Lykaon would no and l3ave to gether the last of his furs.

---

time skippity

the hunter returned with a small smile. On more furs on his back. Meat in his maw. He dropped it at his paws.

I put some in a cache near the borders

[th-thank you, lykaon. leading the man through camhanaich, lestan pointed out the blueberry winding and the roseweave, and two of the wards. here we l-leave offerings and h-hold ritual, he explained. it is not r-required, but -- i th-think you will feel the power of the rise at these places. in time, he came to the rings of flower and called for Kirain, announcing to his mate that a trader had come to join the druids, and that he brought already fine things for their home.]

th-thank you, lykaon. leading the man through camhanaich, lestan pointed out the blueberry winding and the roseweave, and two of the wards. here we l-leave offerings and h-hold ritual, he explained. it is not r-required, but -- i th-think you will feel the power of the rise at these places.
in time, he came to the rings of flower and called for Kirain, announcing to his mate that a trader had come to join the druids, and that he brought already fine things for their home.

Gray-tipped ears perked at the call of her husband. A newcomer? Silver eyes lit with interest as she turned toward the flower rings, loping along at a steady pace.

Ahead, the love of her life came into view, and she flashed him a brilliant grin. Beside him stood a stranger.

Drawing up alongside Lestan, she let out a friendly chuff, her tail wagging behind her. Hello! Welcome to Camhanaich! I am Kirain Mayfair. How may I be of service? Are you in need?

The stranger appeared well, no obvious signs of injury or impairment, but it would be careless to assume.

Lykaon bookmarked the places pointed out for future visits in his mind's eye. He was not perhaps a spiritual man in the normal sense. But he would respect Lestan's beliefs and would add his own offerings to what the smaller man did. It only seemed fair.

Lykaon shifted to drop the bundles to the ground. Laid the meat there too. And dipped his head when the she wolf came into view. A shake of his head.

I am not in need of much more than a rest. I'm Lykaon Ardeth. Trader and Hunter. He dipped his muzzle again. Pleasure to meet you

[kirain! how well she looked always; how she gleamed like a snowdrop. he wondered if lykaon saw the same shimmer in her as his mate approached. in love he watched as she greeted the impressive man, nodding at the meat and the furs the man had fetched. he already brings th-things to trade, grinned the mayfair. camhanaich could benefit. kirain made alliances, and a man who understood how to interact with others might well be one for her party. that was, if lykaon wished to travel again. he did not believe his mate would want that so soon.]

kirain! how well she looked always; how she gleamed like a snowdrop. he wondered if lykaon saw the same shimmer in her as his mate approached. in love he watched as she greeted the impressive man, nodding at the meat and the furs the man had fetched. he already brings th-things to trade, grinned the mayfair. camhanaich could benefit.
kirain made alliances, and a man who understood how to interact with others might well be one for her party.
that was, if lykaon wished to travel again. he did not believe his mate would want that so soon.

A trader and hunter?

Silver eyes lit up with clear delight as she took in his wares. A healthy variety of pelts and fresh meat, both incredibly welcome sights after the hell that had been the recent winter. Their stores had certainly been strained with the presence of the Satriyans and the many new faces she had managed to bring into the fold. Another set of capable teeth and paws was more than appreciated.

Nodding along with her husband, Kirain grinned warmly.

Indeed Camhanaich would. Her tail swayed gently behind her. Do you intend to stay then? Shall we locate you a den? Spirits know we have plenty available.

A soft laugh escaped her at that.

He nodded. He was glad he could offer trading and hunting. It seemed the world had not been kind to this place anywhere. And he wondered briefly why.

I do if it's not too much trouble. I can contribute with what you need. And I don't mind making new trade routes with othe rpacks either.

He blinked surprised and then relief entering his very bones. I would love to find a den very much. Thank you.

The hunter felt himself ease into a more relaxed stance. Not realizing how tense he had been.

[it was all very easy. lestan enjoyed watching kirain's multivaried expressions, and waved his tail when the invitation to stay was given and accepted. we prize comfort, said the witch, gesturing that he would help lykaon gather and carry these things wherever he chose. i w-would enjoy help devising a route, th-thank you. so much to be done! the r-rise is guarded by very old magicks. inside, four Wards f-form a barrier between our land and the energies beyond. his eyes strayed with wonder toward his mate, for lestan never tired of this telling. wh-when you are settled, bring a gift of flowers or herbs or -- something special, to one of the Wards. it is how we are known.]

it was all very easy. lestan enjoyed watching kirain's multivaried expressions, and waved his tail when the invitation to stay was given and accepted. we prize comfort, said the witch, gesturing that he would help lykaon gather and carry these things wherever he chose. i w-would enjoy help devising a route, th-thank you.
so much to be done!
the r-rise is guarded by very old magicks. inside, four Wards f-form a barrier between our land and the energies beyond. his eyes strayed with wonder toward his mate, for lestan never tired of this telling.
wh-when you are settled, bring a gift of flowers or herbs or -- something special, to one of the Wards. it is how we are known.

The idea of her husband having something meaningful to dedicate himself to, something like helping establish trade routes, made warmth bloom softly within Kirain’s chest.

That would be wonderful, Lykaon. Her smile brightened warmly. We can discuss it further another time. For now, let’s focus on getting you settled in, hm?

As she spoke, the little druid gathered some of the smaller furs, carefully balancing them across her back before turning toward the Goldenwood and the waiting dens nestled within.

Keeping an easy pace beside him, she nodded along to her husband’s suggestions before adding gently,

The spirits would be most pleased by an offering. In fact, I should make one of my own soon. Her silver eyes flicked toward Lykaon with quiet enthusiasm. Perhaps we could go together. I could show you how we honor the wards.