Skill: Expert Meteorologist

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For N​ó​ttin

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It wasn't often she made the trip up to the top of the Vale's highest peak. Only when she wished to speak to her mother did she dare make the trek, her journey taking the better part of the afternoon given the slow, craggy ascent and winding paths. Olive was buried here, somewhere deep beneath the layers of snow. She had the best view of the Vale this way.

Aurelia sat near her grave, the marker now only barely visible. There was no grave for Tiberius; no body had ever been found, a thought she had grappled with for years after his disappearance wondering if he might still show up again one day, whole and unharmed. She looked up at the sky and its thousands of glittering stars that twinkled overhead and wondered if there was an afterlife, and if Olive ever left it occasionally to see how her children were doing - sometimes she thought she could catch traces of her scent.

The little wolf looked out beyond the horizon where a line of clouds had only just begun to roll in. It was spring now, but there was always the chance of an odd snow-shower even leading into the summer months this far north. She closed her eyes and foolishly tried to feel her mother's presence.

I'm not sure if you got to see it, or if anyone has come up to tell you, she said quietly to the air. I think we all saved the world, somehow. Never thought I would see the stars again - or anything else, for that matter.

A cold wind ruffled her fur by way of response.

... I miss you. We've done so much and come so far, but... I wish you could be here to see it.

Aurelia blinked back an irritating wetness threatening her eyes. She'd gotten so emotional in the past year; what was wrong with her? It was as if she couldn't even control herself anymore.

She sighed and looked back out toward the distant storm, hoping it would hold off just a little longer.

It was a strange thing to accept, the world being at peace. N​ó​ttin still couldn't shake the feeling that despite everything he had seen so far, that something else might come back to tear things apart again. But it was the truth of it all. The land of Mythris had returned to normal, and life had begun anew. The only thing to do now was try to move on. But how do you keep going, mind scathed and shaken by what he had seen? What he had experienced?

So on this cold night, he sought the heavens above for his own grandfather's presence. Hoping that tonight he was listening, that tonight he would be of some comfort and wisdom to his prodigy. The sable wolf had been not far off from where the silver woman was residing, but didn't catch wind of her until he was high on the peak, blue eyes staring up at the stars.

Her scent hit him softly, carried by the faintest breeze. He turned to face her just briefly, doing his best not to disturb the peace of what ever moment she was having to herself. For it wasn't his business what she was going through in that moment. For now, keeping to himself was the only thing that felt right.

She was surprised to have company. Not many often ventured this far up, although it was a much easier climb with the onset of spring - still snow-capped, but at least she wasn't wading through it with the stuff piled near over her head.

Aurelia let out a soft woof in acknowledgement of Nottin's arrival.

They sat in silence for a little longer, drinking in the stars, each lost in their own thoughts.

Dalmatia's scent wafted up from his position, faint and almost unnoticable. But not to another Shakti-Vaes. Aurelia suppressed a wry smile, casting her gaze toward where he sat.

You make my sister very happy, she interrupted the silence. I can see it in her eyes.

Her tail swept the snow behind her as it settled to curl over her forepaws.

It seems all of my sisters are dabbling in the affairs of love these days, she continued, glancing back out toward the sky. You all make it look so natural. I am glad.

Though from a small distance, the two shared a starlit night for the first time since meeting. He would glance her way once, maybe twice, only turning to face her once her voice broke the silence. It was only polite, to allow her the first words as he didn't want to disturb her peaceful silence. When he saw that Aurelia was ready to converse, his face softened a bit and a small smile appeared. I do the very best that I can. But truthfully, she makes me even more happy. N​ó​ttin felt a warmth begin to reside in his chest.

She saved my life. I have much to thank her for. Just as I have much to thank of this pack, my family, my home. Aurelia spoke of how they all seemed to make it look so easy. Oh how wrong she was in the grand scheme of it all. I wish it were that easy. Things take time when it comes to matters of the heart. I had to learn that the hard way. Even going as far to not repeat bad decisions I had seen my own parents make. But I would do it all again, just for her. Dalmatia deserves everything. I would give her the world if I could. The Pillar grew silent for a moment, then looked back to Aurelia with a quizzical brow. What of you and my sister?