Ardyn Cadeyrn Aodhán Phoenix Adravendi

[ooc: if any Valhallans wish to say hi, please wait until after Indie's had a chance to post first lol] He and the big cats had hauled the raft well up above the highest waterline and moored it in the Estuary before Ardyn had led the way to Valhalla’s wall. As dusk was falling, it came into sight and he smiled, tail swaying in a flame-touched banner of cheerful homecoming. Building techniques had improved over the past year our so, and he’d been able to build the wall even taller, and wider, though it took a lot of work and help from Taliesyn to lift the stones to the top. He kept an easy pace for the smaller wolf to keep up with until he stepped into one of the wide passages left in the wall to allow the prey herds to migrate in and out through. There were the beginnings of additional walls built to act as a funnel, and a place for defenders to hide behind and attack by surprise in the event of a raid or siege. Ardyn paused, letting Cassiela catch her breath and get a look at the plains ahead. The land was vast, with a wooded hill at its heart breaking up the grassland’s expanse. When one was up on the wall, it was possible to spot one or two huts in the distance, most unclaimed as yet. If he squinted in the evening dusk, he could spot the blue-white light at the top of the hill, suggesting his mother was busy working on the tower. “So, think you can live comfortably while you get your feet under you?” His query was cheerful as he glanced at the small woman, brows lifting. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

The trip to the mainland had been surprisingly smoother than she had initially thought. She had half expected to be thrown around and bucked off its ridged surface, which wasn’t the case at all. Certainly a lot better than the hours-long swim Ardyn had described as the alternative. After finding a safe place to leave the raft, she followed the Ard Rí to his homeland. Eventide was settling in, though the darker the sky got, the more she noticed the flame-like glow that illuminated from her traveling companion. Though, she didn’t inquire about the phenomenon so as to not draw further attention to herself. Clearly, it was normal for him. Or at least, he wasn’t alarmed by it from what she could tell as he wasn’t actually on fire.

In time, a structure manifested on the horizon. And judging by the way they were covering ground, it seemed as if that was the destination. In the Winterlands, there had been ruins of something a lot older than any of her kind could remember. However, this seemed different. Primitive yet, relatively new in the grand scheme of time. Cassiela's emerald gaze roved the structure, as she puzzled over how it was built. “Is this of your doing?” She asked lightly. It was meant as a collective ‘your’, as in the doing of all of Valhalla. However, if he did it all himself, it wouldn’t take her much convincing to accept that for the truth. The previous accusation of being ’full of surprises’ came to mind.

As he led her down a channel, she never wavered in her observations. Doing her best to try and take in as much detail as she could as they passed through. Though, once they made it through what she would consider an entrance into the territory, it opened back up into more plains. However, it was not as vacant on what lay on the outside of the wall. There were a lot more obvious signs of life on the inside. She was vaguely aware of Ardyn coming to a halt, in which she drifted to a standstill near his side just the same. She hadn’t noticed the silence between them until he broke it with a light-hearted question. “This is not what I was expecting at all. Though, I guess I’ll learn to discard expectation in time.” She said half-jokingly, but there was a part of her that was serious. Her emerald gaze found the Ard Rí, as she prepared for a little more genuine sentiment. “Yes, this is amazing. I can tell a lot of work has been put into Valhalla.” She said, attention lingering once again before investigating the territory once more. “How long have you all been here, if you don’t mind me asking?” Cassiela asked curiously. She wondered just how long it would take to put all this together as they had, as she had never seen anything like it.

