Her call rang out like a harsh melody, a song both strong and powerful as she summoned her brood in from wherever they had wandered off to. As they trickled in, Absinth regarded them, her emerald eyes softening as she looked them each over with a perceptive eye. This was it. The beginning of turning them into adults, strong and fierce. The real test of parenting, preparing them for life like her own sire and dam never did. The fae ensured she met each child’s eye, offering them all a sly grin. Cute little things, even if they were little gremlins through and through.

Once she was satisfied with the turn out, the woman began with a purred greeting, wordless and rumbly from deep within her chest. Then she spoke.

“Strength, little ones, is everything.” She began, her voice firm but with a touch of mischievous warmth. “If you are not strong, then you are weak. Power is all that separates us as predators from prey.” She stood tall, flexing her muscles subtly to emphasize her point. Look at me. I am strong. As will you be. Her ivory fur was a beautiful sheen, but marred by scarring; her figure was disciplined and spoke of much physical endurance. This – She was proud to show them.

The hard part came next. Fracturing their innocence, all for the sake of making sure they would be prepared for whatever life threw at them. “Do you see? I have scars, each with their own story. A story of how they came to be mine, and how I am still drawing breath.” A sigh, her eyes glittering as she circled the brood. “When I was your age, I was nothing but a scrap of fur, dirty and thin, clawing my way through life. It took me time to grow and learn, but I will give you all something valuable; guidance.”

She moved forth, a smile on her face, nuzzling each of her children affectionately, her tail swishing behind her. “I want you to be stronger than I ever was.”

wormwood

Sericea gazed at Absinth, her acidic eyes widening in a mix of awe and understanding. She sat rooted to her spot, her fluffy, deep red fur bristling in the cold wind that swept the Polar Sound. The young fae's heart swelled as she absorbed every word her mother spoke, each syllable sinking deeply into her consciousness and igniting an unyielding determination within her petite frame. She couldn't help but admire the way Absinth carried herself with regal confidence, exuding strength, power, and a fierce will to survive against all odds.

In the warm, golden light of the taiga sun, her mother's fur shone like a beacon of ivory. Each strand seemed to reflect the struggles and triumphs of her past, with visible scars marking her battles fought and hardships endured. Yet, despite these markings, her mother stood tall and proud, a symbol of strength and resilience. As they sat together in the peacefulness of their home, Absinth spoke of her past, sharing stories of struggle and lessons learned through adversity. With each word, it was clear that her mother's inner strength was just as powerful as her outward appearance. And Sericea admired her for it.

"Sericea Praetor-Inferos"

To finally be outside of the den was more than a breath of fresh air, and quite literally at that. Eager to learn and explore, ears perked at his mothers call and he wasted to time getting to her. Whatever she wanted them for must have been important and he was determined to get there first.

Only he didn't get there first. One of his sisters had made it before him, earning her a brief glare as he approached before flashing an adorably charming smile to his mother. Second was the first to lose. He would make sure that he wouldn't lose next time.

Others gathered and soon they were diving in head first. Dracun listened intently, taking in his mothers words like a dry sponge exposed to water. Her scars fascinated him and although he had a basic understanding of them and how they were acquired, the feeling of wanting to create them himself burned strong inside him. The power one must have to create them, and the equal or even greater power one must have to survive them intrigued him. He only hoped that he could be strong like his mother one day, just like she hoped for them.

"Speech!"


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Ludovic stood among his siblings, though he had not been first to arrive. Baring his teeth at Sericea and Dracun for a moment, his bright emerald and crimson eyes fixed on his mother, Absinth. Her call had been a summons they could not ignore, a harsh song that pulled him from admittedly, not that far away.

But as his mother began to speak, Ludovic's attention sharpened. Her words, firm and laced with a warmth, caused his skull to tilt in fixation. Strength was indeed everything, a lesson he had already started to learn. He watched the subtle flexing of her muscles, the sheen of her ivory fur marred by scars.

Ludovic felt recognition. He, too, had his own battles, even if they were not as numerous or as visible as hers. Of course, his experiences were only of the sibling roughhousing sort... Haha...

