Water Dance (Open)

[Tala]

Silence. A constant companion and dear friend of the masked white female that now called this place home. It kept her safe and she even learned to draw comfort from it as she grew older. It held within it the key to unlock secrets and unravel mysteries that others were to loud to unravel with all their talk of power and strength. 

Her precious children were growing so fast, no longer needing to to be coddled and protected from the world no matter how much she wanted to keep them mere babes. Sweet Casi was even learning to explore in her own way, much quieter than her siblings but she had a power the other didn't. She shared her mothers gift of silence. Raum forever worried his mother, not that he seemed to notice.  Apollo and Artemis remained linked in a manner only they could understand thoroughly, but Tala was glad they leaned of each other. A close relationship was important as life went on. Dianthe seemed to be the most lost of the litter, not really seeming to know what to do with herself. 

But right now Tala was alone. Walking through the water leaving only gentle ripples in her wake. Her small form had returned to its original state and was once again lithe and swift footed. The huntress had been reinstated in her role among the pack and now ran down prey for the good of many in the ever growing Kairos.

Having not seen Kiva or Kayi for quite some time, Tala felt a little lonely. The only friends she had within the pack but she couldn't really complain, they had their own lives to deal with. She simply missed them. Then there was Sabaoth who said he wished to meet her pups  but she had yet to meet him again. Frankly, Tala wasn't sure of she was pleased or not by his extended disappearance.

Shrugging off her cares, the quiet masked female simply continued swimming alone, letting the cold water whisk away everything but the here and now. 

[Sabaoth]

Sabaoth had yet to return to Vor’asa since the birth of Roka’s first litter had called him back to Ina’mos. She’d welcomed four blessedly healthy pups into the world with no complications, and while worry had gnawed at Sabaoth when he’d smelled the coppery tang of blood that had lingered in the caverns, his mate had proven just as strong as the pups she’d produced. At first he’d been reluctant to leave her side, but when the Praetorian of Kairos – a sizeable female by the name of Xena – had materialized to offer her protection, Sabaoth had finally departed from the cramped cavern to stretch his aching muscles. It was a fine day, and eventually his paws had lead him to the beach, the crisp, tangy scent of the ocean stinging his nostrils lightly. Soon he would have to return to Vor’asa to see off the older generation and to welcome the new, and he would have to inform Roka of the femme he’d found upon the foreign shores – Odara – as well…but for now the General would attempt to relax.

A glimpse of ivory in the water gave him pause, arctic gaze sliding to find a vaguely familiar form wading through the waves. He paused for only a brief moment before slipping into the ocean, moving slowly towards the shape that was undoubtedly Tala. He stopped just shy of her, the water coming only to his shoulders whereas she was swimming. He could faintly make out her form beneath the clear waves, significantly smaller than when he’d last seen her. Then she’d been rotund, her belly bulging and heavy with the promise of life. Now she was slender and lithe, the dampness of her fur emphasizing this even more so.

”My, how things have changed,” he said, a quiet rumble of amusement in his voice as he gazed down at her. It had been so very long since he’d first met the small female, and though he had not forgotten the desire he’d stated to meet her young once they were born, as they were his nieces and nephews, he’d been so terribly busy that he hadn’t the time. They would be older now, nearly of age to make the swim for the agoge, if she’d had any boys.

”How are you, Tala?” He asked at last, his gaze sliding to meet hers, muzzle tilted downwards as he spoke. The water lapped gently at his haunches, cooling him where he towered over her, the sun casting his shadow partially across her form. The difference in size between the two was truly remarkable.


Tag: Tala
Words: 431
Notes: Hope it's okay that I tossed him in while he's still on Ina'mos <3

[Tala]

The sweetness of the day lifted her spirits as she gently swam along. No real cares seemed to be able to weigh her down right now. Then a rumbling voice coupled by a shadow that blotted out the sun arose over her and her serene disposition began to fall away. It was replaced by the sinking feeling of fear. Stopping her swim, she slowly raised her minty eyes along the form of the giant, taking in the cream and dark colors of the fur. It wasn't Goliath, which made her a little easier, of course she hasn't seen him since the birth of their progeny. She was fine that there seemed absolutely no affection for her from him but dreaded what seeing him now would mean for her. 

Seeing the scarred face, riveting her eyes onto his. "Greetings, Sir." Her quiet voice danced over the water to him. "I am well. My children are growing quickly." She said, trying to anticipate what he may ask her next, since he seemed interested in the pups before she could only imagine he would ask about them now. Of course, she may be completely wrong and he couldn't care less that all five had survived.

