Though her claim in the forest to the east was new, she would see to it to patrol the areas around it. With spring came new life, and today, the new life was in the shape of a young woman. Vex pushed through the undergrowth, alerting the other to her presence as she said, "Good day to you. You are very close to my home." Her words were casual, but her fire-colored eyes bored into the stranger with a fierce intensity.

So they were both new to the land. The other female's words pacified Vex somewhat, and at the stranger's questioned, she answered brusquely, "I rule The Dominion, in the forest just to the east of here. We plan to use the creek and it's forest for our hunting grounds, along with the weir, to the northeast of here." She paused, eyeing the stranger. Her chin lifted, and her nostrils flared as she drunk in the other's scent. "What is your name?" She would offer her own after - she was a Queen, after all.

Vex had seen much of the hinterlands as she'd journeyed south - she knew how well-protected it was; mountains to the east barred passage, and much of the terrain was rugged. Here, she was safe to stake her claim, hidden in the thick woodland. She told the woman, "The hinterlands are a paradise for some, but they can be difficult to traverse. It has few entry points." This was one of them. The other then huffed and shook, spraying water droplets. Vex, thankfully, was at enough distance that she didn't get wet. She smiled slightly, then said, "Well, Claire, welcome to the hinterlands. What do you seek from her bounties?" Vex pondered recruiting, but of course, she would need to know more. For now, it was an idle thought.

Vex had never liked questions - she was a Queen, she wasn't meant to be answering questions. But, answer she did, with a swift lick of her black lips. "I am Vex Cruor, ruler of the Cruor dynasty and Queen of The Dominion." How she loved her titles. Orange eyes fell to Claire. She smiled, but it was a cold smile now. "The Dominion seeks retribution against those that have wronged us. We will be something of greatness."

Vex was merely toying with the other woman - she had no real plans here, aside from spreading the word of her claim. This one would be lucky to have met her, and then move on, as very few who had met Vex in the past still lived to tell of it. The Queen still smiled, a bit toothily this time. She enjoyed this game, but it was time to move on. "Indeed. The Dominion will rise to glory. And if you ever find yourself in need of protection, you know where to find us." They were not all about war, though it was, admittedly, their first goal. If Claire wanted to, she could find some sort of life within the Dominion - likely not a very fulfilling one. She doubted Claire was even interested - Vex certainly wasn't. She turned, telling Claire, "I take my leave. Do not linger here too long, and do not attempt to hunt. We will be watching. We claim the creek and it's surrounding lands, as well as the weir to the northeast for our hunting grounds."