The dark is gone

For @Ira !

---

Some days had passed as she'd travelled peacefully through the plains, sticking close to the river for a fishy meal every day until it was time to turn elsewhere. The North was her destination, seeing as there were mountains in the distance. Wolves always flocked there for some reason, and she could see why. The views from up there were grand, the areas in between the rocky terrain often lush with life and protected. She wondered if there were caves there - long and scary ones to explore. Her feet were craving such adventure.

She entered a forest that smelled vaguely of others - or perhaps it was the summit in the distance, the wind bringing that scent all the way down here. She was careful not to accidentally run across some borders, but it seemed the wonderful place wasn't currently teeming with aggressive pack wolves. All the more reason to have some fun. The warmer spring weather and frequent rains had made a small patch of flowers bloom beautifully, shimmering with dew in the afternoon sun. She sat down there, Loinnir hopping off and wading through them as they tickled his belly.

After a while, the two could be spotted facing each other, Lumiya carefully plucking the flowers and sticking them between her companion's feathers. She leaned back to admire her work; the beautiful white owl covered in wildflowers akin to her own gaze, looking a little disgruntled back at her but accepting her antics for now. “Oh Loinnir - you look absolutely stunning.” She complimented, smiling from ear to ear. The vain owl puffed slightly in pride, turning his beak up high in a majestic pose, earning him a small giggle.

---

+1 Discovery

the staff team luvs u

The roan queen traveled along the lower reaches of the mountains, its various twists growing to be second nature as the days went by. It was common for her to pick her way down to the lower reaches where the forest flourished. The claims they had set ended at the outskirts, but to Ira there was no difference. Of course, she wouldn't attack someone with no official borders here, but as she saw it, these woods were her own. A hunter's paradise that only Ullr could have created.

Perhaps they should be named after him. A few names had floated around Ira's mind, but none truly stuck. There was no doubt that a claim in Ullr's name would please the god of hunting and perhaps gain his favor. “Ullarcraig...” she tested the word on her tongue, eyes scraping the lower clearings and rocky paths as a blotch of white and black caught her gaze. Had there been more she might have simply passed off the shape as a mountain goat, but as her gaze scrutinized it was clear she had a visitor.

Ira fell silent as she padded down, her steps drawn quiet while she sought a closer look. The scene became all the more clear as she reached the meadow, a woman playing with flowers and a squat owl decorated likely by the former. Interesting. “Lost, Traveler?” At this point she would be more surprised if she was not. All she crossed awoke here missing something. “From where might you hail?”

---

+1 Discovery

the staff team luvs u

Perhaps if she'd known she was being watched, she would've acted less like a dunce and more like the composed fae she liked to present herself as. Still, she continued her antics until the moment someone spoke to her; voice closer than she'd wanted. She hadn't been paying attention to her surroundings much at all, placing trust in that the Fates would protect her. She yipped, surprised, and turned to face the other while remaining seated. Loinnir was even more embarrassed, shaking and fluffing off the flowers that were stuck on him. A handful of petals still clung to him and he waddled away angrily to sulk in the distance.

The girl chuckled regardless of the stranger among them, responding; “If it could mean exploring as well, then I suppose we are lost.” She hadn't felt lost for a couple moons now, getting used to the new realm and accepting things as they were. There was no use in crying over what she'd suffered in a past life, this was the here and now and it was leagues better than imagined. It was then she got a closer look at the other; the lady was taller than her, she could tell, but not the least bit uglier. Lumiya especially liked how her coat shone blue in the sun. She looked feminine yet hardened by battle - ready for it - unlike Lumiya.

“We don't quite know. We woke up together a ways South - past the mountains and the river. There are memories, but none solid enough to be conclusive.” She answered, perhaps happier than she should be about it all. Then again, she was much enjoying her time alone together with Loinnir. “I'm Lumiya - the angry ball of feathers over there is Loinnir. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

the staff team luvs u

Both the woman and bird seemed to be startled by her presence, a yelp escaping the former as the latter almost seemed...embarrassed to be caught in the woman's antics. It was peculiar that the feathered creature even hung around in the presence of wolves though Ira was aware of tales where ravens once accompanied leaders. Admittedly, she never thought to see such a bond in this age. Those rumors seemed stretched for the vast wandering of a pup's mind, not something founded on truths.