Her circling presence was both comforting and imposing, thought regardless he was thrilled to be learning more of the world. As she nuzzled each of them, her affection a physical thing instead of just flickering in her verdant gaze, Ludovic felt a swell of determination. Her desire for them to be stronger than she ever was struck deeply within him. He met her gaze, his mismatched eyes reflecting his own, youthful resolve. He wanted to be strong, just like she wished for them.


ludoviciana

It took minimal prompting for Abyss to adhere to their mother’s summon, listless paws crunching through the layered snow of the Polar Sound. A breeze whisked through their fur, shuffling the hues of crimson and ivory, a striking contrast of color splitting their face in two. They find their mother perched in the middle of a clearing, Sericea, Dracun, and Ludovic creating a circle around her, waiting for her interaction. Abyss fell in place beside them, glancing at their siblings with a stoic expression before taking a seat before Absinth.

Strength. Mother was teaching a lesson on strength. If they are not strong, they are weak, equal with prey, and liabilities to the pack. Abyss nod’s their head, absorbing every word. Mother had scars, and she boasted them, because they were stories and reminders. Abyss looked up at her in awe, fantasizing of the battles that resulted in the welts on her body. And the harm mother caused the other party. Returning her affectionate nuzzle, Abyss wags their tail, vowing to become strong for their family and pack.

"Speech"

The dark child slipped mutely behind his siblings, heeding his mother's summons like a good little boy. He settled down on his rump amidst his siblings, tucked his ivory tipped tail about his little paws to stave off the chill. Eyes still transitioning from cerulean to sage were fixated upon the woman who'd whelped them all, an eerie stare that sparkled with wordless intensity. He mimicked the soft, musical rumble she uttered in greeting, and that was all. Dark auds shoved forward as she commanded their attention with barely more than a look, a good little soldier listening to his commander. She assured them that strength was the only thing that would separate him from those beasts who fought and died beyond the borders, and without strength he would die as easily as they did. The highlight of the latticed scars that littered her frame narrowed his ceaseless gaze, eerie eyes tracing the curvature of rippling musculature and windswept pelage to follow their tracks across her bodice. The promise of their countless tales of survival drew a kind of subconscious salivation to his consciousness that he had not previously encountered, a desperate hunger to understand. So he watched, tracked her slow strides to encircle the group in a predatory, calculating motion intended to draw and maintain their attention. She explained that when she was their age, she was a pitiful creature that withered beneath her own skin and struggled for scraps. A subtle curl of dark lips, something akin to rage that might fester beneath the skin. There and gone in a flash. He greedily accepted the gentle caress of her muzzle against his neck, leaned into it without hesitation. His mother wanted him to be strong, and so he would be strong. Unquestioningly, without acceptance of potential failure. Indica would become everything his mother craved for him. "speech"

Xairo watched as his mother walked over to each of them, her tail swishing in a steady rhythm. He flicked his own tail in annoyance, his ears flattening against his head as Absinth's words echoed in his ears. He already knew he was strong, there was no doubt in his mind. But to hear his mother speak so openly about her struggles, her strength, and her expectations for them, it added another layer of resolve to his determination. He could feel the weight of her history, the depth of her scars, and the price of her accumulated power hanging heavy in the air.

But underneath it all, there was an undercurrent of warmth, a fierce and protective love born out of struggle. As Absinth moved on to his siblings, Xairo felt a pang of jealousy. He found himself wanting more of her attention, more of her approval. But at the same time, he knew that it was this very distance that triggered his desire to prove himself, to claw his way up over every obstacle just as she had done.

"Xairo Saxe"

Having caught a chipmunk, Zagan held the flailing creature down, tracing the outline of its spine with a single, unsheathed claw. His claws were sharp, akin to razors, as he sliced down the back of his victim, interested to see the insides of his toy. Morbid, youthful curiosity. But before he could start to dismember it, Absinth’s call rang out within the Polar Sound, summoning her children. Zagan hesitated for several moments, considering ignoring her to continue his fun. But eventually, curiosity got the best of him- he wanted to know why she was calling. With his toy in his mouth, Zagan pulled the wool coat Absinth gave him over his shoulders, tucking it close to his head to conceal his furless body.

