a word of welcome and of warning

Perhaps her slight sarcasm was a bit over the line; and while her own amusement was justified, she knew that these wolves were likely concerned for their family. They didn't know that they hadn't been harmed, though it was a fair assumption that a prisoner was likely not treated well. The other woman's expression was hardened for a moment, though seemed to grow less cold as she broke the news of Jupiter's death and the official dissolution of the Ludicael pack. Briefly she found herself away of Bjorn's position nearby and she greeted him with a nod, appreciative of his support whether she truly needed it or not.

"Time had changed her," Epiphron explained with a careful nod. There knew was little she could do to make Novella understand how time had changed Jupiter, though she herself had understood her decision to some extent. She herself had felt the bitter knife of betrayal, and knew how it felt when it was twisted -- once, she too might've taken a group of Armadas captive if she'd had the chance, regardless of who was or wasn't responsible for what had happened to those she had loved. And yet her own intense demeanor had been softened slightly by the presence of her children, the burning rage that had once built deep in her heart slowly calming until they were mere embers rather than a scorching fire. "The true reason I decided to join her in Ludicael is because she reminded me of my past. I know little of the Destructions -- in fact, I've only met one, a man named Iorwerth some years ago -- but I can assure you I told no grudge against them." Nor did she favor them, no more than she did any family she knew little of; she had no reason to wish ill will on them, even if they did strike her as somewhat weak for not fighting for their freedom.

"Yes, and they are fine," came her answer to the sudden question that left Novella's lips. "Her mate Ara, and her siblings, were born into Seracia when I was their Queen." She didn't know their relationship was something that some might not know about, nor did she know if this alpha knew anything about her former Kingdom or the wolves that had reigned in those days. Her eyes narrowed a bit as she let her mind wander back to their current situation. "They seem content to stay in the lands they have come to know as home, with their sons. Their freedom has been offered and they have seen former prisoners leave, though still they still stay." Epiphron was eager to stress that nothing was keeping them their by force -- nothing physical nor mental that might be binding them to her that Novella might suspect. They were rumored to be healers, and could prove to be quite useful to Fiori if they did decide to stay, and she would be happy to have them. "As far as I know, they are the only family members of yours within my ranks. Much of the rest of the pack consists of my own family." There was a similarity between the two of them there, though she didn't know it and could only assume that this woman's pack held a fair number of Destructions as well.