Bullet For Your Dreams }{ [pack meeting]

[I L Y I C H]

Everyone will be given their new ranks and the right to choose what task they want to do as well as take apprentices etc in this thread. All Vea Apxn members are required to post here, if you do not you're character will be assumed rouge and be booted. SO DO IT. This thread will also be when Bidziil is given his choice so it's PLOT IMPORTANT. you know you want in on this~

Don't live your life cornered you gotta fight for it
stand up and walk away you talk like you'd die for it

Jaws parted I pressed every ounce of power in my voice into the call. head tipped far enough back to allow my ears to brush rippling hackles I howled for them. Called them to me. The cry could be heard and responded to from across the prairie, that I knew. They would come and they would move quickly. It was rare that I summoned them in such a manor, and we had already proven ourselves to be far too inquisitive for our own good. Perched atop one of our sentinel tree's massive curling roots I let my head fall back to it's proper height, drawing an almost dry tongue across silver lips. Vea Apxn. We were no longer some rouge splinter group. No longer an off set bound to be destroyed. This was a pack, and it was time it was coordinated. It was a thing I had planned to do within the old pack before the shit storm had begun, but with such lost causes behind me it was time to set up organization within this new family.

Ranks and duties would allow my friends the chance to work for those around them. It would provide a series of reliance's and bonds that would hold us together from now into the distant future. As silly as it seemed such simple things as going to a specific person for sentry help or medical help or anything else created a certain emotional reaction. One doesn't take well to their doctor being threatened after all. One didn't settle for watching their guardian torn to bits. Family took care of family, and in such a social setting one began to belong. A small smile formed across my maw, even as golden eyes remained drowned in seriousness. It was brilliant. Brilliant to be able to stand before them with a smile. Brilliant to be able to give my all and not feel like a complete hypocrite. My pack was a family, and the events to follow would only deepen that bond. Standing slowly so as to avoid some horrific flop, which was far too likely, I hopped to the earth reveling in it's cool touch for a moment before settling back on my haunches.

Now at the proper height to address my fellows, I watched in quiet eagerness as they came forward. This day would change their worlds, in more ways then one. The sudden though punched me int he gut, but was swiftly shoved away. Bidziil had a choice to make, and it didn't matter that we'd 'chatted'. He was still a traitor. If he wasn't then how the hell was I meant to react to him? It didn't matter. Not right now. And with that the idea of Bidziil was locked away once more, shielded from the rest of my mind to grouse and throb in pain in it's little box. Frowning now I looked up tightly at the sound of paws. Mahal stared back at me, lips twisting from a smile of greeting to a frown of worry and with a small shake of my head I offered a brighter expression. Tipping his head slightly the ebony boy glanced around himself, apparently searching for something specifically, looking almost embarrassed before scampering forward and settling just to my left, facing me without question.

Paradox and Syntax came next, faces bloodied and reeking of deer as they playfully battered at each other trying to be the first forward in the way young children fought. Syntax inevitably won, seating herself beside Mahal with a loud bark of triumph even as her darker brother snorted and looked about for his mate pretending nothing had happened. "Whats up Queeny?" The tawny woman yipped, rolling her eyes at her brother's poor sportsmanship. Syntax wiggled slightly before looking at me, curious. My smile stretched a bit wider and I gave her a small shake of my head, denying her. The playfully hurt look that popped onto her face was priceless; lips curled into an 'o' even as a small shocked gasp pooled from her. "Oh I never! How cruel! salope" She snorted, laughing despite her attempts at a good act. Having been distracted I didn't see the fox-like creature come up. Fido watch me, it's dark eyes almost worried. My skull tipped towards it, questioning but it left without comment, backing towards the questioned king's place frowning.

Brow wrinkling slightly I flicked my eyes away from Syntax who had proceeded to turn sideways and demand to know why my son was so embarrassed. Despite my interest at Mahal's vaguely defensive response I turned to watch the remained of Vea Apxn wander forward. Val hobbled forward, grimacing, having managed to twist his ankle the night before during a rather successful hunt; so no one could give him too much flack about it. The boy's light gaze flicked to me, offering a bow despite the fact that he was standing on three legs with the fourth hovering an inch or so off the ground in an effort to disguise weakness. Flicking my ears to him I glanced about in search of Alonda, she always seemed to be leading or stalking the poor kid.

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

The call caught me by surprise. My legs had been sore so Ayita had offered to take me out for a walk. The girl had not asked Carska’s permission, and I could tell she felt guilty for the breaking of her Alpha’s rules. She spoke very little in the 30 or so minutes we had been wandering. The silence had been welcomed by the unstable portion of my brain, but that portion was buried beneath the ambition to be a better man.

“Come, my dear, your alpha calls.” She started as I spoke in my rough-textured tone, even though the words had come out softly. It was clear her mind had been wandering, and I felt bad bringing her back to the reality that she was escorting a piece of shit canine around the woods. It felt good to have a dog that did not feel like I would attack her at every second. Perhaps her being around Paradox for so long had made her more willing to branch out her trust, more able to shield over her guarded suspicions. I was grateful for a dog that knew how to handle the mentally insane. Ayita had become a good therapist to me, even in the darker hours of the night.