Glancing around for some inspiration but finding none, she retreated into silence. It seemed the safest choice and conversation certainly wasn't her strong suit. Sweeping her paws through the water for something to do, yet she was unable to look away from him now. He towered over her as he was nearly twice her height and out weighed her by more than one hundred pounds, truly awe-inspiring. Knowing full well he could crush her like an insect if he wanted, she just waited for him to speak. Such a meek little thing in the presence of a mountainous giant, how much more uncomfortable could things get?

Sabaoth 

OOC: Of course! Awesome to have these two together again.

[Sabaoth]

”Greetings, Sir."

Her voice was just as he’d remembered it – quiet, small, gentle. The very embodiment of the she-wolf who stood before him. Slowly, Sabaoth smiled. Had he been further away, the rest of her soft words might have been carried away over the waves by the breeze. At the mention of her children Sabaoth nodded, silent for a brief moment as he considered which questions to ask. ”How many did you have?” He asked, and after another moment added, ”And what are their names?” Before he might have dismissed her children as easily as he did the others who frolicked upon Ina’mos and filled the island with sounds of life, but he had not forgotten what he’d told her upon their last meeting. And now that Roka lay nestled in the caverns with his pups, he could not imagine discrediting the young of another so quickly.

”Will I be seeing any of them in the agoge?” He asked with genuine curiosity. The group that would be making the swim soon was stated to be smaller than the first, and yet no less fierce, he was sure. It was hard to imagine the sweet, diminutive Tala giving birth to anything fierce, but he remembered that it had been Goliath who had fathered her offspring, and Sabaoth also did not doubt that there was a quiet strength that lay nestled somewhere in the pale femme. After seeing the pain that Roka had experienced when her own small frame had given birth to such sizeable pups, he knew that Tala was not weak; she was smaller even than Roka, and yet here she stood, healthy and seemingly happy. The perseverance of a femme’s body was impressive to the warrior.

A flash of silver darted around him, the slick scales of a fish briefly brushing against his leg before darting away. Sabaoth glanced down towards it before dismissing it with a flick of his ear, his gaze returning once more to Tala. ”Do you think you’ll carry more young this season?” He asked, hoping he was not prying uncomfortably but determined to ask regardless. ”Or was one enough for you?” A quiet chuckle followed his previous words as he awaited the femme’s responses.

TAG: Tala

[Tala]

The questions posed to her were simple, thankfully. Glancing up briefly at him then retreating her eyes downward again a little she answered, "Five. Two sons and three daughters." She felt a glimmer of pride at saying that but she was too shy to show it. "Apollo, Raum, Castalia, Dianthe, and Artemis." Should she go into what they looked like? She faltered for a moment then decided if he wished to meet them he would have to know. "Apollo and Artemis are mirrored twins whom take after my looks. Raum has his fathers colors and my mask. Casi is a mixture of us and near silent. Dia is silver with lilac eyes who needs a little patience. Words are difficult for her." The incredibly brief description was nowhere near what she really wished to say. She was very proud and loved her children that she wanted to give detailed outlines of each. But speaking to Sabaoth was by no means a comfortable thing for her. 

The next query was harder. She didn't want her sons to go yet she was under expressed order from Datura to send them off when the time came. "Yes. My sons will go." A hint of her grief at being separated from them tinged her voice. They would leave still pups in her mind and return....warrior apprentices. Raum would do well, she knew. But she was not sure of Apollo. Spending time with him as a youngster was scarce and she never really spoke to him about Agoge in a way to get his opinion of it. 

The thought of more pups was surely a welcome one to her, as she loved her children immensely. Yet she had a feeling Datura wouldn't settle easily for her having another litter especially by Goliath. The masked female knew her pregnancy was really more of a branding her as Kairos property. She had no real love for her Alpha but she was obedient from fear. If he ignored her this season, she couldn't imagine anyone wishing for her to carry their children. Thinking of how to answer carefully, she opened her mouth and replied, "That is not my decision." The words brought a type of sadness as she thought more of how she will be cast aside once again. But she will always have her children, a constant presence of affection, and she would be content.

"You have pups now, yes?" Her quietness taking a stronger hold now as she was not sure it was her place to pose such personal questions to him, brother of her Alpha. But she was curious as he didn't seem to be the kind. When they met the first time, the idea of pups seemed almost repulsive. But if what she had heard was true, then she may have misjudged him.

