Moonspear like the vapor of a vale

Phone post so not pretty but I wanted to reply!

Hydra's invitation could not be denied. Tehama lifted her head, joining a mezzo soprano counterpoint to the song that richocheted from the rock face behind them and out into the Wilderness. It was the irresistible base instinct of the wolf to howl, to strengthen and announce the family bond, be it blood family or found family.  Inside, Tehama felt a warmth kept seperate and sheltered like a fragile ember from the cold world. It was a sense of belonging both within the pack and upon this mountain, and in loyal service to this woman. Hydra and Dirge possessed Tehama's quiet loyalty now in a way that Thousand Rivers' Alpha had never bothered to pursue; he was too concerned with his own kin to get to know the refugees from Mount Mirror, and the attitude sowed division amongst the two portions of the pack who might under different circumstances been strong and united.

Tehama let Hydra take the lead in their howl as if it were a waltz, following her notes, keeping up without any attempt to outshine the dark queen, and closing the aria at the time of her choosing.  It was a surreal moment, seeming quite far removed from her several moons of wandering with no destination in mind. Now, she had hardly wandered abroad from Moonspear and was quite content.  Tehama tilted her head forward, ears pricking, to listen to Hydra's words as her breath misted between them. Tiny snowflakes flurried with the weight of each word. 

In due course Te's features reflected placid attentiveness, then concern at Hydra's daughter going missing, followed by relief at the past tense that implied her return, giving way to gentle understanding and a smile. "There is no need to apologize. It has clearly been a busy season for you and for Moonspear." Whatever she had expected upon meeting Hydra, it certainly wasn't the Alpha asking her forgiveness. Tehama was glad of being noticed, glad simply for the gift of the woman's time. The Mu didn't think it was an accident that Hydra had found her, so high in the reaches of the mountain, and only hoped she could make the meeting worthwhile for the other woman. "I am Tehama, ma'am.  It is a pleasure to meet you."

She beckoned out towards the Glen with her dark nose, glistening in the cold. "Firefly Glen is becoming a strong addition to Moonspear's reach-and just before winter, to ensure more resources in the coming moons."   She hadn't given much thought to the politics of the area, nor what friend or foes might exist out there. Now she did ponder, and knew that Hydra could likely tell her about the dynamics at play. She was rustier than she would have liked in those diplomatic skills, but perhaps it was like riding a bicycle.