Beginning of the End [Vorilye Spawn]

[Vorilye]

It had started with nothing but a cough.

As the days grew longer, it grew to be so much more than the elder alpha could have ever imagined. Vorilye's bounce back to health seemed to have been temporary at best; the aches and pains of the last year grew in force with each passing day, yet the alpha had managed to keep it under wraps for all this time. The pack was growing stronger once more, and the large mackenzie valley male had put forward a strong face. His sons were everything he hoped for; they were everything his first sons had not been. It seemed that finally, he managed to do something right. Where Ryker, Sypher, Zephyros and the others had gone wrong, these pups had grown into strapping young males. They were his pride and joy in the very sense of the words. And yet, it seemed his time with them was growing shorter by the minute.

It had been nearly a week since Vorilye last emerged from the dens; there was too much threat out there for him, and he could not bear to meet his end away from the very heart of the territory he secured for his children. It was only a passing dream that he would manage to reclaim Acerbus, the true heart of Descai, for the pack once more. The wounds from his encounter with Goliath never fully healed, and it was likely that a blood infection was taking him down one day at a time from the inside. How could he hope to compete with a giant like Ahri and Belial's son?

With a grimace, the male heaved himself from his dirtied side, standing upright once more. He would have to face his sons eventually; there was no way he could continue this charade. They knew there was something wrong, and they were old enough to face the reality of the situation. With much of his remaining energy, the alpha male threw back his head in a haunting cry, summoning the back back to the dens so that the could convene for one last time.

Tags: Remus Galathe Pharaoh @celosia

[Galathe]

GALATHE ▪ Vorilye Remus Pharaoh @celosia

T

aking a large, fulfilling bite, Galathe began devouring his catch. He had not eaten in a short while, instead spending all of his time inspecting all nooks and crannies of his pack territory. His territory. Well, his family's, at least.

Faint trickling water tickled the prince's ears as he ate, lying comfortably deep in a crevice. The rock provided a pleasant escape from the outside, and Galathe was beginning to spend an awful lot of time in there. He did not even know the place's name, but he did know that there always seemed to be another, slightly familiar scent lingering, always.

The last morsel of flesh had been consumed when a hollow howl pierced the calm tranquility of Galathe's peace, seeming to erupt from the entrance of the place. Finally, Galathe realised the scent that hung around his sanctury - it was Vorilye, the alpha of Descai.

Ears perking with interest, the leader's son wondered why the leader was calling to him. Or maybe he's calling to someone else. Galathe found himself having a conversation with himself as his inner monologue answered back. Why would he be calling someone else? He hasn't seen you in ages. Convinced that the howl was for him, the royal Subordinate stood up and approached the entrace of what he now felt was home.

After the short trek to where Descai's chief was standing, Galathe observed his black and gold father. Vorilye's frame seemed gaunt and lifeless, and had he not been standing and just called Galathe, the Descai prince might have assumed that his paternal parent was, somehow, dead. Despite this, the blue-eyed brute simply dipped his head in both respect and greeting before eying his father with a more friendly, less formal gaze.

"Father. You called?"

?

[Pharaoh]

He had been wandering the borders, well, patrolling actually. Not only had the alpha's largest son grown to his full height of fourty five inches now, but he was at a healthy weight and just as strong as the companion that moved constantly beside him. Well, perhaps not quite as strong as she was. But Thirteen was much larger, much more powerful, and much more foreign to these lands. She was a tiger, not at all belonging to the pack, but yet still a member because of her companion's lineage and loyalty. She would never leave his side, and he would never abandon her. Though he had grown up with siblings strong enough to play with, he had still always been the largest and his half siblings had always been too sick and frail to compete with. Thirteen, however, had made a powerful and worthy opponent. She had helped make him strong, and their bond had only strengthened from day to day that they both grew.

But lately, neither had been doing much growing. Thirteen, although not fully grown because of her species, towered over the male wolf as they made their way down the border of Descai's territory once more. Pharaoh, although typically alert and attentive of the end of the territory, found himself increasingly distracted today. He had not seen his father for quite some time, and though Vorilye's scent had been strong near the dens, he had not seen him anywhere outside of them for days. Their patrol was nearly finished, though, and he had every intention of hunting and perhaps bringing home a meal for his sire if he managed to find something fitting for the pack's leader. Enormous paws carried him slowly across the pack land, taking him in the direction of the crevice, ears perked and nose breathing deeply for any scent of prey nearby.

