Minka took her time pondering Naia’s words, and the Rivers Scot’s tail switched anxiously as she waited for the Down’s leader’s verdict. Naia did not fail to notice the woman catch her Second’s eye, which struck the Timber lady as a gesture of hesitancy. Naia could not imagine herself in Minka’s skin, trying to make a decision such as this… her deliberation made her feel that much more real, and Naia could see why Inali felt such a connection to this woman. Should Naia ever find herself in a leadership position she would be exactly like this; contemplating and considering every angle of every decision before she made it. Minka sighed, and Naia’s tail settled in anticipation of the woman’s verdict.

Minka agreed to the mission with a heavy heart, and though the scout remained serious out of respect to Minka’s difficult decision her honey eyes were alight with excitement. She and Inali out on a mission together! It was her two favorite things combined. Doubtless the weight of the mission would dampen her spirits the closer they got to the Hollowheart Keep border, but for now all Naia could think about was spending the next quarter-moon beside her lover, the two of them working to bring peace to Western Relic. ”All I want is peace for our packs,” Naia reassured Minka. Any other conclusion and Naia would consider the mission failed. Looking troubled, Minka made her exit, and Naia turned to Inali. The Timber woman finally let herself smile, relishing her small victory.

”I like her,” Naia said, nudging Inali under her chin playfully. All of the tension from the previous moment was rushing out of Naia like a deflating balloon, and it felt amazing. "Will you show me around the Fields? We need to meet a friend of mine by sunset, but I would love to see your home.” Likely Inali had preparations to make before their journey, but there was no reason they couldn’t make them together. ”..She’s from the Keep, and she wants peace too.” With the three of them supporting nonaggression, the Keep leaders would have to agree. One River wolf, One Downs wolf, and one Keep wolf.. what an odd group they would make, and how fortunate it was that they had found each other and made common cause.