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He stood up on the summit of the mountain. It was at this mountain the he had been inducted into the pack. He was inducted and made a Champion before he had even reached adulthood. Fanul had trusted him and made him the Ace merely last month. Now here he was, on the verge of becoming the alpha. However, as was tradition he had to give others a chance at the rank. Was he ready for this? Did he have what it took to lead Alyxio in place of the fox-king? Hythyr didn't know. He couldn't know until he passed this one final test. The Fates would dictate the pack's path and Hythyr hoped that whatever happened, the wolves were led in the right direction. They deserved a great leader like the one who had founded the pack. The bark furred warrior didn't know if he could live up to such expectations but he had to try. He took a deep breath and raised his head to the sky, his voice echoing in the range."I am Hythyr Champion and Ace of Alyxio! I have come here this day to become Visturo and lead my pack to glory! Should anyone be against this let them come forward now and challenge me for the right!" He stopped. This was enough, a declaration of his intentions. He waited wondering what was in store. He looked down the mountain at the base. The woodlands stretched far into the horizon. He closed his eyes and breathed the cool mountain air, awaiting an answer to his call. He hoped any challenger would be worthy to lead as well. The last thing he wanted was a horrible man taking over the pack. "Gentleman Speech."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

He stood up on the summit of the mountain. It was at this mountain the he had been inducted into the pack. He was inducted and made a Champion before he had even reached adulthood. Fanul had trusted him and made him the Ace merely last month. Now here he was, on the verge of becoming the alpha. However, as was tradition he had to give others a chance at the rank. Was he ready for this? Did he have what it took to lead Alyxio in place of the fox-king? Hythyr didn't know. He couldn't know until he passed this one final test. The Fates would dictate the pack's path and Hythyr hoped that whatever happened, the wolves were led in the right direction. They deserved a great leader like the one who had founded the pack. The bark furred warrior didn't know if he could live up to such expectations but he had to try. He took a deep breath and raised his head to the sky, his voice echoing in the range."I am Hythyr Champion and Ace of Alyxio! I have come here this day to become Visturo and lead my pack to glory! Should anyone be against this let them come forward now and challenge me for the right!" He stopped. This was enough, a declaration of his intentions. He waited wondering what was in store. He looked down the mountain at the base. The woodlands stretched far into the horizon. He closed his eyes and breathed the cool mountain air, awaiting an answer to his call. He hoped any challenger would be worthy to lead as well. The last thing he wanted was a horrible man taking over the pack. "Gentleman Speech."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

He stood up on the summit of the mountain. It was at this mountain the he had been inducted into the pack. He was inducted and made a Champion before he had even reached adulthood. Fanul had trusted him and made him the Ace merely last month. Now here he was, on the verge of becoming the alpha. However, as was tradition he had to give others a chance at the rank. Was he ready for this? Did he have what it took to lead Alyxio in place of the fox-king? Hythyr didn't know. He couldn't know until he passed this one final test. The Fates would dictate the pack's path and Hythyr hoped that whatever happened, the wolves were led in the right direction. They deserved a great leader like the one who had founded the pack. The bark furred warrior didn't know if he could live up to such expectations but he had to try. He took a deep breath and raised his head to the sky, his voice echoing in the range."I am Hythyr Champion and Ace of Alyxio! I have come here this day to become Visturo and lead my pack to glory! Should anyone be against this let them come forward now and challenge me for the right!" He stopped. This was enough, a declaration of his intentions. He waited wondering what was in store. He looked down the mountain at the base. The woodlands stretched far into the horizon. He closed his eyes and breathed the cool mountain air, awaiting an answer to his call. He hoped any challenger would be worthy to lead as well. The last thing he wanted was a horrible man taking over the pack. "Gentleman Speech."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

It was this day that the winds had turned. The Virtuoso had left them, but they had not been weakened by this. Alyxio would grow stronger as Fanul had wanted, had dreamed, even though he had far surpassed the other packs in the land. Words echoed through the mountains and Hestia listened. Hythyr called for the position of Alpha, a place that he certainly deserved. The grey lady climbed the mountain, her muscles so used to the peaks that it was not hard to reach the forest warrior, his green eyes with their usual curious gleam, but he was a ready, strong adult now. He could take the reign by himself, and yet, the she-wolf had come to meet him. The wind was sharp and could up in the mountains, but it made their lungs stronger, this territory made the wolves that lived here more powerful, fitter because they needed to be. It was sad when they could not be. Illness would not plague them, though. Hestia would heal with the herbs she knew and she would speak with the healers when she could. There would always be a solution and she would help make this pack great. She stood directly in front of him before she spoke. "Hythyr, I, Hestia Hart, Ambassador and Ace of Alyxio, have not come to challenge you, but to take the position next to you. You and I were both chosen by Fanul, and I would lead next to no other. I believe you more than capable of leading Alyxio on your own," She shifted her tail as her words echoed through the lands like his. "but I feel that Alyxio needs us both right now, in this dark hour." These words were quiet, and meant for him more than the whole territory. She stood next to him then, showing that she would not turn against him, she would stand beside him, whether he chose to allow her to be the Virtuoso female or not. Either way, she would stay with him and Alyxio. She could find no reason to turn away from either. "War and peace speech."

Background by Ashensorrow [DA], Table by Yahtzee

It was this day that the winds had turned. The Virtuoso had left them, but they had not been weakened by this. Alyxio would grow stronger as Fanul had wanted, had dreamed, even though he had far surpassed the other packs in the land. Words echoed through the mountains and Hestia listened. Hythyr called for the position of Alpha, a place that he certainly deserved. The grey lady climbed the mountain, her muscles so used to the peaks that it was not hard to reach the forest warrior, his green eyes with their usual curious gleam, but he was a ready, strong adult now. He could take the reign by himself, and yet, the she-wolf had come to meet him. The wind was sharp and could up in the mountains, but it made their lungs stronger, this territory made the wolves that lived here more powerful, fitter because they needed to be. It was sad when they could not be. Illness would not plague them, though. Hestia would heal with the herbs she knew and she would speak with the healers when she could. There would always be a solution and she would help make this pack great. She stood directly in front of him before she spoke. "Hythyr, I, Hestia Hart, Ambassador and Ace of Alyxio, have not come to challenge you, but to take the position next to you. You and I were both chosen by Fanul, and I would lead next to no other. I believe you more than capable of leading Alyxio on your own," She shifted her tail as her words echoed through the lands like his. "but I feel that Alyxio needs us both right now, in this dark hour." These words were quiet, and meant for him more than the whole territory. She stood next to him then, showing that she would not turn against him, she would stand beside him, whether he chose to allow her to be the Virtuoso female or not. Either way, she would stay with him and Alyxio. She could find no reason to turn away from either. "War and peace speech."

Background by Ashensorrow [DA], Table by Yahtzee

It was this day that the winds had turned. The Virtuoso had left them, but they had not been weakened by this. Alyxio would grow stronger as Fanul had wanted, had dreamed, even though he had far surpassed the other packs in the land. Words echoed through the mountains and Hestia listened. Hythyr called for the position of Alpha, a place that he certainly deserved. The grey lady climbed the mountain, her muscles so used to the peaks that it was not hard to reach the forest warrior, his green eyes with their usual curious gleam, but he was a ready, strong adult now. He could take the reign by himself, and yet, the she-wolf had come to meet him. The wind was sharp and could up in the mountains, but it made their lungs stronger, this territory made the wolves that lived here more powerful, fitter because they needed to be. It was sad when they could not be. Illness would not plague them, though. Hestia would heal with the herbs she knew and she would speak with the healers when she could. There would always be a solution and she would help make this pack great. She stood directly in front of him before she spoke. "Hythyr, I, Hestia Hart, Ambassador and Ace of Alyxio, have not come to challenge you, but to take the position next to you. You and I were both chosen by Fanul, and I would lead next to no other. I believe you more than capable of leading Alyxio on your own," She shifted her tail as her words echoed through the lands like his. "but I feel that Alyxio needs us both right now, in this dark hour." These words were quiet, and meant for him more than the whole territory. She stood next to him then, showing that she would not turn against him, she would stand beside him, whether he chose to allow her to be the Virtuoso female or not. Either way, she would stay with him and Alyxio. She could find no reason to turn away from either. "War and peace speech."

