come a little bit closer ;

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the howling in her ears woke her from her dreams, but the nonexistent horizon solidified the notion that she was not in the vasiliev territory. the peaks rose above her like giants forming walls around the vale. calla felt small here, like an ant in a larger world. father was not around, nor was her guard. the woman felt out of place here, her brown furs a beacon in the land of white, calling for whoever and whatever was roaming the slopes. calla knew she was exposed to whatever dangers lurked in the mountains, but she frankly did not care. if she was meant to be eaten by a bear, then so be it.

“hello? is anyone there?” she called, voice drifting with the wind. the vale hadn’t changed much since before, but it felt colder. a familiar minty bite danced along her tongue, warning her that there were others here now. cassian’s scent was the most prominent, as expected, but others lingered beneath it. at least there were more women now. the idea gave her a sense of comfort knowing she would not be forced to be alone with the opposite sex.

finally standing on shaky limbs, calla began to walk towards the treeline, her growling stomach driving her to find an easy meal. she was tired, her paws ached, her head throbbed. she didn't want to struggle this evening. cal just wanted to eat, find some shelter, and rest so she could search for others in the morning. that was all she wanted today. simple, right?

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the staff team luvs u

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Something drew her out. A calling, an echo, a whisper. The presence of something unusual lingered, something she couldn't discern amidst the brisk winds of the Vale. Maddening, as it was, Vanille had ignored it originally. Let Cassian feed himself drunk on the liquor of chaos and threat.

Her adamance was steadfast, as she willed it, but her curiosity won out, licking across the childish parts of her brain. The youthful part that once delighted in an adventure. Though the rest of her barred the presence of anything past-dwelling in the presence of Cassian, it was when she was alone that she held a tender hand towards herself. An escape, a vice, to be the person she once was if only marginally.

And then there, what she was searching for, lingered atop the snow, the essence of plum clinging to the wind. “Hello.” Her voice was soft, concerned almost. “Are you injured?”

the staff team luvs u

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a returning voice caused the girl to look up to see a pale furred woman looking back at her. she seemed vaguely familiar, but she couldn't put her finger on it. did they know each other, then? it was a possibility, but one calla wasn't sure of.

a pleasant smile appeared as she met the woman's gaze. “oh, thank the gods. i thought i'd have to wait forever for someone to find me.” calla said as she walked up to the woman. the young vasiliev moved with brazen confidence, as if this were her home. which in some ways, it was. she was blood of the royals, so of course the vale was hers to waltz around in.

“though i must ask. have you seen my insufferable brother? I had hoped to see him, but it seems he has eluded me once again.” she huffed with a small roll of the eyes at the mention of the heir to the vasiliev throne. cassian would forever be the reason she could never escape the games that were court, but she knew it came with perks no other would get. and for that reason, she would endure his pigheadedness for as long as needed.

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