Moonspear les miens

@Alaric @Treepie

Chaudry had led them to the mountain he claimed Pala and the children were being held upon over the course of just about two days, maybe a bit over. Taking the lead as they approached the borders, she stopped a safe distance from the scent markings and lifted her head to call for leadership to come meet her.

Glancing back at her son and @Noctaryn, she let out a breath and forced some softness into her gaze. Conflict was not her aim here; she did not wish for it to be necessary.

She wanted the children and her pack member to be returned to where they belonged, and then she wanted to go home and never speak of this again. She was upset with Chaudry, that much was true; it still seemed to her that in a small way this had to be his fault. It takes two for a relationship to break off, especially when puppies were involved.

There were strangers at their door. Having already been alerted to the presence of a man by Tiuttuk, at least during that prior visit, Glaukos' attempts to increase his patrols had amounted to a sort-of early warning system. When the pair came to the borders he was at least aware, in a vague sense, of the different scents upon the wind and was eager to intercept them.

It was fortunate that Glaukos' attention landed upon the woman helming the group, first. He saw among them stood two men as well, but there was no way for the soldier to know which one he had been told to drive away, and that meant keeping his teeth to himself—until proven necessary.

Glaukos listened from where he stalked the paths, and when he heard the summoning howl calling for the leadership of the village he made sure to move closer. He would be there too; Tiuttuk would not be alone, with her own pair of warriors to defend the interests of Moonspear.

As he came to the claim's limits he looked over each of the strangers with his usual stoicism, this proud and bear-like beast of a man itching to be put to use.

Treepie didn’t know the voice that summoned her, though curiosity quickly drove her from her ulaq’s dooryard down to the borders. There she found three figures waiting, her whole body tensing when she spotted Chaudry’s familiar face. Yellow eyes flicked to the two wolves flanking him before pinning to the she-wolf in front. Considering the resemblance, she must be his mother.

Alaric had warned the man he would attack on sight should Chaudry return. But he wasn’t alone, nor was Tiuttuk herself much of a fighter. She held back from an immediate display of aggression, though she was glad to see Glaukos lurking nearby as she strode forward with her head and tail both held stiffly upright.

She didn’t offer a greeting, nor speak at all. Instead, the Regent stood in silence, waiting for a show of submission, followed by an explanation. Pie hoped Alaric would arrive in time to catch the latter.

Alaric arrived like a whirlwind. Green eyes blazing. A snarl on his lips and anger in his face. But he did not attack yet. Even he knew when to behave. But his cold stare landed on Chaudry.

I told you to never come back here. his growl intensified. And he looked to the woman in charge.

I already warned this one. That I would attack him on sight. My patience is running thin. Consider it my only courtesy.

 He growled again. I won't repeat myself. I don't like women beaters or abusers and I especially don't like snitching children in adult bodies Get off our mountain.

Alaric fur along his ruff rose. I already informed him the woman makes her own choice. She and her children belong to no fucking one, but themselves  Should she stay or go is her choice. And she has chosen to stay.

His eyes glittered dangerously. This show of force is unnecessary and senseless. The matter rests as far as we are concerned. You come again. And we will consider it act of violence. LEAVE

Tiki arrived behind Alaric. Though she didn't know what was going on or why. She did know when trouble was brewing.

She positioned herself near Pie. And stared at the wolves on their doorstep. This was not good. And she didn't know what to make of the usually calm Alaric.

Noctaryn had taken sentry to the right of Viskani, his shoulder just brushing hers, a show of silent support. He waited alongside them, an unease settling in the silence following her call, his eyes flickering between this pack’s border and Chaudry.

Nothing about this seemed right.

One by one, others heeded his Matriarche’s  call, each with heated stares towards Chaudry and some curious, but no less edge.

What hat truly happened here?

Then, one in particular, a male visibly vibrating with anger, spoke first, his words accusatory, and it took all Noctaryn had to not to turn on Chaudry, teeth flashing. Were his suspicions about him true?

He whispered to Viskani, too low for the others. Too low for Chaudry. 

He speaks of abuse. In your heart, do those words ring true? Consider them before this goes too far, Viskani. There was anger laced in his words—not towards her, never that, but for what the man’s words might have possibly brought to light.

