ooc: Set a few days after the challenge maybe? Leo had let Svetlana and Athena take care of most of the patrols the last few days, making himself rest by orders of Amalia. Svetlana had just gone to do that while he lay stretched out in the sun with his head on his forepaws. He had been careful to stay laying on his stomach so he wouldn't disrupt the herbs and things Amalia had been applying to the lacerations on his neck. They still hurt a good bit and his shoulder was sore, but he was comfortable. Again, all thanks to his sister. He had been watching his children play, but they had gone off to explore the pack territory a bit. It was so crazy to think that they were already big enough to be on their own for short periods of time. Of course he always told them not to go too far and if they were gone more than an hour he'd go looking for them just because that was they worrying parent that he was, but he wanted them to feel some kind of independence. He smiled a little and looked out into the trees of the mangroves around him, trying to ignore the stinging of his wounds and contemplating the future of Fiori. "Talk" "You" Think

After the challenge, Rivaxorus was not left sore. He was unaware of the connection between the man and Leo. From what he took though, he had been an Armada. His aunt's wife was an armada if he put two and two together he would know it was something to do with a reactive of theirs. His worry was sitting with Leo at the moment. Not that he didn't feel sorrow for Amalia or what she may have been going through. The young boy had seen fights in his life - but something like this both scared and fascinated him for the path ahead. Besides, he needed to let Leo know what was on his mind. His two different colored eyes looked at the orange man for a moment. Rivaxorus couldn't help but to smile, despite Leo's wounds he seemed okay. However, masks could be easily worn. The larger male approached his uncle, dipping his head respectfully towards the alpha. "You're looking well Leo, how are your wounds feeling?" he would start with something simple. Rivaxorus hated how he didn't want to completely ignore his life. Everyone had something going on, but he found a way to push himself into his own path. "Talk" "You" Think

Leo's ears perked slightly with interest and his eyes glanced up to see Rivaxorous coming toward him. There didn't seem to be anything troubling in his expression so the immediate assumption that something was wrong got put away. It made him sad to think that his first assumption when his nephew came to see him was that something was wrong. But, after how the last few days had been going he wasn't really surprised at himself either. He'd lift his head and pull himself up into a sitting position on his haunches as Riv spoke, asking about how he was feeling. Leo chuckled softly and his sapphire gaze found Riv's as he replied. "Oh, they look a lot worse than they feel I imagine. Amalia's been keeping me pretty comfortable and Svet basically has me restricted to the den till further notice so no need to worry about me." He smiled and took another look at his nephew. He certainly looked very thoughtful if nothing else. "What about you, Riv? What's on your mind?" "Talk" "You" Think

Of course he hated to assume everyone was in a bad mood, but for most of his life it was how it had been. Now that he was actually comfortable, he also felt tiny bit useless. Someone else was in trouble, so what could he do to fix it while protecting himself. It was good to hear, Amalia was keeping him comfortable. His wife was condemning him to his den, Rivaxorus chuckled - for some reason he got confused when he thought of Zephyra in this situation. Leo asked if something was on his mind, making his tail flick. "I do, but I wasn't sure what the right moment to bring it up was." His eyes wandered off for a moment before he looked towards Leo. "How did you become the alpha of Fiori Leo? Did Epiphron pass it down to you? And how do you feel about that now, of course that might be a bad question to ask. You just defended your pack from being taken over by someone else." Rivaxorus hoped that someone else wasn't offending. It was obvious enough he had some sort of connection to Fiori otherwise. "Talk" "You" Think

Leo got curious when Riv seemed uncomfortable saying whatever was on his mind, even going on to say that he wasn't sure when he should bring it up. Before he could respond Riv asked about how he came to get Fiori. He smiled and shook his head slightly, saying, "Not a bad question to ask. Yes, I inherited Fiori from my mother. How I feel about that now... Well, I've felt a lot of different ways about to be honest." His expression grew more thoughtful as he went on, "There for a while, when the pack's numbers were low and I was struggling to gain any kind of activity from our members, I felt like it was almost a curse. I felt like I had to live up to my mother, who has much, much more experience with ruling a pack than I had. I was young and naive and probably not really ready to be King. I was still hopeful, but it took a lot of hard work to actually feel like this was my pack and not my mother's." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "I think the hardest thing was getting other alphas to respect me as Fiori's new leader. The first questions from the alphas who know her were always about Pip and her well being, not about me or Fiori. That was hard, to make my own name." He'd pause again, thinking carefully about how he currently felt about it all. "That all feels like it was so long ago now though. Now the pack is so big I'm afraid we're going to out grow our lands and I've own my first challenge... I'm not sure if that effects anyone else's oppinions on me as a King, but it makes me feel a little more confident in my title I guess." He smiled again and focused his attention back on Riv. "I rambled a bit there, but I hope that answers your question. Why do you ask, Riv?" "Talk" "You" Think

