Northstar Vale If the world was ending.

He spoke with a rigidity that made her uncomfortable. Other than that the man appeared focused on his duty, and in good health — and it wasn't like Reiko would entrust the safety of the lands and its residents to people that could not be trusted. It took a little bit of mental convincing but gradually Ibis relaxed to his presence. He was only doing his duty, and that should be commended rather than feared. She wasn't even afraid, exactly, rather a touch uncertain because he was such a new face.

Thank you. It is an important role you play, she said, feeling a little stiff as she assumed a more queenly bearing. Being the leader of her previous pack had been difficult and that was before Reiko deemed her royal (whatever that meant); now, Ibis was trying to live up to expectations despite having no idea how royalty should act. The man lingered too, which made Ibis wonder if she should... do something.

After a few moments she offered: Would you like to walk with me? Even as she said this, Ibis realized it was more of a question than a command, and she felt utterly spineless. How was someone supposed to respect her position if she was so nervous about it?