Northstar Vale of how the rich are wrong

He had dragged himself back, this time making it to the borders that grated his temper each time he remembered them. He had not made it this far last time, returning home and lying to grandmaman that he had delivered the news. He was sure she knew he had. But now something more had happened, knowledge which despite his issues with his mother, he could not deny her of.

When all was said and done, Chevalier was not sure where he would go. Not back to his mother pack, not now. It hurt him too much. Maybe he would have to stay here, should maman allow it.

Forcing his hesitations to cease, he paused on the borders reeking with the scent of Chaudry and a male he did not recognise. His head lifting to call to those within, his howl spoke of 'maman' in particular. Solemn and whining, he was sure she would think he had come to apologise after all this time.

He wished that had been the case.

When he wasn’t with Viskani and Chandra, he found himself on the borders, patrolling and refreshing scents. It was one of those days, his stroll easy with just a hint of a satisfied swagger. Life felt good—it was good. And being out here meant he could keep it as such.

He would raze this place to the ground if that’s what was needed to keep this peace.

A whine-mixed howl caused him to surge faster along the border, his heart beat quickened at the thought of intruders. Luckily, it was one who soon stood before him. However, his wariness did not lessen. 

There was something about the wolf that seemed familiar, but he couldn’t quite place it. The barest hint of a growl accompanied his greeting. What reason do you have to be on our borders?

It was not a brother who greeted him as he had expected, but a man who he only knew from the scent markers. Scents of Chevalier's own family lingered on the stranger, along with the fading smell of milk. Was he an aidant, or someone close to his mother? He assumed the former, Viskani had always been cold towards men her age.

My name is Chevalier, I come with news from the mother pack. He gestured northwards, though he had his doubts that this wolf knew where La Montagne was. Where is Viskani? He spoke his mother's name without even a hint of his distaste for her. He had to wonder if she had ever mentioned him.

He couldn't help but look the man over. There was something distinctly foreign about him, something the made Chevalier question his heritage; was he some sort of dog? Though dog or not, he had to admit that the guy looked good. He assumed Chaudry must have recruited him, his brother always had good taste in men.

He sniffed, quickly scenting familiarity amongst the unfamiliar. The male spoke of the mother pack, which he had heard Viskani mention once or twice before. Could they be from the same pack? Chevalier's words were accented in the same inflections as his sun. He even looked similar to her.

It could be assumed so, he figured--but that didn't make Noctaryn any more at ease. He has had one run in with her family--he didn't need another. He suppressed the snarl at the thought of the lutte with Chaudry.

Under the man's scrutiny, Noctaryn did not back down. He stood rather tall, his own gaze piercing. Viskani is here. he said tentatively, I will bring you to her and you can deliver this news. However, I warn will do you a small kindness and warn you-- he paused, closing the distance between them, --any misstep towards her and her child will be met with teeth. He turned then, not glancing behind him as he padded further into the vale.

snaps for the king he's becoming snap snap snap

His mother had managed to have children then. He couldn't help but smile; even if his relationship with her was poor, he still took pride in being a good older brother. Did she have a boy or girl this year? He asked, preparing to follow. Girl, I hope. I've always wanted a sister. By now he had enough brothers to share, and most of them got that nasty attitude after puberty; except Charlie.

He had no plans to be nasty, not today. Who are you? He decided to ask, eyeing the stranger. I am Chevalier. He was itching to know more of this man, something told him it was worth the time.

Noctaryn’s head tilted at Chevalier’s mention of want for a brother or sister. So, you are another of Viskani’s sons, then. He was not apologetic for his warning earlier, regardless of the fact the man was of Viskani’s blood. They were his to protect now, and Chaudry had shown him that he needed to be wary—even of family.

A girl, he finally answered, allowing Chevalier that knowledge, Her name is Chandra.

He nodded, not mentioning that the man had already given his name. 

Good to meet you, Chevalier. Name’s Noctaryn; I am Viskani’s— His words paused for a breath, searching for what he should call himself. Viskani’s lover? Friend? He wasn’t sure exactly what they were—sweethearts, if anything. He finally landed on his title, pulling himself a little taller, clearing his throat. I am Viskani’s Majordome, her second.

Her oldest. He responded with a nod of his head. He could take some pride in that. Noctaryn revealed the name of his sister; Chandra. So maman had not strayed from her pattern. A good name, Chandra. Do you think she'll ever run out of 'ch' names? His gut told him it was not the time for casual conversation, the reason for his visit and Noctaryn's demeanour said it all, but he couldn't help his tendency to get chatty when things got awkward.

Good to meet you Noctaryn. He smiled, waving his tail lightly. I don't see male Majordomes all too often, my maman must like you a lot. He had always thought her to hate men, except maybe her family. This vale must have changed her.

How have the others been? My brothers?

Her oldest. Where does Chaudry sit in the line of her offspring, he wondered. It was of no real matter—he found himself uncaring, only wanting to press onward. Chevalier had become chatty, and Noctaryn did let slip a small groan, more to himself than anything, but he obliged the man for now.

