Valdis Delacroix was hardly one for shirking her duties, typically the kind to work diligently from dawn ‘til dusk unless something more important caught her attention and drew her away, but under these dire circumstances, she knew there was no way she could finish her patrols without SOMETHING to drink. Winter was swiftly becoming a faded memory of the past as the valley entered its final days of spring, heat from the impending summer already bearing down on the unfortunate creatures below and making everyone miserable, herself most certainly included. Though most pelts were thinning in anticipation of the smothering heat, the loss of fur did little to cool the wolves down or moisten their parched throats; such things could only be accomplished through shade and water.

She’d begun her day like any other; rising from the Knights’ den while the world was still dark, performing a quick scan of the camp to make sure all was well, then heading out towards the borders for her patrols, where she’d freshen the markers and keep an eye out for intruders. Usually, she’d patrol about half of the borders in the morning, going around in a semi circle, then head back to camp, perform her duties, and take care of the rest in the evening. However… once the blazing sun did rise up over the horizon this morning, relentlessly bearing down on her while she traveled unsheltered in Mystical Plains, the warrior woman was only able to continue for another hour or so before falling into a heavy panting spell. Her paw pads became slick with sweat as waves of nauseating heat were sent rolling through her body, her pelt, even in it’s thinner state, feeling heavy and hot on her back, like a thick travel cloak. Her mouth and throat gradually became drier just as the steady screeching of the summer cicadas, emerging early this year, gradually became louder, blaring in her ears and reminding her of what was coming and what she was already suffering. Knowing her next destination, Aisling Meadows, would also be void of shade with nary a drop to drink in sight, she made up her mind to cut the patrolling short and make a detour in the direction of The Divide, the river beyond Dark and Light Pack borders alike that split the entire valley in half and was basically the only easy source of water. Then, after taking a pit stop there, she’d rush back to camp and, after warning her pack mates of the heat as well as the consequences of being lazy because of said heat, she would send out smaller patrol groups assigned to each border, splitting up the workload to make sure no one got overheated. Good plan. Mind made up, she set her sights to the east.

Once traveling at a sluggish and tortured pace, head held low to the ground as her pink tongue hanging from her maw, hot breaths puffing from said maw, she now traveled in The Divide’s direction at a swifter, perkier pace, head lifted and golden eyes squinted against the bright rays of sunlight boring into them. The moment she passed her pack’s borders, entering into No Man’s Land, she was put on high alert, well aware that this was the “unknown” land of the lawless, and that anyone could be lurking among every reed of the tall grass surrounding her. In addition, the spring showers had ceased some time ago, and, obviously, this incessant heat had taken their place, suggesting the once flooded banks of The Divide would slowly recede back into their natural place for a bit before further drying up on account of the summer sun. In other words, the banks would no longer be flooded, as they often were in the spring, meaning travel between pack lands would be a lot easier, so there was nothing to stop Light Pack from launching an offensive… Not to mention the fact that they’d probably be hot too, so even if they had no intentions of crossing the river and/or attacking her home, they would likely still be just as interested in the water itself, and would flock to its shores like bees to honey. It was possible that, if she didn’t find one on her side of the valley, she’d still find herself staring one down across the way, and quite frankly, none of those possibilities were good.

Now seeing the river in the distance, a snarl rumbled from her throat at the mere thought. If they are there, just ignore them… being attacked by a Knight would most certainly be grounds for a battle. Not to mention it was honestly too damn hot to be getting into fights anyway. Just stay on your side and mind your business, and if they don't mind their's, well... then it'll be their fault, won't it? As she trotted up to the river’s banks, noting how it was definitely smaller than it had been before but wasn’t on the verge of drying up just yet, she observed with only mild relief that no one was on the other side… yet. If she was quick, perhaps she could get a drink, take a dip to keep herself cooler longer, and get back to camp before anyone did show up.