For some reason, the sooty mare didn't feel at home in the Foothills. Maybe it was because it was taken too easily, or because so many had lost their homes in the process. But that was doubtful - Phaedra was not an ethical or deeply moral creature at the best of times. Likely, it was simply because it was too...safe. The Grey had demonstrated that they were a formidable force - they had easily defeated the former Foothills, and had captured many of the assassins, who attempted to follow in their hoofsteps; as a result they no longer needed to hide in the Woods. They could walk in the light, boldly the new members of the Foothills. And yet...yet....

Phae was not content.

And so, she returned to her birthplace - the place where she was instructed to go, all those long seasons ago when first Ophelia found her in the Threshold. It was there, she was greeted by Ktulu and her companion Eytan, and it was there, that she thought she had been trapped and tricked. She could not fly in these Woods, for the canopy and density of the trees was too great, and as she stumbled upon her dark leader and the bear cub, she thought she would die. But she hadn't - no! She had been born. That moment sent into action a thousand others that created the Golden Spy. It was to that place, that she now returned.

Phaedra set out while her daughters were still sleeping - in the early waking hours. As the scenery faded and the Woods became more prominent, Phae failed to notice how bright the world was becoming. She was too focused on the Woods, and how they seemed...distant. There was a time that she knew every inch and branch and knoll here, but now the Woods seemed foreign. Stella hopped from tree to tree, refraining from flying. Her companion was currently caught in an awkward growth spurt, and her wings were large and gangly, and hard for her to gracefully control. So, the black and white bird with the brilliant orangey face hopped from branch to branch, appearing to feel just as at home here as ever she did before.

Moving forward, the spy heard a rustling sound up ahead. While these were no longer her Woods, she still felt a protectiveness of them, regardless of the foreignness that she felt. Wings tucked neatly to her sides, the spy lithely trotted forwards, taking care to make as little noise as possible.

A shape ahead - yet for all of the bright light off this odd morning, Phaedra cannot seem to discern what it is. The rolling motion is familiar, and instantly the golden girl assumes it to be Eytan. A smile graces her lips, as she moves forward now confident that she will find Ktulu and the cub. "Why sugar!". She calls melodically, as uncertainty crashes down upon her. Instantly she wishes to recall the words - to slip into the shadows and watch unseen. Only now does she notice the glare - the light. There are no shadows in which to hide, and the creature before her is not Eytan.

Unlike last time, for her Grey family have taught her well, the beauty does not panic. Her sea-green gaze does not falter, as she stares at the creature before her - an odd mixture of bear and cat? In her minds eye, Stella is trying to tell her something, but as she is not able to communicate with words yet, merely trills in frustration. The word she is looking for is ursa, but all she can do is project to Phae's mind, an image of the stars. Of specific stars. Yet Phae's conscious mind is too focused on the creature before her, to understand what her bonded is trying to communicate.

"Hello" She offers, her voice sing-song as ever, but spoken without her usual flirtatiousness.

[Please note, this thread is open to all, but there will be no restrictions on posting order.]