“You know, Alpha, we don’t live by such formal rules in Vea Apxn. You can call her Carska.” Her words came out quietly, barely audible above the patter of the raindrops. My ears dropped back and I could tell the woman had been hesitant about saying her words. My heart slowed with them as I hung my head a little lower, my pace like moving through molasses.

“I would rather stick to Alpha.” I hissed them out passed my teeth, no aggression, just simply defeat. I knew there was a small part of Ayita that wanted to see the world rewind and have Carska and I in our romance again. I also knew there was a large part of her heart that would love nothing more than to shred me for what I have done to her alpha—her friend. “Also, I am not your Alpha, Ayita. Here, in Vea Apxn, I am nothing more than Bidziil.” It was with these almost silent words that the scarlet angel and I broke past the camp’s guarding boundary.

Ayita dismissed me with a slight dip of the head in farewell before slouching up to Paradox and nuzzling his cheek in solemn welcome before weasling in to sit beside him, her small frame leaning against his own. I felt guilt for this, too. The woman so loved her husband, but my using her as my own therapist had weighed down her enthusiasm and all too often Paradox would get a quiet affection, Ayita doing all she could to keep her lover and me separate on an emotional basis, but failing.

I glanced through the camp curiously, allowing the members to gather before I sat my unworthy rump at the very back where no one but those facing the crowd could see me. The fewer eyes the better, for I was always felt unclean in the sight of these pure-hearted, assured dogs. Val was the first I noticed, for he limped in yet managed a bow. Alonda was only a bound away, inching towards him with an awkward look on her face. I could tell by her expression, and the way she left a few paw spaces between her and him, that she was torn. The little demon in her wanted to torment the child for his injury, but I have also watched her develop some compassion in out time in Vea Apxn. "After this meeting, either Clarimonde or Paradox is taking a look at your paw." I perked my ears as she leaned forward and growled the demand into Val's ears. I couldn't help but smirk a little at this. This was how Alonda showed concern, and somehow Val had weasled into her heart enough to make that defensive concern spill onto him.

I watched as the husky woman approached Mahal cautiously, giving him a sideways glance. Her face was concerned, rather than the enthusiasm she typically met him with. I watched with a bittersweet heart as she stopped midstep and brought herself to sit in the midst of the growing crowd, rather than with my son. I could not fathom a reason, but I decided Mahal was an adult and would come to me if he needed me, and I had no right to barge into his affairs. Logan slithered into camp next, shooting Mahal a quick uncertain glance before sitting himself beside Clarimonde, barely leaving room enough for them to not be touching. He seemed out of sorts—afraid almost. Clarimonde looked at him awkwardly but made no move to put more distance between them. She would not deny a friend comfort, however he wished to attain that comfort. Kadan came in next, the small child shooting me a curious look before disappearing behind Clarimonde, sitting beside her in the front of the group. Concluding that was everyone, I milled forward and lay several feet behind the gathering, at the tree-line, emerald eyes sitting everywhere but on the alpha.

It was from this position that I saw a familiar stranger move out from the shadows twenty or so feet away from me. Her blue gaze held no threat and I recognized her from the day of the wedding. Much like she was doing now, she had hovered at the tree line and simply watched in curiosity. I did not make a move towards her as she sat in the protection of the camp’s wall, but I kept one eye on her to be ready to defend this pack if she deemed a threat.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[I L Y I C H]

Don't live your life cornered you gotta fight for it
stand up and walk away you talk like you'd die for it

Golden eyes flickered about the gathering, watching with mild surprise as Clarimonde avoided Mahal's side, Logan perching beside her. had something happened? Looking to Clarimonde curiously I arched a brow, silently questioning turning slightly to give Logan the same look. Mahal could lie to me effectively I highly doubted those two could. never the less with a low snort I glanced back towards Val, wincing slightly as he pressed his injured paw to the ground and grimaced towards Alonda who had slipped up behind him. "It's fine, it's just a sprain." He then proceeded to walk as straight as he could firmly keeping his expression placid before settling just to the right of Syntax throwing a small smile towards her and one towards Logan and Clari as well. The second he sat down fully his paw came off the ground once more and his eyes rolled slightly but that was the only outward reaction he gave.

Frowning with concern in multiple directions now I locked my eyes on Ayita and Paradox's display of quiet affection and sighed good naturally. At least someone was happy in this big crazy mess. My it had only been a couple of months and the drama had already started. Eyes flicking back to my daughter I mouthed a quiet promise towards her, demanding that if he wouldn't go we could man handle him before turning innocently back towards the others. Smiling welcome I offer a small wave of my tail before seating myself properly head tipped slightly back to peer over the tops of everyone's heads. Stitch had already been told of her promotion and thus I could afford to start without her, and with that settled I dropped my head back to a comfortable station and grinned. "Morning everyone, i think we're all here mostly?" Anyone who wasn't could be caught up later. Some had jobs too important at the moment to run back to listen to an aging woman prattle.

