Chilly Meeting (Sveta and Yuaei)

It was a rare warm-ish day among the frigid days of winter in the mountainous Highvalley, and Yuaei planned to take advantage and play outside. She had recently found an affinity to ice. She loved going to the frozen river and scrape away the snow, seeing the dark water rush beneath the crystal clouded frozen water. And then she would run and lean back on her back legs and let herself slide across the surface. It was a lot of fun! And it wasn’t too far from the den so she felt safe knowing her family was nearby. Her mother would always scold her for playing out there when she was nearby but Yuaei could not see the danger, and besides, the Gods would protect her as they always did, she was sure, especially because yesterday she had spent the whole day finding places she could pray, and finding tokens for the Gods, even made Prayer Sticks for both her mother and her brother.

She especially liked today because the sun shone down on the ice and made it shine, and kept her warmer. As she listened to the gentle babble of the water beneath and slid across the ice surface, giggling as the world rushed by around her, the last thing she expected was for the surface to crack beneath her. She let out a gasp, her blue eyes flying open, as she scrambled to back up but the ice fell away beneath her and soon she was plunged into freezing water. It took her breath away, so much that she couldn’t even scream as she scrabbled frantically at the edge of the ice, but the section she had slid to had thin ice and it kept breaking under her paws. The river was slow moving, but that current was relentless and threatened to suck her beneath the sheet of ice. She struggled to keep her head up, to keep her paws on the solid ice even as it broke apart, her breath in frantic squeaking gasps. Yuaei had never feared for her life before, her Gods protected her. But right now she was too afraid to remember anything, even her religion. It was a horrible, sickening feeling of being alone and isolated and helpless as the energy was drained from her and the ice seemed to mock her with each time it broke and it didn’t look like anyone would be coming to her rescue. Finally she remembered, No! No, my father is a GOD! He will NEVER let me die this way! She was frantic, though, as her mind repeated this over and over. She gained her voice and wailed the first name she could think of, “M-Mohawk!!” If she was thinking rationally she would know that her brother would have no power to save her, but her little brother was her watchdog and her best friend so her mind always went to him first.

---

An icy wind blew heavily through the territory, but didn't dare bite through Sveta's thick coat. Being birthed in these mountains certainly had it's benefits, never being bothered by the blistering cold one of them. Highvalley's glorious territory rolled around her, high peaks and soft snow under-paw. A truly perfect land.

The charcoal princess made it her personal business to trek through these lands, informing her curious pack-mates that she had important tasks to tend too. She didn't bother admitting that she wished to escape their stares. Sveta knew she was unpopular among the pack, having brought that upon herself. But the opinions and scorns of the low-bloods never reached her ears. She had numbed such things long ago. The only inputs that mattered were those from her family and fellow Highborns, and they all seemed to like her well enough. The peasants can gossip all they like she thought sharply, embracing the chilling wind and allowing it to clear her mind.

Her moment of zen was broken when a sharp cry pierced the crystal air. Sveta felt the fur on her neck bristle at the sound, for it unmistakably belonged to a pup. The Meister's thoughts instantly drifted to her younger sister, Nike and a pang of fear gripped her chest. Without a sound, the dark she-wolf powered forwards, her lithe frame eating up the ground as she headed for the distressed youngster. Perching delicately atop a small slope, she narrowed her eyes and surveyed the land below. Her gaze came to rest on a river, it's surface icy in all places but one. The pup seemed to have broken through the hard force-field, and was floundering in the water's icy depths, panic obvious in the struggles. Sveta couldn't tell who the pup was, but hesitated no longer, well aware of the dangers a frozen river brought. An adult was lucky to survive more than a few minutes, and a pup? All she knew was the sooner the youngster was out the better; formalities could be dealt with later.

