Just as winter morphed into spring, plunging the world into a state of transformation- Rhazien wanted to ignite a different kind of metamorphosis. Almost two seasons had passed since his arrival, and in that time, his brood of Saxe yearlings had progressed- honing their skills, sharpening their knives, and fortifying their shields. And with the seasons change, they were no longer the young nieces and nephews he had come to know. They were full-fledged adults now, sporting their Saxe heritage with pride. Which meant it was time to progress into their next phase of life. Fulfilling his promise to Apollyon, Rhazien would be the one to guide them in the process. He just needed the pieces to finally fall together.

He had entered the Polar Sound alone, making his way to the cavern where Sephiran was hoarding his plaything. She was their link to the boy, and Rhazien fully intended on using her for their reunion- besides, she owed him that much, seeing he had dragged her out of her own poor attempt at escaping this hell. And so, as he approached her makeshift prison, the Saxe brute didn’t hesitate to enter her abode. Announcing his arrival with a single, guttural growl that resonated from the belly of the beast. “Aurelia,” He called out to her, motioning for her to bring herself out of the den and into the light of day.  Surely she knew why he was here. In their first encounter, they had stuck a deal. Their second, well… He doubted she remembered that. Regardless, it was time for her to deliver. “Would you be so kind…” Once she came out, he would take a seat in the snow. Looming over her with his towering frame, casting his gaze in her direction before shifting to the forestry around them. “...And call for Sephiran?” Though it came out as a request, one that was accompanied by a lighthearted tone and a flashy smile- it was a demand.

And once she fulfilled her role, Rhazien would follow her call with one of his own. Tipping his massive skull back, he released a summon for Sephiran’s brothers and sisters… and whoever else they decided to bring along. His summons were cryptic, holding no real reason for the call- he wanted this reunion to be a delightful surprise.  

"Speech"

Her headache had just finally begun to recede when she heard the approach of another. And as always, she expected her usual company, though this time … it wasn’t. Still a familiar face- one that didn’t hesitate upon entering her den. He knew right where she would be. And called her name with confidence, knowing that she would be there. Aurelia would slowly lift her throbbing head at the sound of her name on a voice she hadn’t been expecting. “Rhazien?” She mumbled, slowly pushing herself up off the ground and outside the den when he indicated that he wanted her to follow.  Movement was still difficult, but she managed well enough on a clearly painful gait.

Once outside, her attention was immediately absorbed as he settled on his haunches at her side, inviting her to call for Sephiran. As per their agreement, Aurelia would offer a slow nod in response, the stubborn set of her mouth and the hard line of her brows assuring him that she comprehended his command. Her eyes never wavered from his face as she tilted her head back and called for her warden. How quickly Sephiran would come, she wasn't sure. Though, as soon as her own voice trailed off, Rhazien issued a callout of his own- directed to whom, she was unsure. But she certainly had an idea.

"Aurelia Veratti"

Sephiran had spent much of his morning completing mundane tasks- patrolling the passage into the Polar Sound, chasing out intruders, gathering herbs that were rearing their heads now that some of the snow was melting away. There were far more sinister things he would rather be doing… like tormenting Aurelia, slaughtering the residential herd of caribou, fucking the life out of some poor rogue girl. These temptations lingered heavily inside of Sephiran’s mind, trying to coax him away from his tasks. And, he may have given in to them too, if it weren’t for the sudden change on the horizon.

Aurelia’s voice split the silence in the valley, echoing uncannily within the canopy of pine trees. She was summoning him to her side- something she had never done before. How abnormal. His stride came to a halt, skull lifting to the sky, so he could test the air for any unfamiliar scents. Something was there, he just couldn’t put his paw on it… until another voice, one he faintly recognized, followed right after hers. His pelt bristled reflexively, lips pulling back into a scowl that revealed the entirety of his saber fangs. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but he was going to find out.

Racing into the depths of the Polar Sound, Sephiran followed the fastest route that would lead him to Aurelia. Emerging from a bend in the path, he burst out of the tree line, ravenous and hostile in his advance. Charging up to the mouth of the den as if there were an army waiting for his arrival. Only, what was waiting for him, was far from what he was expecting.

