Pyrrhic had finally made it back to Risen. There was a tremor in his limbs that wouldn’t go away. His pale gold coat was bleached of color thanks to a heavy coating of ash that resisted his attempts to shake it free and his paws were blistered and weeping. Here and there throughout his coat small patches of fur were singed away; evidence of how close he’d come to losing his life to the falling fire. He didn’t remember having slept once since the inferno on the mount but surely he had, right? What he had seen... A violent trembling started in his chest as he remembered. Very soon it shook him from his toes to his ears and he had to stop, plant his feet, and will himself to stay upright as fear caused his vision to narrow and his breath to come in ragged gasps. He stood quietly, shaking and whimpering softly, in the grips of a small and private hell for several long moments. Though he was alone in the corridor when the episode finally ended Pyrrhic was left feeling embarrassed, frustrated and defeated by his obvious weakness. He was weak. Weaker than he should have been. His father had died on that mountain. That wasn’t an excuse for the fear that had gripped his heart since he first started running. No, it was conviction. Pyrrhic had had enough time to think about what he had seen and to add meaning to his father’s actions. He’d combined his opinion of his father with what he’d seen as a righteous act and come away with the belief that his father had died without fear. It was that belief that now shamed him. If his father had the dignity to live and die fearlessly how could he, Pyrrhic, be so fearful now? He was a failure. An Abraxas worthy of culling. In the throne room he sat down heavily and wiped a dark paw across his face in a futile attempt to make himself more presentable. At this current moment Risen was safe, but he had seen the ash clouds coming and he knew what came with them. The Empire needed to know what had happened and they needed to know what was on the horizon. With a dry and quavering voice Pyrrhic summoned the pack. "Pyrrhic" "Benkos"

OOC: first round ends September 12th!

Tsarvix Tsarvix came immediately to the call, though it was perhaps the first time he'd heard Pyrrhic's voice call for an emergency and not Malleus. His brows knitted in confusion, but the devout wolf came as fast as he could regardless. He arrived in the throne room before any others, taking a place close by to Pyrrhic while he awaited the rest of the pack. This must be about the terrible fire in the distance - the erupting mountain. Was it a signal from God? Would this be the time Pyrrhic spoke of when they could take back their world and their heavens? Tsarvix was impatient to hear his God's will, but sat quietly waiting further information regardless. The Heir would not keep them waiting long, he was sure. But where was Malleus? "Speech." "You" "Think"

Rain had felt the tremor of the volcanos eruption and had gone above to see what had happened. To his horror he had seen a great wall of black ash seemingly covering all the northern continent. He had felt the winds change as for the first time, snow came to Auster in cloying ash. Doom hung in the air, even from their distance and Rain could feel the change in the wind. The meeting hadn’t been a surprise, but when he saw Pyrrhic, covered in ash with patches of fur missing and blisters on his fur he immediately felt his heart fall out of his chest and drop into an icy pit. “Fauldr get warm water and a rag.” He commanded and the monkey set off to do his duty. Rain moved past the brown man and moved toward Pyrrhic without a second thought, his heart racing as he took in the totality of his appearance. “Let me see.” He muttered quietly, shoving off his pack hurriedly as he tried to examine his paws. Where was Malleus? Had he seen what had happened to his prince already? Did he know the amount of pain he must have been in? Did he know how strong he was? Fauldr returned carrying a bowl of warm water and rags and moved to clean the male’s fur if he allowed it, careful to avoid any of the blisters. "Talk"  "Thought"   "You"

Aureus turned his head and wretched, coming to a stand still as he tried to make his heart stop shivering in his chest. Subtle tremors traced their way down his limbs and he sat down heavily, tears welling up at his eyes for the fifth time in a matter of moments. Pyrrhic had given the news to his siblings, the news of their father's death and it just didn't seem like it could be real. Aureus had to get some air to think even though he knew he didn't have much time. Pyrr would call a meeting soon.

Anger burned a hole in his sorrow. He was furious at that monstrous traitor, Archon, a wolf who was supposedly family but one he never really knew. He was furious that that wretch dared to attack his father and he was furious that the Fallen god hadn't bothered to save him. He felt betrayed on multiple fronts. Why did the world have to be so fucked up?

Aureus bit back tears of sorrow and shame. He was a full grown warrior now and here he was whimpering like a pup but he just didn't know how to stop the emotions that roiled through him. In particular was a gnawing, biting fear. How were they going to live without Malleus? How was Risen going to keep going? He just couldn't see it. Aureus tried taking deep breaths to stop the tears but the underlying emotions pulled and tugged at him beneath the surface like a mischievous current just aching to drag him under.

