@Galileo @Kaskara @Star @Falwasi @Cadfael @Dawn-mist @Dovev @Kieran
Evening settled in to the Creek, and with a heavy heart, the agouti male tipped his muzzle back, allowing a song to escape him as he beckoned the members of Swiftcurrent Creek to come to him. His tone held a melancholy note he could not keep at bay, and as it resounded across the packs claimed lands, he briefly wondered if Bazi was still in range to hear it as well.
Settled down to sit upon the cool grass, his eyes strayed from the sky to the myriad of trees that scattered across his home. Painted in brilliant hues of reds and golds, it was painfully obvious winter would be upon them soon.. and as their numbers dwindled and the pack remained disintegrated, he could not help but feel troubled by it.
This news would come as a blow to many, he knew. They had joined to serve Bazi, not him, and yet the ivory Alpha had swept away on what she deemed an important mission, leaving them all behind to pick up the pieces once more. Swiftcurrent Creek would never again be settled, it would seem.
a crime so old as the sky and bone
He trotted in the general direction his green eyes alight. Upon arriving he did not see the white furred one Bazi just the other one. The male who was on guard all the time, and as it should be he felt. Truth be told he had been a bit put off at first, but realizing once upon a time he would have been the same way. He dipped his head in greeting, since most of the time no one could understand him anyway.
There was a rustling of leaves as Dovev woke, pale eyes flickering to life as he lifted his head from the vegetative mat. The air was comfortably cold as the arctic creature rose to his large, snow-shoed paws. With a flick of coat, he scattered bits of debris from his ivory hairs before pacing forward. His attentions were on the western distance, where a lone howl had been lifted in the air.
There hadn't been much activity lately, and the pack would begin to lose its' coherence had it not been for Scimitar's present call. Perhaps the agouti beast would speak of the pack's intentions, and Dovev set off on a lope to intercept the summons. For once, he would see the current size of Swiftcurrent, with Bazi at its' head.
But the gathering was still small when Dovev arrived, stopping in the whispering river bank where Scimitar stood at point. There was an absence of a small but lengthy puff of white fur, and immediately the subordinate glanced about, looking for the alphess. When there was no inkling of her, not even a faint aroma, he glanced at Scimitar.
Where is she? Dovev questioned quietly, his voice soft but cold. Had something happened to the young kindred who he had only met briefly, yet had found out so much about?
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After a couple of minutes of running, Falwasi skidded to halt in front of Scimitar, Dovev, and another wolf who she did not recognize... but no Bazi. Her heart skipped a beat when she hadn't immediately seen the white Alphess, her new but dear friend. She dipped her head swiftly towards the Beta, made eye contact with Dovev, then looked around her in case she had been negligent in looking for Bazi's whereabouts.
When it had become clear that Bazi was not present at the pack meeting, Fal furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Scimitar, the question clear on her face: Where is Bazi?
When she rounded the bend, Kaskara saw Falwasi, Kieran, and a stranger standing around her brother, but Bazi. With a frown, she approached Scimitar and nudged his shoulder in support, before moving to sit a few paces away. She didn't presume to have a high rank, but she wanted to be there in support of her brother, not just her alpha. She didn't ask it aloud, but it was on everybody's mind: Where is Bazi?
The welsh warrior had been sitting away from his pack mates, hell he didn't even consider them his pack mates, his family. He barely knew them anyways and he didn't want to know them. He was sharp, harsh, blunt and straightforward and he knew his words hurt many wolves. And to be completely honest, he did not care. He cared about nobody, nothing now. Hadrian his blood brother was gone, probably had a new family a new life now and he wished his brother the best of the best for he deserved it. Deserved so much more than any other wolf here in these wilds. His boyfriend was dead, his real pack mates disbanded and probably founded another pack elsewhere and he was left to rot in this, this twll uffern
A howl rang through the air, interrupting his thoughts. It was from the handsome Beta Scimitar, immediately a dark scowl crossed the prince's face, he reminded him too much of his dead boyfriend Arthen who had died to defend him. Ddraig was not in a mood to attend whatever meeting the Beta had for them although a small part of him wondered where was the Alphess Bazi? He had heard the melancholy tone in the howl but again, he didn't care. He had stopped caring the moment he left his pack, white scars visible on his dark body even now. He had only began caring when he met Hadrian but now with him gone, once again he was an empty shell with no soul, no heart beating in the inside.
