don't shoot the messenger

When Crucifix arrived, he asked immediately what happened. She was well aware of how she must appear, still bearing the wounds from her battle. She shook her head vigorously at his words. "I am fine, it was only a minor fight. I am here for something of much greater importance. My pack has been lost." She turned her head to the sky and let out a deep breath. "A challenger appeared at our borders, enraged at our former Empress who no longer resided with us. My husband could not keep victory from her grasp. She has taken our lands, but that is no bother to me."



Her unseeing gaze turned on him them, her mouth set into a grim line. "The usurper released our family, but she is not releasing my nieces and nephews. They are kept there as glorified hostages. Two of them I raised as my own. I am going to be reclaiming lands for us soon under a new name, and I am trying to come up with a plan to recover my family. I must know, are you still my ally? Will you help me find a course of action?"