His brother's call rang out and Aureus turned from the garden back to the castle. He swiftly moved to sit near his brother and await the meetings beginning. What more could be said between them and what good were more words anyway?

Iroh hadn’t been invited or allowed on this most recent trip, and as he watched the clouds as they were spewed forth from somewhere in the north of Boreas he was almost gave thanks to the fallen god. When he heard Pyrrhic’s call Iroh didn’t miss the lack of strength behind it, then he did thank Abraxas for not sending him. What had happened? The yearling raced to his cousin’s presence, curious, concerned, and wondering where their alpha was. Blue and lavender eyes widened slightly ass he took in Pyrrhic’s appearance, and Sarabi covered her mouth in shock. Was Benkos alright? Iroh remained silent as he waited to be addressed, something was very wrong. He tried to take a seat close to the Heir, but had no desire to crowd him. Iroh coiled his dark haunches beneath him and waited.

Erys recovered more quickly the second time he’d been saved. He wanted to go and be away from Pyrrhic before something bad happened to him. Branch and Lydia had helped him, and Branch lost his pack while Lydia lost her life. The yearling was convinced both were because of him. When he saw the distant signs of the eruption he knew that he was too late. Something terrible happened. Pyrrhic was gone on a trip to Boreas, and that’s where the volcano erupted. He was in the tallest tower still accessible, watching the smoke and ash build in the sky, when he heard his savior’s call to assemble. Erystotle made his way down the treacherous stair to the throne room where a very burnt Pyrrhic waited. Silver eyes wouldn’t leave the older boy as he found a place to sit on his own. However much he wanted to give and find comfort in the wolf who rescued him.

What was going on? She noticed something was awry when she saw the thick plume of smoke in the distance, rising high in the sky. It seemed so far away, and yet.. the throwing cloud of ash that had begun to spread through the sky seemed to be creeping closer and closer. Were they in danger? Was the rest of the world? For a moment she found her mind drifting to one particular wolf - didn't Theory somewhere near? Vaguely? - but her attention was soon brought back to the present by Pyrrhic's emotional call, that rang out through the castle and bounced from wall to wall. Instantly Thalia felt a prickle of worry grip her mind. Were they okay? Where were Dion and Saren - and their parents? Quickly she clambered upright and headed toward the throne room, searching the small group that had gathered, but to no avail. Her family was okay, right? Whatever was happening was far away... or so it seemed... though with each moment that passed the thick smoke seemed to creep closer and closer to them, blocking the sky. It was foreboding, at the very least - and Thalia couldn't help but fear it was a sign from their God, and it certainly didn't look like a good one. Chewing on her lip, she slowly settled down near the others, eyes expectantly turning to Pyrrhic for answers.

Pyrrhic sat there numb and gone in spirit until Rain raced over to him. He blinked hard as the smaller male attempted to look at his paws and then when it finally occurred to him what Rain was doing Pyrrhic placidly lifted a paw so it could be examined. He didn't shy away from the primate's touch either. "Thank you," he said quietly, his eyes on the ground. He waited for the pack to arrive and was surprised when none of the older Abraxas answered the call. Sure, he was only the Heir as far as they knew, but he was still the Heir. Not only that, he had (at least for himself) live changing news to share. For his siblings not to come was one thing; they already knew part of what he had to say and their grief might have made it difficult to come. His siblings couldn't know he had more to say. The rest, though? As far as they knew this was a meeting same as any other. They should have come. It was their loss. Pyrrhic lifted his head and took a deep breath as he eyed the small crowd. These were the loyal ones. The active doers. While he was disappointed in those that hadn't shown up, perhaps it was for the best that they wouldn't get a vote. Now, how had his father always started these things? He cleared his throat, tried to will himself to be strong, and then said as his father had always said, "Thank you all for coming." His eyes found the ground and then pinched shut as he tried to hold it together. After a beat he lifted his gaze again and said, "I'm afraid...I don't have good news for you. Some of you know that my father and I went north to Boreas to take care of a rogue Abraxas. We met him on the mountain and... things didn't go well. Him and my father fought and..." He didn't want to say it again. Pyrrhic's eyes dropped to the ground again briefly. He clenched and unclenched his jaw before lifting his head and staring defiantly at those gathered. "My father died a hero on that mountain. He took that bastard with him," he spit the last sentence angrily. "And then the mountain exploded. There's a giant ash cloud headed this way. I'm sorry to spring this on you all like this but we have to make some decisions and we have to make them fast. There's no time..." his voice hitched and he trailed off. He closed his again eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them he had made his decision. Pyrrhic set his jaw and lifted his chin. "We have things to discuss. I don't think we're going to be able to stay here but...that's not our biggest problem." He bit his lip. "I had a lot of time to think about this on the way down here. I don't think I can do this. I'm not strong enough. So...I want you to pick a new leader. A true Abraxas. Someone who can do this. Because if you don't, either you're stuck with me," he said, his eyes filling with tears, "Like this or...or...we're done and we all go our separate ways. So what do you want, huh? Tell me because we're running out of time." "Pyrrhic" "Benkos"