Rhazien. His face alone sent memories flooding into Sephiran's mind- pieces of his childhood, the rigorous training he endured, and the disappointment Rhazien expressed when Sephiran left the pack. Everything, all the way up until Rhazien discovering Aurelia, crept out from the corners of his brain, swirling him into a muddled state of confusion.

It was deafening, breathtaking, enraging all at the same time. But Sephiran did not lose his composure. As he approached his sprint slowed to a trot, and Sephiran didn’t waiver in his domineering approach. His pelt remained bristled, ears pinned back, fangs flashing at his uncle who was sitting awfully close to his prized possession. It had been over a year since he last saw him, and yet Rhazien still wore that same, devilishly smug expression on his face. “Uncle Rhazien?” He said, offering a simple greeting, yet questioning his presence.

Part of him was happy to see his uncle after all this time- but he couldn’t shake his possessive nature, as he moved to wedge himself between Aurelia and Rhazien. The two had already met before, and although Aurelia swore nothing concerning happened between them, Sephiran's jealousy was boiling. He shot his uncle a questioning look. If it wasn’t Sephiran, then who did Rhazien call for earlier? And why after all this time, was she finally revealing himself?  

"Speech"

Code by Sea

after her encounter with Absinth, Yarra chose to remain close to the Polar Sound, mulling over what she’d learnt of Seph and his recent activities. recruiting outsiders to his cause, harbouring toys…and yet making no move to find them. doing very little to establish the Saxe empire beyond collecting a few groupies. perhaps, Yarra had thought to herself rather ungenerously, the brat had bitten off more than he could chew. it would serve him right, for always acting so high and mighty and above the rest of them. it’s a volatile mixture of anger and longing, of jealously and pride. she wants to find her brother, to unite their family once more; alternatively, the very thought of Seph’s face makes her teeth gnash as though imagining closing down on his throat. Rhazien’s call is a welcome reprieve from this spiral, forcing her to focus on more immediate concerns. shaking the thoughts from her mind, Yarra doesn’t bother to answer the summons verbally, choosing instead to simply follow her uncle’s voice through the territory until his broad slate frame rises up from the snow like a pillar, mountainous and imposing. of course, the people in his company steal any greeting she might’ve felt obliged to offer right from the tip of her tongue. “you.” her gaze sweeps across Sephiran like green fire, as though willing him to burst into flame on the spot. he’s older, of course, supporting a heft and size not unlike their uncle. a Saxe fully come into their own. and there’s something electric rippling beneath his pelt, a shower of sparks crackling in that dual-coloured gaze that promises nothing but danger. a little thrill runs down her spine at the same time her expression twists in open distaste. “why, Sephiran.” his name drips from her tongue like venom, lips curving upward in the impression of some secret joke. “you don’t seem too pleased to see us, brother. why is just rude, considering how long we travelled to get here.” her bottom lip juts out in a greatly exaggerated pout, brows bunching as though to affect an air of tainted innocence. briefly, her gaze flicks to the woman at his side, who seems to hold a great deal of his attention, and - oh. Yarra’s brain stutters to a very brief, very abrupt, halt. she’s always been weak for a pretty face. and this girl is nothing short of gorgeous. nothing shows openly in her expression, but Yarra stares longer than is considered polite, and when her gaze drags back to her brother it is with obvious reluctance. "Speech"

Auriga hears the call, and she is there, there on the heels of her sister, her head tilted to one side at the sight of Sephiran's displeasure. Her voice comes in a low, chuckling tone.

"Brother! I found a woman's den, and saved its location just for you, as a reunion gift. But-" she pins her ears forward and her golden eyes narrow, "It seems you've found yourself a prize." She nudges Yarrabelle with a shoulder. "More for you and I!"

But she has noticed the possessive look, and her posture relaxes after a moment, and she says: "I'm glad to see you, Brother. Together, we will take what we are owed-- as Saxes." Auriga is no longer the nervous, closeted girl she had been, forced to live as what she was not. Instead, she is magnificent. Proud. Her head is high. Her eyes are keen.

