Sleeping Dragon tell me of you

For @Gyda and @Smoke, but no reason why others from the pack can’t join in too. :)

Oh but these lands were glorious. Lucani felt distinctly humbled by the great crags that climbed up the volcano, but she also felt a rare moment of personal pride to have successfully joined this pack. Yes it was young, and so was the Alpha to have accepted her, but Lucani had never seen youth as a downfall. Instead, it imbued freshness, change and ambition, and a hum of excitement was almost tangible in the otherwise cool and calm air.

Or perhaps that was a plume of volcanic smoke.

Either way, Lucani was glad to be here, and she set out at dusk to meet more of the wolves around and learn their stories. She had heard from @Thuringwethil that @Gyda was back from her travels, and so the tall grey female made her way over the mountain to seek her out. She was curious about the rumoured co-Alpha, and hoped that she might tempt her into a tale.

weird post is weird, lol.

It was only after taking a much needed rest and dropping by on Hush to make sure he was settling well, Gyda had returned back to her work as if she'd never left in the first place. Of course, she had made her journey south and in retrospect her scent had begun to fade upon the borders. A routine patrol and adding her scent to the claim markings she had made in the beginning was her priority. The responsibilities of being queen was shared this time...with Thuringwethil in the place of Dagrun; though her individual responsibilities were great in number as it stood. Thurinwethil had been busy in her absence and had recruited several other wolves of whom Gyda yet had the pleasure of meeting. She knew introductions would be crucial in the days to come: the shield-maiden did not doubt that Thuringwethil made her position of co-queen very clear but Gyda was not above making it known herself. Circumstance had made her absent during their joining but that did not lessen her authority any more. As Thuringwethil would no doubt require Hush to acknowledge her authority, Gyda would do the same.

The Scandinavian had taken a break from her patrols, heading inland of her home her intention to check on the caches she had made before her trip. The scent of one of the wolves Thurin had recruited in her absence tickled the viking queen's nose and before she knew she was adjusting her course, following the scent trail the other woman had left in her wake, letting out a soft chuff of greeting to announce her presence as the tall grayscale female came into her the gasp of her icy gaze. Her posture was dominate but not overbearing as she drew nearer, hoping to close the distance and get to know her subordinates.

Unsure if @Smoke has forgotten this thread, so am popping in a sneaky-deaky-cheeky little post here as a reminder! <3

It would be flattering indeed to think that Gyda was as interested in Lucani as she was in the young Queen, so instead — when it transpired that the smaller wolf was seeking her out — she assumed that it was a simple case of professional curiosity. Gyda had been travelling, and clearly wanted to learn more about who Thuringwethil had accepted in her absence.

Ah, she said with satisfaction when they encountered each other at last, and gave a long, low bow. Gyda. I'm glad to finally meet you. My name is Lucani Cygnus, she probably knew this already, but there was no harm in courtesy. Thuringwethil accepted me as Gamma.

I don't remember if this is supposed to be the first time they met or not so *fails about* So we'll pretend that it is lmao.

“As it is a pleasure to meet you,” Gyda returned with sincereity, giving a small dip of her head towards the older woman in acknowledgment. Soft surprise rose Gyda's brows when the woman spoke that Thuringwethil had accepted her as Gamma — the highest rank beneath the pack's Betas. A high rank for someone to start out with; but Gyda trusted Heda impeccably and did not question it. “You must have been contributing well and have great talent,” For anything less would not see the top of their hierarchy. “Are you interested in any trades?” It seemed the most appropriate question to ask first, and Gyda was truly interested in what she had to offer. Every trade was an asset and there was no shortage of trades and specialties the wolves of the Dragon could choose from.

