Stretching out beside the creek, nestled in among the cattails in the warmth of the early afternoon, Razi stared into the water at her own rippling reflection that looked back at her. Her mood was somber, more so than usual. Where normally there was a sort of stoicism and dignity to her quiet ways, now the woman appeared more troubled. A deep sigh pressed it's way from her mouth as the woman glanced away from the mirrored image of herself, trying to avoid getting lost in her own thoughts any further. Getting up to wander alongside the creek for a while, Razi contemplated her next moves, failing miserably at not getting stuck in her own head again. A familiar sense of doubt and uncertainty had been creeping it's way into her mind, showing itself in brief flashes at the edge of her brain, enough to know it existed but not enough to know why it was there. It left her feeling a little off which lead to her simply sitting about trying to understand the inner workings of her own brain and doing a terrible job. Why was this even familiar? What had she to be so uncertain of? Growling, she kicked a small stone which bounced along the faint path in front of her. Razi didn't need to deal with this crap, she needed to figure out how she was going to progress towards these new ambitions of hers. Walk, "Talk" Think

Ashiel returned home, striding across the border with a new set of experiences to show for his wanderings. Each day he grew more and more confident in himself and his abilities. However, he still had far to go. Ashiel knew he was no where near ready to rule his own pack. Part of him had considered going around and talking with the mortal leaders, seeing what they believed leadership to be. Not to take their word as gospel of course, but to use it as a marker to determine what kind of leader he truly needed to be. The kind of leader this wretched land needed to really blossom. Of course, he already knew the answer to that question in a way. The kind of leader he would need to be was like his uncle but the man had a pack to run. Ashiel hated to interupt him. Ashiel's brow furrowed as his thoughts drifted to Asharya. Apparently, with growing up there was also some growing apart. He felt like he hadn't spent any time with his sister lately and he hoped to correct it. Maybe the two of them could go fishing in the creek if she wasn't to busy? Ashiel moved closer to the creek when he noticed his aunt Razi there. He grinned softly, it had been awhile since he'd talked to her to. It'd seemed like a lifetime ago. "Greetings, Aunt Razi, how are you today?" "Talk" "You" Think

Fox colored ears swung in the direction of the voice that called out to her and soon the rest of her body followed suit in moving to face him fully. Glancing over the green eyed, monochromatic boy Razi took stock of how greatly he'd grown. He was the perfect picture of a strong young Abraxas man. Pale gold eyes went from slightly widened with surprise at his approach to taking on an almost warm look, softening just slightly. "Hello, Ashiel. I'm doing well. Or as well as I can be, I suppose," she mused, catching herself as she began to take on a far away look. Once grounded, she offered a small smile that showcased a thin line of pearly white teeth. She wasn't exactly someone prone to running around with a smile on her face. It always felt strange, but still she'd persist in trying. "How have you been faring? Enjoying these new lands in the newly captured Empire?" Small talk was annoying, but, it often lead to more interesting things so she'd hang on a while longer. Motioning with a flick of her tail, Razi beckoned, "Come, walk with me, standing idle becomes boring quickly." Walk, "Talk" Think

Razi turned to him with a warm, yet far away look. It passed quickly, replaced with a small smile as they made small talk. "I've been well. It seems like there is still so much that needs doing." A season ago it felt like he hadn't a care in the world and now all of a sudden he had to much to do and more things piling onto his shoulders every day. There was so much to consider when putting together a pack of his own and part of him wondered if he was even ready for such a thing. What if this wasn't his place? Shouldn't he stay in the Risen Empire for a bit longer, learn from Amon? Why was he in such a hurry? Ashiel knew it was his mind. He was hooked on the idea and could not let his mind turn to anything else until he saw his own kingdom come to completion. "Yes, the lands are nice and I would prefer a walk as well." He moved to walk beside Razi, setting his pace to fall in line with hers. "Have you done much thinking of the future Razi? Do you know where you wish to see yourself in the next year's time?" "Talk" "You" Think

