//------------------------------// // Cold Acting // Story: Unforgotten // by Riddle-Me-Think //------------------------------// I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Pre-read by Crystal Static Bone chilling winds blew on, ushering forth a winter like fury upon the land that was below it. In the depths of this storm, a griffin and a pegasus both struggled to fly in the unbarring conditions, trying to see through the white out. Things for both Ventral and Iota had gone well for a time, deciding to fly past the first settlement both had been at last. That was before a rather fast and unseen storm had blindsided the two, making both fight in the freezing weather. Though Ventral had put stock in being a rather good griffin, even she was finding this chilling turbulence too much for her. “IOTA!” The griffin shouted over the roar of the wind as it tried to bring the two down to the frozen ground with force, “WE NEED TO LAND.” Putting a talon up to her face to hold back the freezing wind, “NOW!” Almost losing control as a rather strong gust pushed her to the left, almost sending her spiraling down. Fighting with just as much will as she could muster, Iota shouted back, “HOW, I CANT SEE!” Getting hit by the gale force around her, making the pegasus roll some as she tried to hold her altitude. With a nearly wild like fear, Iota searched her surroundings, trying to see through the dense white that blinded her and kept everything out of sight. The small flakes of show pounded onto her face and body, covering more and more of her body in the frozen water. Squinting through the raging wind and flurries of falling snow, Ventral let up in her flight, getting closer to a blind Iota and reached out. Grabbing hold of the ponies scarf whipping wildly in the wind, the griffin gave a light tug calling, “THIS WAY!” Trying her hardest to see through the white that surrounded them. Nether were prepared for this sudden storm, and both struggled to find a safe place to land and hopefully hunker down for the blizzard to pass. With wide eyes, Ventral darted to the side, rolling into Iota as she did to avoid a tree that was hidden in the white veil. Having grip on Iota’s smaller body, Ventral continued to fly, only to feel her wing catch something and send her falling. The older scout let out cries of pain as she crashed through the tree canopy and through branches on her way down before crashing into the deep snow. For a moment all was still before Iota burst out of the snow and shook some off, shivering to herself. Looking down, she called, “Ventral!” Looking about her surroundings for the griffin. “Ven, where are you!” Pulling herself out of the snow some more. Looking down into the small area they crashed in, Iota forced herself through the strong wind and move aside snow with her hooves. Little by little she uncovered Ventral, who had hit the ground rather harshly. Shaking the griffin’s still form, Iota shouted, “Ven, get up!” Trying to wake her up, “We’re on the ground, wake up!” Once more shaking the griffin’s form. Stopping a moment to feel her out, she concluded the scout was out, and would remain that way for a time. Developing a slight scowl at this, Iota looked around before casting her gaze back down to Ventral. Making an irritated noise, her whole body flashed in a sudden burst of emerald green. In the pegasus ponies place was now a earth stallion, who used his forelimbs to sling the griffin over his back. Shaking his body slightly, the reviled Masquerade was glad for taking on a hardy pony form with thicker fur, and more heavily built body. As much as he could just leave the scout out there to freeze, he couldn't find it in himself to leave her. I’m doing this because she may have vital information we can get later. Masquerade told himself, trudging through the high snow and using his new strength to plow through the snow. You’re not doing it because she was going to maybe die in cold weather. Masquerade wasn't sure why he was trying to assure himself of not caring. Maybe he was having some slight denial over the idea of helping the enemy, when he should be returning back to Canterlot. After all, if Ventral were to die, it would be one less changeling to deal with. Would Twilight leave somepony, be they friend or foe, out in the cold and left to die a freezing death? The infiltrator let out another irritated snort, pushing the snow aside with his body and trying to make his way to some sort of shelter. He cared for Twilight yes, but that didn't mean he had to forget his training as a infiltrator who got the job done at any cost. After all, why should he care if others view him as some cold hearted creature? Because I don’t want Twilight to have a cold hearted monster for a lover, but what she deserves. He knew the answers in his mind, but at the same time he didn't want them. Mask knew that he would have to change some for Twilight, he didn't realize until now how much change he might have to do. His job required him not to be nice, only to get things done. Looking at the knocked out griffin over his shoulder, the infiltrator gave one last sigh, softly saying in the roar of the blizzard, “Even without moral high-ground, I can still take advantage of