He entered the small clearing in silence, pushing his way to the front of the group to sit alongside his adoptive siblings and littermates. Settling down with his toy between his paws, he gives Absinth his undivided attention, absorbing her words about strength and determination. They needed guidance to become strong- wrestling with each other wasn’t enough. He looked up at her with an unwavering, intense stare, sitting still as she came around and nuzzled each child. When it was his turn, her touch brought him a wave of physical warmth, which he enjoyed. But it also stilled him, his body becoming rigid in the face of affection.

"Speech"

Cressida had become quite independent the moment she was allowed a bit more freedom. While her siblings did their own thing. Finding paths to who they may be, she was more tuned on life itself. So many things presented themselves to the point of interest. Drawing out the curious little female from beneath the warmth of bodies. And, further out into the world surrounding them.

It didn’t take long for her to silently find her way into the clearing. Where various pups of colors and shapes sat listening to a monochromatic woman. She remembered her slightly from the occasional visits at home. Those piercing green eyes always reminded Cress of how the grass looked after a fresh rain shower. When the water would cling to the blades of grass.

She came to tilt her head at what was being said. So many emotions swimming around the warm air nearly knocked a whimper from Cressida. The sound swallowed down and dismissed as she received the loving affection. Tail gently brushing the ground in a calm sweep.

Cressida Kali Saxe

table coding by bunni ♥[/code]
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Absinth returned to her place at the head of the group where she sat down and began to speak again, her tone serious as she commanded the children. Out of the corner of her eye she spots one of her nieces, Cressida. She gives the girl a wink before returning her gaze to the group as a whole. “Every day, you must push your limits.” She said, her voice unwavering as her gaze met each child's eye in turn, willing them to take her lesson to heart. “Make no mistake. Strength is not merely physical. It’s mental, emotional; it’s about enduring hardships and never surrendering.”

She let her eyes bore into them, intense and unyielding, before shutting them abruptly. “Close your eyes. Imagine you face a coyote, one stronger than you. What do you do?” She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle, her eyes remaining closed. She gives them a few moments to murmur their responses, to think about the question before she barks out the answer. Her answer. “You fight. You use every ounce of strength you have, every dirty trick and game you can think of . You must be relentless.” When her eyes opened again, the sharp emeralds now held a dangerous softness, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips.

“Wits and will can be as powerful as any muscle you train. Use whatever you must, whatever suits you, my loves; to preserve your life and seize control of it.”

wormwood

As Absinth settled back in her seat, Zagan took a moment to sweep his bi-colored gaze across the gathering. Each pup was engulfed in the lesson, but no one dared to ask Absinth a question. He was surprised to see a younger pup arrive, a cousin of his he’d been told. So many pups to compete with. Zagan shifted slightly at the thought, digging his claws into the soft earth.

Absinth instructs them to close their eyes, and Zagan does. He imagines a coyote, just like she says. One stronger than him, and trying to fight. He did not like that. His lips started to twitch, curling into a sneer. He’s fantasizing of killing the creature, of using his panther companion to hold it down while he slits its throat with his blade. So grotesque for the mind of a child. He would fight with every ounce of strength, just was Absinth instructed. Or he would die trying.

"Speech"

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as instructed, and allowed his mother’s voice to guide his thoughts.

In his mind’s eye, he envisioned a coyote, larger and more menacing than any small prey animal he had faced. The image was vivid, taken from memory of his mother pointing one of them out on a walk; its snarling maw and piercing eyes a challenge he could not ignore. He could feel his muscles tense, his heart rate quicken, as he imagined the confrontation.

When Absinth’s voice rang out, commanding them to fight with every ounce of strength and cunning, Ludovic’s resolve hardened. He pictured himself not just standing his ground but outmaneuvering the coyote, using the environment, his agility, and his intellect to gain the upper hand. The idea of employing dirty tricks, of being relentless, appealed to his cunning nature.

