Walk | Talk | Think She walked ahead of her bunch in the hopes that the pups might look to her for guidance and example, and she carried herself accordingly. Her gait was easy but purposeful as light paws carried her along, her coat neat as she always kept it. She might have held little to no authority amongst her pack mates but she was queen within her family, and she let it be known in her stately posture and the swift assessing glances she continued to make sidelong over her shoulder, ensuring that neither of the three youngsters strayed or misbehaved. If she was going to be introducing them to the pack today, then they needed to be on their best behavior. Considering all that had happened to their family of late, it seemed of even more importance that it be this way. A gentle sigh escaped her lips as she drew her gaze ahead again after another peek at the children, leading them along through the wood and toward the field and barn where a greater majority of the pack stayed. She had never meant to make this trip alone. Bane had always been planned to walk beside her, to solidify their relationship in a public display of their family as a whole so that no question would remain over whose pups she had carried when their announcement had been made. He had been doing so well, too, taking his demotion in stride and seeming unruffled by any of it. Such a shame that it was merely because he lacked any consideration for the ranks and rules of Seracia. He was paying for it now in solitude; and inadvertently so were the rest of them. Regardless of what Bane had done, Tahlia still held a place here and she refused to let her mate's actions spoil the life she had plotted out for their children. She had made plans to introduce them to the pack and she intended to keep them; her pride refused things to be otherwise. "Nearly there now, children," she stated, as much to warn as to inform them. They might have witnessed it as some big grand adventure led by their mother, but in her eyes this was merely a demonstration of her family's strength and her own skill as - for all intents and purposes - a newly single mother. She hated to think that she might be viewed that way - it was worse even than being the widow she had arrived as - but truthfully there was so little to be done for it now. Events had already transpired that could not be undone; this was the life she was forced to live. At last the treeline receded and Tahlia led the trio out into wintry sunlight, taking in the open sight of the large red barn, the still standing fence, and the field of overrun crops beyond. It was not her first time seeing it all but it was for her children, and she found herself curiously looking their way to gauge each of their first impressions. Nako, she was sure, knew plenty about the lands already, having been given a freer roam than his younger siblings from when Bane had brought him to stay with them, but for Jakart and Anais it was all new. Not for the first time she felt a sting that her mate could not be there; he was always so good at connecting with the children because of his relaxed ways. "Here we are," she stated rather uselessly, continuing to stand and glance around herself. Here she was with her family, in the midst of the pack lands. Now where were the others? OOC: I missed my table, so bringing this back for a beat. xD Such brightness! Sincerest Regards, Tahlia Carlier

She had not been too far when she saw the three walking through the kingdom, Miss Tahlia and her two children, Anais and Jakart. A brow would raise at the sight, wondering where the third child was, Nako. With Bane perhaps? Perhaps the woman was coming to show her children to the kingdom, how wonderful, would she look for mentors for the two also? With a smile Loccian would move away from the plant she had been inspecting, and within a few minutes she would be upon the group, stopping once she was a few feet away. "Miss Tahlia, children." She would look to the woman, giving a dip of her head then repeating the action to the children. "Nako off adventuring with his father?" She would ask curiously. Her tone was friendly, not holding any grudge or ill feeling,and definitely not trying to bring th woman's mood down. She was just wondering why the the boy wasn't with. "normal. talk. think. you." Awesome table by Andy <3

Jakart stumbled after his mother around the trees of he forest, legs much to long, his mother to quick and snow to loose. The young wolf's mind wondered where his father was and if he was ok, a whine of concern creeping out of his muzzle while attempting to follow Tahlia. The thing that was called a barn was beginning to get closer, Jakart staring at the structure ripping through the trees as they walked. Nature hadn't build this perfect and oddly shaped tree, that was for sure. Dad said nature doesn't have straight lines. Tahlia said they were nearly there, which was weird because shouldn't one say that when the destination wasn't in sight? Kind of in sight? Partially?