A singular canine flashed in a toothy display. Neither smirk nor grin expressed, yet the exposure of pure hatred flashed across his features. Blood red eyes that shown bright like the sea itself narrowed in utter confusion at what was revealed. He dared not come from where darkness hid his body from view. Only watching in silence as others gathered to greet their brother. The colossal male’s little bitch sitting just between him and Uncle Rhazien. As if she belonged amongst them. Bewildered? Cifarelli had only been resting previous to the call being rung out over spring’s warm air. Towering trees loomed over where he lay. Body relaxed from all that took place while adventuring through some of the areas. At first his ears twitched to the first howl. It drew him from the black depths holding his vision. Then, another followed shortly after. This he stood to. Walking the short distance to see what could possibly be the reason. But now he understood why. Sephiran. That bastard finally came out of hiding after leaving them to wander such a place without knowledge. Just under the surface, a guttural snarl threatened to break free. Did he miss his older brother? Of course. At the moment, though, he wished to rip a piece of flesh from the sibling. To taste his blood inside the canvas of his mouth and bask in the yowl of pain he knew would come. Cifa was not dumb. There was no way he could win against the future Saxe leader. Didn’t mean he shouldn’t have a bit of fun in the process. What were a few scare, but beautiful decorations to show strength? Ha! Paws slipped the black plague from his hiding spot. Slowly entering the area where all of the others gathered in joyous reunion for the finally presence of their kin. Cifa did not join them in such a manner. Instead, he walked closer to eye the beauty that sat beside him. A look of disgust and mild interest shown bright in his crimson gaze. An ear turning to the words of Yarra and Auri. He gave no further acknowledgment to the bitch. Quickly turning to nod in greetings to everyone else. Call him a jealous male all they wanted. He couldn’t give two fucks in the matter. "Speaks"

Well now, wasn’t Sephiran just a breath of fresh fucking air. Like a bat out of hell, the younger Saxe erupted from the treeline, domineering in his advance but Rhazien’s haughty expression didn’t crack. Even as Sephiran wedged his way between himself and Aurelia, he didn’t protest. Taking a step to the side before reseating himself, he flashed the boy a smug, cocky smile. “My, Sephiran. How you’ve grown.” He was taller now, almost mirroring Rhazien’s height. And my, those fangs of his had gotten longer, sharper. The flame in his eyes, wasn’t from the ambitions of a child anymore. It crackled and roared, morphing into an inferno that was hungry and depraved. He was going to make this world a living hell. “I’ve brought a surprise for you. They should be here any moment now.” Cryptic as ever, Rhazien wouldn’t tell his nephew what was in store for him. It would be so much more fun seeing the interaction unfold firsthand.

And just as he said, Sephiran’s siblings emerged one by one. Yarra was the first to arrive, Auriga followed, and Cifarelli finished. Shifting his gaze to Aurelia, who he noticed was getting a lot of unwanted attention, Rhazien offered her a single warning. “If I were you… I’d limp back off into that cave.” He didn’t know how this interaction between siblings was going to progress, because this brood of Saxe was truly unpredictable.  

"Speech"

It didn't take long for Sephiran to answer her call. He came racing into the clearing in full force, and didn't allow his pace to falter until he entered a more conversational distance. She could see the recognition cross his features plainly from where she sat. Though this reaction was vastly different than the one that she had received when she confessed Rhazien's presence to him the day he reset her dislocated leg. It didn't look like Sephiran was enthused to see his relative at all. How odd. Or perhaps, this was enthusiasm that she was seeing. Whatever it was, her interest was peaked. The acknowledgement on Sephiran's voice was cool. Cold. Lacking attachment. But his attachment to her was clearly illustrated as he wedged himself in the proximity between herself and his uncle. While Rhazien may have surrendered the space to his nephew, Aurelia chose not to move, herself. If he sat closely enough to her, there would be no choice but to share contact.

As the others slowly began to answer Rhazien's call, Aurelia remained silent. Maintaining a curious, and vaugley amused gaze as they exchanged words among each other. At first, she met eye contact with a girl their age- the who had emerged first. The expression she was offered was a blank stare- hers not so much. Aurellia allowed her own sapphire gaze to narrow with a glint of mischievous interest. When the second wolf manifested, she greeted Sephiran as brother- which gave her a great deal of clarity on the interaction. As well as some chafing at her expense. Just as she was preparing to draw her breath to answer- a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips, another male answered the call. Though it was her that he gave the initial response too. A strange look- one of annoyance or disgust, she couldn't tell. It was probably the most amusing reaction of all. One that brightened her grin as she tilted her head to the side. Though, if he had any reservation about the silent exchange, he didn't express them- or she didn't catch it.

