Mental fortitude. It was a tough concept to understand, given the pups were still impulsive and exploratory. But with time and meticulous training, they could learn restraint and willpower. The determination to survive would be the key factor, as Absinth stated- and Zagan was certainly intent on doing more than surviving. He wanted to thrive, even in the face of opposition. And with Absinth’s teaching, he would get there.

Fight. Bleed. Endure. They would function as one, they would find strength in their numbers and they would thrive. Zagan nodded his head in agreeance, focusing on Absinth with unwavering intensity, making her his object of intense interest. He analyzed the scars on her pelt again, noting some of the fresher welts branded into her skin. She was a continual cycle of strength and endurance. A force to be reckoned with. Zagan wanted to be like that too.

"Speech"

Her aunt’s words rang loud and clear. Each sentence being registered within the sanctuary of her mind. And as her gaze swept over the other pups she’d soon meet. Those that would become allies or enemies, Cressida gave a subtle nod of approval. Another directed to Absinth.

She felt the warmth of her blood coursing through as her brain began to work. Thinking deeply of what actions needed to be conquered in order to face this new world with an iron fist. Though she was quite young still, it didn’t stop the slow maturity to now be planted. Over time she knew that seed would grow and become more powerful in adulthood.

Something she could wait for. But, was still very anxious to get to.

Cressida Kali Saxe

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Mother was truly a fountain of knowledge, a pillar of strength, and the embodiment of devotion and vigor. She had mental fortitude, a concept she needed her children to understand and obtain, and Abyss vowed to meet her expectations. They would make their mother proud.

They had the will to survive, given the harsh environment they were growing up in- yes, they had food, shelter, protection, and the love of a mother and father- but they were expected to become powerful, to train relentlessly, to devote themselves to The Syndicate and defend its honor without fail. Not to mention, the completion all around them was fierce.

Abyss shifted their gaze around the gathering, looking at each of their siblings, littermates, and adoptive alike. Each of them would fight, bleed, and endure. Just as mother taught them.


"Abyssinica"

Like a rising crescendo, his mother reached the apex of the lesson. She bestowed her wisdom upon them readily, but mercilessly. There were no metaphorical punches pulled (thankfully, Absinth didn't seem to be in the habit of punching her children). He nodded along as she insisted that they all utilize their own strengths in order to survive, regardless of what type of strength or what avenue they chose. To never let their primal urge to survive be stolen or weakened by any means. The dark furred boy was eager, though he wasn't certain what for. The promise to fight, and bleed, and endure the brutality of existence... he wanted that. He wanted to make sure it happened, partly for himself and partly for his mother. She wanted him to be strong, and he wanted so badly to be strong, cunning, powerful so that he could feel the radiant warmth of pride and love. The assurance that his strength was his only bulwark against the onslaught of the world around him, that it should be cultivated and harnessed. His mother was relentless in pummeling it into his young brain, that he might never forget the value of his own fortitude. He writhed with barely contained energy and emotion as his mother commanded he assert his will upon this life and turn it into a winning game. Tiny fangs peeked out from behind dark lips as a half smile, half snarl formed upon his cherubic features. Yes! Make it his bitch! (What did that mean?) Sage tinted gaze drifted from the radiant physique of his mother, to the assembled youngsters around him. Mostly siblings, littermates and the like. They were all going to become strong, and their wills would be unbreakable. "speech"

Lessons were important and even as this one drew to an end, he would take everything he learned here to heart. Every word and warning heeded and stored away for a time when he would need it. He would study between lessons and ask questions often if he needed to. There wouldn't be time when he mind wasn't filled with morbid wonder, the mental strength and fortitude to be as strong if not stronger than his parents. They were his idols- gods, even. Everything they said and taught would make him a better wolf, a better man, and certainly a force to reckon with.

There was no doubt that at least most of his siblings thought the same. Of course they did- they were all related to the same great woman before them. Well, most of them were. The others, spawn of the Sultan himself, would only get in the way of their power. But they had their own, for they were blood of the Sultan. Their greatness hardly mattered to Dracun though, he would be better. He would show them all how great he would be, he would make his parents proud and maybe even the sultan too. He dreamed big and he dreamed hard. No one could take that away from him, either.

"Speech!"


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Sericea watched her mother with a tilt of her head, her eyes wide and eager as she absorbed her words. She understood the gravity of Absinth's lessons, even if she didn’t fully comprehend the depth of them yet. She was only a pup, after all. But even in her young age, she carried a deep-rooted determination to follow in her mother's paw prints, to be as robust and unyielding as she was. “Yes, momma.” Sericea straightened her back, a spark of resolve flickering in her acidic green eyes. "I will be strong. Just like you." Her vow was near silent, but it echoed from within her like a promise sworn to the wind, resolute and determined.

"Sericea Praetor-Inferos"

Xairo listened, his heart pounding in his chest as he drank in every word Absinth spoke. His eyes, bright with determination and understanding, met hers. He felt the weight of her words, the raw intensity of her lessons. He knew that she was right. Life was unforgiving, brutal. Only those with true strength could stand against the harsh trials it brought.

Absinth's words stirred something deep within Xairo. An eager spark, an unquenchable fire that had been waiting for a catalyst to ignite it into a wild blaze. A sharp desire to prove himself, to show her, and everyone else what he was capable of. His small heart throbbed with the rhythm of his mother’s words, driving the power of her teachings deep into his soul. Oh, he would be strong alright.

"Xairo Saxe"