The night was absent of moonlight. The sky above was choked with thick cloud cover as the young emperor travelled swiftly toward the Grapevine Cathedral. His mother had been moving a variety of trinkets and oddities from the Risen Empire to her new home in the Eclipse Empire, when she realized that the scent of her brother had grown faded. She'd informed him that Amon had been considering going back to the old country to deal with his father and a number of unsettling rumors. It stood to reason that he had left. Ashiel crossed over the borders , his mother by his side and Griff flying above his head, without a second thought. They were family after all and this was urgent. Pyralis had not seen Malleus either. Had he gone with his uncle? How bad were things back in the motherland? Ashiel felt ill to his stomach. Was it possible that Amon needed reinforcements? Should he send any other wolves? He didn't know what to do. It seemed a shame to completely abandon their conquest of this new land. So he gathered up the members of his pack who were willing to come and headed for the cathedral. He hated to leave his land unprotected but as it was still new there wasn't much to it yet. Settling underneath the canopy of the forest he tipped back his head and summoned his family and the members of both packs to him.   "Talk" "You" Think

ooc: I haven't been able to contact Fox or Laz so I'm doing a bit of plot work to maybe explain what's going on based on an earlier thread between Amon and Pyralis. This meeting is for those of the Risen Empire, The Eclipse Empire and any lone Abraxas.  I plan to reply again on March 24.

EDIT: yay Laz is back! Still working on getting ahold of Fox but the good news is the Risen Empire should be sticking around.

Chasing Twisters In The Canyon

Pyralis wasn't used to feeling unsettled. She travelled next to her son as they made way for the Risen Empire. Her stomach felt sick with worry and she didn't know if Amon would find her silly for it. What on earth did she have to worry about? He could certainly take care of himself. All the same, something was going very wrong and she had no way of finding out what. She didn't like it. Her golden eyes narrowed at the thick, dark soup of the sky. It had rained earlier and she wondered if it might not dump on them again. Her companion flew along next to her. She did not know what they would do without Amon. He was the closest to the Fallen god and the one who interpreted his will. She had never been terribly spiritual. She wouldn't have a clue but she kicked herself all the same for stepping down from leadership. She had wanted to support her son but there's been that nagging suspicion that the Risen Empire was really where she'd been needed. Oh well, there was nothing they could do now but summon the pack and hopefully give and receive answers.

My Cathedral Is The Badlands

Malleus had been keeping to himself these last few weeks. He'd worked on a few projects and ventured far from the Empire, spending many a night abroad. Upon returning this last time he'd been made aware of a change within the pack; one that had suddenly led to him resuming the mantle of leadership until his father's return. The pack had to be made aware of the leadership change and he'd been going to do it, but the words had eluded him and he'd been unwilling to do it until he had something to tell them. The howl that summoned the packs together changed his plans. He knew that without having first asked Ashiel why he was there. It made sense that one of them would notice, didn't it? It goaded him into action and perhaps that was for the better. Hopefully words that were off the cuff would suffice even if he was loath to speak about such a matter without having first perfected his explanation. Reaching his cousin and aunt, Malleus gave each a welcoming nod. "Pyralis, Ashiel, a pleasure as always. Your timing is perfect."

Trailing after Pyralis and her son, Razi made sure not to fall too far behind. There was much on her priority list, but it would all be cast aside fr now as she headed to attend the meeting. Rumors of her older sibling's disappearance had made their way through the family quickly enough, so that even Razi knew the man had left the area. She thought it unfortunate that he left in such a manner, a bit out of character even, but perhaps he was more like the wilder ones than he'd have admitted. Once caught up to her sister and nephew, she acknowledged Malleus with a faint dip of her head. With nothing much to say, the woman settled herself in a good spot to observe the meeting, hoping the rest of both packs would not be far behind. "Talk" "You" Think

She had noticed her brothers scent was faded, and at first she thought he might have gone off on some venture to the other packs, but he had been gone too long and that assumption promptly went out the window. Hearing Ashiel's call at the border, Kas made her way to them and was pleasantly surprised to see Malleus there. While she hadn't been very active in the spotlight, she had been working diligently behind the scenes. Finding new plants and creating dangerous concoctions that she often tested on unsuspecting mortals..."What a pleasant surprise to see you back among us dear nephew, and always a pleasure to see my dear sister again. Though I take it this isn't a simple family get together?" She chuckled, but she couldn't help but feel what they were all feeling about Amon's sudden disappearance.

Entering the scene not too far behind Razi, the large male surveyed the area with a curious gaze. Part of him had been tempted to offer to remain in the Eclipse's lands at the mention of a multi-pack gathering. Integrating and socializing were not his strong points, necessary as they may be when joining a new pack. Somehow this just seemed more difficult than last time. More than likely because the family who dominated the ranks was a bit... different. That was putting it quite mildly, he thought with a near imperceptible smirk.

