The woman had done what she came to these lands to do. She had passed information along regarding the death of her only living child's father. She had ascertained that the girl was well and was thriving. Honestly, she needed nothing more than that. Resin did, however, give her child the option to seek her out if she felt the need. Whether the saber toothed man passed the word along or not, she didn't know. He claimed that he would and he seemed to have some honor so.. she would see.

The sky was covered in clouds today. Rain was on its way. It didn't seem to bother the birds, however. All around on the ground and in the trees, they called and squawked. A little annoying, but Resin was here simply because she enjoyed this sort of terrain. Now, the giantess lay upon a raised mound of earth that was quite dry in comparison to the land around it. There were no plans in her future. For once, the woman was as free as the birds around her.

Casting a glance over one broad, silver and onyx shoulder, the woman fixed her eye upon another form. "Perhaps we'll hunt tomorrow after the sun dries the grass." Today she had eaten nothing but a small rabbit that she'd happened upon. Her stomach would be protesting by morning. A pair of wolves could bring down a decent sized meal, however. Hopefully Iolaire would arrive today so that she could leave these lands in search of larger game.

"Talking" & Thinking

Rain. The smell of it hangs thickly in the air and it takes all of Meadow’s self-control not to dance a few steps. The small woman loves it when the sky opens and unleashes the water. It is not, necessarily, the act of raining that makes her so cheerful. While she does love to watch the droplets fall to earth, the effects of the water are what really delight her. Flowers can flourish, rivers may swell and rainbows always shimmer across the sky. Oh yes, the promise of rain brings her heart much joy.

Green eyes watch her sister’s form as the birds talk to each other of the coming rain. The mound of earth that the giantess lays upon seems to be drier then the ground around her. A smile ghosts very lips as she moves around, never straying too far from Resin’s presence. She is nervous but excited to be here and that energy bleeds over into movements. Small paws press firmly into the soft ground as she continues to move. 

The smaller wolf listens as Resin says they will hunt tomorrow. She nods her skull, a slight pang of guilt hitting her that she could not find more food for them. Lowering her head, she sniffs the ground once more for any scent of prey that might be around. After a bit, she shakes her head and the lighter female gives up hope of finding any more food. 

With a happy voice, Meadow says, “Tomorrow will be a better day. The rain promises it!” A smile crosses her face as she moves towards Resin’s resting place. Sitting near her sibling, Meadow waits with her. Eyes look over her sister before her head tilts back to track the rain laden clouds that loom in the sky. 

This day holds so much potential.

Sirius walked side by side with Io to the aviary. It seemed oddly fitting to the giant of a man, that they would find themselves heading this way. This was where he had first meet his sister, first realised what had been missing from his life and claimed it. Now they were here to claim the mother of his sister. If she so desired to be claimed. A twitch of a smile graced his dark lips as he thought of putting himself against the large, scarred woman. To take ownership of her by force, instead of invitation. He knew such a thing would set Io against him, and so he quelled the desire. Perhaps Resin might agree to a friendly spar, sometimes soon in the future. He could settle for that instead of a claiming, so long as her leaving did not upset his sister.

The clouds smelled of rain, and hung thick, and ominous in the sky above them. For this reason, Marshal had stayed in the pack, safe in his den at the Oasis. A hard storm could injure his winged companion, and there was no reason to risk the advantage his flying scout gave him, not today.

Instead, Bast walked beside the pair, a few steps behind and beside Io. It was obvious his leopard companion felt a fondness for the healer, a friendship even perhaps. Her head was held high, and ears swiveled this way and that. She would allow nothing and no one to creep upon this reunion that was not already invited.

It was odd that she felt slightly nervous. Why would one be nervous about going to meet their own mother? Probably because, after all these years, she still wanted to impress the woman. She wanted to show her mother that she wasn't just some broken runt. She was a force to be reckoned with, despite her size. Her mind and character more than made up for her lack in stature. Would her mother be proud of her? Or would she be the same, unfeeling beast that she remembered?

Sirius walked a step or so ahead and Io walked beside Bast, taking comfort in the big cat. Her brow was furrowed and she was deep in thought. It wasn't until she heard the raucous call of the birds that she looked up from her paws. Nervousness sliced through her again and the small wolf slid her cheek against the small cat for comfort.

Coming upon the dais of earth where her giant of a mother lay, Iolaire's ears tucked against her skull. There were more scars than there had been before. Quite a bit more. Other than that and a few white hairs scattered here and there, the woman looked the same. The small wolf stepped forward. "Mother," was her only greeting. She'd begun to speak again, but a familiar form stepped out from behind the grey and black wolf. Iolaire blinked a few times, ears flicking forward. "Aunt Meadow?" She was thoroughly shocked.