Eventually, he caught the scent of a young deer. Sure, it was nothing for both himself and Thirteen, but they did not need the meat right now. No, this would be an offering for Vorilye. Working as a team, the pair of predators easily overpowered the creature and even went as far as to tear it in half, Thirteen carrying the larger portion and Pharaoh carrying the rest in his jaws as a howl echoed around them. It was the voice of his father, calling to not only him, but all of his offspring. Pharaoh's siblings and half siblings. But who would respond? The large male had not seen many of them lurking about, but he knew that at least a few of them still survived and remained strong. He lifted his head with pride, carrying his catch in the direction of his father's call, not coming to a stop until both he and Thirteen were laying their kill on the rocky ground in front of him.

Words: 478
Tags: Vorilye, Galathe, Remus
Notes: n/a

[Vorilye]

While Vorilye was not certain who would make an appearance, the elder male was pleased to see that at least a few of his sons remained in the territory. As each day passed, the alpha male could not help but wonder when Goliath would return. The black, golden, and now greying alpha was living in a constant state of uncertainty. The male had damaged not only his spirit, but what remained of his body. There was so little he could do these days; he was weak, and somewhat frail, though he refused to think of himself that way. He needed to see the pack succeed, yet there was no way that a dying alpha could possibly lead a pack of the living. As Galathe approached, his greeting seemed far more... formal than the male would have liked. It was no secret that he was not near as present in their lives as he might have liked to be, it was for more reasons than they might have expected. Arthritis plagued the male's hips, making it more difficult to rise to his feet month after month. The persistent pain was weakness, and he had refused to show such vulnerability in front of his children. But it was better that they knew... He could not keep up a charade forever, and they deserved better than that.

The elder of the boys, Pharaoh, and that dreaded cat that followed him around arrived and, much to the alpha's delight, they came bearing gifts. As uncomfortable as the tigress made Vorilye, he was certainly pleased that a creature of such grace and stature was standing at the male's side. While he might be unnerved by the cat, he would never deny his son the companionship that the gigantic feline provided. Instead, he embraced the cat as another member of the pack; it was better than the alternative, which he was rather fond of his face in its current configuration. With a fleeting glance of furtive gratitude, the alpha dipped his head in acknowledgement to the cat and his son, hungrily feasting upon the carcass they presented. The taste of fresh flesh had never tasted so good; these days, the male was lucky to catch anything at all. Once he choked down his fill, they alpha's golden eyes fell solemnly on the two boys. He was certain some of the others would trickle in over time, but they had the right to know.

"My boys..." he sighed, thoroughly disturbed that a day such as this had finally come. "Clearly I have disappointed you." He grimaced, rising ever so slowly as the creaking joints and muscles in his hind legs protested. "I am not the alpha you deserve, but unfortunately I am the one you have." A slight smirk, the mirror of the alpha's lighter half, drifted across his gold and grey muzzle before slowly fading away. "I... I am not getting better, my boys. I am not much longer for this world."

---

Count | 501 words
Muse | Erm... okay-ish.
Tags | Galathe Pharaoh Saphira
Notes | I totally forgot to tag Saphira in this. Oops.

[Valeria]

The trek had been long an unwelcome, but it was the only thing Valeria could do to save her family. While the fight with the young male had been leaning in her favor, the Kairos wolves swarmed upon the jungle like maggots to a rotting corpse, outnumbering her children and sisters two to one. There had been no other decision; she could not in good conscience leave her family to die for her own selfish pride.

And so they fled.

Across the center of Tas'alea the great alphess bolted, bringing in tow any of the Valyn wolves who chose to follow. For it was not a lack of leadership that lost them their home, but rather an an onslaught that could not be rebuked. Kairos simply had too many bodies, and Valeria would not sacrifice her entire family over some land. As the alphess darted across the southern deserts, she was lucky to beat the flow of molten lava as it poured over the lands where they had just passed, cutting off the island from the mainland. Perhaps it would dissuade the Kairos clan from following. She could not know, for it was only a matter of time before they tried to overtake her once more.

The loathing and sheer hatred toward Goliath and his pack festered close beneath the surface, her rage forcing her onward to her birth pack's new home in Kamari. She did not expect her father's open arms or an affectionate greeting in the least, but right now, the great black and golden wolf could not bring herself to care. Even if it was just temporary, Val was poised to fight her own father for the right to remain in these lands.

What the Seraphim did not expect was to find even Kamari barren. Whatever Kairos had brought upon Descai had been brutal, as their ranks used to pace every border of the pack lands to prevent intruders. Now, there were hardly scent markers along the borders to warn her she was entering Descai's pack lands. The territories of Kamari were acutely familiar to the great wolf. Sarin had often brought them here to escape the cacophony of the pack's main dens in Acerbus, as she herself had not been a fan of the large numbers of the pack. But it seems that Descai, too, had fallen into ruins.

