Blackfeather Woods Once a year we celebrate

...with stupid hats and plastic plates...

A year had passed since he'd been born. An entire year, one full trip around the sun. He could not remember the day in which he'd entered the world, or much of the time that had followed it, but he knew he was growing. The way that the day had looked back then was something he could not recall, nor were the vivid colours that used to fill the space behind his eyelids. It was all lost on him, and even his mother's face had started to fade from his memory. No longer did looking at his reflection jog his memory, for no longer did he see her within himself. He had grown up without her, he had slithered his way through the first year of his life without her, and that was okay. Along with her memory, his grudge had faded, allowing for him to breathe far easier. On that day especially, he felt most at ease, for he understand that he'd lasted so long without her already, and that he could push through many years to come. He had his father—who had informed him the night prior how the stars lined up the same way as the night before his birth—and Nemesis, and they were the only two parental figures that he needed in his life. They were his family, forever and always.

Alexander had met with his father earlier in the morning, having wished to share with him such a momentous day. Though he'd peeked in on Nemesis, he'd not bothered her, having chosen instead to take off for the day and wander throughout the woods. Each step revealed something new to him, for each day that passed brought more life with it. It wouldn't be for much longer before the foliage had returned entirely, so then he might be able to traverse Blackfeather whenever he pleased without the risk of irritating his eyes. He thought of things, such as his past, as well as of his sisters. Were they alright? Had they, too, made it through their first year of life? He did not hold the answers to his unasked questions, nor did he know of anyone that might. They had all gone away long ago, having chosen a life for themselves that he was not apart of. There were times in which it still hurt when he thought back to that fateful day, for it was the only memory from back then that stood out clearly. He could remember every second of it, every emotion, too, as if it'd happened only a few moments ago. Today, however, he had not allowed for such feelings to resurface, for it was a day to celebrate. A day to bask in his own glory, and reflect upon the life that he was currently living.

The more he thought about his current home, the more his skin seemed to crawl beneath his fur. He did not fear the place, but with things returning to normal and his mind calming itself down, he was struck by the urge to travel. To where, he did not know, but he wished to see what all laid beyond the borders. He wanted to learn about the entirety of Teekon, and to see as many marvelous sights as possible. Yet, it was not near to the borders that he'd found himself settling, but rather near to the grove that had housed the late queen's bones for so long. He did not enter the space, however, situating himself directly outside of it instead and simply peering in. He sought some sort of sign, perhaps, that might tell him that his desires were to be fulfilled, but knew not where to look.