It was strange to see that the purple clouds and begun to dissipate, floating very thinly against the powder blue sky. N​ó​ttin had been exploring the lands just beyond the vale's borders, making sure to wake in the early morning hours so that he could get a glimpse of the sunrise. With Autumn now creeping on in, it was time to think about long term planning for the coming Winter. Food stores needed to be replenished and their healers needed to be focused on stocking up their herbs and other things necessary for their work. And now that they were getting a bit of a break from the plague, it was the perfect time to venture out just slightly from his home.

But due to what happened the last time he was out here alone, the Pillar of Courage kept his wits about him while looking for the elk and deer herds. No bear would catch him off guard this year, no sir. N​ó​ttin kept on trekking through the thinly patched up fields, grass barely hanging on as it slowly began to whither. The scent of elk was drawing him in, nose and eyes keen on the game trails that his pack had used so many times. They were close, but still distant enough that he wouldn't spook them.

On the way, he would mark a trail with his scent so that the others could follow him in they so wished. Howling at this point might be dangerous, lighting an unnecessary beacon to his location for any problems that might seek him out. Blue eyes kept a good watch over his own hide, all the while keeping pace with the herds. Finally he had spotted them from a distance, a steady gaze watching as they dispersed and he could get a good look at their individual conditions. Not too bad so far, from the look of things. A promising start for sure.

[she doesn't know that the world is turning just for her]

skill: [none]

---

Like Nottin, Euphemia had been finding pleasure in the small respite of the land outside the vale. Somehow, things had felt less tense in recent days, and Euphemia appreciated a little less doom n’ gloom in her life, thank you very much. It had sparked a curiosity in her that simply could not be quenched by the contents of the vale alone. She knew every nook and cranny of the mountains, which she took no small degree of comfort in, but there was a wild call that emanated from just beyond.

She couldn’t say what it was; only that it was something she hadn’t discovered yet.

On one such jaunt, Euphemia found the winter herds, entirely by accident. The numbers had begun to swell, she noticed, as they were preparing to migrate. Or had they just ended their migration? In truth, Euphemia hadn’t an earthly clue (which was a fresh new experience for one so accustomed to knowing everything), but she liked the way their brown bodies moved together as an undulating stream. It was easy to watch, and far more interesting than watching a stream itself.

It was no surprise to her that Nottin had found them first. That’s why he was the pillar of courage and not she. Either way, Euphemia had learned that the distinction had only set them apart in title, alone. They both were a part of Dawnbreak. They both provided for their pack. They both loved Dalmatia. In truth, not much had changed from that experience, except for the way Euphemia thought of herself.

The maiden came up alongside him, giving him a silent nod of greeting, and then spoke in a hushed whisper. Our new neighbor, Saatsine, they call themselves elk hunters, or... caribou hunters... i think, she informed him, certain he already knew. How do we know which is theirs, and which is ours? Euphemia supposed this knowledge was inherent in being a hunter, as everyone hungered, and those who were hungry were prone to taking more than their fair share.

She supposed a nation would need to be very generous indeed if it were to prioritize another’s needs over its own.

---

It was a big surprise to learn of who had followed him. An ear flicked as Euphemia joined him at his side, her gaze of sunset gold meeting the distant elk herds that collected in the fields. Her voice was barely a whisper as she spoke to him. Yes, I have heard news of them a little further north of us. I have been meaning to seek them out myself to speak with them. He glanced at her for a moment, then looked back to the herds.

So long as we don't hunt on their lands, it should be bine. Elk do not belong to anyone nation. Food is meant for all, and to only take what you need. Wouldn't you agree? Such is the balance of this world. N​ó​ttin had begun to really understand how things worked in the world, slowly gaining wisdom and confidence the more he experienced. And maybe, just maybe, he could put it all to good use.

Care to go on a hunt with me? Depending on if anyone is suitable, it would make a good meal for the pack, at least for a little while. It's important to gather up food stores for the winter while we still can. He wasn't sure of her hunting skills, but would be willing to teach and guide her if need be. Also if she wanted, to show off what she was made of, without the pressure of him possibly telling her what to do. Better to give her the spot light, to respect her and get to know her. Hopefully that would make her happy and bring them closer together as family.

[she doesn't know that the world is turning just for her]

skill: [none]

---

Elk do not belong to any one nation.

He seemed so certain – but these times were dire. Euphemia had read the history books, knew of wars and their causes and their widespread aftermath. She knew why packs existed, and it was solely because they were stronger together than they were separate. Somehow, such generosity did not extend from pack to pack, although Euphemia of Dawnbreak had seemed to forge quite a friendship with Iglux of Saatsine. If in the dredges of winter, at the worst depths of the plagued, when the lands were poisoned and the prey did not number plentiful,

She doubted the two packs would share.

Nottin asked if she agreed, and Euphemia weighed the question carefully in the balance scale of her heart, and spoke the answer in her mind a few times before uttering it aloud. I agree, but… she breathed, whispering her every word, lest she alert the herb of ungulates of their position. She thought of the hunt that she and Iglux had proposed; the two packs coming together as one. The fallen prey, a gift from Saatsine.

Do they agree?

One could not give something as a gift, if they did not already consider it theirs.

Though it made her heart skip, she nodded and silently agreed to his offer of a hunt. She was nervous for all of the roiling emotions their conversation was bringing up, but she was also a bit worried of the physical exertions to come. Though Euphemia had tried, she had never killed something as big as a caribou. She was better suited for birds and smaller game, but who was she to deny her duties when the Pillar of Courage called her to task?

Euphemia turned her pale visage to the herbs, glancing through the sprigs of underbrush, attempting to find the specimen who must endure her hunting lessons by sacrificing its own corporeal body.

---

There was hesitation in Euphemia's words, not to mention in her body language. Was this other pack so dangerous that even hunting elk was seen as a possible threat to them? It was a preposterous idea to the Pillar, who made a quick mental note to seek out these wolves when the perfect moment arose.

Do they believe the elk and caribou herds are theirs alone? If so, that is wrong. It is not a problem to hunt a particular type of animal if that is your culture and upbringing. But to keep all others from hunting when it is not on their hunting grounds, is borderline controlling and dictatorship.

N​ó​ttin made a slight frown, a sigh escaping his lips. But it if would make you feel better about the situation, I can go to Saatsine to clear things up. To find out if we can possibly join in hunting trips and share the spoils. I am not opposed to such a thing. What do you think Euphemia? Blue eyes looked to her hesitant gaze, awaiting her very valued opinion. She was his future sister in law after all. Respect needed to be given.