Hushed Willows Once I Hear Them Clearly Say

for @Lumiya but let @Hieronymous post first! takes place on the 3rd after the encounter with the saints. Short because im runnin low on ideas for starters

The threat was just as she expected. Donovan had tried to keep what he likely thought as a friendly appearance, but his words failed to hide the truth. They would be a plague destined to reek havoc if given the chance. It left only one more she wished to seek out, the Queen of the Willows. If Ira remembered correctly her forming pack should be just beyond the mountain range and it wouldn't take long for a scented border to confirm her memory. There was still much to talk about with Hiero, more than the brief conversations they had on their way here, but that would have to wait. They could discuss the situation at home, but until then...she'd howl for the Fairy Queen.

Talking with the pair had left a bad taste in his mouth. He had not had the chance to talk to Ira just yet about what had happened, to confirm both his and her suspicions, but it wasn't pressing. More visits had to be done and he, as she, would ponder over what had happened and what they had learned. Eventually, they would talk about it. What a way to begin his position within the council. 

They arrived at the second forming-pack to speak with them on the matter of their new neighbours, these ones Hiero didn't know of any better but perhaps Ira was already ahead of him on knowing who they were. She called out for a hearing, and he shadowed her as he had done so before, however this time, he was much more relaxed than he was at the Saint's borders.

She'd only just had word about the ongoing shenanigans near the coast, but she hadn't rested ever since. Her patrols had become even more frequent, and she checked on her fellow faeries more so than usual. She told to all that might listen about the threat outside their borders, the brave warriors that would come from far-away queendoms to help them all get rid of the disease and of her own place among them. She'd yet to pick her guard for this endeavor — she had her eyes on Dante of course or the much more fiery Aoibh — but she was certain they were with enough to drive the Saints out... how dare they even call themselves that.

She had not expected those of the other queendoms to come seek out the queen of the faes. She was surprised to hear the call but not disappointed - her feathery friend swooped down to land on his spot on her back before she fluttered her way to the border. She pushed through the curtain of willow branches to see the woman cloaked in silver and storm clouds, a gaze matching its lightning, and a man with a unique chocolate shake coat, cream on top.

She curtsied in greeting, her suspicions still only that; suspicions. Greetings - I'm Lumiya, Queen of the Faeries, to what do I owe the pleasure? She introduced herself, her subjects, and inquired for their presence here. Loinnir kept quiet for a change, seemingly also disturbed by the news. He looked on with large eyes.

Ira had not expected much but what she received was...beyond anything she could have predicted. A woman of silver with greys that threatened to consume her approached with an exaggerated bow giving view to a large bird perched upon her shoulders. It took her a moment, but after staring she was sure it was some kind of owl. In her startled state the Count almost missed the words the Queen offered, but enough of them came through.

A rapid blink pulled Ira back to reality as her eyes fell back to the girl before her, she was young. Far younger than she expected for the up and coming Queen, but her name did not betray her. Hua informed her that the ruler here was one named Lumiya. Recomposing herself, Ira offered a bow of her head in return as she finally responded, Greetings. I am Ira, Count of Kaistleoki, a pack not far from here by the river on the other side of this mountain range. This is my Constable, Hieronymous. She gestured to the knight with her nose before quickly turning back to the Queen. We come concerning the group that has troubled you. Huāzhēn came to our borders, she told me what they have done and I have made my own assessment of the group. I was hoping to hear your side if you do not mind.

Perhaps she had been a bit too straightforward, but truly there was no time to waste. If the group was to be disposed of before they settled then she had to keep this trip short. Maybe on another day they could return to learn more of her or her people, what kind of pack that sought settlement here in the willows, but today was not that day.

What came to greet them was a pretty young thing, a mixture of greys and silver with one pink eye that gave the lady a pop of colour. With a dip of his head in her direction as Ira introduced him, the tone of the meeting took an almost immediate shift and Ira cut straight to the meat of the matter. The man is named Donovan, and the woman in question is Nemisis. He clarified in hopes that it would help aid to guide the woman's attention to a specific duo.

Ira was so natural in her position that Hieronymous barely had anything to add - well, nothing good to add in that previous meeting with the two they were asking about. It was good to hear that Ira had come to her own conclusions, he would of course like to hear of it later on, perhaps their thoughts were of the same nature.

Her sea friend, Hua, had not made mention of this Kaistleoki pack, nor of its count. They came bearing the same message though; one of danger, out there, in a forest not far away. Of course, she had hoped to stay out of conflicts, as their court's philosophies were peace and kindness to all — But she believed sometimes being stern was the only way to obtain that peace. If the Saints in their forest of blood were to be left alone, they'd rain chaos down on her faeries, the sea folk and who knew who else. It was the only way to achieve balance, and Lumi felt obliged to participate in their removal.

