Another piece inspired by a song, this one "Mother Earth and Father Time" from the animated version of Charlotte's Web. I recently watched the movie (used to love it as a kid) and I'd forgotten how beautiful this song is. It gave me inspiration to draw something from the Admiral's childhood.

The elder Alpha-Straxin depicted here is not the Admiral's mother. Her species are raised in a communal setting. But some elders do choose "favorites" from time to time, and this old female focused on the Admiral for many of her childhood years. She encouraged the Admiral's curiosity and adventurous nature, which is what ultimately saved her from torture when she was captured by Batarian slavers. The slavers found her curiosity and lack of fear amusing rather than annoying, and allowed her to wander their ship, explore, and ask questions. Because she was so willing to learn, she was spared the fate of the average slave when she was ultimately sold to Morthan.

I am hoping that once I FINALLY get started on writing "Rise", the Admiral's origin story, I'll be able to flesh this out more fully.