Arrow Lake what reflections reveal

A reflection so clear that it makes tears well in her eyes. As they fell towards the water, the small disruptions caused ripples. Perhaps this was the life she was now destined to walk so far from the place she once called home. The reflection showed her the face that many would cower at the sight of, and seeing it now, she understood. All except abuelita, the only one called her curse a blessing.

At the thought of her abuelita, Mictec was taken aback by the small scattering of fish, whose scales caused small scattering of colors to change the reflection. "Abuela?"

She reached out towards the water, feeling the relief of cold water on her tired paws. She could feel the drooping of her lids and let out a small sigh, maybe everyone had been wrong. As the corners of her lip begun to curl a bloody image danced before her eyes. Wildly she was dragged into a memory, the water suddenly growing thicker in texture and she could practically smell the familiar metallic scent.

Panicked, Mictec pulled her paw out of the water as her breathing became shallow and quick. Angerly, she let out a howl, full of pain and void of hope.

With Chaudry returned and patrolling the borders, Pala found herself able to wander. It was often peaceful, yet today a howl that spoke of anguish tore through the air. She expected and injured wolf, or worse; and so she followed the sound. It was what Viskani would ask of her.

Upon reaching her destination, she spotted a wolf alone. They appeared unharmed, and Pala was left confused. Were you the one who cried out? Surely not.

It was not in her nature to attempt to assist a stranger, but maybe it was time for a change.

It had been too long since she had last encountered another of her kind, so much so that she felt her hair beginning to rise as her lips drew back and she let out low growl. Violence had always been the answer to her actions that led her to this kingdom of isolation and solitude. But at the sight of the other's scar Mictec felt a strange wave of ease wash over her. She could not help but stare, and for a solemn minute, she contemplated her response.

Sensing no immediate danger, she begun to speak and in doing so, she realized just how long it had been since she had truly heard her own voice with her tinged Spanish accent. "Perdoname, I mean, I am sorry for my reaction. I just, it has been so long since I have seen another."

She was unbothered by the reaction, rather it was the unanswered question that left her irritated.

However, her poor mood was pushed aside and replaced with a practiced neutrality. It's my own fault for catching you off-guard. She said in reassurance. You have only arrived in the woods recently then, yes?

She could only assume as such if the other had not seen another canine in some time.

Mictec offered a curt nod, feeling the pressure of fatigue on her back. Her hind legs quivered slightly which forced her to take a seat, knowing that any chance for self preservation meant she could not push her luck and instigate a fight.

"Si, I come from very far away. This lake, it reminds me of one by my village-" the words got caught her throat, feeling the pain that what was once her village no longer wished to be part of her twisted tale. "Of a place I used to know."

As her ears begun to rest against her head she looked towards the other, extending the olive branch the way she had seen her abuela do so many times. "My name is Mictēcacihuātl, but you can call me Mictec."

Pala of Montagne de Cigue. She returned the gesture with a flick of her tail. My pack is in the vale not far from here.

Taking a step forward, her head leaned to make in the scent of the other. Are you hurt at all? Hungry? Viskani would want her to ask. It was the right thing to do.

Shaking her head, Mictec could feel her shoulders droop from exhaustion. "Hunger not much, more tired then anything. It is hard to find a place to rest peacefully when in unknown lands."

She offered a small smile, something she ordinarily offered and yet on this new journey of self discovery, she found herself chasing a sense of longing, for what she did not know.

"I have never heard of a pack name quite like yours."

They are odd wolves, from the north. She spoke it as it was the truth - the Montagne wolves were odd, and yet she had found herself among them. But, if you wish to rest our Matriarche will shelter you.

Viskani would be excited by the prospect of another woman, even if it was only temporary. Despite the pack being so based in female authority, it was a bit of a sausage party as of now.

Though she had just sat down, the prospect of having a small moment in time to restore with out fear of an attack allured her.

"I would greatly appreciate that."

Mictec took a glance over her shoulder seeing a subtle haze beginning to creep over the water in the distance. If there was one thing this journey has taught her it allowed for her to come to accept her own spirituality, seeing oddities in nature as an omen. For this one, the fog seemed to curl around a shadow, one that had the unmistakable build of her abuela. With that she smiled, an authentic one, it meant abuela was telling her to take the leap of faith.

A momentary silence and then she turned a way gesturing for the woman to follow.

Come. The vale would treat this stranger well, ensure she was fed. Do you plan to stay long?

Viskani must be truly hospitable, but maybe she was too.

We can fade out after your next response and I can start a backdated thread in MdC if you'd like <3 if you'd like her to stick around for a longer period of time I'll give her our guest role so nobody mistakes ya for a trespasser

Turning to face her, Mictec gave a nod to follow her into what she viewed as the unknown.

"I am not sure but I imagine there is much wisdom I am supposed to learn."

Something brought her here, and she was determined to learn what that was.

Fade to black...

that totally works!