Paws carried themselves out of her home, rolling her shoulders quietly. Ariste stood tall, as always, tail raised and curled over her spine proudly, showing her rank. Some blood still remained on her muzzle, droplets left there from her recent meal of a delicious hare. Those were swiftly licked away, salmon tongue swiping out to rid her of the hairs clinging to tender whiskers. She glanced around her, observing her surroundings, for once in a long while allowing herself to think. Truly think, as she hadn't in a long while. She pondered over recent events, over everything she had become. She'd gone from a useless, frightened child, to a strong Elite, a valued member of the pack. She considered that success, that overrode all the injuries that she got to get here. Every single one of them was worth it, and she wore them with pride.
Speeding up slightly, she lengthened her strides best she could, trying to ignore the pulsating in her chest and sides. It wasn't long before she glided into the territory called Angel's wake. Slowing, she looked up around her, at the steep walls of rock that flanked her on either side, hollowing out into a pretty little valley.
She slipped further inside, using her claws to keep her balance on slippery ice. Striding forward, her nostrils flared, as she scented out for danger. Ears perked, but at the moment there as no sound but her own footsteps and heartbeat, and a few stray birds occasionally giving their song. Sometimes, Ariste would call back as it were, singing to only herself and the rare bird, but mostly she stayed silent. Her fur ruffled, as she made her way toward the river.
She felt far more relaxed, clearing out her mind. Shoving her sister's voice aside, she felt quicker to react, with an overall less fogged mind. Beginning to sweep away the thoughts she didn't need, she made a mental note to do this more often, to refresh her thoughts, clear away old stresses and things only clouding her judgement. Inhaling slowly, she stopped in front of the stream, dipping her head to the water. Salmon coloured tongue flicked out to lap at the icy liquid, quenching her thirst. Backing up so she didn't foolishly slip in, she sat down, looking around her. Trees hung low with snow, crystals hanging off the ledges. It was a beautiful sight, one the fae appreciated. Keeping her senses open, she allowed herself to drift off to an extent, closing her eyes in peace.