"Right then." Shuffling slightly to align my back properly I nodded to nothing in particular. As much as others liked to comment on my speech skills they never seemed to notice how incredibly awkward I was in the beginning. "It's about time we got something's set up to calm down the ah- general level of insanity" With everyone trying to do, well everything, life had been a bit chaotic as of late. "So I do believe it is time to set up a proper ranking system for Vea Apxn. It was a thing I had been planning to do for sometime but you lot know how difficult change could be." At least I got a horse chuckle out of Syntax. Then again frog's made the woman giggle. Maybe that was a bad indicator.

"So I'll explain real quick and give out silly titled and what not and then I can talk about the fun bit" Dragging in a quick breath I looked about hopefully. "Starting from the top the ranks will assume Alpha to Beta to Gamma to Delta to Eplision to Zeta to Omega." Ears flicking lightly I smirked slightly at the way Syntax leaned back, brow lifted. Chuckling slightly I gave a small nod. "To explain these ranks I need to explain our new duties." Glancing around curious about their reactions I gave yet another almost anxious flick of my ears. "To allow for a beater coverage of our tasks each of you will be asked to decide on a duty to be held by you." Raising my voice slightly in an effort to draw Syntax back to me, she'd turned to ask Mahal a question, I stood slowly unable to sit still any longer.

"The alpha and beta positions will remain the same as ever. Gamma's will be the leaders of their specific duty. Thus there will be two to three of them at any time, the other leader or leaders of the duties being Betas." Making a small motion to the side before I could stop myself I turned slightly to trick my brain into thinking it was pacing as was only proper for a manic mutt. "Delta's are the beta's of their tasks. Eplision is simply a subordination and Zeta's are pups and yearlings in training." I would hope they wouldn't need me to explain the omega rank. "Gamma's and Delta's are simply middle ranks, to clarify. They would simply have power over their specific tasks and no all folami within the pack." Pausing for a moment I gave into temptation and began to pace. "Now the four duties are as follows; Guardian, Warrior, Medic and Herbalist."

"A couple of you already know of this, as I spoke to you for guidance." Blinking slowly I turned around again walking slowly from Kadan's right to Mahal's left. "Guardians being the protectors of specific individuals, warriors being the protectors of the pack lands, medics being the well front line medics, and Herbalists being those caring for the pack from a closer stand point" I looked up for a moment, watching the lot of them hoping they were taking it in well enough. Or that I was explaining properly. Dammit. "Right then." Forcing myself to sit once more I offered up a chastised grin. "So I guess we'll do this like we're all in pup training again. Starting with Kadan just call out what you'd like to do and we'll go from there?"


ooc:// PLEASE FOR MY SANITY just add an ooc marker and tell me what you're characters decided on so this will be easier XD

carska-> guardian
paradox->medic
val->medic
mahal->warrior
syntax->guardian

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

My eyes followed the woman back and forth, only half listening to what she was actually saying. I was a prisoner; my rank would not change, so none of this was of any importance to me. I denied admitting to myself that I was too distracted to care, anyway. My eyes were glued to the alphess as she moved, as she paced in front of her pack. My tail was wagging as I fell into the trance of her movements, emerald eyes focused.

A moment earlier I had watched Carska question Clarimonde and Logan with her eyes. Both dogs responded by looking away. Then her attention shifted to Val and Alonda. Alonda growled in frustration as Val shook off his injury, her pelt bristling in a need to reprimand him for lying to her. The annoyance ceased as Carska sent a silent promise to my daughter, and I could not help but smirk as the child smiled a cruel grin and winked towards her mother. This was what Alonda had needed all along; not her militant father treating her like a ragdoll.

Drifting back to the present at the sound of a specific dog’s name, I returned my focus to the entirety of the pack. The smallest dog, Lucifer’s child, shifted as the attention was directed towards him. I watched as I saw, even from this distance, his tongue push up against his left cheek as he considered his choices. He would be a Zeta, but what he would be trained in was up to him. Finally, in a quiet voice, barely loud enough to make it to me over the sound of the rain, he spoke. “I would like to be trained as a warrior, Master Carska.” I remembered Alonda referring to Lucifer as Master Lucifer before. It seemed this sick young child would not let old habits die.

Next was Clarimonde, who held her tongue only for Carska’s benefit of filing away Kaden’s request. She had perked up upon all this mention of roles and I was not surprised she already knew what she wanted to be. The girl may not be a pure-blood, but she was quick witted and determined. “I would be honored to be a Delta Herbalist, Carska ma’am.” Her tone was firm, yet polite, and I couldn’t help but approve of her choice. It suited her.

Logan was more hesitant in his answer. I found this odd, for the child always seemed so sure of himself. Of course, I always knew dogs could convince the world of anything. Logan was mortal and he could very well be as fucked up as the rest of us, he just has a better made mask than the rest of us. His answer came after a few silent moments of scrunched face thought. “Delta medic.” It took him a minute to decide, but once it came out, it was said with a tone of complete determination.

My scarlet angel stepped forward next, her expression shy. It was clear she knew what she wanted, but she was sure where she belonged. Leaning into Paradox, the girl pursed her lips slightly before taking a breath and looking to Carska, requesting approval. “I would love to be your lead herbalist, the Gamma, if you think I am worthy of such.” She looked away at the end of her sentence, obviously ashamed for requesting such a high rank.

