Swiftcurrent Creek violet curse

timeline flexible! @Arric @Arlette @Swordfish, no posting order!

taciturn young man and frazzled mayfair returned to the borders of the creek.
lestan did not waste time with hemming or hawing; he called once for audience, reaffirming shardik's desire to be near the woman who had given birth to his children.
his own eyes were somewhat empty as the pair waited.

Arric headed towards the borders. A grave look on his face. Arlette had told him of what had transpired. And Etienne had confirmed. He can't say that his regard for the young man Shardik or Swordfish or whatever the hell his name was, was a high regard. He had impregnated a young woman. Left her to deal with her family's wrath and now he returned expecting mercy and the right to see them all. Not to mention the young man had once been part of the creek If memory served and left just like fucking Lestan.

But this had been a wish of Suzu he had surmised so he had no say in it. He stared at them. You called?

He stood a little harder than usual. But not overtly threatening.

The wolves of the creek did not take kindly to those who had left their pack. Swordfish was torn between indignance and understanding. He didn't think he could really blame them. But he didn't believe that they could blame him. Not without knowing what he had done and been through. Not without knowing where the scars on his snout and ribs had come from. And he had no interest in sharing his story with this dark guardian of Swiftcurrent. 

Swordfish pressed his shoulder to Lestan. 

Was told to come back here... There's a girl- just given birth to kids. Suzu. I need to see her. Yer leaders said I could come back. I'm back. I need... to see her. Swordfish looked sternly to the dark guardian.

off-screen cameo!

The howl sounded, for the second time. 

The first time, she had not recognized his voice, though she had been informed afterwards by her brother that it had been Lestan- and that Swordfish had been with him. Now, all the cards were on the table. Swordfish knew that he had sired pups- but also that he would have to wait before he saw them. 

She fussed over them; taking pride in how much they had grown, how animated and beautiful and sweet. At the sound of Lestan’s howl, she gave each pup a nuzzle, smoothing the fur of their brow. She wondered how much of what she was in them was from her, and how much of it was from him.

She did not explain to them what might happen; she simply tilted her head back and offered what was intended as a greeting; so that whoever met Lestan and Swordfish at the borders might know that she was ready.

"arric." the mayfair dipped his head in polite consternation. "w-we've s-spoken to arlette and a-akavir. s-suzu asked for shar — for s-swordfish."
his eyes at last were lifted in a shy plead as suzu's voice rose melodically over the creekland.
"h-he's trying to d-do the r-right t-thing, arric."
this had nothing to do with himself; lestan was prepared to leave as soon as the little family was settled, to flee the sadness of what he had said and done here.
shardik's shoulder against his own soothed the impulse, more than a little.

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let me know if I misinterpreted that wrong. But to me it was as if Sworfish wasn't calling him a leader and trying to demand he see Suzu. But I can edit.

I see that Lestan. But before he could say more. The boy ruined his good will.

Arric gave a sharp toothed smile. I am a leader as well in case you've forgotten. And it was Akavir and my wife Arlette. I am aware of what transpired.

He had been leader as long as Akavir and it irked him that this boy had forgotten. As if he were no more than a hindsight and this was not the case.

Arric got closer. His body language tight and wired. His voice low and dark.I do not take kindly to being told what to do or what you need. That's not how you behave at a strangers borders. Do you fucking understand me.

Arric shifted. The only damn reason I am going to let you even step foot over these borders is because Suzu asked me to let you. If you upset her or she tells you to leave and you don't I swear to god I will rip you apart. If she wants you to stay we'll talk about it.

Arric backed off but his eyes held a dark promise. Do you want Lestan to stay as well? It was the only olive branch he was willing to give.

I didn't tell ya what to do... Swordfish snarked back. 

I told ya why I'm here. I need to see her. That's it. I don't give a fuck what ya do. I am here for one goddamn reason. To see Suzu. 