The eventually all made their way out of the treeline, the thing called a barn now definitely in sight. "The barn tree thing is a pretty color. Dad said the two legs make long standing things." Jakart looked back at his younger sister Anais, a familiar voice bid greeting to their family and Jakart tossed his head back to see who it was. The pup fell onto his back and wiggled to his paws with an excited yip upon seeing Loccian. "Hi Healur. Nako ish somewhere 'round here, dunno where though. But Anais is here with us too!" Jakart poked his nose as his sister, feeling proud for introducing his littermate.

Walk | Talk | Think The same sort of difficulty with the snow that was hampering Jakart's movements was doing the same for Anais, turning her usually spry and prancing gait into something more uneven and graceless. Despite the looks she was receiving from her mother, and the occasional almost trips that she would make in the snow, the pup was excited and grinned to show it. Finally she and her brother were getting their chance to see the rest of the pack lands! It felt like forever that they had been confined to the little space around their den and she was incredibly eager to get out and see what else there was to the world around her as well as meet as many new faces as she possibly could. Starting first and foremost with the pack. Yellow-gold eyes stared in awe as they finally managed to reach the end of the treeline and step out into the open territory beyond, fixing her gaze upon the barn and listening as her brother spoke about it. "Wow. It's really big," she murmured thoughtfully, hurriedly taking a few steps forward as if contemplating darting off to go investigate when they were approached by one of the pack. Anais quickly turned back around and scrambled through the snow to return to Tahlia's side, putting on the prim and proper smile her mother had been telling her to use for this day. It took the gentle prod from her sibling to break the demure illusion, the girl breaking out in another grin that she shared with her brother along with a wag of her tail. Unable to help herself, she asked, "Have you been to the barn? What's it like? Is it scary?" The little shiver that passed through her might have been fear but her adventurous mind was quick to only register it as excitement which caused her tail once again to wag eagerly. -- anais brb: adventuring

Walk | Talk | Think The pups, as to be expected, were nothing short of excited. Both of them were already eying the barn that stood at a short distance from them, and she half thought Anais might simply dart off to go investigate without any sort of go ahead from her mother to do so. Their excitement was a good sign to the nervous mother, confident now that the two of them might find something worthwhile inside the territory to keep themselves busy and perhaps even others there to make friends with. It was never too early in her opinion to start making good connections. She only hoped the choices of their parents before them would not be held against them. Loccian approached before the children could dart off and though Tahlia still felt somewhat odd and uneasy around the healer - uncertain just how far the woman's contempt went toward her husband - she managed a cordial smile as her children introduced themselves and said their hellos. Neither conducted themselves in the same manner that she would have immediately approved of, but she did her best to write it off as age. They were still incredibly young, not yet old enough to learn of the manners and conducts that Tahlia wished to instill in them. With time, she thought they might excel, but for she merely sighed and tried to view them as the children they were instead of what she aspired for them to be. Between the questions they posed for the healer, Tahlia spoke up to her in answer to her question. "Nako is here inside Seracia," she answered, having yet brought the pups to see their father outside of their home to visit his new one. She was still rather upset over his banishment and though she did not mean to keep his children from him she wished to do what needed to be done first - mainly get them introduced to the pack - before she brought them beyond the borders. "I expect he will show shortly." He was never very far from them, not typically, and she doubted he would wish to miss his siblings finally being given the same freedoms that he himself already possessed. But cutting through the natural noises around them, causing the mother's ears to perk in puzzlement and attention, the youth's voice carried across the land toward them. Nako. The voice was undoubtedly his, somewhat frustrated and seeking help, though it was not her that his call was aimed for. Brow furrowing gently, perplexed, Tahlia let her head turn slowly back toward Loccian with a confused expression. "He calls for you," she stated, her tone just slightly incredulous. Why did the boy call for the healer? Was he injured? Did he need healing assistance? A twinge of worry coursed through her at the thought, glancing swiftly at both Jakart and Anais before settling her gaze upon Loccian and wondering what the healer would make of the call. OOC: Figured I'd make a little mention of the other thread since it's taking place around the same time as this one. Tahlia might follow, though I haven't decided how quickly yet. :s Sincerest Regards, Tahlia Carlier