Resin gave a small smile at Meadow's constant enthusiasm. The smaller woman seemed to hold all of the emotion that Resin herself lacked. It was Meadow that should have been a mother; not Resin. She was severely lacking in compassion and patience. Perhaps that was why her children were dead. All but the one that approached.

As soon as the birdsong changed, Resin's thick skull swiveled in the direction that she knew Iolaire would come from. The girl... no, she was a woman now... approached with the toothed wolf and a cat in tow. Resin did not rise. She simply watched with that singular sulfur eye as her child drew near. Io offered a somewhat stiff greeting and how could she blame her? Resin hadn't been there for the majority of her child's life. They barely knew one another. "Iolaire," the woman offered a slightly raspy rumble in return.

It seemed as though Iolaire was more excited to see Meadow than she was to see her own mother. The surprise and excitement in the girl's voice was evident. It didn't even cross her mind to hold it against the child. It was impossible to not feel some sort of positive emotion when Meadow was around. She was contagious with her emotion.

While Iolaire addressed Meadow, Resin looked past her to the giant man. "Thank you for relaying my message." She then offered a nod to the cat before looking back to her daughter, curious to see the interaction between the pair of women.

Listening to the birds and the calm breathing of her sister helps to ease the nervousness that churns within her. The excitement, however, bubbles up as more and more time passes. Soon, she will see get to see Iolaire very soon! The restlessness seeps back in and it takes all her willpower not to move or wiggle or twitch or fidget. She plays a game with herself, she calls it statue. The rules are simple; how long can Meadow sit still for. The longest she ever sat still for was ten whole minutes. That is pretty good for her. 

Then she hears it, the change in the birds. Meadow watches Resin’s head turn in the direction of the approaching group. Okay this is it. Big moment, the thought, ‘Don’t trip over your paws’ skitters across her mind. Standing she hears Io greet her mother and Meadow appears from behind her sister. A wide smile, that makes her eyes sparkle with the joy she feels, stretches across her face. 

A happy squeal of, “Iolaire!” is the only warning the woman gives before racing forward to greet Io. Quickly realizing that Iolaire might not be happy to see her or want to be embraced, she is a woman now after all, Meadow slows her charge of happiness. Also, there is a rather big man accompanying her and she doesn’t want to appear a threat to him. Stopping a short distance away, Meadow says, “Hello Iolaire! I have missed you!” Looking back at Resin, the smaller sister amends, “We missed you!” 

Looking back at the trio in front of her, Meadow adds, “How have you been? We want to hear everything.” Her eyes watch the small woman, just happy to see her again. Too long has passed since she has seen her but the love she feels toward Io is still as strong as ever. Finally, hoping that she is not embarrassing her, the lighter colored woman smiles and offers to move to embrace her niece, if she wants it.

Bast took a seat beside Io. A silent, steady pillar of support without being an overwhelming presence. Sirius stopped a pace away, watching the interaction with quiet curiosity until the stranger appeared in view/ only the lack of reaction from the other woman kept his hackles down.

Io’s sheer delight in seeing that woman was further assurance, and all he needed to know that the woman meant them no harm. The stranger - ‘Aunt Meadow’ as Io called her, greeted her niece with warmth and love. A great deal more than her actual mother. His attention slipped to Resin as the other two women got a chance to reconnect. He nodded his head quietly in response to her thanks. He sunk his claws into the earth, and prepared for waiting as the two more enthusiastic wolves met in the middle. He would be a silent guard, and one that suppressed all desires to challenge Resin

Surprise was an understatement. As far as she knew, her aunt Meadow had been killed with the rest of them. But here she was, whole, sound, and just as bubbly as ever. The hesitation in her aunt was obvious, but Iolaire found herself moving towards the larger woman to pull her into an embrace. She remembered loving her aunt. While her mother was stoic and rather absent, Meadow had been very much a part of her childhood and had filled it with love and stories. The pale fae admitted to having missed her, then corrected herself to say that they had missed her. Iolaire shot a hesitant look towards her lounging mother. It didn't seem as though the giant woman had missed her, but with Resin, it was always hard to tell.