this…” Continuing on with his search. Masquerade was actually pretty angry at the moment, mostly because of how things had been progressing lately. It was true he was able to dig up some information to now use, but he was having trouble figuring out a plan to use to make a break for it. This was a golden opportunity, if he was only willing to just dump the changeling, but his logic —and feelings— were rather hindering to his mind. Stop complaining, the gain is greater if I can get her back to Canterlot. Iota can be used as a bargaining chip. Masquerade once more thought, trying to keep focus. He thought about cocooning Ventral after finding a place to rest, but he didn't want to try explaining what his cargo was. If I could just convince her to head for Canterlot, that would be better. Shaking his head to remove some snow buildup, Masquerade eventually decided to try playing things on the long term. If he could drag Ventral along for a time, he might be able to work something out. So once again, Masquerade began to construct a plot that would help in his little act to come. After all, there were some things he could accomplish with Ventral alive. All he had to do was plant the right thoughts into her head and play the right act. Ventral shivered at the feeling of the cold biting at her being, pulling into herself more, trying to escape the frigid cold that was gnawing on her. With a slightly clenched talon, she could feel warmth radiating off something, beaconing her to draw near. With the smallest of movements, Ventral tried to get closer to the warmth she was feeling. A hoof soon stopped her advances, as a voice called, “Ven, are you awake?” Shaking her slightly numb body. Cracking an eye open, Ventral looked up to a pair of concerned eyes that belong to Iota, who wore a worried expression on her features. Lighting up at Ventral's actions, Iota softy said, “I’m glad your okay!” Putting her warm body close to her freezing one for a hug. “We crashed and you wouldn't move no matter how much I shouted, and you were so cold…” By the sounds of it, Iota was about to start crying there and then, apparently worried sick over what had happened. With a sneeze, Ventral continued to shiver in place, softly patting the mare, “I-it’s al-alright Iota.” Feeling her body tremble at the cold that had nearly taken her, “You did—“ Sneezing once more before shaking it off, “You did good.” Trying to scoot closer to the now apparent fire that was near her. Seeing how her fellow scout was struggling, Iota carefully helped the griffin to the fire, sitting close and putting her smaller wing over her back. Ventral gave a grateful smile, relaxing and taking in the heat from both warm bodies of fire and pony. The two stayed close, keeping quite themselves while the fire crackled and the roar of the wind echoed. Taking a moment to look around, Ventral noted the cave they were located in, and it’s thick coating of ice. The frozen and somewhat unforgivable cold that served as part of the Griffin Kingdoms natural defense proved powerful. It was a not so big secret that the Griffin Kingdom didn't manage their weather nearly as much, letting some wild and uncontrolled storms roam free. Some of these same storms had wandered over from the Everfree, starting out small and seemingly harmless, before mutating into something like the blizzard outside. It was a wonder to changelings how the griffins could put up with such cold and unrelenting storms. Even Ventral had to admit that passing through such conditions was a foolish and foolhardy idea, one she would never consider doing alone. But she also had to admit that traveling out in the open with large groups was just as bad, impending progress of speed. This was why teams of three were made, a balance of speed and caution for scouts. I’m lucky to be alive right now. Ventral sighed, looking over to Iota, who had fallen asleep after a time. With a soft smile, she slowly eased her now warmer wing up and over the pegasus like a blanket. She didn't know how she did it, but Iota had not only saved her, but made it through the storm. Gently fixing the slightly damp scarf around the maroon ponies neck, Ventral could not help but whisper, “How did you do it Iota?” Wondering how the young scout, despite her depression over Cleft, had gathered the strength to do what she had done. Iota however, continued to sleep quietly in place, nuzzling only slightly closer for Ventral. It reminded the scout of when Iota and her were both still small, with her always acting the bigger sister of the group. Patting the blond mane on the pegasus, Ventral whispering, “You did good little sis.” laying her head down and slowly dozing off to sleep. When her breathing became shallow and calm, Iota opened a single eye, looking over the scout next to her. With a internal sigh, she closed her eye once more, thinking of what she should do. Once the storm cleared up, she knew they would leave. She had until then to think of something. After three days of being trapped in the cave, the sun finally rose over the land did the storm pass, leave behind a place filled with snow drifts and ice. The sun did nothing to warm up the air that stubbornly remained bone-chilling cold for any who