Let me in, unlock the door
10-15-2013, 09:08 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-28-2013, 02:35 PM by Iorwerth.)
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10-15-2013, 10:02 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-15-2013, 10:02 AM by Epiphron.)
The call of a stranger was nothing unfamiliar the Seracia. The Kingdom was known as a refuge for those who were loyal and pure of heart. And while Epiphron Adravendi-Mathias was no saint, she would never deny a home to someone who needed it, so long as their intentions were good. So it was with a light heart that she made her way towards the source of the stranger's call as it rang out across the range.
She held herself with confidence and poise always, and today was no exception to that rule. Head was lifted in the air, tail curled regally about the woman's back as she caught sight of the trespasser. He had crossed into their territory, but had called politely instead of further intruding. Epiphron's pace increased as she continued closer, coming to halt just feet from the young male.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Seracia. Queen Epiphron Adravendi-Mathias at your service," she introduced herself, tones possessing a bit of a flirtatious air. But she was ever-guarded, alert to the threat of wolves from Glaciem -- and never knowing if a newcomer was one of them. But his scent was not the least bit familiar. "What can I help you with today?"
10-15-2013, 10:24 AM
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10-15-2013, 10:53 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-15-2013, 10:53 AM by Epiphron.)
Epiphron's expression seemed pleasant, but otherwise unreadable, as the male began to speak. There were many possibilities when a stranger approached and called to speak with someone of power, and many of those were unpleasant. Perhaps it was more news from Valhalla about the current happenings? The mere thought made her stomach turn -- the children had yet to be escorted here, and she could only hope they were safe and sound at home. But this male's scent was wildly unfamiliar, and held no trace of her former pack. And so her worries subsided gradually as she came to rest upon her hindquarters, mere feet from him.
He introduced himself politely, and Epiphron found herself dipping her head in gentle respect. "It is a pleasure to have you," she said cordially, the corners of her lips turning upward in a gentle smile. "And I am glad you seek information before blindly joining us. The last thing I would want to do is have to force someone out because they do not live as we do." She was grateful that, thus far, she and Maverick hadn't needed to punish or banish anyone from the pack. The wolves here seemed to truly be good beings.
It seemed, though, that the easiest way to get to know a pack was to live in it -- but some general rules were also helpful. "Seracia is a good home," she started surely, blue eyes seeking his own gaze. "We ask very little of our members beyond contribution and respect. Contribute what you can, and you will be rewarded." They were keen to notice when members were being fruitful -- and also when they were sitting on the sidelines. And they would always have a home, but would never truly flourish unless they worked hard. "Also, we ask that you put the Kingdom first at all times. Help others, and you too will flourish. Beyond that, listen to your superiors -- we don't ask much of you, as I said. My husband is Maverick Tahir-Mathias -- your King, if you decide to join us. If you find this place isn't fitting, you are more than welcome to leave." There was no use in fighting to keep members who were miserable... she saw no good in keeping wolves who didn't want to contribute to the Kingdom, or do much of anything at all. "And please, let me know if you have any questions."
10-15-2013, 12:50 PM
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10-18-2013, 06:43 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-18-2013, 06:43 AM by Epiphron.)
Of course the Kingdom of Seracia was a good home -- she did not doubt that in the slightest. How could it be anything else with she and Maverick perched high up on the throne? She was a fair, steady ruler, who rarely wavered in her opinions -- she was fair and charming and kind on the surface. Stability was what seemed to ground most wolves, and that worked here, as witnessed by the many wolves that had settled down here comfortably. There had been few issues of rebellion, and little talk of unhappiness among the wolves. Iowerth would be smart to join them, especially before winter was upon them, but she would not beg him to join. The choice would be his and his alone.
"Then you are more than welcome here, Iowerth. As I said, we reward those who work -- you can only raise as high as you aim, and the sky is your limit." A smile danced across her features, eyes shining as she watched him. She was biased; born of a grand ruler, she never would've settled for anything less than power. And yet, unlike her brother, it did not corrupt her, but only made the goodness inside her heart grow.
"If you want, tell me a bit about yourself. I'd love to hear a piece of your story. Alacritis is such a large place, and I can only begin to understand what lies beyond it." It was a good a time as ever to show him his new home, and so with a flick of her muzzle she would begin walking, inviting him to join her. "Let's talk awhile and I'll show you your new home."
10-18-2013, 07:18 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-18-2013, 07:18 AM by Iorwerth.)
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10-21-2013, 09:09 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-21-2013, 09:10 AM by Epiphron.)
Epiphron could only hope that Iowerth would be happy here. Admittedly, it was not the most pleasant time to join Seracia -- the pack was abuzz with worries about the impending war that their close ally, Valhalla, had with the northern wolves of Glaciem -- but she hoped he would not be deterred by the events. There would be no need for him to be involved unless he desired to. Of course, it would be a different story if Seracia was being attacked directly, but luckily that was not the case.
This Iowerth certainly seemed a respectful fellow; a welcome addition to their family. One thing that Epiphron did not tolerate well was rudeness and lack of respect. Even she openly respected those below her, at least on the surface -- how else would she gain trust?
