Everyone I've ever loved is here within these walls,

forwarded for 8/10

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Travel came and the smell of the pack was high in sights. Remembering the words of the Priestess, for Elsiyum also claimed similar peaks. Neighbors so, but below these ones there was another as well ; cluttered as so. Aries respected how well-balanced they could be by living so near and hoped they weren't between battles like those within the coast. Though that was the same reason she was entrusted with a task of coming to, and delivering a message to those here. Representatives! And she, the diligent one to offer a lending paw as the in-between of information. It was the least she could do, to Duskguard who graciously accepted her so.

Upon the borders she was, standing lightly and feeling the sun graze upon her pale pelt. She howled, politely requesting that of an audience to who may be within charge, for someone was knocking on their door with a message to deliver. 

@Ira @Hieronymous

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Their borders had only grown busier with the tail end of summer. She couldn't fathom what made now special over earlier months, but she supposed it offered a change of pace from everyday life. If only it wasn't when she was busy raising her youngest and attempting to wean them completely from their need for her. Leaving @Hieronymous to care for the children, Ira opted to answer the call as she was more often than not restricted to the confines of her den or nearby area.

The woman who waited was paled in greys much lighter than her own, though her height rivaled the roan queen's. It was a face unfamiliar to her, though there was no mistaking the call had been for her and Hiero specifically. “Greetings. What brings you to Vanderfell?” There was a chance they didn't even know who it was they had called, just that they had found a pack along their travels. One thing was certain was a pack scent clung to the woman's fur, but it was one unfamiliar to her as well.

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Aries smiled warmly and lovingly, all the more pleased she had found the right pack. With a paw upon her chest, the hare gently bowed her head and greeted lightly to the royal. She was bathed in the beauty of gray roans, tall and luxurious but not without scars that shown a life of protection and dedication ; and admiration that men and woman alike would seek to, "My name is Aries Winterwald," she said, "I come from Duskguard, under the leadership of Chief Tiberius, and Priestess Olive as a messenger to Vanderfell." Would they know of them? She wasn't too sure, but would continue on in a calmity of a voice that safely delivered what she was asked to do.

Though yet to give the message, giving a moment of breather before laying upon piles of information of what brought her here, and whether the High Queen would want to listen to such a message.. For all Aries knew, she could be turned away, but prayed not. Waited patiently, to continue.

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The woman would introduce herself under a pack she had never heard of. It was the names that followed, however, that she faintly recognized. This high priestess she struggled to place a face to the name, but the other she recalled in passing somewhat recently. Tiberius. He had been with Shiroshika some time ago, though he had been cast out after siding with the tiger of the north.

Ira's expression would not change from her stoney neutral, but inside she was already letting her mind roam the possible reasons for him to reach out knowing Vanderfell's stance with Shiroshika. “You may continue.” There was no use wasting time with potentials when she could hear the message plainly, nor would she give away that she might suspect anything but a friendly message.

Whatever it was Tiberius had to say, she would hear it then worry about the details. If she was lucky, she may even be able to garner her own info from the uninvolved bystander. Of course, as a wolf under his reign, there was a chance she knew more than she let on as well, but she would sniff out just how much had been revealed as the conversation ensued.

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She nodded lightly in gratitude to be allowed to continue, knowing well that she could be turned away, "there is trouble in the north, where it is believed an unlawful murder was commited between Dragonford and Northfall." Aries expression changed to a more serious one, especially knowing how heavy the topic would turn ; continuing to smile idly would not be a good appearance, as she took her position as the temporary quite seriously. To serve that of Olive to the highest she could, and deliver the thoughts of what is desired.

"To prevent more blood there has been discussions of a court, where both sides testify for a hearing to the court before a judgement is set. Duskguard wants to formally invite Vanderfell Woods, to not only take part in this, but as a continual representive. It is the hope that all packs can join in for more trials like these, and even none-affiliated members, to have a voice." She did not know if the roan High Queen knew of the discourse that brewed, or even what had occurred against Kuhn on the matter — for the northern region held more troubles then the hare had ever thought to be. She was voided of most of what transpired.