Valeria cursed herself. She had driven away almost all males from their territory, and the females that remained were smaller. There was only so much they could do to protect themselves; she would have to re-evaluate if they were to reclaim their homelands from the gene cesspool that was Kairos. The seed of vengeance had been planted in the alphess's heart, and she would not rest until her home had been reclaimed once more.

And so the alphess approached the heart of Kamari, the crevice that served as a den site when she was but a pup. And Valeria was not disappointed; the scent markers were stronger here, indicating that while they may have been few, Descai still survived. The skulking Mackenzie Valley wolf approached silently, her sister and daughter in tow, to catch the tail end of her father's speech. He is not well, she mused, finding it very difficult to pity or sympathize with the old brute. Perhaps, this was exactly what they both needed.

It was then that the she-wolf made her presence known, a short yip alerting them to her arrival as she strolled out from behind the rocky alcove. "It seems, Father, that we may be able to benefit each other," the Seraphim spoke bluntly, not even bothering with formal introductions.


Tags: Vorilye, Galathe, Pharaoh, Valkyrie, Zofia

[Galathe]

Pharaoh, a half-brother that Galathe had heard about and seen occasionally, was standing with a gargantuan white tigeress and carrying food. The smallest male of the three only flicked his gaze towards the feline in a brave show of indifference despite internally feeling terrified of the foriegn cat. The multihued wolf ignored his half-brother and his strange choice of companion as the elder leader of Descai started talking. Taciturnly, Galathe listened to his father speak about disappointing his children. The prince was about to promptly reply when the alpha's next sentence knocked him off guard.

"I am not much longer for this world."

Vorilye was ill, it was quite apparent, but the words still hit the blue-eyed male with impact. His father was... Dying?

"Father, I-"

Yet again, Galathe was not allowed to reply. A brief yapping sound interrupted the male as he turned to face the intruder. With narrowed eyes, the mottled brute observed how strikingly similar the inconnu was to Vorilye. Exactly identical, in fact, apart from a slight difference in body shape and size. Galathe eyed this stranger, taking in the curve of their hips, the scent on their fur... They were female, but all of the females that Galathe had seen were far smaller than that. How was that possible? Oh, and the thing spoke.

"It seems, Father, that we may be able to benefit each other."

Father. So this was Vorilye's so- no, daughter. Well, if she was Vorilye's offspring, she was not in Descai, meaning that she was a traitor. She left. Nobody betrayed Descai. Vorilye could thank him later for ridding the heart of Kamari of scumbag traitors.

Twisting around to face the femme head on, Galathe began speaking with a snarl upon his maw. "He's your 'father', you say? He is your father for as long as you stay in Descai." He stepped forwards to inhale a large amount of air beside the stranger's flank. "What's this? This appears to smell nothing like Descai, aside from a few recent scents of the markers that you must have so blatantly ignored."

The reckless Subordinate moved in a slow, threatening manner until he reached the female's face again, reassuming his position in front of her. "Who are you, and what is your business in the lands of Descai?

Galathe felt no shame. He had defended his pack, and it was not like Vorilye could do that himself. His father would be proud of him, no doubt. The male remained in front of his father's doppelgänger, watching her with intensity.

---

Words: 467
Tags: Vorilye Pharaoh Valeria
Muse: Meh

[Saphira]

Saphira heard the call of her father and came running. What else would she do? She knew he had not been well, and this call sounded serious. She was surprised to see Galathe and Pharaoh had arrived before she. She did not even know them as well as she should have considering her relation to them. She stood at the mouth of the den eavesdropping but not able to find the strength to put one paw in front of the other and enter the den. But she caught the end of his conversation with his sons. Her eyes stung and began to well-up. No one should regret their life on their deathbed. She could not imagine something more tragic.

Just as she was about to enter, wolves she did not recognized walked past her. She followed them silently and listened and observed. The first wolf that entered the den was unmistakably related to the alpha. Saphira tried to imagine who it could be. She was aware she had many half-siblings. Maybe one of them? It crossed her mind that this could be Valeria, but the she-wolf had left when Sapphire was still young, and, as was the case with most of Vorilye’s offspring, they had never really interacted before. She had often wondered what had become of Valeria and why she had left. She had only been a pup at the time and no one had explained it to her.

But that, and the conversation this possibly strange female wished to have with her father would have to wait. It was not as important as making sure her father was aware of her presence in what would possibly be his last hours. “Father?” Saphira was rarely this grave and did not know how to respond to such a situation. “I am here.” It was all she could offer as she approached him and nuzzled his side tenderly, showing her support.

