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❁

Sunlit kisses beamed against the surface of Izumi’s back and warmed the skin beneath her furs. Her long legs carried her westward within the swampy biome, egged on by pure curiosity and wanderlust. Things had definitely changed since she’d last been around these parts. For starters, Semya was no longer here — nor Raisa. The Empress wondered where the young matriarch could have gone, or if she simply took her group and traveled away. Yet she was gone for nearly two years — there was really no telling or assuming the fate of Rajani’s heirs. Perhaps her search will answer that question.

Or perhaps….it would lead her to a completely different discovery.

Yes, quite a few changes had made their way here in her absence, indeed — because if she recalled correctly, there was never a pack within the nestle of flowers she used to visit so often before. The Empress nearly had to stop herself from crossing thickly lined borders that hit her nostrils like a hammer. She came to a quick halt at the edge of the borders, just close enough to peek in within reach…

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Other members of Walosi are welcome, but please allow Nate to post first!

Ko-Ga was feeling helpful today — or at least benevolent enough to give Nate the heads up when a stranger came wandering by.

Walosi had no quarrel with curious outsiders, and though the borders were marked, preferred to greet strangers with a friendly face before a show of teeth. Nate wanted it to be a sanctuary. A place to find a purpose, settle down and build a life without having to spend all your days looking back over one shoulder.

He kenw enough of the world not to trust in everyone's good intentions. But he was choosing to believe, given the opportunity, folks would prefer to build something instead of destroy. And if not, they had waya like Samo and Chakliux to protect them.

With a short howl, Nate made his hello at a distance, both for the stranger and his tribemates. When he stepped out of the undergrowth a respectable distance away, his tail was raised in a wag to match the amiable grin on his face. Afternoon, Miss. Nate Ronan, at your service. He inclined his head. Welcome to Walosi.

 Sheauga had been gathering herbs when the familiar call drifted overhead, which had her own blue jay chittering, her ears turning toward the crow then toward the border. There was no urgency in either bird or chief, only invitation. So she left the little patch of plants where they grew and made her way through the trees at an easy trot.

By the time she emerged from the undergrowth, Nate had already introduced himself. And she came to stand comfortably beside him, leaving the visitor plenty of space. Her posture was relaxed, tail swaying gently behind her; violet eyes settling on the unfamiliar woman with quiet curiosity. Osiyo, she greeted warmly, I'm Sheauga She noticed how the traveler had stopped at the border instead of crossing it. A small kindness, one that spoke well of someone before a word had been exchanged.

You've found Walosi on a beautiful day, she mused, Nokomis settling on her back as her gaze drifted briefly over the wildflowers surrounding them before returning to the stranger.