I'm a believer, nothing could be worse
Azriel, Alaric, Oath, Petra, Vayne
Adjustments would have to be made to ensure the peace of Judila in this land, she knew her family and Azriel would be forever changed. Alaric she was still learning, but she hoped he would do well here. Her Judila would be a place of healing, a beacon of hope in the darkness of the world. That was her dream, as well as defeating the monsters that sought to harm others for joy like the demon king. Never again would she lose so many. Her nightmares still held the echoes of screams mixed with the laughter of the wicked wolves that invaded their home. The crushing loneliness that she had felt when she was unsure if there were others who survived was something she would not wish on anyone. She would rid the world of such things if she could.
Atreyu came to sit by the stone at the north of the circle, with Bigs not far off and panting. Atreyu also huffed against the heat here, though the frigid climes of Auster weren't preferrable. Once their official business was concluded they could all take a unifying swim in the pool of water at the center. She had to be sure they wanted her to be their leader before she took up the responsibility of a crown. Atreyu took a breath and sang for her family and friends to join her, adding a special note for Azriel. Hope and determination shone in her eyes and she could not help the wide, toothy smile she held while panting against the heat. That pool was tempting now, but there were things to do. Once she had everyone together, she would ask them to follow her though she was young. In her mind, it was now or never, and she refused to let Judila die.
"Talk." || Think || 'Hear.'
Her companion, Bigs, is assumed to be with her unless otherwise mentioned. As her betrothed, Azriel is allowed in any of her threads, regardless of tag or label. |
Oath
Member
Advanced Fighter (100)
Intermediate Intellectual (30)
1 Year
Male
285
Sinchanted
Oath paced through the dry, sweltering air of southern Boreas, the heat sticking to his fur like a heavy blanket. His magenta pelt was sleek with sweat, and the darker markings on his limbs seemed to absorb the heat more, causing him to curse the sun under his breath. The transition from Auster to Boreas was a stark contrast to the cool serenity of their old lands and Oath found himself longing for the soft breezes and shaded woods of home. Yet, despite the discomfort, he pressed on toward the ring of stones.
His sister's song echoed through the air, and it reached him like a guiding melody, soft and hopeful. Atreyu was calling them together, to the circle where their future would be decided. Oath smirked, his crimson horns catching a glimmer of fading sunlight as he trotted faster, eager to see what she had planned. He admired Atreyu's bravery, trying to build something out of the ashes of their legacy. Judila had been their parents' dream, but now it was Atreyu's. He believed in Judila, in their Gods, and most of all, in his sister.
When he reached the ring of stones, Oath caught sight of her seated by the northern stone, her posture regal despite the exhaustion from the heat. Bigs lay nearby, panting heavily, and even atreyu looked like she was suffering under the weight of the oppressive air, yet she smiled. That smile made Oath grin in return, a softer, more genuine expression than his usual teasing charm.
He sauntered into the circle, his gait confident as always. "Atreyu," he greeted warmly, his voice melodic and almost playful. "You look like you are ready to conquer the world, even in this dreadful heat. I can see it in your eyes."
Oath sat opposite of her, curling his tail around his paws, his cyan eyes studying her. "So, you're serious about this, huh? You want us to follow you and rebuild Judila... here, in Boreas?"
He paused, watching her reaction closely before continuing, "You know I've always got your back, but this place is different. You're different. We all are. What kind of Judila do you want to build? One like our parents'... or something else?" He tilted his head slightly, his tone gentle but probing. "Because if we're going to do this, sis, I need to know- are you ready to wear that crown?" He knew she was.. but he wanted to hear her say it aloud.
The call reached him easily and he rolled to his feet and took a moment to shake his fur and flatten out what needed it. He came from Atreyu's backside, his form stalking close to her and eyes glancing at those here. Did she intend that note for him in a way that meant she was telling her brother now? Would Oath approve? Would they all think him capable of holding the position of her equal?
Questions sat in his mind and he did his best to silence his mind for now and enjoy the moment. He came to Atreyu's side a stretch as he laid beside her, trying not to touch her because cuddling in this heat was a good way to end up with him more than just overheating. His breath was pants as he looked to those that gathered here now. Peirced ears pricked and quills laying flat on his nap and back. Her personal bodyguard and demigod. A peirced brow rose as the words of the second male reached his ears. It sounded as though the second was seeing this as a favor for Atreyu by joining them then trying to build up Atreyu with the second bit.