Rising unwillingly to his paws, the responsible side of him taking over, brilliant midnight blue eyes scanned the path in front of him with a stony glare, a deep sadness filing the depths. Slowly he made his way towards the small gathering wondering why he didn't come later when so little wolves decided to come, or perhaps this was the remaining of the Creek. He resisted the urge to chuckle at that thought, pack loyalty barely mattered to the prince now. The only true loyalty he ever had was to Moroedd Dreigiau and his family.
Only Scimitar was there, along with a bunch of wolves he did not know and did not bother to know and the arctic creature that he despised upon sight. A coward and an absolute idiot by the looks of it. It was a feeling the gods had granted him with, blessed him with and the look of the arctic creature unsettled him. Midnight blue eyes scanned the wolves assembled with his stony glare, a dark deep sadness settling in the inside, he knew it intimidated and unsettled wolves and he was fine with it. His expression indifferent and impassive as his tail flicked slowly.
Bazi wasn't here, only Scimitar was and that alone made him want to either turn and walk away or just kill the agouti male. He had made the decision to turn away when something stopped him and he turned back and spoke in his lightly accented voice, soft and low with a rough edge to it "Where is Bazi?"
For the eldest member of the pack it took a couple of minutes to arrive, and though he walked in after most of the members had settled down he did not miss the charcoal warrior's question.
After taking a seat beside Kaskara, the only wolf present he recognized from previous meetings, he rose his head to look at Scimitar, Bazi's loyal server and presumed lover. Before an answer was given, however, the peppered male swung his head around, his amber eyes briefly restiong on every one of the wolves present. Though the Irishman was also familiar to him, pretty much every other one was a stranger. After the Sveijarn's departure and Shadow's exile, many of the previously established members had also turned tail, forcing the Creek to open its doors to loners and wanderers.
Not that this was a problem to the senior male; after all he had been in their shoes before. Being an outsider wasn't easy, and though he was aware that many of the new members liked to keep to themselves he silently wished they had at least made an effort of introducing themselves.
But that was not what was at stake now.
Bazi's absence was the matter of the meeting, though it had not been stated yet,the old star-reader could see it in the agouti's clear blue eyes.
They gathered swiftly – the first to arrive was Kieren – a seemingly steady member, who Scimitar found he could barely understand at the best of times, simply due to his accent. His eyes flickered gently over each of them as they continued to come: Dovev, Falwasi, Kaskara, Cadfael, Galileo and Dawn-mist. There was questioning in their eyes as they searched for the young Alpha.. and found not her, but him instead.
His eyes narrowed as Cadfael came upon them, glancing over them all and then abruptly turned, as if to leave. Deciding better, his demand stirred the agouti male’s brows to lift as he withheld a sneer from his lips. “Are we keeping you from something important, Cadfael?” His tone was dry, a direct question as to why the male thought he could simply spurn his Beta’s request for a meeting without care. Swiftcurrent Creek once more hit a drastic dead end to their growth, and this time, he was going to make sure they did not falter again. Poor attitude was not acceptable amongst family, and Scimitar had every intention of making this pack one again.
His eyes swept over each of them then, solemn. He had no practiced speech – there was truly no way to break this news. “Bazi has decided to step down from leadership. Furthermore, she is visiting her friend who had once called this place home – she has promised to return in a month..” He trailed off, withholding a heavy sigh. “Swiftcurrent Creek has seen many faces come and go, even in the time I’ve been here. Bazi was the third Alpha of this pack – I want to know how you all want to move forward from this. If you decide now that this is not a place you want to build as a home.. There will be no hard feelings.” They had joined for her – would they stay and accept him? Would they challenge him?
a crime so old as the sky and bone
Kas smiled softly at her companion Galileo. She had spoken to him only a handful of times, and she needed to fix that immediately. The others were wolves she knew to varying degrees: Falwasi, Kieran, Dawn-mist, and then Cadfael (the ass), and Dovev, who was a complete stranger to her. Kaskara glanced over the others briefly, smiling at the pup Dawn and inviting her to sit with her, before turning back to Scimitar.
