ooc:

There was no early morning training nor bonding with the pack this day. This day was to be experienced alone away from were concerned eyes would see this golden beast in disarray. She wanted to walk alone and give herself time to ponder other things besides those that troubled her. She loved her family dearly and sought to keep them happy and protected... but she could only go so far when her smiles were not genuine but forced. When she could not maintain her illusions of content, she had to be away from them before they glimpsed what resided beneath the plastered smile.

Yet even away from the family she kept to the adornments suiting her rank. Should her paws carry her beyond the pack borders, she would be damned to be caught without them. Though simple and wild, they held great significance to the female both in pack mind and culture. The fox fur was as always bound to her scarred shoulder decorated this time with an assortment of her companion owls feathers in place of her trophies. And in her mane were these feathers woven as well and softly accented by glass beads and the wild blossoms of the expanse. A representation of the balance of the Family's two factions and how both were encompassed by her rank. To any other, she would have appeared as an image of autumn lavished with accents of flora and fauna... but it was more, much more than that. It was an aspect she took solace in. It was a proud rite that distracted her for the complications lying in wait for her attention within the heart of the mountain.

Her leisured pace took her through the Expanse beneath the mountain's shadow. Its gaze as always filled her with strength but this day did not bring her comfort. Rather that deeper into its shadow, she was beckoned away by a foreign scent on the wind, her curiosity lured to the mountain border. What did the ancestors see to distract her with this day, she wondered whilst quickening her pace to greet the unknown. As she scent grew stronger her stride then slowed as she looked across the distance to a pair of horses and a large object behind them. Odd. Soundly, she made herself known, letting her song carry to listening ears as she approached.

The contraption was quite large and smelled strongly of wood, and with its scent of a more familiar one as well. But the creatures before her kept her curiosity in check, bidding that she remain just over the border rather than inspect the wagon as a whole. "Hello?" she called softly, not able from her height to look beyond the towering beasts. "Is everything alright?"

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Startled. Yes. She would call herself started by the tone of the man's voice. Not that it was gruff or unappealing, but that it was not what she had expected at all. Refined with age... lacquered with experience. It was the voice of her Shepard but with a different inflexion. It was the voice of her father whom she dearly missed. It was a sound alone that had garnered her full attention.

Braving the steps across the pack line, she approached the elder male with childlike eagerness. The power-hunger youth surely would have scolded her and taken advantage of that fact that so easily she renowned the posture of an Alpha and assumed a respectful role as a pup would to its elder. Though he shared with her the respectable etiquette, it was she that lowered her eyes and tail in respect but kept both ears and head upright. "It is a true pleasure to meet you sir," she extended her greeting politely. In addressing herself she then allowed her gaze to return to him and let her banner resume its proper height. "I am X'yrin, the Alpha to the Nomads of Sangi'lak." Humbly she lowered her head. "I would be glad to assist you however I can." If passing through the lands was all he needed, then surely it would be no trouble.

Looking around the elder to his cargo she briefly scanned its exterior and immediately noted what difficulties it held. Atop the uneven terrain near the mountain it would be a terrible strain on both beast and cargo to try to make it across. Whereas the land of the Expanse had a more desirable path, smooth and easier on all in need of crossing. "It will only be yourself and your cargo crossing, sir?" X'yrin inquired as she looked upon the male again, this time allowing her amber gaze to have a full gander beneath her vibrant bangs.

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Her ears twitched in reflex to sound but she could have sworn he had said something other than his more pronounced words. But she dismissed it rather suddenly, assuming that it was not as important if there was no need to repeat it. "Oh..." she spoke meekly as the large male addressed himself. "It is a pleasure to meet you Asgeir. It's rare we receive anyone needing to pass through these lands." Most often than not it was for a moment to rest and perhaps a meal before carrying on with their journeys, usually involving a skirt around the mountain. But what truly compelled her to assist the simple fact stated in his proclamation; he was a wanderer since his early seasons. Which meant he would surely have wonderful stories to tell. The ancestors knew how to make her smile all too well.

Mention of his cargo was accepted with a kind nod and prolong gaze when the spear was brought forward for examination. She was not partial to weapons herself, but this was the second time she had encountered an instrument of the like. The last time being during a spar with a very petite hybrid coyote. Hopefully he had no interest in exhibiting its capabilities while travelling across the expanse.