As she reeled for something to say, her attention was intercepted by Rhazien. Warning her to leave while she still could. Whatever it was in the back of her mind that instructed individuals to heed reasonable advice, only flared up in annoyance. Ask her to call Sephiran, and run from the individuals that answered his own summons? They called him brother. She didn't know that for certain. "And If I were you, I wouldn't be so concerned with snakes in the grass." Aurelia hissed back at him, meeting his gaze with a hardened one of her own. In the daylight she could see the cracks of green that ran through his purple irises- similar to Sephiran's, but different all the same. She was well aware of the rope that had been thrown at her- he had offered her an out. To return to her rock- to hide beneath it until someone went searching for her again. She refused. She refused to be dismissed, especially by the estranged uncle. After a few moments of hesitance, her attention shifted to Sephiran, waiting to see if she would receive any push back from him in the stance she so clearly had taken.

"Aurelia Veratti"

Oh, now this?

This was interesting. The brawny woman hid her smirk with a twitch of her ears and a tilt of her head as Rhazien spoke... and Aurelia refused to leave.

Auriga's thoughts turned to her father. To home. To how -- well, she wasn't sure the woman was a sidi. She thought as much, but she wasn't sure. Whatever her rank, Auriga didn't care. No, what she wanted to see was how Sephiran reacted to it all. The boy was meant to lead them, after all, and Saxes did not allow their lesser to embarrass them so.

But... perhaps the rage would be directed at Uncle Rhazien instead... Auriga paid no mind to the look of her new facial scar, a wicked line from below her right eye to her chin. This was going to be interesting.

Cif and Riga appear shortly after her own arrival, each seeming to take an interest in Seph’s…companion as she has. of course, she doesn’t miss the mischievous spark in those mesmerising eyes, and it sends a flare of heat down her spine and through her veins. a coy smile twitches along her mouth, an acknowledgment of the woman’s daring. her attentions are pulled away by the new arrivals; Yarra inclines her head to each sibling in greeting, a cruel grin splitting her face in half. “the family’s back together,” she drawls, knocking her shoulder against Riga as though inviting her into the joke. her eyes flit to Seph, eyes dancing with a humor that is clearly at his expense. your move, big brother. at Rhazien’s suggestion, the woman shoots back a refusal, revealing the spitfire soul blazing beyond those pretty blue eyes. Yarra blinks, momentarily surprised - then laughs, a high-pitched, bell-bright sound. “oh, i like her,” she purrs, letting her eyes roam lecherously over that grey and blue pelt. “she’s got spunk.” she turns to Rhaz, half amused and half daring. “oh go on, uncle - if she wishes to stay, let her.” "Speech"

Elysia was content wanting the polar sound, near to her family. Even if she’d gotten off on the wrong foot with Sephrian. She now had Ze with her. Her ever doting big brother was at her side. So she’d yet to go find her handsome pirate. Instead she was laying about in her new home until two unfamiliar howls rang through the air. Ely’s eyes narrowed at the intruder's calls.  She shot up off the ground and let out a summons of her own for her brother to follow her.

And then she shot through the polar sound towards the calls, nimble as ever as she wove through the trees and brush of her home. She only slowed a wave of unfamiliar scents began to intertwine together as she slowed her pace.

Elegant as ever she stepped out of the tree line and into the small gathering. It was there she found not one or two unfamiliar faces but five. And had Sephrian not been there she might have been defensive. Instead she squared her shoulders, her head held high as she sauntered in closer. “Sephrian, Cousin. Who are your… Guests?” She said, flicking her eyes over each and everyone of their faces.

She knew her brother would soon be behind her if things went sideways. Never mind if Sephrian had yet to meet Ezekiel, he would now. Just one more family member to add to his collection.

Since being reunited with his other, better half, Ezekiel has slowly been settling into a new life with her. While he has heard that there they have a cousin (or three) living close by, he hasn’t yet sought them out because… well, he has just time to be with El. They are two halves of one soul and being separated from his sister had been pure torture for the young man. Reuniting with her meant had soothed that deep ache in his soul that the distance had caused and he has spent every moment he can lovingly doting over his precious El.