It's a pleasure to meet you. She started, with a dip of her muzzle. Loinnir rolled his eyes, but soon enough followed the gesture as he pressed one wing on his chest, held one in the air and bowed. Huā came to me bearing the same message. I've only met the man in question - he had ignored our borders and one of my warriors and I escorted him out without much trouble. This was before I knew of the news, unfortunately, otherwise he wouldn't have been let out scotch-free. She followed with an unusual fire in her voice, not often heard from the small and sweet queen.

I will tell you what I told Huā; "We must extinguish their spark before it fans into a flame." It had been a more poetic speech than just that, but she was opposed to the idea of holding a monologue about all the injustice in their realm. We faeries are peaceful and kind, but I do believe driving them away will allow us to live in harmony. I refuse to sit idly by while the place I live is subjected to such violence. In summary, she was willing to stand with those Huā would band together to fight off this evil.

Once more the Queen dipped down, the bird perched on her back mimicking the movement oddly. Perhaps another time she would inquire about that, but for now she must focus on their purpose. It seemed that the sea wolf had already beat her here to share her warning. Her story was similar to the one Hua offered, but there was something puzzling about her encounter.

Did he mock you? Ira did not wish to put words in another's mouth should she have misunderstood Hua, but she could have sworn it was mentioned that Donovan was teasing in his encounter with the Faerie Queen. I am surprised you let him go so freely. Though if he truly did nothing but cross into their land, there is a chance Ira too would have let the man go.

Ah but there it was, they were peaceful. Unlike the strict conditions Ira had been raised under, this was a more...carefree pack. Maybe that wasn't quite the right word, but at the very least violence was the least of their concerns. You seem to be a very generous leader.

Talking to this woman and then remembering the actions and words of the half-breed were light night and day if he were to compare the two. She was pleasant, perhaps overly courteous but that wasn't here nor there in the man's opinion. To walk through even a budding pack's border was only one more thing to add to the growing list of faults this man and his brood were accumulating lately, and like bingo cards, they were all starting to add up to a strike. 

Feeling empathetic to the woman's story, his expression soft yet stern enough, he was a Constable now, after all, he couldn't come off as a big softy all day every day anymore. I believe I share the same objective as you do. He couldn't speak on Ira's behalf, but it was a safe assumption she did too. I can't imagine any of us sitting by and letting them run their course. The way it is now, it will only get worse.

The fae paused for a moment, then nodded sadly. I've been mocked for my youth and spirit, which I don't mind, but this man... He seemed to look straight through me and laughed. He made a fool out of my warrior and me for showing him the kindness we thought he deserved. She explained, only regretting her poor judgement, not her actions. She'd do it all over again if she were given the chance, if only to keep fionn and herself from getting the worst of it in a fight.

A blush flushed 'ver her cheeks at what she assumed to be a compliment. To only those that deserve it, I hope. She added in a joking manner. She'd yet to encounter anyone but Donovan to take advantage of her generosity, and one bad apple did not discourage her to giving everyone an equal chance. Some would give her the advise to be more careful, not knowing it took a kindred spirit to earn her trust, yet only a living vessel to earn her respect.

The constable then spoke, agreeing with her take on the situation, and she had little else to add.

can probably wrap this up

The Count mused silently as Lumiya recalled her own experience, I see. It was honorable, but Ira knew that kindness could only go so far. Sometimes it was useless as only action would yield results, but Hieronymous had to agree. It made sense knowing that his friendly face could so quickly be switched off, perhaps he too hid something of the past. For just a moment her eyes would linger on the painted man before sure turned back to the Queen.

I refuse to let such an individual infect these lands. Should he gain a following any of us could be in danger. If it means removing these "Saints" myself then I shall. Luckily, Ira was sure that Yuelong would also aid in the effort, and, as sisters, the Empire. It was lucky that these other new packs all seemed friendly. Any additional thorns would grow to be a major pain for the river wolves moving forwards. I think I have the information I sought, it was a pleasure meeting. Perhaps we shall meet again, but for now, I think it is time for Hieronymous and me to return home.

Hiero can write them off or if there's nothing else added it can be assumed Ira leaves here!

Having nothing else to add and wanting to return to the river and perhaps talk to Ira about their findings, he offers the woman a gentle farewell as he follows Ira out. Removing the Saints sounded like the perfect solution to their little pest problem with that "pack", a band of troublemakers who would do no good other than bringing more allies to Kaistleoki by banding packs together to chase them out. 

For now, he was looking forward to just going home.

Short out post!

See you guys soon! XD I'll archive

The queen fae knew when to give up on kindness and resort to more... practical tactics. She didn't like violence, but if it was the only way to solve a problem then she wouldn't avoid it. Only a fool would still act kindly upon meeting a saint - no, she was kind but not daft.

Safe travels. She wished them, bowing her head in farewell - not knowing what awaited them all in the nearby future.