The large wolf would settle himself near Razi since she was one of his own pack mates and a bit further from the rest of the gathering group. He received a a glance and a lift of a singular brow, but not much else in the way of acknowledgement. That was fine, good, even. To be the odd one out in this family-dominated group was a sensation he wasn't sure how to feel about. Until he had a better feel for these Abraxas wolves he would do well to stay out of the spotlight, but still participate and learn.

She wasn't sure what was going on, or who was really calling from the borders, but whoever it was and whatever they called for sounded important, so she left her spot by the creek and headed over. Truth be told, she hadn't seen her mother or siblings for a while. Then again she hadn't really been around the den, either. She had made her own hidden among the reeds, watching the goings on in the pack but even that got boring since everyone seemed to be scarce. But when she arrived and saw her relatives gathered, she hesitated. She had hoped to see her mother and siblings there, but they weren't. Ears that had been erect with hope had fallen with disappointment, and she sat down at the edge of the group unsure of what she was supposed to do, who was who, and so on. She only recognized Pyralis' face, but everyone else she hadn't met. Even Amon wasn't here, but she had noticed his scent faded too...what was going on?

Since his last conversation with Ashiel, Typhon was feeling more confident about his decision to join the Eclipse Empire. He hadn't heard much from Amon's pack and couldn't help but fear the worst, though it wasn't his place to pry. He had made his choice to join the younger Abraxas male and had no intentions of going back on his word.

Hearing Ashiel's call, he responded as quickly as he could from his position scouting around the outskirts of lands surrounding the cathedral. Quite a few wolves had already arrived, though his brother was nowhere in sight - he couldn't help but hope that Phenex might decide to continue with his decision to join Ashiel's Empire. Typhon expected it would be the best decision for them both.

He dipped his muzzle respectfully toward Ashiel as he moved to settle down, eager for what his kin would have to say, as well as interested in what insight the others who had arrived might offer.

© argent 2017

Zin was towards the back of the group as they traveled from her new home in the Canyon to the place where Ashiel was going to be calling the meeting. She hadn't been sure what was going on and was feeling quite out of the loop, but non the less she fallowed her new alpha without hesitation. Ashiel had invited her to join Eclipse just not long ago so she had spent most of her time so far in settling down. She hadn't gotten to know any of her fellow pack mates yet. As she fallowed her eyes looked over Ashiel then to the other members of her new home taking in their looks to memorize who they were sight wise. It wasn't long before she realized she was walking among giants. Inwardly she chuckled at herself, lowering her gaze back to the ground as she traveled. This family was sure turning out to be something she wanted to find out more of, though if any were dangerous it would be easy for them to rip her to shreds. The only reason that thought crossed her mind was because of how large and how well build they were, each lined with powerful muscles just like a god would be. She didn't talk since the rest seemed to be silent, something was easily bothering the others and she could only assume it was a family matter, something she dared not ask about. She desired to make good impressions on all these large wolves and prove to them that she was worthy to thrive among them. When they reached the spot Ashiel took his point and she fallowed past him then turned to face him and settled down quietly. Ashiel's call rang out calling together the two empires for a meeting. She fidgeted a bit a little on the nervous side at being at this meeting, but she tried her best to keep her calm. Her eyes curiously looked as others arrived, her eyes taking in each and every large form. To her relief at least two of the Abraxas family seemed more to her size so far which made her feel a little better. She turned her gaze back to Ash respectfully waiting for things to start. "Speech" & 'Think'

A wicked grin was plastered to the seer's face, having just had a vision the night before there would be another good thing happening in the family. Little did she know this also made her sister's vision of Amon come true. Though she was grieving the fact her brother had returned back to the motherlands, it was clear that his Empire would continue to thrive. Risen Empire would not fall and their family would continue to thrive. It was easy for the female to fallow the scents of her family, but her mind had been focused on the mortal among them. Her grin turning darker as the her thoughts turned to what experiments she could perform on the women. Was this a gift from Ashiel to her and Nura? She could already feel her blood running hot if it was the fact. She fallowed the group quietly her senses tracking the small pack's every move. Nura was nearby she was sure of it. It didn't take them long to reach the meeting area and they fanned out to find their spots to wait for the others. Nowa took her chance to trail Razi's scent. She had yet to have a run in with her and her slender form slithered up beside her, the twisted grin growing larger. "Razi what a pleasant surprise," She drew her syllables out making her words sound a bit on the creepy side. She took a seat nearby Razi and waited for Nura to join her. "Nowa Talk", & 'Nowa Think"