The snow hardened as she reached the bottom of the hill, and Sveta slowed her pace, padding carefully towards the tiny wolf. The pup cried and splashed, and as she neared, the princess recognised her as one of the newcomers. Tilika's daughter, if she remembered correctly. Relief stabbed her heart, at least Nike was safe. "Relax" she snapped as she approached, placing her paws down as gently as possible, feeling the unsteady ground beneath. The more the youngster struggled, the deeper the danger. Panic was the quickest way to drown, and shock combined with the icy water would stiffen the muscles. Digging her hind-paws into the bank, Sveta waited until she was certain her grip was good, before stretching out towards the cream she-wolf. Thankfully the pup hadn't drifted too far into the river, and was close enough for Sveta to grasp her scruff in her jaws. Straining, the princess heaved the tiny she-wolf from the river's grip, and padded backwards, placing her gently on steady ground and shaking droplets from her muzzle. From the scratch marks in the surrounding snow, and paw prints littered around them, Sveta guessed that the pup had sort some sort of entertainment from the water's semi-frozen surface. Had her mother taught her nothing of the dangers? "That was foolish" she scorned, glancing down with sharp eyes.

---

The fear was gone from Yuaei as she saw the approach of a dark she-wolf. Yes! I KNEW the Gods would protect me! Despite the pain that gripped her, she felt nothing but relief far before Sveta reached her. Still, she knew she had to keep her head above the water to be ready for her rescuer, so she scrambled to keep herself from floating.

Sveta grabbed her scruff and pulled her out, placing her on the snow. Yuaei was shivering violently, but her blue eyes stared gratefully up at her rescuer, full of admiration. A messenger from my father come to save me. And she is the Princess! Yuaei recognized her at once. ’That was foolish,’ Yuaei felt her heart sink. Has she embarrassed herself in front of the Princess? Resentment was what hit her first, the Princess must not be aware of who she was. And how it was nonsensical for her to die. ‘It wasn’t foolish… I knew you would come.’ But Yuaei had been practicing hard how to hide her inner thoughts, so she kept a smile on her face, despite her thoughts, and despite the shivers. After all this was the Princess! And the wolf the Gods had sent to save her. She couldn’t be more thrilled, in all honesty, that Sveta was the one who crossed fates with her. This was a big moment she was sure. “T-thank you, P-princess Svet-t-ta,” Yuaei said. She hoped that Sveta had a plan now… she was freezing out here!

---

Sveta said nothing as the pup shivered a response. She twisted her head and glanced over the slopes. The den was not far from here, but unfortunately Yueai's mother had not been in camp when the Princess had left. She gathered the former nomad had taken some private time, assured her daughter would obey her rules to remain put. Sighing, she averted her turquoise gaze back down to the half-drowned youngster. The little's female's fur was plastered to her form, the icy air already hardening in odd elongated shapes. She may have been free from the river's teeth, but freezing to death was a consequence that still prowled close. Frowning, she recalled Fia's teachings...if you fell through the ice, you mustn't warm the body too quickly. That would do more harm than good. The most important thing was to get off the snow, and onto solid ground, and simply use the heat of other's.

Sveta knew she would need to carry the pup back to the den, but the slope in which she had descended down was too steep to re-climb, let alone with cargo. She would need to take a longer route around until the ground flattened out, and by that stage the cold would have reached the pup's bones. Rodwen had ordered the Havirian's be treated with respect, their blood untainted thanks to their Alpha's bondage. Sveta spoke none as she scrapped at the snow. Thankfully the recent snowfall hadn't been thick, and her sharp claws quickly brushed against earth. Pushing aside the white, she revealed a large enough patch for them both to rest. "Here" The princess ordered, sitting gracefully on the soft soil, patting the ground beside her with a single stroke of her tail. "Get's your paws off the snow."