ventured out. While most would just stay inside, Ventral and Iota didn’t have the same choice, having to step out into the frozen realm once again and consider flight. It was a slight challenge getting out of the cave, which had been almost blocked by a large snowdrift and some hard ice. Though they could have reverted back to their changeling forms, Ventral didn't want to have either of them freeze in the cold. As tough as their shells were, even Ventral knew that the cold would get past even their hard outer defense in moments. So the two dug their way out a little, taking flight as soon as they were able. Once they had reached higher into the sky, Ventral gave a low hiss and scanned the area, “Well, this is just great!” Trying to look for something familiar. At first all she thought they would have to worry about was the blizzard that had past. But now that she was outside, she could barely make out much of the land with all the snow changing the landmarks so much. Looking up and shading her eyes, Ventral did figure out where north was, but other than that she felt lost. just like last time, both her and Iota’s mission was turning out for the worst and at the worst possible moment. Again looking around for anything familiar, Ventral asked, “Do you see anything familiar Iota?” Trying to pick out anything she could. She knew the general diffraction to go, but without any landmarks, she wasn't sure if she would reach town she planed for them to land at first. Looking about some, Iota shook her head, “I can’t find anything familiar Ventral. Everything looks too different to me.” There was also the fact this was only her second time out of the clan, so she was just as lost, if not more so. Heaving a sigh, Ventral gave one last look around before saying, “Come on. I know which way’s north, we’ll just go that way until we find some town or village to grab a map.” Seeing Iota nod to her plan, Ventral took the lead and kept her eyes open for any towns that would be scattered in the snowy lands below. In all honesty, Ventral wasn't sure how easy it would be, as the further they would go, the more mountains they would come across. Though the edges of their kingdom had many towns and villages, the more higher and elevated mountain areas would have their fortress like cities. Each one filled to the brim with keen elite troops, sharp nobles and even harsh citizens. Their rough actions only portrayed the rough environment they live through each and every day, and showed all they can take it. It wasn't their harsh nature Ventral was worried about, since being loud and forwardness was a show of their inner passion and strength. What she feared was coming a crossed a number of griffin guards or soldiers that suspect her and Iota to be changelings. It would be a good long time before they reached any of those cities though and inwardly Ventral was glad for that. Even if it meant they might not be able to send any reports and risk Sardonic’s ire, it was preferably better than getting potentially caught. While the griffin continued to stew over her thoughts, Iota pushed herself to fly a bit faster, coming next to her clan sister, “Ventral?” Snapped out of her internal thoughts from her name being called, Ventral turned her attention to Iota who continued, “Do you think Sardonic doesn’t want us around?” Catching the older scout off guard. “W-what would make you say that, Iota?” Ventral asked in concern, wondering if her current mental condition had anything to do with it. Seeming to give the feeling of shrinking in on herself, Iota told, “He…it feels like he threw us out…” Starting to look more self couscous, “And you seemed upset that he wouldn't help us in any way.” Ventral went to open her beak to reprimand Iota for even suggesting what she had. But as she thought about it, the more it seemed to make sense. How often did scouts just drop off the map bemuse they accidentally wandered into another clans territory? Sardonic already knew they would be flying into the hornets nest, as the griffins would be on more higher alert. Would he really betray members of the clan to fit his wants? The thought was unsettling to her, and wasn't something Ventral wanted to think on. Forcing the thoughts deeper into her mind, Ventral told, “Sardonic…Sardonic is our clan head. I may not like him, but we have to trust that his decision was the best he could make.” She almost hated saying it out loud, but if they couldn't trust their clan head, how could they trust the clan as a whole? Iota seemed to think over what Ventral had told her for a moment before nodding, dropping back some to follow from there. Ventral tracked the younger scout back for a moment, feeling plagued by the new thoughts roaming in her mind. Sardonic’s a jerk, and may be even worse at time, but he wouldn't off his own clan. Ventral stubbornly told herself, trying to shake the persistent thoughts away. She had a mission to do, and couldn't dwell on such thoughts, not when Iota needed her to be at her best. But why would she doubt our clan? Ventral couldn’t help but worry, holding back the urge to look back on the younger scout. Cleft’s death shouldn't have effected her that much… Unless it was what our clan head did because