OOC: These are the options! You guys can nominate an active Abraxas (characters can nominate themselves) to be the new leader, you can vote to disband, or you can vote to follow Pyrrhic. Know that if you pick Pyrrhic he will turn away from the Abraxas religion/way of life and remake the pack. Latecomers are barred from voting IC (unless their player is on official absence, I can work with that) as Pyrrhic is angry with the no shows. Everyone - absentees included - can discuss the future of Risen in the pack chat. OOC I want to hear all of the opinions.

Deadline is Sept. 24th so get your votes in!

Iroh wasn’t blind, and didn’t miss the way Pyrrhic looked less sure of himself than ever before. Sarabi seemed tense as well, and though Iroh hadn’t expected the news of Malleus passing he knew there wouldn’t be pleasant words. Dark ears fell to his skull, but his eyes didn’t leave Risen’s heir as he told them what happened to their alpha. The last bit wasn’t expected at all. How could Pyrrhic think he wasn’t strong enough?

Iroh stood defiantly and moved himself closer to his mentor, and what he considered his now alpha. Benkos wouldn’t have chosen him if he wasn’t sure of the Heir’s strength. Malleus wouldn’t have named him his heir. ”I’ll follow you pack or no, Pyrrhic.” He told his cousin, his words confident as he stood tall beside the wolf he’d looked up to his whole childhood. He was young, and didn’t know how much sway he held in the eyes of his mentor or the rest of the wolves gathered. ”You’re strong, like Benkos.” Iroh added as Sarabi nodded her agreement at the invocation of her husband’s name.

Tsarvix Tsarvix was not pained by the loss of Malleus, though he could see how it impacted Pyrrhic. He stood quietly as the heir explained the choices to make in the future and shook his head in disagreement as the yearling spoke of choosing a new leader. It was Pyrrhic who brought him to Risen and his loyalties would always be with him. "I agree with Iroh." He responded softly, as if unsure if he should be allowed an opinion. He was only mortal, after all. "I will follow you anywhere." Emerald gaze turned to regard the rest of those gathered, visibly upset that not more of them had come to Pyrrhic's call. How could they consider themselves loyal followers deserving of a place in heaven if they did not accept Malleus' decision to make the yearling heir? His command was supposed to carry nearly the same weight of the alpha. His lips pursed in anger, and he waited to hear what the others would vote. "Speech." "You" "Think"

Thalia wasn't quite sure what to expect. Where were her parents? Her brother and sister? She was already uncertain about things, but even more nervousness crept onto her features when she realized none of her family was there. Her brow furrowed, attention fixing on Pyrrhic as he began to speak. His.. his father was dead? There was no chance her parents been there too, right? She felt panic flood her, but she willed herself to stay calm and rational, despite every bone in her body begging her to do otherwise. Briefly her gaze lifted to the sky, wondering what had happened. Was God angry at them? Surely he wouldn't have done something like this if he was pleased. It was all she could do to not wrack her brain for something she'd done wrong, though she knew if he was angry it was likely at all of them, not just her. But they had to do something. And Pyrrhic was standing here admitting he wasn't sure he wasn't sure he was strong enough. But someone had to be, and it sure wasn't her. She was too young. Briefly she was reminded of Theory, and how she was now heir to her pack... could she step up and do the same? As much as she wished she could, she knew she wasn't the right choice. But was Pyrrhic? She couldn't lean on her parents to figure it out, and now she - and all of them - were being asked. "I'll follow you too," she spoke up. "To the ends of the earth." And beyond, she added quietly in her head. Family came first, above all else - that much had been ingrained in her since she was young, and in the midst of a tragedy it seemed even more important to follow that mantra. Unless someone else wanted to stand in his place, of course. Someone needed to rule.. and though Pyrrhic was young, he was an example of a loyal Abraxas if she'd ever seen one. Imagining him ruling over them inspired her more than irritated her, and she supposed that was enough to accept him as leader, unless someone more fitting tried to claim his throne.

Erystotle didn’t know how to feel. The curse had struck yet again. The boy’s blue marked ears fell to his horned skull as he lowered his form to the ground. He didn’t want anyone to see him or realize that he was the one to blame for the misfortune. He had to tell Pyrrhic. Not now, he couldn’t in front of everyone, they’d rip him to shreds. Later, when everyone settled down..