Pulling back from her aunt, she listened as the perky fae exclaimed that she wanted to hear everything. No... Iolaire wouldn't tell them everything. Her ears drooped slightly, but perked back up lest her mother read her. "We can talk about that later, Aunt Meadow." Taking a step back, she motioned towards the resting man. "This is Sirius: Warlord of the Ashen Armada." She turned to the leopard. "And this is Bast." She felt nervous mentioning her ties to the man, but she did so anyway. "Sirius is my adopted brother. I am his healer and ambassador for the Armada." See, mom? I made something of myself. Tail twitching slightly behind her, she asked, "I was told that my father is dead. How did he die?"

It was a slightly awkward gathering. The discomfort was palpable. It wasn't discomfort aimed at Meadow, but at herself. There was a hesitancy in her daughter that she had expected, but was still a little surprised to see. As Iolaire and Meadow shared embraces and pleasantries, the ash and onyx woman pulled herself to large, black paws. The corner of her single eye tightened in a wince as she stood. There was a large amount of tightened scar tissue upon her chest and shoulder. It hampered her movement somewhat and, though she aimed to move fluidly, there was a slight limp in her front left leg.

As she neared the bottom of the tiny hill, Iolaire asked her how her father had died. Resin stared straight into the girl's multi-hued eyes. "I killed him." Without another word, the woman extended one thick foreleg and drew her tiny daughter into a slightly awkward embrace. "You never have to worry about him again." Lowering her nose, she inhaled Iolaire's scent, testing her for illness and simply just remembering the smell of her. "And we have missed you." An admittance of feeling. That was something that the behemoth rarely did.

After releasing Iolaire from her embrace, Resin looked towards the seated man. "Thank you for all that you've done for Iolaire. You obviously mean a lot to her." Perhaps she would eventually see just why he meant so much to her. It couldn't be because she was attracted to him. They'd claimed the ties of siblings. Then again, mating between siblings wasn't uncommon. She wouldn't question it, the woman would simply let events and interactions tell the tale for her.

Laughter trickles out of Meadow as Iolaire embraces her. It feels so good to be with her again and she has so many stories to tell her niece. Perhaps she could corner her one night by a fire and tell her all the tales. She had always loved to tell stories by fires as the leaping flames seemed to enhance them. Yes, some night she will track her down and they will talk; just like old times.

Eyes finally find the man that was with Io and she suddenly remembers her manners. With a dip of her head and shy smile, Meadow says, “Hello Sirius! As Iolaire said I am her aunt and yes my name is Meadow.” A nervous chuckle escapes and she looks at Bast, again dipping her head in greeting. She is thankful that Io has found someone that has become family. The woman deserves to be surround by good wolves and Sirius seems like one of those. 

Hearing movement behind her, Meadow turns to watch Resin raise. The wince not going unnoticed by the smaller wolf and a sigh escapes her as she watches the slight limp in Resin’s step. She wants to help her sister, to ease her pain and heal the wounds but she is not a well-versed healer… yet. One day she might be able to help but right now, she just feels helpless to comfort the hurting woman.

Listening to her sister speak, the lighter woman cringes when Resin’s blunt words inform Io of the death. Well, there it is was, all fact and no sugar coating. Mouth falls open in surprise as the giant woman embraces her daughter. Resin had never been the ‘touchy feely’ kind, so for her to embrace her daughter and then to admit she felt something… well it leaves her momentarily speechless. 

Quickly recovering from her initial shock, Meadow finds herself with a goofy grin on her face. This day is full of surprises. Listening to Resin talk to Sirius the smaller sister finds herself looking at the man curiously. Apparently, her manners had once again fled her as she watches him. Io trusts him and, based on that fact alone, Meadow trusts him too. She offers him a warm smile and says, “Thank you Sirius for everything you do.”

Eyes turn back to Iolaire and Meadow wants to acknowledge the woman’s accomplishment of being the Ambassador of the Armada. With great enthusiasm the smaller sister says, “That is amazing Iolaire! I am very proud of you for doing so well for yourself!” Oops, she did it again. With a quick amendment, she says, “We are very proud of you.” Another wide smile and she looks between all those present.

Sirius inclined his head again, this time at Meadow as his sister introduced him to her family. The bubbliness of the woman was too much for him, he much preferred his quiet sidelines, and was glad the sunshine wasn’t directed his way. He was a little bit surprised, and also pleased, when the stoic Resin got to her feet to hug her daughter. He had a strong suspicion it wasn’t a usual act for the woman, and he felt some respect heading her way for biting the billet and doing what needed to be done. Especially when it likely filled Io with joy.

The limping of the woman would equally surprise him, and this time disappoint. If she was not up to her full strength, he had no desire to fight her. He wanted a challenge or nothing at all.