Patiently she waited for him to settle in his wagon but was surprised by his offer to let her join. She stared wide eyed at the wagon then at the uniquely hued male. Join him...as in ride in the wagon? There was certainly a space beside him for it and it would have been a new experience for sure. But the contraption looked odd and something about travelling by a means other than her own paws was minutely unsettling. "I...suppose. If you don't mind, sir." Again her voice was meek in the presence of the elder as she found herself accepting an offer her instinct was not keen to take. Muscle and bone soundly realigned itself accordingly, adopting a form to mirror his to try this ride on a wagon. When settled she walked over to the large wheel and used its top as a step up (after nearly slipping off of course) and carefully sat down beside him.

Oh it was a strange feeling. Not at all like lounging high up on the branch of a rest or resting on the mountain facade overlooking the land. This was a seat that 'moved', controlled not by her but the two animals harnessed to it. This was going to be interesting. "R-ready..."

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Surely she had nothing to fear because the wagon was not alive... not at all like the beasts harnessed to it. If anything she should have made herself comfortable and glad for the temporary reprieve from walking on all fours. It was another kind of travel she could experience and add to her ever lengthening repertoire. But she was having quite a bit of difficulty looking beyond the wagon she sat on and just how strange it was to be on it. She jumped as the wagon lurched forward despite Asgeir conducting them to move. Slow he said, but initially the ride felt nothing of the sort.

Her padded palms were braced against the lip of her seat, holding fast as through her life depended on it. Some warrior Alpha she was to be afraid of a little wagon ride. But it was unpredictable! What if the horses jolted forward? If they were anything like the horse of her prior mate, they would bound to be temperamental and unreasonable at any given moment. Perhaps she should have kept to the ground instead of trying out this experiment. But it was too late to alter the course of events now; the wagon was moving well on its way.

Slowly the wagon rocked as it rolled through the golden blades of their path. What began as a deathgrip eased into a comfortable hold on her seat, then with time dwindled into a comfortable fold of her paws in her lap. That was not to say she trusted the beasts of burden completely, after all each hard bump dislodged her paws from their comfort zone to hold fast to her seat... at least until the 'danger' was no longer in effect. But even then those bumps became hardly noticeable as the ride itself became a thing of comfort. The wagon continued its natural sway, bringing an odd ease as they crossed the territory. It was...nice, sat atop the wagon with a gentle breeze playing through her mane. She wondered if Asgeir felt like this when travelling as a wanderer of many seasons. It seemed like such a forward and complication question to ask, but it did not stop her from turning to look at him as if preparing to do so.

However her curious expression was morphed into surprise when the braided leads were handed to her and she took them without knowing at all what to do. But he did not leave her without careful direction, letting her know what was required to give the horses direction. It seemed simple enough, but her grip on the reins were less than confident. "...alright." Again her voice was soft to the ears just barely audible to her own with the sound hammering of her heart muting all else around. Though she took the elder male on his word and tried speaking to the horses in a gentle, melodious tune, attempting to convey gratitude for their labors. It was a veritable difference than the tones she shared with her companions but offered the same kind of understanding.

A jealous screech sounded in the sky not soon after her words with the horses, followed abruptly by the stirred wind from large, graceful wings. Her body tilted to offset the change in balance of her companion now perched upon her shoulder with wings splayed in a vain display. Apparently he was not keen on her talking to any other but himself and the smaller owl still hovering overhead. Spoiled creatures.

The winged nuisance turned his great head to stare at the elder male with red-orange eyes wide and unblinking. His gaze did not waver even as the wagon continued to rock and sway now lead by his handler's relaxed grasp.

ooc: >.< So sorry I'm late...

Gently the wagon continued to sway with the female’s body rolling and rocking in time with its movements. It became more soothing, she dare admit. Even with her winged nuisance digging his talons into her shoulder, she could not feel anything other than a kind of serenity in the movements of the sturdy transport.

As they neared the swift, yet calmly flowing river of the territory, she gently tugged on the reins, bringing the pair to a soft stop by the water. It was then she was able to examine the little creation, her features brightened in awe at the intricate design and craftsmanship of the piece. It was a little owl. With tail swaying happily she looked to the great bird on her shoulder and held the wood work for him to see. He onced over the little design, then turned his head as if jealous. Why did she need a little owl when there were two living ones in her care already? But it was such a nice little gift, a trade for her helping Asgeir across the territory. Ignoring her companion’s behavior, she smiled warmly to the elder male.

“I’m glad I could help you,” she spoke sincerely whilst keeping her hold in the braided reins. “And thank you very much. You have shared with me an interesting experience, a kindness my Family takes great honor in.” She looked again to the little wooden owl, whilst running a delicate claw across its face. “This is wonderful work, sir. Do you make things like this all the time? Trade them, perhaps?” She noted the wood of his cargo and wondered just how far his skill extended. If he could craft something this detailed, she could only imagine the detail and care he took with larger pieces and more time.