Noctisardor Bypass And disappointment disappears overnight

Daylily's announcement of departure that morning had brought him mixed feelings. He was glad for her, of course, to know that she would go to reunite with her Oakstead family for a time. The coming of Springtime would make for safer travels, and she'd shared intention to return in the future. It provided hope, something to look forward to, yet Artyom couldn't shake the sorrow in his chest to see her go.

It was selfish, he knew, but he loved his pack. With that affection came a strong desire to keep each of them close. He knew Day had been missing her kin and that she'd felt their absence sorely, and though Artyom hoped the birth of Whitebark's litters would better ground her with a new sense of purpose, it simply was not enough.

So he bid her a fond farewell, wished her safety on her travels, and carried on. It was all he could do whenever he lost one of his own.

Artyom took to venturing beyond his Eastern borders, trailing along quietly so he might be alone with his thoughts. Movement to his right drew his focus elsewhere, and he recognised the bi-coloured wolfess as his former Alphess. He hadn't anticipated seeing Arbiter again anytime soon, though he regarded her with a friendly sweep of his tail as she picked her way along her own territory edge. "Hey," he called, still a little fearful of her judgement of him but eager to maintain pleasantries.