Opening his eyes, he met Absinth’s intense gaze with youthful determination. Her emerald eyes, now holding that dangerous softness, mirrored the resolve he felt within. He gave a slight nod, acknowledging her teachings, and a small, fierce grin curved his lips.

ludoviciana

Watching their mother take her seat before the group of pups, Abyss’ gaze is hyper-focused on her, noting the subtle changes in her expressions as she continues to teach them. Her tone was unwavering, her resolve resolute, her confidence the embodiment of strength, and Abyss aspired to be like her. To be strong, to push their limits. Strength was not only physical, but mental, and emotional. They would need to endure hardships in their life. But the importance of the lesson, was to steel their resolve. And Abyss would do that.

Closing their eyes, they envision the coyote like Mother says. A mangled creature appears in their mind, ravenous and chasing them down but Abyss is a cunning, methodical thinker. They conjure ways of outsmarting the coyote, ways to reserve their strength until they need it. A smile tugs at their lips, and they wonder when they will get to encounter a coyote in real-time.

"Speech"

All the while as her aunt spoke, she’d allowed her gaze to take in the pups. Each one observed to the point that nothing was left unturned. Some had sharp fangs that shyly peaked from sealed lips. There were others whose coats held different colorations. Much like her own. It was only when they were instructed to close their eyes did she do so.

Her mind created an image of a coyote. His gloomy grey coat shimmering under the weight of the Spring’s sun. Black lips pulled away to reveal the sharp exposure of deadly weapons. Toes spread across the warm earth, while claws dug at the earth, she took note of the bristling furs along his neck. Tail bushy and thrashing in warning. Even with her vision clouded in darkness, she tilted her head in curiosity.

Something about this situation made her want to study the creature more. So, whilst in the world of imagination, Cress found herself mimicking the same guttural snarl. Though she wasn’t smaller in this scenario. She found herself looking down on the coyote. No longer was she looking up. And the noise leaving her throat had slightly more base to it.

Cressida slipped back to reality. Her eyes, once more, filled with the abundance of pups and the monochromatic woman. Wits and will can be as powerful as any muscle you train. That single sentence stuck out to her the most. Marinating on it as she waited for the next lesson.

Cressida Kali Saxe

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Sericea listened to her mother's words with rapt attention, her keen green eyes shimmering with both fear and fascination. The image of a coyote, stronger, older, and fiercer than her enveloped her thoughts. She shivered slightly, yet a small flame of defiance ignited within her at the same time. Her tiny heart pounded in her chest as she envisioned the scene, her imagination morphing the Sparse Pines into a dangerous battlefield. The breath hitched in her throat as she imagined the snarling beast before her — her foe in this imagined struggle. She could almost feel its hot breath, but she stood her ground, a fiery determination burning in her acidic green eyes.

"Sericea Praetor-Inferos"

Xairo stood, his eyes fixed on his mother as she spoke. Her words resounded in the depths of his mind, stirring something within him. A spark of determination flared to life, fueled by her lessons. He could feel the weight of her struggles and battles etched into her scars. As he gazed into Absinth's fierce, commanding gaze, a fire ignited in his soul. He knew he needed to grow stronger, to prove himself not just to his mother, but also to his father and siblings. The hunger for respect burned within him, driving him forward with a fiery determination that matched the intensity in Absinth's eyes.

"Xairo Saxe"