Nodding thoughtfully Razi replied, "Yes, I know what you mean. Lots to do, and lots to think about. Especially for those of us with lofty goals, hm?" Giving him a knowing smile, Razi found herself chuckling softly. She'd be interested in seeing how his ambitions panned out in the end. If he was anything like his mother, which Razi had no doubt he would be, the boy shouldn't have much trouble getting what he wanted. Especially if he had the tenacity with a bit less of a penchant for wandering. Following the path of the creek as it would bend move lazily, cutting through the ground as it made it's way to wherever it dumped out at. A larger river, perhaps? It was relatively warm out but simply being near the water enough to keep her from feeling uncomfortable. Canting her head slightly, Razi would mull over his question a moment before answering. "Yes, I have," she began slowly, "While I wouldn't be interested in leadership of a pack, I do think I'd enjoy a high rank perhaps as some kind of adviser. I like to think I'm level headed enough to give decent advice." Shrugging, the woman trailed off. She wasn't quite sure how she planned to work her way up, but she'd just have to do her best and sort of play things by ear. "And you? What plans have you made to help you reach your own goals?" Walk, "Talk" Think

Ashiel chuckled as Razi spoke of lofty goals. Yes that was true. Sometimes he felt like he was running around without a head in his desperation to prepare himself. He really should be taking things slower and more steady but what could he say? Once he had a goal in mind he would pursue it until he attained it and everything else would have to fall by the wayside. Razi stated that she sought a high rank perhaps as some sort of advisor. Ashiel nodded. "I think you would be fantastic in an advisor role." He grinned as she asked him his plans. "I intend to rule my own pack, sooner rather than later. Mother would like me to wait til I'm two years old but I don't want to wait that long. I feel a great pulling in me to start as soon as I can but until then I need a greater knowledge of this world. I intend to travel and meet with the mortals and spirits here and I also hope to train. You know… if I succeed I would be more than happy to have you as an advisor? In fact… I was rather hoping I might get some advice from you. What do you think a leader should know? What do you think makes a good leader?" "Talk" "You" Think

It would be a blad faced lie to say she wasn't pleased by his response. In fact, some vain little part of Razi would leave her quite proud that she'd garnered such a response so easily. At least with one relative's positive assessment of her fitness for such a role, she was on her way. It was a step in the right direction, at least. Now she just needed to ensure her future actions would cement this and get her the same reaction from others. "I do hope you're right, and I plan to work hard for it." Taking in his explaination with a thoughtful gaze, Razi nodded slowly. "I see. I could certainly picture you as the leader of a pack, though I won't lie, I have to agree with the assesment that with age comes wisdom. And wisdom is paramount in a good leader. That and good instincts, though we're not all blessed with those." She liked that he planned to go out and see more and learn more. That real world experience would be important in the future, the more he had to draw from the better. She offered a small smile and dipped her head in thanks to the boy, "And I would gladly accept when the time comes." Canting her head a bit and pausing her walking as though ceasing movement might help her think better, the dark woman considered her response with care as she did all things she said. This, though, she contemplated more thoroughly and with even more care. "Admittedly, I have my biases for what I'd like to see in a leader, but in a general sense I would have to say that a leader must have several things. Confidence in one's own abilities, for one, which must not be allowed to become overconfidence. There is a difference between being sure of oneself and overestimating one's abilities. To overestimate oneself is dangerous. I would also say sound judgement is key. It is good you plan to spend more time in the world beyond our borders, because having real life experience to draw from when making decisions is important. Perhaps spending time with the alphas of Boreas might be helpful to. Ask them what they think is important for leadership, but most importantly I'd try asking about what they each would do in hypothetical situations. Compare their judgements and yours and see the differences." "Let's see... I would also say that a good leader is personable, having a good working relationship with those in ranks below yours is key. You cannot expect followers to devote themselves to a leader who does not earn both their respect, and their trust on a personal level. I'd also want to see a leader encouraging this mentality in the wolves who stand in the ranks close to them. Having cohesive, efficient communication and good relationships between all levels in a pack could be important, and even serve to give one and edge in battle if everyone knows each other well and works together effectively. Some would ignore building these bonds but that leads to weak pack relationships and inability to communicate effectively when it's important. Lastly, strength, in all it's forms. Physical, and mental. A strong will, and strong character. It draws others in when they see someone who is strong in all ways, and, the trials of leadership will require you to have many strengths to fall back on, testing you in many ways. I hope this response wasn't too lengthy, but it is a subject that can easily be discussed at great length." Walk, "Talk" Think

