Blackfeather Woods Once a year we celebrate

When he’d first seen Damien, he’d wanted to run. To head off to a different location and remain there until the coast was clear. Given the way in which their meetings tended to go, he’d been against the idea of remaining there entirely, but realized now that he would have missed out on so much had he run off. On some level, the two had connected, an understanding of one another being found. Towards the discovery, the yearling knew not what to do, but he’d chosen not to act against it. There he was, being offered yet another chance at the greatness he so longed for, and so he’d not refuse it. If there was something that he could do that might better his relations with the others living inside of the woods, then he’d do so, if only to achieve the mark that he desired—and to, once again, have a family that he could truly call his own.

There came no more words for him to speak, a verbal response to the older male refusing to form. So, he’d nodded, intending to do just as was said. Alexander would honour Meldresi’s memory in some way, he would make both her and his father proud. And though a lot of work would need to go into doing so, he was confident that he’d be able to complete every task that might be thrown at him. The late queen had seen something in the boy, and she’d granted him access into her home when she could have easily turned him away. For that, he owed her, and wanted to make things even.

With another nod, Xan would remain there until he was dismissed. Thereafter, he’d take his leave through the woods, intending to find something constructive that he might be able to use his time for. A path had been laid out before him, each necessary step clearly visible, and the young Inuk had every intention of following it for as long as he might be able to.