Hehe. :3 I believe this is indeed their first meeting~

Lucani inclined her head gratefully at the compliment, though it was more of a kind assumption. She had indeed been contributing her utmost, but this was part of who she was — and a vital part of being part of a fledgling pack. Thank you... it's my pleasure to do all I can for Sleeping Dragon, she responded honestly. I'm aiming for the trade of Medic. My background is in herbal remedies, so if you can make use of my knowledge or indeed need medical attention of any kind, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Gyda offered Lucani an appreciative nod when the woman spoke that it would her pleasure to do all that she could for the Dragon. Gyda did not abide wolves who did not give back at the very least what any wolf was expected to: hunt and patrol. The extra knowledge was a bonus, yes, but it was these that Gyda valued more than any other. The more diverse their wolves were with their trades the better the shield-maiden felt they would function. She had always been fascinated by the knowledge that others held and brought with them on their travels — perhaps it was this fascination that had bid her to leave Ragnar and her mother to go with Nerian. It had, in part, to protect the terrified and pregnant second wife of Ragnar, because Nerian had needed Gyda in a way that her brothers, mother and Ragnar had not; but also because there was an enigma around the priestess and her strange ways and her strange god that had drawn the shield-maiden in. She did not seek knowledge as Ragnar had: with the ferociousness of a man who wanted everything, for she was not a man nor did she desire everything.

Lucani offered that she was a healer, and the viking queen's icy depths warmed with the shimmer of warmth that surrounded her pupils as she processed those words. It was no secret that Gyda held the trade in a high esteem: she, at one point in her life, had desired nothing more than to be a healer just as her own mother had been. Those desires had altered over time, shuffled away by her desire to be a force of nature on the battle field: like the legendary valkyries. Yet, the trade reminded her much of her mother. “My mother is a healer,” This knowledge was errant, and theoretically unimportant, but Gyda felt deigned to share it all the same. “I hold the trade in very high esteem,” She offered with a fond smile. She barely knew the older woman before her and yet Gyda liked her already.

“How far does your knowledge extend? Does it ...what do you know of expecting children? Of bringing them into the world?” It was an absent question, shown by the slight bite of Gyda's bottom lip, that held no reason (yet) but Gyda was innately curious and interested in Lucani's response all the same.

The healer returned her Alpha's smile gladly. It was curious to note the difference between her two Queens — they were both still girls, young and brave, but Thuringwethil wore ice on the inside and Gyda on the outside. Silver as Thuringwethil was dark, petite as Thuringwethil was grand, Gyda Thuringwethil's opposite and yet equal. It was yet another sign of how promising Sleeping Dragon was as a power in these lands.

At the next question, Lucani's eyes lingered a split second longer on the young woman, but of course not near her own eyes — and nor would she be so disrespectful as to observe her belly for signs of pregnancy. Scent quietly suggested that Gyda was not actually old enough yet to become a parent, and so Lucani concluded that she'd asked the question for some other reason. A pregnant friend or a pregnant future. Or, perhaps, ambitions as a midwife.

A reasonable amount, she explained. I've seen children into this world twice, and have tended to mothers at different stages of their pregnancies. A small, slightly guilty part of her wondered if Gyda actually knew how it was done. Lucani had met young adults who didn't know how breeding worked. It was an awkward thought.

There was a breathless rush of excitement in Gyda's chest when Lucani admitted that she had a fair amount of knowledge in regarding to being a midwife. She had yet to broach the subject with Thuringwethil but it was not a want that Gyda found unreasonable. For a moment, the shield-maiden hesitated, biting her bottom lip once more, her ears slicking back to rest at half mast atop her skull as she contemplated divulging her secret to the healer. She understood that Lucani was perhaps closer to Thuringwethil than she was Gyda but if there could be no trust between a queen and her subordinates than a pack had no leg to stand on: it would crumble from within. “When it is my time I want to have children,” Gyda began slowly, and maybe a little bit like a girl gossiping about her newest crush to her best friend. It was a breathless sort of excitement. “I think that instincts will take over,” But she didn't know, of course. “but I would very much like your advice and expertise.” Because as a to-be first time mother she was going to need it.