The male seemed content to join her, and while he was somewhat inexpressive, it was obvious he was not displeased. He would follow as she began to lead him into the territory. He began to speak, and her dual-colored ears would perk with genuine interest -- he was born of a pack called Ahlon, then went to one called Uroril. It wasn't something she'd ever heard of, so she figured it was a great distance away. It seemed to be a Kingdom also, but it seemed to be run slightly different than Seracia. More of a monarchy, with rulers chosen by blood alone. Certainly it was a consideration for her, as well, but thus far none of her own children had been placed in any outstanding rank. Not until they showed they desired it, and earned it. Though it was not surprising that her own kin might get consideration before others..
"Then I think you've come to the right place, Iowerth," she said thoughtfully. In the distance, the sight of the massive barn rose up in the sky. It was a peculiar sight indeed, but she'd learned it was made by the humans, the things with only two legs, long ago. The roof was caving in ever so slightly, but it was a wonderful shelter through the winter. "Though I can understand the pain of leaving family. I was not born in Seracia. I came here just three seasons ago. My marriage to Maverick was done to secure an alliance that we have with a neighboring pack, Valhalla. I was ruling there at the time, but knew that this alliance was best for my family." It wasn't entirely done selflessly, but did he have to know that?
10-21-2013, 09:26 AM
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10-22-2013, 06:50 AM
'There was no pain.' He admitted, and Epiphron simply smiled, dipping her head. "Even better then," she noted gently. If he wasn't the slightest upset at leaving his family, this was an even better outcome for him. "I can't say I've been in a situation quite like yours. My family is quite close." Epiphron wasn't bragging; simply sharing a piece of herself with this newcomer. She was growing more certain that he would find some kind of happiness here. "I, myself, have four children. Three by blood, and one adoption. I'm sure you will see them soon enough." They were hard to miss, especially after seeing her husband with his striking russet coat. Her children all bore the same coloration -- even the adopted one had a tan coat with a vivid white marking on her eye.
He noted the structure in the distance, and slowly she would adjust her vision to watch him. "Something the humans made," she noted thoughtfully. She'd never known them herself, but the stories had been passed on. "The two-legged creatures that used to rule the earth. I guess this is something that they made. I've heard all of their dwellings were like this." It seemed strange to her; so unnecessarily large for a home. "It's a good, stable structure in times when shelter is needed. But there's some strange things in there you need to be careful of." Eventually they would come upon the structure and she would slip inside, avoiding the large metal tractors and other various machinery -- which she, of course, had no idea what they were for. "Beats me what any of this is for... but careful of the sharp edges."
10-22-2013, 08:13 AM
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10-25-2013, 05:47 PM
It was pleasant to spend some time with a new member and get a feel for what he was like. It seemed that first impressions went far with her, and so far he seemed respectful and pleasant, albeit rather stoic; though that was not necessarily a bad quality to have. It was often better to be in control of ones emotions than careless and free with them -- at least, in her opinion. Always composed, trying to maintain an air of regality that she knew was so important.
Quietly she had entered the structure, peering into the darkness somewhat warily as though half-expected someone to be lurking within. It really was a great shelter from the elements, and she was grateful that retreating to here was an option through the brutal winter nights. If a blizzard happened to sweep through, the wolves could easily all pack inside and keep one another warm, in the case of an emergency.
"You're more than welcome to sleep in here," she suggested, through it wasn't the most private place. But it was a viable option, if he could find nothing else, and the central location made it quite safe if he was worried about that kind of thing. "Or wherever you feel is best. Like I said, we will not ask much of you. Make yourself comfortable, please." Mirroring the way that her husband had shown her when she had first explored the barn, she gracefully leapt on top of one of the tractors, landing comfortably on the leather seat. It was all strange, and she knew it all had some use, but it was utterly lost to her.
10-28-2013, 02:44 PM
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11-03-2013, 11:39 AM
Slowly she curled up where she lay on the tattered seat of the strange machine, piercing blue gaze fixated on Iowerth still. Epiphron quietly appreciated his solemn demeanor. The last thing Seracia needed in the midst of a potential war was a wolf who could not contain their emotions; even positive ones that were displayed too frequently could get irritating.
"Not a problem," she said with a smile, dipping her head down slowly. Respectfully he requested a final question. He wanted to know about the pack ranks and his own responsibilities. "For now you will be ranked as a Clergy," she started. "Essentially a basic member. All we ask if that you help keep an eye on other, particularly children, and alert us is anything is amiss. Once you make yourself and your loyalty known here, you will become an Esquire. Above that, there are Barons and Baronesses, who can generally enforce rules if need be. Even higher, Counts and Contessas are even more powerful. Once you have been in Seracia for some time, you can even rise beyond these." She would arch her back as she slid upright, nodding at him again. "There have been rumors of one of our allies being threatened, and we know little of the pack who is stirring up trouble. They are called Glaciem. All I ask of you is that you help keep our wolves safe, rather than endanger them." And she was certain he would do just that. With a graceful leap to the ground she would bid him farewell, slipping from the safety of the barn and leaving him to explore as he pleased.
11-05-2013, 06:29 AM
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