Background by Ashensorrow [DA], Table by Yahtzee

Cadmon felt the tension grow in the air. It hadn't been long ago that the Fanul, the previous Virtuoso, had left Alyxio and Torva for good. He could also feel the stirring that threaded its way through the tensity of the pack. The wolves were nervous. Their pack leader was gone. The future was uncertain. Everyone had a right to be nervous. Would they disband? Would someone new take control? could they handle it? All these questions buzzed through Cadmon's head, and he knew that he wasn't the only one asking them. At the same time Cadmon worried for himself and his future. He had just joined this pack with the belief that the Fanul could lead him justly and fairly. He actually looked forward to living in Alyxio as Fanul's subordinate. Fanul had seemed like a good leader. Cadmon even approved of him. But now that he left, Cadmon began to feel uncertain about staying in the pack. How would another alpha react to him? Would that alpha be cruel or just toward his subordinate. This made Cadmon's fur prickle. He would not stay if some new Fraoch took over Alyxio. Mentally Cadmon snarled at the cruel armies of fate that always seemed to threaten his happiness. Wasn't it perfect that as soon as he was in another pack there was a power shift that threatened his future. Then he heard Hythyr call out to all the pack. Instinctively, Cadmon's ears perked at the sound of his pack brother's voice. His words were confident and strong as he announced that he would take on the role of alpha. Cadmon's heart lifted from his pessimistic thoughts. Cadmon trusted Hythyr, even more than he had trusted Fanul. The wolf warrior had heard Cadmon's story and worked to brong Cadmon out of his shell. Really Hythyr was the reason Cadmon was in Alyxio. Cadmon knew his friend would be a just and fair leader, one that Cadmon would be only too happy to follow. He ran toward Hythyr's howl, hoping he could support his pack brother in the large step. Soon he reached the place where the dark wolf announced his intentions. He saw Hythyr standing tall on the summit. His head was high and everything about him seemed to exude the power of a leader. Cadmon looked at Hythyr, but made sure not to look into the wolf's eyes. Cadmon didn't want to give Hythyr the impression that he was being challenged. Cadmon just wanted to show that he was here to watch. Then Cadmon saw Hestia walk to Hythyr. Cadmon's fur prickled at the she-wolf's approach. Was she trying to challenge Hythyr? No. She announced that she wanted to rule next to Hythyr. Cadmon reasoned that this was not a bad thing. He didn't know Hestia but he had heard that she was a good wolf. He could handle serving her as well. At the same time, however, he wondered how they would both deal with their new positions. Often the alpha and the alphess were a mated pair. Hythyr had told Cadmon he and Hestia were not mates. Cadmon was curious about how they would handle that precedent. "Crankycrankycranky."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

Cadmon felt the tension grow in the air. It hadn't been long ago that the Fanul, the previous Virtuoso, had left Alyxio and Torva for good. He could also feel the stirring that threaded its way through the tensity of the pack. The wolves were nervous. Their pack leader was gone. The future was uncertain. Everyone had a right to be nervous. Would they disband? Would someone new take control? could they handle it? All these questions buzzed through Cadmon's head, and he knew that he wasn't the only one asking them. At the same time Cadmon worried for himself and his future. He had just joined this pack with the belief that the Fanul could lead him justly and fairly. He actually looked forward to living in Alyxio as Fanul's subordinate. Fanul had seemed like a good leader. Cadmon even approved of him. But now that he left, Cadmon began to feel uncertain about staying in the pack. How would another alpha react to him? Would that alpha be cruel or just toward his subordinate. This made Cadmon's fur prickle. He would not stay if some new Fraoch took over Alyxio. Mentally Cadmon snarled at the cruel armies of fate that always seemed to threaten his happiness. Wasn't it perfect that as soon as he was in another pack there was a power shift that threatened his future. Then he heard Hythyr call out to all the pack. Instinctively, Cadmon's ears perked at the sound of his pack brother's voice. His words were confident and strong as he announced that he would take on the role of alpha. Cadmon's heart lifted from his pessimistic thoughts. Cadmon trusted Hythyr, even more than he had trusted Fanul. The wolf warrior had heard Cadmon's story and worked to brong Cadmon out of his shell. Really Hythyr was the reason Cadmon was in Alyxio. Cadmon knew his friend would be a just and fair leader, one that Cadmon would be only too happy to follow. He ran toward Hythyr's howl, hoping he could support his pack brother in the large step. Soon he reached the place where the dark wolf announced his intentions. He saw Hythyr standing tall on the summit. His head was high and everything about him seemed to exude the power of a leader. Cadmon looked at Hythyr, but made sure not to look into the wolf's eyes. Cadmon didn't want to give Hythyr the impression that he was being challenged. Cadmon just wanted to show that he was here to watch. Then Cadmon saw Hestia walk to Hythyr. Cadmon's fur prickled at the she-wolf's approach. Was she trying to challenge Hythyr? No. She announced that she wanted to rule next to Hythyr. Cadmon reasoned that this was not a bad thing. He didn't know Hestia but he had heard that she was a good wolf. He could handle serving her as well. At the same time, however, he wondered how they would both deal with their new positions. Often the alpha and the alphess were a mated pair. Hythyr had told Cadmon he and Hestia were not mates. Cadmon was curious about how they would handle that precedent. "Crankycrankycranky."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

Cadmon felt the tension grow in the air. It hadn't been long ago that the Fanul, the previous Virtuoso, had left Alyxio and Torva for good. He could also feel the stirring that threaded its way through the tensity of the pack. The wolves were nervous. Their pack leader was gone. The future was uncertain. Everyone had a right to be nervous. Would they disband? Would someone new take control? could they handle it? All these questions buzzed through Cadmon's head, and he knew that he wasn't the only one asking them. At the same time Cadmon worried for himself and his future. He had just joined this pack with the belief that the Fanul could lead him justly and fairly. He actually looked forward to living in Alyxio as Fanul's subordinate. Fanul had seemed like a good leader. Cadmon even approved of him. But now that he left, Cadmon began to feel uncertain about staying in the pack. How would another alpha react to him? Would that alpha be cruel or just toward his subordinate. This made Cadmon's fur prickle. He would not stay if some new Fraoch took over Alyxio. Mentally Cadmon snarled at the cruel armies of fate that always seemed to threaten his happiness. Wasn't it perfect that as soon as he was in another pack there was a power shift that threatened his future. Then he heard Hythyr call out to all the pack. Instinctively, Cadmon's ears perked at the sound of his pack brother's voice. His words were confident and strong as he announced that he would take on the role of alpha. Cadmon's heart lifted from his pessimistic thoughts. Cadmon trusted Hythyr, even more than he had trusted Fanul. The wolf warrior had heard Cadmon's story and worked to brong Cadmon out of his shell. Really Hythyr was the reason Cadmon was in Alyxio. Cadmon knew his friend would be a just and fair leader, one that Cadmon would be only too happy to follow. He ran toward Hythyr's howl, hoping he could support his pack brother in the large step. Soon he reached the place where the dark wolf announced his intentions. He saw Hythyr standing tall on the summit. His head was high and everything about him seemed to exude the power of a leader. Cadmon looked at Hythyr, but made sure not to look into the wolf's eyes. Cadmon didn't want to give Hythyr the impression that he was being challenged. Cadmon just wanted to show that he was here to watch. Then Cadmon saw Hestia walk to Hythyr. Cadmon's fur prickled at the she-wolf's approach. Was she trying to challenge Hythyr? No. She announced that she wanted to rule next to Hythyr. Cadmon reasoned that this was not a bad thing. He didn't know Hestia but he had heard that she was a good wolf. He could handle serving her as well. At the same time, however, he wondered how they would both deal with their new positions. Often the alpha and the alphess were a mated pair. Hythyr had told Cadmon he and Hestia were not mates. Cadmon was curious about how they would handle that precedent. "Crankycrankycranky."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

The mountain was a metaphor how far he had come. He felt as if he was forever climbing in his life, always struggling to move forward. When he had found Snow too late, he felt as if an avalanche had crushed him. It was only the hope of finding his son alive that made him crawl out and onward. Now, at the final leg of his journey, he climbed this mountain on top of which his son waited. The pack borders were far behind him now. Caprina had led him to the territory and he knew straight away that his son was somewhere inside. His scent was laced all along the border, so similar to his own and Snow’s. Caprina had done him a great favour leading him here, and he owned her a debt of gratitude. But now with his son’s very voice echoing in his ears, he could hardly think of anyone else. She could be hot on his heels right now and he would hardly notice. He know that voice belonged to his son even if he had not called it out himself. Hythyr sounded just like his brother, and the chill that ran down his spine ruffled his already ragged coat. For a moment it stopped him in his tracks. Was it the ghost of his brother haunting him so far from home, or truely his son? Ryth shook his head and carried on. Ebonstone blood must flow strongly in his son’s veins, and the thought spurred him onward. That call had been an alpha challenge, and that surprised Ryth further. His son was little more than two years old, yet he had power and strength enough to lead? Ryth almost turned back right then. His son didn’t need him. He had risen to greatness without him, why would he need him now? Why would he even want him? But he had come so far, he was so close, could he live with himself if he turned back now? No, no he couldn’t. He had to see his son. He pushed onward, climbing onwards, ever upwards. The summit loomed ahead, and he saw figures there. Two dark males and a grey female. There was no doubt which male was his son; it was if he was seeing his past self. Young and vigorous and full of life, his coat unmarked by time and grizzle. His son, Hythyr. Ryth had come to a halt, staring up at the wolf who claimed himself Hythyr, Alpha of Alyxio. Words caught in his throat. He’d thought so often of when he would say to his son when he found him, but nothing came to him now. No words seemed quite right. It was no good standing down here like some startled deer, at any rate. Ryth needed to gather his smarts and play this carefully. He was in the heart of pack territory, a stranger, an intruder. Declaring himself ahead of time would perhaps be the smartest thing to do, but that seemed too... simple. Ducking around an outcropping of rock before he was spotted, Ryth made his way toward the group from downwind, careful not to make a sound on the exposed rock and snow. For once his assassin’s training came in useful. Once behind them, he braced himself and leaped onto a rock, fully in view now. “Hythyr Ebonstone,” he called, standing tall on his rock. The rest of the world may as well not exist, for his son was the only thing he could see. He had come so far, and this was it, the moment. Whatever happened now, he would forever have the imprint of his son cast into his memory. My son, right here in front of me. Ryth found himself with a strange smile on his face, just the slightest curl of his lips. After all this time, I found him, I finally found him. All the pain and sorrow and grief was gone for that moment as he looked onto his son, and he knew this had been the right thing to do.