Uck the attention of all turned to him, as they voiced their thanks for taking care of a member of their family. Touchy feely with anyone other than those that already belonged to him, just made him uncomfortable. He forced himself to open his maw, for Io’s sake. “It was my pleasure. Io is a singular wolf. What she has, she earned for herself” and she was his. Even if these wolves did have a prior claim to her.

Shock was an understatement. When the maned woman rose and pulled the small healer into an embrace, Iolaire initially froze. It didn't take her long to sink into the embrace, however. Green and gold eyes closed and she pressed her face into her mother's chest. And then Resin informed her that she had been the one to kill her father. Iolaire pulled back, searching the woman's scarred face. "You're injured. Did he do this?" The chest that she had just been pressed against was given an inspection. There was new scar tissue and the flesh was discolored. It was healing, but wasn't quite healed yet. And, it was healing wrong. The tissue was tightening. If it continued to do so, the grey woman would lose some of her former range of motion. "I'll have to treat this. We don't have to do it right now, but soon." It was the least that she could do in repayment for killing the man that had destroyed her family.

The thankfulness of her kin and the kind words of Sirius in turn made her feel like a child again. Ears tucked against her skull momentarily and heat filled her cheeks. This was too much attention and, glancing at Sirius, she could see that he felt it too. The whole situation was so awkward...

"Umm," she started. "Sirius agreed to allow you a place in the Armada if you wish." She didn't really know what else to say, so she looked to Sirius for help, her gaze pleading.

Meadow was her usual, bubbly self. She could see the enthusiasm wearing on the Warlord. A slight grin tugged at the corners of the scarred woman's maw. If her positive demeanor bothered him, he could say something about it. It wouldn't change who Meadow was and would most likely only make her feel bad for a moment, but he could try. Meadow was too pure for the world that they lived in. Her enthusiasm would not be bridled for long.

As Iolaire sank into the embrace, she noted the wounds upon her chest and neck. She was questioned and the one-eyed dame gave a shrug of dismissal. "The price was worth his death." She would wear the scars with pride, as she did all of her others. These ones would be a reminder that the tyrant, the murderer of her children, was gone. "He is gone. The rest of his minions either followed him in death or dispersed. You needn't carry that worry anymore." She had done her duty. She always did her duty.

The invitation was given, sort of. Iolaire didn't seem very certain just what sort of invitation she was giving, and so Resin looked to Sirius where he rested near his cat. The ash and onyx woman wasn't one to follow. She was a solitary creature by habit. Pack life didn't suit her. If Iolaire believed that the pack needed her, however... she might be able to deal with it for a time.

There is a shift as the attention turns to Sirius and Meadow wonders if she has made him uncomfortable. Did he not like to be noticed? Curious. As her eyes turn to look back at Io she notices the tucked ears and, again, the woman wonders if the attention is too much. Or maybe it is something she did? Worry creeps into her mind for a moment but she quickly dismisses it. Surely, they would tell her if has done something wrong.

Listening to Iolaire and Resin talk, the smaller sister stays quiet; for the time being. When Io offers for them to join the Armada, the lighter sister’s head lifts a little higher and a surprised look crosses her face. Packs were not really Resin’s thing and, because of that, were not really Meadow’s thing. She would follow Resin anywhere and do whatever her sister asked of her. It is not that the small female did not like packs, it is just that she loves her sister more.

Looking between the pair, the green-eyed woman ponders how to approach this. She would not mind being a part of something bigger than herself but only if Resin was there. Meadow has never been the leader type but was always a good follower. However, her family was her pack and no one could take their place. She will let Resin take the lead on this. For now Meadow listens and is just content to be.

And there is was the invitation into their world. He read the awkwardness, the worry, in his sister, and he stepped smoothly forward, closer to the wolves that gathered about his Io. his titan form rising, and his steps slow and non-aggressive. As he stopped, this time in reaching distance, his claws dug softly into soil, and he kept his standing position. “Indeed. We are to be a pack of family, and warriors. We have a place for both of you, Resin, and Meadow, if you wish it. You can have isolation on the outskirts of the pack, or you can den more center-ward. If you have ambition, there is room to learn and grow within the ranks of the Armada.”

It was true that he was still seeking the perfect wolf for his rank of ‘reaper’ and he had his eyes now upon Resin. The scarred warrior looked the part, like death walking to those that crossed her. He wanted to test her mettle, and get a feel for what she would want within a pack before he offered it to her, but the thought was there.