Ashiel listened intently as Razi spoke. She agreed that he was still quite young but wisdom would come with age and in Ashiel's opinion with practice. He was eager to get started but he supposed that was one of his flaws. He was impatient when it came to achieving his goals. He knew he had to be careful not to let it bite him in the rear but at the same time he didn't want to let strong convictions sit by the way side. For all he knew this was the fallen god's doing. Ashiel grinned as Razi stated she would accept when the time came. That was part of Ashiel's strategy. To surround himself with wise and strong members of his family to help mold and shape him into the kind of leader the clan needed. The continued walking, Razi slowing down as she considered his question. Ashiel slowed as well to match her pace. Confidence was the first thing she noted and she warned him of the dangers of overconfidence. Sound judgement was next and that was something to be gained through experience. He knew he'd have to expect some rough moments as he was learning. He grinned as she mentioned talking to the leaders of Boreas and even running hypothetical situations before them. "Yes, that sounds like a good plan. Not long ago I spoke with the alpha of Talis and learned several things that have gotten my mind turning. What sorts of hypothetical situations do you think would be good to ask about? I'm guessing things along the lines of diplomacy and inter-pack relations would be good?" Her next thought was that a leader should be personable and have good working relationships with the ranks below him. That could get tricky. Ashiel had a tendency to be reserved and distant, even with his family. He could only imagine the problem expounding itself when it came to potential mortal members. Ashiel made a note to try and work on his social skills while he was out exploring. The next note of importance was creating cohesion and good communication within the pack. That would also be tricky and would require experience. Ashiel's family was headstrong and full of strong personalities. Working them into a cohesive unit would be a challenge and was something he'd always admired about his uncle. Strength. At this Ashiel nodded. This one he could understand. Having the physical and mental fortitude to be a force and to back up his words. "Your answer is more than I hoped for Razi and very insightful. Thank you! If you like I wouldn't mind you running a few scenarios past me and seeing how I deal with them." "Talk" "You" Think