So Bazi had stepped down. While Kaskara wished she hadn't, it was true that lately her decisions for the pack hadn't been the best. First she had kicked out Danica and then Shadow followed immediately after. Kaskara wasn't glad for her demotion, as voluntary as it may have been, but she was glad for her brother's promotion. He was alpha now; something that he hadn't necessarily wanted here, but something he had looked forward to on his own. "I will follow Swiftcurrent Creek. You and Bazi have helped me in my time of need, and it is my sworn duty to do the same. Whatever you decide, I stand behind you."
Kieran listened to the next words and felt bad for the male. It would be hard for him, at least his love was still alive. He could offer a little support as he too knew what it felt like to miss the one you loved. However, he also knew the hurt her death could bring, especially in front of your eyes. So he wasn't sure if he could help the other, but he supposed he could try. However, first thing was first he stared at Cadfael fury in his irish green eyes. "Regardless av who yer prefer scimitar is yisser leader an' yer shud not trate 'imself wi' so much 'ard greg. oi 'ill folly yer sir." The last part he turned his gaze to the new leader, hoping he could understand at least enough of his speech to get that he would stay.
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“Are we keeping you from something important, Cadfael?” demanded the now Alpha male. The dragon with the fiery temper nearly said 'Yes' insolently before collecting himself. He concealed a dry smile that threatened to break through his lips, he was becoming more like Hadrian every single day he stayed here. Maybe it was because he moved a lot less and had less time to think and be by himself, living in his little melancholy world in his head. The prince knew he would never have the same kind of loyalty, love to the Creek that he had to Moroedd Dreigiau but perhaps he could try to just learn to love this place. Never like the heart aching love for Moroedd Dreigiau but still loyalty and love, just a simpler degree.
It was apparent that the others too, felt he had disrespected the new Alpha when he merely just spoke for Bazi. Perhaps they had mistaken the rough edge in his voice for a demand. No it was always there when he was deep in thought, they would learn to know that. Then one of the wolves with green eyes spoke in a thick accent but Ddraig, having dealt with a lot of wolves with accents understood this one, which he deemed as an Irishman, something Bazi had mentioned.
The welsh prince suppressed a dark deep sigh instead lowered his head, though a question came, kept circling in his mind. He lowered himself onto his haunches and gazed at Scimitar although averting his gaze, making sure not to look at the Alpha directly in the eyes for he did not, would not challenge him just yet. Despite the mix of feelings he felt for Scimitar, he was still undeniably attractive. The welsh prince spoke in a soft, respectful tone, a light accent masking the words "I apologize, Scimitar. I was in a bad mood before I came but it is wrong for me to take my anger upon you, all of you and I apologize to everyone here." he first said sincerely, dipping his head. "I will follow Swiftcurrent Creek and you, Scimitar for the moment you have accepted me to the Creek, my loyalty is tied to you and everyone here."
With that he lifted his gaze and sought out Scimitar's turquoise ones for a brief moment, sincerity evident in his midnight blue eyes before gazing at everyone gathered again. His head lowered still, he spoke "I know this is not for me to ask and I mean no disrespect at all but if Bazi comes back and asks for the rank of Alpha. Will she automatically receive the rank again?" his tone was not demanding instead soft, quiet and respectful. Soon becoming the Cadfael, the Ddraig he was and is.
Scimitar had left a perfect opportunity open. If there was any time like now, an ambitious wolf would challenge the beta's claim to Alphaship.
Dovev's own reign of a pack had gone reasonably well, in his opinion. The group, Moondown Shadows, had been compliant to his will and loyal to their cause. He dealt with with trespassers in a unique way, one which caught onto their neighbors and became a common standard to kill or seriously maim any soul that stepped on foot across their borders. Dovev's eyes roamed over the gathering wolves, streaming in from all directions. They were a hardy group with a strong claim to the Creek, even if their peak had been several months ago. This pack wasn't going anywhere any time soon.