of our missions results. This time, Ventral did look back to an attentive Iota, who gave a small smile and wave. Somewhat uneasily, Ventral returned the wave, not sure what to do with the new thoughts in her mind. Turning her head forward once more, she sighed with slight irritation, not liking where her thoughts were drifting. Both to her clan sister’s loyalty, and her own loyalty to someling like Sardonic. After a seemingly long and tiring flight, both Ventral and Iota were finally able to find a place to land and rest, even if the older scout was nervous to. The place they were landing at was a town that had signs of becoming a city, built into the slightly hollowed part of the mountain. Near it’s lower part were a number of griffins, all working on building a new stone wall, replacing a wooden one that was being slowly removed. hopefully I can keep us hidden enough to keep off their suspect lists. Ventral could not help but think, turning her eyes to a garrison being built not too far from the new stone walls. It was apparent this soon-to-be city was also going to double as a fortress. Beside her, Iota made the sound of gulping, looking decidedly nervous at getting so close to such a highly protected location. Looking back, Ventral could understand her fellow scout's nervousness, seeing as things would be more dangerous form here on. “Iota.” Ventral called over, gaining the younger scouts attention, “Don’t worry. Just stay close, and everything will be fine.” Blinking at the statement, the pegasus smiled and nodded, showing she was willing to place her faith in Ventral. Even when the maroon mare looked more calmer, Ventral could not say the same. With the news of the Griffin Kingdom’s suspicion of changelings, she knew she had to do plenty of convincing stories and maybe bribery or blackmail. That was suggesting if she could even offer the last two as options. Griffins as a whole were passionate in their work, so there was a good chance that bribery, never mind blackmailing, would even work on them. I spent a good few years around them from scouting alone, I should know those ideas will rarely work! It was slightly concerning to know that some tricks changelings knew didn't work in some situations. Like a griffins passion or pride in doing their jobs, even if it might discriminate them from the flock to a level. Glancing back at Iota, whom was starting to take in the sights with curious eyes, Ventral huffed slightly, pushing aside her worries. Tricks or not, my clan and sister are depending on these reports. Cleft may not be here to help guid me anymore, but I’ll be damed if I don't do him proud and use what he has taught me! With her new source of confidence helping to bolster her nerves, Ventral slowly began her decent near the front gate, which was still being made. On ground level and in the snow, the scout could not help but feel some of her bravado from before deflate. Looking up at the new stone walls felt disconcerting to say the least, even if they were still incomplete. Taking a moment to calm her mind, Ventral gazed at the gates, where a number of both workers, guards and even more experienced soldiers moved about. Steeling her resolve, Ventral motioned with her head for Iota to follow her, keeping a fair pace towards the gates. Iota began to once more show some signs of nervousness opposed to Ventral, who was fine with this for once. It would help cement their fabricated story from the last mission. Being a griffin herself, she would not show any nervousness from the large imposing walls, while a pony not familiar with the Griffin Kingdom’s idea of cities were made, it would make them awed or nervous. The guards at the front gates kept straight and attentive, keeping their sharp gaze on the two newcomers who had landed and began to move towards them. Ventral could se their slight eye movements, scanning over both her and Iota as to gain some clue for their reason for being there. Knowing now was the best time to try putting up their false story, Ventral turned her head back to Iota telling, “So, what do you think Status Que, pretty neat huh?” Motioning with her talon up to the tall walls. Hearing her false name, Iota turned to the older scout and then up to the walls. With a gulp she nodded a bit rigidly, “Um, yes…neat…” Casting a worried look to the guards. With a slight snort in actual amusement, Ventral assured, “Come on pinky, their just guards. No different from those uptight royal guards in Equestria.” Then thought better of that adding, “Except these guys are more fun to hang out with on off hours.” Iota only gave a uncertain look to Ventral, but eventually nodded before ducking her head a little as they drew nearer to the guards posted at the gate. When close enough, those same guards opened their wings to block their entrance from the city. “Please state your business in Grottos Peak.” The first spoke, carefully eyeing the two travelers that had come to their city gates. Making sure she was in front of the younger scout, Ventral told with self-confidence, “Name’s Golden. The pegasus is Status Que, a friend who wanted to see what the Griffin Kingdom’s like.” Swinging a limb over the currently subdued pegasus, Ventral told, “We