As I jogged towards her, I noted her stance, how she did not relinquish the posture of her tail nor show any sign of submission. This did not bother me; as I slowed to a walk, approaching her with my own banner lifted dominantly, I was able to taste her scent on the air. Iromar through and through. I had greeted her simply enough, cutting to the chase. It was clear that she was here on some sort of business for her homeland, though I was mildly curious what that might be. For as long as I could remember, and long before that, the mountain wolves had been aligned with the family of angels that called Diveen home. And for as long as I could remember, Iromar and Diveen had been sworn enemies. But all of that was beside the point. If there was a way to ensure some level of safety for my pack by exchanging with Iromar, then it would be done. But this was all speculation at the moment, as I stood firmly upon the border and inquired as to what this female of the moorland had come to my borders for.

Her relaxed stance did not necessarily put me at ease in the way of what business she might bear, but I was not suspicious of her. I had not met many wolves of Iromar myself, and though their reputation tended to precede them, I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, it was not as if she paced my border, slavering and snarling. The mental image of Natu’s impression of a Iromarian wolf was still fresh in my mind, and the mere thought lightened my mood. The beginnings of a smile edged at my features, followed closely by the representative of the swamp land’s greeting.

So Andras had sent her forth to speak of alliances. Belated though it was, I would hear her out. Any association with Iromar had to be treated delicately, as I had already sworn my pack’s allegiance to three of the other five packs other than my own. To be the cornerstone of Moladion, an alpha who had found common ground with every other leader in the land, would be a most defining moment for Spirane. Ties were in the works of being formed between Spirane and the newest pack, Asteraia. But this, a relationship with Iromar, would be the most fragile of all. I did not wish to jeopardize the long standing relationships between Spirane and our sister packs. But I also would not tiptoe around like some prissy prat. This was my home, and I would do what was best for my family.

The news of Lillith’s death came as a slight surprise, though my mask did not so much as flinch at the notion. Some part of me knew wondered what Natu would think of such news, if my Spider had not already ascertained such dramas from the rogue wolves of the land. She had a way of learning things before they could be whispered across the lands. I knew of the transgressions Lillith had made against Natu, and part of me thought that perhaps in her passing it might actually be easier for me to form some sort of connection between our packs.

“I am sorry for your loss. Aithne,” I began, my alto voice laced with a quiet strength. “There has been no wolf of Iromar here, not since spring when a young female visited with us.” I had scented the girl upon the borders, mingling with that of Natu. After all that my Spider had been through, I trusted her judgment on escorting the girl into our lands, and back out again. “As to the more…pressing issues. You are right in that Spirane is aligned with much of Moladion. Our strongest and oldest bond lies with Diveen. I am sure you can understand the implications that presents.” Deep mahogany eyes scrutinized those of emerald for a moment before I continued. “Even so, a friendship between our packs would be desirable. I would propose a treaty of sorts, agreeable to those statutes you have already laid forth. Training between our packs would be most beneficial, especially at such close quarters which we lie. But it must be known that with this treaty comes no vow of protection, nor would we expect such from Iromar.” I paused, waiting then for her reaction. I would not solidify the agreement until both parties were happy. Though I held my pack’s interest above all else, I would not blatantly disregard the desires of a pack with which I was trying to form some level of a coalition. I fell into silence then, waiting for her reaction, perhaps her counter offer, or for her to desecrate the thing entirely. The ball was in her court.