As the owl tottered away, her eyes followed, curious if he would remain or flee into the woods.

"If it could mean exploring as well, then I suppose we are lost."

Travelers then, just like all those before her. The roan woman's thoughts were only further confirmed as Lumiya continued, explaining her lack of memories and "awakening" before introducing herself and her feathered friend. Comparatively to her companions, her situation seemed not to bother her, but perhaps the past mattered little to the silver-grey fae. “Ira, High Queen of Vanderfell.” Her nose tipped to the mountain peaks, a silent indicator of her claim. 

Perhaps it was pretentious of her to enforce her status on those not under her reign, but as far as she was concerned, these lands would be hers, therefore she would accept nothing less. “You find yourself in a new land yet seek no home?” Ira wouldn't deny that she too was curious what existed beyond her borders, but having something secure seemed far more important to her in the moment. Whatever existed beyond would still exist when she was ready.

---

+1 Discovery

the staff team luvs u

A queen! Though she bore the title no more, the fae queen was exhilarated to meet a woman in the same position of power as she once did. Lumiya hurried herself in a standing position, bowing almost knightly to Ira. It was nothing but a recognition of her position, a sign of silent respect. She knew that if she'd been back with her kind, the fae queen would expect nothing less herself. “Vanderfell - what a beautiful name for a passel.” She complimented as she sat back down again, a warm smile on her face.

However, at her next question, Lumi's ears wilted. “I suppose, when the opportunity presents itself to us, we wouldn't turn down a place to call home.” She responded carefully. She'd hoped to chase her dreams of finding her kind and living together in her faerie court for however long it may take to do so, but the truth was that she knew not these lands nor who inhabited them. It could very well be that she was the last of her kind, a reality she wished not to face. Upon seeing the little fae even a little distressed, Loinnir made his way to her side and bopped her leg with his head. This was enough to settle her down again as she smiled at him. Very well, she wouldn't be the last of her kind; she'd always have Loinnir.

the staff team luvs u

Almost immediately, the other stood to bow at the reveal of her title. It was unexpected from one she did not call her own, but appreciated all the same. If she had the choice all would respect others titles, but there were few laws of the world, and those of a pack only extended so far.

“It comes from my mother tongue. Broken down, the word becomes wanderer in the mountains, or in this case, of the mountains.” A fact she doubted even her own knew. It mattered little where the name came from except for those who cared. What did matter was how the name was now perceived as a group. What their legacy would become.

For a moment, the other seemed disappointed, or perhaps just doubtful she would find a home. Plenty seemed to live here, did she not have faith in her abilities to join a group? Ira raised a brow, her gaze looking over the fae and then her bird. “What talents would you offer if such an opportunity arose?”

the staff team luvs u

Lumiya had been fortunate enough in her past life to only have one disrespect her title and trample over the kindness she still presented. She didn't remember the man, but did remember what had gone down. She'd failed to make peace with their kind, resulting in the very first swear words to ever be used against her. Her soul still trembled as she remembered the hate she'd inspired, and still bore the guilt from being unable to do anything about it.

“I don't recognize the language - what's it called?” She asked, interested. The girl was quite the sponge for trivia, and had a near infallible mind. You wouldn't say a girl who decorated her feathered friend with flowers was anything beyond dimwitted, but truly she was a bright young thing.

She smiled then, knowing exactly what would follow should she give a satisfying answer to the queen's question. “I'm a peacemaker and very sociable - With me you'd have no need for a therapist, advisor or messenger. Loinnir and I rarely get lost and love to travel and map out the area (don't we, Loinnir?)” The bird nodded, agreeing enthusiastically. “I've developed fast as a small-game hunter in the moons we've spent on our own, and I can fish, but it's not where my passion lies if that's what you're asking.” Besides, any decent wolf knew how to take care of themselves, even ones as petite as her. “Furthermore, I'm always on the hunt for more knowledge, and a fast learner at that. You'd have no use for me in a fight though, I'm strictly against violence when it comes to myself.”

She'd been rambling for a while and only realized this after the silence had settled. “I'm sorry - was that too much?”

the staff team luvs u

“One of many Nordic tongues. Norwegian is the variant of my birth pack.” How interesting that she cared to ask for more, though as she continued it soon became clear why. Peacemakers interested her little, though useful it may be, though a messenger may come to be of more use.