---

Yuaei’s blue eyes followed Sveta’s movements as she looked around, searching for a plan. The little she-wolf was silent as she waited, trying to figure what Sveta was thinking. She wanted to be just as smart as her someday! Yuaei didn’t really know how smart Sveta was, but she could only assume she was a genius, a wolf that all should aspire to be, the picture of perfection. That is what a Princess should be. Though Yuaei had to admit she pictured Sveta would be more… warm. That made her thoughtful… she noted how Sveta made her feel, and she committed it to memory. She was already certain she and Sveta would get along swimmingly (clearly, given the circumstances of their meeting!), but it would help her… as she interacted with others… to think about how one can give off a certain impression. And what impression she wanted to give others she met.

Finally the dark Princess pushed aside some snow and beckoned her. Yuaei eagerly bounced forward, sitting on the ground with no regards to Sveta’s personal space as she settled in close enough that they fur touched. She was so warm! The shivering little she-wolf huddled closer to the dark fur despite knowing it might not exactly be polite. She paused before looking up at Sveta. Sveta had yet to call her anything. Yuaei was sure that she knew who she was, but with that scalding gaze on her she felt the urge to say it anyway. “I’m a Princess too,” she said between shivers, looking up at Sveta with a shy smile. Her voice had some poorly hidden pride in it, as always, but it was clear from her small and admiring tone that it wasn’t at all an effort to assert she was on Sveta’s level. Yuaei just wanted to express something they had in common, a similar ground that Yuaei could take pride in, and she hoped it would reinforce the sensibility of their association.

---

A chilly wind blew down from the mountain's, swirling around the pair in pretty flurries. She watched the small flakes drift past her nose, their delicate shapes admirably beautiful. She jerked back into reality as the cream pup followed her orders, stepping onto the earth. But the touch against her side was surprisingly jarring...no-one usually dared get close enough for such a gesture. She found it took a lot not to pull away, muscles tense beneath her silky fur. But the little pup's body was chilled, icy against her own. Twas the only option. Her chattered comment sparked the princesses attention, and she focused her eyes on the youngster once more. She frowned in thought, recalling her brother's explanation of the events. He said the mother had claimed to be mate to Havir's Alpha, which in Highvallian meant they were of noble blood. Yuaei and her brother were children of their union, hence the young pup's claim. But despite her fortunate birth, no pack could ever compare to Highvalley's purity. She averted her gaze once more, focusing on the little she-wolf's shivering, attentively waiting for it to cease. "Of a sort, yes." she commented quietly. The princess was not fond of small talk, but her curiosity was seeping through. Highvalley and Havir had little affiliation, only the words on the breeze and whispers of past interactions. But Rodwen talked of their culture frequently when Sveta and her siblings were children, the respect clear in his teachings. The charcoal royal had grown up to admire the once proud pack, and to have Havirian's walking among them was truly fascinating.

The Havirian alphess Tilika, if she recalled correctly, was a perspicacious Lady that held herself with dignity. Sveta was just surprised her daughter had been as foolhardy as she was. One would think a princess would be raised with more sense. "But I hope your mother didn't teach you behaviour like that." she commented, flicking a tufted ear. "A princess should know better."

---

Of a sort? The pup looked up at Sveta, confused. What did that mean? Well, she did say yes… She must mean a different sort than herself. The Havirian sort. That must be it. Yuaei flicked a white tipped ear at Sveta’s next comment. No, her mother didn’t teach her that behavior. Her mother taught her a good many things, all of which she obeyed when she was in the great she-wolf’s presence. But some of the lessons she consciously ‘forgot’ when no eyes were upon her. Because some lessons she didn’t understand really applied to her. After all, there were no true dangers. This land was hers. This world was hers. Hers and her brother’s and her mother's. Nothing would ever happen to her, or to them, not while her father was watching over them.

She closed her eyes, a knowing smile on her face, “I know enough,” she assured the Princess. It wasn’t true, but Yuaei truly believed it anyway. She knew of the Gods, which means she knew everything. “So you’ve never played on the ice, Princess?” she asked curiously. It really was fun! If the ice was thick enough anyway.

