Valdís eyed the storm clouds on the horizon, pleased to see that they looked to be moving north and thus were unlikely to interfere with her journey. She stood at the border of Wolfpaw Lake and yet another pack that dwelt in the west. Lifting her head she called for the alpha, curious to see who the ruler was of this pack. She wondered how long the pack had been here or if it was one that she just hadn't paid enough attention to. She doubted it was the later. New packs seemed to be springing up everywhere these days but hopefully they would stick around. She'd hate to have to make another circuit in the fall of next year. For now she was content to settle down and await the alphas presence. "Talk" "You" Think

The pups were starting to really explore the packlands, Belle was both excited and terrified. There were many dangers a puppy could get into if they weren’t being watched. Ashen was big and had many wolves ready to keep an eye on the little demigods. She was trying to do just that when she heard the call at the border. Forbidding the little tykes to follow her she left them with a more than willing Archon as she slowly eased herself back into pack duties. She still looked like she had just given birth, but the pups would be weaned soon so at least she wouldn’t resemble a cow for much longer.

Her royal frame was still held with pride as she approached the stranger, her eyes sharp and calculating as she took the impressive woman in. She didn’t recognize her, but her pack scent was vaguely familiar. ”You’ve summoned the Empress of Ashen, Deathbelle Ravage Klein. Who are you and what business do you have?”

Valdís focused on the clouds, entranced by their movement until she heard the sound of approaching paw steps. Her ears flicked up and she turned to see a lovely black and white woman with a crown of flowers approaching. There was little doubt in her mind that this was the alphess of this pack. Valdís dipped her head low in a respectful greeting that was nearly a bow. The pack was called Ashen and the empress was Deathbelle Klein. "It's an honor your grace. My name is Valdís Thyre of Legion. I've come to learn more about our neighbors to the south and see if there are opportunities for mutual gain." There were a number of things, trade in particular was on her mind if there were resources of value to each side. There were also wolven resources such as join training opportunities but much of that would have to be decided by Chaos. Valdís only hoped to serve as a messenger for other packs to send information to Legion without having to leave their borders and of course she hoped for opportunities for Legion as well. With winter coming it would be good to know who all had surpluses of what and what they would want for those items. "Talk" "You" Think

The stranger at least gave Deathbelle the respect she was due. This woman was not an alpha, but seemed interested in any benefits that could come with working loosely with another pack. There was likely little power standing before her, but maybe they might find something worth the Empress’s time. The she wolf got bonus points for coming to Ashen instead of an embassy sent to Legion.

Of course had this been Chaos himself showing up in the flesh Deathbelle might have been more inclined to fall back on her negative bias. The fanged alpha had spoken truthless words about her brother and she didn’t plan on forgetting them anytime soon. Not that she made the connection that he was the alpha of Valdis’ pack. ”Well met, Ms. Thyre.” She replied while mulling over the offer. ”What would you seek to learn, and what opportunities would you offer?” She returned to show her subtle interest politely.

Valdís was impressed with how this alphess carried herself and she nodded quickly. "Certainly. I would seek to learn what resources you have to offer and if there is anything you would want that we might be able to provide. Legion is open to the idea of trade. We can also offer our services if you have need of information, instructors, guards and the like. I can also bring up the idea of mutual trainings though I must speak with my alpha to be certain. However, it doesn't hurt to inquire if there is any interest in this to begin with." She wanted to get a sense for the pack and if there could be a mutual benefit.

Valdis was polite and professional, qualities that the Empress could certainly be respectful of. She was as to the point as she could be, not having as much authority as her alpha had to offer. Deathbelle nodded, they had much that could be gleaned from one another. ”Desert plants, are some of our specialties, like aloe vera for burns.” She offered quietly, just an example of the herbs they could offer in trade. ”Great herds of oryx migrate over Ashen’s lands. The flesh, hide, and horns of these animals are incredibly useful.” They’d skinned a couple and used the hides to make curtains for the palace. ”There is room for much cooperation it seems.” She smiled softly, unsure if they could make any real deals at the moment. ”Everyone can always do with more training.” She chuckled softly at her own attempt at humor.