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Winter had fully begun to set in, as the former autumn chill had given way for the type of cold that chills you right to the bone. This was how Huā felt that morning on her usual stroll- it was always important to keep the border markers fresh, but she half-considered going back to the warmth and comfort of her den to get away from the freezing air. No, maybe someday she could have such luxuries to truly be treated as an empress, one who could longue around while others did the work- but they were a small group, and every wolf counted. Huā knew her responsibilities were just as important as everyone else, so she pushed forward in spite of the weather.

Somewhere along her way she caught the scent of Pasithea, one of the former Cirein ladies- and the scent of a fresh deer blood? She was perplexed, considering that the stormy-furred woman did not seem to be the type who could bring down an adult ungulate on her own. It would be quite impressive if she had done so, and for a moment Huā felt guilty, wondering if she had misjudged her with such assumptions based on her size.

Nevertheless, she followed the trail, wanting to ensure everything was alright.

It lead her to a clearing with a single tall evergreen tree, and before it Pasithea stood, blood splattered around her maw and an animal's pelt draped over her shoulders. Huā's seaglass gaze flickered to the corpse beside her, well-eaten and still looking fresh despite the snow beneath their feet. It was clear the thing had not starved, nor frozen to death, and so Huā looked to Pasithea with awe. Did you kill this one all by yourself? She exclaimed, unable to hide the excitement in her voice. You must be an amazing hunter, She breathed as she padded closer.

It was then she noticed something else in the fronds of the thick tree, squinting as she recognized the object's presence. Hey, what is... Huā approached the tree, reaching into the foliage with her muzzle and yanking out... a rolled-up seal skin. It was a pale grey, with darker grey spots, smooth and soft to the touch. As she set it down, it unraveled from its rolled-up shape to reveal a huge, fresh lobster, along with a plethora of smaller seafish and oysters.

搞什么鬼? (What the hell?) She breathed out in disbelief, shaking her head slightly. She looked back to Pasithea, Where did all this stuff come from? She almost mentioned the gods, but held her tongue, unsure of Pasithea's beliefs. But what else could create something so strange? Huā had to think it was the blessings of the sea and moon, smiling upon the beginnings of their little oceanside empire.