Then she turned to the female, after Galathe had torn into her, verbally. “How do you mean that? What benefit could you be to us?” The words came out slightly more harshly than she had intended, though less harsh than Galathe’s, but she felt as if her personal time with her father had been intruded upon. Regardless of whether this was Valeria or not, she did not have a right to storm the den of the alpha of Descai. Saphira’s hackles raised slightly as her gaze darted from the wolf bearing a resemblance to Vorilye to the wolves that had entered with her.

Words: 432
Muse: decent
Tags: Vorilye, Galathe, Valeria, Pharaoh, Valkyrie, Zofia, Galathe
Notes: =(

[Pharaoh]

His father was grateful for the food that they had brought, and though it was obvious that he was not the only one that was uncomfortable with Thirteen's presence, Pharaoh brushed lightly up against the female feline as they moved slowly away from the weakened alpha. Then, as he slowly sat down beside his companion, the words he had been fearing slowly began to pour from his father's mouth. "My boys, clearly I have disappointed you. I am not the alpha you deserve, but unfortunately I am the one you have. I... I am not getting better, my boys. I am not much longer for this world." The words had not only Pharaoh up on his feet, but apparently his half brother, Galathe, as well. However, all words and sentiments were interrupted with the arrival of a grouping of female wolves.

Pharaoh's first instinct was to stand up to his full height and put himself between his weakened father and the intruders, but as he turned to look at the strangers that had arrived, he was shocked to see such similarity between their leader and his father. He had not heard many stories from his aging father, but he had heard about other offspring, as well as the importance of family. Family was the most important thing in the world, and after losing his sister and now his father was slipping away, he could not help but pin his ears back at the suddenly brash and blatant disrespect of his half-brother. It was the dark female that had spoken first, of being able to benefit her father, which only confirmed Pharaoh's inklings that she might be another of his half sisters. "He's your 'father', you say? He is your father for as long as you stay in Descai. What's this? This appears to smell nothing like Descai, aside from a few recent scents of the markers that you must have so blatantly ignored."

This time, both Thirteen and Pharaoh were up on their feet. They were still between the strangers and Vorilye, but this time Pharaoh faced Galathe with a rather approving glare. "No doubt you recognize your own family when you see them, Galathe. Or perhaps your elongated stay within your den as a pup has not taught you the proper importance of blood relations." He said, barely concealing the growl that so dearly wished to spring from his throat. “How do you mean that? What benefit could you be to us?” He had only met Saphira once, on the border of Descai when she had been flirting with a pair of lone males, and though he respected her as his sister, he knew very little about her. Nevertheless, her words were reasonable, if not said a bit too harshly for his liking. With Vorilye sick and weak, the young wolves that surrounded him with little to no experience would not stand a chance if things were to come to blows here today.

"Surely you all see that we stand little chance of maintaining Descai on our own. This must be Valeria, alphess of Valyn. I have heard only a small amount of you from our father, but your pack has been known to be strong. However, I fear your beliefs may not mingle too well with our own in terms of gender, sister." He said, pressing lightly up against the irritated feline beside him so that she slowly sat down and then lowered herself into a laying position to be more on the same level of the wolves around her. He wanted to blood to be shed today, and he would do everything in his power to prevent the demise of his father from happening any sooner than it absolutely had to. Vorilye would defend his youngest offspring if necessary, but the white and gold male had no doubt that he would lose his life in the process. More of them likely would as well. If he could do anything to protect his family, anything at all, he would.

Words: 671
Tags: Vorilye, Galathe, Remus, Romulus, Valeria, Saphira, Zofia
Notes: n/a

[Vorilye]

All too sudden, tensions were running high.

Though there were many things Vorilye expected to see in his life, Valeria, Zofia, and another of what looked to be of their bloodline strolled up mid-conversation, his largest daughter's words catching the male off guard. The ragged alpha struggled to rise to his feet, leaning slightly on Saphira's weight as he rose to steady himself and face his daughter. But before another word could be spoken by the alpha, Galathe was on his feet and smarting off to the larger female. Vor could only grimace, curious as to the consequences of the behavior. Saphira, being the oldest of his remaining brood, spoke with more suspicion and curiosity, where it seemed that Pharaoh was the level-headed one of the bunch once more. He was correct to identify their older sister; only the blind could not see the carbon copy likeness between himself and Valeria.

"Valeria, it has been many years," the Mackenzie male grouched gruffly, his voice scratchy in its weakened state. "However, you pick quite the peculiar time to visit. And Zofia, it is nice to see you again as well. Galathe, Saphira, Pharaoh, meet your older siblings." There was no animosity in the male's voice; if the Valyn femmes were here to harm them, then they would have done so by now. The alpha turned his gaze on Galathe, the stern words creeping from his muzzle. "It would do you well to listen to your brother, Galathe. Valeria and Zofia are your sisters, and blood does not cease once you have exited the pack's lands."