As wolves began to appear, more than he had seen last time, Chaudry rested his neck across the back of his mother. A quiet show of support, and a sneaky way to protect his own throat.

Accusations were thrown out by the obsidian wolf once more. Chaudry had to fight to keep his expression calm. It was in his blood to fight, to push and rip until he had won, but the numbers were not in their favour today. He could only remain still and silent until there was reason for him to act otherwise. The voice of his grandmaman rung in his head, mocking him. For once he ignored her.

For only a moment, his eyes flicked up the mountain. Where within them was Pala hiding? She was no coward, so why was she not here?

Combattez vos propres batailles, halfbreed.

Recording post order here, mostly for myself XD

1. Viskani
   
2. Glaukos
   
3. Treepie
   
4. Alaric
   
5. Tikaani
   
6. Noctaryn
   
7. Chaudry

The expression of the Matriarche remained calm but firm as other's began to appear, her stance tall but her tail lowered - a quiet show of respect for their land.

When one finally spoke, a dark coated man larger than herself, she did not flinch at his tone nor his harsh accusations towards her son. Eyes followed his form, analyzing and thinking. She felt Chaudry rest his head, heard Noctaryn whisper. A diplomatic woman at heart, but her isolated life in the mother pack rarely saw these sorts of issues.

Pressing her nose to Noctaryn's cheek before she straightened once more, finally she responded. Your accusations are quite serious. But then again, so are the one's that brought me here. There was a slight narrow of her citrine eyes as she spoke, a quiet contemplation. I have been told that Paladé and my grandchildren are here against their will.

Viskani was left a bit puzzled now, but refused to let it phase her for too long. If she wants to be here, I will support her. If my son has truly abused her, then he will be punished accordingly. She glanced back at Chaudry, a harshness in her gaze that made him flinch. What I need is proof, whatever that may be.

Standing watch, Glaukos witnessed much: not justwhat came to their doorstep, but what met them in the form of Alaric. Hastily thrown accusations, ire, commands; a flurry of concern from the arrivals, shifting eyes, murmured words.

The woman at the center, the one who appeared older than the men and also in charge, spoke her own piece. All the soldier wanted was to be given an order—so for now he would be patient. He kept his attention on the group as a whole, ready for anything.

Not only did the Sovereign appear promptly, he immediately began firing heated words at the band of wolves gathered at their borders. Treepie inhaled sharply, trapping the breath in her chest as every muscle in her body tensed. Her yellow eyes remained riveted on Chaudry as the accusations flew, though they cut sideways when she sensed Tikaani flanking her. She exchanged a look with her sister, then looked back to where the man pressed against his mother, looking for all the world like a young pup clinging to her leg.

Chaudry said nothing, though the other male whispered something to the woman in charge. The Matriarche, if memory served. Then she opened her mouth to speak, meeting Alaric’s accusations with one of her own. Treepie’s impassive expression twisted in confused disbelief. What did they think, that Moonspear was holding Pala and her children here against their will? As prisoners? She might’ve laughed at the absurdity, if not for the woman’s subsequent words, surprising in their equanimity.

Tiuttuk finally broke her silence to say, Pala is here because she wants to be, because we care for her and her sons. But don’t take my word for it. Isn’t Pala’s word all that’s needed to prove it?

Alaric did laugh, dark and dangerous. Didn't I just tell you she's here of her own volition. You want her word.

There was an edge to Alaric's next words. I'll call her, but I promise you. If your child.

 He emphasized the word child and stared disdainfully at Chaudry.

If he so much as says one word to her or steps one toe out of line. I swear to god Glaukos and myself will rip out his throat in front of you. Any man who hurts someone weaker than them just because he can isn't a man. He's a piece of shit.

Alaric stepped back and lifted his nose to the sky and called for @Pala only. He didn't mention her kids. And he hoped to god she wasn't stupid enough to bring the kids here. They didn't need to see this shit show.

Threats were made. Tiki's fur stood on edge. She didn't know what to do. But she stood firmly near Pie. She titled her head. She was nervous now.

Noctaryn accepted Viskani's touch with a fleeting smile and a subtle nod. She had heard him and that was enough.

