The last time he had been here he had met the woman Arthfael from his very own pack. She had been a pretty woman, but there was something about her that had really dissuaded him from pursuing any kind of friendship with her. She had been much too friendly and he wasn't sure that her friendliness had been with pure intentions. Tonight she was nowhere in sight he was rather glad. He liked his solitude at times and tonight was one of those nights. Well, it was atleast until his thoughts started wandering back to the challenge with his father and the Valhallan queen. He had stuck by his distant aunt's side the entire battle, nearly on the edge of charging in to save his father. He had just met his aunt that day at the battlefield, but it had been like he had known her for much longer. Their interactions were natural, much less forced than those with his pale ghost of a father. He liked his aunt. She was a beautiful woman, her coloration much the same as his mother's, though her coat had that blue-ish tint just like his. It was funny really, that he looked more related to his aunt than he did to his own father. Genetics. They were a funny thing. Powerful inky limbs pulled the man towards the edge of the point, right where the arch overlooked the ocean. It was a beautiful place during the day but it looked even more astonishing during the night. The ice spires around him seemed to almost glow with their iridescent moonlight shining down on them. Cool oceanic breezes swept in from the ocean, ruffling his two-toned fur, filling his nostrils with its salty scent. Icy gaze danced across the dark waters, his mind drifting with thoughts of his aunt, wondering if his relationship with her would be different than his the one with his own father. Talk like this

Whether by coincidence or otherwise, Sendoa Armada found herself fleeing the kingdom by her own choice, and moving toward a land she hardly knew. She would return, as always, but her wandering soul would not let her stay put for very long. Besides, in her few ventures outside of Glaciem, she had found this land to be aesthetically pleasing - and so she would venture off once more. Her idle mind replayed the battle scenes, pausing on those brief moments when her pallid half-brother made such beautiful attacks and counters. He was a phenomenal being, and much of her heart rightfully belonged to him, but another man had managed to creep his way in - the one she had viewed the battle alongside: Taurig. His link to her brother was not particularly visible, but it clearly resembled her - though she had played no part in brining the child to life. Funny how things like that worked. He was a remarkable lad in all aspects, and Sendoa found her heart growing fond of them, even though they had met but once on that fateful day. Even in the midst of summer the land that stretched before her paws managed to hold its icy exterior. It was remarkable, really, but she didn't question it. Sendoa rather liked the snow and ice, it's brutal temperatures forcing the strong to remain so - or die trying. It was an honest truth, one she rather liked the thought of. Genetics were important, and if one wasn't strong they shouldn't be allowed to procreate - that was her brother's mindset, and very much her own. A wolf wasn't worth his or her salt if they couldn't prove themselves in battle. ?Taurig,? she would call out, almost before her mind could fully realize that it was indeed his figure looming before her. Her paws brought her closer, so close she could inhale and draw in his masculine scent. ?Not thinking of jumping, are you?? That would certainly be disheartening. Her fangs would seek the tip of his steely tail, with intent to nip it mischievously. Physical play made up more of her social skills than her vocabulary. ?speak,?

His father had lost the challenge for the girl Liberty. Isardis had lost. Taurig was finding it hard to get that through his skull. His father, the one man who thought himself to be better than anyone, had lost to the Valhallan queen and he had lost in front of his wolves as well as the council of Valhalla. How was the pale ghost taking it? The Knight wouldn't know, he hadn't seen his father since the challenge. He wasn't sure if he was avoiding the pale king because he wasn't sure what kind of state he would be in or because he just didn't know how to look at his father anymore. Isardis would boast about his greatness but now...he didn't have the right to boast anymore, not when he had been defeated in front of an audience. But the grey-blue titan knew that it wasn't over. Oh not by a long shot. He knew his father wouldn't take this loss lightly. Just as he had obsessed over Liberty, he would obsess over this loss and he would make his obsession. The red faced queen would see his father again, and perhaps it would be on worse terms next time. Taurig could only wonder what his father had in store for Alacritis. But thoughts of imminent wars and his father's defeat were cast aside as a familiar voice called to him from behind, ears twitching backwards to catch the sound of his name. Taurig. His head would crane around, icy gems coming to fall across his aunt's familiar blue-black figure, mere inches from him as she asked if he was contemplating jumping. A smirk twisted his ebony lips, a moment taken to glance back at the ocean. Jump. The thought had never crossed his mind. He would never take his own life; that was the cowards way out and he was by no means a coward. If he was to die, it would be at the jaws of an opponent in the heat of battle, defending what he believed, not because he decided to take his own life. His smaller aunt would reach towards the tip of his tail, nipping at it mischievously, causing the gargantuan to flicker her nose with its tip before turning away from the point to face her, taking the few steps necessary to close the gap between them. Sharpened daggers would seek the closest ear, nibbling at the tip as he tugged at it gently, smiling. Only a coward would take his own life aunt Sen, and I am no coward. Rumbling lyrics would fall from inky lips as the brute pulled away, giving his aunt an affectionate nuzzle as he gazed down at her. Can't sleep? Or simply wandering tonight? Talk like this