The pack was in a weakened state, and there was little more than the male's own children left within the ranks at this point. His daughters, and one that was likely his granddaughter, if Vor had to wager a guess, were here for a reason, and he could not see why they would be here unless circumstances required it. The alpha male was fully aware of Valeria's thoughts when he handed Descai over to Ryker. In fact, many a times the alpha wonder if he might have been better off staying in command longer and passing the pack on to her. She had always shown such promise, but at the time she was still far too young to lead a pack. That did not seem to have stopped her, however, as here she stood, clearly an alphess in her own right.

"What is it that you could have to offer us, Val?" he inquired, curious what the femme could have to say that would have anything to do with Descai. He was here to start sorting his affairs, yet this was an unexpected turn of events. "You seem to have traveled far from home, if the rumors serve correct."

---

Count | 471 words
Muse | So-so.
Tags | Valeria Galathe Saphira Pharaoh Zofia
Notes | I went ahead and posted the tags in the posting order so that we know where everyone comes next before this thread gets too crazy!

[Valeria]

There were far more wolves here than Valeria had first anticipated; it seemed her dear father had been hard at work in her absence, after all. She nearly smirked at the young male who so brazenly got into her face, though the urge to do so was stifled by the fact that she was here on a mission. The large alphess gently dipped her head, brushing ever so slightly past the side of the male as another young brute, potentially this one's brother, rose up in defense of... what exactly, the Seraphim was not certain. This male seemed to be taking a more neutral position, whereas her younger sister was a bit more accusatory in her words.

"Saphira, it has been far too long," Valeria greeted her sister with earnest, effectively dismissing Galathe's rantings until he had the time to cool off. She was not here on a violent mission, nor did she have any intent to harm their dear father. She dipped her head in greeting to the smaller white wolf, a genuine smile crossing her face as she shed the grim war face of the Seraphim in place of the face of a child of Vorilye. "Father, many things have changed in the moons we have been gone," she warned grimly, her gaze flickering back to her doppelganger. She then turned to stare over at Pharaoh and... "What in the bloody hell..." she grunted out in surprise at the size of the cat beside her half brother. "I thought we left the cats in the jungle. It seems one has found its way into the heart of your pack, nonetheless. You are right, young one. I am Valeria, the Seraphim of Valyn. And I come not to cause problems, but to offer you a solution."

The black and golden alphess was not in the mood to be long winded, particularly with the pain of her current wounds, but there was not much she could do to avoid it in this situation. "Kairos has not only spread onto your soil. They have taken mine as well," she snarled angrily, her eyes flashing with the residual bitterness of defeat. "They came with a legion of young wolves, swarming our lands and driving us out. The pack was not together... there are several unaccounted for within my ranks." She paused, allowing a moment of silence for what very well might have been her fallen sisters. She had been unable to protect them. They had not been together in the dens, and Valeria had no choice but to leave when the opportunity arose lest none of them escape with their lives.

"I want... I need revenge," she bit out, "and our old ways were getting us nowhere. Descai is dying, surely you can see that. And Valyn could use the assistance of some young, strapping males." The idea of integrating her brothers into the pack was far less painful than the idea of outsiders invading their ranks. She would have to step back some of the strictness toward the males, but certainly it would be easier if they had blood ties to the pack. "I can help you retake Acerbus, if you will help me retake Kal'dyne. Together, we are stronger than we are apart."


Word Count: 546 words
Tags: Galathe Saphira Pharaoh Zofia Vorilye
Notes: Val's "I Have a Dream" speech.

[Galathe]

Just as spontaneous as Galathe's actions had been, several wolves, undoubtedly related to Vorilye and therefore Galathe, joined the gathering and various opinions were being expressed on the stranger's arrival. The male spotted his older half-sister, Saphira, who he had not spoken to yet, although he had heard of her half-faced appearance just as he had of other extended family. Another she-wolf entered, bearing the signature golden markings of Vorilye's children. What did Pharoah have to say, though?

"No doubt you recognize your own family when you see them, Galathe. Or perhaps your elongated stay within your den as a pup has not taught you the proper importance of blood relations."

At his brother's criticism, Galathe scowled and promptly replied. "Those who desert Descai, which she obviously has, are traitors. Maybe it's you who has not been taught the proper importance of things." Although he had spoken rudely, Galathe felt that Pharaoh did deserve to be reprimanded for his closed-mindedness.

