The timber wolf stretched as he soaked up the sun after the war. Thankfully, no one in Sindri was killed. That was a relief. However, he could not ignore the tension that he still felt in the air. A howl pierced the air – Athena’s. His golden eyes darted to the clearing, where his eyes landed on Athena. He stretched once more, this time moreso his wings, and took to the lower sky. He saw as Soliel walked into the circle – she was still beautiful as ever. His eyes also caught onto the little children next to Athena…who was their father? That had to be a burning question from everyone, right?

Icarus made a soft landing, placing himself a few feet from the burning sun he adored – Soliel. He gave a small nod to say hello just before Shiranui walked in, sitting on the other side of the firey lass. Rather than greeting him, Icarus turned his attention to Athena, another firey lass. Icarus would just pretend his romantic competition did not exist, it would be better for his ego, after all. The winged lad was not the strongest, heck, he was not even the best at flying. Shiranui, on the other hand, was a beautiful white color with accents of red amongst his fur, with emerald, green eyes and several kitsune tails that allowed him to control light, which Soliel did enjoy. He could not help but feel inferior.

It was then that Athena began to speak. “Hello all. There have been some changes, I’m sure you all have heard. Hecate, Kalon, and Cato will now be in Nightingale, due to some stupid quarrel with the Nightingale queen. As Queen Irina has been deposed and is likely dead-” The sudden rumble of a storm caused Icarus to jump, and immediately look over to Soliel, who was unamused. He quickly composed himself and continued to listen. “Well then. Screw what I just said; the queen is very much alive. But due to the new leadership changes in Nightingale, and due to the fantastic repercussions that Starfall will see in the aftermath of the war, I will be absent tonight, making trips around to Nightingale and Tarben and cutting ties; Sindri will from now on be a neutral pack. So none of you start trouble. This said, I want to congratulate all of you who are still here on surviving the bloodbath. I also want to thank you all. Thank you for staying with me and for following me no matter what a twit I am. We have some rank changes for tonight. Callie is moving up to beta, to start off. But given the circumstances, that means we are without a theta and any deltas. Vryko, my daughter, I’d like you to start training in herbs and healing so that the second you age up you may take the rank of theta. Soliel will be staying zeta; I’m keeping Icarus and Shiranui where they are as well. Asmodeus, train with the sigmas; you are to become Delta if you excel in your training. Jelethe, I believe that is your name? Any last questions before I leave to visit Nightingale and Tarben?”

This confused the lad, along with several others. To his surprise, his blazing sun spoke up. "With all due respect, my Queen, I understand you want us to be unified and stable as a pack on our own, why do we want to separate ourselves from our only two alliances after building three strong enemies? We do not have the numbers or the training to survive should we fall into war again, we'd be alone and severely outnumbered. Irina is no longer Queen of anything, but now we have a strong chance of becoming allies with Cato and Hecate. Cato was your own Delta and a strong fighter, why would we not salvage that and build with him? Why instead hold anger and hatred in your heart for them and Kalon when, from what I understand, they only wished only to avenge their dead? They didn't leave on bad terms with you, did they? Why had we been brought into the dangers of the war anyways? I don't understand . . . " Icarus looked back and forth between the two – Soliel and Athena. Soliel was making a good point, Sindri could not go without allies.

However, Athena remarked back. “I understand your concerns, Soliel. The fact is, I have no problem with Cato, Hecate, and Kalon. If it’s their wish to avenge Hecate and Cato’s family, then yes, I respect that. But ties lead to alliances, and alliances lead to being dragged into a war. Furthermore, I did not really know Hecate and Kalon. I trust that Cato will lead Nightingale well, but I knew Irina, and I know that several members of her pack were more than happy with her. As for Tarben, we did not exactly ally on the best of terms. It was a forced alliance, if you will. Beartooth preyed on my senses of honor and loyalty to make that bond. And I do hope that Dawnshire, Hawthorne, and Amberbjorne will not bother us in the future; this war is pretty much over and there’s no need for unpleasantries, at least not toward or from Sindri. It may be a vain hope, but if they do come knocking, looking for revenge, then I will not drag any of you into the debates that will inevitably ensue; I will do my best to preserve and protect this pack. I do realize that in the future we may need allies, so I will be keeping Nightingale in consideration if a situation like this ever arises. I realize not all of you are satisfied with this explanation. But if you wish for me to explain things further, I will.”

Without hesitation, Soliel retorted again. "But you knew Cato, you trusted him more than any of us standing here even today. You were his friend, now you say you have no quarrel with them but yet moments ago you said screw them. I'm not understanding, My Queen. I don't understand why we were dragged into this senseless war when we were all innocent in it to begin with nor what Beartooth could have done that would force your hand like a puppet." Icarus surely did not want to get involved in a war again, and Soliel made a good point. How was Sindri involved in the first place? It was then that Helene spoke. ”Mother, Soliel’s right. Nightingale could be a powerful alliance. Why don’t we side with them?” Soon after, the new beta quipped in. “The queen does not want concrete alliances, Princess. Concrete alliance with Tarben, no less in an underhanded way of conduct on King Beartooth’s part, is what got Sydney severely injured almost to the point of death, and broke your mother’s ankle which is now healing, and threatened the lives of every single wolf in this pack who went to fight alongside our queen. As she said, she is keeping Nightingale in mind for the event that we do need an ally.”

It was then that Soliel asked that all important question that was likely on everyone’s minds. ”Whose children are these . . . ?" My Queen, I have so many questions that I did not before you left. Beartooth forced your hand, nearly getting our entire pack but myself and these children slaughtered. How did he get such leverage on you forcefully? Whose children are these? Why would we not want to make peace with the opposing side after they had won?" Icarus watched as his sunlight became more frustrated. ”Athena…” Icarus started, attempting to meet Athena’s dark brown eyes. ”What have we gotten tied into? It seems as if there’s so much more going on here that you have not informed us about. We are your members – it’s only right that we are understanding of Sindri’s affairs.” His golden eyes attempted to stay locked on Athena’s as he scooted closer to Soliel in an attempt to comfort her.

Actions & Words.