Redsand Canyon Two Steps Back, One Step Forward

Since her arrival, Pala had not once stepped away from the vale.

She had observed the dynamics of the wolves within, stalked the borders and, for the most part, kept to herself. Yet things had grown tense - enough that even she had to take some time to herself.

Viskani was a strong woman - one Pala had grown to respect. But even she had been surprised when she opted to allow the other members to choose her Iris. A punishment to her two candidates, surely. She understood it. Neither Chesley nor Tousaint were the most appealing personalities - to her at least. They deserved to be taken down a notch.

But now Tousaint had disappeared - and with no word from Viskani they could only wait. She had not said if she knew where he had gone, or if they would wait for him to return. But the position did not have to be filled until the winter arrived. There was time.

Pala hoped for someone more humble to join. Someone Viskani would take a liking to - enough to become the new candidate.

@Pala would you mind if we bring this up to date? no biggie if not! <3

she had seen this one before.

yet now they were away from the fancy place with its lush scents and long names. she had given it thought, once or twice. soon she might need to give anything tried and true thought.

for now she still felt some sliver of freedoms.

pala, the woman's name her only word of greeting. her body was held in an open, neutral position though. clearly not displeased to see this woman again.

Totally fine with me!

A familiar voice sounded out, pulling Pala's attention away from her troubles.

"Bracken." She responded, spotting the familiar pelt. "You've come back to the mountains?"

In truth she did not know if the woman had ever left. It had been some time since Pala had left the vale.

It was good to see her. Pala looked over the other, checking that they were in good health.

she was welcomed back, it seemed.

this warmed her some more. content to know that here in this place she would not be rushed off or escorted. here they were both free.

yes, she confessed with a small nod. your home is well? polite to ask! maybe also curious and pondering further thoughts.

"Well enough." She responded with a nod, pleased with the woman's good manners. "It can be difficult preparing for winter with so few members, but we are managing."

The conversation comfortable, she approached the other. Bracken, though she spoke few words, would be a good way to destress. Pala trusted that she would be far more genuine than the regal wolves of the vale.

Away from Montagne de Cigue, stood in unclaimed territory, there was no pressure.

you have guards,

there was a humored smile on her features now. for she meant this woman!

you have hunters? healers? maybe it was not her business and she would find no surprise if she was snubbed this knowledge. yet she asked anyway, with genuine interest and consideration.

She saw no issue with the questions. The pack was in good shape, they had nothing to hide.

"A healer, yes. But no dedicated hunters." She stated, expression neutral. "We all pitch in here and there, though."

It was a benefit of the vale. There was an abundance of prey - so much so that even their most inexperienced hunters had little trouble finding themselves at meal. At times Pala wondered how long such a thing may last.

none dedicated, but all did their own work.

she thought it over. then wondered why she thought it over so much. perhaps the chill, perhaps the ambling around had gone to her head.

hunt with neighbors.

she suggested, even if it was not her place.

forge bonds and build fat for cold. something else came to her, then. what was the word that had been told to her before? di— it felt clunky on her tongue. diplomacy. a firm nod of her head.

she was proud enough of her own suggestion that her tail waved behind her.

Pala could not help but laugh at the suggestion. "That is a nice thought."

She shook her head, though her smile remained. "I'm not sure that we are at a place where we can hunt with the wolves of the ridge, however." The thought of making such a suggestion to Viskani was enough to drive her away from such a thing.

The Montagne wolves could manage themselves just fine.

she laughed, but it was not at the woman.

look down, each side of mountain. she encouraged and swept her head side to side. not that she would see anything beyond the canyon, but it was the gesture that mattered most.

but you know more. she was content to resign herself into not meddling into this diplomatic affairs. after all, it was not as if she herself was so socially inclined as to bring together mass bodies.

yet still she longed for company, still she lingered around this woman. then thought of all the other woman she longed to see again, too.

She nodded, now understanding what she meant. "It would be nice if Viskani could get out to meet packs past the mountains." She hummed, her tail flicking gently upwards as she thought. "She'll need to choose an Iris first, of course."

The matter was growing to be quite the issue, really. If there was no Iris, there was nobody to lead in Viskani's absence, and therefore Viskani could not leave.

At times Pala wondered if she should campaign herself, but it would be too much trouble.

a flower?

she had to imagine that this was perhaps a translation missing. maybe this was another fancy title for something. she would have been inclined to let it slip through, but she was already here. already somehow suggesting their hunting and their diplomacy.

in for a penny, in for a pound.

what's iris?

"Our Matriarche's advisors." She responded. "The one's who are in charge when she leaves."

It was a simple explanation. Pala was sure that there may be more nuance, but she did not care to consider it. After all, it was all just fancy talk.

oh, advisor.

can i meet Matriarche?

she figured it might be better than pestering this woman with her endless questions on things. it would also give her a further glimmer on the collected wolves in the vale.

Pala paused, her answer not so quick this time. She did not know how Viskani may react to this woman.

But, she saw no true reason to turn Bracken away. "If you're willing to travel back to the vale." She responded.

She did wonder why Bracken may wish to meet her - however she would not question it. She doubted that it was anything out of the ordinary.

i can start something new?

yes,

she decided with a firm nod. she only had one other place in the world she might wish to be right now. yet she knew it was not far, that she could take her time in returning to a familiar face...

go ahead!

A careful nod, and she turned from Bracken to begin their trip back to Montagne de Cigue.

So long as the woman minded her manners, she would surely be alright - and Pala would not receive any trouble either.