Hythyr was not on the mountain long before he was joined by some of his pack mates. Hestia approached first speaking of joining him in the female position. He smiled at her; she was a fine leader and a loyal friend. She was the other ace and they had always consulted each other when making important decisions. She was indeed worthy of such a position. A smile spread across his face as he spoke to her. "Fanul founded our pack on the belief that leadership should be in the hands of those worthy of it, not necessarily the physically strong or those of noble blood. I would be honored to have you leading by me, though we are not mated." His nodded to her and faced back down the mountain, ready for any challengers that may come. Cadmon joined the two prospective leaders. The Alyxian Herbalist kept his gaze averted as to not challenge the bark warrior. Hythyr looked at him and smiled comfortingly. "Welcome my brother. I'm glad to see you. I thank you for your support." Hythyr saw Cadmon as a brother to him and was always glad to see him. There weren't many wolves that shared the bond that they did. They had both seen horrors in their past and they help each other through their tough times. It was for that reason that Cadmon was more outgoing and also the reason Hythyr felt confident in his leadership skill. He had seen a good man where most other wolves would have seen a bitter young wolf. He stood confidently, his confident increasing as more and more of his trusted friends came to his side. His caught the scent of a stranger approaching and he adjusted his stance readied himself for a challenger. He thought he recognized the smell; it was almost familiar. He heard the crunch of snow as the newcomer approached. His coat was bark-brown and his eyes the green of forest leaves in the summer sunlight. His pelt was mangy and specks of white revealed his age. He was in the first stages of old age, at the end of his prime, however he still looked healthy. Hythyr approached him with curiosity in his gaze and caution on his mind. This wolf looked much like him and Hythyr wondered why he seemed so familiar. Then the man spoke his name. "Hythyr Ebonstone". Hythyr's eyes widened in surprise and he took a moment to gather his thoughts together. He had called him Ebonstone and Hythyronly knew of two who would know his last name. His mother was dead, so there was only one person this could be. "Ryth? Father?" Hythyr's expression became stern. He felt anger arise in his chest and he struggled to keep his composure. He somehow managed it. He wouldn't make for a very good leader if he couldn't keep his own emotions under control."If it is really you then we have much to talk about. Meet me by the large oak tree in the woods." He indicated the place were Snow was buried."I'll meet you there later today and we'll talk." He had to speak to his father, but for now he had some business to take care of. Hythyr felt nervousness mingled with his anger and perhaps some relief. He could finally face the man that had abandoned his mother and he could finally get some answers. He found himself looking forward to it. "Gentleman Speech."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

Hythyr was not on the mountain long before he was joined by some of his pack mates. Hestia approached first speaking of joining him in the female position. He smiled at her; she was a fine leader and a loyal friend. She was the other ace and they had always consulted each other when making important decisions. She was indeed worthy of such a position. A smile spread across his face as he spoke to her. "Fanul founded our pack on the belief that leadership should be in the hands of those worthy of it, not necessarily the physically strong or those of noble blood. I would be honored to have you leading by me, though we are not mated." His nodded to her and faced back down the mountain, ready for any challengers that may come. Cadmon joined the two prospective leaders. The Alyxian Herbalist kept his gaze averted as to not challenge the bark warrior. Hythyr looked at him and smiled comfortingly. "Welcome my brother. I'm glad to see you. I thank you for your support." Hythyr saw Cadmon as a brother to him and was always glad to see him. There weren't many wolves that shared the bond that they did. They had both seen horrors in their past and they help each other through their tough times. It was for that reason that Cadmon was more outgoing and also the reason Hythyr felt confident in his leadership skill. He had seen a good man where most other wolves would have seen a bitter young wolf. He stood confidently, his confident increasing as more and more of his trusted friends came to his side. His caught the scent of a stranger approaching and he adjusted his stance readied himself for a challenger. He thought he recognized the smell; it was almost familiar. He heard the crunch of snow as the newcomer approached. His coat was bark-brown and his eyes the green of forest leaves in the summer sunlight. His pelt was mangy and specks of white revealed his age. He was in the first stages of old age, at the end of his prime, however he still looked healthy. Hythyr approached him with curiosity in his gaze and caution on his mind. This wolf looked much like him and Hythyr wondered why he seemed so familiar. Then the man spoke his name. "Hythyr Ebonstone". Hythyr's eyes widened in surprise and he took a moment to gather his thoughts together. He had called him Ebonstone and Hythyronly knew of two who would know his last name. His mother was dead, so there was only one person this could be. "Ryth? Father?" Hythyr's expression became stern. He felt anger arise in his chest and he struggled to keep his composure. He somehow managed it. He wouldn't make for a very good leader if he couldn't keep his own emotions under control."If it is really you then we have much to talk about. Meet me by the large oak tree in the woods." He indicated the place were Snow was buried."I'll meet you there later today and we'll talk." He had to speak to his father, but for now he had some business to take care of. Hythyr felt nervousness mingled with his anger and perhaps some relief. He could finally face the man that had abandoned his mother and he could finally get some answers. He found himself looking forward to it. "Gentleman Speech."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

Hythyr was not on the mountain long before he was joined by some of his pack mates. Hestia approached first speaking of joining him in the female position. He smiled at her; she was a fine leader and a loyal friend. She was the other ace and they had always consulted each other when making important decisions. She was indeed worthy of such a position. A smile spread across his face as he spoke to her. "Fanul founded our pack on the belief that leadership should be in the hands of those worthy of it, not necessarily the physically strong or those of noble blood. I would be honored to have you leading by me, though we are not mated." His nodded to her and faced back down the mountain, ready for any challengers that may come. Cadmon joined the two prospective leaders. The Alyxian Herbalist kept his gaze averted as to not challenge the bark warrior. Hythyr looked at him and smiled comfortingly. "Welcome my brother. I'm glad to see you. I thank you for your support." Hythyr saw Cadmon as a brother to him and was always glad to see him. There weren't many wolves that shared the bond that they did. They had both seen horrors in their past and they help each other through their tough times. It was for that reason that Cadmon was more outgoing and also the reason Hythyr felt confident in his leadership skill. He had seen a good man where most other wolves would have seen a bitter young wolf. He stood confidently, his confident increasing as more and more of his trusted friends came to his side. His caught the scent of a stranger approaching and he adjusted his stance readied himself for a challenger. He thought he recognized the smell; it was almost familiar. He heard the crunch of snow as the newcomer approached. His coat was bark-brown and his eyes the green of forest leaves in the summer sunlight. His pelt was mangy and specks of white revealed his age. He was in the first stages of old age, at the end of his prime, however he still looked healthy. Hythyr approached him with curiosity in his gaze and caution on his mind. This wolf looked much like him and Hythyr wondered why he seemed so familiar. Then the man spoke his name. "Hythyr Ebonstone". Hythyr's eyes widened in surprise and he took a moment to gather his thoughts together. He had called him Ebonstone and Hythyronly knew of two who would know his last name. His mother was dead, so there was only one person this could be. "Ryth? Father?" Hythyr's expression became stern. He felt anger arise in his chest and he struggled to keep his composure. He somehow managed it. He wouldn't make for a very good leader if he couldn't keep his own emotions under control."If it is really you then we have much to talk about. Meet me by the large oak tree in the woods." He indicated the place were Snow was buried."I'll meet you there later today and we'll talk." He had to speak to his father, but for now he had some business to take care of. Hythyr felt nervousness mingled with his anger and perhaps some relief. He could finally face the man that had abandoned his mother and he could finally get some answers. He found himself looking forward to it. "Gentleman Speech."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

Cadmon was happy to support Hythyr. He tried to smile up at Hestia too without looking her in the eye. It was strange for to show as much friendly submission to a wolf. Not long before he would have nearly puked if he saw himself doing this. But now that he had joined a pack voluntarily with the reassurance it would be run justly, Cadmon felt that he was willing to show submission to these rightful leaders. He trusted Hythyr, and he could see that Hestia wasn't a bad wolf either. She came to join Hythyr in the role as leader and offered to help him with Alyxio. Cadmon felt that actually things were going to get better. Of course, everyone felt the loss of Fanul's sudden leave, but Cadmon could see that they would build up from that, like he could build up from his own sorrow. Then he noticed Hythyr's posture shift as the warrior noticed something. It was a smell. Cadmon caught it too shortly after he saw Hythyr did. It was strange. It was that of a male wolf and it smelled something like... Hythyr. At first Cadmon thought he was mixing up the two smells. But then he heard a wolf call out. "Hythyr Ebonstone!" This confused Cadmon even more. Ebonstone? That was Hythyr's last name? Cadmon didn't knew Hythyr had a last name. Hythyr had never known his father so he never... Then it clicked in Cadmon's head. He felt a rage build up in him as he looked on Hythyr's father. Cadmon noticed how strikingly similar they were. The wolf dark fur seemed to be an exact copy of Hythyr's with a few white tufts of age here and there. And those eyes... they were the exact shade of green. There was no doubt that this was Hythyr's father. Cadmon growled at the newcomer. He had seen the look on Hythyr's face when he told his story of how his father had deserted them both. Hythyr had been furious at his father desertion, and Cadmon understood why. If the elder had stayed with Hythyr and his mother, Hythyr might not have had the hard life he had had. With that thought to spur his fury, Cadmon advanced on the parent and readied to chase him off of Alyxio grounds at Hythyr's orders. Then he paused when Hythyr bid his father, Ryth, to meet him at the oak tree. Cadmon stopped advancing, but he stayed in his battle position. He pushed his fury down. The monster became humming thunder in his chest, ready to explode into violent sound when summoned. "Crankycrankycranky."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

