Evening Vespers

The young male wandered away from the castle. Home had been decidedly quiet lately. Without his father around he felt lost. His absence had not been well received, and he wondered how poorly it reflected upon him. Malleus, his mentor, was too busy with his duties to warrant a heart to heart. He was growing into a large creature, though the gangliness of youth had far from faded. Long limbs and no meat to be found upon him, his mottled auburn coat unruly over his form. Crown low between his shoulders, the young phoenix slunk into the new territory that had yet to be explored. The overpowering wave of herbal aromas struck him all at once, and left him a little dumbstruck for a few moments. Plants shot up through the ground all around him, clamouring for the most sunlight.

The stars winked in and out overhead, watching over the young wolf. He wasn't sure where he stood anymore, without his parents to guide him. Kaine was so desperate to return his mate and son to the empire that he could not be bothered to consider anything else. Without him, the boy wondered if there was still a place for him here. He sighed softly, cerulean gaze blank as he regarded the dark sky above. He wondered if God had a plan for him- some rubric that he might be able to follow.

A few more steps into the flora brought something to his attention. He was not alone in the garden. A much larger male, gazing up at the sky, sat in the midst of all the foliage. Cautiously, the youngster approached him. Curiosity sparkled in his gaze as he eyed the unfamiliar wolf. He was surely family, and he could vaguely recall him from a meeting. This male was important, he knew that much. "Are you here to think, too?" he questioned softly, auds shoved forward with piqued interest.