Northstar Vale Alligator teeth

all welcome, trespass >:)

Wretched silver crept past the sharp spires of the ridge, now overlooking the lush vale of their neighbours with gleeful craze, sharp little nails scratched across the stone and she scurried from ledge to ledge, crossing into borders now far more populated than they had been in her first visit, not that she was all that aware.

Unsurprisingly, she had thought little of asking for clearance, not a whiff of a mention to Hex or Muskrat; better to ask forgiveness than permission... or something like that, she didn't have the best grasp on sayings nor on listening to superiors. To some it was second nature, to her, it was a conscious process, and one she often neglected to even recall. Urchin even now. Twas a lesson they were bound to learn someday.

She brought with her a bundle of herbs collected in the fields of yellowstone, hopefully to trade for something worthwhile... maybe a nice elkskin for the den.. or the chance to steal some seedlings to bring back to the ridge, or hell, maybe she really just wanted something to fill the time when her usual haunts were off living their own lives and doing their own things without her involved 24/7. (Rude of them) Maybe a part of her was simply drawn to that woman who seemed to warm some unidentifiable ache in her chest. It was strange, and yet she felt inclined to return.

Seeker of closeness. She hated being alone and hated when others left her as such. There was no limit to how far she was willing to go to fill that void.

And Viskani had invited for a meal all those weeks ago! The ravenous nature of this one meant an invitation of that nature was never forgotten.

Oh but who could resist me? She would plead a good case, see if she could stay for dinner, work her diplomacies, for the ridge! right?

She wanted to be useful. They'd get rid of her if she wasn't.

With Mnemosynes watching over Faust, she was able to take more time away from her den. Assisting Pala with patrols mostly, despite the woman's protests. Viskani needed to stretch her legs more than anything.

A familiar scent carried by the wind left her puzzled momentarily, though she soon perked up at the realization that a dear friend had returned.

Her pace increasing to a trot, she made her way through the trees until she spotted the silver painted girl. Envy, ma chère! You've come to visit? She called out, her tail high and waving with a grin on her face.

What a welcome sight! She had not thought she would see her again.

Envy perked at the sound of her name, and the voice that called it before slinking down to even ground, meeting her halfway. I have! Not on the same terms as before, though.

No bad terms— She clarified and shook her head to further drive the point. Theatrics attached to every word that ever came out of her mouth. Not yellowstone, anymore. We came up to the ridge, joined up there instead. A pause as she'd lean forward, grinning ear to ear. Now we're even closer neighbours. I'll put in another good word.

But for now, she was here, dutiful little diplomat. Hex and Muskrat would thank her later. Or perhaps tear her a new one, but she liked to focus on the positives in life. Gleeful optimist.

Have more of your sons arrived? How fares the claim? I've got things'ta trade if you've got things'ta give. Were she able to wink she definitely would've, instead, she just blinked expectantly. Or maybe she was just so good at winking that she was able to do it with both eyes at once.

She listened as Envy spoke, watched her dramatics with a gentle neutrality. I'm disappointed not to have taken you for myself, though having you so close is nearly as good. She smiled, leaning to momentarily press her head to the girls cheek - a simple greeting. Are they treating you well? Keeping you fed?

It was a shame to imagine such a pleasant young girl stood with the likes of Muskrat, though Viskani would not air her grievances now.

My sons have each arrived as arranged now. She would not speak of their conditions. Chesley's infection, nor Chae's dramatic return. Chaudry was fine of course; she had never had to worry about him. If you wish to trade, I'm sure we have something to offer.

Head hit her own, gentle, nice; Envy failed to suppress a grin; enjoying it in the fleeting moment.

Hehe, sons. She'd gotten quite an ego about now. She wondered what they looked like, first, because she was filthy and itched for the sight of some scar-torn eye candy, and second what they were like, personality-wise, cause that mattered too sometimes. I like it. I came with company, and I've found more. Picked one up the other day. It's... not so lonely like before.. and I'm not bored.

Not bored. She seemed a world away for a moment. Picking her memories for thrill and letting a shiver slide down her spine. The fur of inky wings standing on end for a barely perceptible moment.

Traaaade, chaaat.... whatever really. The girl skipped forward a little, curiously peeking around at the territory, tattered ears sharp in appraisal. I jus' thought I might come see for myself. Have you met the others in the ridge much?