Ears would swivel towards one of the pups who spoke of the barn, Jakart who quickly fell to his back, wiggling his paws with an excited yip when he noticed Loccian. She would chuckle at the child, smiling towards him ad his sister, and giving a small nod of her head when he told her where Nako was and Anais. The girl was much different, rather than rolling over in a playful manner she was a bit more shy, going to her mothers side at the sight of the Ambassador but still showed off a lovely smile. She asked if Loccian has been to the barn, what was it like, was it scary? "I have in fact little one, I used to have a den in there but now I use my old den in it to store my herbs to help my packmates feel better when they are hurt." She lowered her head so it was level with the girl, flashing a friendly smile. "Don't go there alone though, or the sharp tooth will gobble you up." She wasn't one for scary stories or rceeping children out, but she could try. Loccian's attention would shift back to Tahlia, ears would perk up, the woman informing her that he was here in Seracia and would be here shortly. ?Ah, that's good, all the pups should be together to meet their pack.? Her tone was light as she gazed down at the two once again. Just about the same time as the woman, Loccian's ears would swivel at the sound of scratching not too far away. A loo of confusion coming over her face as she looked to Tahlia, even more so when she said he called for her. Why? She wasn't close to any of Bane's children, especially Nako. Oh, maybe she was thinking too much maybe he just was hurt and didn't want to worry his mother. "Probably just got hurt and doesn't want to worry you. One moment." She tried to reassure the woman before moving towards the boy's voice. -exit loccian for a bit...?- "normal. talk. think. you." Awesome table by Andy <3

The dark woman had been like a shadow lately. Throughout the lands of Seracia she moved, undetected by any wolf, as she searched for one brute in particular. Had she merely asked Destruction might have found out what had happened with him. But something deep inside the femme knew that all was not well. Her head lifted, nose scenting the breeze for any kind of lead. Tahlia should be back with her pups by now... right? A small pang rose in Destruction's chest. The thought of Bane's children with the other woman made her briefly think of Dillinger... and then the promise she had made the brute. Crimson ringed eyes slowly slid closed as Destruction breathed in. Yes... there was a promise to be kept... and... was that not Tahlia's scent on the breeze? Eyes opened, a brilliant shine of determination flashing within them. Bane was gone... and now was the time to play her part. Destruction shot off towards the back of the barn, moving in stealth, as if she were the morning fog creeping in. Would Bane have spoken to Tahlia of their promise? Destruction was not sure... but she would not go back on her word.

Slowing as she came to the edge of the barn the femme peered ahead, seeing two pups, Tahlia, and another Seracian female. The healer -- Loccain. Destruction moved forward, keeping her eyes on Tahlia and Tahlia alone. She didn't care if Loccain was with her... but she knew that by Bane's absence something indeed had happened between him and Maverick. The feeling of anger welled up within her stomach, but she forced it to calm. Now was not the time to be picking fights with her alpha. She hadn't really done much for the pack herself, though she had attended the last meeting and volunteered as a mentor. But... in the end it was all for nothing. The pup she was to mentor disappeared. Feeling a lack of purpose and further depression for her own loss, the femme had gone off within Seracian lands in solitude. But now that Tahlia was back there was a job to be done... and Destruction wouldn't turn away from it.

Ignoring Loccain's presence Destruction dipped her head to Tahlia in greeting. "Tahlia, welcome back. Children... welcome to Seracia." The woman shifted, lifting her head so that she was looking into Tahlia's eyes. There was a soft look in them. "I had come to you once before, for reasons you alone shall know, Tahlia. But I come to you now for another reason... relating to your mate." Here Destruction paused, glancing at the young pups before looking back to Tahlia. "A while back, while you were still pregnant, Bane and I spoke. He wanted me to be the godmother of your pups, should anything ever happen. Whether or not it is your wish for this to happen or not know this..." Destruction glanced at the children once more before looking to Tahlia. "Whether in the light or in the shadows I will always remain a loyal friend to you, Bane, and these pups. I shall watch over all of you, until my last breath has left this body." Destruction's gaze had hardened into one of pure seriousness. Even if she didn't have Tahlia's permission she was going to look out for this family. She hadn't even realized that Loccain had left.

