set before dal x n​ó​ttin left for northfall.

---

It was a rather pleasant day in the Vale, the sunny sky overhead with no chance of rain or overcast, life bustling within the safe corridors of the mountains. Yet, since the meeting had passed, Tibbi passed information about the plague towards the further North and about "runes". It created a high-strung tension around the Vale. How long would they have until the purple snow peaked over the safeguard of their mountains? Nonetheless, it didn't stop the spotted dove from giving up hope. She stood as bravely as she could and tried to accept the fact that all she would have to leave the safety of her home if she wanted to help.

Joy was a mix among the emotions, as only a little while ago did N​ó​ttin proposed to her, promising her a lifetime of happiness, children, and an everlasting love that went beyond what they could even comprehend — a love that would land them in the stars. The wedding would have to wait, she knew, until this mess was over. Their lives would be put on pause for the good of Dawnbreak.

There had only been quiet whispers of the two lovers about their own engagement, but the secret could only be kept for so long (and it wasn't like she was trying to hide that she'd been happier than she had been in forever). The afternoon sun hung overhead as Dal called softly for Sólúlfur, a melody of a summons, hoping that they could walk and talk with each other. Somewhere nearby, she knew her fiancé loomed, his presence being summoned by her earlier in the day, asking him to come with her on their walk — maybe even see if the three of them could sift through the inner workings of the Vale, trying to detect the magical presence of the runes.

It was a most beautiful day indeed. The sun shone down on them as if it was smiling, with birds calling out in their most harmonious songs. It had been a lovely afternoon, one filled with purpose. N​ó​ttin was returning from another patrol, and making sure that the puppies were safe. Golde and Hexx had been working to the bone taking care of them, keeping them safe to the best of their ability. It was always a pleasure though to help them out and play his part. He had given them more food that day, stowing it away in their own personal cache. Then marked all of the borders and checked for any sign that the plague had spread further.

Since Tiberii's meeting, the fellow Pillar didn't let the current situation stray from his mind. But that didn't mean they all couldn't live their own lives. N​ó​ttin had heard Dalmatia's call, clearing the foliage and running through the territory to reach her. It seemed that she wanted to have a walk and a little chat with his sister. Perhaps this was about their engagement. His heart nearly exploded at the thought, the man becoming happier then he had ever felt in his whole life. And as soon as all of this madness was over, he was going to be that much happier. The Pillar let out his own howl, letting her know that he was on his way. Then kept his glacial blues wide open for his love's beautiful figure.

Solulfur was rarely difficult to find within the borders; today was no exception. Her midday nap had been relatively peaceful, and the hunt she had taken on following it had produced a ptarmigan. Nestled within a copse of close-packed pine trees, Solulfur spat out brown-dappled feathers as she worked to butcher the bird; the wings, she hoped, would serve as good toys and chew toys for Golde and Hexx's growing clan. The rest of the bird would make for a suitable snack for the young mother. Dalmatia's call, however, pulled Solulfur's attention away. She chuffed back to let the Shakti-Vaes know she was coming, before shallowly burying the carcass to return to later. Solulfur lapped at her bloody chest and paws hastily, shaking her fur to dislodge any remaining feathers as she trotted free of the shadowed grove and into the afternoon sunshine.

The opportunity to spend time with the spotted young woman was not one Solulfur was going to pass up. She was aware of her brother's affections for Dalmatia, his intentions to court her. She had seen the pair at the voting for the new Pillar, too; Dalmatia, pressed to her brother's side as though she had been built just to fit there. Solulfur still had her doubts, mostly because she felt of the two siblings it was her job to do so. Nottin was pre-occupied with the matters of the heart.

Solulfur had been preoccupied, too, though - the many pressing events in her life all calling for her involvement and attention. Her brother's love life was a path for him to navigate without her meddling, even though Sol would have gladly done so anyway if she thought she could get away with it.

So now, she was excited to spend some time with Dalmatia and get to know another Shakti-Vaes sister a little better. Solulfur trotted into view, tossing her gaze onto Dalmatia's petite figure. She offered a pleasant swish of her tail as she approached. Dalmatia. What can I do for you? Solulfur greeted. Her ears pricked, as a howl reached them. Nottin, too, was responding to the summons. Did he not trust her to keep from needling Dalmatia the same way she had him? How insulting! Even if it was a fair assessment...

skill: orator

It took little time for Sólúlfur to heed her summons, though upon arrival, Dal could tell she'd caught her in the middle of something, but whether it was hunting or prepping food for the cache, she didn't know. Oh, Sólúlfur, I hope I didn't interrupt you... There was a smile beforehand that had slowly slipped into lines of worry pulling across her face, I'm sorry if I did... But thank you for coming, regardless. Dal bowed her head, sheepishly, to the Black Sun, offering her condolences.

