With his dear, sweet Kaino at his side, Rhazien departed from the serpent plains in the early morning hours. Days prior, Sephiran had given him a single task- one that was more complex than the boy anticipated, Rhazien was sure. Seek out the packs in this region, and gain whatever information you can. While Absinth and Aresenn seemed to be their primary navigators, he had been assigned the diplomatic role- something he predicted, given he was older and more experienced than the rest of the brood. But of course, he wanted his nieces and nephews to keep excelling- hence the invitation he extended to Kaino last night.

He’d met a young boy in a crypt about a week ago- one that smelt heavily of other wolves, and given his age, assumably belonged to a home. Rhazien returned to the crypt after departing from the plains. Reminiscing their fight with the lion, whose body was still mangled and decaying deep inside the labyrinth. Using the scent markers as a guide, he followed it through the neighboring territories. Allowing it to lead them to an enormous mountain range reeking of wolves. There was no denying a group inhabited this place-whether it be a band, or a full-fledged pack.

Sauntering along the borders, Rhazien surveyed the area before shifting his gaze to Kaino. Once she felt ready, he would tip his head to the heavens and release a summons for whoever held this mountain range captive.  

"Speech"

When asked if she would go along with Rhazien to meet the alpha of a northern pack, there was no thought in the purple fae's mind other than yes. Of course she would accompany her sweet uncle. Rhaz had always been very nice to her, spoiling her with furs after their hunts and battles together. Kaino wasn't very girly when it came to collecting things and... feminine activities, but she had a love for soft, plush furs and warm places to sleep. It was the way to her heart.

The land that they traveled to was cold and white, despite the season. The air was crisp and clean and Kai could tell that the air was thinner here. They were traveling up a mountain, after all. She was curious to see just what manner of wolves lived here. Surely they weren't much different than herself or the rest of the Saxe. They had just left the north, themselves.

Kai was inspecting the tall pines when Rhazien looked to her for confirmation. The bob-tailed fae flashed him a grin and moved back to his side as he howled for whoever claimed to rule these lands.

"Speech"

It was always cold on the mountain. Perhaps that's why Víðarr liked it so much. Cold, cold enough that the wet spring snow hadn't melted off near the top of the mountain. At the bottom, the ground remained damp, with runoff from higher up feeding down into the Polar Sound. Erik and Morganna had returned with him, from his trip to Tojo-kai. The weather this time of year did them no favors. The viking king now, swept down the mountain with his son at his side. Erik would come with him to greet the visitors. Their return call comes without delay. No need to keep them waiting, at least more than necessary as they came down from the expansive Maw.

Two large wolves stood at the foot of the mountain, garnering a gentle nod from the viking king. "I am Víðarr Trygg, my son, Erik." He gestures to the boy with his muzzle, letting the boy save his breath for now. He slides an appraising glance over both. The man first, then the woman. Strangers, though they seem too well kept to be entirely alone. The woman perhaps a bit more gaunt than he would like to see... were they well? No, he would allow the travelers to speak for themselves. His tone warm, a bit of mirth in his expression as well. Travelers were always welcome here, it's among the most important parts of their faith. "What brings you to Heiðinn?"

"Víðarr"

The bastard prince found himself at home on the mountain again, unwilling to complain about it. Limited heat and limited humidity would make life easier for him, easier for his sister too. The pair were beginning to thrive once more, despite the harsh environment. If he's not pushing himself, he's not trying hard enough. Erik is convinced of that much.

A half step behind his father, they meet the strangers at the bottom of the mountain. Curiously, his gaze traces over both visitors. The man first, though it rests for a long moment on the woman. Taking her in, curious. Right, it would be rude to stare. Gaze bouncing back to the man, grateful his father has spoken for him this time. All Erik needs to do is watch, is wait. What business did they have on the mountain?

"Speech"

They didn’t have to wait long for someone to answer their call.

Aappearing in the distance were the silhouettes of two, dark pelted wolves traversing down the expansive mountainside. Rhazien watched in silence as they approached- analyzing them with a perceptive eye, searching for anything that could give him insight into the mechanics of their pack. Both males were stout and well-fed, one being a few years older than the other. Like Kaino and himself. The older male adorned in scars, while the younger, had crystal-like structures protruding out of his neck. An interesting duo indeed. As the distance between the groups closed, Rhazien felt thrill prickle beneath his skin. Who knows if these brutes would meet their call with violence. The possibility was enthralling.

Stopping before them, the older male offered a gentle nod and a greeting- introducing himself and his son, before asking what brought them to Heiðinn. Must be this packs name. Lips pulling back into his dazzling, suave smile. Rhazien cast his gaze between the two, reciprocating the greeting. “Greetings. I’m Rhazien Saxe, and this,” He motions towards Kaino with muzzle. “Is my niece, Kaino.” The two younger wolves seemed around the same age- perhaps they could interact alone sometime, and Kaino could use her… methods, to get more indepth information. “This mountain range is a formidable landmark- I couldn’t help but wonder who reigns over it.” He begins, settling his gaze on Víðarr. “We’ve come to introduce ourselves… and perhaps, exchange information, regarding our groups...” Pausing, he waited for the information to sink in- to see if the mountain lord would send him away, or accept his curiosity. “...to see if our ideals align.” Was what he ended with- cryptic in his ways, wanting to keep Víðarr engaged.  