---

Sveta rolled her eyes with a sigh. This pup was naive, but at least she hadn't drowned. She pricked her tufted ears at the youngsters inquiry, and cast a quick glance down at her for a moment. Her eyes grew distant as memories flickered in her mind. Her brother's and Ava, slipping across the frozen river, squeals of excitement and laughter ringing through the air. She could still feel Fia's protective gaze warm the back of her neck as she rested her paws on the icy surface. A lump caught in her throat, and Sveta had to avert her gaze as grief glazed her eyes. She would not share her sadness here. "My siblings and I did." she finally responded.

"But never without parental supervision" the princess continued, raising a brow at the cream she-wolf. "And only after father tested the surface first. You realise how lucky you are don't you?" she added sternly. Despite the coolness in her tone, Sveta was genuinely thankful that she had been able to reach the pup in time. The charcoal female held Yuaei's mother in high regard, and wished to do well by her, and by her father's orders to treat Tilika's family with respect and loyalty. "If you hear water, never go out on the ice. What would your mother think if you had drowned?"  

---

Yuaei looked up at Sveta and paused, her smile fading for the first time. The Princess has a distant, almost sad look to her at the question… what did that mean? And then she went on to insist that Yuaei had done something bad. The pup still didn’t quite get what the big deal was. She didn’t drown, and she wasn’t lucky, she was never in any real danger anyway. Right? But Sveta wouldn’t let it go… and she began to feel guilty. It’s not that she would die… but if somehow she did then, well… that would be devastating for her whole family of course, she knew. And it wasn’t like Tilika shared her confidence either; she was often scolded for wandering off or being too bold, asked to stay here or there and not do things on her own. She never understood her mother’s concern. But Sveta seemed to share it... Was she really in danger? No way!… But… maybe… she should consider being more careful?

And as she considered it she realized that maybe because her mother wanted her to be more careful, her mother who she loved and respected more than any wolf in the world, that should be enough. And now Sveta too. Yuaei lowered her head with her ears flattening, not knowing anything else to say besides a quiet, “I’m sorry…” It wasn’t like Yuaei to ever admit she could be wrong, or she had made a mistake. But maybe this time she had.

---

I'm sorry... the little pups apology brought Sveta's gaze down once more. She gazed at the little female, and saw genuine remorse in her blue eyes. The princesses stone face softened at that point. She was still young, and had much to learn. But at least she had admitted to her flaws. "Good" she commented, voice more gentle than before. This pup had potential, but it needed to be harnessed properly. Deciding it best to drop the subject, the charcoal female added. "I trust you and your family are settling in well?" Sveta hadn't spoken formally to the family as of yet, only greeting them in passing. But the pale she-wolf, Tilika, seemed to be a genuine soul. Her soft features and kind eyes reminded her of Fia...a painful yet strangely comforting memory. Sveta secretly wished to know the Havirian better, but couldn't fish an excuse to visit.

But perhaps she could ensure they were comfortable through Yuaei? Of course, this optimistic youngster would hardly admit to any flaws in the new lifestyle...she seemed bent on speaking through a joyous heart. But it was certainly worth a shot.

---

Yuaei brightened right back to her usual confidence as Sveta accepted her apology. And she didn’t miss that her tone was a bit kinder now! And look, now she was making small talk! Surely this was the lead into their inevitable friendship! She looked up at the Princess with a happy, admiring smile. Sveta was so kind to ask about them! “We are!” Yuaei sometimes missed the endless adventures of life on the road. Every day had been a new home. And Tilika had worked tirelessly to ensure her babies wanted for nothing, and she had greatly succeeded, leaving Yuaei clueless to the tremendously hard work that had gone into the life she had once known.

