We'll Make A Name For Ourselves

As agreed upon, Aslatiel had waited until spring. With the passing of the season, both she and her children had their freedom from the Armada. They would strike out on their own and would cut their own path. She and the most important wolves in her life would make a new name for themselves. They would be tied to no one and nothing. Free as the wind they all would be. Asla wanted nothing more than for her children to be independent, free thinkers. And this was the way that she would do it.

Despite being free, there was a sadness within the fawn colored fae. A sadness that she refused to let show to her children. It wasn't a sadness of leaving the pack. It was knowing that one of the most crucial parts of her life was gone. Naiche was dead. The golden wolf had shown more love and compassion to her than most wolves that she knew. His presence would be sorely missed, not only by her, but by the children that he left behind. He'd given his life to save their son and Asla would never let the memory of Naiche die. His absence left a hole within her and the Armada would never feel the same.

All through the winter, Aslatiel had hunted, saved, traded, bartered. She'd purchased a small cart, just large enough for herself and Ashur to pull with ease. All of their supplies were heaped inside. Food, furs, various items that the children had collected. All of it was covered with an oiled bison skin that would keep everything dry should they be stuck in a spring shower. Asla didn't look back as she left. She only looked forward. Once the trio was past the border and out into the blue glow of the Soulless Forest, Asla stopped and pulled the children's attention to her. "We're free now. On our own. We answer to no one. We're tied to nothing except each other." The woman's galactic gaze shifted from Arcturus to Satira. "I've chosen to leave the name Fatalis with the Armada. Indarra will now be my surname." Again her gaze moved from one face to the next. "Taking the name is entirely your choice. If you wish to remain a Fatalis, you may do so."

Moving forward, Asla scooped both of her children to her chest, kissing each of their brows. She never imagined that she could love something so much, and here she had two somethings to love. This was going to be an adventure, a challenge, a testament to their bond together. "I love you both so much," she assured them, kissing their faces again before hitching herself to the cart again. The world was new and so were they. It was liberating, exhilarating, overwhelming. "We have to join up with Ocean and Chrystelle, then we can go wherever our paws care to take us. Are you ready?" This was really it. They were finally doing it.
"Aslatiel"