dutifully Malleus changed directions and made his way to Ashiel. Upon arriving he was surprised to see Pyralis there too. That didn't bode well. One he would think it was duty related, but two meant there was a problem. "Ashiel, Pyralis...what can I do for you?"

You Wash Your Hands, You Come Home Clean...

Ashiel returned his mother's gentle touch. This would likely be the last time they'd see each other for awhile. When Malleus arrived he dipped his head in greeting. A quick glance at his mother and he knew that he could go first. Ashiel cleared his throat. "Malleus, this isn't easy for me to say but I'm requesting permission to leave Risen. I need to be with my daughter. It just doesn't feel right that I'm not there to be a father to her and I hope that as a parent yourself you can understand this dilemma." He wanted to be around at least until she reached her second birthday and then perhaps they could visit Risen together. He hoped Malleus would understand. With the pack quickly reaching capacity it seemed a beneficial decision for both of them.

"Talk"

All You Have Is Your Fire...

Pyralis greeted Malleus with a respectful nod of her head as her son spoke. She didn't interrupt or make any comment, instead she just watched him pensively until he was finished. When it was her turn she spoke as well. "I'm requesting to leave Risen as well but not for such noble reasons. I'm old. I want to finish my exploring before my body gives way. If I do find out anything on my travels I'll be sure to pass the information along but I'd like the full freedom to do as I will." She was asking more out of politeness. She intended to go one way or the other even if she had to fight through all her family members to get what she wanted. But really, it was time for the younger generation to take over. She was a relic of times gone past.

To say he was disappointed with his cousin and aunt's decision was an understatement. He would be losing two of Risen's most competent fighters in one fell swoop. Losing two adults would also mean that the adult to pup ratio would be thrown even more out of balance. And yet, how could he deny them? They were family and they were adults, free to make their own decisions. There was little Malleus could do besides give them what they wanted. He dipped his head once in acceptance and then said, "I understand and I wish you both well."