"There is hope that this can be used to help provide further peace in the north, and that those who have caused discourse will reap consequences."  Once more would Aries then dip low in a gracious bow, delivering such a message with peace and hope that of an acceptance, or even a thought on a matter to deliver positive news back to the High Priestess. Although there was still thought to find another ; and perhaps if settled nicely, she could inquire lightly if knew of the location of Shiroshika.

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Ira listened to each word carefully, her mind ablaze with the potential dropped at her doorstep. This summons had been for the fate of two packs, one a stranger, the other led by a man she believed led by his loins. Neither particularly interested her, especially if a murder had occurred between the two. Their issues were not hers, but she supposed knowing where the former laid would be beneficial should either pack be more dangerous than anticipated.

Had it been this alone she may have dismissed the traveler then and there, but what was not still accounted for was the reason she was wanted by this wolf's "Chief". She did not involve herself in the affairs of others, all except for the raid on the Everfrost. The very event that led to Tiberius's departure from Shiroshika...yet still he called. Ira let one particular line replay in her head: It is the hope that all packs can join in for more trials like these, and even non-affiliated members, to have a voice. 

Non affiliated. Future trials.

It may very well be a warning for cooperation should she or Reiko be placed under their scope, one she would do well not to be cowed under. She could admit that she may have been rash to attack, but it was all that beast's actions that drew her fangs. She would not risk her children, nor would she change course should he return to harass her or her allies. But...perhaps it would benefit her to accept.

Keep your friends close...

Should she or Shiroshika be next, it would do her well to know who exactly was involved in this court Tibierus had assembled. She knew he held ill-will towards Reiko, or at the very least had yelled loud enough on his departure to part on bad terms. Perhaps showing face would prove she was not just a pair of fangs. That she may have reason for her actions and perhaps gain favor...and if not...

Keep your enemies closer.

“When and where might this court take place?”

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"At the moment time and place is undetermined, only seeking out to those who wish to participate and join the court. Another time, to return with that information" There was yet a complete affirmation of Vanderfell's participation, and yet, there wasn't a rejection ; only inquiry. Hope then, that Aries had done her words well to reveal the wishes of the Priestess, and many within the north that wish to be within the court itself. It sounded peaceful, a way to enhance livelihood and fairness of the north itself, but a nagging feeling was left of what would happen, to those who rejected the proposal, or worse yet, the judgement that they were given.

She wondered whether she too would be sent out once everything was finalized.

Now was now the time to though.. "We also wish to extend the invitation to Shiroshika, if you happen to know where they are," politely, Aries dipped her head at this mild request — she was not aware of the attack of Kuhn, or how either packs were to his battle, but the request that the hare was given, indicated that the two packs perhaps held some relation? Or were nearby?

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There was little to go off of. No time nor place meant she would have to bide her time as preparations were made. Chances were, Tiberius knew a location and she doubted he trusted her or Reiko to tell in advance given the events that took place in the Everfrost. Yet...they were still invited. Something didn't quite sit right with her at the offer. The trifles of others were of no concern to her and she was not particularly on good terms with the one who called. Perhaps the invitation was genuine, or maybe it was his own attempt to spill blood.

The woman would then inquire about Shiroshika, something she was certain Tiberius knew the location of considering he had tracked them down before being sent away. “I do.” But she was not about to reveal where the empire lay if she was really oblivious to their temporary claim. “I may inform them, but I must know. Who else has been invited?” She was curious if Tiberius's messenger would speak plainly or withhold more information. If she revealed the names in mind then it may change things... It was foolish to claim their enemies would be there if they wished to ambush either pack, but she was not so trusting no matter the answer.

“Additionally, I'd like to know what to expect before agreeing to anything. I assume this court has rules as to who joins this council. Rules to keep political situations at bay given the topics you intend to discuss. Not all of the north is willing to keep their paws to themselves.”

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"Thank you," once more did Aries bow to show appreciation to the High Queen, smiling brightly at handing such words over. Although not personally meet those of Shiroshika, a disappointment she kept to herself due to curiosity, nonetheless would be the same if someone else delivered. She had no reason not to believe the Vanderfell wolf would say otherwise and lie on such a way, and though might be a bit foolish on her end, she took the grain and trusted so, hoping that perhaps, good news will be brought forth on another day.