Jakart yipped at his sister and wagged his tail. "I'f never been to the barn silly, though I think Nako has." The juvenile then smelled a familiar one approach their family, his little nose poking into the air. Loccian, the healer that had helped bring them into the world, Jakart shifting around awkwardly on the snow to get in between his mothers forelegs. The Seracian healer looked about for a second and spoke her greetings, also inquiring as to where their older brothers whereabouts were. "Hi Loccian, Nako's around here somewheres cuz he likes to be by himself." The pup buried his face into his mothers sternum and mumbled off the rest of what he was going to say, not hearing the healer speak of a monster.

The pup poked his head out from around Tahlia's legs shyly with ear swiveling as he heard his brothers call, for Loccian. That was weird, and just a moment before the healer departed Jakart tilted his head at the new wolf coming towards them, the black furred female speaking a welcoming to the pack. She spoke in a warm sort of tone to the pups then at Tahlia, the pup coming out further and laying in the snow in front of his sister. The she-wolf speaking words that he didn't quite care about at this point in life. It was all older wolf stuff anyways. But one word kept echoing inbetween his ears and with a toss of his head he looked behind him and asked while falling onto his back. "Wa's a godmother mom?" Jakart's impact made a poof of snow fly into the air, and he smiled.

Walk | Talk | Think Bright eyes stared upward into the healer's face as she spoke about the barn, admitting to having been there before and therefore containing a knowledge about the place that Anais was eager to hear about. There was nothing truly of interest at first other than finding out the older woman had used the place as a den and then converted it into a storage facility for her medicinal herbs - a area of work the young girl had no true interest in - though as the wolf lowered her head level with hers and mentioned teasingly of the Sharp Tooth she felt a little shiver race up her spine. Sharp tooth? Mother and Father had never mentioned that. Eyes wide, Anais glanced first at her sibling, who appeared to have missed the story, and then upward at her mom beside her, stunned expression asking without words whether what the healer said was true. Could there really be a monster in the barn? She was left to figure it out for herself as the conversation moved on and her mother answered the healer's earlier inquiry, wondering about her missing brother. Her thoughts still ran with the idea of the Sharp Tooth until the sound of Nako's howl filled the treeline, beckoning none other than Loccian to him. Anais's expression puckered slightly in confusion as she glanced upward at the two adults again, listening as the healer spoke and then proceeded to leave. Part of her hoped Nako was alright; she and Jakart were only just now allowed to go adventuring with him and she hated the thought of missing out on that. Her attention shifted to another wolf who had approached, a dark colored female with bright, red eyes. Her whole bearing was strong and rather intimidating, but there seemed to be no true hostility behind her posture or ill-intent in her approach. Forgetting entirely for the moment the monster that lived in the barn, Anais listened as the woman spoke to her mother about their father and something that had been decided. It was all an unfamiliar concept to the young girl as she glanced between the dark colored woman and her mother, listening without quite comprehending. Godmother? Was that anything like what their true mother was to them? Jakart was more swift to speak up, though turning to glance upward at Tahlia beside her Anais quickly jumped in, "Yeah, what is it?" -- anais brb: adventuring

