Northstar Vale daily mix

The shift in the air was unmistakable, and Rian fought the intrusive urge to bow his head to the charcoal-and-ash licked warrior—the girl... woman, he still considered a dear friend. But time had weathered them both; Rian, perhaps, more than Hydra, as even her very spirit had grown past the fetters of her yearling form. Though his mind was primarily focused on the matter at hand, he couldn't help but think how much they'd both changed since last winter.

He blinked when she waved her tail but lowered her head in deference to him—it didn't immediately occur to him that she likely didn't know where he stood among them now, as they hadn't had the chance to talk in months. Maybe she was still running on outdated information, or had his brothers simply not deigned to update Moonspear on the shift? Either way, he cleared his throat and offered her a brief smile that accompanied a sweep of his own tail.

She went on to explain further, and his entire focus was drawn to a finite point: they weren't sure if he would recover, or if he'd even be alive when Hydra returned. But if Hydra had faith in her sister, Lyra, then he had no reason to doubt her. But he was quite surprised that Charon agreed to keep Rannoch despite his brother's ailments. From what little Rian understood of Charon, the Moonspear leader wasn't fond of those who couldn't pull their own weight.

He was left with a choice, and it was a difficult one. Cypress was gone and, as far as he knew, missing. Rannoch was injured and out of commission. And Liffey... Rian frowned. It left no one to lead and he highly doubted the Valeians would accept him if he took control of the pack in this delicate situation. While, logically, it would be for the greater good, he doubted he had the wherewithal to see them through. And yet, could he really leave Northstar while his brothers were absent? This was their dream, their home...

Rian stole a glance towards Airi, and then returned it to Hydra. "I'd like to see him, and speak to him, if he's awake when we arrive." Whether or not Airi agreed was not his problem. Rannoch was his brother and he was going to see him. Whether he returned after his desired conversation was another matter entirely.