Sun Mote Copse Regular exercise at the gym, three days a week

This was a pleasant place, this copse of trees in which their wandering party had come to settle; beautiful and calm. Ar-Khalba was and would be forever greatful to Molech for leading his Queen and the High Priestess here. He had set out to follow, trust in his heart that he would not be led astray. But this place, it was a land of promise with new growth abound. 

Having spent most of his time copulating with his Queen or away to hunt, the time he had spent within the Copse had been mostly to sleep. Nevertheless, after he woke for the day, he set out on his own to explore the place in which they would claim dominion over. Plodding through the wood at a slow and explorative pace, Ar-Khalba was sure to see all that this territory had to offer.

Akazia was weary of traveling, how she longed to stop and rest with her daughter but this land was recovering from a disaster. They could not stay in one place for long without fear of depleting the meager prey population. They lived on rats, fish, small prey, and by scavengening carrion. They had yet to come across any others but that was not to remain the same for long.

As they came across another, a male, Akazia glanced to Jaida in worry at the growing scent. It was fresher as they got closer and was mingled with the scent of others. When they were finally upon the other, Akazia found herself chuffing in greeting. Hopefully this male was not a hostile one.

The fluffy adolescent roamed by her mother's side, often groaning in complaint that they still were traveling. Jaida understood that it wasn't her mother's fault, yet she couldn't help but complain sometimes though she tried to be complacent for her mother's sake. She had still managed to retain her childhood chubbiness though her mother was thinner for she often gave up most of her food to feed Jaida.

As they finally came across someone, Jaida began to wag her tail in excitement though her mother glanced at her in worry. As they came to a stop, Jaida found her mother standing protectively close to her and Jaida hid slightly behind in case this male was violent.

He stopped for a moment, drawing his pointed muzzle toward a low hanging tree branch that hung just high enough to reach if one crained their neck upward. That is just what Khalba did as he stretched to lightly press his pointed snout against the bark. It was clear to see that had once been stripped bare seemed to be springing back to life, just in time for the arrival of the Malkaria. This rebirth intrigued him and spurred forth a youthful curiosity. It was surely a sign for Molech -- that the eight-armed-one was preparing a space for them.

He pulled his smiling face away from the branch and fixed his gaze level with the horizon. However, when his eyes settled on the distance, he saw a stranger -- not one, but two, standing before him. The gentle wag of his tail came to sudden stop and he regarded the strangers with caution. Neither carried the scent of the sisters upon them, and this gave Ar-Khalba reason to worry.

But, perhaps they had been sent with purpose. Unguided sheep seeking the power of the all consuming Molech. He spoke not. Instead, he merely kept his wary glaze upon them.

The stranger did not speak, he grew silent and still to watch them with a cautious gaze. An awkward silence filled the air between the two parties, Akazia shifting in front of her daughter further as if to hide her from the male's gaze. Unsure if she should go or stay, Akazia cleared her throat slightly.

"Hello. I'm Akazia and this is my daughter, Jaida." She shifted slightly to the side, allowing him a glance at the yearling by her side. "We mean you no harm, we're only passing through." Akazia assured, wondering if he would allow them safe passage or chase them off.

The stranger stared at them, unnerving Jaida and making her press into her mother's side. While a year old, she has developed a bit slower than other children. Jaida was small, fluffy, child like in demeanor. It didn't shame her to cling to her mother, it was all she knew.

Mother introduced them, moving so that Jaida was revealed for a moment. The adolescent glanced at the red male nervously, letting out a soft woof of greeting as her mother spoke. It was up to this stranger now if they would be allowed to safely pass through this land or if they would be chased away, maybe hurt.

Though he carried himself with an air of caution, Ar-Khalba was not a wolf prone to hostility. In fact, he considered himself to be quite agreeable. As the stranger spoke, introducing herself and her daughter, he remained rooted the spot, unmoving. The tension he carried in his stance, however, ebbed away until his unease was a subtle thing. Slowly, he cocked his head to the side -- examining both wolves with scrutiny.

One of breeding age, and other soon to be. Both, worthy prizes of Molech. Surely, both his God and the sisters would be pleased to know that he, Ar-Khalba and exended their influence. 