Today he has wander further into the valley in search of special meal for her and has tracked a herd of elk some distance away from where they have set up a temporary den. Nostrils flare as he hides in the shadows of the tall trees, keen eyes watching a mother begin her labor. Saliva pools in his mouth as he pictures presenting the dead newborn to El and feasting with her on the new, tender morsel. Suddenly, a summons dashes all of his wonderfully, delicious ideas. There are two voices that he does not know, weaving a call that the young man has every intention of ignoring until his sister’s voice calls for him shortly after.

Zeke is off and running before the elk even have time to realize and scatter, the mother and soon-to-be newborn never knowing how close they came to having their lives stolen that day. Legs churn as he races across the distance, his pace devouring the gap between him and his sibling with little effort. He arrives, skidding to a halt, just in time to watch his sister saunter up to the tall purple male. Where she is elegant and the picture of grace, he is all sharp edges and elbows. His fur falls flat and his mouth pulls into a smirk as he allows his blue and purple gaze to roam over the gathered wolves as he moves to join El.

A soft rumble of greeting is given to his sister as he continues to look over the others and offers, “I am Ezekiel Saxe. Ely’s brother.” It is all he offers besides a small dip of his head before settling onto the ground, seating himself so that El can join him and lean into him when she wishes to. Nose twitches slightly as he takes in the scents of those gathered, noting them for future reference.  

"Ezekiel Saxe"

Shifting his gaze between Rhazien and Aurelia, Sephiran’s patience was waning quickly. Part of him believed the two were conspiring with one another- what goal that would achieve, he didn’t know. But, given how jealous of a creature he was, he couldn’t think of another reason for their ploy. Hackles erect, fangs bared, eyes narrowed. The younger Saxe was on the verge of answering with violence, if he didn’t receive an explanation soon.

”You.” Her voice rang out behind him, sickly sweet in tone, but dangerous, venomous. Angry even. He hasn’t heard her voice in over a year, and it almost sounds foreign. But it was something he would never forget in his lifetime. Yarrabelle. Whirling around, his gaze aligned with those acidic, green eyes of hers. Her words cut into him, deep, penetrating his delicate ego, twisting and sawing, leaving his stomach in knots. Pleased to see them? Pleased wasn’t even close. Elated, thrilled, enthralled. Hell, maybe even a little lustful, which was portrayed in possessive nature. He couldn’t be happier to see his sister after all this time. Rhazien had truly brought him a delightful gift.

The angered expression on his face cracked, morphing into something that almost resembled guilt. But could the boy even feel that emotion? Lips pulled back into a tight, thin line, ears tipping to the sides of his skull. “Yarra-“ His words were cut off, as others made their way to the gathering. His brother- or rather, sister now- Auriga. She was hot on their sister’s heels. Offering him a prize- a homewarming gift of some sort. But, the offer was retracted, as Auriga realized what purpose Aurelia served. Which would make it easier in the end. “Auriga.” Sephiran moves forward, snake-like in his movements, yet powerful, domineering, lustful. He wasn’t the same boy they grew up with. He was a force to be reckoned with now. His gaze swept between the two, taking them in, as a silent thought appeared in his mind. Where is Cifarelli?

Peering past his sister’s, Sephiran saw the silhouette of a wolf entering the clearing. As if on cue, his brother emerged from the treeline, sauntering towards his siblings, but not making an outright effort to acknowledge them. The behavior wasn’t abnormal for Cifarelli. Raising his head, and aligning his tail with his spine. Sephiran cast his gaze across Cifarelli. Sending a silent warning, that was portrayed through the animalistic shift in his body language. Sephiran would be king. Would Cifarelli challenge that? Call it brotherly rivalry. And Sephiran wouldn’t allow it to become anything more than that.

Sephiran encircled his sisters, eyeing them, ready to inform them and Cifarelli of his plans. But Rhazien’s voice caught his attention, because he was addressing Aurelia. Stopping in his advance, Sephiran shifted his gaze towards the two. Waiting to see if Aurelia would comply, which of course, she didn’t. Sephiran hadn’t given the command- if she had disobeyed him, he would have pillaged her in front of everyone. Savagely fucked her until she blacked out, putting on quite the show for his siblings. But Rhazien wasn’t to decide when it was time to dismiss her. The murmuring of his sisters rose up behind him. Yarra’s acting as an accelerant to his ever-changing mood. “Rhazien doesn’t get to decide.” Animosity dripped from his tongue, venomous and virulent, suffocating. “She belongs to me. None of you will touch her. Nor will you command her.” His gaze locked with his uncle’s. As a child, Sephiran could never best him in a battle. But now that he was older, well… he might stand a fair chance.

