Northstar Vale -- the disappearance of the girl

Mato almost did not venture to the area of the borders where the scents of Rannoch mingled with that of a stranger, presuming that his Haran had it well in control; it was the yowl of pain that drew the imperial druid to the scene. Umbra hackles dusted along his spine bristled with unease, ready to jump to Rannoch’s defense only to see that the sound did not come from the stalwart leader of the Vale but instead from the thin woman shivering at the borders. Mato moves to stand near Rannoch, adjusting his posture so that it is lower than his superior’s as the starlit empyrean observes the woman as she stutters out an apology and proclaims she took nothing from their lands and then, most interestingly, begged that they not harm her.

The eloquent imperial held steadfast to his silence, as he cast his leader a look before his gaze slides back to the woman, curious as to how Rannoch will react, how he deigns to handle her. In a way, she reminds him of the young boy that had recently came to their borders, except this woman’s perfume is tainted heavily with the scent of salt and sea brine and it tickles the desire to adventure to that which he has not yet seen. He’s never been to the coast and he has a sudden and fierce desire to witness the magnificence for himself as opposed to living vicariously through the words of others; but now is hardly the time to ponder such a trip. His lips part to speak, to ask her what her name is, but he refrains if because Rannoch is present and it seems as if that is a task that should belong to the Alpha and not Mato.