The majority of Descai's words on the femme's arrival was pretty much the same - everyone asked what she had to offer their pack or something along those lines.

"Surely you all see that we stand little chance of maintaining Descai on our own. This must be Valeria, alphess of Valyn. I have heard only a small amount of you from our father, but your pack has been known to be strong. However, I fear your beliefs may not mingle too well with our own in terms of gender, sister." Pharoah was speaking yet again.

Valeria? Valyn? It rang a bell, but Galathe could not remember what exactly he had been told of this. From what his brother was saying, Valeria was the alpha of some pack called Valyn which had some beliefs on gender treatment, which was a very vague idea of things.

"Valeria, it has been many years," Vorilye started, confirming her identity and that she was indeed Galathe's half-sister. "However, you pick quite the peculiar time to visit. And Zofia, it is nice to see you again as well." So the other wolf had a name. Zofia. "It would do you well to listen to your brother, Galathe. Valeria and Zofia are your sisters, and blood does not cease once you have exited the pack's lands."

So Pharoah was the expert just because Galathe's stupid mother had passed on some den-binding illness? The multihued male wanted to say some witty remark back, but he forcefully restrained himself. His father would admire and respect him in due time if Galathe did the same back.

"Being related to someone does not make them trustworthy," Galathe growled, trying to stay calm and collected. "It's great if family is there for each other, but your family is just as likely to betray you as anyone else. I am simply being cautious for the sake of our safety."

He then turned to face Valeria again, seeing what she had to say on this. She started rambling on to Saphira and then about how a pack named Kairos - Galathe had heard many stories of the brutes, however they had seemed just like a fairy tale until that moment - had claimed Valyn's lands. The youngest wolf present kept patient until he caught what he was waiting for.

"I want... I need revenge."

There was the female's reason for intruding.

"And our old ways were getting us nowhere. Descai is dying, surely you can see that. And Valyn could use the assistance of some young, strapping males."

Galathe snorted in laughter at the female's description of Galathe and his brothers but kept listening regardless.

"I can help you retake Acerbus, if you will help me retake Kal'dyne. Together, we are stronger than we are apart."

Now that the bitch had explained herself, Galathe felt far more relaxed. He stepped back slightly, although he was ever ready to defend Descai's noble name should she be lying about wanting to join together. Unsure about how to respond, he looked towards Vorilye to see how he wanted to deal with Valeria's out-of-the-blue offer.

---

Words: 736
Tags: Vorilye Valeria Saphira Pharaoh Zofia
Notes: N/A
Muse: Good

[Saphira]

Saphira felt slightly smug at having recognized Valeria, though disappointed she had not had the confidence Pharaoh had to go with the assumption and address her as such. His words were also full of insight. Of course she would be back to take over her father’s pack now that he was old and weak. And she had no right to, as far as Saphira was concerned. She had left. How dare she come back now simply to satisfy her desire for power?

But whatever her opinion might be on the reappearance of her sister, she was determined to hear her out before speaking again. It usually led to fewer misunderstandings to let others speak their piece first. Saphira was careful not to move as she supported her father’s weight and listened for what he would have to say.

However, rather than address the issue at hand, all the alpha did was introduce them, as if they were a happy family, as if Valeria and Zofia had not left, as if they were not to be treated like outsiders at least and traitors at worst. Her father’s almost warm attitude to his returned offspring not only surprised Saphira, but captured her attention. Perhaps she should listen to what Valeria had to say, but she felt the need to point out to her father that they were no longer siblings. They had left. There was no need, however, as Galathe responded for her.

Those who desert Descai, which she obviously has, are traitors. Maybe it's you who has not been taught the proper importance of things.

Saphira could not condone the disrespect he seemed to feel for their father and alpha, but she could not disagree. “Galathe, be careful. It is your father and your alpha that you are speaking to.” It appeared he was young and impetuous. He would learn. Her tone softened as she turned to her father. “But I agree that Valeria has no right to be here.” But as Vorilye reiterated her question, her eyes flitted from Vorilye to Valeria, expectantly awaiting an answer.

What is it that you could have to offer us, Val? You seem to have traveled far from home, if the rumors serve correct.

Saphira’s ears pricked when Valeria mentioned a solution. She knew Descai was not in the greatest position; she was not dumb. Valeria echoed her thoughts.

Descai is dying, surely you can see that. And Valyn could use the assistance of some young, strapping males. I can help you retake Acerbus, if you will help me retake Kal'dyne. Together, we are stronger than we are apart.