Icy blue eyes would stare back at her, seeming to delve into her very soul - or whatever was left of it. Emerald pools stared back, piercing through his thick layers. He was a stoic man, but rightfully so. His father shared few emotions, but those he did share were given freely and openly. It seemed Taurig had not gained this trait, at least not as openly as his sire. Sendoa's lip curled in the right corner, hoping Taurig wouldn't turn out to be just like his father. As much as she loved Isardis, he had his faults. One of which being his pride, which had led to his loss in battle with the valhallan harlot, Chrysanthe. Sendoa would have to speak to her brother about his nearly deadly mistake. He gave a rather serious response to her posed question, calling it cowardice to take one's own life. Her lip crinkled. ?I would have to agree with you in most cases,? she paused, contemplating. ?But some lives aren't worth living, Taur.? If one couldn't live and thrive, why not take their own life and rid the world of their burden? ?Enough of that talk.? She was in no mood to go down such a dark path on this night. ?Wandering, not much goes on at home lately since Isardis is out of commission.? It was true, with her brother's injury coming in such a sensitive area, she had hardly seen hide or hair of him in the past few days since the brawl. ?You?? His affection was warmly welcomed, and reciprocated in the form of a deep rumble in her throat and the flash of her fangs toward his cheek. ?speak,?

He was forming a new family here. It was by no means a way to replace the one he had back home, but it was just a safety net for him to go back to whenever he needed the comfort of a familiar face. And his Aunt Sendoa was just the one for it. She was much easier to be around than his father, given her more relaxed nature. He barely even knew her, but he had taken an instant liking to her and his affections towards his aunt would only grow with the passing time. Emeralds would meet icy diamonds, a smile quirking one side of her jaws at his response to her question of jumping. I would have to agree with you in most cases, but some lives aren't worth living Taur. His expression would become solemn, dark brows furrowing together. She did have a point there. If one could provide nothing else for his fellow packmates with his very existence, then why not do everyone a favor and disappear? It was a morbid way of thinking, but it was basically the rules of survival. Survival of the fittest. If you couldn't pull your weight, then you didn't need to be around. The topic would quickly be cast aside and Taurig was happy to let it go. He didn't want to spend the night with his aunt contemplating the usefulness of other wolves. She confirm his suspicion; simply wandering. A nearly undetectable wince would flash across his features. His father had been injured in the one place that no man ever wanted to be injured and with the pale ghost being as prideful as he was, had disappeared since the challenge and no one had seen anything from him. He would resurface soon, the Knight was sure, and things would take a turn for the worst. You? Sendoa would throw the question back at him, banishing any thoughts about his father. Pretty much the same. I found this place a while back when I was exploring the north and it was beautiful during the day. I was curious as to what it looked like during the night. His lips would quirk in a grin as his aunt nipped at his cheek, daggers appearing as they went to gently nip at the edge of her nose. He usually wasn't the type of man for physical affection, but it just seemed natural with his aunt. Talk like this