This man could pretend to be as tough and crass as he wanted. The bear-hunter was not afraid of him. And he did not misstep or cross a line. The dark-furred bastard was leaning into his perception of Swordfish. He didn't know a thing. He didn't know what had happened or why the young man was standing at the edge of the creek. He knew nothing. He assumed. And he made a very clear ass of himself in the process. 

I was told to come back. I ain't orderin' ya around. I'm statin' my fuckin' purpose.

lestan quailed, his ears splaying as arric rounded harshly on the boy. shardik was just as swift in retort; the mayfair cringed, knowing that the chances of the younger wolf seeing these children was swift to disintegrate.
"please!" he cut through, trying to intercept arric; "i'll stay. please. to h-help. and w-when suzu decides, i'll leave w-with you, shardik."
bile bittered his mouth.

Arlette rushed to the border when she heard her mate's raised voice and then another. The pale healer had a feeling what this was about. She came onto the scene and stepped next to her mate and then between them. Cease this, she stated coolly and looked from Swordfish to her mate. Her gaze softened a little when looking at the latter because she knew these things irked him. She then turned back to Swordfish and Lestan. Suzu wants to talk to you, I've heard. But I am not allowing you inside our territory. Suzu can come to the border as I told you last time. Then you can see and speak with her, the woman explained clearly.

She then tipped her head back to howl to @Suzu to come to the borders. If she would be unable because she had no one to watch her pups, she would go there to watch them for her. She looked at Arric, perhaps it was better to send him to fetch Suzu, but then she didn't want to dismiss him and disrespect him too. You have made your intentions clear. But when Suzu asked refuge, we as a pack vowed to protect her, and we will make true on that promise whether you or she likes that or not. So far it had kept Swordfish's children safe, so he could show some gratitude for them taking care of Suzu. Now Arlette wasn't the most vengeful wolf around but it still bothered her a little bit.

I will already go in her direction, just in case, Arlette spoke then, mostly to Arric. Hopefully he didn't mind that. Unless you wish to do so?, she asked her mate. But she wasn't sure if Suzu wanted Arric around her pups. Arlette had already been around them so it might be easier for the new mother.

Hope it is okay that I said Arlette had seen them/been around the pups. I figured it would be most likely that she would have been around. If you don't like it I will change it!! <3

Arric out

Arric was both pleased and a little annoyed to see Arlette, but not because of any reason other than he didn't like her near the borders when a man he deemed a threat was near. And to him Swordfish was now a threat. He has shown his true colors when he had returned the snarkyarky remarks.  Especially when Arric was doing what any sane leader protecting pups would do.


Arric eyed Swordfish and curled his lip.Far as I'm concerned you will never step over these borders. Suzu wants you in her life and her babies she can make sure to meet you in neutral territory. And you make sure to tell her it was your fault.

He studied his wife and nodded. I'll go. Then he looked at Lestan his face softening a bit. It is good to see you again Lestan. Though the company you keep. He shrugged a shoulder.

Stay on that side. If I have to come back to this border today for you. It's gonna suck for you.

Arric turned and went towards the center of the territory and Suzu.

The dark man was an idiot. 

Arric spoke of protecting Suzu like she belonged to him. Like her children - Swordfish's children - were his own. He swung his dick around like he was expecting the world to bend over for him. The young bear-hunter couldn't imagine what had compelled Akavir to lead alongside such a cocky man. It didn't matter. Swordfish wanted nothing to do with Arric. The dark wolf could drag himself through the river. 

Swordfish lifted his heavy-lidded eyes to Arlette and canted his head. 

And if she wants me to stay? 

What then? Self-righteous rats. They acted as though they knew him, knew his intentions. They acted like he was a greater threat to his own children than anything else in the world. And it filled him with unspeakable rage.

She was summoned to the borders?

Why would I ‘ave go to all de way to de borders, ah? she asked @Etienne, rolling her eyes as she sat up. She stretched, noting the ache in her lower back and the stiffness in her legs. She inhaled, sank into a deeper stretch, and on her exhale she released a very colourful phrase, muttered expertly in her Mother’s tongue just slurred enough so the words would not be discernible. 