Valeria’s regard for her brothers as nothing more than muscle brushed Saphira the wrong way, but it was not this that caused her finally open her mouth, but concern that Valeria did not have her feet on the ground. “While your intentions might be noble, sister, we are not enough in number even if we would join forces to take on Kairos, much less to challenge them for two territories. Especially two territories so widely apart and disconnected.” She paused and looked to Galathe, who actually seemed to have relaxed in the face of this news. Did he not understand the impossibility of this proposal?

“Pharaoh, what do you think? I mean, even if, by some miracle, we could claim both from the giant that Kairos has become, how do you intend to be able to maintain both? We are struggling to maintain Kamari, and you obviously have not been able to hold onto your one territory.” Pharaoh’s insight into the situation had seemed calm and collected, and Saphira knew she could use some of that stability now. She was also looking for support and confirmation that she was not crazy in what she thought.

And now seemed as good a time as any to voice her concerns over Valeria’s beliefs. “Valeria, my brothers are more than your protectors and warriors. It is not their sole purpose do your bidding in conquering and defending.” If this had not been what Valeria had meant, it would give her room to explain herself. But as things stood, Saphira did not like Valeria’s proposal in the least.

Saphira wished she could move to better look her father in the face to gauge his reaction, but she stood firm supporting him. “Father?” She did not know what else to ask, but a question was not necessary. He would speak his mind whether she asked him for it or not.

Words: 770
Muse: good
Tags: Pharaoh, Zofia , Vorilye , Valeria , Galathe
Notes: EEP this thread is so exciting to me.

[Pharaoh]

Tensions, even with his attempt to keep a level and calm head, continued to run high. Not only did Galathe speak with complete and utter disrespect to their father, but both he and Saphira maintained their dislike for the situation at hand. But, regardless of how level headed and careful Pharaoh was, he had no tolerance of outright disrespect towards their father. He growled softly under his breath as Galathe spoke, however, Saphira reprimanded him quickly and the white male let the noise cease. He had no desire to allow this encounter to come to blows, but he would not stand idly by and let his family be treated in such a way. Even from his half-brother. Then the Valyn alphess spoke. Like he had guessed, she was here to join forces. She wanted revenge on Kairos and she wanted to take back not only her lands, but also the Acerbus.

His ears pinned backwards at the words of the dark female, but as Saphira spoke once more, they perked up at the top of his head. “Pharaoh, what do you think? I mean, even if, by some miracle, we could claim both from the giant that Kairos has become, how do you intend to be able to maintain both? We are struggling to maintain Kamari, and you obviously have not been able to hold onto your one territory.” He looked over at his pale sister, tilting his head slightly in mild surprise that she would bother even asking his opinion. "We are not large in numbers, but our strength comes from our family. In our current state, we stand no chance against Kairos on either front. However, I do believe that with Valyn's help, we might one day reclaim our home." He said, looking over at Valeria as he spoke. "But as earlier stated, there are problems and concerns to be discussed before any alliance is struck. If it is not to bold for me to say, father." He said, seeming to second guess how forward he was being as he looked back at his father. Descai was Vor's pack, and any decisions like this were his to make.

"Father, if I may, I would like to suggest that we adjourn this meeting for the time being. Tensions are running high and with your illness and the injuries of our sisters in Valyn, I think everyone needs to take a break. May we discuss this at a slightly later date after we have all had time to think and recover?" He asked, lowering his back half to the ground and glancing over at his feline companion. She had remained so calm during the whole ordeal, laying at the side of the group and watching everyone without a single movement. She would be there for Pharaoh no matter what happened, but she did not seem concerned at all. His blue eyes moved over to Valeria for her opinion on his words, he kept an ear turned toward his father, hoping to keep things from turning to blows and bloodshed. It was a lot to take in, and without calm and clear heads, no one would benefit from any discussion.

Tags: Vorilye, Galathe, Remus, Romulus, Valeria, Saphira, Zofia

[Vorilye]

The bitterness of his youngest children was evident, particularly in young Galathe. However, the tired alpha did not reprimand his son. His siblings had already satisfactorily handled the situation. The old male turned his gaze on Valeria, his golden eyes locked with her's. "Saphira is right, Valeria. I will not stand by and allow my sons to be pawns in this game you want to play." The male paused briefly, a tired sigh leaving his greying lips. "I do believe that in time, with the help of Valyn we could reclaim our home. Kairos may be large, but they do not have what we have. We have heart, and we have family." The male stared directly at his eldest daughter, his face grim at the severity of the situation. There was no good answer to this; by age, Saphira would be the next to ascend to the alpha position of Descai of the youths that remained within the pack. By experience, none of his other children were prepared to take the reins. In the little time the male knew he had left, he did not want to fear for the stability of his home.