He listened to her words, and when her speech came to an end, the silver male slowly placed himself behind the Matriarche and her son. The male was not worried so much about the ones who stood against them, but rather the one who stood against his mother now, resting himself over her as if he were a pup.

With silver daggers, he glared at Chaudry, watching every twitch and subtle movement the other male made. The truth will come, and Noctaryn will be ready to do what must be done to protect his Viskani--regardless of who it may be.

His gaze flitted between Chaudry and all those who gathered ahead, all waiting for proof.

Maman's gaze shook fear into him, a tense of his muscles that he was sure she could feel. She had always been one to take the side of her sons in any situation, but the rejection of his older brother had taught him that there were conditions to that wall of defence. He could only hope that these wolves would not give her reason to cease it from him, that she had thrown out grandmaman's punishments as she had everything else. He really didn't want to lose an eye - or worse, his extra limb.

Part of him wished she would just go for the throat of the Moonspear leader. He knew she could do it; he had seen how she destroyed a man like Phobos, weak and brittle, so surely she could do a number on this one too. But he also knew she wouldn't. The matriarche had turned into a pacifist, weak minded and naive, yet Chaudry understood that not everything could be solved with words. Blood was always the seal.

Pala was called for, and he felt himself growing curious. He wanted to know if she too had scarred from their scuffle.

She gave a nod of agreement when the young woman spoke up. Pala's word would solve this with ease should she be willing to provide it.

The charcoal man was quickly causing her patience to grow thin. I have no reason to take your word, just as you have no reason to take mine. Her tone was stern, nearly scolding. Think before you open your mouth. Cowards hide behind threats and insults, not men. Viskani held in the further venomous words she so dearly wished to spit out. If he wished to accuse Chaudry, fine, but he could compose himself and cooperate with her at the very least. A solution would not be reached otherwise.

Eyes turning up the mountain, she waited for Pala to appear. Viskani doubted she would be too fearful to ignore the call - it always seemed to her that Pala wasn't afraid of anything.

There was a call for her. Alaric.

Puzzled, Pala began the trek to the borders with her children in tow (she couldn't quite leave them alone yet.) It was only upon spotting the familiar faces of Montagne de Cigue that she understood what was happening. Tucking Ludovicus and Ignace away, far enough they would not see but close enough for her to watch, Pala approached the small crowd.

She spoke no words, only looking to Alaric to wait for an explanation. She wasn't afraid of Chaudry lashing out while Viskani was here; they both knew the matriarche would rip him in half for such a thing.

I spoke to Glaukos’s player, who said we should skip him. This should also serve as Pie’s last post, methinks. :)

More vitriol poured out of Alaric’s mouth. Tiuttuk hid her mild shock, letting his words galvanize her. Moonspear had always been a peaceful place of diplomacy and healing, yet she could get behind a more territorial mindset. She certainly felt protective enough of this village and its residents, including the Sovereign. He could clearly handle himself, though the Regent felt a flair of indignation when the matriarch implied he was a coward.

Alaric summoned their key witness then, which left them all to wait in tense silence. Pie watched as the unnamed male maneuvered himself behind the matriarch and her son. The yearling’s eyes narrowed as she realized no one had bothered making proper introductions. Would it be strange to do so now?

After mulling it a moment, Tiuttuk said, I never got your names. I’m Tiuttuk Ostrega.

She would’ve ordinarily introduced her cohorts, yet all things considered, she would leave that up to them. In the meantime, a woman who needed no introduction made her entrance. Pala looked politely puzzled. She also looked unafraid, which earned a thin smile from Treepie.

Putting her mouth to Alaric’s ear, she said, You’ve got this handled. It wasn’t a question. Turning, she said louder, addressing Pala, I’ll go keep an eye on the boys.

She didn’t look at Chaudry or any of the others when she mentioned his sons. She exchanged a look with Tikaani, silently asking her to come along, then began traipsing up the mountain. Although Ludovicus and Ignace could be left alone for short periods at their age, Pie would feel a lot better if someone kept an eye on them for the duration of this.

posting order
Noctsryn
Chaudry
Viskani 
Pala
Alaric

His eyes narrowed and he looked back towards her son. A thin, eery smile flitting along his maw.