He had no words except a select few but he let his mismatched eyes stay on the second male for a moment more. He would answer when Atreyu asked though. His body was poised to act if need be though.
"Azriel" || "Atreyu"
Azriel can be a mature and volatile character, please proceed with caution. His threads can contain triggers and mature content please be aware of this when threading with him.
Finally the day had come, the day of them to reunite after their tragic separation. After being drive off their sweet warm home, tossed into the hard cold world. Not being given the time to fully enjoy their youth. Pushed to grow up faster than one should, yet it was what it was and now was time to move on. But for Petra it had been a hard path, a path that had been filled with contact nightmares, fear, the wrong sensation of being watched all the time. And even though her scars bled no more it didn't mean they felt any better. She had stayed near Atreyu in the newfound location, only leaving to the nearby lands for herbs and some hunting but nothing more. But as the call for them finally rang she made her way there, finding faces she never thought would had seen again. Oath and Azriel being welcoming presences. Yet she simply sat down, feeling a bit lesser. And anxious to see their reaction to her state, hopping it wouldn't bring too much attention but it wouldn't be rare if it did. SPEECH |
Their sisters song rang out softly within the warm summer air. Meaning there was something on Atreyus mind that needed to be addressed. The masculine made his way slowly as eyes scanned the area carefully. Ears twisted then splayed to the sides as watching Oath and others appear. And a stranger too. Eyes cautiously watched the male of ivory pigment. Then towards the others with a soft nod. Noticing the marks upon Petra, she didn't have them before. He swore under his breath.
How dare anyone touch his family, holding back a deepened growl.
Turning towards Atreyu and giving a knowing smile. As the grey and black toned brute with cream markings and golden chains makes his way up towards Atreyu, Azriel. "Greetings family... and stranger." He wasn't going to be rude, but wanted to know this other males intentions. Like why he was here and other questions that roamed within Vayne's mind. He moved up against Oath and Petra, giving each of them a gentle nudge.
They all needed to catch up, as he sat down next to Petra. "Join me after our beloved sister is done?" With a dip of his skull.
Oath:
Atreyu smiled wider as her magenta brother entered the circle, her eyes assessing him to ensure he was unscathed by his travels. It was the healer in her, she really couldn’t help it. His greeting brought a small laugh from her and she nodded, "I am ready to conquer the world, especially since you’re here!" Watching as he sat on the southern side of the stone circle, Atreyu’s black ears perked up and she once again nodded to him. "We are really doing this, but not how mom and dad would have, or any of them for that matter." She didn’t want to give away her plans until they were all listening to her. More movement caught her eye and she let her holographic gaze wander to the form of Alaric. "Excuse me, brother." She said smiling at him before going to greet her mentor and friend.
Alaric:
"Alaric! Yes, this is it, for now." She smiled and waved her tail, looking him over as well as Maul and Cinder. They all seemed fine, like the last time she had seen them. His pledge was accepted with a dip of her head, and she put her paw on his shoulder as a signal of acceptance. This time when Alaric spoke again, some rare encouraging words came from his dark maw and she waved her spotted tail. "Thank you." She knew that with his help, too, she could truly do what she wanted to do in this world. Peace could be attainable if they could all work together. She only hoped they could all get along, she knew some of them could be gruff and rough. One ear turned back as Alaric moved to sit down in the circle, his dogs sitting on either side of him as they watched with a protective stare around them.
Azriel:
Her ear twitched back at the sound of the demigod’s approach, her shadow coming to lay beside her and trying his best not to touch her in this heat. He was never far away from her and she was coming to understand he had truly meant that sentiment. She had many reasons for calling them all together, and their continued betrothal was one of those reasons. She would be telling them all today that she planned to raise their kingdom with Azriel at her side, their future was secure. Holographic eyes turn to black and blue as she moves to bump her forehead to his and smile. Though he said nothing, she understood he was there for her and would always be. "Alaric is a friend, try to be nice." She said, though she kept it quiet so that no one else would hear her. "And I’m letting the cat out of the bag about us today." She smirked at him before pulling away and looking over everyone present so far.
