Maia had found Ula on the brink of death. If the ashen Queen had not arrived when she did, then she feared that the worst could have happened, so she was thankful that she had arrived in time to save the woman's life. What she could not shake, however, was the distinct scent of Ecrosia Mire that seemed to stick to the woman's coat. With her injuries being severe and the woman not having the opportunity to speak with Ula to find out what had happened (not that it was likely she would remember anyway), Maia slipped away from Firnen and headed toward her neighbour, Ecrosia.

Pausing at the prevalent thorn border, Maia took a seat and with a heavy sigh, wrapped her ivory-tipped tail neatly around her paws. She had hoped not to be sat at Alaric's border again, but the Tolkien-Casales needed to get to the bottom of what had happened, and why one of his members had left someone so vulnerable in a precarious state. Shuffling her weight on nervous limbs, Maia called out for @Alaric and awaited his arrival, mulling over exactly what it was she was going to say.

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While Alaric knew of Luther's darker nature he had assumed the boy to be careful, to school himself when in public and to ensure that none of his nefariousness leaked out to where it could bring trouble for the Mire. He trusted that the boy was cautious, and perhaps that was his first mistake. He was, after all, a son of Erna as much as one of Alaric himself.

Maia's summons is unexpected, bringing a purse to his lips as he turned towards the call. If she was already at his borders he highly doubted that it would be for a pleasant chat -- they were barely on good terms, let alone friendly ones.

"@Maia," he greeted as he moved past the thorny border to meet her, "how can I help you?"

Maia had been thinking about what she was going to say whilst she waited for @Alaric to arrive. Thankfully, she was not kept waiting long. Whilst she did dislike the male, she would not go out of her way to cause him any issues. She was a respectful neighbor, after all. Shifting on her paws, she took a breath and began to explain. One of my lionesses has been left gravely injured, The lioness begins, with a flick of her tail. When I arrived to find her, there was a strong smell of a Mire lion. I am… concerned that someone in your pride has done this to her. Maia remarks, trying her very best to be unaccusing. I haven’t been able to speak to her yet. I wanted to speak to you first to let you know. And then she’d fall silent, eager to see his reaction.

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A frown knits across his brow as she speaks, thinking of those in his pride that might commit such an atrocity. It was... unlikely... he thought... unless...

Pursing his lips, he chose his words carefully. "I have not seen any indication of such an attack, and I do not think there are any here that would have done so. I'm not saying it's impossible, but.. unlikely?" He paused, weighing his next words carefully.

"I can keep an ear tuned, in case I hear any talk. But when you manage to get her to speak, please keep me updated?" He frowned. "Unprovoked attacks are not... supported." Again he was careful with his words, she was no ally of his after all, but it was clear enough that he would not let such a thing slide.

@Maia

Maia was pleasantly surprised at @Alaric's reaction. She was expecting complete denial, refusing to accept that he would house such a lion that would commit such crimes. But Alaric's openness to listen to what Maia had to say was a welcome one for the Firnen High Sovereign. She observes his movements and facial expressions carefully, curious to know if he knew who might be capable of such things. Unlikely, but I cannot ignore the strong smell of Mire that surrounded the lioness. Not just around her, but on her too. Perhaps you have someone who is leading a second life? She questions, knowing that someone within Ecrosia could have harmed Ula.

She nods. Of course. I will speak to her when she is well enough and get a better recollection of the event. She might be able to describe who did such a thing, but I suspect it is unlikely. She was on the brink of death when I found her. In and out of consciousness. She explains, trying to convey the seriousness of the matter. Your support on this one is appreciated, Alaric. Even if the lion that did this cannot be found, I am grateful to you for being open to my concern. Maia remarks with a gentle nod. Is there anyone you think might be capable of such a thing? The High Sovereign asks, knowing full well she is unlikely to get a truthful answer.

All in all, it sounded like a terrible situation, “I’m glad you were there to help her.” He frowned, still puzzled over who might have done such a thing in the mire. “ perhaps one of my members found her and believed her to be dead?”

Of course, if he was being entirely honest, he knew there were some that were capable of such an ass, but he also believed that most of them were smart enough not to bring any trouble to the Mire. “ I don’t believe there are any in my pride that would attack a lioness without being provoked, and certainly not with the intent of leaving her for dead. But I will keep my ears open, and please keep me informed of what you find.”

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Maia takes a silent moment as @Alaric speaks to study the male and his body language. She wondered if the twitch of his ears, the slight flick of his tail or the frown that sat so evidently on his face was genuine, or if he knew who was capable of such things within his pride and was not willing to disclose. To be fair to the High Sovereign, if she found herself in a similar situation, she too would be both concerned and secretive of just who came to mind.

Maia nods after a longer moment of silence. I’ll speak to her and find out the facts. I also doubt that someone within your pride would have the capabilities to do such a criminal act. But I cannot ignore the scent markers that were left behind. If it helps any, it seemed as though the scent came from a young male.

The Queen then rises to her paws. Thank you for your time today, Alaric. I appreciate you listening to my concerns. Perhaps we can be amicable despite the bitter history we have. I’ll see you soon. Take care, And with that, the grey lioness exits and heads home to find out more answers to her jigsaw puzzle.

Exit Maia

Maia mentions it was a young male, and the faint suspicions that Alaric already had solidified. While he aimed to give nothing away to the other sovereign he made a mental note to seek out his two eldest sons, to see if either of them knew anything about the injured female.

"Thank you," was his response, wondering if he should wait to speak to either of them until more information was gleaned. He hated to think that either of them would have been so careless, but it was hard to ignore the facts as they were.

@Maia bids him farewell with words of amicability, and he works to conceal his surprise. "I hope so," he says instead, and then gives a nod as she turns to leave. Moments later he, too, turns back in to his prideland, mulling over the information brought to him today.

-exit-

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