All These Creatures Are a Lie

Already a week neared and the roan queen had yet to venture home. Never did she underestimate the travel's length, but it had been some time since she roamed at long distance. Thankfully she could return home soon enough. Windmere and Northfall aside, there was only her most pressing matter left to address. In the quiet of her journey, she had pondered the facts over and over yet no matter how she viewed them there was a disconnect.

Reiko would not lie, that much she knew and the other two paled in comparison. If she was to believe anyone it would be the Empress, but that did not answer why they committed the crimes they had been accused of or what they might truly want with her pack. Ira's paws carried her across the cracking of bitter cold until at long last she stood at the foot of Reiko's domain where she'd let forth her call. Whatever the reason, it would no longer hide in the shadows.

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Reiko would be swift, but even she could see the staggering of her steps that would remain as a long-term reminder. It was unfortunate, though Ira had warned the Empress, hadn't she? Perhaps now her words would be taken to heart. The Empress wasted no time and neither would she, “Perhaps that would be best.”

The woods in question were not far from either's territory and if the inhabitants had been frequent offenders, it was best to speak away from prying ears. Ira took the invitation without pause for Reiko to set the pace though she let the Empress lead to their destination. Invited or not, this was not her claim nor would she act as if it was. “I hear you have pests. When did this start?”

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Last summer, meaning the majority of the past year these two had been sticking their noses too far where they do not belong. Persistent if anything, though she took note of a small detail. The first half made sense even if it did not paint Valmua in a particularly good light, but it was the last that caught her ear. “You asked him not to feed another pack with your prey... You mean to say you allowed his presence in your land beforehand?” Suddenly Reiko appeared far more naive than she once believed.

She had children did she not? A pack to feed? It was foolish to allow a wolf let alone a whole beast linger the grounds freely. “Pray tell what deal did you strike where that was seen beneficial in any way to you and yours?” Perhaps she sounded like a mother lecturing the other woman, but it must be said if she was to continue her rule over others. Her people were not hers to care for, nor would any with half a brain be pleased if she was right in her assumptions, but they were lives nonetheless. Lives she had been considering an allyship with.

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Ira fell silent with her comments as the Empress explained further. Frankly, she was not sure what to make of the news. On one hand, she supposed she could understand her in part. Creatures here were different from the wilds in which she was raised. Communication was possible and beyond that agreements. Of course, they all had their own laws, their own customs, and there were bound to be some lines that would never fade. “It sounds to me that you did allow him.” After the intrusion no less. Ira was not sure if that made the deal better or worse. There was too much in the unknown dealing with a creature like the Lord to properly stake a relationship such as the one Reiko had. Ira was no hypocrite, she too had made a deal with a beast, but it was at her behest that the bear never return. If it had been her in the other's shoes she would have agreed that both shall hunt in their own domains.

Kuhn aside there was still Valmua to address. The woman had seemingly only taken from Shiroshika never once coming on peaceful means before. That left the question of why she would show manners now... “It would seem Valmua has left her pack then. She is living in the Everfrost with her "Lord".” How that relationship had come to be she was still uncertain, but it was not natural by any means. He must be clever if he had roped the fire-licked woman to his side as well as some of Shiroshika's own inhabitants. Valmua mentioned they stood as equals, but perhaps it was her Lord's mind who picked the cards. “Both have respected my borders. The only strife came from my own mistake to which we ensured was settled promptly.” She had no shame in acknowledging her mistakes. It was simply another example of how some lines must be learned while others would remain a permanent reminder of the difference between creatures.

Of course, how long until they chose to ignore her rules as well? Every choice had a consequence, this much she knew. It was why she had not been eager to jump on their word for favors. While she would never condone threatening a child, it seemed it was not Kuhn who cast the words first...in some ways it brought comfort, though what of her own brood? If it had been Cleo? They were young and stupid to the ways of the world. While she could only hope they would know when to hold their tongue there was no saying the same might occur on her soil or what might come should her timing be wrong. Still, what reason did they have to antagonize Shiroshika to the point of intercepting their members away from home?