Several more children filed in dutifully to take part in the lesson his mother held for them, though he paid them little heed aside from the eeriness of his stare tracking their movements until they settled within the little group of mongrels. Adopted siblings, mostly. A tiny, bumbling pup who he was fairly certain was one of the newly whelped cousin-packmate-friends. And then his mother spoke again, her gravelly vocals commanding their attention without question. It was a true rarity for the raven princeling to keep his mouth shut for so long, always a sociable and inquisitive creature. Instead he soaked it all in, a greedy flame that devoured as readily as it destroyed. Absinth bade him shut his eyes, but he was reticent to do so. Though he trusted her with his entire being, the boy was not one to relinquish his opportunity for observation, assessment, awareness. Lids flickered tentatively shut, lashes alighting upon pudgy soft cheeks and downy fur. A scenario was posed, that of a much larger canine with a great deal more strength to boast- a threat to his continued existence. Reflexively did kohl auds tip back, brow furrowing in a mixture of frustration and wrath. He knew well that there was only one solution, and that was to fight to the last. To draw blood and claw at tender flesh with no regard for fairness or honor. There was only survival, and Indica would not be snuffed out without taking his opponent to the void alongside him. Optics of whirling silver-blue-green flickered open as the unpleasant vision faded from the forefront of his imagination, instead lingering at the back of his awareness in a steady flash of teeth blood pain snarl claws on an endless loop. A burbling sense of anxiety settled in the pit of his stomach, the kind of intestinal knots that seemed as though they might tear his guts from within. Though it was not particularly brave of him, Indica hoped he would never find himself at such a disadvantage. Soothing as could be, the softness of his mother's vocals eased his concerns with gently uttered promises that his wits were just as serviceable for his own protection as brute force and violence. With rapt attention, those pale eyes fixed upon his dam and drank in every syllable. What advice did she have to bestow, to ensure that he could best train his mind for such an event? "speech"

There were others, but he hardly cared. Mother had his attention now, and as she reclaimed her place before them to continue her lesson, Dracun's focus was unwavering. He hoped to be as strong, fearless, and proud as his mother and father. He wanted to succeed, to excel above his siblings and win their favor. Whether that was something they would offer didn't matter, but it was a goal, a bar he wanted to reach and climb past in the same swift move.

As instructed, bi colored eyes closed and he envisioned this coyote. He'd never seen one before, up close at least, so he imagined a mangey version of his absent sister instead. Close enough right? Especially if he imagined her with rabies, foaming at the mouth and snapping wildly. His skeletal face twisted into a smirk as he imagined putting her out of her misery. It was the right thing to do, right?

Once his imaginary rabid-sister was defeated, his eyes opened though his smirk remained. Glancing around quickly to the others, he settled his gaze back on Absinth, patiently and eagerly waiting for the lesson to continue.

"Speech!"


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Absinth's voice grew more intense, a razor edge slicing through the still air. “How is strength not just about muscles or size? It's about willpower. Mental fortitude.” Her smile was a calculated assessment of their reactions. “The unyielding determination to keep going, no matter the cost. You must possess the will to survive. A will that cannot be crushed or taken from you.” She let the weight of her words hang for a moment, her eyes piercing into each child. She was a brutal woman, and her lessons would be as well, regardless of how young her brood were. “That is the essence of true strength.”

Her expression softened as she regarded her children, a fierce love burning behind her eyes. “We fight, we bleed, we endure.”

A chuckle escaped her, her tail thumping rhythmically against the ground. Her voice, though gentle, carried an unwavering conviction. Her words came from a heart and soul that had known suffering. “Remember this: strength is your shield and your weapon against the world, no matter what form it comes in. Be strong, be unyielding. Take this life into your hands and make it your fucking bitch.” These lessons were her forge, shaping them into formidable wolves, capable of facing the harsh realities of their existence without a hint of naivety or weakness. And sure, she wasn’t sugarcoating anything. No one ever had for her, and look how great she turned out. With a grin, the woman gestured to the end of the lesson.

She knew that without strength, her children would be devoured by the merciless world they were born into. She needed them to grasp the importance of being powerful and unbreakable. Her love for them drove her relentless teachings, ensuring they were prepared for any challenge, unlike she had been.

wormwood

Ludovic absorbed every word, his eyes fixed on his mother with unwavering focus. Her intensity didn't intimidate him; it fueled a fire within.

He felt the weight of her conviction, her fierce love, and her unwavering belief in their potential. Her words struck him deeply, embedding themselves in his mind. She was giving them the tools of true strength; a shield, a weapon against the world and all who would see them harmed.

As her words hung in the air, Ludovic's determination solidified. He nodded slightly, acknowledging the lessons she imparted. With a small, confident grin, he looked forward to proving her right, to becoming the formidable wolf she envisioned.

ludoviciana