It was the last part that lingered on her mind. A woman against violence was a risk. “And what of those who seek to hurt you or your people? Words alone do not solve every conflict.” Something she surely knew. This girl and her bird would be no use in a fight, only a face to scare in numbers. She would need escorts outside the territory. Resources that may be of more use elsewhere.

“Would you learn combat to protect, not harm?” Ira had never been a bloodthirsty individual, but she could hold her own and she expected her kind to do the same should the need arise.

the staff team luvs u

Her ears cupped forward in interest. “How intriguing.” She answered, but didn't question the subject further. Sometimes she wished she'd learned another language. Speaking something other than English always sounded so exotic, and the most beautiful words came from the bilingual among them. Not that English wasn't wonderful in its own right.

“Oh I most definitely would learn it.” She answered enthusiastically. “But only after having given words a try would I use it. I'd like to be able to protect others, especially when my usual ways should fail.” She'd like to believe that every conflict could be solved with words, but Ira was right that not everyone was open to the approach. It didn't mean words couldn't solve it, a mutual understanding could result in a peaceful outcome almost every time, but some individuals didn't like to listen to reason. Still, even with the proper training, Lumiya was unsure she'd ever be physically fit for battle to begin with.

“Are you planning to make a lot of enemies in this realm?” She asked then, a little concerned by the questions she'd received. Truth was, the high queen now knew a lot about her, but she'd yet to know a single detail about their lifestyle in Vanderfell.

the staff team luvs u

An answer well received. The hint of a smile crept on the side of her lips, but nothing more. A wolf unwilling to defend no matter what would be useless should conflict arise, but one who would fight as a last resort was more respectable. After all, she might have once been a war general, but Ira was no warmonger.

“No no, if anything I would like to keep to my land. As for your interest in travel that does not mean I am not curious of the land around me, but I will defend what is mine should an issue arise…” She let her words draw out as her mind wandered to the plague of issues she was accustomed to in her birth lands. There had been too many packs in close proximity making food a hot resource. Only those who had been smart with their alliances survived, as well as those willing to make the hard decisions when faced with plight.

“There is promise in your words…you will need to be trained in defense, but that can be arranged…should you choose to join me that is.” She could tell from her wary words and the way Lumiya looked at her that perhaps she was unsure. Ira had shared little so far, but it also mattered what exactly the fae wanted to hear. “If you have questions you may ask, but to start I might add that everyone has a talent. We seek to further our strengths, work on our weaknesses, and discover each individuals hidden potential.”

the staff team luvs u

Lumiya supposed it was only fair to protect one's own - the fae folk had done no less in their times of need and hardships. Still, she had many a question for the queen about other workings. Lumiya was grateful for whatever offer she could get, truly, but she wanted to know just exactly what she was joining. She was a rather free spirit and didn't agree with what some might find the norm.

She could get behind working on themselves to become better; what was a diplomat, a scholar, without the urge to improve after all. “When you mention keeping to your own, does this mean you wish not to make allies? That you'd not be open to help those in need, should resources be plentiful?” She asked. The fae folk were perhaps a little too friendly and trusting with strangers, but the Fates would not guide a spirit to their doorstep without need. To receive kindness and pass it along was very fulfilling for her, and she'd hate to give up on one of her core ideals should the pack demand she was only allowed to help out her own.

“And what of courtship? Is one free to be with whoever they desire, or do rank, sex or blood matter?” Though she had no goal of finding love, should the occasion arise where she did fall in love with another, she wanted to be sure she'd still be accepted within her pack. She hadn't been romantically involved with anyone as far as she could remember, but if she were to marry she wanted it to be only for love - not because of some outdated pack rules.

“Finally, what of leaving the pack? Is it frowned upon, even when done in a civil manner - perhaps to chase larger dreams, or move in with a partner? Of course, I don't plan for any of it to happen, but I want to make sure I'd not be put on some list should the need for my departure ever arise.” She asked carefully. She felt the question important, especially with the possibility of her family, her kind, to be out here somewhere. She didn't want to take advantage of Ira's kindness in any way, if nothing ever came up she'd happily stay within Vanderfell, but just knowing that she was free to leave should she choose to do so would put her mind at great ease. The fae folk did not do well locked within a cage.

the staff team luvs u

She had opened the gates knowingly, but what she received was a flood. One question after the next, though they were all fair questions to ask. “I am not against allies, every strong pack has a set of close allies right behind them. That being said, I can not trust everyone. Just because we might be friendly with another group does not mean they will be our allies. To ensure that the bond is real I seek to unite both packs before an alliance is agreed on. Tie us closer through blood.” No more needed to be said there, or at least in her opinion. It was an olden way of thinking, but one that had done Hengfell well. When placed in an unfamiliar land everyone was grasping for straws and power, she refused to be a stepping stone in another wolf’s plans.