I do not know why dey will not just escort ‘im to me, was dat not de plan? She pouted. Truth be told, she couldn’t remember if that had been the plan, or if she was supposed to meet him at the borders all along. Ughhhhh I will go. Stay ‘ere wid your uncle Eti, my little guppies, She said in a summery singsong to her children, before she began to walk. 

Once she was far enough away from the den she could mutter to herself under her breath. He better have come with food. While en route, she thought she caught sight of Arric, his he looked quite sour in the face. She continued on.

Arlette watched as her mate left, after he said what he wished to say. She couldn't help but smile a tiny bit at him as he swaggered off. It was clear Swordfish was not amused by it. At least the situation was diffused a little in her opinion. She turned to Swordfish as he spoke. She chuckled. She glanced if Arric and his stomps were out of earshot. He will hate it but I have some killer 'Arric convincing privileges', if you stay polite, she hummed at the man. And most of all, treat Suzu with the proper respect.

The question for me is if you wish to live in a pack where he is your leader, and where you have to be obedient to him, she added in return, raising a brow in challenge. It would show his commitment for Suzu though, and she would respect and trust him more for it. She glanced at Lestan. Most seem to know you, have you been in this pack before?, she asked, to make conversation.

if they were to come to blows, he did not know it. the moment was surrendered, arrested by the softer arrival of arlette to the scene. biting back the glare he wanted to send shardik's way, lestan dipped his head at her mollification and did not look up until arric had quit their chaos.
her laughter was reassuring. the mayfair glanced warily at her. "yes. y-yes, ma'am, b-but it's been a year. m-more. akavir is my c-cousin."
his eyes tried not to dart. "d-do y-you need m-me to s-stay here?"

-barges in-

He missed the storm cloud that was Arric—eyes catching only the large figure stalking away as he came up upon the other side of the border. Arlette was in discussion once more with Lestan and Shardik—the former appearing nervous, while the latter seemed angry.

The tension coiled among them once more—this time, Akavir strode forward, pale eyes drifting between either men, his tail giving a flick in the air, much like a predator cat, biding its time.

He could hear the trail end of Lestan’s words—‘do you need me to stay?’

Hadn’t his cousin made it clear he had wanted nothing to do with the creek, prior? The Mayfair canted his muzzle, feeling the colder air of autumn preen at him. “Can someone fill me in? I was under the impression Suzu had wished to speak with Shardik—so why is there another argument on our borders?”

His tone was quiet than usual—gaze flicking between both men before settling to Arlette—his usual voice of reason.

Arlette dipped her head to indicate that she was listening. The female didn't know that and offered him a smile. I didn't know that, she spoke. As she said that Akavir came onto the scene. She turned to him. There isn't really an argument. Arric felt disrespected by Swordfish, she explained to him. Suzu is on her way to the border so there isn't any argument anymore, at least in my opinion.

She didn't wish to go into too much detail since matters were resolved. Suzu was on her way to talk to the man, and that's it. Arlette didn't feel the need to explain to Akavir that she didn't want Swordfish in the territory yet. She felt it might cause more unneeded discussion.

There was a quiet huff of a sigh from his nose at her words. Doubt clouded his mind. Could he really take a rank in this pack again, knowing that the dark Beta was so hellbent against him even stepping foot on their land? He wasn't certain. He had lived most of his young life on his own. He moved and fought and hunted by his own rules. But this was a conversation for Suzu and not the leaders of the creek. 

When Akavir appeared, Swordfish dipped his head to the man. At least he was familiar. At least he carried an air of calm-minded leadership. The woman wasn't bad. She had calmed the situation well enough. Akavir was simply a comfort that Swordfish needed in that moment. 

