god reduced to a thousand-yard stare (MEETING)

His heart pounded in his ears as he waited for their answers. The first was Iroh, whose response brought a sad smile to Pyrrhic's lips. The boy's response was both heartening and heartbreaking; proof of the friendship he had cultivated with his young cousin. Next was Tsarvix, who humbled Pyrrhic further. He wasn't sure if he deserved the mortal's devotion anymore. At one point he had been so certain, but now? What if he was the wrong choice? What if Tsarvix had put his faith in the wrong Abraxas?

Another of the pups, Thalia, daughter of his great uncle, spoke up next. He hadn't spent as much time with her as he had Iroh and that fact left him conflicted. Had he done her a disservice or was it better for her that they hadn't formed that same sort of friendship in case he failed?

Rain quickly added his two cents and Pyrrhic's humbled gaze found the ground. It would have remained there if he hadn't forced himself to look up and try to meet the poisoner's gaze as the smaller male placed his paw on top of Pyrrhic's. Perhaps it should have struck him as odd, but he was comforted by Rain's proximity and the tenderness of his actions.

Aureus was last and to him Pyrrhic simply nodded in understanding. He shared his brother's feelings on the matter.

Finally he looked up at those gathered. Until now he had been cowed into silence as they gave their support. He was humbled by it and ashamed by his behavior up until this point. Pyrrhic had expected rejection. He'd been prepared to accept the expulsion and ridicule he thought he deserved.

”Thank you, all of you,” he said softly before clearing his throat and searching the eyes that were on him. ”I think...it's time we started over. For now we'll move west to The Runestones. I don't know how far the ash cloud will spread but that should give us time to decide on what to do next. Gather what you can and tell those that you meet along the way what we are doing, but don't spend too much time on them. They've made their choice,” he said with a bitter edge. While he wouldn't stop anyone from coming along and seeking to remain with the pack, he had decided it was time to separate the sheep from the goats.

Benkos appeared behind Pyrrhic. Like his wolf companion he was a bit bedraggled, but even in his unkempt state he managed to keep a nonplussed demeanor. He appeared unfazed by the events that had so shaken Pyrrhic. Pyrrhic glanced at him, made eye contact, then addressed the group, ”If you need help carrying anything Benkos offers the services of his soldiers.”

OOC: Those not in attendance still have a chance to stay in Risen! Just make a thread for Pyrrhic in The Runestones by October 31st  to discuss staying. After that point anyone without a thread will be automatically removed from the roster. Everyone else, I'd love a thread with each of you as well! It's time for Pyrrhic to get to know everyone better. He also wants opinions on what kind of changes should be made to Risen.