Northstar Vale But try as I might,

She was quiet for a moment after the question was asked.

I did, but now I have everything I wanted. I am a Matriarche, even if it did not come the way I expected, and I have a daughter to succeed me. She spoke, eyes staring forward. Was that really all she had ever desired? To fill the pawsteps of her mother? Now she had done just that, and yet she was not fulfilled. Not yet.

Maybe there was more to life than duty.

She looked to Noctaryn now, resting her head on the ground to touch her nose to his. There was no true reason for it, not that she could put into words. It just felt.. nice.

You are a good man, Noctaryn. A part of her wished she could be more like him. In his own way, he was fortunate. I would like you to stay here. In Montagne de Cigue. The words slipped from her tongue without thought.

He would be good to have, for Chandra, for the other children, and partially for herself. Another layer of protection, and a good friend.