Alonda showed no hesitance as she threw out her rest and met Carska’s gaze proudly. “I will be one of Vea Apxn’s Delta guardians.” My mouth parted slightly when she did not demand a much higher rank. I knew the woman thought herself worthy of Beta position, but perhaps in her growing up she has matured to realize she must earn such things. She’d claw her way up the totem pole like anyone else; dogs are not handed the throne in Vea Apxn.

It was only now that the stranger from the treeline moved forward, seating herself in the very back of the crowd, yet still a few feet in front of me. “I request to be your lead warrior of the Beta rank, Carska. Dare you deny me?” Even from my angle I could see the confident smirk, along with her wink at the alpha of Vea Apxn. I would not pretend to know everything about Carska’s history, but I knew this dog had not been a part of it for many years, since Carska joined the original pack.

I merely turned my eyes to the alpha, wondering what was to come of this.

OOC//: Carska is free to contain all sentiments until after this meeting owo Newsoul would not be bothered at Carska being 'serious' until meeting end. However you want this to go xD



Beta:;
Newsoul - lead warrior
Gamma:;
Ayita - lead herbalist
Delta:;
Alonda - guardian
Logan - medic
Clarimonde - herbalist
Zeta:;
Kadan - warrior in training
[/size]

[I L Y I C H]

Don't live your life cornered you gotta fight for it
stand up and walk away you talk like you'd die for it

I smiled warmly towards Kadan. "Then a warrior you shall be Zeta Kadan." Giving him a nod of appreciation and welcome to the new ranks I moved on to Clarimonde, grinning at her confidence. "Of course my dear. Delta Clarimonde. Welcome to you're new rank." My eyes continued to turn, catching on Logan and waiting patiently for him to decide. It was indeed odd to see the confident young man seem so out of sorts. Then again this had been pressed as a very important decision. His final decision came with utmost care and I gave him a deep nod in return. "Delta Medic" I repeated back, making note and reminding those around me subconsciously in a manor I was often susceptible to. With my eyes focusing on Ayita I couldn't help but chuckle. "My dear Gamma, of course you are welcome to such. You are one of the most important members of this pack and don't let anyone tell you any differently."

Paradox at her side smiled almost smugly, his pride obvious as he learned happily against his wife. "Medic if you wouldn't mind. Don't care much for rank." Snorting I rolled my golden eyes at the ebony fronted man. Having half a mind to just turn away and leave him hanging I looked at him with minor playful annoyance.

"You'll be lead medic you smug bastard." Paradox knew full well that he was the one with the greatest experience with such things; just as Ayita was the quickest and most open to learning of the lot of us. Snorting and turning in turn to Alonda I nodded happily to her as well. It would seem that my daughter was learning. She wanted to work her way up, not just lay claim. Alonda was in search of respect, and she would earn it I was sure. Val alongside her looked up long enough to ask for a medic position and lay claim to delta before turning his eyes back to Alonda with an almost cheeky grin. Mahal locked eyes with me from the very end of the line, no hesitance at all.

"Delta warrior" It was a surprise. I had expected him to take a long time to think it over, but then he had had everyone else's times to decide. Mahal nodded to himself and accepted my welcome to his rank with a small smile before glancing backwards towards something and looking forwards just as fast. Oh yes. We would have to have a long discussion later on. Something was obviously bugging him. But I was fully distracted by a new voice. A blatantly familiar voice. Head turning slowly I locked increasingly shocked and overly gleeful eyes on the ebony form of a long lost friend. Standing up and striding forward with more happiness then was perhaps entirely necessary I watched my pack split curiously to let me through.

"Newsoul? Darling, where have you been" The shock of finding her here within my pack's camp was swiftly being over run by the idea of having my training partner back. My precious friend. The only one I had ever had until my second god damn year. My only companion in the darkness, and here she was standing before me being the overly confident playful jerk she always had been. My smile almost broke my jaws. I could see out of the corner of my eye that Bidziil was looking towards me curiously but with this brilliant meeting to focus on I could actually blatantly ignore him for once. Ignore the emotions he normally drug up every time he so much as glanced at me. "How could I deny you as such? I trust you could whip some pups into shape, my dear." Waving my tail with a wide grin I gave her a long look demanding a chat after this was all done.

Turning after leaning forward to touch my muzzle to hers I walked swiftly and gleefully back to my place having had my day simply made. My moth, really. Newsoul had returned to me. A long lost friend not in fact dead by man's hand but standing living in all her playful glory demanding things from me just like always. Coming back to the forefront I met many curious stares with a quick shrug before practically shuddering on my toes unable to stand still at all now. "Well then!" Practically crowing I leaned forward on my claws grinning. "Everyone understands whats going on yeah? All that is left to do is to assign teachers. Or teacher. Kadan do you have a preference between Newsoul or Mahal?" To be honest Newsoul would have the better experience and with ahigher rank would be able to provide more for the boy, but Kadan knew Mahal and perhaps it was best to provide some semblance of normality.