had been through some of the small villages and stuff before getting here, and poor pinkie’s now starting to get nervous at how we build our cities.” “S-shut up turkey!” Iota tried to retaliate, only to shrink back at the two guards now looking at her. Smirking at seeing some of Iota’s spunk returning, Ventral decided to poke a little fun at the pegasus with, “Oh come on pinky, I can see you're ready to hide in the nearest hole because of how scary the walls look.” Slightly pouting, Iota grumbled, “They're not scary…just a little intimidating to look at.” Scuffing her hoof into the snow at her own words. One of the guards could not help but crack a small smile and say, “I can see why that would be.” Folding his wing back in, shortly followed by his fellow guard. “The walls we make aren't like anything you ponies craft in Equestria. Less friendly looking.” Smirking as he said this. Shaking his head, he said, “I’m going to take a guess that your both looking for an Inn to stay the night?” Getting somewhat surprised nods from the two. Still smirking, he nodded knowingly, “Thought so. You both look like you had a rough trip.” Able to se the dirt and ice in their fur and feathers. Turning some, he pointed into the developing city telling, “There’s a nice inn about a few blocks in, it’s called Rushing Riverside. If you have the bits, it’s a good place to rest up, eat and gets warm water for baths.” “I…Thanks, thanks a lot.” Ventral spoke, honestly surprised at the guards friendliness to them both. They both seems suspicious at first, but now seemed fine with them. This line of thought in the female griffins mind were stopped by Iota’s suddenly insistent pulling, who said, “Come on Golden, let’s go!” Trying to drag the larger griffin with her. “Hey, hey!” Ventral protested, “What’s with the sudden rush?” Slowly feeling herself being pulled along with the overly eager pegasus. “Baths! They have warm, and clean baths!” Iota told, pulling the older scout along side her and rush for the mentioned Inn. The guard who had let the two pass could not help but chuckle and shake his head, finding the two girls rather funny. With a questioning gaze of his own, the other guard asked, “You've been to Equestria before?” Any further words Ventral was hearing were soon drowned out by the many griffins in the area and the din of work going on around. Soon enough, Iota began to slow down, unable to rush though the crowded streets and allowing Ventral to walk beside the pegasus, not be dragged. Like before, Iota began to lose herself to curiosity and look about her surroundings. Though she was insistent on getting to the Inn, it was also hard to focus on such a goal with so many new things to see. It was even hard for Ventral to not take in the sights, not use to entering griffin cities that much due to the much higher security. Those guy’s at the gate seemed pretty chummy for some reason… Ventral could not help but think, wondering what was up with that. A glance up actually helped answer her question, as a number of soldiers and guards patrolled overhead in a slight flurry of movement. From what she could figure out, the newly being made city was gaining a huge overhaul in defense, as if they wanted to have a fortress up and ready. Why they would need one, and so heavily guarded, was actually confusing to the scout. Though they had kept their military somewhat sharp and ready, the griffins, and most other nations, had had a long standing peace. No small thanks to the ponies and their solar monarch. Waving the thoughts out of her mind and dispersing them, Ventral put a talon on Iota, helping steer the pony with her towards the Inn. The physical touch seemed to snap Iota out of her awe’d moment, slightly blushing and looking rightfully embarrassed for losing her attentiveness. This seemed to make Ventral smile, feeling like Iota was starting to get over what had happened to Cleft. It was possible the young scout was just forgetting her troubles with the new things around her and not coming to accept what happened, but it was a step up. Or, to Ventral it was a step up, she wasn't sure if it was good or not for Iota to just use this as a chance to forget what happened. Seeing a wooden sign hanging from a iron pole, Ventral could clearly see ‘Rushing Riverside’ proudly shown near the building it was next to. “Well, there it is.” Ventral slightly bumped her clan sister. With a more excited jump in her step, Iota began to rush for the Inn, forcing Ventral to pick up her pace with the excited scout. But the griffin couldn't lie to herself either. The idea of a warm bath did sound like heaven after being stuck in a ice covered cave for three days because of a blizzard. “Oh, that felt good!” Despite wanting to keep professional, Ventral could not help but announce how refreshed she felt after a good soaking. Fur and feathers were nice and all, being so soft and warm, but she had to agree with Iota; They were a pain to take care of compared to the smooth and hard chitin they grew-up with. Opening her wings and splaying them out, Ventral fully relaxed her body on the not-so-soft bed that was in the room. But in all reality, it was more softer than the cave was. Not to mention warmer. Yawning