Víðarr needed to get his bearings. He needed to learn about the land, about the other packs that lived here. Politics had never been his bag-- no, that went to his older sister. Still, with her out of the picture, it looked like he was doing this on his own. Carefully, he picked his way to the top of the highest hill in the barren wasteland that seemed to stretch in every direction. What a strange place this was. No wonder it seemed mostly empty, like no one lived out here. Víðarr couldn't see why anyone would want to live out here. Unsavory as it was, at least he had a decent vantage point. Around him in every damn direction, the land seemed to stretch.

There was a pack somewhere off to the north, where the land shifted back to something more workable. Other than that, nothing on either side. Spring came with the requisite greenwashing, but it would likely be far too warm, too soon. Víðarr loathed summer and all the things that came with it. Maybe he'd learn what he could about the pack directly north on his way up. Could he trust his not-too-keen command of the common tongue? That, or was he better off leaving himself completely unknown to that pack until the time was right? He didn't have enough information to even make that choice, not yet. Lost in thought, the shadow began to make his way down from his perch and continue on.

"Víðarr"

Yume had been doing well on her own so far, well it was not like being on her own would kill her. She was more than capable of fending for herself. Her hunting skills were good, and lets not mention her advanced combat knowledge. With her Katana and her companion, she wasn't helpless at all. Loneliness was hard to bear but she knew better not to let that take the best of her, she was raised to overcome all adversities, all obstacles on her path and use them to get better, to get stronger. The large pink koi wolf sniffed around, looking for food yet all she caught was the scent of another wolf. It wasn't like she feared socializing but sometimes she kept to herself. She kept walking, eyes now in alert for anything "-"

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The dogs smelled her before Víðarr could lay eyes on her. The pair bristled, drawing the shadow's attention. Formidable as he is, knowing that they're both on alert is enough to still him for a moment. Hold his breath, tilt his chin skyward. Search the breeze for-- ah. Not far to the east of his position, Víðarr spots her. His gaze settled on the woman, considering for a long moment. Though her color was far louder than what he's used to, if the shadow wasn't mistaken, this was yet another koi. He really couldn't escape them, at this point. Was she one of Hattori's? What was he going to think of Víðarr at this point, given his encounters with so many of the koi women. What can Víðarr say? He has good taste.

If she was one of Hattori's clan, then maybe she'd have news of Tenshi. Though he expected his friend would be along to look for him soon, a part of him was nervous about it. What if the alpha declined her request to depart? If the pink stranger had come from the bamboo, then maybe she'd have news. Víðarr made up his mind, beginning his approach with long, purposeful strides. Still, he catches himself before looking too aggressive about it. Though he lacks social graces, he can't be all-together rude, right?

"Hej," he calls out, moving in the same direction as the large pink stranger. "Do you come from Tojo-Kai?" Víðarr's inquiry is direct, tone and expression both neutral. The accent that colors his words still does well enough to obscure anything else that could show through. He nears, but leaves enough distance to be safe. You never know, when it comes to strange women. Never, never know.

"Víðarr"

Yume's eyes travel across the hills, wondering who else could lurk around these barren lands. This place didn't seem very life-friendly, dust and dead trees adorned the territory. There is when she spots a dark-pelted wolf. Her own dog was right beside her with Yaeume's katana in her jaws. She stops her march and inspects the individual from her spot, still away from him. She knew when to be cautious with strangers, each wolf had their own way of behaving, and only fools walked the earth thinking all wolves were trustworthy or nice to approach to. Yet the male was who came her way. Of course, he had questions about her former pack. "Greetings sir." Polite before anything else. "I did call it my pack. I was one of the original members." She said calmly. She wondered why he had asked her, but she decided not to ask further out of respect. "-"

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Right, there was the idea of intentions. Víðarr can't say he knows why anyone would be out here on their own. It's a miserable, barren, desolate place. He'd only come to pass through, to stand atop the hills and look out. Maybe that was why this woman had come as well, or maybe... well, maybe it could be literally anything else. There's no way for him to know, though the shadow isn't quite sure he likes the way the sword-dog looks at him. Not that he can blame the creature, or her master.

The woman, to her credit, is pleasant enough. Víðarr thinks as she refers to Tojo-Kai in the past tense, and nods once. She's polite, formal as she speaks. Formal in a way that the shadow isn't able to grasp with his tenuous knowledge of the common tongue. "Sorry that was, ah, presumptuous." Gods, if he hadn't used that word right. Víðarr's pronunciation certainly wasn't great, but he was fairly sure he'd gotten there in the end.

"I am Víðarr Trygg." Now is a good a time for an introduction as any, probably. He offered a lopsided smile, relaxed and confident. Watching her carefully for a reaction as he spoke. Though his head spun with questions, he would hold his tongue for now. Play his cards to his chest.

"Víðarr"

The female was glad this male was polite, well spoken. He had an interesting ascent, one she had never heard before. But it didn't mean she dislike it, quite the opposite. Her expression reminded serene. She was well known for being a woman who was hard to upset, slow to anger yet ruthless when needed. When it was necessary, but never she allowed her emotions to take over her common sense, to shut down the voice of reason. It was an skill all Shinobi should own. "Your apology is not necessary Sir. I don't blame you, most if not all Tojo wolves share my same characteristic. I would had also thought a koi to be part of their sanctuary." She assured him smiling. "It is my pleasure to have met you Víðarr, my name is Yaeume. But you may call me Aoi, my second name if my name proves to be a mouthful." She said kindly. "-"

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Well spoken enough to get by, Víðarr still finds himself in a knife fight with the common tongue here. Getting by... it's an art. One that he's long mastered. Getting by... treading water. Hell, he was grateful that he could do quite this well. She introduces herself, but it's a lot of words in not so much space. Víðarr processes them as she speaks, and it's enough to catch her name. "Aoi, then." He offers a smile and a nod, pleasantly enough.

"Where do you go?" Maybe the walk would be better with some company. Víðarr's question was conversational, pleasant. He was doing his best to be friendly, introverted as he was. It's a nice day, and he had a long walk. Company would always be welcome.

"Víðarr"