Sabaoth

[Sabaoth]

As she spoke of her children, Sabaoth could see the pride flickering in Tala’s pale green eyes, each of their names falling upon his waiting ears. He tried his best to memorize them as she briefly described them, nodding his head to signify that he’d heard her. He would have to watch for them both on Vor’asa and upon returning to Ina’mos; it was his duty as General to ensure that he was familiarized with each of the pack members, of course, but he also wished to see the pups that Tala had given birth to.

Her response to his previous question was different; the pride had faded from her voice, replaced by a soft grief that he did not miss. While his expression did not change, Sabaoth supposed he could see why she might worry; the agoge was no easy feat, and many dangerous creatures called Vor’asa their home. Still, they’d had no fatalities or mauling’s yet. ”I will be there to observe them and guide them, should they need it,” he told her quietly. He could not exactly offer to watch over them, because the boys would have to grow and learn, but he would not allow any serious harm to befall them if he could prevent it, and he hoped that his tone portrayed that. He’d helped Typhon out in the agoge, after all, teaching the young male of sparring and offering tidbits of advice.

”That is not my decision."

Her voice brought him back to the present, his lips beginning to pull into a frown before his stopped himself. He knew it was not his place to advise her in the matter of motherhood – and how could he, a great scarred brute, even begin to try? – but still he could not stop himself from commenting. ”Even if Goliath does not choose you again,” he said, ”that does not mean that someone else will not have their eye on you. Five children is no easy feat; you’ve already proven your ability to birth strong, healthy young.”

He shrugged a single shoulder then, turning his attention to the question that she posed. ”Roka gave birth not long ago,” he confirmed, and now it was he who was unable to keep the twinge of pride from his tone. ”Three boys – Taranis, Rhys, and Kegan - and a girl. Liadan.” He glanced back towards the caverns briefly, before his gaze returned to Tala. ”It was an easy enough birth, I suppose. I’m sure Roka wouldn’t mind if you’d like to meet them sometime.”


Tala

[Tala]

Minty green eyes watched carefully, catching the rather kind way he spoke to her. He actually seemed to be listening and taking note of her children's names and looks instead of just glazing over it and moving on. The fact her children may matter to someone other than herself was simply touching. "Thank you, sir." Another quiet phrase after he promised to guide them during the treacherous journey of Agoge. While she worried over her children, she had to hope for the best. Her sons were smart and resourceful and they would probably do just fine but a mother had a right to be concerned.

His next statement was kind but she had trouble believing it, who would care for the Alphas castoff to bear their children? True she wasn't expecting to have five pups, a rather sizable litter in her opinion but not the largest. That may make a difference to someone. Shrugging mentally, she decided to just wait and see what happened.

Perking her ears at hearing of the Generals children, Tala nodded at hearing the young pups names. She had yet to meet his mate but had no doubt she was a strong female. "I'm sure they will bring you both much joy and pride." A smile danced briefly along her features, she knew the excitement pups could bring into life. The General and his mate were bound for much joy. "I would be honored to meet them." 

Slowly, he was becoming less monolithic, drowning her in his shadow. He was changing in her minds eye into someone she could be that much less tense and scared of. Yet there was still that niggling voice in the back of her to not allow herself to be to comfortable around him, the position he held and his relation to Goliath made him a rather dangerous acquaintance. He just seemed more relatable than the Alpha. 

"What do they look like?" She was curious to say the least. Wishing it have an idea of who was who if she had the chance to visit. Of course she wished to give the mother some time to adjust and bond. She knew full well the protectiveness that could overtake the new parents, turning sweet mothers into snarling guardians especially towards strangers. 

Sabaoth

[Sabaoth]

"Thank you, sir."

Sabaoth offered a bob of his head in response, not missing the gratefulness that flickered in Tala’s gaze. While he did not know very much about her yet, Sabaoth was under the impression that she did not have many people to speak with who truly listened to her. Due to his gargantuan size, grizzled features, and equally gruff demeanor, Sabaoth found that many thought he was cruel and savage. While they were things that Sabaoth could be when provoked during his temper flare-ups, he was not wired to be barbaric or inhumane. He was not particularly good at socializing, but to shun or snub one as quiet and gentle as Tala would have brought him no joy.

"I'm sure they will bring you both much joy and pride. I would be honored to meet them."

”They bring me both already,” he admitted to her with a wry smile. Sabaoth had fretted and worried that he would be a less-than-adequate father, but as it turned out, his sons and daughter were already worming their way into his gnarled heart. Slowly he turned and ambled away from Tala, wading back through the water until he was on damp sand. He lowered his rump to the ground and gestured beside him with his muzzle, careful to make sure that his invitation did not come off as an order. Then he took a moment to consider her final question; he was not eloquent or gifted with words, but he doubted that Tala was expecting him to be regardless.