He stepped forward, allowing his jaws to part in a friendly smile. "Or perhaps it is something else that has drawn you here," he spoke, unwilling to let either pass by. "Do you feel it? The call to something bigger than yourself?" He only need hook her in and the child would follow. Then, Molech would receive his prize.

somehow I missed that they sacrifice children O.o as a character, I can't see Akazia ever letting them sacrifice Jaida so..maybe not this pack for her. Sorry!

The male stepped forward, a strange glint in his eyes and a friendly smile etched on his features. Something about that gleam in his eyes disturbed her, made her worried for her daughter especially the odd way he seemed to glance at her. Nudging the yearling, who was still small enough to fit beneath her, letting her know to be ready to run.

Jaida crouched beneath her, Akazia taking a protective stance over her child in case he got closer. "Don't come any closer." Akazia warned the strange man, meaning it more as a warning for him than she did a threat. If he came closer, Akazia couldn't assure him that she wouldn't sink her teeth into him.

"What is it you speak of? A larger purpose?" She cocked a brow, not understanding his mumbo jumbo whatsoever.

Heeding her mother's warning, Jaida crawled beneath her protective form and crouched there in fear of the red man. His whole demeanor scared her, the way he looked at Jaida with an almost predatory glint in his eyes. He wanted something of the adolescent but she couldn't yet tell what it was.

Jaida kept silent as her mother warned and questioned the odd zealot, trembling only slightly beneath Mother in fear. When the time came to run, Jaida would be ready.

Jaida would be safe :P.  I'm pretty sure they only sacrifice newborns to Molech. Since she's a year old, she's pretty much an adult.

For some reason unbeknownst to Khalba, he had inspired a fearful reaction. Deep, furrowed lines appeared across he scrunched brow. Perhaps their fear was of the power of Molech, and if so, it was rightful to be afraid. While Khalba loved his God and served the eight-armed-one with unceasing devotion, there was fear in his heart. A healthy amount, as all believers should.

At the sound of her warning, he stopped his forward motion. "I will do you no harm," he said, calmly. At least she seemed interested enough to learn her purpose -- her place. "Molech calls to all, but few truly hear. The one who consumes has called you forth to serve -- and you and your child will be blessed."

I'm not even sure she would let them have the newborns but I guess we'll see if they can convert her :P

Akazia relaxed, seeing his halt and hearing his assurance, his words baffled her. Akazia had seen religions from the north to the south and from East to west but didn't recognize this name as any deity from her past. 'Kazia remained over her daughter, still hesitant to trust this stranger around her child. 

"Who is Molech? Your Alpha? And why would she bless us?" Her questions were no longer defensive, now they were a tentative sort of nature, her curiosity showing in the tone of her voice.

Jaida slowly stopped trembling, seeing the red man no longer advancing though she could not completely rid herself of the unease she felt for him. Mother was questioning him, asking him about his odd statement. Jaida had never before practiced in any kind of religion, her young mind assuming that Molech was a wolf.

"Mother, wouldn't it be good to be blessed?" Jaida whispered up to her mother, shyly glancing to the red man in fear that he had heard her. She didn't understand her mother's reluctance, only catching that they would be blessed by Molech. Surely that would be good enough for Mother?

"Your daughter is wise beyond her year suggests," mused the man, rolling his shoulders forward with a suggestive shrug. Upon cursory glance, Ar-Khalba had come to the conclusion that blessings of Molech were not upon them. Their stomachs, they sunk inward with hunger. The one who saw all could nourish them, in body and spirit. All that was required was their devotion.

He turned his gaze back to the mother. "Not she, nor he," he explained while simultaneously correcting her mistake. "The one who consumes all transcends earthly gender." 

"Molech is our God -- in exchange for your devotion, the blessings of the earth will be yours." At least, it had been that way for Ar-Khalba, who's blessings were too numerous to count. "You must be hungry," he added, dangling her hunger on a string to entice her into the fold.

Akazia tried to shush her daughter though it appeared the male had heard her, commenting that she was wise beyond her single year. This Molech was a God whom had no gender, one who would bless them with food if she were devoted.