“Have you any other reason to bring their attention?” Why Reiko would withhold information she would never guess. The woman had been loose-lipped, even now. “Has Kuhn brought trouble alone? You have members who trust him, even still?” Even after threatening an hier... “What of this other pack you speak of. Who are they and what relations do you share?” Supposedly the other rulers had agreed with her before, a reason for Valmua to leave perhaps, but what of now? Had they reason to seek the ire of Shiroshika? Surely a reason laid buried somewhere.

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“The choice to stand for your pack.” By all means Reiko had tried, that much was clear, but being a leader meant making those hard choices. Being a leader meant enforcing what every leader wished to avoid. No one wanted war or bloodshed, but giving an inch loses a mile. Reiko offered no other reason for her pack's torment and considering this other pack she mentioned had kept their noses clean she could only assume it was the greed of rogues.

“The ones you are dealing with are the type to act on a glimmer of weakness. They see you as a pushover if you have yet to stop them and considering your pack is not unified on the status of your invaders they will continue to do as they please.” A side glance was cast the Empress' way as they walked, “Most do not wish to kill. Sometimes it is a necessary approach.” One needed in this case if her people were harassed beyond pack grounds. Admittedly, that would become a pain point for herself should they become allies. Even if she managed to keep the tiger and his companion at bay, that would not stop them from intercepting messengers.

At this point she was rather confident she would be able to handle the two should they even dare to attempt the same on her land, but that did not mean they would not grow more aggressive or any wiser. Of course, she could dispose of them now, but that would only be a waste of resources and energy when they had yet to return with what little they offered before. She had paid nothing and they had not delivered. Perhaps if they would smart they would stray further from claimed lands. Did the two truly need pack trade to survive with a beast like the Lord to provide?

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“As would to not.” He had threatened her daughter already. What left was there than to make promise on it? Of course, it was not her decision to make nor would she pressure the Empress into decisions that did not concern her. If she was to lead she must be able to make these decisions on her own. Fortunately, it seemed the Empress had already made up her mind, but the requesting hiding at her lips made the roan queen frown.

“To involve my own would be a hefty price to pay. I will not enter strife with many young ones unless I have good reason.” Shiroshika was still a pack that interested her as a whole. The prospect of an alliance could very well fall here and now with her denial, but she would not close that door completely. What Reiko was willing to stake on such a matter was more interesting to her than what she might lose. “What have you to offer?”

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The high queen nearly stopped in her tracks as Reiko laid down her price. Of course, she had spoken before about what means were needed for an alliance, but this was clearly beyond that. The dedication Reiko held to her children she has known since day one, but she was not asking to stand as an equal. She was asking with all she had left. It was more than she would have asked for. Truthfully, it was not children Ira needed, that they had plenty of...but should she accept the offer then perhaps they should label it in such a way that would benefit both.

Now, an ally Ira would stand for.

That being said, she would still see a debt on Shiroshika's head for this. For what, she was uncertain, but when the time came she would be sure to collect. “I want not for your children, but if we are to join forces, then we may as well make it official under your offer.” Her daughter must be nearing adulthood by now, something that would be convenient had she her own of age, but unfortunately, they still had many moons to go. Reiko had no husband though, and no one to warm her bedside. Her daughter may very well be the only offer she had even if it meant waiting some years. “When the time comes we will wed them. Until then, the alliance will be tentative, but I trust you will hold true to your promise.”

Should she not then a tiger was the least of Reiko's problems, but that was neither here nor there. “Who is wedded will depend on if you find a man who's young you wish to bear before my eldest comes to age. Ideally they would be closer in age as I imagine you would agree.” Finally she had come to a stop. She saw little reason to keep their travels if this conversation was reaching its end. For what Reiko proposed would need her husband's attention as well as the forces of Vanderfell, or those she wished to divert from their own borders at least.

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There was no doubting the woman's word, but even so she did not wish for her head. At the end of the day, she liked Reiko, naive as she may be, she was still young. There was still time for her to grow into a strong leader. A brow quirked as the Empress continued speaking of a suitor she already had in mind...from Vanderfell. She doubted the woman would be foolish enough to ask for her husband's aid and there were few other males for her to choose from.