Cadmon was happy to support Hythyr. He tried to smile up at Hestia too without looking her in the eye. It was strange for to show as much friendly submission to a wolf. Not long before he would have nearly puked if he saw himself doing this. But now that he had joined a pack voluntarily with the reassurance it would be run justly, Cadmon felt that he was willing to show submission to these rightful leaders. He trusted Hythyr, and he could see that Hestia wasn't a bad wolf either. She came to join Hythyr in the role as leader and offered to help him with Alyxio. Cadmon felt that actually things were going to get better. Of course, everyone felt the loss of Fanul's sudden leave, but Cadmon could see that they would build up from that, like he could build up from his own sorrow. Then he noticed Hythyr's posture shift as the warrior noticed something. It was a smell. Cadmon caught it too shortly after he saw Hythyr did. It was strange. It was that of a male wolf and it smelled something like... Hythyr. At first Cadmon thought he was mixing up the two smells. But then he heard a wolf call out. "Hythyr Ebonstone!" This confused Cadmon even more. Ebonstone? That was Hythyr's last name? Cadmon didn't knew Hythyr had a last name. Hythyr had never known his father so he never... Then it clicked in Cadmon's head. He felt a rage build up in him as he looked on Hythyr's father. Cadmon noticed how strikingly similar they were. The wolf dark fur seemed to be an exact copy of Hythyr's with a few white tufts of age here and there. And those eyes... they were the exact shade of green. There was no doubt that this was Hythyr's father. Cadmon growled at the newcomer. He had seen the look on Hythyr's face when he told his story of how his father had deserted them both. Hythyr had been furious at his father desertion, and Cadmon understood why. If the elder had stayed with Hythyr and his mother, Hythyr might not have had the hard life he had had. With that thought to spur his fury, Cadmon advanced on the parent and readied to chase him off of Alyxio grounds at Hythyr's orders. Then he paused when Hythyr bid his father, Ryth, to meet him at the oak tree. Cadmon stopped advancing, but he stayed in his battle position. He pushed his fury down. The monster became humming thunder in his chest, ready to explode into violent sound when summoned. "Crankycrankycranky."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

Cadmon was happy to support Hythyr. He tried to smile up at Hestia too without looking her in the eye. It was strange for to show as much friendly submission to a wolf. Not long before he would have nearly puked if he saw himself doing this. But now that he had joined a pack voluntarily with the reassurance it would be run justly, Cadmon felt that he was willing to show submission to these rightful leaders. He trusted Hythyr, and he could see that Hestia wasn't a bad wolf either. She came to join Hythyr in the role as leader and offered to help him with Alyxio. Cadmon felt that actually things were going to get better. Of course, everyone felt the loss of Fanul's sudden leave, but Cadmon could see that they would build up from that, like he could build up from his own sorrow. Then he noticed Hythyr's posture shift as the warrior noticed something. It was a smell. Cadmon caught it too shortly after he saw Hythyr did. It was strange. It was that of a male wolf and it smelled something like... Hythyr. At first Cadmon thought he was mixing up the two smells. But then he heard a wolf call out. "Hythyr Ebonstone!" This confused Cadmon even more. Ebonstone? That was Hythyr's last name? Cadmon didn't knew Hythyr had a last name. Hythyr had never known his father so he never... Then it clicked in Cadmon's head. He felt a rage build up in him as he looked on Hythyr's father. Cadmon noticed how strikingly similar they were. The wolf dark fur seemed to be an exact copy of Hythyr's with a few white tufts of age here and there. And those eyes... they were the exact shade of green. There was no doubt that this was Hythyr's father. Cadmon growled at the newcomer. He had seen the look on Hythyr's face when he told his story of how his father had deserted them both. Hythyr had been furious at his father desertion, and Cadmon understood why. If the elder had stayed with Hythyr and his mother, Hythyr might not have had the hard life he had had. With that thought to spur his fury, Cadmon advanced on the parent and readied to chase him off of Alyxio grounds at Hythyr's orders. Then he paused when Hythyr bid his father, Ryth, to meet him at the oak tree. Cadmon stopped advancing, but he stayed in his battle position. He pushed his fury down. The monster became humming thunder in his chest, ready to explode into violent sound when summoned. "Crankycrankycranky."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

It was the eve of the last full moon that Alcyoneus decide to take his leave from the Whispering Vargo. The Vargo’s silent secrets had been getting to him, and the memories were haunting. Deep down he knew it was not the Vargo alone that tortured his mind, but it was what he had left of X’yrin. No, it was not Aku, nor his girls, but rather, his cherished memories of the lovely damsel. He journeyed northward, leaving a strong trail behind just in case his son would follow. ’Azren.’ The man thought with distaste, and immediately a sneer drew up his lips. Where was the King now? A guttural snarl left his ebony lips as he slowed his pace to a mere trot, all the while his tail lashed to and fro. How wrong of him to have trusted the ebony wolf, to actually have pledged his allegiance to such a coward. Closing in on the Alyxio border, Alcyoneus threw his thick muzzle to the sky. A haunting howl tore forth from his maw, echoing far into the distance and booming back. Although the song was a mere statement of his arrival, his anger trickled into the song. ’Whoever you are, who hath taken the place of thy King, Fanul, prepare.’ Without hesitation, Alcyoneus entered the territory that was home to the Alyxio pack. It did not take long before Alcyoneus had come to face Hythyr, the newly anointed King. In his presence stood a female and another male; it was not hard to point out the man who announced his challenge. "You call yourself a Champion?" he barked at the green-eyed brute, offering a cock of his cranium. "I would never wish physical harm upon a newly come Prince, and so I come as a mere spectator, with a question. How is it you choose to lead these wolves, who had such a grand King such as Fanul. What is it you have to offer? " his tones were almost mocking, but he desired the answers. "I come from the Whispering Vargo, where Nix’rio once romped. Azren, the coward King, has left; we have disbanded. Who is to say that you will not do the same?" a brow perked in emphasise, and he stood waiting. "Alcyoneus speaks."

TABLE BY YAHTZEE, IMAGE BY BRII <3

________________________________________________ "Wait! Dammit! Ryth! We need to wait at the border!" She had frozen just before that forbidden line. Every muscle in her tensed, knowing too well the consequences of crossing a pack line. But when she stopped, Ryth just bolted. She tried to call him back, but the poor father just wanted to see his son. "RYTH!" She hesitated at the line. She had heard of the problems in Alyxio and what had happened with Fanul. They were in the middle of a power shift right now. Either the pack would disband or another wolf would take over. Either situation still brought tension into the pack as it was right now. Crossing the border could bring a lot of antagonism to the trespasser. She knew this could befall her if she crossed... Or Ryth, she thought. 'E can definit'ly get 'urt as well. Her instincts warred with her heart. She knew she shouldn't cross and run after Ryth, but at the same time she knew her protective nature would rip her to pieces if she let him go alone. "Dammit!" she curse as she crossed the line and raced after him. She ran fast hoping to catch up with the older wolf. Maybe if she cut him off, she could bring him to his senses and take him back to the border before anyone noticed. But at the same time she knew that would not happen. Ryth was a father searching for his son! Though something had separated the family long ago, Caprina knew that Ryth still held that bond with Hythyr. And when there was any familial bond in place, there was little one could do to interrupt it. Caprina heard Hythyr declare his intentions to become alpha. She felt her heart plummet. It wasn't that she felt bad about Hythyr being alpha, she just knew the situation would get ugly if Ryth ran in there now. "RYTH!" she called. "YE GOT TO WAIT! YE CAN'T RUSH IN NOW!" She raced after the elder until they reached the summit of the mountain and the heart of Alyxio. Caprina stiffed and became petrified with fear as she skidded to a stop in the snow. She saw Hythyr standing up on the summit alongside a female wolf that had also declared intentions of ruling alongside Hythyr. She saw Ryth climb atop a rock and call out to his son. "Ryth!" she hissed. They couldn't interrupt this. This was a declaration of leadership, if Ryth compromised it now, he could be subject to the pack's wrath. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a small black wolf snarl at Ryth and begin to approach him and in threatening prowl. "Wait!" she called. She ran to intercept the wolf. "Don't! 'E doesn't mean any 'arm! Htyhyr please-" But then she heard the warrior wolf call out to his father. The small black wolf stopped his approach. Hythyr ordered Ryth to go to the oak in the forest. "Aye!" Caprina called to Hythyr. She was happy that his voice had stopped the wolf's approach. "I'll take 'im there meself. I'm sorry for disturbin' all o' ye. We mean no 'arm." She made sure not to look Hythyr in the eyes when she said these word. She trotted up to Ryth and whispered, "Come on. They're in the middle o' a meetin' o' succession. We can't disturb them now." She hoped the Ryth would listen. She saw another wolf come in and demand to know how Hythyr would rule Alyxio. It appears that many leaders were leaving. Caprina felt pity for the wolf. His pack had disbanded and now he sought shelter in the pack of another under a wolf he didn't not know. ________________________________________________ "She speaks" She thinks She does.