Ardyn Cadeyrn Aodhán Phoenix Adravendi

She’d been noting the wall, he saw, as she asked about it. He nodded lightly, though for the moment he set the subject to one side. It seemed she approved of the lands Valhalla claimed, and he grinned slightly, eyes drifting to the hilltop. The blue-white glow was drifting down, now, flickering as it wended down through the trees at a leisurely pace, lower and lower. His mother had clearly spotted his fire-toned light in the darkening dusk. Cassiela’s observations brought his gaze down and he smiled, nodding. “Yes. The wall was founded during my grandfather’s time. Initially, it started as a line of stones around the borders as a visual aid for pups and outside wolves. Then it was built over time until it stands as you see it. Valhalla, though, is much older. It’s a long history, and a good story, though I’m biased.” It was one he enjoyed telling, to be honest. His several greats grandmother had been firm about the histories of Valhalla and the families that founded it being told truthfully without embellishments. “Do you prefer natural denning, cave systems, or huts?” He started forward into the lands, tail flicking in a torch of invitation to walk as he led the way, head tilted. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

A conversational movement caught her attention from her peripheral as she cast her gaze in Ardyn’s direction in time to see him nodding in response. But for the moment, his focus had wandered elsewhere. In an attempt to trace his line of sight, Cassiela too searched the hilltops in an effort to see exactly what the Ard Rí was seeing. But once she was actively looking, her emerald gaze settled on it immediately. Her focus was drawn to a chillingly white glow floating through the tree cover ahead. Cassiela not knowing any better, to her, it seemed ghostly. It caused the fur to rise on the back of her neck in a reflex to the jarring manifestation before them. But with another quick doubletake to see the firelight at her side, and the grin spreading across his face … she began to put two and two together. This was someone who was familiar to Ardyn. So she would do her best to quickly compose herself, even if the brief spike in uncertainty still lingered.

The Ard Rí offered her his attention once more, as the tone of his voice regrounded her back into their conversation. The way he described the brief window into his family’s legacy was endearing. It made her long for the same sense of belonging. However, a whole lifetime spent where she had come from, it never came close to the warmth that she had experienced in a single day in this land. Though, she shook those thoughts from her to be dealt with at a later time- or never at all. “Fascinating.” Cassiela remarked, admiring the brief history lesson. “One day, you’ll have to tell me some more of the story then.” She nodded as she spoke, eager to learn as much as she could about her hosts during the time that she stayed with them.

Though, she didn’t get to spend as much time sorting conclusions out in her mind as she would have naturally. Ardyn’s voice brought her back to the surface with a question on preferred accommodations as he set off towards a direction that made sense only to him. “A den is all I need, thank you.” She said lightly as she stumbled to follow her guide. Though, the last option he had given her intrigued her. She wondered exactly what he meant by hut. Perhaps those were among some of the other structures that stood in the distance on the plains. In reality, this land was a lot to absorb, even more so than she could devote the mental capacity for at the moment. However, the one skill she would attempt was to do her best to not draw additional attention to herself. So, den it would be.

Ardyn Cadeyrn Aodhán Phoenix Adravendi

She’d spotted the light of his mother; he could sense the tensing of her muscles in the breath pause of breath, and the subtle, snow-quiet sound of her hackles lifting. A quick glance her told him she’d locked on, before her eyes flicked to him. He offered a reassuring smile. She was certainly interested in the snippet of history he gave, and Ardyn smiled cheerfully, nodding as he quipped, “I’ll have to talk your ear off with the story soon, then. We have a custom here where we gather now and then and share stories, whether they’re factual histories of our past, the lore and legends of someone’s culture from where they came from before settling here, or even just a pup’s story of the monsters they vanquished on the way there. It’s optional, and just a way of coming together and forming bonds. You are welcome to any that we hold.” Cassiela seemed content with a den, so Ardyn led the way to one that might suit, passing close to one of the unoccupied huts scattered across the plains. He did pause long enough to check that the mortar has set well before moving on toward the den he had in mind. It was one of several options; she’d be left with the option of choosing which she wanted in the end. Finally, he stopped by a smooth mound with a wide hole leading down into a comfortable chamber, with a smaller, cozier chamber dug further back into the earth. It had clearly been dug by himself, since he fit easily as he peered into the den. It’d need a few good bison pelts to make it even more comfortable, but it would do if it suited the woman. Stepping back he said, "This is one of many dug around the territories. The final choice is up to you. If you change your mind to choose a hut or the Alcoves later on, you're welcome to do so." Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

The sentiment was obvious in his voice as he described the tradition of storytelling among his pack. While not her own customs, his endearment for them was certainly contagious. With the open invitation, she gleamed. “That sounds fascinating. Yes, I would love to witness an exchange like that.” She answered, genuinely hoping that she would get to take part in an opportunity like that. Even in her weakened state, the pursuit of information was always something that would earn a rise from her. Of course, the Impératorias had their own stories, but she was certain that they were nothing like what Valhalla had to offer. Based on what she had seen from their Ard Rí, these people were a lot warmer than what she had been used to.