"Speech"

Greetings were exchanged and when Rhazien introduced her, Kaino gave an elegant nod to Vidarr, alpha of Heidinn. She looked then to the boy beside him. Young man, almost. Mint and ice eyes lifted at the corners as Kai's bobbed tail wagged softly back and forth. Erik was his name and the lavender fae smiled, nodding to him as well.

Rhazien got down to business with Vidarr and Kai cocked her head to the side, motioning for Erik to join her. Once they were a few steps away, she smiled at the young man again. "Why don't we let the stuffy old men talk and you can show me around?" Her head tilted in the opposite direction and she blinked innocently. "If you're allowed. I don't want to get you in trouble." Yeah, the minx was enticing Erik with a little rule breaking if he wasn't allowed. If he was though... maybe she would entice him into something else.

"Speech"

Their names, foreign to his tongue. Though he does not try them for himself, Víðarr's warmth remains. The answer to the visitor's first question is simple. "I reign over it. Please, come in." Leading the way over the border with smooth, practiced steps despite the uneven terrain. Curious, though Víðarr is usually inclined to welcome travelers regardless of their interest. The gods worked in their own ways.

There's only one instruction on Víðarr's lips as he shoos his son away with another pretty girl. "Make sure you get her something to eat, Tenshi has soup on." Really, she looks thin from all angles. The shadow dismissed his son and the young woman with a wave of his paw, turning his attention to Rhazien. "Mead and, ah, ideals now-- soup after, when it is ready?" It's an offer than comes with the same gentle smile, the curiosity that he doesn't bother hiding.

Moving into his summer office, of sorts, the space is private without feeling threatening. The way he goes about hospitality is practiced, methodical-- mead, water, snacks all laid out. Breathing life into a fire from embers kept warm in the pit, a smile playing across his features near the entire time. Ritual. Finally settling with tobacco to share as well, Víðarr gives Rhazien his attention.

"Víðarr"

I reign over it. Please, come in. Rhazien dips his head a single time, signifying agreement, before shifting his gaze back to Kaino. He weighs the expression on her face, trying to decipher the thoughts whirling inside of her mind. He had faith in his niece- she was still a novice in the world of politics, but she was a fast learner. Which was why he brought her along. She’d already started gravitating towards the younger boy- falling effortlessly into the role of enumerator. What he found surprising, was that Víðarr commanded the younger pair away- wanting his son to feed Kaino, and show her around. He gave her a nod, granting permission - though, Kaino already knew she could do as she pleased - before he turned away to walk through the territory with the mountain king.

Mead, ideals, and soup- a combination Rhazien hadn’t experienced in quite some time. “How generous.” He says, flashing that suave, charming smile of his. Admittedly, there was a regality that often accompanied politics, and it was something Rhazien deeply enjoyed- the sharing of ideologies while gulping down the finest wines and liquors, and feasting on preserved meats and foods. In the past, there’d even been whores on some occasions. Drawing circles in the fur of his chest, sprawled out across his lap, enticing him with hot breath in his ears- but alas, this alpha didn’t seem the type to partake. Or so Rhazien assumed. So perhaps their evening would consist of just mead, ideals, and soup- still a satisfying event for the older Saxe, if it meant getting to know the alpha and his kingdom.

Víðarr led him through the maw with ease, bringing them to a summer office of sorts- one already adorned in mead, water, and miscellaneous foods meant for casual grazing. Rhazien surveys the room before he enters behind Víðarr, searching for anything out of the ordinary or concerning. A slow-burning fire caught his attention, one the alpha stroked with precision to keep it burning throughout their meeting. And once Víðarr settled beside it, Rhazien took his place across from the dark male. A moment of silence hangs in the air between them- tainted only by the soft cackling of the embers in the fire.

And then, Rhazien initiates the exchange. “Your Heiðinn,” He begins, gazing at Víðarr who is across from him. “How did it come to rise? And what idealisms do you promote.” Simple information, yet valuable to a man like Rhazien. Long-standing packs were harder to infiltrate. So were packs with multiple allies and tricks up their sleeves. And, speaking of tricks… just how did this man run his kingdom? There was so much Rhazien wanted to know.  

"Speech"

It's a stately space, one he's assembled for such an occasion. The walls thick with furs, travelling supplies, adorned with runes for protection. A scent herbal and comfortable, though the underlying tang of alcohol as well. Hospitality is important to his people, and they have the wealth to do things right. With all the doing it's taken to get here, the viking king wouldn't slouch now.

Settling, pouring mead and lighting a pipe to share, Víðarr takes a long sip before answering the question. "I promised my wife a mountain, and I am a man of my word." Though the words are spoken like an oath, mirth shines in Víðarr's gaze as well. While he takes himself seriously, he's a showman. Regal as he takes another sip of mead before continuing. He'd taken the pack by force, though he feels no need to truly brag. The mountain spoke for itself.

"The climate here is harsh, it attracts the strong," or the mad. "Warriors, and those closest to the gods." It's the way he keeps it, and it's the way of life he promotes. A man of few words, though the ones he chose were spoken with the cadence of a storyteller. Not necessarily cryptic, just the viking's tenuous grasp on the common language here. Despite the time passed, it's still not the most graceful.

"You and your niece, you're travelling with others?" A careful glance, curious. Travelers aren't wholly uncommon up here, but it's not the most hospitable environment.

"Víðarr"