Table by Risa Alika. Picture © to the owner

________________________________________________ "Wait! Dammit! Ryth! We need to wait at the border!" She had frozen just before that forbidden line. Every muscle in her tensed, knowing too well the consequences of crossing a pack line. But when she stopped, Ryth just bolted. She tried to call him back, but the poor father just wanted to see his son. "RYTH!" She hesitated at the line. She had heard of the problems in Alyxio and what had happened with Fanul. They were in the middle of a power shift right now. Either the pack would disband or another wolf would take over. Either situation still brought tension into the pack as it was right now. Crossing the border could bring a lot of antagonism to the trespasser. She knew this could befall her if she crossed... Or Ryth, she thought. 'E can definit'ly get 'urt as well. Her instincts warred with her heart. She knew she shouldn't cross and run after Ryth, but at the same time she knew her protective nature would rip her to pieces if she let him go alone. "Dammit!" she curse as she crossed the line and raced after him. She ran fast hoping to catch up with the older wolf. Maybe if she cut him off, she could bring him to his senses and take him back to the border before anyone noticed. But at the same time she knew that would not happen. Ryth was a father searching for his son! Though something had separated the family long ago, Caprina knew that Ryth still held that bond with Hythyr. And when there was any familial bond in place, there was little one could do to interrupt it. Caprina heard Hythyr declare his intentions to become alpha. She felt her heart plummet. It wasn't that she felt bad about Hythyr being alpha, she just knew the situation would get ugly if Ryth ran in there now. "RYTH!" she called. "YE GOT TO WAIT! YE CAN'T RUSH IN NOW!" She raced after the elder until they reached the summit of the mountain and the heart of Alyxio. Caprina stiffed and became petrified with fear as she skidded to a stop in the snow. She saw Hythyr standing up on the summit alongside a female wolf that had also declared intentions of ruling alongside Hythyr. She saw Ryth climb atop a rock and call out to his son. "Ryth!" she hissed. They couldn't interrupt this. This was a declaration of leadership, if Ryth compromised it now, he could be subject to the pack's wrath. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a small black wolf snarl at Ryth and begin to approach him and in threatening prowl. "Wait!" she called. She ran to intercept the wolf. "Don't! 'E doesn't mean any 'arm! Htyhyr please-" But then she heard the warrior wolf call out to his father. The small black wolf stopped his approach. Hythyr ordered Ryth to go to the oak in the forest. "Aye!" Caprina called to Hythyr. She was happy that his voice had stopped the wolf's approach. "I'll take 'im there meself. I'm sorry for disturbin' all o' ye. We mean no 'arm." She made sure not to look Hythyr in the eyes when she said these word. She trotted up to Ryth and whispered, "Come on. They're in the middle o' a meetin' o' succession. We can't disturb them now." She hoped the Ryth would listen. She saw another wolf come in and demand to know how Hythyr would rule Alyxio. It appears that many leaders were leaving. Caprina felt pity for the wolf. His pack had disbanded and now he sought shelter in the pack of another under a wolf he didn't not know. ________________________________________________ "She speaks" She thinks She does.

Table by Risa Alika. Picture © to the owner

OOC: Ryth and Caprina can exit if they'll meet Hythyr at the oak tree, it would be better to have those matters in another thread, you guys can get to it while this one is still going. :) The silver-eyed she-wolf dipped her head in agreement to Hythyr's words. They made a great duo, but they were not a mated pair. They were great friends, and they came to a mutual agreement about this. Hythyr had a level head about many things, he would be an excellent leader, and Hestia would do her best to be as great as she could, too. With their lead, the grey lady knew Alyxio would continue to thrive. She would not let the pack die, unless they all voluntarily left. How many would leave, with Fanul gone? who would trust the new leaders, as they were young and a bit inexperienced? Whoever did would be proven right to their assumptions of greatness, Hestia was sure, and as the black wolf slipped into their view, his position showed loyalty to Hythyr, and respectful towards Hestia, she knew that Alyxio would continue. Then Havoc broke loose. It was the movement of a dark pelt in the corner of her eye that first signaled it all, then the scent, so curiously similar to Hythyr's. The wolf leaped onto a rock and Hestia expected a challenge, but only two words were uttered from the male's maw. "Hythyr Ebonstone" At the appearance of Hythyr's father, which she could only guess by their similar appearances and scents, though obviously the new wolf was older, the air grew tense. Hestia tilted her head to the side as she observed the scene. Hythyr's reaction showed a flash of anger, and this surprised the grey lady, but he easily kept himself calm. She noticed Cadmon's approach on Ryth and was about to stop him when he froze himself and the autumn she-wolf appeared. She shouted to Ryth of leaving the Alyxians alone. Then her eyes turned to the brown wolf after hearing his call. His words sliced the air like claws to Hestia. Nix'rio had Disbanded, which left Alyxio without alliance. In this dark time, after losing their leader, they could have been what they needed. Though emotion filled her, a calm voice met the newly made loner's. "Though Hythyr has his own words and reasons, I will offer every drop of blood I have to Alyxio. I offer everything I have to offer for our safety and future, and I will not leave as long as I have an ounce of a choice." She could not hold back the slightest amount of emotion in her voice, it's inkling amount noticeable in the echo of the mountains. She meant no disrespect to Fanul, it was just that she would die for Alyxio, as Fanul once would have, and as Hythyr would, and as most Alyxians would. They were in all of this together. "War and peace speech."

Background by Ashensorrow [DA], Table by Yahtzee

OOC: Ryth and Caprina can exit if they'll meet Hythyr at the oak tree, it would be better to have those matters in another thread, you guys can get to it while this one is still going. :) The silver-eyed she-wolf dipped her head in agreement to Hythyr's words. They made a great duo, but they were not a mated pair. They were great friends, and they came to a mutual agreement about this. Hythyr had a level head about many things, he would be an excellent leader, and Hestia would do her best to be as great as she could, too. With their lead, the grey lady knew Alyxio would continue to thrive. She would not let the pack die, unless they all voluntarily left. How many would leave, with Fanul gone? who would trust the new leaders, as they were young and a bit inexperienced? Whoever did would be proven right to their assumptions of greatness, Hestia was sure, and as the black wolf slipped into their view, his position showed loyalty to Hythyr, and respectful towards Hestia, she knew that Alyxio would continue. Then Havoc broke loose. It was the movement of a dark pelt in the corner of her eye that first signaled it all, then the scent, so curiously similar to Hythyr's. The wolf leaped onto a rock and Hestia expected a challenge, but only two words were uttered from the male's maw. "Hythyr Ebonstone" At the appearance of Hythyr's father, which she could only guess by their similar appearances and scents, though obviously the new wolf was older, the air grew tense. Hestia tilted her head to the side as she observed the scene. Hythyr's reaction showed a flash of anger, and this surprised the grey lady, but he easily kept himself calm. She noticed Cadmon's approach on Ryth and was about to stop him when he froze himself and the autumn she-wolf appeared. She shouted to Ryth of leaving the Alyxians alone. Then her eyes turned to the brown wolf after hearing his call. His words sliced the air like claws to Hestia. Nix'rio had Disbanded, which left Alyxio without alliance. In this dark time, after losing their leader, they could have been what they needed. Though emotion filled her, a calm voice met the newly made loner's. "Though Hythyr has his own words and reasons, I will offer every drop of blood I have to Alyxio. I offer everything I have to offer for our safety and future, and I will not leave as long as I have an ounce of a choice." She could not hold back the slightest amount of emotion in her voice, it's inkling amount noticeable in the echo of the mountains. She meant no disrespect to Fanul, it was just that she would die for Alyxio, as Fanul once would have, and as Hythyr would, and as most Alyxians would. They were in all of this together. "War and peace speech."

Background by Ashensorrow [DA], Table by Yahtzee

OOC: Ryth and Caprina can exit if they'll meet Hythyr at the oak tree, it would be better to have those matters in another thread, you guys can get to it while this one is still going. :) The silver-eyed she-wolf dipped her head in agreement to Hythyr's words. They made a great duo, but they were not a mated pair. They were great friends, and they came to a mutual agreement about this. Hythyr had a level head about many things, he would be an excellent leader, and Hestia would do her best to be as great as she could, too. With their lead, the grey lady knew Alyxio would continue to thrive. She would not let the pack die, unless they all voluntarily left. How many would leave, with Fanul gone? who would trust the new leaders, as they were young and a bit inexperienced? Whoever did would be proven right to their assumptions of greatness, Hestia was sure, and as the black wolf slipped into their view, his position showed loyalty to Hythyr, and respectful towards Hestia, she knew that Alyxio would continue. Then Havoc broke loose. It was the movement of a dark pelt in the corner of her eye that first signaled it all, then the scent, so curiously similar to Hythyr's. The wolf leaped onto a rock and Hestia expected a challenge, but only two words were uttered from the male's maw. "Hythyr Ebonstone" At the appearance of Hythyr's father, which she could only guess by their similar appearances and scents, though obviously the new wolf was older, the air grew tense. Hestia tilted her head to the side as she observed the scene. Hythyr's reaction showed a flash of anger, and this surprised the grey lady, but he easily kept himself calm. She noticed Cadmon's approach on Ryth and was about to stop him when he froze himself and the autumn she-wolf appeared. She shouted to Ryth of leaving the Alyxians alone. Then her eyes turned to the brown wolf after hearing his call. His words sliced the air like claws to Hestia. Nix'rio had Disbanded, which left Alyxio without alliance. In this dark time, after losing their leader, they could have been what they needed. Though emotion filled her, a calm voice met the newly made loner's. "Though Hythyr has his own words and reasons, I will offer every drop of blood I have to Alyxio. I offer everything I have to offer for our safety and future, and I will not leave as long as I have an ounce of a choice." She could not hold back the slightest amount of emotion in her voice, it's inkling amount noticeable in the echo of the mountains. She meant no disrespect to Fanul, it was just that she would die for Alyxio, as Fanul once would have, and as Hythyr would, and as most Alyxians would. They were in all of this together. "War and peace speech."

Background by Ashensorrow [DA], Table by Yahtzee

OOC: Got here a bit late.... lol, weekends keep me from my normal internet activity.

