Voices drifted through the trees, muffled by leaves and distance until they barely resembled conversation — just a quiet murmur like running water. She slowed her ears perking toward the sound while the path beneath her paws opened gradually into sunlight.

Nokomis did not share her reverence and the blue jay zipped past Sheauga's shoulder in a streak of color, landed sideways upon a branch and immediately announced their arrival to everyone within ear shot rattling the air with her sharp cry. Nokomis... Sheauga muttered as she flinched but the jay cocked her head unbothered and Sheauga couldn't help but laugh.

Tamaska walked beside her, and she found herself oddly aware of her presence as they neared the gathering and as the trail narrowed, her shoulder brushed Tamaska's and she made no effort to pull away from her.

The glade opened ahead, and Sheauga paused at the edge for a moment. There was something beautiful about what she saw, so many lives choosing deliberately to become something shared and her expression softened in kind. Feels different when everyone's together, she mused, perhaps to Tamaska and perhaps only to herself.

She listened closely as Nate spoke of Walosi, the Council, and finding an Eagle Chief. The mention of the Lanzadoii caught her attention; especially their question about healers. So when Nate opened the floor Sheauga stayed quiet for a moment the concerns of others grating on her heart. I think strangers are easier to fear when they're only strangers, she offered. If their herd brings them here then they're following something their lives depend on, we understand that

She would pause briefly in thought, We should be prepared but that doesn't mean expecting the worst. We should decide where they can camp, and what we're willing to trade

Sheauga's gaze flicked briefly toward Tamaska before returning to Nate. If the Lanzadoii do come, I'd like to meet them Nokomis instantly squawked in protest and Sheauga sighed, smiling softly. Nokomis would also like it noted that she trusts none of them, she added purple eyes flickering with amusement