Petra:
Again, movement behind the stones caught her eyes and the familiar scarred, spotted pelt of her sister came into view. Atreyu was happy she could make it and offered a reassuring smile to her, as Petra looked ready to fall apart from anxiety. Atreyu could tell by the way her eye darted around to everyone. Nodding in acknowledgement, Atreyu watched with a somewhat saddened expression as Petra simply sat down and looked around. That would have to be worked on, though Atreyu couldn’t blame her. She would not be nearly as confident in herself if she sported all those scars, but they were no less beautiful in their own right. Scars meant you lived, you survived, you became stronger.
Vayne:
Vayne must have been the farthest away, but it mattered not what order they came, only that they were here now under the same sky. "Greetings, Vayne, I’m glad you made it!" She had begun to worry he would not show, but that was only self-consciousness talking and she knew it was only that. Watching with a smile as he nudged their brother and sister, Atreyu took a moment to take it all in.
Taking this moment to watch as her siblings interacted once more and Alaric and Azriel watched over everyone, Atreyu sat thinking about how to ask them to follow her. Though all eyes were on her right now, she stood tall and smiled despite her own nervousness. Anxiety prickled at her throat, but she cleared it and straightened herself before speaking to the group as a whole. First things first, she would need to introduce the stranger in their midst. She knew her siblings would not readily accept a new comer without her vouching for him, and she would do just that. "First, everyone, this is Alaric Warmaw. He’s been helping me learn to fight and is a very dear friend of mine. Please give him a warm welcome." With that out of the way, Atreyu turned her attention to the real matter at hand.
Looking at all of them, she gave a sigh and then a sad smile. "A lot has changed, but there are some things that stay the same. Mother and Father named me heir before their passing, and Azriel as my betrothed, I intend to keep it that way. I hope you can see the strength of Judila in us. Judila must not fizzle out, and we intend to make it stronger than it ever was." Pausing to see what their reactions would be, Atreyu then asked the biggest question of her life thus far. "Are you with us?"
Her companion, Bigs, is assumed to be with her unless otherwise mentioned. As her betrothed, Azriel is allowed in any of her threads, regardless of tag or label. |
Oath
Member
Advanced Fighter (100)
Intermediate Intellectual (30)
1 Year
Male
285
Sinchanted
Oath's heart sank at Atreyu’s announcement. His best friend… and his sister? His cyan eyes flickered between them, trying to mask the mix of emotions bubbling beneath his usually calm surface. He had always known they were close, but betrothed? That was a different matter. His jaw clenched for a brief moment before he caught himself, unwilling to let his inner conflict show. Not now, not here.
With a deep breath, he turned his attention to the others gathered, grateful for the distraction. Vayne's familiar presence calmed him slightly, and the sight of Petra (though scarred and more anxious than before) brought a genuine smile to his face. His tail flicked in greeting as he met their eyes, silently promising to catch up after the meeting. Petra had been through more than any of them, and seeing her sit there so quietly stirred something protective in him.
Then, there was Alaric. Oath’s eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced at the ivory male sitting across from him. This was someone new, someone who seemed to have Atreyu’s trust - but Oath wasn’t sure he was ready to give his own. His sister vouched for Alaric, and that was enough for now, but his natural caution urged him to stay on guard. Who was this wolf, and why was he so close to his family?
Oath's gaze finally returned to Atreyu, conflicted as ever. The idea of rebuilding Judila, of creating something even stronger than before, excited him, but the weight of her announcement lingered. Clearing his throat, he stood, speaking louder than intended.
“Of course I’m with you, Atreyu. I always will be.” He paused, his eyes flicking between her and Azriel. “But I need to know...” His voice softened. “Are you sure about this? Both Judila... and him?” It was her choice to marry who she wished, she would have to make her own mistakes throughout life... but Oath couldn't help but feel cautious.
Oath has two Red-Tailed Hawks, Icarus and Nyx, that may assumed to be nearby at anytime.
Her next words for his ears only as well and he let out a breath as he dipped his head and turned his head to those approaching still. Petra was next and a hint of surprisecrossed his face. She was scarred up and looked one second from running. His protective nature had him sitting up and a rumble coming from him, not at her but for her fates past. "Petra...." his ears folded as he spoke. No words could portray how he felt seeing her like this. He had failed them as not only a friend but as a guard for her to wear a fear like that. How could he even begin to apologize to her. His mouth opened not once but twice, before closing and his eyes downcast in his shame. He'd been trained to defend them, to keep them safe. Yet there she sat, scared for her life to be amongst friends.
