Substantial time had passed since Kaj had last conversed with Naamloos, though she had often appeared in his vicinity in her raven form, likely listening in on his conversations. Kaj had not minded, allowing her her curiosity and drive for information. It was endearing to him where others found it disturbing, and though he admitted quite frankly that he was far more driven by his heart than she in her detached, philosophical ways, he also had a somewhat more primitive outlook on certain aspects of life. He hoped in some unspoken, unacknowledged manner that she would always feel safe and comfortable in coming to him with her questions.

Isopia had escaped his attention and check ups on his herd members once they'd won the invasion, but Kaj held little worry for the demigod child. She held great power inside of her, that was obvious, and her independence was admirable. Whatever trouble she would find, Kaj held faith she would overcome it. Knowing Ktulu had arranged the patrols, he was more than a little grateful that he had been placed with the skullfaced giantess. At least it would settle what few fears still lingered stubbornly, implacable in the back of his mind.

Of course punctuality was not in his favor that eve, lagging him behind. Sure that Isopia had already left, the Czar had taken wing as soon as he was freed from his duties to go and meet her. The Deep was not a place he adored, but he found it refreshing at times to hear the creak of old branches and rust colored trunks. It held no factor of intimidation over him, and the wintery bows eased by in dizzying arrays beneath him. He held no companion to help him with the search, something that had been continually bothering him the past season. Though he did not believe the gods cared about him, so insignificant was his life, Kaj wondered if it was something about him that kept his soul from being offered another half to it. With a snort of amusement he mused on whether it was because he was already completed, no missing portion of himself even capable of being found in the world.

Such thoughts were cut short when a small, dark form with a glowing charm caught the corner of his eye. Banking closer, Kaj recognized the familiar markings that Isopia could not escape in her fully feathered form. Nickering out to her in wordless alert, Kaj tucked his wings close and breached the canopy below, landing swift and smooth in the sparse snow beneath the overhanging boughs. Glancing upward to see if Isopia had followed him, the Czar shook his wings out and glanced around, noting the dark atmosphere. It was calming, in a way. Quiet.

@[Isopia]