The call of her newly found love came on the wind, and with the departure of the fox-king his intentions to take up the mantle of Alpha did not surprise the pale lady one bit, Hythyr was the kind of wolf that could lead a pack. Snow-white paws lead her towards his howl, she would be there for this, she would stand by him no matter the outcome. A small seed of worry formed at the back of her mind, if he was to be king, what would that make her? As she arrived Hestia had climbed the peak where Hythyr stood and she smiled. The grey lady had come to the pack at the same time as her by chance and had risen to Ace along with the bark furred man. For a moment she thought that she may challenge him but she pledged her support to lead with him as the Alphena. This was maybe a little strange, she knew they were not a mated pair, and she didn't suppose that now they would become one, she knew that Hythyr felt the same about her as she did him. "It will sort itself out with time." she thought, life had a strange way of setting itself right, even when the path was not clear. The small scarred black male would normally send Zitori into a panic, but she seemed to have a new found courage, Hythyr was here and he would never let anyone hurt her and he also called the small male brother. She had not met this wolf, but he must be part of the pack to be here and called brother. She smiled a little nervously at him and looked him over out the corner of her eyes wondering at his story. Things got crazy rather fast here in the mountains. Like the weather that could change in an instant suddenly another male burst out of nowhere it seemed. It was like looking into the future as this wolf looked like Hythyr only older. Her heart leapt and she was ready to launch herself at the intruder if she was needed. ”Hythyr Ebonstone” was all the man said and stood tall on the rock he appeared on. "Ebonstone." a small frown marred her face, "Is this the father that was absent from his life?" she wondered. He had not ever mentioned the man to her, but he had been absent from his life-story and his life may have been very different with a father to fend for him and his mother. She looked at Hythyr, the man didn't seem to be here to challenge, but his timing was bad and she didn't know how the newly proclaimed king would react to this sudden appearance. Hythyr, showing a cool head dismissed the man, telling him to meet him at the oak tree later. She knew that was the resting place of his mother and she was determined to go with him to this meeting. He might need the moral support as the encounter was likely to be rather hard for the new Virtuoso. An Autumn she-wolf came and shouted at the man, Hythyr's older twin, she seemed quite distressed that he had come here and intruded. She shouted at the man and offered words of apology to the new Alphas. Zitori shook her head, this was indeed a strange day. A new leadership was forming and chaos was following in its wake. The next interruption had announced itself as an angry howl from the border, then rushed towards them on the brown legs of a huge male. Zitori tensed as he spat words at Hythyr and Hestia, he was not challenging their right to rule but rather their intentions to rule! A snarl started to form in Zitori's throat, who was this? And what right did he have to intrude on Alyxio soil? The grey lady Hestia showed her mettle then by giving him an answer ”I will offer every drop of blood I have to Alyxio. I offer everything I have to offer for our safety and future, and I will not leave as long as I have an ounce of a choice." there was no doubt that this woman was the right wolf to serve alongside Hythyr, her eyes shone with a sudden pride at her new Alphas. Instead of attacking or showing anger they defended their rights with a level head just as Fanul would have done before them. "I too pledge myself to Alyxio, my body, my life, my blood is all I have and I give it freely to the pack. This pack will not fall with wolves such as the ones before you here to lead." she had been sad at the departure of the fox-king but she also believed with all her being that these two could retain the glory of the Alyxio pack and lead them to even greater deeds making this a pack that would be on the lips of every wolf that trod the lands of Torva. "Sweet song." "Whispered Thoughts."

Wolf by Sas of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

The call of her newly found love came on the wind, and with the departure of the fox-king his intentions to take up the mantle of Alpha did not surprise the pale lady one bit, Hythyr was the kind of wolf that could lead a pack. Snow-white paws lead her towards his howl, she would be there for this, she would stand by him no matter the outcome. A small seed of worry formed at the back of her mind, if he was to be king, what would that make her? As she arrived Hestia had climbed the peak where Hythyr stood and she smiled. The grey lady had come to the pack at the same time as her by chance and had risen to Ace along with the bark furred man. For a moment she thought that she may challenge him but she pledged her support to lead with him as the Alphena. This was maybe a little strange, she knew they were not a mated pair, and she didn't suppose that now they would become one, she knew that Hythyr felt the same about her as she did him. "It will sort itself out with time." she thought, life had a strange way of setting itself right, even when the path was not clear. The small scarred black male would normally send Zitori into a panic, but she seemed to have a new found courage, Hythyr was here and he would never let anyone hurt her and he also called the small male brother. She had not met this wolf, but he must be part of the pack to be here and called brother. She smiled a little nervously at him and looked him over out the corner of her eyes wondering at his story. Things got crazy rather fast here in the mountains. Like the weather that could change in an instant suddenly another male burst out of nowhere it seemed. It was like looking into the future as this wolf looked like Hythyr only older. Her heart leapt and she was ready to launch herself at the intruder if she was needed. ”Hythyr Ebonstone” was all the man said and stood tall on the rock he appeared on. "Ebonstone." a small frown marred her face, "Is this the father that was absent from his life?" she wondered. He had not ever mentioned the man to her, but he had been absent from his life-story and his life may have been very different with a father to fend for him and his mother. She looked at Hythyr, the man didn't seem to be here to challenge, but his timing was bad and she didn't know how the newly proclaimed king would react to this sudden appearance. Hythyr, showing a cool head dismissed the man, telling him to meet him at the oak tree later. She knew that was the resting place of his mother and she was determined to go with him to this meeting. He might need the moral support as the encounter was likely to be rather hard for the new Virtuoso. An Autumn she-wolf came and shouted at the man, Hythyr's older twin, she seemed quite distressed that he had come here and intruded. She shouted at the man and offered words of apology to the new Alphas. Zitori shook her head, this was indeed a strange day. A new leadership was forming and chaos was following in its wake. The next interruption had announced itself as an angry howl from the border, then rushed towards them on the brown legs of a huge male. Zitori tensed as he spat words at Hythyr and Hestia, he was not challenging their right to rule but rather their intentions to rule! A snarl started to form in Zitori's throat, who was this? And what right did he have to intrude on Alyxio soil? The grey lady Hestia showed her mettle then by giving him an answer ”I will offer every drop of blood I have to Alyxio. I offer everything I have to offer for our safety and future, and I will not leave as long as I have an ounce of a choice." there was no doubt that this woman was the right wolf to serve alongside Hythyr, her eyes shone with a sudden pride at her new Alphas. Instead of attacking or showing anger they defended their rights with a level head just as Fanul would have done before them. "I too pledge myself to Alyxio, my body, my life, my blood is all I have and I give it freely to the pack. This pack will not fall with wolves such as the ones before you here to lead." she had been sad at the departure of the fox-king but she also believed with all her being that these two could retain the glory of the Alyxio pack and lead them to even greater deeds making this a pack that would be on the lips of every wolf that trod the lands of Torva. "Sweet song." "Whispered Thoughts."

Wolf by Sas of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

The call of her newly found love came on the wind, and with the departure of the fox-king his intentions to take up the mantle of Alpha did not surprise the pale lady one bit, Hythyr was the kind of wolf that could lead a pack. Snow-white paws lead her towards his howl, she would be there for this, she would stand by him no matter the outcome. A small seed of worry formed at the back of her mind, if he was to be king, what would that make her? As she arrived Hestia had climbed the peak where Hythyr stood and she smiled. The grey lady had come to the pack at the same time as her by chance and had risen to Ace along with the bark furred man. For a moment she thought that she may challenge him but she pledged her support to lead with him as the Alphena. This was maybe a little strange, she knew they were not a mated pair, and she didn't suppose that now they would become one, she knew that Hythyr felt the same about her as she did him. "It will sort itself out with time." she thought, life had a strange way of setting itself right, even when the path was not clear. The small scarred black male would normally send Zitori into a panic, but she seemed to have a new found courage, Hythyr was here and he would never let anyone hurt her and he also called the small male brother. She had not met this wolf, but he must be part of the pack to be here and called brother. She smiled a little nervously at him and looked him over out the corner of her eyes wondering at his story. Things got crazy rather fast here in the mountains. Like the weather that could change in an instant suddenly another male burst out of nowhere it seemed. It was like looking into the future as this wolf looked like Hythyr only older. Her heart leapt and she was ready to launch herself at the intruder if she was needed. ”Hythyr Ebonstone” was all the man said and stood tall on the rock he appeared on. "Ebonstone." a small frown marred her face, "Is this the father that was absent from his life?" she wondered. He had not ever mentioned the man to her, but he had been absent from his life-story and his life may have been very different with a father to fend for him and his mother. She looked at Hythyr, the man didn't seem to be here to challenge, but his timing was bad and she didn't know how the newly proclaimed king would react to this sudden appearance. Hythyr, showing a cool head dismissed the man, telling him to meet him at the oak tree later. She knew that was the resting place of his mother and she was determined to go with him to this meeting. He might need the moral support as the encounter was likely to be rather hard for the new Virtuoso. An Autumn she-wolf came and shouted at the man, Hythyr's older twin, she seemed quite distressed that he had come here and intruded. She shouted at the man and offered words of apology to the new Alphas. Zitori shook her head, this was indeed a strange day. A new leadership was forming and chaos was following in its wake. The next interruption had announced itself as an angry howl from the border, then rushed towards them on the brown legs of a huge male. Zitori tensed as he spat words at Hythyr and Hestia, he was not challenging their right to rule but rather their intentions to rule! A snarl started to form in Zitori's throat, who was this? And what right did he have to intrude on Alyxio soil? The grey lady Hestia showed her mettle then by giving him an answer ”I will offer every drop of blood I have to Alyxio. I offer everything I have to offer for our safety and future, and I will not leave as long as I have an ounce of a choice." there was no doubt that this woman was the right wolf to serve alongside Hythyr, her eyes shone with a sudden pride at her new Alphas. Instead of attacking or showing anger they defended their rights with a level head just as Fanul would have done before them. "I too pledge myself to Alyxio, my body, my life, my blood is all I have and I give it freely to the pack. This pack will not fall with wolves such as the ones before you here to lead." she had been sad at the departure of the fox-king but she also believed with all her being that these two could retain the glory of the Alyxio pack and lead them to even greater deeds making this a pack that would be on the lips of every wolf that trod the lands of Torva. "Sweet song." "Whispered Thoughts."