Finally another approached and Azriel looked up as Vayne came close. The smirk told him he knew without being told by their closeness, but he didn't break the eye contact. He wouldn't back down from this. His mother had died, and her wishes were going to be honored. He would meet there gazes as they came. He was certain Oath was going to have his tail, knowing his friend all to well. Brothers had to be protective to do as Oath had. To go back after he was at safety to help a guard fight regardless of his own safety. Its something Azriel not only respected but admired about Oath.
Finally Atreyu's voice tore his gaze from those gathered. Alaric Warmaw. The name was committed to memory. The jealousy rearing its head once more. Helping her learn to fight? It meant he had been intimately close to Atreyu. A flick of his tail as he tried to relieve the feeling and tension. He'd have to give it time he suspected. The male's face spoke of discomfort, and azriel gave him a stiff nod as his welcome.
He was waiting now though as his eyes turned back to the others surrounding his queen, waiting for reactions and for the words. He was ready to also push Atreyu away if any decided to bulk up to him when she said it. He knew it was their right expected it. But as her words came and Oath was the first to follow with a question he hadn't expected a tinge of his heart at the words. and him? his eyes cut to oath. The heart break at hearing his friend say those words. Did Oath not think him strong enough, or good enough to be by her side. It felt more personal than it should. Ears pressed as he let Oath see the hurt he inflicted with those words. He should of expected it, he hadn't.
His bicolor eyes kept that hurt as he rose and looked to each before he let his own words come. "You know the answer, before you even ask it my queen.... I'm more than with you." his eyes locked on each sibling that questioned him. The demigod had been hurt today, and he didn't easily forget things. Then eyes went to Alaric as he pledged. The cock of the man's eyebrow didn't escape his notice, he'd be forgiven for that one for now. Azriel expected betrothal wasn't common perhaps where he came from.
After all had pledged to Atreyu his eyes cut to them all, Oath most of all but he wasn't going to let him know how deep that knife had cut publicly. Oath wasn't stupid and would see it. "I intend to hold a basic self defense training session in a few weeks time after everyone is settled and to speak with each of you separately. I'm not just your royal bodyguard now, and your going to have to forgive me as I figure the political bullshit out, but I hope you all will begin to feel comfort having me so close once more. Those that have qualms with our betrothal as well, I wish to remind you, it has been done by our mother's before they died and both I and Atreyu wished to honor their memory by continuing it here in these new lands in New Judalia. If you still have qualms I ask you to seek us after and we will answer those questions privately." quills had rose as he spoke. His guard up as the hurt played on his face. Gold clinking as he waited for more words, more hurt. He brought a paw out and aimed to pull Atreyu to his chest protectively. She likely wasn't going to enjoy the questions, but he wasn't letting her be publicly disrespected on her decisions. The support of her in that gesture also on public display.
He wasn't one for publicly displaying affections but in this moment it felt like perhaps the best option to show his support and to show them all that he wasn't toying with them. He wasn't about to have them hurt her physically or emotionally. They could hurt him all they wished but her? Absolutely not.
"Azriel" || "Atreyu"
Azriel can be a mature and volatile character, please proceed with caution. His threads can contain triggers and mature content please be aware of this when threading with him.
Azriel too expressed his surprise towards her scars, sighing she paid attention to Atreyu. Rebuilding their home might be good but she had her doubts. What if the demons tracks them again? Or anyone else really. Sighing she nodded. "Ill support you as always..." She said looking away as her one eye turned to the side.
Vayne watched the others carefully, the brown matted wolf sat there patiently. Ears swivel as he listened to his sister begin to speak to her siblings. He was happy to see that of Oath, Azriel, Petra and Atreyu. But he was worried about Alaric, he didn't know the brute himself. As eyes turn to the large dogs and gave a nod. His tail curled against his statue. Ice blue eyes turning to the Lady of Judila.
He was the silent one of the group, cautious and silent. Always watching, and so patient. "Judila will never faze out as long as we are alive. Mother and Father wanted this for you Atreyu. And I've known of the arranged marriage. And I do understand why they had wanted this for you both. You both are a strong force together." He offered a smile before turning to his siblings and band mates.
"Welcome to Judila, Alaric Warmaw." Silence fell around him, Vayne was always protective of his brothers and sisters. More so his sisters than brothers. He didn't like the markings that marred Petra's facial features and wanted to learn of who had done that to the lady. He had offered her a gentle nudge against her shoulders.