Cassiela had been so absorbed in her own thought, that she didn’t notice they had arrived at their destination until she stood at its entrance. Ardyn indicated that there were other accommodations to choose from as he leaned in to inspect it. But she was perfectly content with whatever he had to offer her and would be grateful for it. “No, this is perfect. Thank you.” She said gently. She noted that it was comfortable for him to make his assessment without having to duck. She wondered if perhaps he had stayed here before … or if simply all of his kin were as towering in stature as he was. Even still, she imagined that the answer to that question would become clear in time.

Yet, another thought came to her attention. Her emerald gaze searched for his of dual colors through the intricate glow that adored his features. Yes … it would take her some time to get used to that. “In the coming days, is there anyone I should report to for tasks or information regarding helping out?” She finally managed, wanting direction for the moment she felt able to contribute.

Ardyn Cadeyrn Aodhán Phoenix Adravendi

Cassiela’s interest in the story times stoked a small ember of hope that the next time he invited the pack to one, at least one would attend. Valhalla was steeped in rich history, tied to this land by blood and bone and time. It was a history meant to be shared and reflected upon. She was content with the den, and he sat back, letting her explore the two-chambered den if she wished. “I can bring out some pelts to add a little padding to the place. We do our best to use every part of a kill, so we’ve plenty of hides and pelts for housing and crafting. If you’re still present by the time winter arrives, there are hot stones in the alcove to line the sleeping chamber in there with for extra warmth.” Her query sent his head tipping in thought, before a soft paw step, and brilliant blue-white glow turned his head with a filial grin. “Well, here’s one individual. Meet my mother, Aurielle.” He stepped back slightly to give his elegant dam the floor, touching his nose to her cheek on the way. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Aurielle Adravendi

She’d been finishing off the last of some floor planning at the tower when the subtle fire light of her son, returning from his own little adventure with a raft he’s fashioned. As Aurielle squinted, she spotted a small dark figure beside him. Another new member? Her curiosity was piqued, and her work was close enough to done for the day, so she packed things away and strolled down the path, un-daunted by the darkening evening. She had her own personal light source, after all. Soon enough she found their fresh scent trails and followed at an easy pace, before she arrived in time to catch the young woman’s words. Initiative, good. Her son’s head tilted before he noted her own arrival and deferred to her with a grinning quip. Aurielle returned his brief touch with a twinkling smile before those gradated sapphire into sky blue eyes rested on the stone-colored woman, locking with her emerald eyes. Tired, weakened, but with resolve and intelligence that burned brightly. “Welcome to Valhalla. What are your strengths? Whatever suits you best is the way you can find to help Valhalla in some way.” The former queen settled on her haunches with a casual, habitual flick of her tail to pool at her paws and studied the woman keenly with a faint smile. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

When he stepped aside, she took it as an invitation to check things out. An invitation in which she was happy to oblige. It took a moment after crossing the threshold to allow her eyes an opportunity to adjust. But what she was met with when they did focus was actually quite cozy. When she felt up to it, she would find something to fluff the sleeping quarters. But Cassiela wasn’t given much time to contemplate that when it seemed that her mind was read. “You are far too kind.” She said sheepishly. The ashen fae simply wasn’t used to this kind of investment in a guest. Her own family was very independent. Strength was a key virtue … if you could consider it as such. If you couldn’t take care of yourself, you were treated as if you didn’t belong. The Valhallan treatment was the polar opposite. Her pride was beginning to make it difficult to accept gift after gift.

