His mind was worse when he was alone, but yet all he wanted was solitude. He did not like where they had moved to, so close to other packs, and yet he had no say in it. He had been used to power, and now he had none. It was frustrating him, especially after he'd been questioned by that woman. Vorilye didn't know what to do. He felt he had a responsibility, to Themis and his children, but really... was he even meant to be a father? He had so many questions, so many worries, and he felt trapped, both here and in his mind. Vorilye took a steadying breath, then got to his feet; he sought out @Themis, hoping she would be able to help.

He found Themis beside a mushroom patch, and he gazed at her quizzically as she spoke. He had never partaken in anything — in his homeland, only the spiritualists would use those types of herbs. He shook his head, frowning. "No... I didn't come here to get high off my face." He took in a deep breath. "I wanted to talk."

Vorilye sighed, his frown deepening. "I've... I've been a wreck since my sister attacked me. And one of yours was in my face the other day, demanding I give her information." A scowl replaced his frown, and he muttered, "I'm here for you and for our children — I owe nobody else anything."

Vorilye had feared that she would've been against him, that she might brush it off... but no. She seemed shocked, angry even. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the relief wash over him. Quietly, he told her, eyes still closed, "It's not your fault." He sighed, then opened his eyes. He knew he could not hide his identity forever; the others would realize by the way he treated the children, or how he kept so close to Themis. He wished he could. All he wanted was to be a decent father, but how could he do that and keep his anonymity?

Vorilye met Themis' gaze, and he muttered, "I've felt like a stranger here. Like... like I don't... belong here." The words were hard to admit. He cleared his throat roughly, then dropping his gaze. He didn't know how to change that.

Her words were definitely not what he was expecting. He looked at her, hardly daring to believe it as she spoke of an advisor. He missed the power he'd had, but that didn't meant he wanted that responsibility. Back when it had been Vex leading, he had had a good, easy life. Here, he didn't, and he doubted it would ever be easy again. Could he handle that? Did he even want it? He wasn't certain.

And then, to take her name. To change his identity. He had been debating it, especially after his encounter with that woman. His birth name carried too much with it. Too much risk. But, his mouth had gone dry, because he did feel something for her. But he could not speak yet.

Stémma — the word, the title, it rang in his ears. And a heartbeat later, a proposal. Vorilye was speechless, conflicted. His mind buzzed with the possibilities, and he swallowed, hard. When he found his voice, he rasped quietly, "Themis, I — I don't know..." He frowned deeply, feeling his scars stretch taught.

Vorilye forced himself to meet her gaze. "I am six years old, and I don't expect to live that much longer." How long until Vex found him again? "I... do have feelings for you. That, and the whelps... this is why I stay." He took a steadying breath. "I... expect nothing from you, but... that doesn't mean I don't desire more." He had to make it plain to her. Vorilye blinked, then continued, "If you still wish to have me as your crown, then... so be it." Even if nothing more came from their relationship, a marriage would ensure no one else could have her, and Vorilye would be lying if he did not feel protective, and, perhaps, mildly possessive of her. She was the mother of his children, after all. If the admission of his feelings changed things, well... he didn't want to think about that at the moment.

She listened, and he watched her reactions carefully. When she got up, he felt a flicker of panic — but she merely pressed her face into his chest. He drew her closer with a foreleg, gently, and from his chest came a low rumble of satisfaction. She spoke of an old mate, and he nodded, sighing softly. Releasing her, he pulled away gently, then met her gaze.

"I was promised to Vex. I had no option to court another. I understand not knowing how to love... I wonder myself whether I even loved her, or if what I felt was..." he trailed off, shaking his head. It didn't matter now. Whatever he felt for Themis was different.

Vorilye's face relaxed into a smile. "We can learn it together." He felt much better, and now, he felt excited — for the future, for what he might discover with Themis. He reached forward to brush her cheek with his muzzle, then sighed softly, "So... My name." He had never been anything other than Vorilye Cruor, and now? Now he could be whoever he wanted. He looked to her, smirking softly. "Did you have any ideas?" If he was to take her surname, he needed a forename to match, did he not?

Vorilye mulled over his choices, then replied sardonically, "Mmm... A titan, or a god." He was massive, so titan seemed to fit, and he had never grown up with gods or goddesses, so he was rightly curious — the Cruors were typically anti-religious, and his father especially had refused any talk of gods. Nosing her gently, he grinned and said, "The first thing you think of, when you look at me."

Astraios. The name was, of course, foreign to him — it took him several tries to pronounce it correctly. He smiled at Themis, murmuring, "Thank you. I... I like it." He would never have to be Vorilye Cruor again. He closed his eyes, sighing deeply.

When he opened them again, his gaze was hungry — but it was not Themis' body that he wanted, but her words. Her time, and company. He felt as if he could spend hours, just here, talking. "You should teach me your language."

Astraios smiled, then moved to press his forehead against Themis'. He had much to be thankful for, and it was all because of her. "We should return to the children," he murmured after a few minutes of comfortable silence. He would rise to his feet, then follow her back to the whelping den, where he would take the time to really start getting to know his children.