She follows the fat wolf, as instructed by the Spirit's harsh stare and Dragon's lofty speech. The others split to investigate their new possible alliance, and although Vesper's eyes are ever-watchful, her mind is elsewhere. Is the Red Dragon also divine? How does their Father and Sun fair against unknown enemies? It is her responsibility to secure borders, even as they expand.

Her daydream is broken only by Orcrist's words, although the meaning escapes her. "Pardon?" she requests. What a fine Sentinel the cat would make.

I will seek out the Rosa upon their return, I will learn their fates and come for you here

His words, his promise, it echoed in his mind while he strode through the Valley with a determined purpose. He swore to his beloved that he would learn the fate of their three sons that had followed the Rosa into war, that risked their lives for the grace of the Rosa and their righteous crusade against the Red Dragon and it's evils. He would have spoken to Foetida but he knew in his heart that she'd have been gentle with him, maybe even made up something to pardon his fears. She favored him so much it would not have been the truth he sought.

There was Gigantea but he had issues going to the White Goddess he'd watched grow from puppyhood to adulthood. He'd went to the Rosa, a child at the time, to gain her blessing for the love he shared with Sphinx and the union they both sought. That had been far more difficult than anything he'd ever done, throwing yourself at the mercy of a child to understand your feelings and sanction them. He'd been granted his wish though and for that he'd be forever grateful but he couldn't stomach asking her another favor, even if it was only for information. He also knew the majority of White followers embellished the truth to fit their needs, he was no fool.

That left only one option.

He'd met Her a few times, in passing or important events that required the Rosa and their Seour but never had he sought for an audience. Red was the glue that kept White and Yellow from tearing apart. She was truth and honesty in as much as Foetida was ferocity and power. He'd have to trust Chinensis, it would be easier than with Gigantea but it would never be like with his Foetida. He prayed to her, that this Rose would grant him the mercy of honest truth, no matter what that meant. 

"I am here to request a word with Chinensis, if she would have the time to spare for me." There were guards, apparently the Red Rose had taken a hit, the details were not clear but Achilles knew that could mean as little as a scratch she didn't want the people to see or as big as a terrible scar from some sick heathen. He sat down, obviously not going anywhere until the message was delivered by whoever this protector was. "I can wait until her convenience." He whispered a quiet prayer, for Chinensis and then his mate.

The smell of autumn was everywhere. In the air, in the meat, even in the company that Karma kept around her at times. The cool, relaxing smell that screamed change was filling the valley and the young slave was finding it all but amusing. It was the bringer of cool weather and cold did not fair well for the young beauty. As all she wanted to do on those cold nights were to snuggle up with a warm body and wish away the cold that was outside andmaking it hard to thrive.

Thankfully though, it seemed that the Valley didn't get to cold. At least, it wasn't that cold yet. A small sigh escaped from the dark colored female as she looked up towards the sky from her position. Back legs hugged to her body, her front ones folded in to keep the pads that weren't covered by fur warm. Just because it was still a bit warm, did not meant that the young lady was enjoying the change in tempature.

"At least it's not freezing out and snowing." She mumbled to herself as she looked at the sky for a moment more before she looked away from the coudy sky and back towards the water that was in front of her. A small yawn escaped from the young female as she closed her eyes as the yawn took over her body. Then, started to open then again as she came out of her yawn. 

Then, her eyes widened and she jumped as she realized that there was someone else across the water from her. Karma hasn't even heard anyone approaching her, but she was quick to hide her surprise with a mischievous grin at the newcomer. "Well hi there." She greeted them, her head tilting to the side as she blinked at them innocently. "Don't you know that it's rude to sneak up on a little lady like me?"

  "Dad?" Miasma questions, stalking tentatively after the timbre wolf. She curled up not far from where he spent the night, just barely close enough to feel his heat, but not enough their fur might brush and he realize her presence in his sleep. "Where are you going?" Do you really want to know? YES.

  She stops for a moment, one paw raised. Ready to follow, ready to run. Big, pretty eyes, nothing like her parents. Deceivingly innocent. "Can I come with you?"

  She waits, patiently, in view of the family den, watching the children that have not yet evacuated mill about. Waits for Sarissa, with her ears drooped in consternation, thick tail swishing at odd intervals, worry on her features. She hopes she likes it.

  Miasma immediately jumps to her feet upon seeing Sarissa, sprints over, overshoots and claws her stop ungracefully. "Sarissa!" She bounces, rears up playfully, but doesn't dare touch the pretty princess. "Sarissa, I made something for you! Come on, come see!" Just as quickly she returns to where she had sat, looks down at the bracelet where she's left it just behind the trunk of a tree, then positions herself between it and its recipient. "Close your eyes!" Frantically, she says, something she hasn't thought out very well. "Please?"

  She brings the item over in her mouth, gently for the fragile skull between her teeth, and sets it down, with a glance to ensure red eyes aren't spoiling the surprise. "Hold out your paw." Taking the preferred appendage (or choosing one at random) she sets the bracelet on it, reaches underneath with her mouth and paw to tie it on. "No peeking!" Miasma mutters through the sinew in her mouth. Once secured, she steps back, adjusts the mouse skull so it sits centered, snug but not tight, and licks her nose, concerned. "Okay. Open your eyes."

  Miasma bites down on her tongue, watching with concern for how Sarissa reacts. Her ears fold back, prepared for berating when she asks tentatively, "... Do you like it?"

  Fragile life, clasped in strong teeth. Life blood dripping to the dirt, sprouting saplings from scorched soil. Carefully, she pulls the squirrel open, saves the meat for later, leaves digestive organs to feed the plants. She needs the tendons, still warm and pliable, to bind her creation.

  The owl pellets peeled open, compacted fur discarded, matted feathers left in shreds to dig out the bones. A rat's skull, with long yellowed teeth, makeshift, ichorous twine threaded through empty eye sockets, knots that hold vertebrae beads in increments along the length. Even the extent of squirrel's tendon is not enough for a necklace (which she'd like to be leather anyway) but if she ties a bow with the remaining length at the back of Sarissa's wrist, just above her four toes, but below the vestigial fifth, it may just fit.

  Her tail swishes across the ground, eager for how Sarissa will respond to this gift. It's small, amateur and easily overlooked, but it's bone, and they seem to like that in Alteron. Miasma displays even more excitement upon seeing she's not alone. "Hiya! I'm making a friendship bracelet for Sarissa." So trusting, so naive. A daughter of the Valley that somehow avoided its horrors.

  Maybe she just took them on in a different way. "Do you want one?"

Decided since we moved that I need a Jovian check-in thread. Jovians have a month from today to reply. Anyone seeking to join the rank is also welcome to post. Deadline: Christmas Eve