The way he took in her words with such intent, keen interest was refreshing. It wasn't often that Razi got the opportunity to share her opinions at length, and far more uncommon to have a good listener on the receiving end of her rambling. This was a taste of the role as an adviser, and she was not disappointed. She didn't just like it for the sake of her own ego though - even at her worst Razi could not be so vain - no, she liked the chance to assist the young man who hoped to lead. It was also nice to know that if she attained such a position she could potentially help the leader she served make intelligent decisions that would be good for their family and cause. Nodding thoughtfully, Razi commented, "That's a good start. No matter how we feel about others, be they on our level or far beneath, it is the mark of a fool to think you cannot learn from others of all statuses. It may be unpopular to mingle with the mortals, but their usefulness is difficult to ignore. What sorts of things did you learn?" The older woman couldn't hold back her own curiosity. She'd met the alpha Ashiel spoke of once, some time ago. He'd seemed like an interesting creature at the very least. "Yes, matters of diplomacy would be an important one. I'd also suggest things like... Oh, different options they might use for conflict resolution? Whether its a dispute with loners, members of other packs, or even members in your own pack, it's never a bad idea to have more than one approach to handle such situations. Living in close proximity with others invariably brings friction at some point or another and having ideas for how to handle this would be useful." Glancing skyward, she mused, "Some leaders may be prone to be quick to anger. Some may consistently begin with gentleness. In my opinion how one handles situations ought to change with each unique circumstances, altering to fit what will resolve things most effectively. But, you should hear answers to those sorts of things from many sources to decide how you feel you'd do things. Then it's a matter of practice. Lots, and lots of practice. For other situations you could ask about how they respond to different types of intruders in their territory... How they develop and maintain ally relations, as well as dealing with breached promises or obligations with allies. How they would decide if they will aid other packs or not, in cases of various threats. Dealing with famine or a lack of any important resource during harsher seasons, how they would prioritize the filling of roles when starting a pack anew. The possibilities go on and on. If you think you're solid on how you personally want to handle a situation and no longer need a certain question answered, switch to new ones when you meet the next alpha. You could even finish each conversation by asking if they have suggestions for new questions you may want to ask when you move on, I think that would be well received. Eagerness and a thirst for knowledge is appreciated by many, and asking follow up questions to get good detail in the answers you're given would be a good idea." Glancing towards the creek as she walked, Razi eventually lead the yearling down the bank to the waters edge so she could get a quick drink of the cool water. Giving advice and being helpful was enjoyable, but left her throat feeling dry as she continued to talk. Small price to pay for aiding one of the future Abraxas conquerors of the new generation, she supposed. Prancing across the dry rocks that poked up from the gently flowing water, Razi chose a large one to jump to and sit on, enjoying it's warmth as she settled in so she might continue speaking once more. "I'm always happy to help, never hesitate to ask me questions if you need to. And I'm glad to help in other ways too. I may not look like a fighter, but I was taught the basics like the rest and I'm happy to offer things like spars, not that I'd be the most challenging opponent, or information on herbs since that is still a passive interest of mine." Smiling, Razi decided she did rather like this nephew of hers. He had parts of Pyralis' intensity, but had clearly picked up a good number of other traits whether from the sire's lineage or further back in the Abraxas line to temper the wilder parts. He was a good, smart kid. "I'd be glad to run through some with you. Let's see. Okay, a basic, and not unlikely one. Let's say sometime after founding your pack, gathering some members and establishing yourselves, one of your followers to purposefully break one of your rules. Nothing dire, but certainly a disobedient and defiant action in the face of your authority. How would you handle it? Step by step. Say there's a fairly common sense rule about not inviting strangers into the pack lands without consulting you and they do it anyway. Not the absolute worst thing a member can do, but it would be bad." Walk, "Talk" Think

"I've learned of many foreign lands and customs as well as values that differ from ours. Some of these mortals are also capable fighters. They know this land well, its plants, its prey. I think we can indeed learn from them." He'd elaborate more but he'd met so many odd characters that they'd be here for days talking about them. "And it is not just mortals Razi but spirits as well. I met a few of them recently and it was quite an interesting experience. Some time I wish to talk to my uncle more about the link between the gods and spirits and what exactly they are." It had been something he'd been meaning to discuss with Amon for some time but his uncle was understandable busy getting his new empire organized. Ashiel tried to do his best to memorize what Razi was saying about topics he could discuss with mortal leaders. Things like different options they use for conflict resolution. Whether it was disputes with loners, other packs or within their own pack. He could see the wisdom in this, to have more than one approach even though often he felt like he just needed to bash a few skulls together to get a matter resolved. He knew such brutish forms of problem solving wouldn't fit a young emperor. Another topic was how to respond to intruders and how they develop and maintain alliances along with breached promises and whether or not to aid their allies in dealing with various threats. The mortal alliances had been on his mind lately. There were likely small networks the Abraxas were unaware of and their violent takeover of Dragoste would surely have the mortal packs seeking to bolster their own forces through alliances. It would be prudent to learn of these if possible. Razi moved on to discuss natural disasters. How did mortal packs deal with famine and lack of resources? Ashiel had already learned some of this from Dragon in that he'd raided Celestial for healing supplies when they had run low. His ears perked as she suggested asking how they prioritized filling in ranks when starting their packs. That would be something he'd immediately have to contend with. Obviously he intended to focus on getting himself a few key advisors first and if Razi was still interested when he attained his pack that would be one position filled. Her suggestion of asking the alphas if they had any question suggestions that he could ask other alphas was a unique and interesting one and he filed it away for later. "These are fantastic suggestions Razi, thank you!" He nodded as she stated that he was always welcome to ask her questions. "Haha, well I would like to sharpen up my skills in fighting as well if you'd oblige me with a lesson or spar." He wasn't going to miss an opportunity to learn more from Razi if he could but for now he wanted to focus on the situation she laid out in front of him. He thought about it for awhile and realized how much the details would matter. He'd likely be more lenient with his family than mortal members but he also didn't want to respond in a lax manner to either. His family were strong-willed. If he were to actually rule them he'd have to be strong and decisive. "There are so many factors, in some ways it'd be difficult to say but I think in general I'd wish to speak to the alone and sternly about the potential dangers they could be bringing into the pack. I can understand if someone comes in with a pup, thinking a young wolf is no threat but some of our family are less tolerant and it could end badly. I'd try to reason with them and explain that the rules I would make are in everyone's best interest. If they repent and show remorse then that will be that but if they are flippant or dismissive then I would bring them down in battle to reassert my dominance." He glanced at Razi. "Is this what you mean? Please let me know if you wish me to be more specific." "Talk" "You" Think