Wolf by Sas of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

The look in his son’s eye; it was enough to put a spear through his heart. So stern, so cold. A curt reply and that was it, he was done with him? Ryth was lost, confused. ‘We’ll talk’, was all his son would say to the father who crossed a world, dedicated his life to finding him? Caprina’s lilting brogue brought him back to his senses, and he glanced to the tawny female. She was right. His son had just declared his intention to be alpha. Right now was a pivotal moment for him to keep his cool and focus on the moment. Ryth had been hasty to rush in, so much must ride on this moment for his young son. The older wolf bowed his head, “I’ll be there,” he said, and hopped down from the rock to stand by Caprina’s side. He flicked a sideways glance to the scarred brown enforcer who seemed intent on making it clear where he was not wanted. Ryth huffed and shook his head. The youth meant well, but he would have to learn a few things before he was as imposing as he wanted to be. A simple word from his son had stopped the wolf in his tracks, and Ryth could see the devotion there. All these wolves, they looked to Hythyr with respect, and that put the ghost of a smile back on his lips. Later then, my son. Ryth was setting off when another wolf arrived, this one with something other than respect contorting his features into an ugly expression. While he didn’t challenge Hythyr directly, he certainly seemed to make a good show of disrespecting his claim. The words, so harsh and mocking, they very almost piqued an emotion that Ryth had not felt for a long time. He stopped in his tracks, lips quivering as he repressed a snarl. The impulse to attack was so great, so strong, that he very almost barrelled into the tawny beast right then. Had Caprina not been by his side, and Hythyr not surrounded by friends, he would have given in to his anger. As it was, it took every ounce of self control to rein himself in and turn away. Hythyr was a grown wolf, he could fight his own battles. He needed to fight his own battles. He was an alpha now, the interference of his elder father would only put his suitability to rule in question. Ryth pushed himself into a lope, taking quite a precarious path down from the mountain, slowing when he realised poor Caprina had to follow. He would go back to the oak tree and wait for his son there as requested. He did not look forward to another wait, but he could stand it for his son. At least then they would be alone, and able to talk. Where to start, though? [Ryth leaves]

________________________________________________ Caprina saw she-wolf next to Hythyr pledge her blood and life to keeping Alyxio alive. It seemed that this pack would continue on. She couldn't help but smile at this too. The wolves that would assume leadership seemed to be good creatures. She knew Hythyr had a good heart, and she didn't have any reason to doubt that the she-wolf next to him would lead the pack with good intentions. But still, Caprina had seen the fury in Hythyr's eyes when he saw Ryth, and she had seen the pain it had caused Ryth in response. Though there was a new beginning, Caprina knew that there would be new strain. If Hythyr was going to be a successful leader, he would need to clear things up with his father. Caprina didn't exactly know what Ryth had done to hurt Hythyr, but she could only assume Hythyr was feeling bitter that Ryth was absent from his life. As she was mulling over this, she saw a pale wolf, one that looked oddly familiar, step up and pledge loyalty to the Alyxio pack. Yes, it did seem like this pack would build up from the hardships that had befallen it. She saw Ryth finally turn to leave. The poor dejected father had resisted the urge to attack the Nix'rio wolf. She was relieved that she had understood the importance of the meeting, but at the same time she felt sympathy and heartache for the father. He had come so far to see his son. And now, when they were finally united, the situation had exploded, and one party was left feeling unloved. She followed him, but before she left, she wanted to wish the two leaders well. "I pray that the Creator watch o'er ye an' yer pack. May ye prosper in peace. Thank ye." -Caprina exits- ________________________________________________ "She speaks" 'She thinks' She does.

Table by Risa Alika. Picture © to the owner

________________________________________________ Caprina saw she-wolf next to Hythyr pledge her blood and life to keeping Alyxio alive. It seemed that this pack would continue on. She couldn't help but smile at this too. The wolves that would assume leadership seemed to be good creatures. She knew Hythyr had a good heart, and she didn't have any reason to doubt that the she-wolf next to him would lead the pack with good intentions. But still, Caprina had seen the fury in Hythyr's eyes when he saw Ryth, and she had seen the pain it had caused Ryth in response. Though there was a new beginning, Caprina knew that there would be new strain. If Hythyr was going to be a successful leader, he would need to clear things up with his father. Caprina didn't exactly know what Ryth had done to hurt Hythyr, but she could only assume Hythyr was feeling bitter that Ryth was absent from his life. As she was mulling over this, she saw a pale wolf, one that looked oddly familiar, step up and pledge loyalty to the Alyxio pack. Yes, it did seem like this pack would build up from the hardships that had befallen it. She saw Ryth finally turn to leave. The poor dejected father had resisted the urge to attack the Nix'rio wolf. She was relieved that she had understood the importance of the meeting, but at the same time she felt sympathy and heartache for the father. He had come so far to see his son. And now, when they were finally united, the situation had exploded, and one party was left feeling unloved. She followed him, but before she left, she wanted to wish the two leaders well. "I pray that the Creator watch o'er ye an' yer pack. May ye prosper in peace. Thank ye." -Caprina exits- ________________________________________________ "She speaks" 'She thinks' She does.

Table by Risa Alika. Picture © to the owner

The black wolf eyed the new loner that barged in on their pack meeting. It was a she-wolf with autumn fur. The interruption brought on by both her and Hythyr's father irked him. She allied herself with that pathetic excuse for a parent. How could she? Who would possible associate themselves with someone as disgusting as that family deserter? He recognized her from that time he was at the beach. He nearly went to chase her off, when he heard her tell Hythyr that she would leave with Ryth. Good, Cadmon snarled in his head. Let both those lowlifes leave to their pathetic doings. Cadmon felt his fury toward Ryth bubble in him, waiting to overflow and beckon him to attack that family deserter. Cadmon snarled as the new wolf came in. He claimed himself to be a wolf from Nix'rio. The brash wolf dared to question his pack brother's ability to lead. Cadmon wanted to leap on the idiot wolf and attack with whatever fighting skill he had. But part of him felt that that would only cause more ruckus. Hythyr's father was here, and that already created some unwanted tension. Cadmon knew that if he attacked this newcomer now, things would just fall apart. So, for Hythyr's sake, he gave the Nix'rio wolf a vicious snarl and said, "What right have you to question any of our pack?!" In some part of his brain, the words "our pack" echoed. It was still so strange to him. He was part of a pack, a family of wolves. He wasn't used to the idea, but still he had spoken those words. Then he heard Hestia call out to the wolf and pledge her life to this pack. Another wolf, a pale wolf that Cadmon had remembered seeing at the beach once, stepped forward and declared her allegiance to the Alyxio pack. Cadmon then began to feel a sort of connection form between him and the wolves of Alyxio that were here. It was a connection he hadn't felt for most of his life. Cadmon was actually beginning to feel part of something greater. A cause that was more than him, but still required him. It emboldened him and compelled him to speak up. "I, too, Cadmon Phelan, pledge every my blood, breath, and heart to this pack. And by this very pledge, I vouch for Hythyr's ability to lead Alyxio. He is a wolf with a noble heart. And with that same heart, he will make Alyxio thrive." Cadmon could almost feel his silver eyes glow with the power of that oath and his vouch for Hythyr. And he believed every letter of it. He had absolute faith that Hythyr would lead the pack to greatness and prove to be good and just while he did so. He saw as Ryth left the meeting and the loner she-wolf scurry after him. Good. Things will be less complicated now. Or at least he hoped they would be. "Crankycrankycranky."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

The black wolf eyed the new loner that barged in on their pack meeting. It was a she-wolf with autumn fur. The interruption brought on by both her and Hythyr's father irked him. She allied herself with that pathetic excuse for a parent. How could she? Who would possible associate themselves with someone as disgusting as that family deserter? He recognized her from that time he was at the beach. He nearly went to chase her off, when he heard her tell Hythyr that she would leave with Ryth. Good, Cadmon snarled in his head. Let both those lowlifes leave to their pathetic doings. Cadmon felt his fury toward Ryth bubble in him, waiting to overflow and beckon him to attack that family deserter. Cadmon snarled as the new wolf came in. He claimed himself to be a wolf from Nix'rio. The brash wolf dared to question his pack brother's ability to lead. Cadmon wanted to leap on the idiot wolf and attack with whatever fighting skill he had. But part of him felt that that would only cause more ruckus. Hythyr's father was here, and that already created some unwanted tension. Cadmon knew that if he attacked this newcomer now, things would just fall apart. So, for Hythyr's sake, he gave the Nix'rio wolf a vicious snarl and said, "What right have you to question any of our pack?!" In some part of his brain, the words "our pack" echoed. It was still so strange to him. He was part of a pack, a family of wolves. He wasn't used to the idea, but still he had spoken those words. Then he heard Hestia call out to the wolf and pledge her life to this pack. Another wolf, a pale wolf that Cadmon had remembered seeing at the beach once, stepped forward and declared her allegiance to the Alyxio pack. Cadmon then began to feel a sort of connection form between him and the wolves of Alyxio that were here. It was a connection he hadn't felt for most of his life. Cadmon was actually beginning to feel part of something greater. A cause that was more than him, but still required him. It emboldened him and compelled him to speak up. "I, too, Cadmon Phelan, pledge every my blood, breath, and heart to this pack. And by this very pledge, I vouch for Hythyr's ability to lead Alyxio. He is a wolf with a noble heart. And with that same heart, he will make Alyxio thrive." Cadmon could almost feel his silver eyes glow with the power of that oath and his vouch for Hythyr. And he believed every letter of it. He had absolute faith that Hythyr would lead the pack to greatness and prove to be good and just while he did so. He saw as Ryth left the meeting and the loner she-wolf scurry after him. Good. Things will be less complicated now. Or at least he hoped they would be. "Crankycrankycranky."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