Would Thistle have come with her, or would her mother live nearer to her Gyda would have turned to her for this advice but Thistle was many days travel away from her and not a journey an expecting mother should make; not to mention Lucani had the experience. Perhaps not of giving birth from her own body but experience was experience. “Have you ever had children of your own?” Perhaps Lucani had already answered this, but still Gyda was curious and eager for a clarification nevertheless.

It was warming to hear the young woman speak with what seemed like earnest excitement — especially about something as life-enhancing and personally important as a brood of her own. For a split second Lucani had to remind herself that this was her Alpha, and not simply a girl expressing gleeful thoughts of future children. She could be both, of course, but Lucani was careful not to become too emotionally endeared to her. For she took her lead from Thuringwethil, who had already established a formal (though very respectful) relationship between leadership and the healer.

I would be more than happy to give you medical advice when the time comes, she said genuinely. Though as a preemptive tip — I suggest you gain a taste for fish if you haven't already. It's very good for a pregnant mother, and some say it even aids in a healthy conception.

But Gyda, it seemed, was a communicative and outwards-thinking wolf, unobsessed with the self. Hence her interest in Lucani, who replied, I'm afraid not. And then, carefully: I've never had much of an interest in the traditional family dynamic. It wasn't the pups that put her off — not at all. It was the concept of breeding.

“Thank you,” Gyda murmured with nothing short of genuine appreciation. “Fish,” The shield-maiden responded in a contemplative tone, canting her head to the side in a small movement that was almost birdlike — something she had seen Ragnar do several times. A physical display of unbidden curiosity. Lucani went on to explain why she thought it would be a good idea for Gyda to begin to gather an taste for fish, which led the viking queen to allow a brief silence to settle between them as she attempted to remember if she'd ever eaten fish. Despite that every pack she had once called home — the Dragon being the exception — she had lived close to the sea and yet she could not recall that she had ever eaten fish before in her (short) life. “You know,” Gyda began with a soft chuckle, “despite that almost all packs I belonged to had been close to the sea I have never eaten a fish before.” She knew what they were, of course, but for some odd reason she had never contemplated them as a viable food source. “How does one hunt a fish?” She inquired of the healer, assuming (Gyda you know what happens when you assume, psh) that Lucani knew how to catch one and could teach her.

Gyda did not know for sure whether she'd like it or not but if it would help with conception and when she actually did manage to conceive then she was more than willing to give it a try.

Gyda took some time to process Lucani's words, attempting to puzzle out a meaning. There was a quicken beneath her breast as she came to a conclusion whether it was a right one or not and despite herself had Gyda's mind flickering to Thuringwethil and the (perhaps) secret feelings she harbored for Heda. It was not shame that kept Gyda from acting upon them but rather the age old fear of rejection. “Me either,” Gyda admitted in a soft voice. “It is not a man that holds my heart nor that holds my interest, but unfortunately for children I need one only for the ...process.” Gyda was well aware of what happened between a male and a female to get pups and there was no way around it ...except for perhaps adoption but what mother would want to give up her children? Gyda figured that if Lucani was willing to share information about her dislike of traditional family then Gyda, too, could share a truth she'd learned about herself.

She had never said this to anyone before, because it was a personal detail that Lucani preferred to replace with questions about other people, but she was a Damp-fur of Weatherside. While this meant little to many, where she came from it meant that she was an excellent swimmer and fisher, having spent her whole life in a riverside pack prone to flooding. She knew some stellar fishing tips, and had no intention of holding them back from someone who wished to know them. Let's arrange a fishing lesson in the near future, if you have time, she suggested with a smile. She'd enjoy that.

But now the conversation had taken a less fishy turn, and though generally articulate she gave an awkward little pause after what Gyda said. For Lucani was a prude, and didn't want to think of the things some males did to some females during breeding season. She'd once tried to picture it as a child, and had come away deciding that it was extremely uncivilised.

I... indeed, she settled on. At your age I too found myself showing no interest in the males coveted by the other young girls.

She'd been more interested in the young girls.

