The Sunspire Rise With Me

for @Vivaan <3

Vex gazed up at the mountain before her - it was rough, jagged, and formidable, and likely not easy to climb. That, however, wouldn't stop her. She was royalty, bred from the best of the Cruors - a mountain could not stop her hunt. As she began her slow ascent, she thought of those who were following; she'd run ahead of her father and her guard, much to their displeasure... but she was fueled by vengeance. She could not rest, and she could not slow down. She could smell two groups on the wind, very close - it was this that kept her quiet. She didn't want anyone to hear her until she was ready to be heard.

The mammoth moved at a swift pace, pale white and silver mane flaying in resistance to the frigid draft. Heavy feet trudged along in the snow. If attentive, the footsteps could be easily heard off in the distance.

The Cruor queen was hasty, moving further ahead of her posse. But unlike the others, Vivaan wasn't keen to let her out of his sight.

Mistress.. The man heaved in contempt, coming up near to her rear. A darkly, thick tone laced the word and those to follow. The wind carries. The harder the snow falls, the more challenging our travel will become.

While he would not suggest it aloud, the hint he was making was quite obvious. As night came, they would need to find a place to settle until it cleared — though Vivaan knew all too well Vex wasn't keen on stopping anytime soon.

Vex heard him approach, and she smirked softly - she knew by sound it was him before scent confirmed it, and she swung about to face him. Now, Vex was not one for love, or even friendships - she was a Queen, and she ruled with an iron fist. That being said, she'd always felt a certain fondness for Vivaan; he was strong, and loyal to her above all others - even more loyal than her siblings. She paused when he spoke, and she gazed up at the mountain before them. "We will find shelter on the other side of this mountain." Or, perhaps they would stumble upon a cave whilst they climbed.

Vex's fiery gaze met Vivaan's, and she hissed softly, "I must find them. It's been nearly a whole season - I cannot wait much longer." She turned, and began to climb, beckoning to him with an imperious jerk of her head.

Vivaan had never in his life been considered "soft" by any means. This counted towards relationships as well. Family, friends, lovers... what special treatment should they receive? None, according to him.

Vex was no different. He had given to her his loyalty and respect. He would kill for her, gladly. There were times he considered possible affection. What crazed lunatic like him wouldn't? She was a creature of beauty and chaos all in one. Such is a killer's dream. 

Perhaps now the liklihood of him getting even a chance was unlikely, but it wouldn't be for long. Vivaan had matured. There are goals he has set, and he intends to reach them. All of them.

His gaze followed hers as she mentioned the other side of the mountain. From this view, it seemed endless. Where even was the other side? S'pose they'd get there eventually.

"It's been nearly a whole season - I cannot wait much longer."

Vex was restless and it showed. Those she knew to be her family had betrayed the Cruor name. What was left of those who followed the Cruor Queen's beckon had been travelling for much time. By this point, they were all surely just as eager as she was.

Vivaan stepped closer, snout nearing her ear until it just about touched. We will find them.... And they will be punished for their crimes. He crooned coldly, hot breath looming over the woman's cheek; an assurance to what was left of Vex's sanity. A promise.

They continued on from there, legs carrying them onward stiffly through the steep mountain. 

And so the countdown would recommence.

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A low snarl issued from Vex's maw at Vivaan's words - they would pay, and dearly. The queen rasped, "Desertion. Punishable by death." Her dear, darling half-sister was a traitor. No one left the Cruors unless they wanted a slow, torturous death. "Adulteration..." She breathed, eyes narrowing against the wind and snow as she climbed. The last time Vorilye had fucked another bitch, she'd scarred his handsome face, and then she'd forgiven him. But if he had left them... if he had found someone else... "Castration. And then, potentially, death." She gave a short, twisted laugh, then nudged Vivaan with her shoulder. "You will be well-rewarded for your loyalty. You will rise higher than before, with me."

Vivaan listened to each charge with a cold grimace upon his facade.

"Castration..." This word struck the hardest.

And then, "... potentially, death.". He wasn't fond of that one. Potentially? No. There would be death. Death for any and all who dared to betray their Queen. The ones who dared to betray the Cruor name.

Vex nudged his shoulder, returning his attention from lost thoughts.

