Deepwood Weald avoid all complications

First round is arrival and introductions!

It wasn't a long trip, but Valiant had picked up the pace as soon as he'd caught Morningsong's scent on the wind. As a result, he was panting as they arrived, just a little out of breath from exertion and excitement and, you guessed it! anxiety. They cut into the territory with only a brief howl to announce themselves. From somewhere within the territory, Dutch called back with intentions of meeting them in the middle.

"We made good time," he said @Ciri and @Kyrell as they wound through the misty woods. "We might oughta check in with Moontide, too. Get a census of who all was born there."

Soon after, they were met with the lord and lady of the weald.

"Brother!" he called out, his tail wheeling as the two parties closed the distance between each other. "We're here to do some huntin' — and to check in on Minnie."

The panther had a bright smile ready for the three hunters.

"It is good to see your face," he said to Valiant, stepping close enough to crush their foreheads together in familiar greeting. He looked past Valiant and brightened further. "And you, Ciri! I am glad to see you among friends!" He addressed his wife, @Simbelmyne: "Myna, this is my brother, Valiant. And this is Ciri, who I met on her way to Moonglow many months ago, now. And this?"

Dutch looked to Kyrell, allowing the man a moment to introduce himself.

When Dutch and his companion met with them in the weald, Ciri hung back alongside Kyrell to observe. She watched with a familiar weight in her chest as Valiant moved to greet his kin, for the fond exchange made her think solemnly of Elke. Her sister had perished on Moonspear a long time ago, but she thought of her - and their mother - often.

She did not let the reminder of her greatest losses dampen her mood, however, as Dutch turned his smiling face to her. Ciri lifted her muzzle and beamed back at him, dark tail sweeping the air. They'd met only once before but she was thrilled that he remembered her, and to see him so vibrant. It is good to see you again, she chirped.

Valiant made mention of Moontide. Kyrell's mind turned back to the bison hunt. They were the organizers, if his memory served him correctly. Perhaps he would see a familiar face in Raiyuk if they went that way.

It was about time he had stretched his legs. Their pace was swift and Kyrell welcomed the the cool embrace of the shadowed forest. He cast a curious glance towards Valiant as they continued into the claim with brief announcement. The borders were open, then?

He would have to inquire at a different time. A masked man arrived to greet them. Giving the men a polite distance, the corners of his mouth lifted into an relaxed smile. When Dutch turned to him, Kyrell offered him a friendly wave of his tail.

Kyrell Woodstalker. Well met.

"You've met," said Valiant, pleased to find this connection between their two packs. He was eager then to see his sister, but he tried his best to complete the duty portion of the visit first.

"There's one other thing — Ariadne's back." He watched emotions flicker across his brother's face with a grim expression overtaking his own features.

"Is she well?" Dutch asked.

Valiant gave a tight little nod. "She is. Her husband is with her, still. And three kids."

The panther quietly wished them well; it was clear he was not in the mood to discuss this thing. Valiant thought this was eminently fair. He turned back to the troops, his tail wagging.

"Why don't we get settled," he suggested. "Wanna show us the cache?"

Dutch nodded again and gestured for them to follow, giving a brief tour of the territory that consisted mainly of gesturing vaguely into the swirling mist. "This is our common place," he said when they came to a wide, sunny clearing.

"We take our meals here," Dutch explained, looking to Ciri and Kyrell. "There is a lodge under construction nearby; you may sleep there during your stay."

His expression brightened. He asked them both — "Have you seen a lodge before?" he asked them. "Like the seal hunters' in Moontide?"