Northstar Vale You were in the parking lot earlier; that's how I know you!

At long last, Hime had found the hidden place among the trees where Ibis lurked, alongside her misbegotten spawn.

She had taken note of the woman's absence at the meeting and paid it little regard, as Ibis had been rotund and ready to burst; but she had also noticed the two brothers had been absent, and a part of her wondered if the little slut had taken them both as lovers - perhaps in a bid to strengthen her own ties and one day push Reiko from her position. If anyone were to try that, they would be met with Hime's own impervious sense of entitlement. None would usurp her bloodline in this place.

Whatever Reiko felt about the absent queen, Hime did not share in the goodness of it. She only saw the truth - her truth - which was, Ibis and her tiny but growing faction was a threat. She could not bring her suspicions to Collision in good faith, and decided to take matters in to her own hands. In tracking down the den Hime had hoped to do some reconnaissance - but was surprised to find a little girl at the den mouth rather than her mother or father.

A devious little twist characterized the corners of her lips. As she made her ungainly approach through the network of trees, she slowed as she passed the den mouth and erupted in emphatic, pretend surprise upon finding the little one there. Oh! Well look at you, little nymph. Wherever did you come from..?