Larksong Grotto With apple blossom in her hair

When Hiram finally laid his eyes on his ex-mate from his position at the top of the ridge, he couldn't help but believe that she was a specter -- and in a way, she was. Back from the dead to haunt and divvy out the proper punishments for the poor choices made by the man who was once named Reek Redtail. Was this the will of Raas? Had his path to salvation not been enough in the eyes of the Lord? Perhaps it all meant nothing to the Daystar. The Lord had granted him a blessing in the form of his daughters. Would He truly strip that away?

God's will be damned, thought the Cardinal. Unlike Laurel, who's indifference was noticed, Indra ran to her mother, yet Hiram made no move to stop her. This was a battle of wills, nothing more. His resolve was strengthened as the nameless man ushered him away. Hiram shook his head and moved forward. The other male went ignored for now.

His gaze then quickly passed to Laika -- a once dear friend who would surely never look at Hiram the same way she once had. The Cardinal regarded her with sadness, as she had tried to facilitate communication between himself and his children the last time he had gone to the creek... Perhaps if Spring hadn't forced Hiram's hand, things would have turned out differently. He did not speak, for he did not know the words to say.

One, however, could not be ignored. "Saena," spoke the man in earnest. "Please. I just want to talk." There was no need to make this any more difficult than it already was. "I love my daughters more than anything," For a man who's lies were plentiful, this was an absolute truth, and it was one he would defend tooth and nail if need be.