Not even she knew much, narrow-sighted and focused moreso on her own dealings.

It was disappointing to hear such things, that she would not be able to bring her from the ridge into the comfort of the vale. Not with the ease she would prefer, at least. She kept her face kind, pleased. Practiced.

We can speak over the meal I promised last time, then. Bumping her should into Envy's as she passed her, Viskani began to make her way through the territory.

Not to the settlement - not with a Ridge wolf. She would go to the spring instead.

I have met Muskrat, and a couple others. She clicked her tongue, reflecting on the previous meetings. She did not expand further, unwilling to share.

She was quick to turn and follow in kind at the bump of her shoulder, gentle as it knocked her slightly off balance. Ink tipped tail swayed easily behind, casual and comfortable.

You did promise! We should. She'd grin, eyes gleaming with interest.

Sure, they'd only met now a handful of times, like that mattered for Envy. She was nothing if not quick to latch on.

An' how'd that go? I haven' talked to Muskrat much. Hex more. I've made the assumption that we're not enemies, I feel like they would've been more outspoken if we were.

Oh, the thought entertained her a little. She was a creature of turmoil and these nice little breaks in between were the opposite of nice to her, grating, usually. Nature uncontrolled itched to become a firestarter, one spark one spark!—and the whole place is alight. Who would even know where the fire began.

Not with her, no no no, she was too good for that, though it gnawed at her head like a parasite. Digging through synapses and crawling up the brainstem, a little tingle, little buzz.

She wondered what meal they'd be having.

Envy questioned her, and Viskani found that she would have to speak carefully. Well, we came to an agreement and exchanged gifts. That was all she would say. She did not care for the likes of Muskrat.

Viskani was nothing if not territorial. Montagne de Cigue was open and friendly to strangers, but a threat was not something she would so easily tolerate. She had a bad feeling about Muskrat. She could not trust her, would not. She was everything Viskani expected from a half-breed.

Pausing along the way, she took the time to dig up their dinner from a cache. Two particularly fat rabbits - Viskani was pleased. Picking up both in gentle jaws she made her way into the foliage surrounding the spring.

Make yourself comfortable.

What sort of agreement? She'd probe curiously, following Viskani to the quaint little spring; skipping up to the water's edge to peer over and look at her face through its reflection.

Oh, quite pretty, even as the ripples distorted the image. She was such a humble beast.

The mountain woman unearthed a rabbit for each of them, and Envy made herself comfortable far before the permit was given, pearly forelimbs resting over one-another, a modicum of class not often displayed.

One of peace. She stated, placing the first rabbit in front of Envy before settling across from her. As far as I know, that is.

Her eyes grazed over the girl. An expression of care, of concern. Though if anything different were to be said, I would trust you to not allow me to suffer. Maybe it was selfish, cruel. To her, the attempt at manipulation as necessary. I would do the same for you, after all.

She then tore into her meal, continuing on as though it was all casual conversation.

Not if it were my choice, no. Envy answered without making eye contact, her gaze fixed on the rabbit in front of her before she too would tear in, no grace reserved for the activity; just insatiable, ravenous hunger that left her once pearly maw stained and smeared in red. She had no qualms about sticking her face halfway in.

Though, it goes against me.

She asked her to defy her nature. Envy would be good. Try to be good.

I mean—think of all the things I would have to do. I used ta' love it when the scouts would come back after a border run-in, all torn n' ripped up. I'd fix em' no matter how bad it was, then send them back to do it again. She goes off on a bit of a tangent, and quickly realizes her mistake, giving an awkward laugh to try and reel things back in. Not at all was she amused by the animosity of packs, and the blood spilt in its wake.

But there, she had seen the most challenge. The most horrific of maladies; it was there she had gotten to sharpen her skills, experiment with what she believed would work best. It proved helpful most of the time, though really, she probably had a higher body count than she knew.

That— wouldn't be good of course. No good. I don't want to fight with you. Not that I'd be fighting but... still. She'd let out a soft breath, gaze turned back to the spring. Would you suffer much? Have you added to your ranks? I imagine anything other than peace wouldn't be in either of our interests, realistically. I wouldn't sacrifice the opportunity to trade for resources here, either. Saves us all a big long trip.