Akazia hesitated, she knew nothing of this God or his disciples nor their practices. She had Jaida to think of, 'Kazia would never put her daughter in danger. "Would she be safe, my daughter?" Akazia inquired, ready to decline if this male could not be certain that Jaida would remain unharmed by his companions.

Mother tried to make her quiet, though it was too late as the red man commented on her wisdom. Jaida smiled, laughing quietly at the compliment. Molech was a God as it turned out, not a wolf. How could a God lead them there, her mind didn't comprehend his words of blessings and consuming.

Food was mentioned, causing Jaida to perk up. While Mother often went without so that she could eat, Jaida too had lost weight. She still retained her puppy chub but she was thinner than when they entered Teekon. Food was still promising and Jaida glanced up at her mother hopefully, pleading silently that she would agree.

He nodded in response to the mother's query. "Yes," he said. Firm and resolute. His eyes settled on her child for a moment as he examined her. She was well past the age of sacrifice, but even still, to be one of the select -- consumed by Molech -- was of the highest honor. Sacrifice, however, would not be her fate. No, she would a breeder, just like her mother; to be seeded to proved Molech with the children that were so desired.

"I must call the High Priestess," he said. It was no longer his place, as a man, to carry this conversation any further on his own. And so, he tipped his head back and called for @Arunik'ra, the Sunspear.

arunik'ra had spent the morning delving a small shrine in molech's name, a shrine she hoped would garner favor with the all-consumer. to the outward eye it was ramshackle, hobnob at best -- a piteous assortment of some wasteland refuge. but arunik'ra knew what the outlier did not; these items were within molech's favor. the shrine itself was a strangely shapen remnant of some ancient era; flowstone perhaps as old as earth's sunless core. it had been molded by sun and wind alike and arunik'ra sensed a powerful aura within the boulder's surface.

she had just finished laying a series of skulls along the brim of the stone when ar-khalba's call for her came. it was her duty to answer, and she came quickly on slender and hurried limbs. the first thing the red beast did was scrutinize ar-khalba's guests -- a wolf and her child. a shame the child was so old, for arunik'ra wished desperately to sanctify their newfound realm with flesh and blood for molech. "ha'al molech," the priestess murmured in the old tongue, her gaze on the two strangers.

what have I gotten her into? XD just gonna pp Jaida so feel free to skip over her!

He assured her that Jaida would be safe, making the mother relax slightly though she didn't move from the stance she had over her daughter. Nudging the yearling with a paw to keep her quiet, shushing the laughter rather effectively, for she didn't want Jaida speaking to these strangers until she was certain what their beliefs were. Jaida was young and her mind could be easily warped to believe whatever they were talking about.

Akazia didn't recognize the language nor what was said but it sounded like a praise to their God. "Hello, I'm Akazia."  She didn't introduce her daughter, even more wary of this woman than the man. "Your friend has been trying to tempt me into your pack. I understand you're the Priestess? Could you tell me about your religion?" Akazia wasn't going anywhere with these zealots until she knew what exactly they believed in.

Just gonna throw a short post up to pull Ar-Khalba to the background. Feel free to skip him as much as y'all like!

The priestess was quick to arrive after being called. He lowered himself and shortly after, gave her a quick nod in greeting. With her arrival, it was no longer is place to speak or explain, so he took a step back to watch and listen -- and if the need arose, he would do as he was told.

arunik'ra's harsh gaze remained on the pale wolf, though her ears sharply declined as she notice ar-khalba stepped back. his presence remained -- in many ways ar-khalba embodied the highest quality of all men -- to be seen and not heard. (wink)

the red wolf levelled her gaze to akazia and the pale shadow besides her. "we do not tempt." the redblade rejoined in correction, her voice full of fervent fire. "you either serve the many-limbed god, or you do not." in truth, that was all there was to know about the malkarian life -- the rest was simply small duties to appease the all-consuming molech.

Their vague answers were beginning to grate on Akazia's nerves. Did they think she would just come with them into some cult without knowing anything? Akazia had her daughter to think of, to protect, and she would be damned if she was going anywhere without knowing everything she could.