Man got riled up when I told him why I was here... that's all. Tryin' to forbid me from comin' in. He misunderstood. He'll get over himself, the bear-hunter muttered with a glance toward Lestan. I really just wanna see Su... I ain't here to fuck 'round with anyone. I'm here fer my family.

Empty ‘anded?!

She caught only the very last of what Swordfish had spoken- every other phrase that passed amid the crowd gathered had been smothered by the sound of her own huffing and puffing; she arrived to the borders looking slightly ruffled and surprised, and out of breath from the haste she’d mustered once she’d caught sight of the disgruntled beta taking his leave. 

You should ‘ave at least brought a meal for de mot’er of your children. An’ somet’ing for dem too, seein’ as dere be four of dem, Her sternness lasted a moment- in all seriousness, she was disappointed that he had not come with any obvious offerings. She had standards, and she had expectations. 

Her eyes shimmered, though, as she examined his face for a reaction. How many children had he expected? How did he feel, now that he saw her again? Her heart clamoured, and a smile came to her lips. She was proud of the fine children they had made together. 

And he had come, after all- Lestan had made good on his word. 

She looked to Akavir and Arlette, then, her expression softened considerably, grateful that they had granted her a place in their pack where her children could be born and cared for. If it would be fine wid you, I would ‘ave a word or two wid ‘im, She said, gesturing toward Swordfish, and then casting a glance to Lestan as well. Her tone clear and calm, an indication that she felt safe alone with Swordfish, if they should be spared a moment.

akavir came and while lestan did not quite relax, he was happy then to surrender the reins of the attempt entire. his ears twitched as he listened, but otherwise lestan faded into silence as arlette spoke and then swordfish — he held the young man's eye gratefully.
suzu arrived then, in more castigation it seemed, but her mien was much softer as she spoke for his presence there. she wanted to be alone with him, which Iestan thought was very fair given their — given the nature of their relationship.
of course he did not say this, or anything; he kept silent and politely so.

Swordfish had at least agreed on a misunderstanding which was something she was glad for. Suzu came onto the scene and Arlette kind of wanted to give them privacy. When she asked for it, the woman was quick to give it. She shot Akavir a look and then decided to check in on Arric. The pale female shot a smile at Suzu and then made her exit back to her mate.

- Arlette exit -

Referencing when Swordfish was set on NPC and was used BTS as a babysitter for Akavir's kiddos for awhile.... >.>

Arlette—perhaps the softest soul the Creek held in it’s ranks—moved to smooth the situation over, yet at the words of Shardik-Swordfish, he proclaimed the ‘man’ got out of sorts and will get over himself.

For the moment, he contemplated this—the small bustle of the group giving way to Suzu, who seemed okay with the presence of the man who sired her pups—and Arlette bowed out. His eyes drifted over to the lilac-eyed girl—he hadn’t fully met her yet, and felt a twinge of guilt as such—and allowed a small nod to be given, finally pulling himself as a silent watcher of what unfolded before him.

“Of course,” he rumbled at her request, giving her a small smile. He was surprised none had simply accompanied Shardik to her den, rather than have the mother traipse to the borders, but he trusted his Betas… and he could certainly see the reason of Arric’s irritation.

With that, a pointed look swung to the rogue man—Lestan’s companion. “Know that I will vouch for you to have a place in the Creek once more if that’s what you want. You’re help with the kids when Jakoul disappeared was…” He trailed off, a huff given. “More appreciated then what a yearling might have understood then.” But—a flash in his pale champagne eyes as he shifted his weight, his shoulders stretching back as he begun to move, to give the two lovers a moment. “But—I won’t override Arric’s judgement or decision. If you stay—you can do so as an Omega, until you can learn how the hierarchy works.” He paused, another skim given to the one who’s name he found he did not know. “And until respect is learned, Swordfish,” he noted, his tone dry.

With a stolen glance to both Lestan and Suzu, the Alpha made to depart, unless he was held back for more.