"Pharaoh, Saphira, Galathe. I know this is not ideal." Vorilye stared directly at Valeria as he spoke. "We must protect our home, and While it may seem ambitious, we took the territory once before. Valeria, you may do as you see fit... for now. But mind me, the boys are not servants, nor will they act as such. Perhaps you are in charge, but that does not mean they are to be disrespected in their own home." While the alpha male did not share his young son's perspectives on outsiders, it was true that Valeria had walked away from their home. She would not gallivant back in to seize power only to disparage her younger siblings. Had she remained in Descai all those years ago, perhaps she would have turned out more well-rounded. His younger children did not know the misery that was the decline of Descai. Perhaps they would respect their sister further if the circumstances surrounding her departure were clearer, but that was not his story to tell. 

Vorilye grunted softly, a sharp pang shooting through his side from the extended sitting position. It was becoming far more difficult to move about freely as the days passed, and as the weather grew colder it was evident he would not last much longer. His time had come, and it was in his best interest, and in the interest of Descai, if they accepted that change was upon them. Things were destined to be different under the rule of the next alpha, but Vor had hoped to train an heir gradually to take over the pack lands. A ready made alpha for the pack was convenient, but certainly not conventional. But they would make do; it was all they could hope for if the bloodline was to continue.

They would persevere.

---

Count | 498 words
Muse | Pretty good.
Tags | Galathe Pharaoh Zofia Valeria Saphira & anyone I forgot?
Notes | So I'm going to be making a final post with Val in this one, then anyone who wants an individual thread or a couple folks at a time to thread with either Vor or Val are welcome. (:

[Valeria]

Valeria might have expected some push back, but it certainly was coming with more force than she anticipated from her own family. It was understandable that the younger members of the pack did not recognize her. They did not see anything apart from an outsider taking advantage of the weakness in Descai. If anything, she was the usurper to power, while one of Father's sons likely would have ascended to the position of alpha given time. But it was clear that they had neither time nor tradition on their side. Things were tense, that much was clear. And with each added commentary, things were growing less civil. It was all the Seraphim could do to bite her tongue as the young male, Galathe, spoke out against her yet again. Not only was he disrespecting her and what she stood for, but he was also acting out against their father. Whether they liked it or not, the Valyn wolves would not leave quietly, whether they were just seeking sanctuary or residence here. This was her birth pack lands as well, and though they might not have remembered or known her, this was her heritage, too.

So it did not come as much of a surprise when her younger sister pointed out the flaws in her initial statement. It was true, even together the pack was still relatively small. The thoughts were ambitious, to say the least. "Saphira, I do not intend to use your brothers as cannon fodder, nor do I believe that, in our current position, we are prepared to march on Kairos," she explained as calm and collected as possible. It was quickly becoming a struggle to keep her temper in check, particularly with the young male that, quite frankly, bore no resemblance to their family at all. Had the members of Descai not expressed that he was part of their bloodline, Valeria might not have ever known. "We are all of one family. Whether that means we take back our back lands tomorrow or in another year, so long as we stand together we are strong." The femme then turned her attention to the sharp-tongued youngling that was likely younger than her own pups. "Galathe, there are circumstances surrounding my departure that you neither know, nor have thought to inquire about. That is a story for another day, but know that I do not abandon family." She did not have to explain beyond that; Valeria had no doubt that she and Galathe would be speaking at lengths in the near future.

It was then that Vorilye threw his opinion into the mix. Valeria found herself nodding slowly in agreement as the older male explained their conditions. If it was a matter of treatment for the males, Val could handle some adjustments. The large femme had mellowed significantly with the birth of her two sons, and the same courtesy would need to be extended to her siblings. "I do not expect them to act as servants or pups, but I do want a manner of respect toward my sisters as well. These wolves are not second-class either, and they do not deserve to be treated as such." The Seraphim smirked slightly; things were starting to look up. "Father, I will agree with your terms. Certainly change is in order. While I may take lead of the family right now, it is only in good faith that you remain in a position of authority. Until the time comes when the mantle is to be passed to another, you will act as the Prince of Valyn. I trust your judgment in regards to the males, and perhaps in time that trust will be extended to everyone." The statement was not intended to anger any of the males, but Valeria certainly did not know her half brothers well enough to place any of them in a position of authority at this time. Vorilye might not have been long for the world, but he was a born leader. 

"I am more than willing to speak with any of you that wish to. This change is no less of a shock to us as it is to you; both of our worlds have been turned upside down. But I hope, in time, that we can put the pieces back together again."


Word Count: 720 words
Tags: ALL OF VALYN/DESCAI peoples.
Notes: Anyone who wants individual threads, reach out to me (: