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 A task, for her, the tripod. Something to get her outside of the territory and doing what she could to contribute beyond making stupid pelts. At this point she was getting amazing at getting the pelts off of their prey but there was only so much she could take. So, when @Reiko had asked her to do this task, she was more than happy to oblige. She'd spread news within Shiroshika but it was time to spread it outside of their territory. With the little details remembered, she would make her way towards Fate's Summit. She wasn't as fast as she used to be but she was faster than what she was when her incident had first happened.

 It felt good being able to actually be helpful. It kept away that nugget of annoyance that always seemed to burn in her breast nowadays. Instead, she could be productive. It was great.

 She just had to not focus on the fact that she was slower now.

 After a day and a half of traveling, she made it to the mountain with no huge incidents. She looked up at the towering peaks and sniffed the pack scent drifting down from on high. Well, this would certainly prove her meddle. With a huff and a puff she began to make her assent... and tacked on an additional hour or so to her trek.

 She did eventually make it to the borders proper and --after stopping to catch her breath and sit down-- let out a summoning howl for the leaders and their pack.

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Rare was it for them to receive visitors, yet this would make two in only a few days' time. The call came from the borders, more feminine than that of Ragnar's, not that she expected him to turn back and try again after his last venture. Not so soon. Even so, it mattered little who called. It was rude to keep a visitor waiting and so she made haste searching for the origin.

Reddened hues caught her eye first, striking against the slate and lingering snow, though her gaze eventually would wander naturally to what was missing. The roan woman noted the fact but would not linger. She knew plenty about scars. Some were painful, others a badge, but no matter what, they were a story. As she neared it was clear what scent clung to the woman's pelt and soon pieces of the puzzle would fall into place.

This was the one Vera attacked.

Truthfully it was impressive for someone newly disabled to navigate steep slopes, though she supposed it shouldn't come as such a surprise. Shiroshika shared a similar terrain and if this woman had come this far then clearly she had not lost her will to live. Unfortunate circumstances given how young she looked, but that meant there was plenty of time to relearn and adjust to the future. “Greetings.” A dip of her head was given as she too took a seat. There was no need for her to stand this woman was no threat, leg or no leg, she was a friend. “You hail from Shiroshika. What tidings do you bring?”

Some time had passed since she last heard from Reiko, though she knew she too had suffered from an attack. Recovering from something so painful took time though she took their silence as a note to their own. Why waste time or resources with nothing of importance to report? Though it only brought her back to her question. What had occurred now that required word?

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 Her tongue lolled out of her mouth as she waited for another to show and show they did --quite promptly-- after she called. The woman who showed up was regal and dressed in a cloak of royal purples. From descriptions she'd been told, she knew this must be the High Queen of these lands, Ira. All at once Gyrfalcon realized that she was not the most well-versed in politics. That she'd just been all too happy to accept the task so she wouldn't feel like a total waste of space. No matter how many reassurances she was given, she couldn't throw away that nagging sensation of uselessness. Why wouldn't she jump at the opportunity to prove otherwise? To show that she could do something.

 Besides, it was the last excursion she'd had since... well...

 That red bitch.

 Trying to be more formal and seem like she was well-versed in politics, she mirrored Ira and dipped her head respectfully. "Hello." Wait... Should she have said "greetings" as well? Was "hello" too formal? If she was a human, she might have started sweating but instead she just tried to fumble past it and hoped that the queen wouldn't take offense. She'd gotten far too chummy with Reiko; she didn't know how to behave around other queens.

 "Unfortunate ones, I'm afraid." She nearly launched straight into the news but then figured she should at least give her name... right? "My-- my name's Gyrfalcon... and yes, I'm from Shiroshika. Reiko sent me with... news..." News, she grimaced on the word. As if she could see the pair of miscreants right in front of her. Why was it so hard to talk now? Before her incident she'd been a chatterbox. Nowadays she found it hard to pull on her previous charisma.

 "I'm unsure if you know of Valmua and Kuhn. Valmua being a red wolf and Kuhn her," Pause. She didn't think it appropriate to say "pet tiger" to the ruler. "Friend or partner-in-crime, a tiger. They've been a thorn in Shiroshika's side for a while and we can't seem to be rid of them." The words started coming easily again. "Recently they trespassed on Shiroshikan lands, stole prey, and threatened Reiko's daughter. As such both have been marked as enemies of Shiroshika and are now to be treated with hostility by our pack members." Her words were dripping with disdain as she spoke of them, she had been there that day and knew what assholes they both were. Self-righteous pricks. "I was sent to tell you of this so that you may share with your pack and make informed decisions about... about them." And rip them a new one if they trespassed here. But that little tidbit she kept to herself.

 Hopefully she'd gotten through everything well-enough.

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Ira watched as the other returned her greeting before jumping into it. At first, her words stuttered or paused drawing a light tilt of her head back. Did this woman fear her? It was no secret that she could be closed off or intimidating, but surely those of Shiroshika knew they would find no threat here. Frankly, it mattered little what others thought of her, but if she had to choose, Ira supposed she'd rather be feared than undermined. At least then her word would be taken seriously when it came to protecting her kith and kin.

They had never met of course, though with her introduction she was almost positive she had heard her name before. Perhaps it was only her mind fooling her... Soon enough it seemed Gyrfalcon would catch her tongue and the rest came easily. The mentions of Valmua and her Lord of course caught her attention, their recent dealings still fresh on her mind. Now it seemed perhaps she was right not to fully trust those two...

Reiko had no reason to lie to her, and should she, Ira would be disappointed. The Empress was young and far too soft to dare such a move that might put her in bad relations in the High Queen's opinion. Besides, what would she gain from Vanderfell with such a tale? That only meant Gyrfalcon's words must ring true... Trespassing would be enough to severe the two and their woods from her reaches should it be a reoccurring instance, though now she knew both were aware of where her borders lay. They were both aware of the force that would come should they try.

Though it was what came after that truly trouble her. Stealing valuable sources in harsher times, threatening children, her own children, that she would never stand for. Briefly, her glance shifted to the path beyond even if her gaze would not meet the borders of the Everfrost. “I have encountered them, yes. I appreciate your word.”

There were still questions that lingered. Pieces that did not quite fit. “Tell me, did they come bearing promises of knowledge or trade?” There had been...rough waters securing a relationship with the two keepers, but that did not speak to what brought Shiroshika under their gaze. Reiko was far more forgiving, more trusting, perhaps she was fooled. If the two wished to move on to the next group she would not fall victim to their play.

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 In the queen's words, it was clear to hear that the pair hadn't quite made a nuisance of themselves... or maybe the ruler was better at hiding it than she was. "I'm all too willing to share it." Far and wide, to anyone that would listen about the pair of brats. She could feel her pulse evening out, calming from the arduous climb up and the brief burst of adrenaline at talking to someone of such high caliber.

 "Promises of knowledge and trade?" She couldn't help the shocked laugh that escaped from her jaws. "Never. Valmua comes to trespass, cause trouble, and steal. They've never tried to be so... useful." It was clear that she didn't think that they actually could be useful beyond irritating her pack. "Kuhn... I think Reiko and he used to be friends but..." She shook her head. "Not anymore since he started causing trouble with Valmua." And issuing threats straight from his striped maw. "I wouldn't be surprised if their promises come with some sort of strings attached." Like allowing the bitch to prance across the territory and steal what she wanted since she seemed incapable of hunting herself.

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skippable!

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Orlaith was late to the party, but she could smell her leader and another there. A call had rung out and unfortunately though she could hear of so, the warrior as distances away and could not come faster then that she so wished. Though she tried, rushing through the peaks and bridges to the mountains from the distance, to run to the call that was to the leaders, and the pack itself. It didn't sound like one of wanting or needing, and a curiosity sprung to what it may be.

The smell of Shiroshika lingered with the trailing of the High Queen. She approached in a slower motion, catching breath from her running to and giving a slight nod of greetings, toward Ira, and toward Gyra. She caught the last parts, hearing of someone causing a terror within their land.. But Orlaith didn't arrive in time to hear any names, nor' did she ask.

Even she knew when to stay silent, and as but a dutiful guard.

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The roan woman would keep her eyes to the distance as she allowed her mind to draw out in thought, even as she heard another approach to come and listen. To say she trusted Valmua or her Lord would be false. She wished to give them the benefit of the doubt, but she knew better than to believe every pretty word and promise someone spoke. She had already seen a few warning signs, even if they had worked to smooth over them, but should this path lead to the struggles Shiroshika endured...

Ira hummed under her breath something akin to a sigh. Frankly, they sounded like two different groups, but perhaps they had devised a new con to get what they want. “I do not condone the involvement of children in strife, not when it can be avoided.” Had they made the same threats to her own she would gladly take their heads. “It appears that something has changed since their involvement in the north.” For better or worse she could not yet tell. It was clear from their last meeting that their roles as "keepers" seemed relatively new. They were not prepared, nor had they the knowledge to back their claims. Why else travel beyond before all was said and done?

“You believe Reiko held some form of bond before, that is enough for me to consider the changes that might yet come, but I fear the rest I might make need of your Empress' herself.” Gyrfalcon was not positive on what that relation was beforehand and she would not make a decision on mayhaps and perchance. Finally, settling her gaze back to the messenger would she continue, “Reiko is well enough for a visit?” It had been some time since last she was updated on her healing bones. As things stood, she was a friend of the empire and with no ill intent she would pay no mind should she need to meet at her bedside. Where they met mattered little, so long as she heard the first-hand account of how Shiroshika came to be involved with their so-called pests.