Swordfish didn't really know what to say to that. He looked at Suzu with a gaping mouth. What'd she think? This was some dime store romance novel. He was supposed to come charging up over the hill with a broad set of shoulders and roses spilling from his stormy cloak. He'd bow before her and offer jewels for the children he hadn't even known about until Lestan had given him the news? But then, maybe she was being playful. 

I can hunt later... Swordfish drawled to her, frowning. 

Akavir's words drew the young wolf's gaze up to his dark features. Swordfish nodded his head to the man. He hadn't been a very good sitter for those pups but he had done his best. He fed them. He watched over them. And they'd all survived... It was kind of Akavir to say what he had. 

I'd do it again, he let the dark leader know before the man disappeared. Swordfish fixed his eyes on Suzu and sighed. 

How'r ya doin, Su? What the hell's goin' on...?

Perhaps she’d been a bit too convincing with her disappointment- and while she did indeed prefer the notion of being immediately pampered and catered to by the man who had fathered their children, she hadn’t truly intended to scold him too seriously.

She waved a paw at him when he offered to hunt, hoping to clarify her sarcasm, but she didn’t want to interrupt Akavir, especially when it became clear that the two had known each other before. This surprised her. Of course, Swordfish must have gone somewhere after he’d left Sapphique- but was this where he had come?

It was certainly a small world. First, for her to have crossed his path at all months ago, and now it seemed she had sought refuge with the very same pack that had once taken in Swordfish. 

Fortune seemed to be on their side. Whatever had occurred between Arric and Swordfish had happened before she’d arrived. It would explain the palpable tension, and she could see how the two might butt heads. 

She hoped Swordfish would be content while still being the omega. It wasn’t as if he’d be picked on- he might be the last to eat, and his opinion on pack matters might matter a bit less, but in all other ways, she figured being an omega in Swiftcurrent couldn’t be too dissimilar from being Slate in Sapphique.

The others left, and Swordfish looked to her then, with questioning in his gaze. She rolled her eyes and huffed. I was just joking, Swordfish, She explained, and huffed again, though a smile appeared on her face. She shrugged. Well, Almost joking- being a baby factory for mont’s an’ den becoming a milk factory ‘as not been easy an’ I am ‘ungry all. De. Time. She enunciated, with an exhasperated laugh. 

You, ah… It was almost strange to see him again, real and in the flesh. She wasn’t sure he’d even show up- and until she’d crossed paths with Lestan, she’d assumed she might never see him again. She cleared her throat, and gestured off to where Akavir had left. You ‘ave been ‘ere before?

lestan outtie! <3

arlette gracefully turned in her depature. lestan listened awkwardly as akavir described some part of his life the returned mayfair had not known before, or — remembered. jakoul. his cousin reminded shardik of where his place must be, and then pulled in elegance away.
and suddenly it was just he and the young lovers. he caught the change in the tone of his young companion, heard it reflected in suzu as she spoke of her trials alone since the birth of their children.
"y-yes. a-akavir is m-my cousin." he took a breath. "i-i'm certain th-there's a l-lot y-you n-need to say t-to each other." shoulders squared. "sh-shardik. i w-won't b-be far."
unless he was stopped, the mayfair would turn then too, trotting away and with alacrity.

Swordfish felt a bit sheepish as she told him that she'd only been joking. Maybe he wasn't used to jokes. That felt like far too pathetic a thing to be admitting in the open. He shuffled on his paws and lowered his head slightly. Warmth burned in his cheeks. He had no real way of imagining the efforts that went into childbirth and care. It was such a foreign concept to him. She looked good, even with the tiredness that clung to her eyes. 

And then she mentioned that he had been to the creek before. 

I have. Came here- Came here after the bear. Helped 'em out fer a while... Helped myself fer a while. And then I left when those kids grew up big 'nough that they could fend fer themselves alright, Swordfish answered her. Akavir had been a good man in letting Swordfish make a home in his pack. Taking care of those pups had felt like the only way to repay him. 

It's a good place. How'r ya settlin' in?