Grief does not change you, it reveals you

The pale fae sat by the edge of the still water of the pond, the water undisturbed by nothing except for the tiny drops of water a dripping icicle produced. She looked at herself, noting how she had changed. Of course, the fresh scars, and then there was her paled pelt, and her features had become more refined and sharp. Her eyes, it seemed were the only part of her that had stayed the exact same.

Even her pack had changed. In the short time she had been away, Bindi had been appointed Beta, and another pack mate had joined them. Tempest could not say she wasn't a little envious of the female, but Tempest knew how supporting and trust worthy the female could be, and knew that Fitz had made the right choice. 'Beside' she thought bitterly 'I'm already marked as a deserter.' At least her old pack knew what had befallen her now, and that she hadn't really run away.

Perhaps Fitz had doubted she would return after her couple weeks leave, learning about herbs for her healer trade. She wouldn't blame him, but wished she could do something to prove herself as trustworthy as any other pack mate.
A howl cut through the air, haunting, the one sound she had never expected to hear again. Her muzzle whirled in the direction of the sound, ears perked, before her head fell. She was being stupid. He was long gone, his scent having almost faded from her memory. It was only the stubborn part of her that held on to fragments of memories spent underneath the moonlight, confiding in the golden male she had called her friend...perhaps more. But he was gone. That she knew.

Never less, she made her way at a steady lope toward the howl, slowing when it's owner came into view. What a coincidence, for he too was the same golden that her friend had been...

With a start, her eyes picked out familiar accents in his coat, and soon she was only a few feet in front of the male she had thought left her forever. Her face was shocked, and thousands of emotions whirled behind her eyes. Happiness. Anger. Shock. Longing. Surprise. She stood wordlessly in front of the male, who couldn't really be him. No, she had to be mistaken.