Walk | Talk | Think Tahlia said nothing as Loccian excused herself but continued to watch the grey woman as she padded out of sight, internally fretting over the boy who was not present. Was the healer right? Had he injured himself and was attempting to keep it from her? She hoped it was true that any injury he had was miniscule and easily fixed. He might not have been her own flesh and blood but he was still under her care and her protection, and naturally she felt responsible for him and anything that should happen to him inside the pack. Hopefully it is nothing serious, she worried, letting her attention turn first upon her pups and then upon the company she only just noticed had arrived. "Destruction," she said, a little touch of surprise in her voice though a pleasantness all the same. Of all those within the pack, the dark colored woman had been one of the most hospitable to not only herself but her entire family as well, estranged husband included. Her tolerance and kindness were not things that Tahlia could take lightly and so she had immediately felt a kinship with the woman from the start, even managing to smile now as she attempted to put her thoughts away from her absent step-son. It became apparent rather quickly that the woman's visit was not simply out of cordiality. She came bearing a message from Bane, something that had been discussed between the two of them that she seemed to find appropriate to share. Knowing the history the two wolves shared, there was admittedly as mall twinge of worry and perhaps even a little jealousy that sparked within Tahlia's being, but she hit it all behind a curious expression, opting for silence as the woman explained. Godmother. It was certainly not what she had expected, though honestly she had not the slightest clue what to expect at all. But at the same time, she was comforted by the words, knowing that her family had a friend in which to call on in troubling times, someone to count on no matter what. She could hardly find the right words to answer at first, though with the pups at her paws eagerly requesting an explanation of their own she was able to. "A godmother is someone who promises to help take care of a parent's children," she stated, glancing at little Jakart lying upon his back and then Anais still seated beside her. "Sometimes when the parents are not there." Allowing her gaze to shift to Destruction, she smiled gratefully, sincerely. "And thank you. I am glad Bane appointed you godmother." Sincerest Regards, Tahlia Carlier

Today was a good day. Dragon went about his duties, patrolling, early morning hunt, checking in on his pack mates to ensure they were good and well. And today his path would lead towards the barn to see if he could rustle up a game quail for Aeil today. They were quite tasty, and he knew just how much she loved good tasting food. He laughed to himself at the thought, Aeil always had an appetite for good meat. As he approached the barn, he caught the scents of several individuals. Curious, he would change his course to meet their paths. Though his course was only slightly changed since they were on the other side of the barn. Upon seeing who it was, a smile would grace his features when he saw the familiar form of Destruction and Tahlia. His smile grew wider upon sight of Seracian children. He approached swiftly, stopping when he was just feet of the women and pups. "Good day, Miss Destruction and Miss Tahlia. I see you've brought the pups out today. They seem healthy and vibrant and full of energy. I am sure they will be great for Seracia's future, you must be proud, Tahlia." He gave a warm smile, wondering how she was faring since her mate had been exiled. Though he would make no comment, not now. Not in front of the children. Speech Thought Others

Destruction's eyes flicked down to the pups, a gentle light in her eyes as Tahlia explained to the children what a Godmother was. Her gaze shifted back to Tahlia, and the femme dipped her head. "Of course, Tahlia." Even though she wasn't really apart of their family, at last Destruction felt like she was. The femme sat down, watching the pups for a moment before looking around. It would be likely that another Seracian would soon approach them. Soon Dragon was approaching them, and Destruction turned her head in his direction. She nodded her head in greeting, but left Tahlia to do most of the talking. Des shifted on her paws glancing back to Tahlia as she waited for the other female to respond to Dragon.


{{Ooc:: Sorry for the short post. Low muse.}}

Jakart wiggled against the winter byproduct and flopped on his belly to his paws before shaking himself off with a misting of snow. Ears swiveled about on his head as his sister asked what a godmother was right after he did, the little male nodding along with his sisters inquiry. His mother had named the new dark furred godmother that has come up to their little conglomerate. Destruction. That name sounded weird as the baneling tried to say the word without pause. "Dehstruq, destuct... destuction... Des? Can I call you Des instead Destruction?" Jakart spoke quietly to himself except for the latter question directed at Destruction while the adults talked about stuff.

Another more older male came by to greet the gathered wolves, speaking about this little ones and how they would be the future wolves of Seracia. Jakart tilted his head and pulled back slightly at that comment, a confounding sense of confusion as he struggled to make right of his bewilderingly mystified mind. Future of Seracia... that meant at a later time right? When him and his siblings were older? Thoughts condensed again at the familiar grey shape coming down through the trees, the youngest pup's smile growing as Nako got closer.
"Nako's here wiff Loccian and he doesn't look hert." Jakart yipped and took a step forward to greet his older half brother, forgetting to widen his paws again and falling muzzle first into the deep snow. Nako tumbled into him and rolled Jakart onto his back and began licking his muzzle with endearment.