He was also pleased to see Oath. Seen the confusion in his eyes that lasted for only a second or so. "Dear brother, how I've missed you. Glad to see you have found your way here as we all have." His attention then went to Azriel. Needed to speak with him after the meeting or tomorrow at some point. Knowing that he would like to see Atreyus siblings. Vayne was happy for the pair.
Oath:
Oath was the first to speak up, his shock evident in those cyan eyes, and hurt as well. Atreyu could understand, she should have sought him out and told him before announcing it. Searching his gaze as he spoke, those holographic eyes only shone with patience and understanding. Did he doubt her choice? Her answer came before she could even ask the question, Oath asking her if she was sure of her choices, of herself as well. Was she? Yes, she was ready for this, though there would be a lot of learning to do. "I have never been more sure of anything in our lives, brother. Mother knew what she was doing, I am positive in this." Her words were delivered warmly, sincerely, with a bright and hopeful grin on her face. They would need to talk soon, once things settled down a bit.
Alaric:
She didn’t mean to make Alaric or anyone uncomfortable, but it was a necessary evil. They had to know his name at least. He gave a brief greeting to everyone, she had expected a nod or a grunt maybe, but he surprised her. He would actually give this a try! "Your support will not be taken for granted." To Maul and Cinder she nodded her head in return and also thumped her tail against the ground, Bigs more than happy to have his new found buddies in the band.
Azriel:
Atreyu wondered what made Azriel narrow his eyes at the introduction of Alaric. Was it the suspicion of a stranger, or was there something more to it? It was hard to miss his reaction to seeing Petra as well, though Atreyu had already seen her and knew what to expect, she suspected the others had not seen each other in a very long time. Azriel tried to suppress his reactions, but Atreyu could tell by the tail flick that he was not happy about something, she could only guess it was the stranger in their midst. He also said he would follow her, bringing a smile to her concerned face. He had an announcement of his own, it seemed, including a bit about their betrothal. Pulling her close to him had her heart thumping in her chest, but she relaxed against him, not fighting his protective posturing – even scooting just a bit closer to him. She honestly could have kissed him in that moment, especially after Oath’s initial doubts. She said nothing though, simply waiting on the responses of her family and friends.
Petra:
Atreyu could see the reservation on her sister’s face, and she could understand the trepidation there. If they all learned some sort of self defense as Azriel said, then they would be able to withstand anything the demon king had to throw at them. Judilian forces before had been lacking, their members mostly pacifists, how were they to know that the demon king would strike? Atreyu felt confident in their new direction, and she hoped that one day Petra could be comfortable with them again. Only the gods knew what she had been through, and Atreyu had to commend her for being strong enough to even come home. Petra gave her support and Atreyu nodded and smiled, "Thank you, Petra." She said warmly, hoping to spend some time with her sister as well after everything was done.
Vayne:
It seemed everyone was nervous around Alaric, and who could blame them? Vayne seemed to be the most welcoming, though he was reluctant at first. His news that he knew came as a bit of a surprise, but she guessed he learned it by overhearing conversations when he was supposed to be sleeping. Atreyu gave a smile to her brother and nodded in agreement. Azriel was a good match for Atreyu, not only for his demigod status, but because he was his own force to be reckoned with. Vayne could see it, but perhaps it would take more convincing for Oath. "Thank you, Vayne. I’m glad to have your support." With that she turned so that she could face them all at once.
Remaining in her spot against Azriel’s chest, Atreyu spoke once more, "We have all been through trying times, things that probably should have killed us, and definitely took from us. But I truly believe that if we work together and work to heal each other as well as anyone who may need the help, we can raise Judila up to her former glory and then some." There was an iron-clad determination in her voice, its purpose to inspire them to want more from Judila than simple peace. They would be a place of sanctuary, yes, but there was a bigger purpose for them. "I know our new may be shocking, but it was our mothers’ wish. As I said, we will honor that. With that said, I can’t stand this dreadful heat anymore and this pool looks wonderful right now. Cleanse the road from your weary bones." With that, Atreyu wasted no time in jumping in the pool with a splash.
Her companion, Bigs, is assumed to be with her unless otherwise mentioned. As her betrothed, Azriel is allowed in any of her threads, regardless of tag or label. |