Of course, this was just the way of the Saxe- a constant battle over power, the tug-and-pull of ownership and dominion. Their dynamic certainly wasn’t odd to them. But to an outsider, it may have seemed that their loyalties were on the fringes- but that was entirely untrue.

Waiting to see if he would receive any pushback, in which he would immediately retaliate. Sephiran turned to the new pair who arrived, beckoning for his attention. Elysia, and her brother he had yet to meet. Standing side-by-side, staring at him with similar expressions. At least the male was intelligent enough to introduce himself… but his arrival had been an unforeseen event. “Oh?” He questioned, eyeing the two of them. Searching for ill intent, or the possibility of a challenge. Shifting his gaze to Ely, he offered her a single reprieve for crashing his reunion with his siblings. “If you’ve brought me another Saxe to command-“ He was referring to Ezekiel. “You both may stay.” He had already offered Elysia a place in his hoard. But her brother, well. He would need to prove himself.

Shifting back to Yarra, Auri, and Cifarelli. He cast them all a softer expression. It wasn’t necessarily a smile. But it wasn’t stoic either. It was all the affection he could muster, in which he knew they would be receptive. "Your absence... I endured it. But I've been yearning for this day." Honesty wasn't his strong suit. But at this moment, Sephiran was trying. "And in preparation for our reunion. I've collected others who will serve us." His mind wandered to Absinth and Aresenn, who were likely somewhere in the area. "They will be coming now. Be receptive to them. They are capable.” Tipping his head back, he released a summons for them. Expecting them both to heed his command, and show up promptly.

Waiting for them to arrive, Sephiran wanted his entire brood circled around him before he laid out his plans of dominion.


"Sephiran Saxe"

The familiar expanse of land he had come to recognize as a semblance of home was a sight he was eager to return to. The wintery taiga had reluctantly given way to the rebirth of spring, and it was something that had made a fairly significant push forward in his absence. Or perhaps it only seemed that starkly different because their scouting mission had taken place quite a bit further north. Short grasses and lichens carpeted the valley floor, and the echo of dripping water resonated throughout the inlet as the first indication of the thaw-out ran off the bordering cliffsides. Aresenn hadn’t been back for very long- maybe a half a day or so at best. Upon arrival, he had immediately split off to take care of a few personal matters. So by the time he finally heard Sephiran’s call, the evidence of travel had been cleansed away, and he was in far better spirits after several hours of true rest.

As he quickly closed in to where he believed the summons had come from, his mind reeled with the recount of his trip with Absinth through the winterlands. They had covered so much ground in the week they had been gone- but it was hard to divide his interest away from the girl he had grown close to. He would have to. As he was certain this was what his accomplice was looking for. Why else would he be calling for his attention?

With a steady stride, Aresenn broke through the tree line and entered the clearing. While he was certainly surprised at the assembly gathered, he didn’t falter in his pace. His attention wandered through the crowd, the majority of whom were total strangers to him outside of Elysia. He did recognize the toy next to Sephiran by her scent- as she had been another semi-permanent fixture in the Polar Sound as of late. But everyone else, entirely foreign. Allowing his amber gaze to return to Sephiran, he waited with quiet intrigue, unsure of what was expected of him.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Absinth had not had the same rest time as Aresenn. Well, she hadn't had any at all. She had taken a different route in hopes of exploration on their return, which had led her to quite the number of interesting encounters. All of which would have to be left to think on later, because she had just reached the border of the Sound when the call rang out. The promised summons. Sephiran. She counted herself lucky that she'd made it back just in time. She was sure her travel companion had been back ages ago, and reported back to the Saxe boy already. Perhaps this call was to address the scouting. Only one way to find out.

The monochromatic fae took off again at a quick speed, paws finding their purchase in the eternal snow the terrain had to offer her. The cold whipped at her face, but it was as though it only hardened her features in preparation for the gathering she would discover she was being commanded into. She steeled herself, pushing back any and all fatigue from her body to show no signs of weakness. The scent of multiple wolves, five of them familiar to her hit her as she burst into the clearing and slowed to a trot. Her striking gaze drifted over all present as she processed the situation with ease. Sephiran. Aresenn. Yarrabelle. Auriga. Aurelia. These souls she knew, and to each, she flashed a delighted grin; emeralds sparking with excitement for their shared time or activities together. Well, aside from Sephiran - to whom she gave an intently curious glance.