However, before she could begin to insist that the extra furnishings were unnecessary, her attention was called for on a sudden introduction. More or less, an answer on who else to answer to. Aurielle. The ghostly glow that she had spotted earlier. However, now that she stood up close, she would describe her more as the embodiment of moonlight. Just as beautifully poetic as it sounded. Aurielle offered her a welcome, but the pearlescent fae went straight into a discussion of conduct. “Thank you.” Cassi said lightly, dipping her chin slightly in greeting. “I’m Cassiela.” Offering her own name before going on to consider what would be her strengths. It was a lot harder said than done, so as to not seem like a liability in front of her hosts.

There was no flattering way to put it, she had never really had formal responsibilities. Or at least, not in a sense of rank and duty. Like all females in the north- or at least what she had known as the north, she really had no idea where she was in relation to her homeland- she was the responsibility of her father. She simply did what she was told. When he passed, she was left to her brothers until she was pawned off for political standing. That being said, while she was at home … she spent most of her time away. “I guess you could say that I was a scout of sorts. I spent a lot of time working independently outside of the territory.” She said hesitantly. “I also aided in maintaining a relationship with a neighboring pack.” That was a nice way to put it. She’d leave it at that though. She wasn’t interested in pity or understanding. “Though I don’t expect an outsider to be involved in that here.” Cassiela quickly added as an edge of humor broke in her tone. It was paired with a matching smirk a the corner of her lips that didn’t fade as she went through her haphazard resume. “I have a basic understanding of healing- not enough to do anything extensive. But enough to be an extra set of paws for someone who could ..." She paused briefly before continuing. "I’m also not that talented of a hunter, but I won’t starve. And I can help ensure that others won’t either.” That was finished in more of a vow. However, fighting, defending, and raiding … not her strong suit. That wasn’t a woman’s place, as far as the Impératorias were concerned, therefore, she was never given an opportunity to develop those skills. “But if you need something specific, I can certainly learn.” She finally insisted after a brief pause. One thing she could say for herself was she wasn't dumb by any means. She would do whatever it took to be useful. Even if it was something she had no experience in.

Ardyn Cadeyrn Aodhán Phoenix Adravendi

It was always fascinating to see the reactions of those first meeting his mother. Aurielle had a grace and presence that either comforted or unnerved the unexpecting. He smiled faintly, watching the small silver and stone woman. Cassiela was quick of wit, clearly, and he listened with interest to her response to his mother’s question. The woman had promise as a diplomat. Should she choose to take Valhalla as a home in time, she’d be a useful addition. She was a natural color, striking in her own way but not someone that grabbed the eye and memory as strongly as he or his mother, or even Torben, with his tall size, and pale albino coat, or Tel with her distinctive fur and markings. So far, her memorability came from her personality and quick composure. He could picture the small woman working with Drachen to gather information on other packs, but he set the possibility aside. That was a large ‘what if’ prospect. For now, she was a guest who would very well likely move on once she was on her feet. “You might enjoy spending time with my cousin Legacy. She’s a healer but she likes exploring beyond the walls. Amorielle and Laoise, two of my sisters, are also healers. Aoife is my youngest sister and she enjoys working on songs and instruments. I’m sure any of them will enjoy company while they gather herbs or supplies for making musical instruments. If you’d like scout work, Drachen may be heading out on another scouting mission for information on the surrounding regions. It could also help you get your bearings and learn more about the continent and the packs.” He tilted his head, glancing at his mother with a faint grin as he let Cassiela absorb his suggestions. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

OOC | Briena and I discussed it, and she gave me permission on minor pp (though I don’t think I needed it in the end) and a quick ending to pull the plug on this thread ^^;

Following her presented resume, her attention was granted to the Ard Rí as he made some suggestions on who she might be able to assist. Legacy. Aoife. Drachen. She committed the names to her memory. However, given the opportunity to explore, knowing herself, that was going to be what she most likely pursued. “You wouldn’t happen to know if Drachen was around now, would you?” Being a scout, it was entirely of the possibility that the man Ardyn spoke of could be out of the territory of the moment. However, she would certainly be interested in an introduction as soon as she could get one. Glancing back and forth between Aurielle and her son, a grin settled on her features. As soon as she was able to regain some of her strength, she was eager to get out and prove her worth.

-End Thread via Fade to Black-