There was something about him that was familiar, comfortable. It wasn't the same as with Isardis, whom she had practically raised for a year or more of his life. No, Taurig she had only just met, but the aura all around him allowed her to feel as if she had known him for a lifetime. She rather liked it. She didn't notice his wince, mostly because she was thinking of Isardis. As prideful as he was, she should have expected him to hide away and coddle his injured manhood before returning a triumphant king once more. Still, he had a duty, a position to hold. How would his women ever see him as powerful if he couldn't shake off a little bite? If she acted in such a manner Isardis would see her unfit as a warrior and would chastise her weakness. Still, these were thoughts she would dare not voice out loud. These thoughts existed only in her mind. His incisors would part to give his reasoning for being here and she would nod, allowing those same fangs to graze the edge of her nose. She would offer a snort in return. ?I can imagine it is a fine place in the daylight - but I much prefer the light of the moon.? Sendoa had always been a night owl, and probably always would be. ?Look how stunning you are in the moonlight, Taurig. I can hardly believe none of your father's women have tried to take advantage of you.? Perhaps she was teasing, perhaps not - he might never truly know. ?speak,?

She would snort in response to his light nip to her nose, causing the titan to chuckle in response, a grin splitting his ebony lips. If only he could have a relationship like this with his father, but as always, it would always be wishful thinking. I can imagine it is a fine place in the daylight - but I much prefer the light of the moon. Ears would prick forward with attention, crown nodding in agreement. He could see where she was coming from. The night was a lot more peaceful, less wolves to run into, just a good time to be on your own with your thoughts and the beautiful landscape around you. He wasn't too picky when it came to the times of day; he liked either just as equally. The next words that would fall from his aunt's lips would have him blushing like a mad man, his grey-blue coat luckily keeping the heat beneath the skin hidden from Sendoa's emerald gaze. He was quick to recover, brushing off her words with a gentle chuckle. Thank you Sendoa, but I'm not much to look at it if you take into consideration that most in my birth pack had similar coloration. But if we're talking about looks, you are quite the stunning woman. I'm surprised that you haven't broken any hearts yet. His eyes would glint mischievously in the moonlight, really surprised that no one had yet to approach his aunt and see if they had a chance with her. She was a spectacular warrior from what he could see of her physique and if she was his father's sister, then clearly she would be art in motion when in battle. He hoped to one day be able to catch her in action, though not with her getting hurt of course because that would not be tolerated on any level. Talk like this

His laugh was melodic and intriguing, though she had expected a man like him would brush off her comment. He was far too strong and powerful to admit that it had pierced to his very core, but she wouldn't have had it any other way. Sendoa's hips kissed the earth, intent upon staying longer and sharing a few more words with her half-nephew. His company was appealing and interesting - and she was not keen on leaving it anytime soon. ?Coloration is nothing my dear, it's how you wear it.? She smirked, the devilish glean of her pearly white teeth shining in the moonlight. How wonderful it was, to be this candid with such a splendid man. But as for the comment he made toward her - that would result in a genuine laugh from the woman's lips. ?Oh don't sugar coat it, Taur. I'm nothing special.? She would smirk, her skin tingling with just a bit of heat. In truth she had broken a heart or two, but never intentionally or knowingly. Sendoa was a natural flirt, especially when the male could prove himself in battle. However, she wasn't known for sticking around long, though it seemed she would have to since she was now a solid part of Glaciem's stronghold. She would tilt her head at him, realizing he may be the first actual friend she held for more than a few days. ?Have you fought?? Perhaps it was a random question, but it was one she was certainly interested in discussing. The man was a Knight of Glaciem, after all. ?speak,?

Sendoa would sit herself before him, clearly ready to spend a good deal of time talking and Taurig was more than happy to oblige. Powerful haunches would fold beneath the titan, lowering his massive frame to sit on the chilled earth, icy gaze focused on his aunt's figure as she spoke, a devilish grin twisting her velvety lips. It wasn't about what color you were, but how you were your color. Hm. That was an interesting concept, one Taurig wasn't sure he quite comprehended, but he got the basic idea of it. He wasn't a woman therefore didn't stress too much about his looks, so possibly the meaning of his aunt's words were half lost on him, but he understood for the most part. Or at least he thought he did. The grin across his lips seemed to be a permanent addition to his features that day as Sendoa's laugh rung in his hear. It was an infectious laughter, one he could tell was genuine. I'm not sugar coating it, you really are stunning Aunt Sen. You're pretty special to me, since after all you are family. He was glad his aunt had decided to come looking for her brother again and decide to stay in Glaciem. He would charge into battle alongside her any day because unlike the other alleged guardians in the pack, he knew he could trust his aunt Sendoa to have his back in the heat of combat and he would hope that she trusted him enough to have hers. Have you fought? His aunt would then change the subject, bringing up the topic of fighting. No I haven't. I've trained and trained, but I haven't participated in actual combat. But I have a feeling that that might change some time soon. If his father continued on the path he was on, there would be no doubt that Glaciem would have a war on its paws and Taurig would have to fight. No question about it. Talk like this