You aren't my mother, god bless her she's better than you. Don't act like one. You dont get to scold. Clearly you're a poor one.

A lift of contemptuous brow. No honey. A coward is a man who hits women and hides behind his mother. Look a little closer to home.

He pointedly turned his muzzle to her son who was cowering behind her like a little piece of shit.

He shifted. You came to our borders demanding. When I already informed your precious little son that he was not to return. You're lucky I am speaking with you at all. But if you need to hear it. I assure you I am far from a coward.  And i dont appreciate being called one. I already told him. Clearly he lies. So i assume you do too..

Tiki had no idea what to say. She stared surprised at the words Alaric apoke. He sounded so angry. It was not something she attributed the leader too. Her sisters quiet question came as a relief and she followed behind. Eyes anxious on the group. Would alaricand glaukos be alright.

Noctaryn locked eyes on the male who spoke such words to Viskani. He growled softly, a quiet warning. This whole ordeal has gone on long enough.

Let us be done with this back and forth. Let Pala speak. We will all know who is the coward in this situation soon enough. He stared pointedly at Chaudry’s back. 

He wanted nothing more than to remove the male from Viskani, to squeeze his own body between them to be a buffer. But, he stayed in his position, watching and waiting once more.

There was little that himself and Noctaryn seemed to be able to agree on, but one thing was certain; neither of them liked to see the matriarche be insulted. But nonetheless, his appreciation was cut short when he felt the Majordome's eyes settle on him at the speak of a coward.

With Pala having come to them, he was unsure if he should be nervous. The woman was far from stupid, but he knew that she wasn't afraid of him either. Chaudry didn't care if his lie was revealed anymore, but maman could not find out what he had asked Pala to do for him.

Maybe he had lost track of what had started all of this in the first place.

She could see the younger woman, Tiuttuk, was making attempts to mediate things. Usually Viskani would have complied, but she was instantly distracted my the man's words that followed.

Do not call me 'honey'. Her words came out hissed. She would not speak on anything further, now looking to Pala with her expression softening. The scarred woman did not deserve her anger.

Watching the exchanges between Moonspear and Montagne de Cigue wolves, Pala could only sigh. There were far too many assumptions being made - partially from her on vague tells of the situation, she had to assume.

Alaric, I am not a battered woman. I attacked Chaudry and he defended himself. She had no issue admitting that. She had been the one to instigate the fight. He told me to take our sons and leave.

Eyeing Chaudry now, she made a decision. There's more, but I won't say it while he is here. Now, as though speaking to the man directly, The Matriarche is a good woman. She deserves to know what he asked of me.

Alaric's eyes narrowed onto Pala. Had he made assumptions yes. But it had been based or her story. He sighed and ran a forepaw over his head. A tilt of his head he studied the wolves in front of him.

Then I apologize for saying he was a woman beater. But I do not apologize for my feelings on such men or the words exchanged in the midst of all this.

He looked at Pala with a stern look. We don't get to play that game anymore. Assumptions were made because of half assed stories. There will not be anymore unclarity. Speak it with us present or don't, but I don't want that coward.

 He flung the word back at Viskani and motioned at her son. Because he had lied. Said untruths 

To be able to say anything else against us or to us. And once your business is finished with Pala. Kindly get the hell off our lawn. And do not come back.

He looked at Pala with disappointment that she had allowed both he and Tiuttuk to assume she was battered.

And he shifted to take a more neutral stance further away. He did not care what he had said to Viskani. It was true he had no doubt

So, she was not abused as he had thought. Despite that knowledge, there was still something off about the man, and it was validated by Pala’s words that there was more, yet she hadn’t wanted him present for its reveal. 

The grumbling male spoke his peace, bidding them a preemptive farewell when all is said and done. And to get off his lawn. He snorted at that.

Gladly. Noctaryn mumbled to himself. He wanted nothing more than to be done with this and return to the Vale. Thoughts wandered to Chandra, then, and the itch to return bloomed into an anxious need. Her mother needed to return as well and he needed to get back to watching over the both of them.

He remained behind the Matriarche and her son. Ready to move when Viskani announces their departure.

Noctaryn’s last post unless directly addressed <3