OOC: acceptable order of posting?

Jakart
Anaiss
Tahlia
Dragon
Destruction
Nako
Loccian

Walk | Talk | Think There was only a slight pause as her mother seemed to gather herself before speaking, going into her short explanation of what exactly a godmother was. As far as her small mind was able to comprehend, Destruction did sound like a second mother, a stand in to help her real mom, and though she could not imagine anything happening to Tahlia for her to truly need assistance from anyone to take care of them aside from their own father the concept still excited her. A godmother... Youthful face stretching into a smile, Anais turned her yellow-gold eyes upon the burly woman in a friendly, inviting way, welcoming her quietly into her family. Her attention shifted over to her brother momentarily until someone new joined them. The unknown male was just as large and intimidating in stature as her godmother was, but even more so for the scars that he wore and brandished without shame or embarassment. They reminded her very much of her father and his numerous scars, though this wolf did not seem to have the telling one that both her dad and half-brother possessed, the special mark of the Talutah. He smiled at them kindly, a fact which easily brought about an answering one along with a wag of the tail from the girl as he addressed her mom. Everyone seemed very interested in talking to her mother today; perhaps today really was a very important day like Tahlia had kept saying. Jakart noticed their brother's return before she did, but no sooner had she heard the words leave her sibling's lips she was turning her head with her ears perked forward, immediately spotting Nako as he traveled toward them. Tail wagging all the faster to have her knowledgeable elder brother there for their first day out and free of the confines aroun the den, Anais bounded after Jakart, making up for her inability to walk correctly upon the snow by trying to leap clear of it as best she could with each bound. Of course, watching her brother tumble head first into the snow brought out a sudden fit of giggles that slowed her progress, but eager to join the two she made the last few leaps to reach them and thinking Nako had Jakart pinned she leaped forward with an excited yip to interrupt him and at the very least distract him enough so that her littermate could get his footing again. OOC: Posting order works for me! -- anais brb: adventuring

Walk | Talk | Think It was a great comfort to know and feel as if she had help within the pack regarding her children and their upbringing. As much as she liked to feel confident and independent, Tahlia was feeling very strongly the loss of her mate and the knowledge that some disapproved of their union to begin with. He had been her other half not in only the sense of their marriage but in the sense of their children, the softer side to her sternness. Without him, she was constantly second guessing her techniques with raising them, worried that she was being too hard on them, wondering if she might be able to be softer, more kind, less strict, and still receive the results from them that she wished to see. Was she going about it entirely the wrong way? Now, with Destruction there for her to speak with and seek assistance from, she felt the load lighten somewhat, enough to make it bearable again. Quietly her dark golden eyes traveled over her children and then upward as another large figure approach, this one a mottling of dark and light tones of grey and black. Vaguely Tahlia recognized him, though it took a moment longer for a name to join along with his face. Dragon, is it? He was kind as he joined them, not imposing nor nosy in his manner but polite and patient. With a kind smile and a careful glance at her children to assure herself that they still behaved, the mother wolf nodded her head politely. "Very proud, yes," she answered, noting that he failed to mention their father and uncertain whether that was because he was still clueless about it, as she was sure Maverick had intended it to be, or simply out of kindness for her. Her ears shifted to accommodate the yipping voice of her son as he spoke up, and her gaze followed his to spy the older sibling to her children as he came within view along with the pack's healer. It was a relief to see him well and able to walk on his own; whatever he had called for must not have been that severe then. She glanced between the pup and the older wolf who traveled with him, as if trying to gauge just how their little visit had gone, but her attention broke with a sigh as Jakart fell into the snow and Nako and Anais were quick to bound to him. Children will be children, she reminded herself, holding her tongue about the matter though she was incredibly curious to find out from Loccian why Nako had called her away. Sincerest Regards, Tahlia Carlier