Her tail swept toward her, meeting the contour of her hips and melting into them. Ears tipped to a comfortable level, but remained flickered forward to catch his reply. He seemed intent upon having his comment stick, and so she would oblige him for the time being. Another chuckle slipped from her lips, this one more breathy than the one before. ?You are special too, Taurig, but not because you are family..? She would trail off theatrically. ?Because you are you.? Though she scarcely knew him, she felt as if she knew his soul, and that was more than enough for the time being. He seemed a worthy man to have even a bit of her affection, and so she did not mind dolling it out on him. It wasn't as if there were any other prospects, after all - and who's to say she shouldn't be affectionate toward her family? He and Isardis were all she had in this world. His answer came, shunning all thoughts except those that were linked to battle. The boy had not fought, but he had trained and was prepared for battle that would soon be coming. It seemed he knew of the war her brother and his father was about to bring them into. ?Keep up with your training, Taur. I am confident you will be ready - but I warn you,? she swallowed hard, unsure if she should voice the rest of her wisdom. ?Do not make your father's mistake. He would have won that battle but he grew prideful. Pride has no place in battle, it only comes with victory.? She drew her tongue across her lips, an ear swiveling back as memories from her brother's battle flashed on the forefront of her mind. He had been marvelous up until that pivotal moment. Granted, it had been a traitorous move by Chrysanthe, but Isardis should have been prepared. A low rumble bubbled deep in her chest - she didn't like to think of it. ?speak,?

This was nice. Spending time with his aunt, talking about things, especially things like combat and war. For others it probably wouldn't be the usual casual conversation topic, but for the Knight and his seasoned warrior Aunt, it was absolutely normal. His aunt's voice broke him from his thoughts, ears pricking forward with attention to the words that fell from her dark lips. You are special too, Taurig, but not because you are family..Because you are you. He was always one for deep thought and Sendoa's last set of words had his mind whirling. Because I'm me... Because he was himself. But what was so special about him? He couldn't understand that and he wasn't sure that he would ever understand it. He was special because he was himself. Did that mean that others weren't themselves and pretended to be something that they weren't? Not wanting to bother with it, Taurig set those thoughts aside, focusing his attention back to Sendoa as she spoke up again, encouraging him to continue training while at the same time warning him that he shouldn't be prideful like his father because that could cost him severely as it had Isardis. Don't worry Aunt Sen, I am the last wolf you have to tell to worry about pride. Pride isn't part of my vocabulary for that matter. He tried to reassure his aunt without talking himself up because he really wasn't prideful. He was a warrior through and through, focused and precise, not looking to best others because he wanted to prove that he was better. He just simply did his job to the best of his abilities. Nothing more, nothing less. Talk like this

It wouldn't take her long to realize her reasoning for thinking he was special was rather cryptic, but she didn't really mind. She didn't have a way to explain why she thought him special, she simply did. Perhaps it was because he was one half of the family that she had left, or perhaps it was because he had been there in the heat of battle - which always tended to get her in the mood, or perhaps it was something different entirely. No matter what it was, even if she could explain it she probably wouldn't have. Sendoa wasn't lovey-dovey in the slightest, and wasn't ever the best at sharing her emotions. He began to assure her that he wasn't a prideful being. Perhaps it was that which she found so special about him. Sendoa was rather prideful herself, but she knew how to keep it in check - her brother sometimes did not. Then again, a lot of wolves didn't know how to control their pride - even herself at times. ?Glad to hear it,? she smiled, a genuine flash of pearly white teeth. ?and should you ever need experience in battle, I've never been known to turn down a good spar.? Granted, here and now with the potential of falling into the abyss was probably not the best place to spar, but another day or night in Glaciem might be suitable for extended training with her half-nephew and friend. Regrettably it had been a while since the battle-scarred vixen had had a good brawl. ?speak,?

