Broken Pieces

Epiphron had never looked favorably upon Tortuga. She'd been convinced they were not decent wolves -- that wasn't to say she had been brainwashed by any means, but the former rulers of Valhalla certainly had acted as though the wolves of Tortuga generally were unreasonable. Savage. And they were not either of these things. "And I think you for approaching me so amicably. I know that the previous leaders of Valhalla may not have been so open to such a meeting, but alas, times are changing," she stated with a simple smile and a nod of her head. It was expected that, as a younger leader, she would be more open to change, to new things, whereas older wolves were often more rigid in their mindsets.

And though she had come to the meeting burdened by these prejudices, she was beginning to open her mind to the possibility of an alliance between the two packs. She knew she would be going to Seracia soon, to seek Gerhardt's approval -- and that Chrysanthe would be ruling in her place -- but she was fairly sure her sister would be wise enough to accept such a proposal, or at least consider it. What was the point of unneeded bloodshed when it was easier, and more beneficial for the packs to live peacefully with one another?

Desdemona went on to explain what she had wondered, and all her fears seemed to dissipate instantly. The situation with Neo and Luce had not escalated. "I've been informed," she said with a prompt nod of her head. "Luce actually approached me, calling from our borders. She asked that she see Neo one last time, and I obliged; he did not answer my call." And Luce was damn lucky that it had been Epiphron that had greeted her -- not another less forgiving wolf.

Desdemona went on, saying that since it was Tortuga asking the favor, that she should state the terms of the arrangement. This all felt painfully unfamiliar. She wracked her brain, wondering what her father's course of action would have been. The first thing that entered her mind was to ask for one of Luce's children. But the woman's words echoed dully in her mind. Why cause her to suffer? "My terms are simple," she began quickly, voice far more authoritative than she felt on the inside. "Civility is all I ask for. Tortugans are to be severely punished if they dare threaten the safety of any of my members; as will Valhallans. No exceptions. Depending on the severity of the infraction, perhaps even banishment may be in order. I want nothing more than this, than the safety of my pack, and I am sure you two want the same thing for your pack."


(Okay, let's just ignore all the stuff about Icarus? :3)