Not to mention what she already knew of lingering feelings...

“You speak of Quicksilver.” There was no doubt in her mind it was he she was after. Already Ira knew of his feelings for her, but if it was him she was after why not make it official? “You fancy him beyond friendship or is he simply your best pick?” Previously she had told the silver man to get over his feelings if he was to not act on them, but she had not seen the other side. She did not see that it was possible his feelings were returned. That too changed things...

“He fancies you.” Despite what she had told him she was sure he never truly got over the pale empress. She could not, nor would she speak on his behalf, though if he agreed perhaps they could solidify their relations much sooner. “Quicksilver is ranked amongst the Hedrad, he has permission to breed within Vanderfell...but if you see something more, then your children may not be needed.” Rare was it to close a deal between two adults...not to mention the man would be missed from her own ranks. But he was of Vanderfell now and the children he bore would still bridge the divide much like her own children would.

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There was no surprise as Reiko confirmed her suspicion. It was less suspicion after all and more of an unspoken moose that roamed her mountain. Despite her warning, it was clear the man never got over his distant Empress. Perhaps now that would work in her favor though, even if it meant doing his job for him.

“There is only one issue.” If they were to marry then surely Quicksilver would follow to Shiroshika, something she could get past minus the situation it would leave for herself. “He is our only healer. We have others interested, but they are not trained. Should he leave before my own are ready, I will require a replacement.” Be it a child or an adult, it mattered little, so long as they were sure in their skills.

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So she too had no solution save for her own. Very well then, healing would just have to be prioritized. She knew enough to save time for a medic, though that was the extent of her own abilities. Quicksilver would just have to finish training a replacement. “Given that we are in no hurry I suppose these terms are suitable for the time being...” As to who would inform Quicksilver, well, it made the most sense for her to send him Shiroshika bound after their real issue, but it may be best that Reiko seals the deal. “Now what is your plan for this mess of yours?” She had been pondering her will for some time so surely she had put some thought into how to handle it. If not that would be their next problem.

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An ambush would give them an advantage against a beast like he, though she wondered how possible it truly was. Already, they likely smelled the same to him much like he would carry a stench that makes any wolf's coat prick with unease. Perhaps they could disguise their scents, but what of their tracks? “Those woods have always borne snow.”

Even if they did not, snow still lingers from winter. How many they would need to succeed would surely bring warning long before he reached them. “You must account for our tracks even if they treat the woods as a passage. I doubt he would pay no mind to such an increase in traffic lest we began setting paths before then.” And frankly she did not wish to risk anyone entering his domain for the sake of consistent footfall.

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“We are on tentative terms.” She'd correct the Empress swiftly before she had any bright ideas. Her last encounter with the man had been settled at best, though it was clear what he thought of them. Valmua was the one who did the talking and Kuhn was simply her company, nor did he wish to be more. “They know I am not quick to trust. I do not wish for them to believe I owe them for the passage of my people through their woods.” Another reason her journey had taken longer than she anticipated. Opposed to cutting through what she knew, Ira had strayed into baren tundra to avoid another encounter and alone no less.

“Should matters be dealt with swiftly, then perhaps I can send an envoy to serve as a distraction. It is not a ruse I wish to uphold over the course of weeks.” That left too much room for their welcome to be overstayed and their plans uncovered. “No matter the plan, there are still your neutral parties to account for. You wouldn't want word of your plans to reach their ears before you are ready.” Then the Empress might as well mark her own grave.

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Reiko only agreed as she left the final call in her own paws. The matter would need to be discussed with her husband of course. Reiko may lead her pack blindly, with good reason in this case, but she would not. It was official though, they were to hunt the great cat and in doing so an alliance was sealed. She only prayed the Empress would not regret her actions at a later date. “Until then, Empress.” She had little left to add and both would need to bring preparations underway if they stood a chance at succeeding. Numbers did not seem to fall in their favor... With a final glance, she'd look over the pale woman before turning to return home.

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