I thought that I've been hurt before

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As always, the High Queen kept busy. Her paws moved with determined grace as she navigated twisting trails with ease. By now the mountain had been well explored, its steps an extension of her own while she searched for any offending scents on the wind. Often now she spent her time second-guessing unfamiliar scents. Intruder or friend, it was a line difficult to gauge with so many new faces, but one she was learning the difference between with each passing day.

As she traveled another's steps would soon be heard approaching. Already she recognized it to be one of their allies. They too were used to mountainous terrain, but the slopes of Tsukiishi were far different from her own peaks. However, it was Reiko's voice that cut the air. Ira paused, turning to face the Empress as she called out to her. She wasted no time as she dove to her point. Perhaps she was coming to understand her more with each interaction.

“I am aware.” Or at least of some 'new faces' but not all. Apparently, there were more amongst her ranks that knew not the land from whence they came. “On a level at least.” She continued the thought as she sucked in a breath raising her head to glance to the heavens. “Do you trust them?” It was not her place to say who carried Shiroshika's title. All she asked was to know who stepped foot on land she claimed.

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They are not warriors. That differed from what Delgata shared. Granted she did express her interest in peace, but she was capable of defending herself and others, or so she claimed. Either the detail had not been spared for Reiko or she had been fed lies to pad her approval of a stranger in her land. Had she lied, she would not be impressed, but she did not sense cruelty or ill intentions in the other pale woman to hold concern. So long as she filled their caches any lack of other skills was no longer her concern.

“Then you must understand my hesitation with my own brood present to not be informed of such matters until after they have been left to roam the mountain.” She would not stop her from recruiting, nor did she wish to close Vanderfell's doors at this time. Suspicion may be high, but more paws would only benefit them should they be capable enough to handle their own. “If you trust them with your daughter I will trust them with my own, but I must know.” The burning gaze only a mother could hold fell to the broken crown as she emphasized her point before looking away once more to continue on her path to a more suitable resting place.

“Delgata shared with me that she may defend if need be and heal our wounds. I asked for her to seek Quicksilver to assist where she could.” The rest were tasks any could handle, even her own blood were beginning to fill their paws and find their footing. Any day now they too would soon bring birds or fish home to feed the packs. It made her proud to watch them take on pack duties, or if they were still too young, ask to accompany and learn what they could.

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“What's done is done. I do not linger on the past, only the consequences. You are fortunate that they have only been positive in this regard.” It was as the Empress said, the one she had met did seem to be using her weight for good, not a free meal and shelter. So long as that was the case she hardly had room to complain. “She seemed willing to work in most roles, truthfully. I am not certain to what extent her skills reach, but it is more than no attempt.” Even had she none, she held potential. One day Delgata would surely be a valuable member of Shiroshika.

The roan woman would turn as Reiko remained stuck on Quicksilver, her head tilting with a mildly puzzled expression. “And why might he be furious?” This is what he wanted was it not? What he had pleaded for and sobbed directly to her as he expressed his woes and the distance he'd keep. Certainly, he had not abandoned his feelings for the snow empress? If so, what timing to finally follow her advice now that she needed his addiction.

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Ira would listen carefully though as she did she couldn't help but let her face twist with confusion. Take away his freedom? He had only been given a choice, one that she saw he failed to take time after time again. It was almost as if he refused to allow himself to be with the one he supposedly loved. “I do not understand.” Exchanging children for warriors? She had never once asked for that, nor would she wish for that. She held plans to wed her own, yes, but it was only to strengthen the forged bonds between packs she deemed allies, friends, family. 

“Reiko I have told you before I do not wish for your bastards. If I must wait until one of your respected or yourself find a suitable partner and have children, then I shall do so. It pains me to extend such a relation on promises, but we are too invested for me to back out now.” Even had she wanted to the enemies they shared would see no difference rather they were together or not. Extra numbers had never been the point of this deal, nor any alliance she wished to obtain. There was a reason the bonds were forged with the kin of the honored. They were the ones who upheld their pack through values and tradition. They were the ones that would be the future faces of their homes as well as the future of their relations. A child for the sake of children did not bring that honor nor respect.

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Perhaps it had been her fault for her wording that now bit them both, but it was apparent that neither was fully aware of what she wanted. Even with Reiko's explanation, it did not seem she understood the reasoning behind Ira's words. “It appears neither of you understands my intentions.” She would sigh sitting with a roll of her shoulders while she straightened her posture. “None of this is forced that would go against the whole purpose. I simply wish to unify the packs not take children from their homes. When I say a child is wanted I mean to wed when they are of age. They will live a full life and potentially stay in their birth pack depending on the child's wishes.”

Of course traditionally it was the male's pack that would become the final destination, but that did not mean there were no exceptions. “If he is so upset then perhaps a larger discussion may be had so we are all on the same page. I will not waste my breath if I must simply repeat myself later due to misunderstandings. If his decision is no, then so be it, but it sounds as if his understanding is far from the truth.”

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Had the roan woman sighed already? If not she would now and if she had then the pale empress would hear so again. This was sad honestly. Had she made such an impression of herself on her medic that he thought such things of her or was he too fearful to find out? No matter now, she would have to deal with it one way or another. “By all means whenever you are ready.”

She had no reason to hold this off and she would think neither did they. Ira shook her head as she stood once more, this time turning her back to Reiko to continue on her way. It was not really her she was frustrated with, but she wished to be alone to clear her mind. “Call when he is.” and with that, she would turn a bend disappearing out of sight so she may continue to strengthen their borders.

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