Swallow the Sun

Sunlight spilled over the canyon walls and down into the river that cut it's way through the rock, rushing, bubbling and churning. They'd had a good rain the night before and Ashiel had taken it upon himself to check the usual travel paths to make sure they were safe and that the rain had not eroded to much of the paths or made them muddy and hazardous. So far he was pleased to see that everything was looking well and the rain had been gentle rather than a torrent. He was on his way to the wraith's woods to see about the game there. He'd had mostly mixed results but he was hopeful that rain would breathe life into the area.

Malleus had been riffling through his stores and he kept noticing a theme. He'd think of an item he wanted, dig for it, and then remember that he'd left it back in the canyon before the pack had moved. After a few such instances Malleus' annoyance had really settled in and he'd decided that maybe it was time for a visit. He hadn't seen Ashiel since the challenge so really, his congratulations were long overdue. And so it was with congratulations on the brain (and thoughts of abandoned herb stores lurking close behind) that Malleus found himself on the border of the Eclipse Empire. Even though they were family he couldn't bring himself to trespass so instead he lifted his chin and howled for Ashiel.

The Easter Bunny hops on by!

On her way through, she drops an egg at the paws of Malleus.

Swallow the Sun

Ashiel continued on his way through the canyon and when he found deer tracks he bent to sniff them. They were a few days old. Not bad. He didn't really consider himself a super skilled hunter but perhaps he could try tracking this herd and seeing what he could find. He was about to follow the trail when he heard a call echo through the canyon. It brought a smile to his face to hear Malleus was at his border. Ashiel quickly abandoned his tracking in favor of greeting his cousin. He moved swiftly and confidently, a bounce in his step as he spied his cousin.

"Malleus! It is good to see you. What brings you to the Eclipse Empire? I hope all is well with uncle Amon."

The freshly minted King arrived in short order. Ashiel was as cheerful as ever and Malleus was pleased to see that authority had yet to take that from him. Power and responsibility seemed to change a person over time. Sometimes for better and sometimes for worse, and only time would tell which way Ashiel went, but Malleus was confident his cousin was destined for the former. However the young King changed, hopefully he wouldn't lose his good humor. Hoping to put his cousin's mind at ease, Malleus was quick to reassure him, "Oh, yes, everything is alright with father and the Risen Empire. I..." He smiled softly, the gesture a mix of an apology and happiness. "I missed the challenge and because of that, haven't had a chance to congratulate you on your success."

Swallow the Sun

Ashiel held his grin and shrugged lightly but then he smirked playfully. "Your loss! You missed a truly stirring victory." He chuckled and shook his head before sighing. "If that challenge taught me anything it is that I still have plenty to learn. Thank you for the congratulations." There was still much he could learn in the arts of battle and even more that he could learn when it came to the arts of rule. He just hoped he was clever enough to get himself together. His mother was a help in some ways and a hindrance in others.

"How are you doing, settling into the role of heir? I don't suppose you have any wisdom you might impart on a young, new leader?"