Let Us Never Surrender

With the retreat came a storm of its own. Vanderfell did well, even with small numbers, but they were not prepared to take the large of another pack's members. Caches would be depleted quickly and most were working through injuries. Ira dared not interrupt Quicksilver as he tended to those with more severe injuries, but even still there were more pressing matters on her mind. They had survived, but at what cost?

The price was well worth the outcome had they slain their mark, but now he was at large with a snake of a woman at his side. Reiko claimed they held allies even in Shiroshika, so what of other packs? Of course, they had done a number to the both of them as well, something that would surely buy them time, but a new storm would brew in the silence and there was no telling what laid in the wings of those they had made enemies of.

Caring little to wait any longer, the roan queen would seek out @Reiko to discuss their next steps.

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Only once she climbed to higher peaks would she find the short stature of snow break the slate of grey that stretched out into the Stone Watch. It was clear what had captured the Empress' attention. They could see much from their peaks, including those of distant homes. Before she could speak Reiko would claim the silence while Ira approached to stand near the edge. “Do not mourn for me. Life goes on.” They had lost a guard, one stationed from the start. The one who had truly been her first start upon awaking, and yet she could not hold it in her to grieve.

It was not that she did not care, on the contrary, there was more to this life than the mortal plane, or so she believed. “Orlaith was revered, brash as she may have been. Valhalla awaits with open gates.” It was a warrior's death. One any sworn to guard would hope to receive, and one she was certain befit the warden. However, now was not the time to dwell on wistful thinking.

“We must not linger on that which has passed. The future comes as do our consequences.” Her point could only be emphasized more by the distant clouds and unsteady air. They had failed, but where they lost a battle was a war that could be won. “This was your charge, I will not tell you what to do, but whatever comes next must come quickly. Have you a plan?” Ira knew this was not what Reiko had wanted, nor did she have experience regarding outside conflict. Fortunately, Ira was never one to proceed without considering other possibilities, no matter how undesirable the outcome was.

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Well, yes and no was admittedly better than just no, but it still would not do given the circumstances. Reiko's words came with an annoyed snort as she found a place beside the Empress. She had thought she heard shouts in the distance, though ultimately she chalked it up to the wind and many new bodies her home now held. Worst though, she had been right about that man. He was only one more to opposing forces, but he knew more now than Valmua and Kuhn. Had they not stood in overwhelming numbers currently, she would be unhappy allowing him to leave. Fortunately, those two were severely wounded and alone, but that fact would not last forever.

“Perhaps...” Tsukiishi was not far, but it still put distance between them with the heart of their problems smack dab in the middle. “You and yours are welcome to stay until a home suits your needs. Spring has brought life back to the run.” Not that it was ever devoid, but winter would always be winter no matter how giving a place could be. “That does not solve the larger picture, but I suppose I can overlook that issue until others are put to rest.” Shiroshika living her permanently would never happen unless they wished to dissolve into Vanderfell, but as of now they were allies...she could make a temporary exception.

“You will not be the only one to lose your home. Dead or alive, that beast does not live in the Everfrost.” That much she would ensure even if it meant sending forces regularly to check the grounds much like she did with Ullarcraig. “Pushing them out permanently gives us distance, and if they are smart, they will stay away.” There was no reason to cross the world for a life. They were lucky to escape, but luck only lasts so long. “Who of yours holds the skills to scout and defend? We have our chance to make claims now while those two are too weak to do anything but cower and hide.”

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It seemed there was little left to say as the Empress thanked her. Truly she saw no need for it, not now. Had the tables been flipped she could only assume Reiko would do the same. For a moment they sat in silence, or perhaps it was thought for the other, as a short breeze ruffled their fur then left just as quick as it came. Reiko gave her a list of names and beyond that more of her people still remained at now lost peaks.

“Word to Tsukiishi first then.” It was important to gather their numbers in one place while time still allowed to do so freely. “Perhaps those sent to the mountain can split on their return. A group will stray to the forest to scout, the rest will come bearing whatever they can carry.” Likely not much, but any food, herbs, or pelts would surely help those from the Empire settle as they moved on to the steps after. “If our enemies have allies then we must be sure to inform any who may fall in our aid. I know of one group to the south. My sights have been set on them as allies for some time now. I believe the feeling is mutual.”

Moons have passed since she last saw @Hydra. Surely she was just as busy with young paws about, but hopefully well all the same. If Empyrean backed their stance she was sure no amount of stray allies the tiger had won would matter in a second battle. “Loki fought with us, he may wish to rest. Nimueh and Ozai may be able to aid in any travels. Between the five they should be safe in their journey even once they split amongst who remains at your claim.”

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Ira thought nothing of Reiko's request. It was reasonable to wish to know the allies of your allies, now more than ever. Hydra, unfortunately, was a busy woman, as were they these days. “I have plans to send a messenger to Empyrean. Perhaps she would be willing to grace a visit to spare time.” Well, spare time for them. The request would only be out of the way for Hydra, but there was much she wished to discuss with the Queen anyhow. A formal alliance had been more than suggested a few times now from either side, but never time to spare the details of one. Ira had hinted at her requirements long before though and it had not dissuaded the leading pair from bringing mention to something official afterward.

“If it is my approval you seek, you have no need to ask.” She may live on her claim, but she did not own the pale woman. So long as her actions did not bring consequences to her borders, Reiko was free to do as she pleased within reason. “I will remain here as my husband intends to take his own leave.” Unlike her face, Hiero was far more unknown across the region. Valmua and Kuhn did not know him so any seeking their heads should not lead to him while he scouted. If they were lucky, he may even be able to bring home a fresh face or two.

“I suppose we should avoid addressing the next step until we retrieve the information we seek. What happens then could go a number of ways depending how close our enemies linger.” And how many allies they may hold. No matter she saw no reason to hunt the man again unless he seeks his own death. If they were lucky, all would go their own ways and the three packs would simply need a watchful eye for those who deceive and steal. “I will inform mine own of their mission. I will see to it that both are assigned to scouting the Everfrost after should many at Tsukiishi be weary.” Ideally she'd like to send more than two into the woods until they were more informed, but two was better than one and both were built more so for speed than combat. If they must run then they could safely.

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“Of course.” She had no plans to send her own off alone at a time like this. Redundant perhaps to send such a large group off together, but fires were hot and targets had been painted upon many backs. Until she was sure just what range of space they had to work with, Ira would take no chances. “I'll leave you to it then. Once both groups have been informed we shall send them off together. In the meantime, it may be wise to look from the peaks for a place you may wish to settle at until you find a more proper home or yours is deemed safe to return to.” Rising to her paws, Ira would turn away from the cliffs to begin her set of work assuming there was little left to be said at this time.

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