Lucky that Phoebe agreed to speak before the battle commenced. Natalya was impatient and she was worried. If her sister did not support this plan it would certainly not work. She needed all of the family she could get, and she was certain that Virgil's offspring would not be joining her. Not if their mother was victorious. Though, for all Nat knew, Virgil was challenging only to give the pack back to her and Helios and disappear again. The girl hadn't spoken to her aunt and uncle at all since arriving at the Olympus challenge and promptly disappearing. It was in that day Nat watched the concept of family in Olympus fall apart before her very eyes and her disappointment in the name began to grow. If Virgil intended to win the land and leave again, Natalya would not aid her in that endeavor. Aside from begin vehemently opposed to accepting a handout, she and Helios were prepared to distance themselves from the main family somewhat. If Virgil came out victorious and chose to lead Olympus once again, Natlaya and Helios would lead their pack alongside her. An extension of the family with a slightly different set of rules and values. Something of their own. Olympus was certain to need two packs regardless, given the size they had grown to before they were conquered. The separation would be good for all. Nat only hoped that Phoebe would agree. The ebony queen settled far enough away from the battle to keep out prying ears and sat back on her haunches, smiling at her sister as she joined her. "Sister, have you spoken with our niece at all before today? Do you know of her intentions?" "Talk" "You" Think

Phoebe had been sitting resolutely as she watched the going ons of the challenge when she noticed her sister backing away from the crowd. Remembering her promise to speak with Natalya, Phoebe quietly slipped away as well, hurrying over to Nat's side. Phoebe had already been distracted by her own thoughts so it was easy to take her attention away from the word play and battles. With her newborns back in the den without her it was easy to be distracted. But, she managed to focus on Natalya so that she could find out what it was. She really was curious so see what her sister had to say. It must be pretty important if Natalya had specifically asked to talk to her after all. Phoebe returned Nat's smile even though her brain reminded her that her sister-in-law wouldn't be able to see it. Her question was a little surprising, but at the same time an expected one. Virgil had handed over the throne once before, who was to say she wasn't going to do it again? "No, I haven't.This is the first time I've seen her since she left. I was honestly shocked when I heard her summons." ""

Natalya nodded as Phoebe replied, unsurprised by the response she gave. "I thought as much," she said nonchalantly with a shrug. She sighed, shaking her head slightly. It was unfortunate that Virgil had thought it necessary to exclude them from whatever plans she had when she returned and had treated her family as strangers. Natalya could spend her time guessing at reasons, but none would suffice. "I will keep this brief. Helios and I were speaking before we heard Virgil's call. We have seen this family fall into ruin. Our niece has treated us as strangers, her children have questioned our beliefs. My own son betrayed us." She paused, taking an agonizing breath as she thought of her first children. Apollo, standing at the side of his wretched mate. Hermes, buried on a land they no longer had access to. If Natalya wished Virgil victory for any one reason, it would be to be able to return to her son's gravesite. "If Virgil wins this challenge, we will not be joining her. We will support her, but it will be from a second home for the Olympus family. Our values and laws will differ slightly, but our beliefs will not change and family will remain as important as ever. We were running out of space before Katja conquered our lands, already in need of another pack. This will put us ahead of that problem when it comes again. I must know, Phoebe - will you join us?" "Talk" "You" Think

While Natalya's first question hadn't been surprising, the statement that followed certainly was. Phoebe listened closely, her attention now encaptured by Natalya's words. Their own pack? It was such a foreign idea to her that Virgil and most likely her children wouldn't be a part of her day to day life. But of course Natalya was right. That branch of their family had drifted away from their family unit and Phoebe wasn't certain that gap would ever be closed again. Her sister and brother's plan was a reasonable one, a separate but allied pack for them. When Natalya asked if she would follow them she did not even have to consider her answer. "Of course, sister. You and Helios have done so much for me, have put up with my shenanigans, have watched over my children. I wouldn't dream of living away from you two. I owe you that much." She smiled and pressed her nose to Nat's cheek. "Plus, I would miss you, sister."



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Natalya couldn't help the grin that spread immediately on her maw at Phoebe's quick answer. She had only worried a little that her sister wouldn't join them, but a little was enough to make relief wash over her the moment she agreed. She returned her sister's affection with a quick lick on the cheek. "You do not know how glad I am to hear you say that. I could not imagine living separate from you after all we have been through, though I wouldn't let you be rid of me long if we were." Rising to her feet, she shook her pelt free of any dirt, feeling invigorated by Phoebe's promise despite the weakness she still felt in her neck. "Let us return to the battle," she said, waiting only for Phoebe to rise beside her before making her way back to her daughter. "Talk" "You" Think