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Batu

Through caves they had traveled, and seemingly through time and space once more. The verdant place where the dynasty came to land was worth the rend, and the group of wolves had taken residence there. The Orchid no longer felt the innate pull towards another place, as she did amongst the streams. Though Shenlei had been the masthead of their voyage east (for Yue could have died a happy woman, amongst the busy wisteria isle) and she was most grateful that he had pushed forth. As always, his vision had been flawless.

The execution of that vision went far better than their arrival to the Rest.

The Empress was ultimately relieved to have a place to winter, as the season was full upon them. Her pelt was full and warm; she felt more rested than she had in any of the recent months. There were so many unknowns here, but the life of an Empress was notably simpler with far fewer tenets and neighbors to manage. Some might say life was emptier – but to Yue, it was not a void, but instead rife with possibility. She dreamed about it at night. She could taste it.

The Empress wore this possibility like a most voluminous robe, and could feel it flowing all about her as she meandered amongst her new lands, conscripting every corner to her memory.

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