The boy didn’t even know if he was given the option to vote, he was here to recover.. and then what? He wanted to go where Pyrrhic went, to try and repay the debt that he’d accumulated. Pyrr saved his life, and now the curse.. He remained silent, but sat back up as three others offered their voices. They wished to follow the heir as well. Erystotle nodded along with them, but he’d have to confess his sins later. He was the reason for the volcano. Pyrrhic had to know, and when he did surely Erys would be shown the door.

His heart broke in an instant. Malleus was dead? How could that be? How could he have been killed by a faithless heathen? How could the fallen god have allowed that? The path before them seemed desolate and rife with trials but he knew in his heart that Pyrrhic would lead them. “I believe in you Pyrrhic.” He muttered, moving his head to press against the young male’s shoulder if he allowed it and lifting his pa to hold the other male’s. “I will follow you to my last breath.” He said quietly as if he were uttering a prayer. “You’re so much stronger than you know.” "Talk"  "Thought"   "You"

Aureus could feel his heart racing in his chest as his breathing shallowed. He was trying so hard not to cry as his brother gave the news. He felt sick. A knot hardened in his stomach, sharp and cruel. He barely heard his brother's words, he felt so numb, like the world was just spinning on without him.

Aureus snapped to attention as his brother spoke of not being strong enough. Now that was some nonsense! Pyrrhic was definitely strong enough and smart enough but he could understand needing someone else to rule. They needed to grieve. This was their father. He felt like he was in no shape to make any intelligent decision. He felt like he could barely think at all, like he was thinking through sludge. His head tipped down to stare at his paws as he debating what he wanted to say. Aureus honestly wanted to just run. To just go somewhere else for a little while til he felt like he could breathe again.

"I… I don't know. I just want to get out of here. I believe you're strong enough and smart enough to lead this pack Pyrr, but if you feel anything like I do then I think we deserve the right to grieve. If you need someone to take over then just say so. Right now… right now I just can't even think. I just don't know. Please, let's just go. I can't stand being here any more."

His heart pounded in his ears as he waited for their answers. The first was Iroh, whose response brought a sad smile to Pyrrhic's lips. The boy's response was both heartening and heartbreaking; proof of the friendship he had cultivated with his young cousin. Next was Tsarvix, who humbled Pyrrhic further. He wasn't sure if he deserved the mortal's devotion anymore. At one point he had been so certain, but now? What if he was the wrong choice? What if Tsarvix had put his faith in the wrong Abraxas?

Another of the pups, Thalia, daughter of his great uncle, spoke up next. He hadn't spent as much time with her as he had Iroh and that fact left him conflicted. Had he done her a disservice or was it better for her that they hadn't formed that same sort of friendship in case he failed?

Rain quickly added his two cents and Pyrrhic's humbled gaze found the ground. It would have remained there if he hadn't forced himself to look up and try to meet the poisoner's gaze as the smaller male placed his paw on top of Pyrrhic's. Perhaps it should have struck him as odd, but he was comforted by Rain's proximity and the tenderness of his actions.

Aureus was last and to him Pyrrhic simply nodded in understanding. He shared his brother's feelings on the matter.

Finally he looked up at those gathered. Until now he had been cowed into silence as they gave their support. He was humbled by it and ashamed by his behavior up until this point. Pyrrhic had expected rejection. He'd been prepared to accept the expulsion and ridicule he thought he deserved.

”Thank you, all of you,” he said softly before clearing his throat and searching the eyes that were on him. ”I think...it's time we started over. For now we'll move west to The Runestones. I don't know how far the ash cloud will spread but that should give us time to decide on what to do next. Gather what you can and tell those that you meet along the way what we are doing, but don't spend too much time on them. They've made their choice,” he said with a bitter edge. While he wouldn't stop anyone from coming along and seeking to remain with the pack, he had decided it was time to separate the sheep from the goats.

Benkos appeared behind Pyrrhic. Like his wolf companion he was a bit bedraggled, but even in his unkempt state he managed to keep a nonplussed demeanor. He appeared unfazed by the events that had so shaken Pyrrhic. Pyrrhic glanced at him, made eye contact, then addressed the group, ”If you need help carrying anything Benkos offers the services of his soldiers.”

OOC: Those not in attendance still have a chance to stay in Risen! Just make a thread for Pyrrhic in The Runestones by October 31st  to discuss staying. After that point anyone without a thread will be automatically removed from the roster. Everyone else, I'd love a thread with each of you as well! It's time for Pyrrhic to get to know everyone better. He also wants opinions on what kind of changes should be made to Risen.