Seasons had passed since Misery had last seen home, his mom, or Mac.  Well, or the others in the pack but those were the ones of meaning to him.  Ah, the tiny pups from before were older now as well. Other than Mac the rest had been a waste of life in Misery’s mind.  So long as they hadn’t turned into a threat to any of his wishes they were worthless to worry about.

His job was over, in a rather surprising twist.  One day he’s a spy in a pack and the next day the pack is splitting up as the alpha had started acting strange then up and left.  As he stepped onto the old volcano and headed towards his mom’s den the small black and silver wolf howled a greeting to her.  He’d have a report to make and he imagined mom would just be happy to see her son return for a time.

How long would he stay?  Were there any more spies in the pack yet?  There was much to learn from mom as well.  He’d get another report later from one who would have had a different view later as well, Mac.  At least he better.  The boy had been warned what Misery would expect when he saw him next.

"Misery"

Recluse Ithuriel-Klein The news of Abaven has only just reached her. Voodoo had been the first to arrive at her doorstep with the news but she knew soon enough her son would be there, and just like the dutiful spy she knew he was sure enough his call would ring out for her. The woman let loose a quick summon for Ghoul to join her before approaching the border her son was calling from. Might as well use this as a teaching moment, and Ghoul's designs for the Habari throne had been made known, with only his mostly absent sister in his way she certainly wasn't going to stop him. If Kali had been around she might have called for them both, but she did not necessarily trust her daughter to show up, though her heart ached with worry for the golden marked girl she could not and would not reward her lack of dedication when her son was clearly eager to prove himself, so no it would be him who she summoned. Then she began the awkward march down the mountain, the going was slow as she did her best to make sure she kept her footing down the slope, the last thing she wanted right now was to take a tumble with the due date of her next litter so close. She did eventually make it down the rock and when Misery came into view the woman's face split into a smile, a genuine grin, filled with all the love she carried for her children. She stepped forward towards him to gently kiss the top of his head but she would step back after that, he was an adult now and though she longed to scoop him up into a big hug she would respect that he probably didn't want to be doted on by his mother. "Misery, I was expecting you." She said simply. "Speech"

Art by Sirinsong

There was a sort of relief lifted from his shoulders after he had made his future intentions clear. Now that Recluse had been made aware, the young boy was ready to make extra effort to prove his worth. So much so that he nearly jumped from his skin when the requesting howl of his mother rang through the air. Wasting no time to shake off the nap he'd been having, Ghoul made his way to the tottering form of his mother. Giving her some space, but making sure he was close enough in case she fell, his ruby eyes never left her. Down the mountain, they made their way and he itched to ask her for an explanation. Yet, patience would be a good thing for him to learn. Especially if he wanted a higher role within the pack. He also wondered if it was a good idea for his mother to even be walking around in her condition? Distracted by ensuring his pregnant mother's safety, he was surprised when a familiar scent wafted toward his nostrils. Glancing up as they approached Misery, Ghoul stopped a few feet back when Recluse reached over to embrace her older son. Curious about what his brother had to report, and also why he had been asked to sit in on this interaction, the pale boy took a seat.

Misery was almost always content to be patient.  A smart wolf knew the value in waiting and that it didn’t mean there was nothing to do.  His nose was scenting the ear, he listened body sensing out for changes that could have happened in all the time that was gone.  He hoped for another assignment soon as being around other packs was entertaining.  There were so many naïve good-hearted wolves out there in the world that it was amazing.  Naïve fools that wanted to be tricked.

That said, Misery actually looked forward to seeing his mom again.  He wanted to talk to Mac and see how his young brother was turning out.  The boy had shown potential talent in being a good spy, and perhaps bodyguard.  Misery wanted tools he could trust and those that held a bond to him by family blood would be especially useful.  The problem was any wolf meeting his checklist of requirements.  Mac was his best hope.

When mom did show up there was certainly no hiding that round belly.  However, the kid following her was one of Misery’s younger brothers versus the waste-of-life Kali that he had imagined more likely. Did this mean Kali had less power now or more and was busy?  Any chance she just went off and got herself killed?  Shockingly Misery realized he didn’t want Kali dead.  He didn’t like her but they had an agreement of sorts in tolerance and working together if absolutely necessary.

