Unity in the Long Night

Avantika watched as Tamsyn greeted each of her children, and she smiled when she turned to her, congratulating her on becoming a Templar. "Thank you, Mom." She settled back down again before bobbing her head right back up when Audra approached. She looked as beautiful as always, sitting down in the chair right next to her. She couldn't help but smile broadly. "Yeah," she replied, a touch of familial pride entering her voice.

Her smile wavered as she saw Kane with Tamsyn. She couldn't begrudge her remaining mother for finding solace in another lover, but her heart still wanted Resin to be there instead.

There were many couples there, including Syanna and Ezra, who was back from Fenmyre now, I guess. Avantika wondered what he had experienced there. Maybe she would work up the courage to ask once she had some wine in her. He kissed Syanna quickly, and she glanced at Audra, wondering if she wanted to kiss, too. They had only once before, and it was suddenly not nearly enough. They could think about that later.

Ulric began speaking, announcing Art's promotion to Aegis. Avantika thumped her paw against the table along with everyone else. She trusted her brother to serve the pack with everything he had, and she would be right beside him if ever he needed her. Her eyes shone with emotion as he spoke of hope, ideals, and family. Everything that made the Hallows so deeply meaningful to her. She raised her goblet to his toast and drank deeply.

Art was the king of inspiring speeches.

"Speech"