Rivaxorus really didn't expect a long answer, his mind wrapped around Leo's words. Indeed, if he had taken over Sonticus with his brother at the time he was supposed to. How would he have tried to rewrite the horrible legacy his mother left behind. He always thought about that. There were many packs, throughout history. They came and went quickly and quietly. Homes rose and fall, and it was all up to who was in power. Who had enough strength and smartness to protect those close to them. It was hard work running a pack, it was not all fun and games. However he had a clear cut reason for wanting his and he didn't want to steal it from anyone. "Because, I want to start my own pack." Rivaxorus said rather nervously. Leo was his idol, if anything at all he looked up to his uncle and seeing him fight even more so sent blood rushing through his veins wildly so. "It might have something to do with my mother, it might not, but I spent a lot of time in limbo with my siblings and with my friends. I created friendships I met wolves I never thought I'd ever speak to. I learned and still have a lot more to learn, but if it's one thing I have a goal and that's to make a home where I know that me and my members would be safe." his two different colored eyes looked at Leo. He found himself slightly short of breath if anything. "Of course I don't think any of this would be possible without Fiori... no you." his tail flicked. "And when I saw you fighting I saw maybe a glimpse of what I'd have to do. Life isn't easy and I know it's no walk in the park, but Leo.... would you teach me?" His eyes sparkled. "I've made it clear to the gods and to myself, I want to create a pack that has close bonds - and that is what I feel I am destined to do." Of course he knew Leo could refuse. Rivaxorus could end up staying in Fiori for a majority of his life. However he had a duty to his siblings, to Zephyra and even Xephyris. He was certain there were more to meet along the way, perhaps even his brother whom he was supposed to rule with back home, would be following him onto this course. "Talk" "You" Think

Riv's response was, in a way, both surprising and expected all at once. He had never expected Riv or his siblings or friends to stay here forever. He would have been happy if they decided to stay here, but he had never intended to keep them from doing what they wanted. He had seen the spark of a good leader in Riv a long time ago, so it wasn't a stretch for him at all to imagine him as an alpha. The only surprise was that this was coming up so soon after he and his siblings came to live here. As he continued to listen while his nephew spoke and he could see that Rivaxorus was coming from a good place with his intentions. He fully believed Riv could do anything he set his mind do. When his own influence in all of this came up, Leo felt flattered, but at the same time he didn't feel like he was at all the hero Riv seemed to be making him out to be. It made him smile all the same. He was the most surprised by Riv's request for Leo to teach him. He blinked from surprise and listened to the last of Riv's words before he'd offer his own reply. He'd pause to make sure he was saying what he wanted to say in the best way. "I am by no means the best leader. Everything I've done thus far has been from trial and error and a little bit of luck. But... I will help you in any way I can. I had a hunch that you'd want to have your own pack one day." He smiled a little as he went on. "And I think you'll be a fine leader one day. You know what... None of my beta positions are filled right now. The Archduke position has nearly as many responsibilities as I have myself. If you really want me to teach you, I think the best way is for you to get some on the job experience. Do you want to be my Archduke and shadow me that way?" "Talk" "You" Think

