Duck Lake illusion; diverted

astara had no contemplative thoughts about the beargod's whims in this moment; she was consumed only by the thought her daughter was missing and possibly under the jaws of harm.

she tilted her head towards merrick's gentle kiss, observing him solemnly as he drew away and spoke of his purpose. astara could not help the way she turned to aventus then, studying him as if he were before her for the first time.

he was more than half a year old. many, if not all, of his features had lost their puppyish softness, replaced now by something lean and fashioned for killers. the pack would respect him, astara believed -- he was a good son, steadfast and strong.

she closed her eyes softly, lowering her head to concede to merrick's idea. if she was to leave bearclaw on search for her daughter, she trusted the best place for aventus was home under the guard of the bear.