Although the arctic male did enjoy being at the helm of things, now was not the time to step up. Scimitar seemed like a capable creature, even if the reason why Dovev had joined was to be alongside the pretty tundra female. He couldn't wait what would be in store for the late winter period. For now, however, he would remain in his middling position in the pack, and support the Creek to his ability. Bazi would still be there, just not at the helm.
By the time Cadfael had arrived, Dovev was stretched out comfortably and listening to the ebb and flow of the Creek wolves, memorizing unfamiliar faces. There was only one juvenile in a sea of older wolves, mostly males, who gathered loosely around Scimitar. Dovev recognized the Welsh wolf who had dubbed himself Ddraig, but often went by Cadfael. With the haughty behavior the ebony creature had brought in Dovev was on his feet, ears perked. Fur bristled along his shoulders, even if his lips were closed. Most of the others had responded the same, and after a tense moment, Cadfael backed down with an apology. Dovev would have never expected such behavior from the young charcoal prince, for he had attributed his moodiness to social angst.
“Bazi has decided to step down from leadership." Falwasi's eyes slowly widened in surprise. He really decided to cut to the chase. Although she had only been living in the Creek for a month, Falwasi had firmly established that Bazi was the Alpha... So it came to her as a shock that now, Bazi wasn't the Alpha anymore.
Focusing on the first sentence that came out of Scimitar's mouth, Falwasi wasn't listening to anything else he said, and kicked herself about it - so much for paying attention. Trying to decipher the new Alpha's words, so she sat patiently listening to the other Creek wolves, who seemed to be devoting themselves to him and the pack. He'd probably left the door open for the wolves who decided Swiftcurrent Creek wasn't their home, after all. No words needed to be said from Falwasi. With an assured bow of her head, she was ready to follow Scimitar.
Just like the majority of the wolves present, Galileo did not let Cadfael's insolent actions agaisnt the new Alpha go unnoticed. Though the agouti male didn't hesitate to do so as well, the peppered male allowed his lips to curl back at the charcoal warrior before turning his head back to listen to the rest of Scimitar's announcement. Though Galileo was a man of peace, he had grown tired of the continuous acts of defiance the younger members had displayed lately.
Galileo's ears perked as Scimitar sourly announced that Bazi was no longer Alpha. The fact that she had stepped down voluntarily -- and that she had not consulted with him pained his heavy heart. Of course he knew there were decisions she'd have to do herself, and that no matter how many times he offered his confort the choice of trusting was solely hers; but he would've liked to hear it from her.
"Why isn't she the one telling us this?" he barked calmly. Though his question could be seen as accusating, the only thing he wanted to understand was why she had not given her own reassurance to the pack. Had she been ashamed to say she was stepping down?
It had been Bazi who had caught his stray heart, carrying him into the Creek -- a place where he had finally felt at ease. And though the Snowy Alphess had not been excempt of the errors her fiery forerunner, his heart had been sworn to her from the start.
His heart was forever tied to the Creek, with or without Bazi.
"I wish her a safe trip, and you a prosperous reign -- you'll have in me a devoted follower Scimitar" he barked at last, dipping his muzzle delicately in front of his new Alpha
It would seem Cadfael had not only grated on his nerves, but the blatant disrespect had been witnessed by the entire pack -- all of whom bristled just as much as he did. His shoulder gently brushed Kaskara's as he felt her own indignation, and his eyes coolly regarded the ebony male as he explained himself. He was grumpy -- and so the pack was supposed to bear the brunt of it. But an apology was swift, and his own muzzle gave a light nod in the direction of the male. Kieran was also swift to his defense of the Beta, and the agouti male gave him a grateful glance.
There was either murmured agreeance to remaining loyal to him and the Creek -- it had been an opportunity for any opposed to his leadership prior to step up, but even those who remained silent were giving their consent. Relief washed over him, but he would not falter in this moment, instead, his eyes tipped back to the few that had questions -- particularly Galileo, Star and Cadfael.