But now in the pack they woke up in the same place every day, they never moved around. It was okay, though, since the territory was large and still new and exciting to her. It was too bad that she was almost never left alone, though. If she wasn’t with Tilika and Mohawk or Angus (all of whom were her preferred partners) she was with another Highvallian who was watching her. She had been lucky to slip away this time. But the good thing was that as long as someone was with her she could go almost anywhere without fear of getting in trouble, something that was better than being confined to a den (which was a rule of loner life that Yuaei mostly reluctantly followed, though with a few notable exceptions).

One thing Yuaei really liked was all the wolves here. Well, some of the wolves. Some of them she didn’t like. But others she did, and it was fascinating getting to interact with them and befriend them, and be in this situation where she conversed with the Princess herself! She still liked Mohawk, Tilika, and Angus best, though. “your pack is very hospitable,” she said, emphasizing proudly the new word she had recently picked up, “for the most part,” she added as a casual afterthought as she recalled their first encounter here… and Mohawk being forced to wed someone they didn’t know. Though as soon as the words left her mouth alarm gripped her. Oh no, that should NOT have been said. Yuaei had learned to hold her tongue during their acceptance into Highvalley. But old habits died hard. She looked up at Sveta apologetically, hoping that her implication of anything less than perfect treatment by Highvalley would not offend her.

---

A bright smile illuminated the little female's face, and she tipped her head upwards, eyes bright. It appeared all guilt had vanished. She hoped that her warning had not gone with it... "Your pack is very hospitable!" Sveta nodded quickly. Unsurprising. Havir was valued greatly, and when the news of it's demise had reached the Highvallians ears, a genuine grief fell over them all. Tilika and her children had been welcomed warmly, as expected from her father. The pup's final mutter didn't escape Sveta's ears, and she cast a sharp look downwards. But the apologetic look softened her face, and her eyes grew thoughtful. Vladimir had confided in her, as he always did, the day after the Havirian's had been accepted. He had his concerns, rightful concerns of course, stating that it was unwise to introduce stranger's into their home with no former information. Sveta had understood him, but also willed that he had held his tongue. Rodwen's sharp remarks would have been seen coming...their Father was not afraid of discipline, raising them with a firm paw and a watchful gaze. Amir had been out of line. He will get over it. she told herself, knowing her brother better than any.

"Do not look so despondent, I am aware of Gwyndolyn's actions at the border." she explained quietly, recalling Admi's explanations of the event. Memories of her friend diverted her gaze to the horizon once more. A chilly wind had began to cascade from the mountains...Sveta would take the pup back soon. "But she is of noble breeding, and has up-kept her task as a Keeper well. Twas simply a misunderstanding" the princess finished, flicking her dark tail quickly against Yuaei's side.

"I shall take you back to camp now." she stated decidedly after a moment's pause. The cream pup's fur had dried, but the warmth would not settle until she was protected from the wind chill. Twisting her head around, the princess recalled the alternate route, and got stiffly to her paws, realising how quickly ones muscles tightened in the mountainous regions. Reaching down, she grasped Yuaei's scruff in her jaws and hoisted her gently off the ground.

---

Yuaei listened to Sveta’s explanation for Gwyndolyn, a smile forced on her face to try and make it seem as if she was not really bothered by what had happened at all. That explains one slight, she thought to herself. Vladimir and Nike she both found as unpleasant also, even if she had never even met Nike yet. Though she supposed the endorsement of a Princess meant something in Gwyndolyn’s defense. And momentarily it did, and Yuaei felt her suspicion for Gwyn falter. Whether Sveta’s explanation would stick with her through the next time she looked upon the scar scored across her beloved brother, well, that was another story. ”Twas!” she agreed in her most elegant voice.

She was still and agreeable as Sveta picked her up by the scruff. She felt the calmness fall over her, or being under the Princess’s protection, safe and sound. She closed her eyes, her muscles beginning to ache from her earlier struggle in the water, “Thank you again, Princess Sveta…” she said, her voice trailing off into a yawn. She would certainly sleep well tonight.