How many others have “ch” names besides you three? It would be interesting to know, not that it held any real weight. He did not see anything wrong in Viskani’s history of past relationship and the aftermath of children that sprung from her couplings. What only mattered was their own coupling—if that is something she wanted from him. There was no question on his end, but he would never force her into something she would not want. Chandra was much too young for them to even try, so there was still time.

He did emit a quick chuckle, one filled with mirth at Chevalier’s astute observation of his title. You could say that.

The silvered male cast Chevalier a side-long glance, not truly wanting to discuss his siblings. But, he didn’t want to be entirely rude, so he piped up. So there are more of you. I have only met Chaudry and we—are not on good terms. Your mother has not spoken of the others, not to me. 

He turned forward once more, his pace quickening, ready to get this male to his mother. He wanted to get back to his…? Damn, he really needed to figure out what they were. Settling now for his Viskani, he beckoned the male to hurry.

You can ask her about your siblings when we get to her. Come.

All seven of us. He responded, quick to recall the names of each of his brothers. Charlie, Chesley, Chaudry, Chandon, Chayton, and Chae. It was a bit of a tongue twister. She left three of us behind, and took three with her. Chayton passed away at two months, so he wasn't in the mix. That had been his mothers reasoning for bringing Chae - she was worried something would happen to the surviving son of that litter.

Noctaryn spoke of distaste for Chaudry, prompting a chuckle from Chevalier. Chaudry is rarely nice, he tries to take on the role of our grandmaman. You are not the first. Chaudry had always been better at making enemies than friends.

He forced himself to remain quiet for the rest of the walk, Noctaryn's discomfort quite clear to him.

Two sets of footsteps brought Viskani from her den, though it was not all she had expected. Noctaryn and a stranger maybe, but not this. She cleared her throat to grab the attention of both.

Chevalier. She greeted him rather coldly, but with enough energy that it could be passed off as formal. I see you've met my.. She hesitated momentarily, but reminded herself of the earlier conversation between herself and Noctaryn. My husband. That was the truth, was it not? They hadn't had a wedding, no, but she wasn't sure that it was needed. They loved each other, that was plenty.

What brings the two of you to me?

Twin suns rose from the den they now shared and he smiled, the awe of her beauty never ceasing to amaze him. He approached her with a bowed head, a soft touch to her muzzle in greeting. His voice had dropped to a whispered tease, My darling, I’m not sure how many more of your sons I can handle.

He turned to Chevalier then, coming to full height as he stood next to his wife. You have come all this way and I have brought you to your mother. You say you brings news, now you may deliver it. The silver male remained protectively at Viskani’s shoulder, his moon-lit eyes cast in suspicion.

The sooner the male did what he came to do, the sooner Noctaryn and his family could return to the peace that lay within their den. 

He wondered what Chandra was doing in this moment.

Your husband! Chevalier simply could not keep his surprise internal; how could he? He had never seen his mother commit to a man before - she was committed to the grind. That's great! And yet, he found it difficult not to be happy for her. He cleared his throat after a moment, looking between the two with the smile cleared from his face. But I probably won't be helping the mood, I'm sorry.

Grandmaman Farah is dead, and grandmaman Tala passed in December. Auntie Aude took over as the new Matriarche. It was all rather grim news, but despite past squabbles he felt that he owed it to maman to alert her. They sent me to tell you. I don't plan to go back.

She had a husband to comfort her, and a new daughter to keep her busy. Chevalier felt sure that his mother would be alright. I hope that you two stay well.. I don't plan to go far, so if you plan to celebrate your marriage I hope I can be there. Giving a nod to the pair, he turned away and took his leave. There was nothing more for him to do here.

Well, that may be an issue come next spring.. do you expect me to only have daughters? She snickered, far more interested in whispering teasing words to her husband. It didn't last long though, Chevalier pulling her attention.

Her mother and grandmother were both dead, and now the sister who was a copy of their mother had taken over. Viskani's feelings were mixed, a knot tied in her chest.

Should she be more upset? Should she feel relieved? She couldn't know. Viskani hadn't faced grief for far too long now, and she had never faced it alone.

Her head turning to face Noctaryn, she did not speak.

He had wanted nothing more than to continue talk of children—he sighed gruffly when the moment came and went as soon as Chevalier opened his mouth.

The news was indeed grim. Suspicion melted into concern—not for Chevalier, but for his wife. His eyes left the male to gaze into hers, searching for her reaction. There didn’t seem to be one.

He did not bid the other farewell, his attention entirely focused on Viskani. Talk to me, my love. Are you alright?

I'm not sure. That was the truth, and she spoke it looking forward with a pondering in her eyes. There's a lot to think about now.

There was a lot to consider. She had done all of this for her mother, everything to impress her, and now she was gone.

Shaking the blank expression from her face, she smiled up at her husband. I need some time to myself. Could you take Chandra for a while my love?

She turned to him, her eyes a shade duller than usual, her smile barely reaching them. His wife asked for space and he would give it to her, despite his own want to pull her into himself. 

Though she didn’t show it, Noctaryn felt something shift. Good or bad, he couldn’t tell. Regardless, he would stand at her side to weather whatever was about to come their way.

Of course, anything you need. He pressed a reassuring kiss to her brow before turning to pad into their den. From inside, a muffled peel of child laughter could be heard as the silvered male spooked his daughter, tickling her into a fit.