”Taranis looks extraordinarily like me – the dark fur, white patches, blue eyes, everything. Liaden favors me as well, but a bit lighter, and with her grandmother’s green gaze.” Thinking of Ahri’s eyes was something Sabaoth was not fond of doing; he had never forgotten the pain of losing his mother, but he no longer dwelled upon it. ”Rhys and Kegan both look more like their mother, though Rhys has my eyes.”

He glanced towards her, an amused chuckle sliding past his muzzle. ”They’re not quite as colorful as your litter sounds, I fear, but still handsome children.” They were his biggest accomplishment – walking, talking versions of him that he would watch grow and flourish. ”Roka is protective and stubborn, but with time, I think she will be open to your company. I fear that she has few friends here that she can truly trust, and someone like you would be good for her.” Someone soft. Patient. Kind.

Tala

[Tala]

She was glad he seemed to be doing well as a new father. A ghost of a smile swept across her face as she heard his voice speak of them. Pups were the worlds loveliest gifts and now he was able to experience it. 

Tilting her her head slightly as she watched him leave the waters grasp, she wondered if that was the end of the conversation. Then he sat down and beckoned her to join him, at which she quietly slid out herself with her snowy fur plastered to her once again narrow form. But she didn't mind enough to shakeout her fur, it would dry out soon enough. Taking a seat beside her giant companion, dark rimmed ears perked to listen more of his offspring. Noting each word and trying to picture them in her minds eye as he wove the short description together. 

"They sound lovely." She whispered at the end of his soliloquy. Her eyes brightened with joy for the new parents and silently wished them the best. At hearing how his mate could stubborn, Tala faltered slightly into her old habit of fear before she gathered herself back together. She would meet Roka and the pups with patience and kindness. It would be no fault of his mate to be testy or anything of the like, it was how mothers were. In fact, now that he said she had few friends now only made Tala want to welcome her more. She knew full well how hard coming to a new pack, new territory could be. 

The idea of having a new friend was pure elation to the quiet female, the dynamic of a feisty female coupled with a shy one was odd to say the least, but far be it from Tala to judge harshly. "I'll do my best, sir." 

Sabaoth

[Sabaoth]

As the slender, pale fae moved from the water to take her place beside Sabaoth, the General found himself wondering if she ever did not do as she was told. He was pleased that she’d decided to indulge in his company for longer, of course, otherwise he would simply have left her in peace. But from the very first day he’d met her, she’d been soft and compliant, lacking the defiant spark that several Kairos females seemed to have. Even as he suggested that she meet Roka, Tala readily agreed, and the brute was unsure if she truly wanted to, or if she was only agreeing for the sake of following “orders” – though it had not been his intention to boss Tala around.

”You don’t have to, you know,” he told her on a whim, shifting his gaze downwards until it rested upon the tiny femme. ”I have a feeling that you are not familiar with saying no.” His lips quirked into a brief smile, showing that he meant no harm by his comment – or hoping that he did. Sabaoth was not particularly used to considering the feelings and needs of others, but it was something he was quickly becoming acquainted with. Mates, pups, packmates – all of them mattered to him now, for he was a General, and the wellbeing of those in Kairos was of growing importance to the male. He was not necessarily good at conversing, or caring, but he knew that he would learn somewhere along the way.

”What made you wish to join Kairos?” He asked her, his curiosity getting the best of him. ”I mean no offense; you don’t even have to answer. But you seem far too gentle for a place oozing competition and ferocity.” He could see that life on Ina’mos treated her well – she was healthy, and seemingly content, but these facts did not stop his wondering. Had Tala intended to join Kairos, or somehow got swept along in the current of it?

Tala

[Tala]

She was becoming more comfortable with him. Something that she never thought would have happened before as males were always bringers of reason to be afraid in her experience. In her past, they chose to use their superior strength and size against her, like they had to prove they were the boss of her. Wasted energy really since Tala wasn't the one to argue, but it had made the little masked female often balk at the sight of them. But nowhere she was with one of the largest males she ever met actually having a conversation, however stilted she was in participating in it. 

But then he made a comment she didn't expect, causing her to look up at him in mute wonderment. He cares. It was as simple as that in her mind but it was like a thunder clap just rumbled over her head. Shock held her perfectly still as she processed the news, having no idea what to do with it. "I do wish to meet her." Hopefully able to convince him that she would be acting out her want once she met Roka and his prodigy.