"At the moment it seems there is Dragonford, Northfall, Duskguard, Elysium, and the invitation of non-affiliated, such as Kuhn, a wandering tiger of the north." As Aries was unaware, she continued to smile peacefully, keeping an refined but non-dominant posture as she explained so. Her head was tucked lightly under, in a respect as information was given from the dutiful messenger of Duskguard. Her opinion of the Vanderfell wolf was high, for listening to her words and even inquiring more for the assumed safety that was brought about concerning her pack, and to the court itself. She was a woman to be admired.

"I apologize, I am afraid I do not know. I was only sent forth to invite certain packs on whether they desired to participate. I boldly assume this may be discussed during the time-frame." The extent of her knowledge was limited, she didn't know all that came forth from this foundation.. Aries lightly thought if Olive had not given birth herself, she would have gone personally. An apologetic smile, for the extent of her information to lend was not that much, even if she desired to.

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And there it was. Kuhn would in fact be in attendance. Though she held no... personal grudges against the beast, so long as he kept his distance, he may feel very different. Of course, this was not about them, or so she was being fed to believe. Dragonford was a new name, Northfall less so, but now it seemed Ragnar's fate was in her paws. Something about that was tempting. He had seemingly stuck his nose where it did not belong one too many times and now it had harmed him beyond a simple rejection.

Again, if this woman's words were even true.

Duskguard's reputation was questionable, but it would be best to leave enough of a good reputation to keep Vanderfell out of their sights if this was not an ambush. At the very least, Elysium was on neutral terms with them, though they were foolish wolves and may have been swayed by others in the time since her last meeting with Valeska. Needless to say, showing her face would be risky, but she refused to cower away and let them plot over her absence. She knew when to take responsibility and when to show strength. If both happened at once, then so be it, but she was steadfast to her past decisions.

“Very well. Consider Vanderfell Woods a tentative yes. Once a neutral location and rules have been set, I will place our final answer.” If peace could not be held during such a meeting then those who lashed out should be punished for threatening said peace. She still viewed the whole to be risky, but she was willing to lean more on the idea this was not about her or Shiroshika. Had it been, surely they would have already presented a location and day already. “I will speak with Shiroshika.”

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"Thank you High Queen, I will relay your words." Aries bowed deeply toward the Queen who gave a tentative yes. She was all the more delighted the other as well would help exchange the news toward Shiroshika as well. She did not give a location of where they were, but it all the more helped to not go on the long-hunt — especially when she knew it was a must to return immediately to tell of this. The time of when would be coming, and the more who knew and affirmed, the faster the process could be. Her heart thumped, thinking of the end-result — she couldn't imagine anyone demanding something extreme.

"If you have anything else to say as well I will be sure to deliver it." There wasn't anything else Aries could add — but if the High Queen had more, she would return home with such words.

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The queen would watch with careful eyes as the other bowed and accepted her response. The poor girl likely was not aware of the disputes that had occurred here on the eastern range, and it wasn't her fault, nor had she contributed to her Chief's outward betrayal to those he once served. The specifics were lost on her as Shiroshika was their own, but as Vanderfell's only standing allies she was sure to make note of his new life path. “That is all from Vanderfell at this time. Your leaders' invite is appreciated.” Providing their word was true of course.

There was still the potential that this was all a cover to lure representatives of Shiroshika and Vanderfell alike, but the details provided made Ira question the honesty of her words. Perhaps they knew it would lower her guard, and the details had been fed willingly. Either way, she would be clouded to the truth until said council met as one. Standing like the stones surrounding, she waited in silence should the messenger have any further parting words, until she moved on her way. Only once her small frame was but a blight against darkened stone, Ira would turn to continue about her day.

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As a bow was given and nothing more was to add, Aries rose from her spot and gave the other a pleasant, and respectful smile. She felt a bit proud of her duty of delivering, despite being so unfamiliar with the world about, and still wholly unaware of all that transpired. Aries would only really know once she returned of everything ; but for the meanwhile her thoughts remained pleasant and delighted. Respected to the Vanderfell wolves and trusted wholly they would relay such desires to also Shiroshika — she felt her duty was done at this point.

With a final nod of the head, the snow-kissed wolf would then turn off to venture back to her claim ; and inform of Olive and Tiberius of what was said and the futures that it brought toward. She would not mind doing this again, Aries thought.

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