Ardyn Adravendi

He’d been considering the future of the pack for some time. With Ashen moving in – and practically surrounding Valhalla – next door, his initial plans had been forced to shift to the secondary options. Soon enough, he’d gather the pack to discuss their options, but for today, he’d assess the lands available to them. He’d been here plenty of times. With Spring in full strength, birds of all kinds were nesting, offering opportunities to hunt or pilfer eggs here and there. Moose liked the marshy vegetation. It wasn’t too bad of an option, however much he might have wanted to push further inland instead. It afforded them a coastal region, with access across the water to the Isle, and perhaps even further expansion to claim the Island as Abaven had claimed their own islands in the east once. He paused, letting his haunches drop and ears swivel and flick, taking in the raucous cacophony of birds courting, nesting, fighting… They were certainly noisy creatures. Herbs grew well here, which would please the healers. Really, it was the only option when you stopped to consider it. The spit of and to the west of this marsh was no better than barren rock and dead trees, with dangerous terrain unsuitable for pups and unwary individuals. _____________________________________________________________________ Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ----  "Hear" ---- Think

let's stick together just a little bit longer The pups had arrived, and it had been... well, it had been less than smooth sailing. Kiriko understands that, and she does what she can to help. It seemed one of them, the little orange boy, had a cough that was well-soothed by marshmallow. It was nice to know that there was something that would help him, but the stores of that something would need replenishing sooner rather than later. The obvious and accessible locations for it were controlled by another pack, and Kiriko found herself moving north. Always on high alert, always on guard, but she's settled into her new life at least a bit. Though she was still constantly looking over her shoulder, at least she could enjoy the weather. A beautiful day it was. Armed with a borrowed basket, Kiriko crosses into the Estuary. Her ruby gaze is bright, alert. She's determined to take in two things, and two things specifically: her herb of choice, and strangers. Lifting her head in an effort to catch the scent of other wolves, the delicate creature is certain that there's a pack nearby. Not here, but close. What she didn't know? That it wasn't one, but two. That was okay, though. Carefully picking her way through the marshy ground, she seeks the little reddish-white flowers. Not long into her search, she catches wind of the man. Closer than the scent of the packs, and coming into focus as she travels deeper into the estuary. She can tell from here that he isn't koi, which puts her at ease. While it wasn't out of the question that he could pose a threat in the same ways she often worried about, Kiriko is able to remain relaxed on the surface. This man was heavily decorated, it seemed. Was he a medicine man, a shaman of some sort? His coat seemed to be alive, shimmering and dancing before her eyes. "Pardon my intrusion." Kiriko addresses him, accent playing softly within her words. Each step was refined, careful across the soft earth. She would keep her distance, keep her head down, and give him space. A polite apology, though her mission hasn't changed.

Ardyn Adravendi

Birds fluttered overhead screeching their indignance as a predator passed by a ways off in the Estuary. Lyr dropped to Ardyn’s back, relaying that there was a woman wending her way in their direction. Ardyn nodded in acknowledgement, eyes scanning the reeds and marsh-bushes as he listened to the approach of the other wolf - marked by irritated birds. Soon enough the woman came into view, and he guessed she must be a healer, given her satchel. She bore loud markings in red and black over a white base. Ardyn nodded easily at her greeting, adding, “Good afternoon, Lady. No intrusion, although the birds might disagree.” _____________________________________________________________________ Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ----  "Hear" ---- Think

let's stick together just a little bit longer The birds seemed to be quite noisy today. It seemed that many of them called the estuary home, and Kiriko figured there was a good reason for it. The land seemed to be fertile, with a reasonable amount of rainfall. The plants flourished, and she could only imagine how inviting that would be for for the other wildlife. Prey animals must like it here... which would make it a rich hunting ground, as well. Kiriko made a mental note of this as well, continuing to browse for marshmallow. Her brow furrowed deeply, though she couldn't be too engrossed in her task. Still on high alert. Still worried about the stranger. He states that she hasn't intruded, though she remains apologetic. She maintains her careful distance, continuing to browse the marshy ground. "I wish I could tell them that I don't mean any harm, I'm just here for the herbs." Kiriko mused softly, keeping the stranger in her periphery. Polite. She is nothing, if not polite. Kiriko paused for a moment, sniffing at the ground-- she'd caught the sweet marshmallow scent, but where had it come from? Surely, she'd be able to pin it down.

