Steadfast [Song]

In the time it took for Song to arrive, her heart stuck in her throat, worried that he might have vanished as well, or that something had happened just in the few days that had passed since the challenge. But his familiar form came into view around one of the great trees, and an audible rush of breath escaped in a visible puff of breath as she spotted him, a warm smile flowing onto her features as she looked him over, shaking her head at his words. “No need to apologize. One must stand in support of one’s leader and fellow packmates in such times, not converse with another pack’s alpha. How are you holding up?”

Her eyes fell away from Song as she saw the woman that came with him. The chill in this woman’s eyes was striking, even with the polite smile. The short greeting more matched the ice in her eyes, but Aurielle dipped her muzzle in an easy, respectful greeting, returning in kind, “Aurielle Adravendi, Spirit of Valhalla.”

She paused, eyes searching beyond the two wolves, but as no others arrived, she drew a breath and turned to Song, though her body and head angled slightly, clearly including Kirsi as she said, “As you know, Valhalla was an ally to Fyri. And I viewed Ignatius as a friend, despite our few encounters. This is an offer that you are not obligated to take me up on, but I would like to offer whatever help I can. If you are willing, I am more than honored to offer you, Kirsi, and any of your packmates a home in Valhalla. If not, I would like to invite you to join in any hunts our pack might hold, inside the wall or out, and those who participate are welcome to take a share of the kill.”

Her eyes drifted to Kirsi’s icy gaze and back to Song as she completed, “Or, if you wish only to be left to go your own way on your own feet, without help, I will respect your wishes. Just know that you have a friend in the West.”

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think