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

The greeting suited my dearest friend. Without consideration of repercussion, this woman in charge leapt from her perch to meet the humble peasant that had, at one time, been her only friend. Ah, what a lovely thing it was to see the fae approaching me, not at all stand offish and much more confident than she had been as a child. The woman had grown to be a fine Folami, and now she ran her very own pack. This was not the original pack created to serve the humans, but I was willing to rise to new heights to be in this Vea Apxn. I had heard it was a smear—a disgrace to the Folami way. I had difficulty believing my friend would created something that terribly off course.

I accepted her greeting good naturedly, handing her a goofy grin of my own. “Y’know, just searching the world for you, is all. I figured you’d have ditched the pack life and run off to be on your own.” I glanced around at the staring canines, dipping my head to the black brute behind me. I had heard Vea Apxn had taken the original alpha hostage. I figured that man watching with such curiosity was that alpha, so I had to allow him respect. Looking back to Carska, my smile grew tenfold. “But I see you have out done yourself. You created your own pack. That was one thing I did not understand about the human’s plans. They wanted one pack. I say the more the merrier.” One multi-colored fae rose to her paws as I said this and wove her way to stand beside Carska. There were some obvious similarities between these two woman and I decided then that Carska and I had more to catch up on than I thought.

“We do not serve the humans.” The young girl spoke rather harshly and I couldn’t help my let my smile slip away as I returned her glare with a uncertain stare of my own. I blinked once, trying to decide how to react to this new information, and in that blink the young girl had turned and walked away, taking her seat in the same place she had been prior to her confronting me.

I looked back to Carska and let my smile come forward. “Okay then, you’re a rebel. Can’t say I didn’t see that coming.” I laughed it out, hiding the concern and unease this had erupted in me. I could not let a few clashing beliefs come between Carska and I. We had both grown up in different worlds now so it was only natural we could not see entirely eye to eye.

Carska accepted my position request and touched her muzzle to mine as she departed to go play alpha once more. I sat down patiently, eager for this ‘chat’ she had demanded. We had much to discuss; gossip, surely, but also about this new pack of hers. It was not lead by the humans, which made we weary of it. I had disobeyed them by being a loner so long, but I had always stayed true to all their other teachings. I firmly believed in them, even.

Looking to the child that Carska gave a choice between me and one other as a teacher, I focused on him. She had just said his name was Kaden. My ears moved forward as I waited for his answer, which came firmly, though his monotone voice was barely able to be heard by me over the rain. “If Mahal, sir, would not be offended, I would like to take on Miss Newsoul as my teacher. I am curious to learn from a dog that is not pack raised.” He looked to me and I offered a dip of the head in return. I may not have been pack raised, but I knew how the humans trained. If Kaden could handle such tactics, then him and I would get along fine. If he broke under these techniques and Mahal proved gentler, I would be willing to hand him off.

It was as I decided this that I heard a heavy pawstep come into the camp’s muddy floor from behind me. The orginal pack’s alpha could be heard cursing, though not in a threatened manner. I turned curiously and immedietly my tail went rigid as it was held out behind me. My ears flattened and my eyes focused on the larger of the two lions. He was an albino male and was looked about ready to faint. Beside him was a lioness that seemed to have been through hell. Her body was pure muscle, her midsection barely more than abs with a layer of skin. Towards her hips her stomach disappeared to nothing but ribs. From head to tail there were knarled scars of all sizes and degrees. Though the male was larger than her, I judged he’d be the easier prey so I would leave the stronger female to the orginal pack’s alpha, for his sense of pride as Folami alpha would surely demand it.

I snarled as I pounced forward, ready to contact that albino male. Before I reached the now wide-eyed prey, the ebony alpha had lunged and pinned me to the ground. “I know the feeling, but we mustn’t attack. That female, she was part of our pack.” His tone was drowned in shame at this admission as he let me back to my paws. My jaw dropped and the lioness, her gaze focused, broken, and sorrowful, called out Carska’s name. Except it was not just Carska’s name that was cried in the childish wail that reminded me of an injured infant shouting for their mom. That lioness shouted the phrase ‘Aunty Carska.’

Oh yes, Carska and I had much to discuss, but for now I sat beside the ebony alpha and merely stared in wide-eyed unbelief.

[I L Y I C H]

Mother nodded along with this Newsoul's words, eyes sparkling with a light that was almost surprising. It seemed almost manic in fact, as if the fae's suppressed ptsd was trying to make a rise. Those gray lips curled up in understanding, the fire dying form her eyes slightly as Carska was drawn away from the sudden revival of some past relationship and flung back to her duties. "A well reasoned choice." My mother nodded, eyes turning to me curiously and I offered up a warm smile. No it didn't bother me in the least. What did bother me however, was the fact that not only had the ebony dog I had expected to avoid me had done so. He'd gone to sit beside my only other real friend. They were both avoiding me now. had Logan said something? Had I done something to upset Clari? Skoll Dammit why was this so hard?