“As for courting, I care not for who you take. Your love is of no concern to my own so long as it does not bring trouble. For such reasons though, children are not to be birthed without earning your place. Both parents must.” After all children were the future. Birthing children to a man who did not belong or was untrustworthy opened that door to his whelps. The blood of the broods in her pack should be strong to follow in worthy parents footsteps. A lineage to bring greatness.

The last question however threatened a frown from the High Queen. It was understandable to be wary of what pack you join, but you should join a pack with the intent to stay. Of course she was not looking to make her packmates prisoners, but it spoke of her commitment already. Those who ask are those who drift. “Respected members are not frowned on for leaving, no. Ideally we would be able to achieve those dreams as a pack or your partner, should he be from outside the pack, would join…but not everything always works out. Just bring you wishes to the Skald should the need arise. That being said,” The glint in the golds of her eyes darkened as she took a step closer, “ I am no charity case. If you join you become one of us. You should want to improve the pack and live here aiding your packmates as they aid you. If you harm the pack with your actions you will understandably pay for it.”

Perhaps she had come on strong at the end, but Ira was a strong woman. If she did not say it now, the girl would learn of it later, and how much more disappointing would it be to gain a member just to have her run after eating their food. She wanted members of course, but Ira would never be desperate, no matter how small their ranks be.

the staff team luvs u

The answers she received were all fair - there were some fronts they disagreed upon, such as the need to unite with potential allies which took valuable time in times of distress, and that parents of brood must both live at Vanderfell, but seeing as she had no desire for the latter and wasn't in a place just yet to argue about the former, she'd take things as they were given. Perhaps, with time and her strong-willed mind, she'd change their minds someday - if not, there was little harm done.

“I meant no offense - but the truth is I don't know you or your kind very well. I'd like to, very much so, surely after the answers you have given me that align with what I most believe in - I just had to make sure I wasn't entering some kind of  unbreakable blood-oath.” She answered then, seeing she'd struck a nerve with her very last question. It was understandable why it would make Ira wary of her commitments, but she couldn't possibly join a group she'd never even met before not knowing if she'd make it out alive should the need arise for her to go. Ira seemed perfectly agreeable on the surface, but many knew how to hold up a fake front to entice strangers - but Ira couldn't possibly have guessed what Lumiya had wanted to hear in turn of her questions, and thus her mind was put at ease knowing they were on the same page on most things.

“I will stay with Vanderfell indefinitely, aid those who've aided me and would do nothing to harm it consciously. Vanderfell is very different from what I know, but my time with the Fae folk is history now. It's about time that we adjusted to the present, isn't it, Loinnir?” She asked the bird, who'd nearly snoozed off during the two women's back-and-forth. He snapped awake and nodded in a dazed state. The fae smiled, though quickly it faded. “I just hope that they're free from harm, wherever they might be.” She sighed at last. She wanted to close the chapter of her life with them, though mentally bookmarked the pages where she was still with them. Just in case.

the staff team luvs u

Once more the fae spewed words of affirmation, perhaps to ease her own nerves or those of her new Queen's. Once more, she understood the concern from her new Drifter, but only time would bring the evidence she sought to find confidence in their newest member. Trust went both ways, and every time it must be earned. “I am pleased to hear your decision. We will see if we may be home to you with time.” 

The first weeks would always be the hardest. There was a lot of learning involved between the land, the faces, and most importantly the rules. Acceptance and happiness would not always come, and for that reason, she deemed all recruits as drifters. They may be here today, but who knew of the next? Should she wish to achieve something more, then she would prove so with time.

“Come. I will show you the land.” If there were no other words to be shared, then Ira would turn, and with a flick of her tail gesture for the other to follow.

---

can wrap up here!

the staff team luvs u