"You will be well-rewarded for your loyalty."

Hm. S'pose that was something to look forward to. 

I do not serve for favor, but out of my respect for you. You gave reason for my loyalty, hence, I gave it. A partial lie, but truthful enough to get by. 

There was something Vivaan wanted. More-like, some things... but, he would start with one thing at a time. 

Vivaan's words appeased the Queen, but only for a few moments. She gritted her teeth against a low growl as she pushed forward further, following a steep ridge up the mountain. The higher they went, the colder the air became; each breath was ice, stabbing deep at her sides, but she refused to stop. Vex had never quit, nor lost anything before now - these betrayals of blood made her own boil. This gave her steps new purpose, and she forged the way ahead, eventually coming to the peak. Here, she gave a snarling roar of triumph, and she stared out into the dark land before her.

There were many, many scents. Vex gave a nod to the red canyon to their left, and a more idyllic vale to their right. Both shed pack scents. "Where should we seek answers tomorrow, Vivaan?"

It was Spring now, yes — but oh, how the frigid wind held on, refusing to depart from the skies.

By some point in time, Vivaan had begun to grow weary, as their travels had gone on with no breaks. Of course, he would mention nothing to Vex. No... there was too much ardor and anger within her. She would not stop, no matter how tired either of them were.

The found the peak of the mountain after what felt like ages. He heaved a few heavy breaths before turning to lay eyes upon his mistress. Just in time, too, for she had looked to him with a query in mind.

A whiff to the left, then another to the right. 

His snout had stilled, facing the left.

The scent of life is stronger there. Someone inhabits the region near. It's a good place to start. Someone would have seen them. Even if it isn't those beyond these hills, there are other territories to search and wolves to question. Optimistic was a good word to describe Vivaan's attitude. It wasn't even solely in Vex's favor, but also his own. He wanted to see the Cruor traitors writhe in pain and spew blood as payment for what they had done.

Vex paused, her muzzle swaying from side to side as she gave the air heavy inhales, nostrils flaring. Her scarred ear twitched. "I'm not certain I want to many to know our names. Thus far, I have seen few others." She'd given her true name, as well as her sibling's names. But the pack in the canyon shed scents of so many... Her gaze fell down into the vale. "We could seek shelter there. It seems more... homely, does it not?" She smiled a twisted smile that tugged at her black lips, then she licked her lips. "Or... we could each go to one. Two birds, one stone, yes?" It seemed a good plan, to her.

Homely? Who needed a homely place? They were on a mission. Why stop now, trying to get all comfy and cozy in a place that wouldn't get them much closer to reaching their goals?

"Or... we could each go to one." Yes! He liked the sound of that better.

Two birds, one stone. Vivaan repeated, wrapping his head around the metaphorical phrase.

It does seem the most sensible. But as for who will go where? The silver-coated man looked to the Queen, curious of how she intended to divide their travels. Where would she send him?

Vex looked to both valley and canyon, frowning. "I will go into the vale." This was a job for tomorrow. With a jerk of her head, she led the pair along a lower ridge; there was a depression in the face of the rock - not quite a cave, but shelter enough for the night. Finally, they could rest. Vex heaved a sigh, then settled as far back as she could go, orange eyes staring outward into the night. To Vivaan, she said, "I want information about the pack - their purpose, their allies, enemies, and if they can point us to other packs." Then, in a low hiss, "They have to be somewhere."

So, then.. it was she to the Vale and he to the pack afar. A perfect opportunity to build both his reputation and respect within the Queen's eye.

Vivaan had been prepared to leave the moment Vex had delegated the task, but insisted against it as she led the pair to an open mouth along the face of the peak. 

He frowned, but would withhold any form of protest. Sleep would do him good; give him a clear head for the following day.

I will gather this, and more. The silver wolf promised before settling in a spot closer to the outer portion of their resting place.

Would slumber come with ease, or was he far too restless?

Let's find out.. He grumbled inwardly, forcing his lids to close tightly over each orb.

i think we're good to end here if you are!

Vex would nod to Vivaan, then settle her head on her paws, staring out into the blowing snow. She felt safe enough, despite being in-between two groups of strangers, and she let sleep take her.