Once more, Astraios was travelling, as he did a couple times a month. Today, he had travelled up the coast, merely interested in seeing what he could see. He had climbed a small mountain — really, more of a hill than anything else, and he gazed down into the sequoia forest. Eventually, as he walked he picked up a scent — a very, very familiar one. His hackles rose, but he took another deep breath. It was not Vex, but Violante, the one who had started it all. Perhaps against his better judgement, the former Cruor man let out a deep call for his half-sister.

The summons that pulled her away from the forest was not one she had ever expected to hear again in her life, but she responded to it all the same, a vast well of rage and hatred filling her chest as she loped quickly towards Vorilye. A swift howl was sent to Noir, alerting her to join Violante, and the Outrider fell swiftly into step besides the Vicera.

Too soon, it seemed, they had left the protective forest behind, and emerged instead onto the small mountain that bordered their home. Violante could see Vorilye. Her tail lifted and she approached briskly, a silent snarl pulling at her lips.

I should kill you where you stand. Her head tilted lightly to one side. Give me one reason not to. She approached him, unafraid, her dark eyes full of hate.

Her Mistress — no, her Vicera — reacted with both speed and precision, and Noir kept pace easily. She knew what this call might mean — a fight to the death, imprisonment, bloodshed, at the very least. She went into it unwaveringly and without fear.

Noir approached Vorilye just as swiftly as the Vicera did, and the Outrider hissed, Why are you here? He smelled of others — of whelps. Tell the truth, Vorilye.

Astraios expected this sort of reaction, but he also knew Violante to be reasonable. As soon as she and Noir approached, he knelt and lowered his head, answering swiftly, Please, I come in peace, I just... There is so much you must know. He would meet his half-sister's gaze, and he told her lowly, earnestly, I am Vorilye Cruor no longer. I am Astraios to Alysothrafstikó, husband to @Themis, of the same name. I left Vex shortly after you did, sister, and I...

Astraios rose cautiously to his paws, eyeing Noir more than Violante. So far, they still let him speak, so he kept going. I started a family of my own. He tried a tentative half-smile.

To hear him shed his name made Violante pause — Vorilye had been a proud, hard-headed man dedicated to the Cruor cause. He had been promised to Vex, to raise the future Cruor whelps. To hear he had remarried... it soothed her temper.

Until he spoke of starting a family. The Vicera bristled and she rushed Astraios, snapping her jaws inches from his scarred face. Did you forget the woman you raped? You destroyed an innocent girl's life! And for what? Her dark eyes were deep, fathomless, cold. She held no warmth, no sense of family, for the man before her.

The Vicera's enraged response spurred Noir into gear; she shoved herself into Astraios' personal space, and she snarled at him, Yes, why did you leave after having your way with Lorelai? Tell us all you have done since then. Her words were cold, but she could see their chance to gain information. Why not take it?

Astraios had not forgotten Lorelai... but now, he wished he could. He wished he could take back that night. His mouth and throat very dry, Astraios rasped, No, I... I have not forgotten about her. Had she conceived, then? Swalllowing hard, he dared to meet Violante's gaze. I would take it back if I could. You must believe me, I... I... he trailed off, not knowing what else to say.

But Noir wanted information. Hoping that Violante was still sensible and not prone to violence, he said, I have four children, with Themis. We live relatively close by, in the weald near Moonglow. Astraios licked his lips. I wandered here, and caught your scent. I called for you because... Vex is here, or at least, in the hinterlands to the west. His expression grew gaunt, somber. She still hunts us. Both of us. And she will not stop.

Violante's jaw was set, hard, as she listened to Astraios' words. He said nothing she had not already assumed, and she told him roughly, How far is she? Would she have to relocate her family? She looked to Noir, frowning deeply, her brows creased together. Then, she questioned, Who does she have with her?

Noir listened to Astraios in silence, her gaze hardened against him and her face impassive. She cared not for him or his family, but the information was useful. Sharing a look with the Vicera, Noir, too, wondered how many their former leader had at her disposal. Looking sharply to Astraios, she questioned, How many are with you? Is it just Themis and your children?

From here, I suspect Vex could make the journey in several days, three, maybe four. Others, five or six days. He would give whatever information he could — it was likely the only thing keeping him alive, or keeping him from being imprisoned. I never met anyone else, I've no idea who she has with her. Then, Noir questioned him. For the time being, yes, it is just Themis and our children. He frowned, looking back to Violante. What happens now?

Now, you leave. The Vicera could not stand to look at his scarred face any longer. She turned her back to him, beginning to saunter away, but after a moment she paused to glance back at him. I cannot make any decisions now. Not with Vagabond away, not with him and Vale getting closer to Vex with every step they took.

Letting out a low, frustrated growl, Violante asked, Does she know where you are now?

Noir listened in silence now — she had gathered what information she could, but the rest would be on Violante. How strange it was, to know that Astraios had been near all this time, with Sacrarium being in the dark. Even stranger now, to not consider him an enemy. At this point, he was unwelcome, but she knew there would be no violence against him. At least, not today.

His time was up, and he was grateful to be able to leave in one piece. He bowed his head, got up, and started to walk away, when Violante asked him one last question. All he could tell her was, I have not seen her in over a season. If she does know where I am, she's not come yet. Casting a glance to Noir, he shrugged and turned, heading back towards home.

There was nothing left to be said. Beckoning to Noir, Violante would lead the way home, and they would converse quietly along the way. What did this mean for Sacrarium's future?