Eyes followed as Alonda sat back down, I frowned deeply lost to my thoughts. It was with the new beta's snarl that I rounded on my feet in less then an instant. My protective snarl dived into an intake of breath so sharp my teeth stung. Lunging despite knowing I wouldn't make it fast enough I skidded to a stop upon Father's intervention. Padding forward rapidly I stared sideways with a half disturbed look towards Newsoul, waving my tail appealingly. Oh yes I knew what instinct shouted, but this was not our way. We had diplomatic ties here. This wasn't some kill on sight land of blood lust and opportunity. Turning a small thankful glance towards my father, I took a small step towards the white lion ocher eyes wide and hopefully reassuring. Abeni stood at this man's side and that was enough for me to allow a certain amount of careful welcome into my body language.

I heard mother's paws slapping the ground rapidly as she rushed forward, saw her shake her head almost unperceptive towards her old friend. She knew that Newsoul didn't understand what had just occurred. The woman had joined for Carska alone it would seem. She didn't know of our real pilot. Frowning deeply and unable to take my eyes off of my elder cousin I drew in a small sniff and froze. every muscle locked in less then a second and I felt mother go still along side. "Abeni." She drew the name out, watching the lion with barely contained horror. She did better then I, showing just enough open pain to still seem human. My face shut off entirely, locking down into a state of nothing. "Honey where is Daiade?"

The lioness' tawny coat reeked of death and my precious uncle. Together. In one single strand. It slipped into my nose and told me everything I needed to know. No. This couldn't be happening. Uncle had just gone to visit his daughter. Had just gone to see her and make up for the evils of the past. Naivety had saved me these past months, and it all slapped me in the maw now. He'd been going to say goodbye. Mother was staring intently into her nieces face, emotions plain as she quaked with the thought of her dying brother. Nothing lay hidden from her family. And then there was me. Shattered to nothing more then melting ice chips I turned a far too warm smile on the white lion, forcing comfort and compassion forward in a brilliantly wrought mask when all I wanted to do was sob.

'Sir, you are the Alpha of Akando right?" I moved around mother holding my masquerade carefully in place. "Please come sit you must have walked a long way to... bring Abeni to speak with us." Turning slightly I carefully picked my way backwards hopefully taking the white lion a bit away from the now milling forward pack. He could calm himself over here, pretend like Newsoul's attack hadn't terrified him. Bring back dignity. At the thought I latched my teeth into my tongue and clamped down until blood flowed freely over the pink muscle. I would not cry now. Not in front of anyone. And yet how disgusting had I become that I in my desperate need to provide sanctuary could not even appear folami enough to show sorrow.

My uncle was dying and I was pressing a lion to relative safety with alight careful smile on my face.

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

I saw the alpha blink in reply to the gratitude presented by his smaller twin. My mind was twisted in a painfully aware way. This pack, it was not what I had expected. It was so far from the humans ways, I could see that even having only been here no more than 30 minutes. I swallowed the disgust that wanted to burn past my lips, knowing that I cared too greatly for Carska to speak such foul things. For Carska, I would try and be what these dogs were pushing for. I clicked my teeth and bowed my head to the albino lion, putting how a paw to stop him as he shakily followed the black yearling. “Sir, I apologize for my hostility. Old habits die hard.” This was all I offered before shrugged, dismissing the man that was working feverishly to regain his composure. I watched him a moment more as he nodded acceptance to my apology—though I never right well that no apology can erase the distrust I had forced upon that lion already—and continued on. By the time he reached the child that was trying far too hard to be happy, he looked normal once more. His face was firm as he, once more, dipped his maned skull in gratitude towards the boy, and his gait was relaxed and confident, though he dared no display dominance.

I heard the alpha beside me shuffle closer to the gathering of dogs at the sound of the name Daiade. The lioness, Abeni, crept close to Carska and as I turned my attention there, she burrowed her face in the wolfess’ chest without invite, wailing something that could not be understood by my ears. The ebony alpha moved closer, inch by inch, until he was just beside the crying lioness that leaned into Carska’s chest. Suddenly, Abeni pulled back and looked up at Carska’s face, fur beneath her eyes matted by tears. It seemed she had realized her words were being muffled by Carska’s fur. “Daddy’s dying!” With that single proclamation, the girl was back at the position of being buried into my friend’s smoky pelt. The ebony alpha took a step back, wide eyed, before turning away and walking back towards me with eyes closed and head low. This did not look like the cruel-heart alpha of the Folami species—he was merely a broken man that had heard the worst news.

“Her father, Daiade I presume, why does he matter so much?” I questioned the defeated male as he took a seat, laying down in the mud beside me as if he deserved nothing more than to drowned in the rain that feel so mercilessly from the heavens.

“It is not her blood father. Daiade is Carska’s brother. He adopted her as a cub. When Carska broke Vea Apxn off from the pack, I ordered one of my men to attack her brother. It was cruel, but I had not expected my man to get to Daiade before anyone could stop him. You see, Daiade is blind, so I assumed someone would defend him and kill the annoying brat I had ordered into a hopeless battle. Well, he did make contact. He tore open the man’s chest. Seems Daiade has survived a good length of time, but age and injury have caught up with him.” The voice that leaked out to explain barely rose from the mud the maw the said it laid in. His tone was broken, his eyes never opened. This alpha knew the death was his fault. I stepped away from him. He was responsible for Carska’s brother’s demise. I could not forgive someone who hurt my friend so harshly.

