The Heartwood Similar vows

Dwin had mentioned a worry that had followed Heph throughout her path of seeking someone out. That she would have to change. If she had met the wolf earlier, when she had first come to the wilds, she would have thought nothing of accepting the story resolutely and completely. For it matched with her own experiences. But since founding Moontide she had forged new friendships and bonds and was not sure, though her words were warm with empathy her own thoughts and feelings remained. "I'm sorry about your friend." But the other wolf sought understanding and seemed willing to listen making Heph more willing to speak.

Offering a bit about herself she spoke. "Before settling into Moontide I never really thought that I could have any lasting or deep friendships while also being a wanderer. But I did, and without giving up wandering where I please, even if they gave me a reason to come back." After all joining Moontide she did wander less, but it was difficult to think of it that way, she still wandered when she wanted to, she simply felt the desire more strongly to remain and more often. It was two competing wants not conflicting. She had thought it was impossible to be part of a pack, tied to it, and also live a life carousing around the wilds but it had been made possible. Why should having a mate be any different?

"I want a partner in life and in love, maybe because of ideas instilled in me by others but that doesn't make them less my desires, and that doesn't mean I'm not going to be picky. If he seems like he'll only resent me for being myself then I won't accept him as a partner." Her voice was stark, perhaps it might have seemed cold. But she remembered Rodyn's words when she had expressed worry that compared to the Redhawks her family would seem small. He had said firmly that she had more than enough to bring to any partnership if her potential husband did not value her then he could seek someone out he would treasure and would treasure him.