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 Heh, funny that they could play nice when they wanted to. Although Gyrfalcon preferred that they have their cards all out on the table. Cons were sometimes difficult to keep up with but when someone was outright hostile, you knew exactly where you stood. Something had changed, was the queen's assessment. Gyr's? "I hope it means someone knocked their block off for being assholes." It slipped riiiight on out and she bit her tongue afterwards. Whoops.

 In the time that they spoke, it appeared that someone else had made themselves known. A large, formidable-looking woman appeared and to her Gyrfalcon would dip her head in a greeting before slipping her gaze back to Ira. Must be a warrior or a bodyguard or something, this one she didn't know the name of. "She is. Her leg has healed up nicely." And if one were perceptive enough, they detect a slight hint of jealousy flicker across that gaze. That the queen's leg would heal while hers would never, it hurt... but she was learning and managing. Her trip here was testament enough for that.

 "Should I got back to let her known that you've requested her for further information?" No worries with that... she would just need a little rest first. Three legs was much harder than four.

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The roan queen would pay no mind to the other's loose comment, though she would not comment either. The truth as to what had occurred was still debatable even if she believed Shiroshika to have had problems. What she wished to understand was how they had gone down that path before she made a villain of anyone. “That's good to hear. I am glad she is well.” It may have been sensitive to ask her of all people, but Gyrfalcon was the one who had agreed to come after all. Once more she would make no further comment. She was still in essence a stranger and her business was hers alone.

“You may rest through the night and eat before you leave. I have some arrangements to settle first, but yes I would like to speak with her. You may let her know in a week's time I will call.” A rough estimate truly when there was no telling how far she might need to travel west. “Perhaps @Orlaith can escort you through the territory and find a cavern for your stay.” Only now did she glance back to the warden to confirm if it truly was her at her heels. Had it been Hiero she was sure he would have spoken up by now.

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Though she didn't get the gist, what she got was there was new enemies floating around. Enough where it warranted a more thorough talk by the two rulers within the area. She remembered, that the Empress of Shiroshika had been injured by the rogue that roamed around ; and she didn't question how bad the injury was, but it seemed enough where it still took it's hold. Orlaith could only vaguely imagine what sort of injuries occurred, especially as another..

A gaze looked over to visitor, in realizing she was the wolf that the High Queen once mentioned. The one who lost her very leg from Vera. Yet she held a gaze of proudness to the other, even if she lost it there was still that journey she took to reach their mountains. An internal nod of approval, for at least she didn't let despair take, and even came as a messenger. Not many would be able to physically, much less mentally make those challenges.

Her gaze then shifted back to Ira with a nod, "I can do that." .. Perhaps use of the cave she made then abandoned, finding favor of sleeping within the open air.

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 Gyrfalcon nearly collapsed in relief when she heard that she could spend the night here and with food to boot. "Thank-you so much!" She had been prepared to make the --probably unwise-- decision to go back immediately after this so that she could make haste to Reiko. However, with the offer from the High Queen, she was ready to accept. A rest and food. Because she was unable to hunt for herself. A fact that stuck inside of her craw whenever she thought about it. Hunting had been her thing and now she was unable to do it because of that monstrous bitch.

 Ah, she was letting her thoughts go on a tangent... again. Her claws had even started to dig into the ground. She forced herself to relax and gave the matriarch a grateful look. "I really appreciate that." She didn't know if it was customary for messengers to receive rations and rest in their visiting territories but damn, it was a nice perk if it was. Especially for her. "I'll be sure to pass that onto Reiko when I get back." And with that she turned her gaze to this Orlaith. A large lady but the difference between her and Vera were night and day, thankfully. For the warrior, she decided to give a brief introduction. "My name's Gyrfalcon, not sure if you heard about me or not. I'm ready when you are." She said, rising to her paws. Thankfully, the talk had given her her breath back and she was ready to find her spot to settle down into.

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The look on the woman's face suggested that her offer was beyond the realms of what she had expected. Had she been a stranger perhaps things would be different, but she trusted those left in Shiroshika. They had been one of their outside guests at her own wedding, even if the invite had only extended to an extra. “You need no thanks.” Reiko had paid the due simply by sharing word. Anything to navigate rough waters and protect her children was worth as much in her book.

Orlaith had agreed to tend to Gyrfalcon's needs and so with her job done she would leave the two to venture inwards. Knowing Orlaith, she'd likely question the woman on her own time to pick up the missing links. Ira would wait for them to go before turning her attention back to the borders; then out of curiosity would she wander the outskirts in search for rogue scents should the Keepers of the Everfrost already be pushing boundaries.

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