Northstar Vale With this heart of mine

Viskani had left herself in a constant state of consideration for nearly two weeks now, far more quiet than usual. But, at noon today she found herself looking for @Noctaryn.

Her consideration had moved to something she had never dared to think of before, but it was not a decision she felt she could make alone. It would not be fair. Viskani had never had a partner before, but she knew one thing for certain; you were meant to make decisions together if you wanted to be equals.

The rabbit was felled swiftly, yet not without a fair amount of sprayed blood to cake the surface of his face. Noctaryn grumbled to himself, Must’ve knicked something... He spit out the fur that dusted his lips.

Before Noctaryn could even begin to clean himself up, he heard steps crunching nearby. His head lifted from the carcass, eyes flashing silver. He remained quiet, vigilant. Ready to defend.

They softened as soon as they landed on his wife. He stood tall, forgetting about the blood on his face.

Viskani finally found her husband with the carcass of a rabbit, and the blood to show for it. Are you alright? She asked, pushing a small smile. Viskani could not yet be sure if the blood was all the rabbits or if he had been bit, and those could be some nasty bites.

Seeing Noctaryn did put a part of her at ease, as though she needed to be reminded of what kind of man he was. If she needed to speak to him about something, he would approach it with the kindness and maturity she needed to remain stable.

I was hoping we could discuss something I had on my mind.

Remembering himself, he huffed a laugh. Oh, this—none of it is mine. All rabbit. Just a minute. He quickly turned to the nearest bush, rubbing his face along its leaves to wipe off as much as he could. It would surely stain his face for some time until he could really wash it off in the nearest water source.

Noctaryn returned, eyes and ears all hers. Hit me. What has been going on in that pretty mind of yours? Past couple weeks since Chevalier visited, you’ve been…distant.

He had noticed her distance too then. She should have been more attentive. I had a lot to think about. She responded, sitting herself down. I always knew my mother would die, but I never imagined how it could make me feel. She paused, her expression scrunching into something unpleasant for a brief moment.

I think I was relieved.

It was a horrible thing to say. Viskani had spent her whole life working to make her mother happy, and now she was gone. She imagined that she should have at least been upset about her wasted time or which sister took over, but she could see so much potential in the Teekons now. I always wanted to be a Matriarche, I still do, but not like this. I want to do it on my own. She said, tail wrapping around herself. Not on my own, but with you. Our way.

In a pack where they could be equals, and there would be no pressure for either of them to present one way or the other. I want to leave the vale.

Silence grew between them, Noctaryn taking his time to mull over what Viskani presented to him. Not that there was much to think about—wherever Viskani and Chandra went, there he would be, even if that meant beyond the vale. This was only a place given to him to rest his body, but his home lay within the hearts of his family.

I understand, Viskani—I do. It was—is—a lot to take in. He paused, head dipping in her direction. I am sorry for the loss of your mother. I don’t know much about your relationship with your mother and your old pack, but if you are relieved and feel freedom in the wake of this loss, then I am glad for it.

Was it a crude statement? Sure, but it was true—if a death meant his wife could feel free and unchained, then so be it. He would have done it himself if she had asked it of him.

If that is what you need, then we will leave this place. Right now, tomorrow, in a year—I don’t care. He reached up to cup her cheek, placing a kiss upon her brow. All I care about is our happiness, wherever that leads us.

After Noctaryn's response, she wasn't sure why she had ever worried at all. He was a good man, he loved her and she knew it; the vale was not what made them a good pair. Then we can prepare to leave in a few days. She decided, returning with a gentle lap to his cheek. I don't care where we go, whether you want to travel or settle I will be happy.

Chandra was still young, Viskani knew she would be happy to follow so long as they were together. Her leg might slow them down, but who said they had to get anywhere fast?

We'll go in the early morning, I won't tell Chaudry this time. Even the idea left her a bit guilty, but the truth was that Chaudry was grown. He didn't need her, and frankly what she needed was for him to learn how to exist outside of the grips of de Cigue traditions.