from her spot, the older scout turned her attention back to Iota, who had dropped her towel on the floor and was using it to sit on. At the moment, she was trying to preen her feathers, but was still showing slight inexperience, moving or plucking the wrong ones. The pegasus gave another hiss, almost removing another good feather and messing a few others up. It was all Ventral needed to get up from her place and move to the maroon pony, sitting down stopping her for a moment. “Don’t rush yourself so much, slow down a bit.” The older changeling scout instructed, using her talons to carefully go over the smaller wings, "Preening takes some time and care compared to our gossamer wings." Iota gave a slight shutter at the oner scouts touch, saying, “That feels weird.” Retracting her wing away from a laughing griffin. Patting the pegasus’s back and prompting her to reopen her wings, Ventral told, “What did you expect, these wings are a bit more sensitive than our gossamer ones.” Plucking a damaged feather and getting another slight shutter from the pony. Going about her work some more, Ventral continued to tell, “Our gossamer wings aren’t filled with nerve endings like this set of wings. They need to be sensitive to feel the air currents better.” Gently splaying the maroon wing out further some more and ever so carefully straightening each feather out. With a somewhat thoughtful look, Iota nodded saying, “I remember, if felt so weird having to glide so much.” Flinching lightly at another sharp feeling from her wings. It wasn't painful, but she wasn't sure if she liked it or not… Still going through the splayed wings, Ventral couldn't help but ask, “I thought you liked gliding when Brivy started teaching you?” Sending a strange look to the pegasus. “I do, but it still was different not buzzing my wings so much… you know?” Ventral wasn't sure, but Iota’s reply felt… strange to her. Off if she was begin truthful with herself. Still, she shrugged the thought off and continued her work saying, “Anyways, we both need to get some shut eye. We have a whole city to look around, reports to make, and a map of the area to find.” Giving a nod, Iota turn her attention to her other wing, reaching back with some uncertainty and try one more preening. Knowing how it might end, Ventral spent the rest of her time further teaching the younger scout how to preen herself. The next day, neither scout got up early, both just staying in bed a bit longer just to have that extra bit of rest. It was something Iota seemed to be enjoying even more, a little strange thing to see in Ventral’s eyes. She however could chuck that up to how they were stuck in a ice cave for three days and then had to travel still slightly frozen. Not like I’m setting a great example myself. The scout almost snorted to herself as she snuggled into the warmish blankets provided. After an hour of just lazily loafing about as it were in their own beds, the two scouts eventually got up and began heading out for food. Of course this meant that they had to search out the nearest place of positive emotions like love, but at this point anything would do. Ventral was plenty hungry, and she was sure Iota was just as hungry. Love candies were more or less a way to keep hunger away or just plain snack food. So it was nice to get out and feed off the rather large selection of emotions to draw from. A slowly blooming city was a rather good hotspot for getting any emotion a changeling could want. Spicy bite of anger, tart yet sweet embarrassment, sugary flowing love, slaty and sometimes bitter sorrow— the city had a large variety to chose from. And with so many griffin giving off these emotions from all around to chose from, it was an all you could eat buffet. It was times like these that Ventral had a little trouble figuring out what she wanted to partake in. She really liked the strong taste from confidence, but sometimes the more smother and creamy bits form lust were just as nice. Maybe I should try for some hesitance. Tart like embarrassment, but also sour like fear… “Say, what do you think we should stop and eat on Status Que?” Ventral asked her fellow scout, keeping in mind to use the code name. No answer was given though, and Ventral stopped her walking to look behind her and ask, “Status?” Blinking, Ventral was given sight to a missing pegasus and a very thick crowed. Wildly looking about, se could only groan in thought, please don't tell me we got separated! Turning around and calling out her clan sisters pony name. Reaching out a talon to tap a turquoise colored griffins shoulder and catch her attention, Ventral asked, “Excuse me, but did you happen to see my friend? She’s maroon pegasus and I think we got separated. This is her first time being in a griffin city.” Showing a small effort to look about, the griffin shrugged telling, “No clue.” Turning away to continue on with her life. With a suffering sigh, Ventral postponed her feeding choices for later and just started to take in what was around her. It was likely to the changeling-in-griffin form that Iota had gotten distracted and lost track of her. Either way, it was a rather bad blunder, and she wished she had another scout to help find their wayward clansmen.