Vex gazed up at the mountain before her - it was rough, jagged, and formidable, and likely not easy to climb. That, however, wouldn't stop her. She was royalty, bred from the best of the Cruors - a mountain could not stop her hunt. As she began her slow ascent, she thought of those who were following; she'd run ahead of her father and her guard, much to their displeasure... but she was fueled by vengeance. She could not rest, and she could not slow down. She could smell two groups on the wind, very close - it was this that kept her quiet. She didn't want anyone to hear her until she was ready to be heard.
Vex heard him approach, and she smirked softly - she knew by sound it was him before scent confirmed it, and she swung about to face him. Now, Vex was not one for love, or even friendships - she was a Queen, and she ruled with an iron fist. That being said, she'd always felt a certain fondness for Vivaan; he was strong, and loyal to her above all others - even more loyal than her siblings. She paused when he spoke, and she gazed up at the mountain before them. "We will find shelter on the other side of this mountain." Or, perhaps they would stumble upon a cave whilst they climbed.
Vex's fiery gaze met Vivaan's, and she hissed softly, "I must find them. It's been nearly a whole season - I cannot wait much longer." She turned, and began to climb, beckoning to him with an imperious jerk of her head.
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A low snarl issued from Vex's maw at Vivaan's words - they would pay, and dearly. The queen rasped, "Desertion. Punishable by death." Her dear, darling half-sister was a traitor. No one left the Cruors unless they wanted a slow, torturous death. "Adulteration..." She breathed, eyes narrowing against the wind and snow as she climbed. The last time Vorilye had fucked another bitch, she'd scarred his handsome face, and then she'd forgiven him. But if he had left them... if he had found someone else... "Castration. And then, potentially, death." She gave a short, twisted laugh, then nudged Vivaan with her shoulder. "You will be well-rewarded for your loyalty. You will rise higher than before, with me."
Vivaan's words appeased the Queen, but only for a few moments. She gritted her teeth against a low growl as she pushed forward further, following a steep ridge up the mountain. The higher they went, the colder the air became; each breath was ice, stabbing deep at her sides, but she refused to stop. Vex had never quit, nor lost anything before now - these betrayals of blood made her own boil. This gave her steps new purpose, and she forged the way ahead, eventually coming to the peak. Here, she gave a snarling roar of triumph, and she stared out into the dark land before her.
There were many, many scents. Vex gave a nod to the red canyon to their left, and a more idyllic vale to their right. Both shed pack scents. "Where should we seek answers tomorrow, Vivaan?"
Vex paused, her muzzle swaying from side to side as she gave the air heavy inhales, nostrils flaring. Her scarred ear twitched. "I'm not certain I want to many to know our names. Thus far, I have seen few others." She'd given her true name, as well as her sibling's names. But the pack in the canyon shed scents of so many... Her gaze fell down into the vale. "We could seek shelter there. It seems more... homely, does it not?" She smiled a twisted smile that tugged at her black lips, then she licked her lips. "Or... we could each go to one. Two birds, one stone, yes?" It seemed a good plan, to her.
Vex looked to both valley and canyon, frowning. "I will go into the vale." This was a job for tomorrow. With a jerk of her head, she led the pair along a lower ridge; there was a depression in the face of the rock - not quite a cave, but shelter enough for the night. Finally, they could rest. Vex heaved a sigh, then settled as far back as she could go, orange eyes staring outward into the night. To Vivaan, she said, "I want information about the pack - their purpose, their allies, enemies, and if they can point us to other packs." Then, in a low hiss, "They have to be somewhere."
i think we're good to end here if you are!
Vex would nod to Vivaan, then settle her head on her paws, staring out into the blowing snow. She felt safe enough, despite being in-between two groups of strangers, and she let sleep take her.