The boy knew that everyone was not without flaw, he held others to high regard though. He believed himself, the truth spoken if he saw what he saw then if he spouted out to them they would start to see it. Rivaxorus himself had weaknesses to walk around, because a leader was not a god. They were totally imperfect, but they had to seem so to the enemy. You held yourself with a certain kind of confidence, otherwise it was out to the dogs. When he clearly listened to his uncle though, his bones internally wanted to explode. If that was any connotation to how he felt as soon as Leo finished his words. Riv's heart pounded against his chest, at the moment it clearly showed his youth but he tried to contain himself. Taking in a deep breath, he concentrated on becoming calm. A smile on his face as his tail wagged a bit happily. He didn't want to accept the offer too eagerly - because he knew he needed to somehow earn things not to have them given. "It would be an honor, I know I'm only a year I am young. But if I had to choose from the leaders I know I'd want to learn and serve beside you." Not only because Leo was family, but because his uncle believed in him. He didn't know Leo very well, and in time he wanted to. To build that bond, perhaps he would do his mother proud. Have something to show his father and say LOOK what I did. It stung his heart greatly, sorrow would fill him, but it was also a warmth that settled itself in him. "Talk" "You" Think

Seeing that barely contained excitement in Riv's expressions made him smile. It reminded him so much of how he had felt when his mother offered the pack to him. He had been so excited and nervous all at once, but he had tried his best to contain it and remain professional so he would look like he could possibly fill her shoes. It made him feel good about his decision when Riv mentioned how he was young and a little flattered when he said he wouldn't want to serve next to anyone else. It was good that he was realistic about his age and experience. "I know you're young, but you're so mature for your age. I know everything that happened with your mother had a lot to do with that, but it's still made you grow up very fast. I want to help you reach all of your dreams, no matter how big they are." He smiled sadly and added, "I told your mother I would look out for you and your siblings and that's exactly what I plan to do." "Talk" "You" Think

Rivaxorus watched Leo as he spoke, mature was one word for it. He knew his mother had told him he was too smart for his own good. Yet walker blood ran through his veins just as much as the Adravendi legacy did. He knew of pasts and hoped to learn more, one thing he enjoyed listening to was his brother's stories. The ones about the gods and more that they had learned in their native tongue. A rather sullen expression showed on his face towards Leo when his mother was mentioned. Promises made when he was young, his ears twitched and he understood that this pain was not going to go away easily. He also knew that there were others living with this pain, which was why he would pour his soul into keeping those close to him safe. Someone had to be proud of him for that. "I hope one day you won't have to take care of us. You have your wife and children as well after all. Eventually we have to grow up." Rivaxorus hadn't meant that harshly either. He just voiced his opinion out and he took his throat back a little, meaning he swallowed nervously for a moment. What he really wanted to say was Riv didn't want to waste Leo's time or effort. Everything had a cost, and so if he was a waste of breath Rivaxorus wouldn't have any thoughts about removing himself from a situation where he was not wanted. Which was quiet possibly, the passive anxiety in him for the fear of losing grip of the relationships he had. Also not to step on the wrong paws. "Talk" "You" Think

The saddened expression on his nephew's face was impossible to miss. He still missed Arian terribly and he could only imagine how Riv must feel. He wished he had more he could tell him to comfort him, but he wasn't sure what more could be said. He was just glad he could be here and give Riv the home he needed till he was ready to move on to his own adventure. And if that day never came then he was happy to continue offering Fiori as a home to him and all of his siblings. He had grown worried that all of the additions to the pack recently would stretch their resources too thin, but that was a risk he was willing to take for now. When Riv spoke he would smile slightly and nod in understanding. "Of course you do. I wouldn't expect anything less. I'm not saying that I'm going to be taking care of you and your siblings forever, but I will be here for you as long as I'm alive. That's just how I am with family. I'm sure you can understand that." That was a trait he clearly saw in his nephew. It was a trait that he was proud to have and was proud to see that in his family members as well. It was something that was a common theme in his family members and for that he was glad. "Talk" "You" Think

He let out a soft sigh of relief. He knew a few wolves who would accept and give out free things for their whole lives. Family was important, but it only went so far. After all, he would do anything for his family as long as they weren't trying to kill him that was. His gray tail flicked up behind him, this talk was probably the most exciting thing that had happened since his mothers death. There was still a lot more hurt to be had, Rivaxorus was aware of that, there was a lot more joy as well. "What else are you doing today? Since you are still recovering I'd like to guess others are helping with alpha duties." he could be wrong though. As he watched Leo, he was unsure what to do next. What to talk about or anything for that matter. His body suddenly felt a bit awkward in the situation. He was no adult so maybe he shouldn't have been speaking as if he knew about this kind of stuff. All Riv actually did was just speak his mind where he knew it could be given. "Talk" "You" Think