Ouroboros Spine Split in half,

Tagging leadership for visibility! @Kukutux @Aiolos

After her days of travel, the witch had finally reached a territory heavily scented enough for her to stop. She would look for two or three more after this one, and then return home to appease the queen with her findings.

Tilting her head she released a raspy call for someone to meet her, of a search for information. Only so much could be said through a howl, especially since her lungs were so weak these days. Sat outside the borders, she took the time to catch her breath while she waited for someone to come to her.

Whether she found anything here or not, Haedwig knew it would not matter. Europia would be taught to be well-rounded, and she was adaptable enough to find comfort in any home. The girl would make a good wife. Her mother would have made sure of it, and now Haedwig felt it was her responsibility to help Europia follow through.

It was what was meant to be done whether Thalassa, Makhai, or even herself wanted it. There was time before the search would truly begin; the trouble they faced now was small in comparison.

Just as the pale woman who made herself known as the borders of Moonglow, Aiolos did not move quickly either. A howl in return was given, allowing the visitor to know her was on his way. His patrols were now less frequent, allowing the younger men (Valiant, Rodyn and Arrluk) to take the mantle as the Sunman aged and fit himself ready for retirement. Plenty enough time for the visitor to catch her breath, too! 

Welcome to Moonglow, traveler. I am Aiolos, Sunman of the moon villages. What brings your visit? As he is finished, he settles down into a much needed sit before the pale woman.

Thankfully for the witch it seemed that the man who came to meet her was getting on in his years as well, giving her own old bones sufficient time to rest. She was even able to rise to her feet to greet him - a rare occurence these days. Haedwig, prophet of the Corax. She returned the introduction with a respectful nod of her head. I come from a territory southwest of here. She would not specify, for the creek was not yet safe enough for the potential of visitors.

My queen asked me to come seeking information. In the fall we will begin the search for a husband - not for her, but her younger sister. She hesitated, pausing for a moment before continuing. The trouble is that we do not know what those in this land want in a wife. She thought it best to ask your pack among other's of their opinion.

Some wanted someone beautiful, some a woman with power, other's only wanted the gifts that her family would send with her. But Thalassa was right about one thing; the wolves here may want something different all together from what they knew in their own lands.

Aiolos dips his grayed chin respectfully to the pale, stout woman. He did not know the Corax but could respect her with the knowing of her being a prophet to her people. 

She speaks of travel here on behalf of her Queen's quest. A potential husband for her younger sister. Aiolos' ears perked. Sister of a Queen to a new empire in bloom. Aiolos sons has all gone on their own journies, savor @Arrluk who had recently wed. 

It is important to know that in our customs the woman is free to choice. She does not wed if she does not have the want. 

A pause. My mate, she is Moonwoman. She has filled the role of matchmaker many times for many villages. We would meet this woman and then find a man who we think might share her ways. Their compatability will build their foundation. For his people, it was not a manner of power or beauty. It was the want of each individual. If they wanted the relationship it was more likely that the two packs would remain bound to one another through these unions and make for a stronger alliance. 

We are open to the culture of others, yet would hope that a union would be accepting and allowing of our own practices. Too many times it seemed that the women in their villages were wicked away, taken from family and culture. He did not want this again. It is also our way for the man to fullfill a bride-price. Do you have this?

Haedwig listened carefully, taking mental note of his words. A matchmaker was quite the pleasant idea, one she would carry back with her.

We do not have a bride price, but we may have something similar. She responded, reflecting back to the last marriage of a princess in the old kingdom. When a princess is to be married, her suitors are to compete in trials given by her and the queen to determine who is most suitable. They can be anything, really. The last queen had been quite creative with her trials - the witch had enjoyed watching the men struggle through her vicious etiquette lessons and strange proofs of strength. The princess leaves to live with her husband after they are wed in the kingdom. We send her with gifts for the family she has married into, and the pack leaders when applicable.

While the marriages were often for diplomacy, it was still of extreme importance that the princesses were treated well after their departure. It was to Haedwig, at least. The wedding gifts were part of that.

The price will be then the trails which she so chooses. Aiolos speaks, nodding his chin as he did so, the words open thoughts as she explains what her own culture did. 

Aiolos did not know who might be interested in combating for this woman's paw, yet time would tell if any suitors would be selected among the moon villages. 

When the time is ready, allow the village Moonglow to host your people to honor your new settlement. We will meet your princess and we will come to tell you of those who may be of choice there after.

She nodded, smiling in a way that showed the age in her eyes. I will return when the time comes, then. I look forward to it.

Rising to her paws, she checked the winds lingering scents before deciding she would travel southwards. May the spring treat you well.

With kind words she took her leave. She would be sure to put this pack in Europia's mind.