Her mother spoke of her father's death again.  And also the death of his minions.  They had been a pack of simpering, cowering fanatics. Anything he bid them do,  they did so with relish. Had she killed them too? Io thought it was better not to ask. Knowing of her mother's conquests made the small wolf feel even more inadequate. Surely Resin had hoped for a mighty warrior daughter just like herself. Instead she had ended up with a runt that was half her size and couldn't fight to save her own life.

Sirius took up the torch,  explaining the offer of entry to the pack. He offered a place to both her mother and aunt and Iolaire looked to the pair of women expectantly.  She hoped that they would agree to join.  They'd just found one another again,  after all. And,  for as much as she hated her mother growing up,  Iolaire found that she wanted the woman around.  Wanted to see a little bit of what she'd missed growing up. 

Taking a step back towards Sirius, she stood beside him,  showing solidarity in their offer. "Will you join?" There was hope shining in the woman's eyes and internally she was repeating,  'Please say yes.  Please say yes. Please say yes.'

Ears perked,  listening as the man made his offer. They could live on the outskirts, could they? Iolaire must have spoken with him,  telling him of her pack aversion. No doubt the warlord would require something from them later. She could only wonder what it might be. 

Her tiny daughter went to stand next to the Saber toothed man and Resin was reminded that he was also her family now. Loyalty meant a great deal to the ashen titan. If this man was important to her daughter then she would try to see him as being important to herself as well.

Resins singular gaze drifted to her daughters face as she spoke. Though the girl tried to be grown and diplomatic,  she could see a childish glimmer of hope in Io's two-toned eyes. That was all that she needed. Resin needed to know that Iolaire wanted her here for herself rather than some familial obligation. "We accept," She answered finally. Meadow could speak for herself, but Resin knew that her sister would join as well.

As she listens to Sirius as he offers them a place on the outskirts of the Armada, Meadow feels more relaxed. While she loves to be around others, Resin does like her solitude. This will allow them both to have what they need. During the day, she can go visit others and at night, she can retreat to the outskirts with Resin. This will be perfect!

Eyes look at Iolaire as she asks if they will join and a small, soft smile appears. The smaller sister is ready to blurt out their acceptance when Resin calmly says it for her. Head turns to look at her sister, smile growing, joy sparkling in her eyes. They will all be together again and this makes Meadow’s heart happy. 

Looking back at Io and Sirius, the lighter woman says, “Resin has said it all! We accept and we are happy to be here!” She wants to jump up and down with delight but holds it in. The result is slight trembling from all the pent-up energy. She looks between Iolaire, Sirius and Resin, not saying anymore, just basking in their presence. 

Meadow feels that she is part of something bigger now and she will do everything in her power to make the others proud of her.

He sensed a little of Io’s worry, her and well he couldn’t claim to know exactly what brought her anxiety - if it was the thought of her mother saying no, or what Resin thought of her daughter, one thing was very clear. His support of her was absolute. He sat proudly beside her, his words claiming that pride as he told them the rank she held she had achieved for herself. He trusted no other with such authority, and he would have her family know that they should hold nothing but love and pride for the woman.

“Very good.” Sirius said as the woman and her sister accepted his offer. This mattered to Io, and therefore he would have it no other way. He allowed a small smile to slip from behind the seriousness of his expression - but only once his head had tilted towards his sister, and the expression was only for her.

The excitement of Io’s art was almost amusing, if only for the contrast to the seriousness everyone else held. Perhaps he could see the need for her moderation, not that he would admit it any time soon. “If you follow me, we can get you settled into the pack. Our home in the Oasis is only temporary well we wait for the volcano’s ash to die out, but you can settle in, nonetheless.”

Both women accepted the offer and relief shot through Iolaire. A breathtaking smile crossed her features and her tail began to swish back and forth involuntarily. Not nearly as fast as Meadow's, but the excitement showed all the same. "Thank you, she said to all three wolves." The tension that had formerly been in the small wolf's body washed away, leaving her feeling slightly wobbly. Iolaire leaned against Bast, giving the cat a gentle nip on the side of her neck. She was happy.

"If you'll follow us, we'll take you back and get you settled." With a pull of her skull, she motioned for the two women to follow Sirius and herself. As she turned and began to walk, she bumped her brothers shoulder with her own. "Thank you, Sirius. This means... so much to me." Iolaire's eyes became misty and tears threatened to flow over, but she wouldn't let them. Instead, she held her head high and walked the path back to their temporary home.

-Exit-