Misery barely knew Ghoul.  The kid had been a tiny worthless pup when Misery had left.  Had he grown any better since then?  Mom got a tolerant smile from Misery at the kiss.  Men don’t gush all over their moms when they see each other but behind the tolerance, there was more warmth for his mom than any other wolf.  He did possibly surprise her with a quick lick back at her cheek.  Mom would always be fun, Wendigo was great for a good time and Mac had a good purpose.  That was the end of wolves he had any true measure of long-term interest in.  Mom had his love in a rocky sort of way.

“Hi mom,”  Misery glanced to Ghoul, giving a nod.  “Ghoul.” The boy’s name kept neutral since Misery wasn’t sure what his presence meant just yet.  Looking back to Recluse, “I’m sure you heard by now.  Abaven is gone.”   The pack itself hadn’t been worth much in Misery’s mind but it was still amazing how quickly it had failed.  The leader had seemed unwell and then simply left with no explanation.  Misery wasn’t sure if she’d prefer to go back to the den and get comfy before he shared more or just lie down and rest.  Whichever.

"Misery"

TABLE & CODE © SKELLE 2021
"Speech!"
Misery would be at least a little surprised in how well Mac had grown. Gone was the downy puppy fur, the big eyes, the clumsy paws that could barely carry him up the falls that Misery had taken him too. A lot had changed - not only in how he had gotten taller, bulked out with brimming muscle and sinew, but his personality had shifted to a much unexpected turn. He still smiled his cheshire grin - toothy and all, his silver eyes forever glowing like sunlit coins. However, he was his own man now. Misery had been gone a long time, and Macabre had settled himself with other influences within the pack - forging a deep bond with Ghoul as well as independently perfecting his taxidermy. His sadistic side was slowly but surely rearing its ugly head, but so was his desire to follow his own path - whether his older brother was yet aware of it or not. Still, the spotted male loved Misery. He thought of him often, wondered how well he was doing away from home. He'd never not enjoy the company of his older sibling, even if he wasn't so keen on spying anymore. Maybe he wanted to see his taxidermy - hell, he'd make him whatever stuffed animal he chose.

Mac could spot his brother a half mile away, recognizing his scent and his grey-lack pelt immediately. His mother and Ghoul were there, too. Beaming from ear to ear, Macabre shouted, "Misery! You're back!" Sprinting towards him, the bulky yearling managed to skid to a halt in front of him - he at least respected Misery's personal space - and grinned widely. Some things he did as a puppy - his strange smile for example - still remained.

Recluse Ithuriel-Klein Ghoul was at her side quite quickly and the two of them would make good time making it to Misery and she smiled softly at the returned affection before she settled back and her son started to talk, no wasted time it would seem. Recluse nodded. "Your cousin Voodoo got back only a bit before you, she informed me the pack was now gone." It seemed that they would soon be joined by another of her children. Recluse shifted slightly, casting a glance at Ghoul. Macabre was certainly allowed to be here but talk of potential plans or other information Misery had gathered would need to end here, It wasn't that she specifically wished to keep secrets from her children or pack but she understood that discretion was important and that not all wolves could be trusted to feel the same. She nodded as Misery, knowing he would likely understand the need for discretion before she allowed herself to smile warming as she watched her children approach. "Will you be joining us for some time?" She asked, hoping her son would return for a while. His next target would need to be discussed but she was hoping to have time with her son for at least a little bit. "Speech"

Art by Sirinsong

Ghoul would stay silent and confident sitting beside Recluse as she addressed Misery. His ruby gaze would linger on his older half-brother for a moment as he too was addressed. Nodding curtly in response so that he was more of a shadow than actually present, he turned his attention back to Recluse. Listening to what they had to say about the newly fallen Abaven, he kept his expression stoic. Unsure of what that would mean for Habari, he continued to wonder about the other packs that resided within Boreas and Auster. Before their conversation could continue, he heard the lumbering of another approach quickly. Turning his cheek over his shoulder to see who it was, he had to fight the urge to laugh. Macabre was always one for theatrics and wasn't disappointing anyone. Stifling his response with a curl of his lips, he caught the sideways glance his mother shot him. Catching the hint, he waited for Misery and Mac to greet each other before standing up. Stepping around their mother and coming to the other side of Mac, he nudged his smaller brother with his shoulder. "C'mon Mac, I think poor lil' Misery wants some alone time with mommy," Ghoul teased as he shot a smirk in Misery's direction. Knowing Macabre wouldn't question mother-son time in comparison to sneaky-no one-else-should-know conversations, he nodded his head in the direction of Redbud Nook. "I'm sure we can go pester some boars or deer and get you some new skins," he smiled warmly at his cow-spotted brother as he led them away from Recluse and Misery. /exit