N​ó​ttin's call could be heard echoing through the Vale — he would join them soon. For now, it was just her and Sólúlfur. Lifting her head, now to meet her golden eyes, she hummed, I was actually wondering if... You'd like to take a walk with me... and N​ó​ttin, whenever he catches up. She was sure he'd find them with little effort. She shuffled a few pawsteps forward, heading for one of the inclining trails for the view that would await them. Dal couldn't deny that she wanted to see for herself how the snow looked from a good vantage point before her and N​ó​ttin left for Northfall.

I know you care greatly for your brother, and... I want to let you know that I care greatly for him as well. She took a look over her shoulder, the afternoon sun casting over her, highlighting the pinkish tint to her cheeks. Dal had never spoken of her feelings for N​ó​ttin outside of her sisters... And they were completely different — well, in their own ways. Yet, Sólúlfur was on her way to becoming family (in more ways than even Dal realized). I find it hard to be without him for long... He's... It was hard for her to put into words, funnily enough for the mediator, Like... Light. T-To me... For ages, I felt put away when my mother passed... I... Fell away from the world, strayed to the shadows for a long time... And then... He saw me... She could feel the embarrassment setting in — merely over the fact that she worried Sólúlfur may not understand what she felt, and look at her as the "weird sister". Ahem... What I'm trying to say is... I love him... And I hope you're okay with that... She so desperately wanted her to be.

N​ó​ttin did his best to catch up, making sure that he wasn't too late to visit both Dal and Sol. His ears perked up at the sound of the spotted dove's voice, though couldn't hear exactly what she was saying to his sister. Blue eyes continued to watch them from afar as they walked together, his feet softly allowing him to approach the pair with an apologetic look upon his face. Hello you two. I'm sorry I'm a bit late.

A small smile graced his lips, though his heart was beating a million miles an hour. Did she reveal the news to her yet? How would Sol take it? The Pillar tried his best to give them their own space, all the while still wanting to be apart of the conversation. It was hard being the subject of such matters, especially when it damn near ruined his self esteem. The sable lad could hardly stand it. Just let it be over with so that he could stop dying of suspense!

Solulfur chuckled good-naturedly, waving her paw in dismissal. The concern for her time was the kind of compliment the Sun-wolf appreciated, but she was truly not bothered. Not half as important as you, Dalmatia. She replied breezily. Whatever Dal had called her for, Sol was sure it was important in some way; the young woman was rather reclusive and rare to reach out. Nottin's presence, or perhaps some other catalyst, had begun to change that...but only slightly, by Solulfur's judgement.

Lead the way, Sol agreed to the other young woman's offer of a walk. It was nice to see the spotted Shakti-Vaes taking more initiative. She hoped it wasn't because of the nonsense with the Visitor and the Runes, but rather due to the wolf's own growing confidence. She followed at Dalmatia's pace, picking her way across the mountain's terrain with practiced, idle ease.

Dalmatia, however, had a rather serious topic to cover, it turned out. So this wasn't a walk-and-talk gossip session, after all. Solulfur kept her features carefully neutral as Dalmatia spoke, first of her care for her brother - then, about his influence on her life. About her mother's loss. Solulfur gave a solemn nod. Grief is a...difficult presence to live beside. She agreed quietly, aiming not to interrupt but to empathize.

I love him, Dalmatia said, and I hope you're okay with that...

Solulfur was silent. Nottin arrived, all smiles and apologies, a nervous air hanging around him. It was subtle, but Solulfur had grown up with him - the both of them, coiled with suspense, their gazes upon the Black Sun.

Waiting for....something. Solulfur glanced from Nottin, then to Dalmatia, a suspicious squint to her eyes. Are you asking for my approval of your choice, litla systir*? But I do not know you well. Solulfur paused. I have known Nottin since our first breaths. He is kinder than I; tender of soul - this is his strength. Too often, growing together, he, too, has lived in shadow. Hades coat, Hafis' eyes, and his name - the Night to her scalding Sun. Too often he was placed in comparison to another, instead of seen as the individual he aimed to be. She was guilty, she was sure, of such a mistake. Solulfur tilted her head thoughtfully at the pair. Together, though, I think you both gleam as bright as stars.

---

*little sister

Rune Discovery:  「 Failure 」

---

Despite your efforts, even as a group, you don’t manage to feel even the faintest presence of a slumbering rune. Your mind is silent, as if the Visitor was off elsewhere. In a way it eases you, for a moment things feel normal. There is no voice in your head, there is so uneasy sickness from tainted magic, there is no hum of a rune seeking rescue—it is just you and a seemingly average landscape.

It may not be a bad idea to enjoy this moment while it lasts, for who knows what kind of chaos you will face in the near future.