“I would enjoy that,” Gyda reiterated with a dip of her crown in a nod. “I will make time for you, so when you are ready to teach me come and seek me out.” Ragnar had always believed in making time for his wolves — that patrols and other kingly (in Gyda's case queenly) matters could wait. The legend had been many things: but no one could claim that he was not attentive to those who followed him. It was this that Gyda strove for. The shield-maiden had long ago ceased to find an awkwardness in admitting that she simply wasn't interested in males (Ragnar being the blasphemous exception to that rule). It was what it was and Gyda had found that matters of the heart were not biased to gender; nor did she think that they should have been. “So, is there anyone that has caught your eye?” Gyda couldn't help but ask with the playful gush of a teenager girl speaking of school crushes. Perhaps, in that very moment, that's what she was.

Would you be happy to assume that a couple of days after this thread Lucani did indeed give her a fishing lesson? ^___^

She gave a grateful nod. It would be an honour, most truly, to tutor her Alpha in the fishing tips she'd learned along the river. But perhaps more so it would be a pleasure to spend time in the company of someone who was rather more open than her co-Alpha. There was much to read in Gyda, and each chapter she wagered would be richer than the next.

As for the yearling's next question, Lucani hesitated. She was unembarrassed, but she didn't have much of an answer. She'd thought many girls beautiful and admirable, but none had ever looked at her. Not in the... not in a way that might speak of a potential relationship, she admitted. May I ask the same...?

of course! c:

Lucani spoke honestly in response to Gyda's forward question, and the viking queen, as curious as she was, gave a subtle nod of her head. Though she should have seen it coming the return of the question nevertheless came as a surprise to Gyda as it left Lucani's lips. Gyda already knew the answer to that. It was a clear answer and not one that required any sort of thought to it, but still Gyda was hesitant to answer. Perhaps even scared to admit it out loud to herself ...and to anyone else. There was very little that frightened the shield-maiden but rejection as shallow as it was, was definitely one of those things. “Yes,” She responded feeling like her tongue was suddenly made out of sand paper. Dry. But Gyda wasn't so sure her interest was a good thing yet, which was why she held onto it so tight as her most coveted secret.

<3

Lucani was filled with a nigh-insatiable interest in Gyda's feelings, but she reigned them in. It was not about personal curiosity, it was about the knowledge that she knew she could help Gyda if she spilled her soul, for Lucani was not just about physical healing but mental welfare too. But to expect such a thing was near folly. Not only was this an Alpha speaking to a new subordinate, but the strongest hearts had a wall around them... and it was not Lucani's place to break that wall. I shan't pry, she reassured her. But please know that if ever you have need of me, I'm here to listen. She smiled, and meant it.

Gyda appreciated Lucani's assurance that she wouldn't pry. Gyda's feelings for Thuringwethil were only scary for her because it was the Heda's rejection she feared the very most; and Gyda was not sure how she would handle it (probably not very well). It wasn't as if she'd ever been in the position where she'd been rejected though she had rejected a fair few in Odinn's Cove, one of which being Vali that had wanted her as a “trophy wife”. In truth, Gyda was selfish that she did not wish to experience the jealousy and anger that would accompany such a truth and convinced herself that her secrecy was the better option (even if it wasn't). “Thank you,” The Viking Queen breathed with sincerity, offering the older woman a soft nudge. “I think I've kept you from your duties long enough,” Gyda drew with a grin. “I look forward to our fishing lesson.” And with that the shield-maiden ventured off with the intent of checking upon the Dragon's caches and to check on it's other members as well, while she was making the rounds.

I think we can probably wrap this up with your post? *already misses lucani like crazy* <3

Fading out here! *hughug*

Lucani had been stirred by the quiet personal trust Gyda had instilled in her. The book had been opened, and she yearned to read on — and one day she would, of this she was quite sure. But for now, a bookmark was placed. As do I, she replied with a genuine smile, warmly honest that she was looking forward to her next meeting with the young Alpha. With that, they parted ways, off to tend to their respective roles here in Sleeping Dragon.