Ardyn Adravendi

The koi-marked woman seemed unwilling to close any distance, so Ardyn made no moves toward her, instead shifting to give her more space with an understanding smile. He was aware of his height and appearance—from the fathomless ink-black of his base color, to the flame that flickered, flaring golden and white hot at the points of greatest friction, to the intricate mask of glowing flame and ice markings over his face. He chuckled lightly at her statement, nodding, as he returned, “Some of them may understand if you tell them, but most won’t hear the words as anything more than sounds.” His head tipped curiously as he added, “May I ask what herbs you’re after? My pack’s local, so our healers often frequent this area for herbs that don’t grow behind our walls. I may be able to point you to them.” It was a genuine offer, and his tone held no pressure or insistence that the woman accept his help. His stance remained non-commital, willing to let her go her own way if she wished. _____________________________________________________________________ Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ----  "Hear" ---- Think

The stranger appeared genuine, and spoke without intent to harm. It was enough to ease Kiriko's mind, and she carefully moved to close the distance. It would likely be better not to shout across the gap, after all. She gives a soft smile in response to his thoughts on the birds. In a way that she could not explain, she missed the birds at court. They understood, they seemed to know. They had always known, and now? Well, it seemed they knew too much, for many were no more. Kiriko would do her best not to think of home, and this was likely why. "Marshmallow, if it's not too much trouble." She offered a soft smile, watching the stranger through her doe eyes. "May I ask which pack? I'm still learning about the packs, and the others that call this place home." Her tone was light, conversational. Kiriko's gaze is still intent, careful as she moves to meet the man half way. "I'm Kiriko, forgive my manners." Right, she should introduce herself. For someone used to being seen and not heard, it's a bit of an adjustment. Initiating contact, offering something about herself. The expectations, the culture, it's different here. Kiriko would take some time to learn how to navigate it. "Speech"

Ardyn Adravendi

The woman made a decision, and Ardyn maintained a gently neutral, unobtrusive stance as he took in her words, a faint smile flickering over her light-masked features as he remarked cheerfully, “Teething pups? I know of a stand a short walk from here.” He moved off at an easy walk, long tail floating on the light breeze and flaring bright gold at points, as he added, “Valhalla. And the pack that stands closer to the bridge to Auster is known as Ashen.” She gave a belated introduction, and Ardyn nodded with a smile tossed over his shoulder, glacial blue and burning flame gaze friendly as he returned, “Ardyn Adravendi, High King of Valhalla.” No pomposity rode the introduction; it was voiced as a simple statement. He sniffed lightly as he followed the path, then paused, turning to gesture at a stand of plants with a nod. “This should be the Marshmallow.” He moved off to give her space to work, listening to the birds chatter and squawks. If there was danger, the birds would tell the whole world about it, either with silence or a cacophony of fury. _____________________________________________________________________ Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ----  "Hear" ---- Think

It was a short walk, pleasant even. The day was still bright around her shoulders, and Kiriko is in a good mood. Though it's hard to relax this far from the safety of Hattori and the packlands, some of her anxiety has ebbed away. Ardyn was kind enough to speak of both his pack and the other that had caught her attention on the way here. There was much to learn, and it would take her some time to keep track of it all. Still, her memory is sharp and she's got a good eye for learning. A king. Kiriko dipped her head respectfully, offering a light smile. "It's nice to meet you." The words were formal, polite. She'd been raised to it, and it wouldn't fade easily from her. As she follows, her gaze remained peeled, searching for more occurrences of the herbs on her list. The marshmallow would likely be the most elusive, and she was grateful for the help. As they reach the plant, Kiriko is careful and deft in her movements. Gently, she unearths half of the root, splitting the plant so some would remain in the earth. Some of her, some for the next wolf who would come along in need of it. She settles the cutting in her basket on a piece of dry hide, where she would let it callous and rest for a day or so before planting it in a pot. "Thank you for your help, Ardyn. I must return home now." Home. Learning to think of Tojo-kai as home was... well, it was coming more easily by the day. For that, Kiriko was grateful. Another low dip of her head, and she moved to return to the south. --exit unless stopped-- "Speech"