Frankly she could not come up with a situation where she said 'No' to a request someone had of her. That simple, little word carried to much danger with it. Tala had to survive. She was her own protector never mind how awful she was at it, but she did learn the safer way was to deny no one anything they demanded. Even her own body..

Should she confide in him? After a moments thought she chose not to. It didn't matter that he was kind to her, he was a dangerous wolf nonetheless. But he raised another tough question when he asked why she was here. It wasn't one she could easily answer for Datura played a huge part in it. His own brothers mate and a powerful female of the pack. How could she tell him she was rather misled about Kairos? Datura promised things that had yet to come and probably never would.

Speaking slowly, choosing her words carefully, Tala wove her story, "Lady Datura pointed me here. Told me that my devotion would be paid off with protection and purpose. A happy, safe place." Even as much as she knew Datura hated her (although not entirely sure why) and in turn Tala learned to not trust Datura even though she had to do as bidden or else risk punishment by either Goliath or some other wolf, Tala in some twisted way owed her credit for the joy of having her children now. "If I was strong enough to swim the expanse of water alone I was welcome, she said. Goliath met me there, branded me there."

She had hoped that she chose her words well and didn't upset him by speaking like she was trapped here. There were positive things about Kairos that she had found now that she was familiar with it. She indeed had purpose by being a huntress and mother, two things she enjoyed very much. While her friends seemed to have disappeared, for she hadn't seen Kayi since the pups were little and Kiva had indeed left the pack, Tala was kept busy. Now there was promise of meeting Roka. A possible friend. And the General himself who she liked the more she talked to him.

Sabaoth

[Sabaoth]

He was glad to hear that Tala truly had a desire to meet Roka, though he did not say so. Roka was fierce and sometimes harsh, the polar opposite of the diminutive fae who sat beside him, but she would do well with friends upon Ina’mos. Perhaps the two would be good for each other; they each displayed fine qualities that the other might learn from, such as Roka’s fierceness and Tala’s kindness. It would be interesting to see, regardless.

Sabaoth was not surprised to learn that it was Datura who had recruited Tala, though if he was not mistaken, he’d heard that the Matriarch did not quite like the gentle femme. Tala spoke carefully, something that Sabaoth was distinctly aware of, for how could she not? When the General of a fearsome pack of giants inquired after ones feelings regarding their home, Sabaoth supposed it would be unwise to admit an unhappiness. But he was no typical General; he’d earned his position through loyalty, of course, but he would not demand the respect of his packmates through fear. Outsiders and traitors were a different story; those were the ones who deserved his wrath, his sinister fury. But not Tala.

”Are you happy here?” He asked her at last, his voice quiet but serious as he turned to gaze at her. ”You need not worry about what I will think, or how I will react. You do not have to hide your wants or wishes from me.” He wanted her to know that suddenly; he knew that, with all things considered, he did not seem like a wolf capable of understanding. He was gruff and abrupt, and even his physical appearance painted him a monster: gargantuan size, ropes of scars crisscrossing his face and chest. And yet Sabaoth was not cruel to those that he cared for, and he found that he was coming to care for many in Kairos. He would never be soft, or gentle, or kind. But likewise, he would not harm or punish Tala for revealing her hearts desires to him.

Tala

[Tala]

She waited to see his reaction to what she said, hoping she spoke well and wouldn't make him upset. So far, it seemed successful for she saw no anger in his face. Actually it was something quite opposite. The minty gaze of the masked female reached up to him as she waited. The scars didn't seem so frightening, his size was less intimidating, she was learning about him as a real wolf instead of just her superior. Yes a part of her still told her to be wary, but the desire to have a friend was also there. However unorthodox it was for such a delicate, shy female to be friends with a leviathan General, Tala began to hope it may happen one day. 

When he asked if she was really happy, there was a pause before she answered. An assurance that she didn't have to mind her words still didn't help her. She wasn't honestly sure if she truly was or not. "My children bring me joy." She began then paused as she thought more. Before now she never really considered it since she didn't think it mattered to anyone. She was Kairos but no one really seemed to care if she was happy and she chose not to dwell on it. Dutiful, yes. Obedient, yes. Happy.....

"Sir...I can't answer that. I don't know." Her whispering voice breathed into the breeze slowly. "I have purpose here. Now I have five to call family. But I.....don't know." She ended her sentence helplessly, almost sadly like she was letting him down. "Forgive me." 

Dainty Tala could only sit in silence after she said that rather confused and ashamed that she couldn't give a definitive answer. Not even sure what to expect from the General, she drew her gaze from him to out over the water, wondering if she only succeeded frustrating him. 

Sabaoth
OOC: finally able to log into Tala!!