To the strangers, she merely met their gaze if they offered the same.

Absinth ended her approach by taking a position near Aresenn, but leaving space enough to prove them individuals despite their newfound closeness. She shot him his own greeting, a knowing look held within her green orbs before focusing her sole attention on Sephiran and his interesting hoard.

wormwood

One might think that she was late, but Kaino had always marched to the beat of her own drum. She was never late, nor early, arriving only when she meant to. The howl rang out, summoning Saxe, summoning kin, and she continued on at the same pace. The meeting would continue without her and she wasn't too worried about it. No doubt the first part of the meeting would be her clan sizing one another up. Tedious, boring stuff. Kaino had never been one for dominance wars and peacocking. That wasn't to say that the woman was weak. Quite the opposite. She was simply more reserved than a traditional Saxe. She watched, she listened, she observed and she came away smarter and with more knowledge than the rest of the boneheads that she was related to.

The fae's thick silver, charcoal and lavender coat, held up well against the cold of the sound. Already she could see lines of tracks in the snow, all moving in the same direction. Following these trails led her straight to the gathering. Nila wouldn't be too far behind. Vibrant eyes of emerald and mint scanned each face, taking a silent tally of who she knew and didn't know. Finally, Kai gave a nod to her uncle Rhazien.

Kaino seated herself, her thick pufftail dusting some of the snow away from her chosen place. She said nothing, only watched as things unfolded as she surmised. The Saxe were ever the raucous, rowdy bunch and they weren't disappointing in that assessment. Didn't the twits realize that they were all on the same side? A sigh brought tendrils of steam ghosting from delicate nares and Kaino continued to observe.

Shortly after Sephiran released his summons, Aresenn and Absinth were quick to respond. The former pirate was the first to arrive- emerging from the treeline in a saunter, surveying the new faces in the crowd. Recalling his conversation with the brute, Sephiran figured he could assemble the pieces. This was the family he warned him about. Providing Aresenn with a silent nod, one meant to show acknowledgment. Sepiran then turned his gaze back to the tree line, the movement of a monochromatic silhouette catching his eye. Absinth.

Arriving right after Aresenn, gravitating towards him, but leaving enough space to imply their individuality. Providing her with a nod as well - though, there wasn’t the same level of amiability as he shared with Aresenn- he acknowledged her arrival. Turning back to the group, he was ready to give his announcement. But one more wolf slithered their way out of the woodwork. Kaino, the singular daughter of his uncle Kaiden. They had been raised in Saffron together, and shared similar ideals- but the girl had always been a little off, just like her father. What a pleasant surprise. “Kaino.” He said, roving her frame with his gaze, hungrily devouring the curvature of the woman she had grown into. If she were here to assist in building the new kingdom, he would welcome her.

Turning away from them all, Sephiran leaped onto a nearby boulder, using it as a momentary pedestal. Sweeping his gaze between them, ears twitching at the side conversations happening amongst the bunch. He released a low, authoritative growl that demanded their attention. “From this day on, we will act as one- honing our skills, satisfying our... lusts.” A short pause, before he continued. “We will control this territory for the spring season. Each of you will report anything of significance to me.” Sephiran was claiming the role of leader, without allowing the others to protest. And, if one of them dared to challenge him for it. He would respond with unrelenting violence. “If any of you choose to deny this opportunity.” His eyes narrowed, brows furrowing, as his lips peeled back into a snarl. “You will be condemned.” A single threat, on which Sephiran didn’t need to elaborate. Those who came from Saffron knew the punishments for treason and disloyalty- and Absinth and Aresenn were smart enough to make assumptions.

Surveying their faces, searching for reactions. He wanted to see if anyone was going to try and break away. Who would be bold enough to reject his offer? Surely they hadn't come all this way, only to flee in the face of dominion. “Tonight, we will slaughter the neighboring caribou, in commemoration of this reunion.” Another pause. "And in the days to follow. I will decide a purpose for each of you." Ranks would need to be sorted out, and tasks delegated. But for now, Sephiran was testing the waters, wanting to see who would pledge their loyalty to him.