War. It was making the young knight anxious and fidgety. He wasn't a violent man, not by any means, but when you went from training every single day of your life to training once or twice in a season, it was bound to have a bad effect. Taurig wasn't used to doing nothing and especially not being able to spar. He'd worked himself into a comfortable routine of patrols to stay lean and keep any fat away, but it wasn't enough. Besides Argent, who he was beginning to see less and less of, there was no one else for him to spar with him and it was really frustrating at times. He seriously needed to spar but there was no ne available for the job. There was the elder healer and warrior Erani, but she was all the way in Valhalla and it didn't seem like the smartest idea to go traveling down there in search of a spar given the tension between the two packs. He was better off trying to coax one of the feistier females into a gentle spar with him but even that didn't appeal to him. A smile graced Sendoa's lips, encouraging one of his own to curl his inky kissers as his own daggers flashed in response as she offered up herself as a potential sparring partner. Icy eyes light up, muscles tensing in anticipation. He wanted to spar now! But as a fierce oceanic breeze swept over the point, throwing their similar colored coats all about, he realized that it wouldn't be the idea place for a spar, given the danger present. He wasn't looking forward to taking a midnight dip or smashing his body against sharpened rocks and he was sure his aunt wasn't either. You'll probably be hearing from me soon about that. He chuckled good naturedly, reaching out with a ebony paw to bat at his aunt's muzzle playfully. Talk like this

She would find her eyes roving over his steely frame, remarking in the pure beauty of the man. His silvery coat glistened in the moonlight, accented by his dark points of ebony. She was darker in hue than he, though only just. Still, she almost felt a note of jealousy pricking in her chest. There was something noble about a man who could control his pride, a man who trained for battle and was ready at a moment's notice. She could scarcely imagine how handsome he would be when a scar or two accented his brawn. Oh how she loved men who wore scars. But that was beside the point. He remarked that he would probably take her up sooner than later on her offer, to which she offered him a nod. ?I count the minutes,? came the eager tones. It would be nice to stretch her seasoned muscles. His paw aimed for her muzzle, and instinct would drop her jaw as incisors sought to nip gently at his limb - all the while preparing for the pressure of it likely hitting her muzzle if she missed. However, at the last second she allowed her jaws to click shut on open air, feeling the weight of his limb carry forth into the side of her muzzle. She chuckled and stood to her paws, knowing she ought to be heading home before daylight dawned on the north of Alacritia. ?I'd better be going, perhaps I can dig up that father of yours to make sure his pride isn't too badly bruised.? With a final nudge of her nose on his shoulder, she would take one last drought of his scent before turning tail and heading off toward their home. Exit Sendoa unless stopped. ?speak,?

He could his aunt's gaze roving across his large mass, but he didn't think anything of it. She had suggested that they spar sometime and he had made it pretty clear that she was going to take him up on that offer. Maybe she was just assessing, trying to see if there was anything right off the bat that she could help him with. Had someone else been around maybe they would've noticed that she wasn't assessing him, but checking him out. He wouldn't have believed them either way because he respected his aunt too much, but it was the clear truth if he were to know about those kinds of things. But he didn't, so he wasn't able to see the intent behind his aunt's emerald gaze. Not that he needed to know that kind of thing. Another flash of ivory daggers were seen as she remarked that she counted the minutes until their spar. A chuckle rumbled in his massive chest as she stood, ready to head home to see if she could find his father. He followed her lead, rising back onto his inky paws, though he wasn't going home yet. He wanted to watch the sunrise across the ocean. He nodded in response to her words, catching her ear in a quick nip as he watched her leave, waiting until her figure disappeared into the darkness before returning to his spot on the point, icy gaze dancing across the horizon, waiting for the familiar rosy hue to tint the edges of the ocean and announce the rise of the sun. END THREAD Talk like this