The black wolf eyed the new loner that barged in on their pack meeting. It was a she-wolf with autumn fur. The interruption brought on by both her and Hythyr's father irked him. She allied herself with that pathetic excuse for a parent. How could she? Who would possible associate themselves with someone as disgusting as that family deserter? He recognized her from that time he was at the beach. He nearly went to chase her off, when he heard her tell Hythyr that she would leave with Ryth. Good, Cadmon snarled in his head. Let both those lowlifes leave to their pathetic doings. Cadmon felt his fury toward Ryth bubble in him, waiting to overflow and beckon him to attack that family deserter. Cadmon snarled as the new wolf came in. He claimed himself to be a wolf from Nix'rio. The brash wolf dared to question his pack brother's ability to lead. Cadmon wanted to leap on the idiot wolf and attack with whatever fighting skill he had. But part of him felt that that would only cause more ruckus. Hythyr's father was here, and that already created some unwanted tension. Cadmon knew that if he attacked this newcomer now, things would just fall apart. So, for Hythyr's sake, he gave the Nix'rio wolf a vicious snarl and said, "What right have you to question any of our pack?!" In some part of his brain, the words "our pack" echoed. It was still so strange to him. He was part of a pack, a family of wolves. He wasn't used to the idea, but still he had spoken those words. Then he heard Hestia call out to the wolf and pledge her life to this pack. Another wolf, a pale wolf that Cadmon had remembered seeing at the beach once, stepped forward and declared her allegiance to the Alyxio pack. Cadmon then began to feel a sort of connection form between him and the wolves of Alyxio that were here. It was a connection he hadn't felt for most of his life. Cadmon was actually beginning to feel part of something greater. A cause that was more than him, but still required him. It emboldened him and compelled him to speak up. "I, too, Cadmon Phelan, pledge every my blood, breath, and heart to this pack. And by this very pledge, I vouch for Hythyr's ability to lead Alyxio. He is a wolf with a noble heart. And with that same heart, he will make Alyxio thrive." Cadmon could almost feel his silver eyes glow with the power of that oath and his vouch for Hythyr. And he believed every letter of it. He had absolute faith that Hythyr would lead the pack to greatness and prove to be good and just while he did so. He saw as Ryth left the meeting and the loner she-wolf scurry after him. Good. Things will be less complicated now. Or at least he hoped they would be. "Crankycrankycranky."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

The unexpected appearance of his father had put him on edge. The man agreed to meet his son at the oak tree and that helped calm him to an extant. He had to remain focused in case any decided to challenge him for leadership. Just then, a stranger appeared. The man's aquamarine eyes shone with defiance as he asked the bark colored warrior an important question. Hythyr knew that although it wasn't really this man's place to ask such a thing, it was a question that he would have to face. Was he capable of leading these wolves? He thought the question over and as he did something amazing happened. One by one his pack mates stepped forward and defended him. His companion in leadership, The love of his life, and the man he considered a brother all stepped forward proclaiming their undying loyalty to Alyxio and their support for the newly risen Alphas. Pride swelled in his chest and a smile graced his face as they spoke and was astounded by their devotion. A new confidence rose in him. If this was what Alyxio was to be then there was nothing that could stand in their way. He returned his gaze to former member of Nix'rio. "You ask what it is I have to offer. I offer my own life for this pack and would gladly lay it down for any one of it's members, but more importantly I live for them. I devote my every breath and my soul to them. Our bond runs deeper than blood and we will all stand together and push forward into greatness. The denizens of Torva will have the name of Alyxio on their lips a thousand years from now. It is a name of hope and prosperity and I will defend it with every fiber of my existence! That's what I have to offer. " Hythyr held himself high. The wolves at his back made him strong and his spirit soar. There was no force on the face of the planet that could stop them. The wolves of Alyxio were more than just a pack or a family. They were a force of change in the world. With Hythyr and Hestia at the helm there was no height the mountain dwellers couldn't achieve. They would prosper as never before; of that all could be sure. "Gentleman Speech."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

The unexpected appearance of his father had put him on edge. The man agreed to meet his son at the oak tree and that helped calm him to an extant. He had to remain focused in case any decided to challenge him for leadership. Just then, a stranger appeared. The man's aquamarine eyes shone with defiance as he asked the bark colored warrior an important question. Hythyr knew that although it wasn't really this man's place to ask such a thing, it was a question that he would have to face. Was he capable of leading these wolves? He thought the question over and as he did something amazing happened. One by one his pack mates stepped forward and defended him. His companion in leadership, The love of his life, and the man he considered a brother all stepped forward proclaiming their undying loyalty to Alyxio and their support for the newly risen Alphas. Pride swelled in his chest and a smile graced his face as they spoke and was astounded by their devotion. A new confidence rose in him. If this was what Alyxio was to be then there was nothing that could stand in their way. He returned his gaze to former member of Nix'rio. "You ask what it is I have to offer. I offer my own life for this pack and would gladly lay it down for any one of it's members, but more importantly I live for them. I devote my every breath and my soul to them. Our bond runs deeper than blood and we will all stand together and push forward into greatness. The denizens of Torva will have the name of Alyxio on their lips a thousand years from now. It is a name of hope and prosperity and I will defend it with every fiber of my existence! That's what I have to offer. " Hythyr held himself high. The wolves at his back made him strong and his spirit soar. There was no force on the face of the planet that could stop them. The wolves of Alyxio were more than just a pack or a family. They were a force of change in the world. With Hythyr and Hestia at the helm there was no height the mountain dwellers couldn't achieve. They would prosper as never before; of that all could be sure. "Gentleman Speech."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

The unexpected appearance of his father had put him on edge. The man agreed to meet his son at the oak tree and that helped calm him to an extant. He had to remain focused in case any decided to challenge him for leadership. Just then, a stranger appeared. The man's aquamarine eyes shone with defiance as he asked the bark colored warrior an important question. Hythyr knew that although it wasn't really this man's place to ask such a thing, it was a question that he would have to face. Was he capable of leading these wolves? He thought the question over and as he did something amazing happened. One by one his pack mates stepped forward and defended him. His companion in leadership, The love of his life, and the man he considered a brother all stepped forward proclaiming their undying loyalty to Alyxio and their support for the newly risen Alphas. Pride swelled in his chest and a smile graced his face as they spoke and was astounded by their devotion. A new confidence rose in him. If this was what Alyxio was to be then there was nothing that could stand in their way. He returned his gaze to former member of Nix'rio. "You ask what it is I have to offer. I offer my own life for this pack and would gladly lay it down for any one of it's members, but more importantly I live for them. I devote my every breath and my soul to them. Our bond runs deeper than blood and we will all stand together and push forward into greatness. The denizens of Torva will have the name of Alyxio on their lips a thousand years from now. It is a name of hope and prosperity and I will defend it with every fiber of my existence! That's what I have to offer. " Hythyr held himself high. The wolves at his back made him strong and his spirit soar. There was no force on the face of the planet that could stop them. The wolves of Alyxio were more than just a pack or a family. They were a force of change in the world. With Hythyr and Hestia at the helm there was no height the mountain dwellers couldn't achieve. They would prosper as never before; of that all could be sure. "Gentleman Speech."

Wolf by Kati of [DawnThieves], Table by Yahtzee

Surrounding Alcyoneus seemed to be an air of reluctance and anger, which boiled down to one thing: fear. Such a thought caused the man to narrow his eyes, and he had to literally bite back a snarl. Before Hythyr could speak, a female answered his question; no matter how accurate she was, it was not the type of answer Alcyoneus desired. ”Even so, ma’am, but there must be a reason as to why you would give your soul.” he replied quickly and honestly, looking back to Hythyr for a moment. However, as an ivory damsel stepped forth, she spoke with eloquence that almost took the tawny brute by surprise. At least here, in the realm that Alyxio thrived, there was unity. This alone brought a feeling of loneliness to the man’s heart, and yet he did not dare to show it. Before he could respond to her, two wolves bade their leave, and then an ebony male spoke. A deep growl rose from the man’s chest as he eyed the suspect, who called himself Cadmon, but nothing more was drawn forth. He could not bring himself to seek any fault in Hythyr once Cadmon had completed his statement. As if saving the best for last, Hythyr finally spoke, which retrieved the tawny man’s gaze. A grunt managed to sound from the beast as he listened, heeding the entirety of the new King’s speech. In the end, somehow, Alcyoneus managed an odd smile. ”I knew the man called Fanul. Briefly, of course, but I am sure he is just the same as he was back then.” his voice started strong, but broke at the end. When he had met Fanul, he had met X’yrin. ”Enough for now, of course. There is a time and place for stories of the past, but this is not it.” he looked directly into Hythyr’s eyes, and offered a genuine bow of his cranium. ”Two men have come to the Vargo in these two years, both claiming to be the savior. Bailar? Azren? Where are they now?” he spat at the mention of both names, but simply out of spite. ”I feel almost cheated.” he stated solemnly, shaking his head gently. ”I would have gone anywhere that my heart lead me, and she lead me there; to be a subject of men who she felt were grand enough to be Kings. Now they are both gone, and so is she.” he did not mention X’yrin, nor did he feel obligated to. ”I seek refuge within your realm.” Bluntly put, yes, but how else was he to ask?

TABLE BY YAHTZEE, IMAGE BY BRII <3