"I can see this is pointless. I know nothing of your God and if all you can offer are half answers about serving him, I'm going to have to decline. Have a nice day." No matter how tempting food was, the mother wasn't going to put her child at risk for it. Nudging Jaida to move ahead of her, Akazia ushered the adolescent away from the strange zealots.

perhaps it was not akazia's fault she was frustrated; but neither was it arunik'ra's. their society was secretive, their cult taboo to many -- and while the plight of a heathen mother and her child may have moved the masses, it did not move the red dagger of surrendral. nor would it move molech.

arunik'ra was not cowed by akazia's thinly veiled threat -- nor did she attempt to mollify the white mother. molech worked in mysterious ways and while moments later arunik'ra was hopeful to accept akazia into the fold, now she knew her true purpose: sacrifice.

the red priestess looked plainly upon akazia, drawing up to her full height. "you have answered then." she responded quietly, her gaze fastening on the child besides her. ar-khalba would be besides her shortly, she knew -- for even a dullard would have sensed the tension rising between them. arunik'ra made to block akazia, her rapacious yellow eyes never once moving from the child. "you will pay the price -- but go quietly, and we will spare the child."

Akazia hadn't meant her words as a threat, more as a reason for leaving, and hadn't expected them to try and stop her. Surprise flirted across her features, pushing Jaida beneath her once more as the red woman came to cut across her path. Drawing to a halt, Akazia cocked a brow in curiosity before the rest of the Priestess's words followed.

The wrath of a threatened mother filled her features, drawing her height up over the slender woman before her and filling her face with a hardness. A snarl ripples across her features, enraged that this woman would dare even imply at taking her child from her. 

She said nothing, letting her violence do the work for her. Akazia raised a paw in strike, swinging it down with the intent of slashing across the red woman's chest before nudging Jaida as she took off. The adolescent flew forward, her mother close on her tail to protect her from any retaliation from the cult followers. 

last from me I think, feel free to pp that she was injured in the process as well

Though he kept to the back, Ar-Khalba's attention did not waiver from the stranger and her daughter. It was hard to hide his offense as the word tempt passed her lips. He did no such thing -- he was no tempter. Such a thing was to be perceived as an insult of the highest order. It was with great self control that he did not bear his teeth in anger. Instead, he remained stonefaced and actively engaged. He had only wished to show Akazia the path, and this was the thanks he recieved.

He was no buffoon. Noticing the tension between she and the priestess rise, Ar-Khalba took a quick step forward in coordination with the Sunspear. Her stride carried her to the stranger's flank, yet Khalba, he took to her rear in an attempt to cover as much ground as possible to potentially cut off the child's escape.

Though he had promised her daughter safety, her fate was ultimately up to the priestess and Molech. While he personally believed to be her to be to old to be a proper sacrifice, if the priestess declared it, he would have no qualms offering her soul to be consumed, pleasing the many armed God. Briefly, he wondered how beautiful her body would be adorning Molech's altar -- her blood smearing its great stone face. The corners of Khalba's lips pulled back in a smile. Molech would be so pleased.

The mother, however, did not heed the priestess. She did not leave her daughter behind as offering, instead -- she struck out against the voice of God. How foolish she must have been to attack with a clumsy forepaw, armed with blunt nails. Even more foolish was invoking the wrath of Molech. The eye would surely be upon her and she would be cursed. 

Following Akazia's ill-placed attack, he surged forward with jaws angerly parted. It was not only his duty to serve the sister's every whim, but to protect them from harm. The mother and child were quick to run, but Ar-Khalba was quick as well as he gave chace. His teeth eventually found purchase on her flank. He clamped down, drawing blood. With his grip tight, he wrenched backward, pulling with him a small chunk of flesh from her rear that was sure to cause tremendous pain. 

But, unfortunately a single bite was all Khalba could muster, as she and her daughter were too quick to pin down. She slipped away and he returned to the priestess.

arunik'ra had not expected the woman and her pup to flee so quickly, but flee they did -- both she and ar-khalba gave good chase. she would have spat in the female's direction if wolves were capable of it, and heatedly the red priestess turned to her companion and hissed in displeasure. "heathens." she seethed, finding no word adequate for the contempt she held for the mother.

her anger ebbed, and regarding the male carefully she offered a somewhat diffident smile. "molech will see to it her lot is punished." for molech was a just, punishing god. with that the red female slipped back to their encampment to tend to her sister and their duties.