“You bastard.” Was all I mustered before I walked away from him, joining the crowd, making my way to Carska’s side. I touched my nose to her cheek in a sign of sympathy. The girl who had confronted me earlier moved forward, taking a place beside me and leaning her forehead into Carska’s shoulder. I concluded what I had earlier considered; the was Carska’s daughter. My ears turned as the albino’s voice carried to them. He said nothing more than a granting of assurance that he would be fine alone over there; that the black boy that was sitting with him could go forward and be with his pack. My ears pressed to my skull. Empathy from a feline. A heartless creature that the humans had deemed as monsters.

It didn’t make any sense.

I pulled away from Logan as Abeni and her albino friend came into camp. The man, even as the lioness wailed Daiade was dying, only let his eyes sit on his paws. I did not know what was going on between Mahal and this lad, but nothing should make a friend stay away from a friend in need. Mahal’s uncle was dying, and even though I felt I had lost Mahal and it hurt, I would not let that keep me from helping the broken child that pretended he was alright.

Leaving the socially awkward Logan behind, I found myself approaching a rather large white lion. This animal was between me and Mahal and I found that, despite his tolerance of us thus far, I was nervous about him. Abeni had grown up with us so she was conditioned to see us as her family. This man, we were only the breed of his greatest enemy. Should I surprise him, I could very easily be killed by him. My size was more husky than Folami, and my strength followed that same gene pool.

Angling my path to make a rather exaggerating circle to avoid the albino lion, I approached the smiling Mahal. In the back of my mind, I caught sight of the lion’s brown eyes and filed it away. Okay, he was not albino, just a white lion. Most would probably still call him albino, including himself, because they are delusional and think anything white was albino. I gave an audible huff at the thought of such ignorant tossing of false statements.

“Mahal…” My voice was soft as I approached the man I held so very dear. Without thinking, I rubbed my cheek against his in a reassurance. The contact made my tail sway once in glee, but I stopped it. I reminded myself this was just a friend comforting a friend. Nothing more. Damn you, hormones.

[I L Y I C H]

Mother didn't react. Not outwardly. Abeni's words sent a shield slamming down. Oh yes, father wasn't where I got that neat little trick. Carska had always been best at hiding away her thoughts. Bidziil had cracks. Mother knew better then to show such weakness to the buzzards. Golden eyes dimming behind the ice creeping forward the silver woman pressed her jaw tight to the lioness clung so tight to her. Those same eyes turned their almost blank edges back towards the pack, blinking once before something akin to anger though it didn't seem to be directly linked to anyone she was staring at. Newsoul's touch seemed to jolt her out of whatever mind set she had fallen into. The woman curved her head just enough to return the touch, an action that at any other time would only have gone to three very specific people. Now four, it would seem.

Ducking enough to nose Abeni slightly backwards Mother allowed a small gentle smile to press onto her face, letting enough grief creep into her eyes to show that yes she did feel something, but she had to be strong to keep the pack from their worry. Their own hurts. "Baby can you go sit with Mahal for a little bit? I need to speak with you're Alpha. I'm sorry we can talk in a bit okay love?" I rose at the sound of my name, only pausing with a brief touch to my own cheek. A touch that made me flinch. Throwing a quick glance sideways I offered a weak apologetic smile to Clarimonde, hoping I hadn't startled her. I really didn't like being touched when I was upset. I had to keep it together and that warmth would break me. Brushing my snout just barely across one large black ear I retreated back towards Abeni, shooting a small glance over one massive ebony shoulder towards the ivory king.

Leaning into Alonda just enough for it to be noticeable mother nodded once to me as I settled close to Abeni. Head turning to look at Newsoul I gave the beta a small nod before turning to bury my snout into my cousin's scruff. Drawing in a low breath I fought back tears and blanked out my mind. Careful. Very careful. Pulling back I pressed a soft lick to the top of the lioness' head as Mother turned nudging Alonda gently before turning to pad towards the lion at the edge of our camp. At any other time I would have expected a more hostile welcome from mother but she seemed almost hesitant. As it where Syntax approached her obviously holding back tears a thing that made me slightly surprised. Paradox stood back behind the tawny woman pressed tight to Ayita's side. They both looked blankly devastated. But then I suppose to the two of them family was everything.

Shock however was not a thing over used today and Mother's lip curled at the step towards her. Syntax went still, hackles rumpling before slipping back. No. Mother didn't want to be touched either. Warmth would break through the ice she had frozen over herself. Composure came at a cost. "Ackecheta. I doubt we've ever met. My name is Carska." She stopped far enough in front of him to keep from his bubble, but then maybe cats and dogs had different spaces? Folami seemed to always have a larger personal space barrier then most other creatures. Seating herself to avoid her own height and seeming overtly dominating Mother became the Alpha even as I watched. "Thank you for bringing this to us. I can not tell you how much I appreciate such kindness in these times." The words hit me like a bullet to the heart. It was true. If this lion hadn't felt like telling us we wouldn't have known. We never would have known. Daiade would just have been gone, and we would never know.