"Her decision might seem rash, but she had asked me once before to take place as Alpha. I refused -- I had told her I was not looking to usurp her rank, and one mistake did not mean she should relinquish her title." He, of course, was noting the previous Danica and Shadow incident, believing she had already discussed what she had done with most of the wolves before him. "This time, she left me little choice. Her decision was made and then she left to visit Tuwawi.. She wants to prepare to be a mother. She's never wanted anything more than her own pups." There was a small sigh, his shoulders lifting in a gentle shrug. "I know that is not the answer you wanted, Galileo and Star, but it's all I have." With a small cant of his muzzle, he shifted his attention to the swarthy dragon, debating his question. "Bazi has spoken that she will return -- she is still a member of the Creek. If she wanted to take her place as Alpha again.. What would you all have me say?" In a month, a lot could change.. perhaps they would absolutely loathe his reign as Alpha and want the ivory queen back once more. Selfishly, he wanted nothing more than to have her by his side.. as mate, and leader.
a crime so old as the sky and bone
Scimitar then went into his explanation, finally able to get a word in edgewise. Kaskara was surprised to hear that Bazi wanted to prepare to become a mother -- her gaze snapped toward Scimitar, a quizzical look upon her face -- and that was why she had demoted herself and visited Tuwawi. Kaskara could see the white dove's point. Tuwawi was Bazi's good friend and had pups of her own, so she would be able to give Bazi advice. At the end of his speech, he asked what they wanted if Bazi returned and asked for her rank, and though Kas knew this was a serious moment, she had to give her brother a playful, though truthful, answer, "Only if she agrees to share it with you, brother." She waggled her eyebrows briefly before seriousness settled on her features again.
Leaving speech to the surrounding canines, she took a gander at them, awaiting their responses to Scimitar's generous question. It seemed to be a successful pack meeting; no wolves were attempting to usurp the bear, instead supporting him with words any new leader would want to hear.
There was a stretch of silence to his question, stirring the cinnamon male to sweep his gaze across those that surrounded him. Kaskara was the only one who offered her opinion, and he took the silence to simply mean no one would know what they would do when Bazi returned. He surely didn’t.
With the silence stretching between them, the agouti wolf shifted his weight then, casting a stolen glance to his sister before continuing. “Then.. what do we think of relocating and claiming land for a fresh start?” It was a blunt question – he was asking for more input than what most would, and as he regarded each of his pack mates before him, he quietly wondered if Neverwinter Forest would be in his grasp.
a crime so old as the sky and bone
They had discussed the absence of Bazi, and her timeless trip to some former packmates in Duskfire Glacier. Dovev didn't care much for whoever was currently leading Swiftcurrent Creek, whether it be Scimitar or Bazi. There hadn't been any events within the pack yet, so the two seemed to being a well enough of a job keeping the group together. And besides Cadfael's brief flare-up, the pack had been doing admirably. Dovev glanced around, spotting Falwasi's glance as his icy eyes roved over the gathering. Swiftcurrent was a coherent pack. They would stick together.
However, when Scim said his next idea on the agenda, Dovev's chin glanced up sharply, staring over at the speaker.
Leave Swiftcurrent's home territory? For where? the tundra creature replied, ears perking. The thought of leaving the sprawling, grassy territory around the Creek was a formidable. Even if Dovev hadn't been here long, he had grown attached to his surroundings. With his banner waving slowly, the male shifted towards Scimitar. He didn't like this suggestion at all.
A white wolf whose name Kas thought was Dovev shifted closer to Scimitar and she reacted instinctively, shifting so her body was more ready and able to protect her alpha if needed. It didn't matter that it was her brother, though of course she loved him. Her loyalty was to Bazi, and she had chosen him to lead them in her absence, so it was her duty to protect him until Bazi returned. "I will go where you and Bazi go, Scimitar." It was a simple answer to a complicated question.
She watched Dovev carefully, her two-toned eyes narrowed, her lips pulled back ever so slightly to reveal her sharp teeth. Nothing would happen here today, not on her watch. If he had an issue, he could bring it up later in private.