She was glad to hear he had found some level of interest in the mortal beings around him. It wouldn't do for new leaders among them to find themselves too invested in their own superiority to find usefulness in the resources at their disposal. The woman found talk of spirits to be far more interesting though, body straightening as though that might help her better take in what he said. A slow nod preceded her response, "I've heard talk of them often, though I've yet to encounter these creatures personally. You know..." the woman hesitated, glancing sideways and wondering if she ought to remind the world of their existence but eventually decided that if they showed up... Well, so be it. "I'm unsure if they're planning on following the family as I did, but, my litter mates may also be ones to talk to about such matters. They have certain... gifts. If they don't know anything they'd be very interested all the same. Their names are Nura and Nowa." Somehow Razi doubted she'd need to describe them further for the boy to know them when he met them. They were an easy pair to spot. "I'm glad to be of help," she rumbled with an easy smile, "Summon me any time you please and I'll be happy to oblige." She listened to his response to the situation she outlined and found she was pleased with what he said. It would be no easy task to rule a pack with mixed ranks, especially one including both the abraxas and mortal members. Hell, even ruling over the members of their family would be enough of a trial. Balancing understanding and assertiveness was no easy task. Razi had hope that Ashiel would do well though. "Oh, you did wonderful my dear. I quite like your response, especially since in my opinion it's quite impossible to know how you should deal with every situation. Having a framework for what you think will work in many types of situations and then adjusting based on what is happening tends to be a good idea. Another kernel of wisdom I'll impart on you is this; imagination and the ability to think over potential scenarios is your biggest ally both as a leader and even in more specific tasks like fighting. The more you picture different situations and what you might do in your head, the easier your reactions come in real life. Imagine yourself performing a specific attack several times, and that attack will come easier in a real fight. The same is true of leadership. The more you mull over possible situations and how you'll handle them, the better you'll do when a real issue arises." Pausing, she looked at the boy a moment before asking, "Would you like to go over more today? Or save it for a later date?" Walk, "Talk" Think

Ashiel's ears perked as Razi mentioned that her sisters might arrive in Auster and that they had certain gifts that might help with his exploration of the connection between the gods and the spirits. He committed the names to memory. Nura and Nowa. "Thank you Razi. If they do decide to join us I'll see if I can gain an audience with them." He grinned at Razi's compliments, pleased to hear that he was doing well. As she offered another kernel of wisdom his attention sharpened. Imagination and the ability to think over potential scenarios is your biggest ally both as a leader and even in more specific tasks like fighting. Ashiel gazed at her for a moment then nodded as it sunk in. It would be good to run through scenarios ahead of time so that in the moment he'd know how to handle whatever fell upon his doorstep as a leader. He definitely understood this approach when it came to fighting. His mother had said something similar though she'd always emphasized instinct over it. Planning and learning small pieces of movements were great for a beginner. They'd be a small arsenal for one's instincts and muscle memory to draw from in the heat of battle. Ashiel would need to see if he could apply this method to alphaship as Razi suggested. "Thank you again Razi. Your wisdom is truly a gift to the Abraxas. Let's save it for a later date. I best be moving on, I still have other matters to attend to today. Thanks again!" He grinned at her and gave her a nod of respect before turning to continue onto the next task. -exit- "Talk" "You" Think