Curling closer to Abeni I hid my face using her scrubby fur to hide my tears. Mother kept talking and I focused on that to keep my breathing even. " The sun is starting to sink and it's very cold out here at night. Not to mention dangerous. You are perfectly welcome to stay the night here if you would so like." A long pause followed the words as I fought to compose myself, trusting Abeni to keep my secret safe. "Would it be too much of a trial to ask to visit my brother one last time? We could easily take him out of you're camp if that would be simpler? but I fear moving him off of you're land completely."

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

I straightened myself as the tar-colored Folami wandered off to be with Abeni. The affection he presented her, and her leaning on him in return, comforted me in a sorrowful way. These animals were good to Abeni. Why had the cat never spoken of her life in the Folami pack? She bore more scars than any creature I had ever known; even more so than Ezhno. How is it these dogs that seemed to care for her so greatly would give her such injury? I did not understand and I let the thought go as the smaller female that the black child had left behind wandered off into the tree-line with tail and head low. It was clear that she was hurt by the man’s dismissal of her. What had gathered my attention, however, is that she had mumbled ‘how could I have let my self be dragged down to the level of these insufferable, emotionally driven animals? Fuck it,’ and then wandered off to disappear into the forest. I shook my head to clear it of the effort to dive into such affairs, and quickly turned a confident, but submissive attention to the approaching Head Huntress.

I dipped my head in respect to this Queen. Ezhno may have been an arrogant buffoon, but he knew well enough how to react on another animal’s territory. As heir to his throne, he passed that knowledge down to me. The difference between us, though, was that I did it with sincerity. My dip of the head was not matched with squinted, accusing eyes, or gritting teeth. I merely dropped my gaze and gave a small dip, before straightening back up and angling my gaze to meet Carska’s above. I made a mental note that Carska was not a Head Huntress, but an Alphess. Abeni had mentioned that on the trek here—before it settled in that Daiade was really dying. The second half of the journey had been nothing but childish moans and random bursts of tears.

“I must respectfully decline such an offer, Alphess Carska.” I blinked blankly before daring to turn a moment’s glance to Abeni, who now nestled into Mahal, seeming to shield him and collapse into him all at once. “On second thought,” I looked back to Carska after a moment’s staring at my lioness, “I suppose Abeni and I can stay one night. My Head Huntress can surely handle Akando in my absence. I don’t think Abeni can make the trek without some rest.” I pondered for a moment before chancing a request of my own. “Do you have a Healer? I saw some blood in Abeni’s prints. I think she sliced a pad or two on the way here.”

It was right after I asked this that I processed Carska’s own request. I looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, my jaw locked as I simply stared. “I suppose…” The words did not match my confident stance, nor did they sound complete. They were merely an escaped thought, a simple whisper. “Alphess, I am sure you understand how overwhelming this whole ordeal is on Akando. We have had a Folami, our one enemy, dying in our camp. We have a lioness calling him daddy and two cubs calling him grandpa. It is just all a lot to handle for my lioness’, and even myself. Many of them have grown anxious and even upset with his presence.” I recalled the sorrowful display given by the dog’s of this pack, pasted the image of the broken expression on the big black dog’s face, and on the smaller black dog’s face. Both of them had their emerald hues created to strike fear into my heart, but instead they had been fighting tears. There were still dogs crying here, and some silently staring at their paws in devastation. What would Abeni do if I said no to Carska, denying them a seat at their pack-mate’s side simply because their presence made my family and me uncomfortable?

My confident King-life composure broke and I sighed heavily as I looked downwards. “Know what, forget it. Akando can get over their petty discomfort. If you can promise control of your members, I will grant you time by Daiade’s side. He has become a nanny of our cubs there, so it is the least I can do to thank him for such loving care towards them.” My stomach flipped uneasily and for the first time I admitted to myself that I would be hurt when Daiade finally died. I would miss him. He wasn't just a burden on Akando, he was apart of it.

After these words were said, I let my peripherals follow a new dog that had snuck into camp. I was not so attached to this pack that I would risk myself to defend them, but Abeni was a feline and I knew many Folami still viewed a young lioness like herself as a tasty snack. This dog seemed blind to the going ons around him, however. The black and brown brute merely scanned the crowd with his green orbs until they landed on a fox-like dog, which he quickly approached. I perked my ears as his lips slipped to be beside the small fox-Folami-thing. "Fido, please, tell Paradox I took part in the unspeakable deed. Tell him I am so sorry." With those words whispered in a choked up voice, the man spun around and slid back into the trees, his paws carrying him faster than any cheetah I had ever laid eyes on. I could not, for the life of me, know what that man was speaking of, but I knew the recipiant must be able to figure it; that Paradox figure. It was not of my buisness and I quickly returned my attention to Carska for her reaction to my own spoken words.

OOC//: I thought, maybe, allowing Pari to go insane because of Ellipses admittal would help you channel your emotions into writing rather than anything else. <3