Whitefish River ashes, ashes, we all fall down

there's no way she can justify putting it off any longer; to do so would be cruel to her brother. she will not leave him wondering again, and so when she rises that morning, she is certain she must go. but first - she searches for @Ira or @Evergreen, knowing the benefit of an alliance and fully intending to secure one, should they so wish. she is certain her brother will have no qualms with it; it will be beneficial to them both. 

besides, it is with this purpose that she can strengthen her resolve through the guise that this trip is based on duty alone.

She finds him—Dawn’s activity has been noticed by the leadership, and it is surprising how much she works for Kaistleoki when she is a new addition to their team. Alas, Eve is pleased—hard work going noticed. The bearish Count dips his head in greeting, a “Good mornin’,” follows with a yawn a beat later. “Lookin’ for something?” Dawn appears to be dead set on a mission after all.

her search is not long; the bearish figure of Evergreen is hard to miss, after all. she echoes his greeting back to him, and at his question, answers with "you, actually," and a small twist of her muzzle. the smile remains in place a moment before she elaborates. "my brother, Sunny, is the leader of a pack not far from here - Elysium. I can secure an alliance for Kaistleoki, if you wish it." she doesn't think that Evergreen seems the type of leader who believes packs should stand entirely alone, she guesses that like her, he sees the benefit of alliances. "it would be a two, three day trip, at most." 

“Hm?” The bear wakens, tilting his head to the side in curiosity. His heart hammers in his chest, wondering if trouble is afoot. With recent happens in Kaistleoki, Eve is on-guard—barriers up. Alas, the mention of Sunny and Elysium relaxes him slightly.

“Ira and I traveled to Elysium awhile back, there had been a tragedy there… Sunny greeted us. Both Ira and I wish to have good relations between Elysium and Kaistleoki, so I would not be against nurturing one…” Eve shifts his mismatched gaze in thought. “Allies must be close though, and before we agree to such relations, I want a true relationship to be born out of it… Do you have any suggestions?”

the answer he gives is thoughtful, and she thinks on it a moment herself before answering. "there is no better way for wolves to grow close, than through the pursuit of a common goal. perhaps our packs could join for a hunt, together, fell two or more deer. with autumn coming, we would do well to pad the caches, and I know of herds near here—my familial pack used to inhabit the plateau." she knew Sunny would agree; and with more wolves to work together, they could reap far great rewards than if Kaistleoki were to hunt alone. it seemed to be a win-win situation; food for all, and a chance to see how the members of both packs got along. her gaze settled on Evergreen as she waited for his input, feeling oddly close to the leader she had once been; this was reminiscent of conversations had with Grayday, and later Adi, a long time ago.

Ah, Dawn is right; common goals have brought Kaistleoki together, after all. Eve cannot help nodding along with her words, a grin starting to blossom over his thick lips and the Count is thankful for her suggestion. As both Council members aren’t exactly the type to hunt in groups—Ira more so, he assumes—he wouldn’t have thought of the idea himself. He is grateful Dawn is willing to advise.

“I like that idea,” he pauses, giving yet another firm nod before his mismatched green eyes meet Dawn’s eyes. “Then, let's invite Elysium to hunt with us. I’ll leave the invitation and… leading the hunt in your capable paws.” Eve is excited about the idea, and knows he, himself, will partake in the event. He hopes Elysium will approve of it, too. “And uhm, would you like an escort for your travels?” Eve is uncertain how to ask, but with all that has happened as of late, and many being attacked on journies just outside their borders, he cannot help worrying.

he offers his approval of the idea, and Dawn dips her head in acknowledgment. he offers the task of leading and organizing the hunt to her, she accepts with a grateful smile and another firm nod. "if all goes well, we can meet together a fortnight from now, perhaps." sooner, rather than later - before the rut, when the bucks grow aggressive and dangerous. 

he offers her an escort, to which she shakes her head. "I'll be alright—I know these lands well." a moment of thought, and she adds, "when I return, I could use another body to help me track and scout out the herds north of here; perhaps someone who wishes to learn more about the hunt." it's been a while since she's followed the herds; there is no telling how they've changed, or where on the plateau they've rover to. besides, more able and knowledgable hunters are always better, for any pack.

A fortnight feels long, and though Eve would loathe to keep family from meeting part of him wishes to go “haha, nvm, all a joke, you gotta stay here now”. Far from professional, and perhaps if he were more selfish, he would listen to that voice. Alas, Eve does not like stepping on toes unless need be.

He frowns in disapproval at her choice to deny an escort, too, but he must trust Dawn—she must have been a loner for a time being, and she has been around at least as long as he has within the Teekons… so it is true that she would know these lands well.

I’ll, uh, ask around and see if anyone’s interested. Truth be told, so far he’s unaware if any are going for hunter—most seem to be keeping Speedy busy going for medic, or Ira with mercenary.  

Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with me. Eve chuckles.

he says nothing, which she assumes is a yes. she judges the length of the journey there and back, the time it'll take to scout out the herds here, and half hopes it may be earlier. 

he offers to search for a companion, and the huntress offers a "thanks." his quip earns a smile, though she can't quite find it in her to offer a reply, yet. she doesn't mind the company of the bear, rather likes the idea of getting to know him—she's swiftly reminded that that's the opposite of what she oughts to do. 

"I should get going—the sooner the hunt, the better for all of us." she's not sure she can put this off any longer now that she's determined not to.

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Right, it would be best for Dawn to get a move on if she wishes to make the trip and set everything up in the time frame she’s given. The pressure is on, and perhaps Eve should have suggested to give more time, or anything else… really. But he holds his tongue, and smiles.

Uh, right. Safe travels, Miss Dawn. Tell them all hi, and well wishes. Is that odd? Eve feels like it might be. The Count is pleased with how much effort Dawn is putting towards the pack so he couldn’t be more grateful to her.