"Sephiran Saxe"

Cifarelli paid no attention to the eyes of his brother ‘pon the arrival of heavy steps. There was a glint in those hues he knew all too well. Something he easily dismissed with tight lip and a narrowed gaze. What right did he have to think his little brother would challenge him for the title? He didn’t want it. Never wished for it. The responsibility alone felt like too much even with just a simple thought. Ha! Worry not, big brother. I do not wish for your throne. Body shaking under silent laughter at his own particular inner logs. Turning to watch as other began to show. Some quite new from what he could gather. Now knowing much of how far his family descended. Since some were produced by the acts of satisfying one’s…. Lust. Others being actually planned like he and his siblings. The black plague turned an ear t’wards Sephiran. His words penetrating through to his mind. So, he’d finally chosen to start the family back up? Cifa’s tail wagged stiffly behind him in mock joy; though, he could not help but feel happiness. His older brother’s silent threat lingering in the air. Despite what those present may have been feeling in that moment. He slipped to stand below Seph. Blackened lips drawing back to uncurtain sharp, stained canines. Fangs glistened with saliva. Whilst a snarl rang out in viscous intent. Those that were strangers would deal with the consequences of their actions if any chose to step out of line. He would not kill his siblings. However, putting them in their places surely crossed his mind. With hackles bristling along the back his neck, Cifarelli eyed them all with a loud threat and calculating eyes. He cared not what any of them thought of his actions. A Saxe never turned their backs on the family bloodline. Something he didn’t mind happily reminding any of them about. "Speech"

[/quote]

Sephiran spoke her name and the woman could feel his eyes upon her. The barest of smiles lifted the corners of her maw and the marbled fae made a show of giving a languid stretch before laying upon her belly in the snow, forelegs crossed delicately. "Sephiran," she purred in return as she settled in to hear what he had to say.

It seemed as though her cousin was bringing the family back together. Or intending to, anyway. The ragtag bunch didn't look like much, but with a few well honed, sharp minds to guide them, they could very well be turned into a strong, fighting force. Kaino recognized a few faces. Others were new. She would be social later. For now, she would listen, observe and learn.

When Seph stopped speaking, the silent question was given over to the gathering. Would they be with him or against him? Kaino, comfortable and confident wherever she roamed, answered aloud, a hint of humor in her sultry, mellifluous tones. "It's good for you that leadership is too much responsibility or I might give you a run for your money." Another grin, though this one was a bit larger, more genuine. Mint and ice eyes closed momentarily as the fae gave a nod in her cousin's direction. "I'll support you in any way that I can." With that, her hand was shown. Who would follow suit?

distantly, she registers the new arrivals - a red-hued man, the lovely Absinth, and a trio of cousins, all ready and waiting for her brother to direct him. goddess, if she’s thought Seph to be arrogant before, his ego seems to have tripled in size since their last encounter. and really, with so many sycophants kneeling at his alter, who can blame him for getting a big head? for a moment Yarra wonders at what it must feel like to have such power, to command a room as effortlessly as Sephiran - and ooh, if her spine doesn’t positively tingle. but though she finds Cifarelli’s abject worship of their brother to be distasteful, (really, Cif, grow a pair), she too is devoted to the purple male…in her own way. she won’t stray from his side, will undertake tasks as directed, will accept his commands as law. but she shan’t harbour a dopey, awestruck reverence for him. she will not kneel at his pedestal, nor shall she kiss his feet. for as much as he pretends at Godhood, Sephiran is only a man - and Yarra exists to remind him of that. “you have my allegiance, brother,” she drawls, voice flat as though bored. ”as you have since the moment i was birthed alongside you.” really, need he have even asked? for all her callous bitching, she is a Saxe, through-and-through. and to her, that is everything. this family will prevail. "Speech" Thread Move Log Thread Forum From To 1. Even the gods envy mortals The Polar Sound 11:09 PM, 11-12-2023 01:56 AM, 12-29-2023 Current time: 11-09-2024, 03:20 AM Powered By MyBB, © 2002-2024 MyBB Group. Apocalypse --Everything the Light Touches --The Long Night --Dichotomy --Reactive Linear Mode Threaded Mode