SHIBA KLEIN

Hannibal had shown her the way home, and she was glad for it. It seemed that the pack had moved shortly after her drunken encounter with the woman named Iolaire, and with her horrible sense of direction who knew how long it would have been before she figured out where they had gone. She reached the borders and stopped, taking it in. It was different than she remembered, but it still smelled like home to her. Her family was here, without a doubt, and with how long it had taken her to finally reach her destination it seemed unreal that she was finally there. No more wondering if they still resided in these lands, or wondering where they had settled, or if they were okay. She tipped her head back and called out to Deathbelle, letting the Empress know she was home again.

"Speech."

Her thoughts shifted to Archon more often here in the shrine despite Deathbelle never having been in the territory with him at the same time. Though she felt nothing special about the land or the glowing waters she felt closer to her late husband here. The thoughts of the past lingered in her mind as she patrolled the borders when she heard her sister’s call. Mismatched ears perked eagerly as her ivory splashed form raced towards her sister.

Deathbelle grinned as Shiba came into view, she hadn’t seen her since Hannibal’s challenge. She didn’t hesitate to close the distance between them, eager to welcome her sibling back into the Empire. ”Shiba.” Her voice was relieved as she moved in to offer her affections.

SHIBA KLEIN

When her sister came into view, racing closer, Shiba didn’t hesitate to move forward. So much time had already passed that she couldn’t bare to waste another second being apart from the woman. She needed to embrace her to know that it was real, not just another dream. Hearing hearing her own name spoken in that sweet, familiar voice was nearly enough to bring tears to her eyes. "I’m so sorry, I got lost in the chaos of the fight. I’ve searched every day for you." Her voice was thick with emotion, her eyes stinging. She had hoped she’d be more composed for her reunion but the overwhelming joy and relief at seeing her again raged against the feelings of guilt over all the time she had lost. "I had thought that maybe you all left to another place, and then..." She had not been close to the volcano when it erupted, but she had seen seen it from a distance, and she had since seen the damage left in the wake of the eruption. She had never allowed the thought to solidify in her mind but there had been a small voice nagging in the back of her head that said there was a chance they had been too close.

"Speech."

Seeing Shiba move towards her brought the Empress’s alabaster tail wag excitedly at her hips before the two of them were reunited. She pressed herself against Shiba’s chest and embraced her fully. Deathbelle buried her nose in the long fur of her sister’s neck as she spoke. Shiba apologized, and told her that she wanted to be together but had gotten lost. ”It doesn’t matter, you’re here now.” She whined softly as tears prickled at her lilac eyes. The volcano brought much sorrow to her family, but they were starting new beginnings. She nuzzled her sister’s cheek before pulling back and looking her over. For not having been in the Empire she looked good. ”Welcome home.” She couldn’t help but offer. ”Where do you feel your place is?” She asked her what her rank should be now that she was returned.

SHIBA KLEIN

Her apology was quickly dismissed, her reasons for being gone no longer relevant. After their embrace, the tension in Shiba’s muscles began to ease, the pressure in her lungs easing away and allowing her to breathe easily for the first time in what felt like years. She was welcomed home and asked where she felt her place was and smiled. "I’m afraid all I’m good for is healing." There had never been a shortage of healers in the family, from what she could remember, and she doubted it was something her sister was in dire need of. But, she had never learned to fight beyond the bare basics of self defense, scouting was out of the question with her horrid sense of direction, and while she would hunt when needed to help provide, it was certainly not something she was known for.

"Speech."

Even Shiba’s body knew that it was home, she visibly relaxed against her sister’s embrace. She was safe, and Belle wouldn’t let her get lost again. ”Which is just as important a support as the fighters you’ll be seeing to.” Deathbelle told her lightly. Her sister’s talent was just as welcome as Lucretia. They had a couple of budding healers that would need teachers. That wasn’t all Shiba could do. ”Your memory of the Empire will help educate the young Kleins in the pack.” She offered brightly. There was more than ‘just healing’ her dear sibling could offer. ”Your opinion to the Empress in also invaluable.” She reached forward to offer her another supportive nuzzle before pulling away and welcoming her into her home. ”Welcome home.”

SHIBA KLEIN

Deathbelle was quick to assure her that her healing abilities were more than welcomed, but that it was not all she had to offer, as her memories and opinions were just as valuable. "Of course, I’ll be sure not to hold my tongue, then." She spoke with a lightness in her tone, her eyes brighter than they had been in a very long time, and a grin spread across her face. She was welcomed home, and she let out a quiet sigh of relief. The search was over, and now she had a lot of catching up to do with her siblings.

"Speech."