On The Far Side [Theory/Abaven]

She listened intently as Aurielle told her a brief history of her own experience with slavers. It seemed they were more common than Theory had expected. Dreadful. Once she had believed that wolves tended towards being wholly good, but Noir had dispelled that notion quickly enough. When your own brother was capable of attempted murder - even if there was a case to be made for his youth and stupidity - the curtain that hid life's cruelty was rudely and quickly pulled back. Theory thought she knew evil, but she was constantly surprised by how easily it disguised itself. Evil wore many coats and scents. "I'm sorry," she said earnestly, her ears folding in sympathy as she mentioned her mother's passing. Aurielle was older than her, but were you ever prepared to lose your parents? Just the thought of losing Rhyme made her throat tighten and her heartbeat quicken until she felt sick.

"Motif participated in the raid recently. I really felt like I saw some of her old self - there was real light in her eyes... I have hope being home, once and for all, will help to piece back the rest of her," she confessed. It felt like a strangely intimate detail to share with a near-stranger, but Theory didn't know anyone else who could share in her experience. Both as her family and her leader, Theory cursed herself for being unable to help Mo when she needed it most. Aurielle knew her pain more intimately than some of her packmates. She'd experienced it herself.

Another smile broke through as the white female recounted the wares she had trekked across the continent. "Thank you," she said fervently. This kind of honest offer of friendship felt like an expert healer's balm to her soul after Acere's betrayal. The necklace that Aurielle offered was the final stitch to it all, binding the packs together more firmly than before. Theory whistled low at the sight of the pendant - it was simple but captivating. Just the right measure of utility and beauty. "It's lovely. These past seasons have been... very challenging. I'm grateful for your visit and our continued alliance." Bending her head low, Theory offered a moment of respect to Aurielle and an opportunity for Valhalla's alpha to string the necklace around her much-taller neck.