Ashiel let his heart hammer away in his chest as he took a few deep breaths. He knew this was somewhat uncouth to parade right into his sister pack's territory and call them all to meeting but when his mind got focused on a task it was difficult for him to pull his thoughts away. Besides, his mother was next to him and if it were not for her concern he'd have been much more patient and steady about the whole thing. Ashiel let out a sigh of relief as he saw Malleus. Thank the fallen god! As long as Malleus was around that meant that Risen was stable, for if Amon had left there was no doubt in Ashiel's mind that Malleus would take the reigns and lead them well. "It is good to see you Malleus and a relief. I will explain when the others get here. I have a question for you and a few matters to discuss as a united front." One by one the family and the pack collected and while it was not everyone it was a good start. "Thank you everyone for coming. I know this was rather forward of me but Pyralis had been trying to find Amon for a… mission." A mission that was probably more horse-play and his mother's special brand of madness but that was beside the point. "She has not been able to locate him and neither had I so I thought you might know what has become of him." He glanced to Pyralis to offer her words and he nodded before turning to Malleus. "Malleus, do you know what has become of Amon and if he might require any back up? If all is well with Risen I thought we might also discuss our plans for the future and if we wish to try and hold the Starlit Race." The new moon closest to the solstice was coming but as Ashiel was unfamiliar with the festival he wasn't comfortable holding it without Amon. His mother knew some but tradition was not her strong point. "Talk" "You" Think

Chasing Twisters In The Canyon

Pyralis smiled and dipped her head in greeting to Malleus. She was pleased to see him answer so promptly. He was growing up strong and handsome and if her brother had indeed gone to slay their father then the Risen Empire was in good paws at least. She grinned at her sister. "Kasdeya! It's been to long, I do hope you're settling in well." More members appeared and soon the meeting had started. Ashiel turned to her as he mentioned their mission and she nodded and stepped forward. "My mission was nothing of critical importance but the last I spoke with Amon we had discussed the state of our original homeland… and our father. There have been rumors spreading like pus-filled tongues that he has crumbled in mind and body and defiled our ways. Amon had been considering going back to clean up. When he failed to answer my call I thought maybe… maybe that is what he has gone to do?" She turned her gaze questioningly to Malleus, hopeful that he would know. She tried to ignore the emotions smoldering in her heart. Based on her nephew's answer it would wither rear into an angry fire or wither into worry.

My Cathedral Is The Badlands

It had been a little concerning to hear his nephew's call, summoning the Empire as a whole rather than just his own pack. What was he doing here? Was there some emergency? Apollo hesitated to end his own patrol along the far border, but he surmised that this was undoubtedly more important at the moment. The border markers were freshly marked recently enough that it was unlikely any would seek to cross them for fear of reprisal, and even if there were an incursion they would be swiftly sent on their way once this meeting had concluded.

So the Abraxas male turned further into the territory, following the source of the sound to find many already gathered and arriving in time to hear Ashiel's concerns posed to Malleus. It was not for him to speak in place of his brother's chosen heir, yet Apollo stepped up to the two young alphas and his sister with no hesitation in his military bearing. He didn't know what Amon had discussed with Malleus before he had left, so he would put forth his own knowledge as well. "The extent of Gaios' deterioration is perhaps not something to be discussed before all gathered," he said in a low murmur, a pointed gaze directed at the loners who had accompanied Ashiel's pack. Raising his voice into a more carrying tone, he added, "Amon's presence was required in our homeland for a time. There is no need for alarm."

Turning his gaze between the three principle players in the two packs, he spoke to them alone once more. "When I chose to follow Amon, it was because our father Gaios had become more and more erratic as time went on. His... instability was alarming to Amon and if he has chosen to remove Gaius from a position of authority - " And from the mortal existence. " - assistance from us is likely not necessary and would not be wise. This is Amon's battle alone."

The Abraxas gathered quickly. When it was all said and done, there, sprinkled among the familiar faces, were a few he'd never seen before. There were Abraxas and mortals alike; it seemed Ashiel was doing well. Things got underway; Ashiel and Pyralis explaining why they'd called everyone together. It was understandable; things had, however briefly, fallen into disarray. He would have been more surprised if they hadn't noticed. He was working on an explanation when Apollo spoke up. In agreement with the elder Abraxas' words, Malleus nodded grimly. "It's as he says." He cast a quick glance around those gathered, attempting to briefly catch their gaze and hopefully give them some amount of solace. They'd come to this new world for his father. The man had been a uniting force. It would be understandable if they felt a bit uneasy without Amon's commanding presence. "As Heir, I am Risen Emperor pro tempore while my father is gone. Rest assured, I will keep with tradition and rule with the same conviction as my father." He cleared his throat, then said, "We will carry on in his absence. He would expect nothing less of us, so yes, let us discuss the future." To Ashiel, he said, "Perhaps we can hold the Starlit Race together?"

Razi watched the group assemble, keeping track of who appeared from where and logging the scents of unfamiliar faces for possible later use. A man trailing after her from the territory of the Eclipse settled not too far away, and she eyed him wordlessly while taking in his scent and features. He was tall for someone of mortal blood. Not a bad find, Ashiel. Another mortal girl settled within the group. These wolves were more interesting to Razi than the kin she'd known all her life, though she was pleased to see a child who smelled faintly like Ana. Where was Ana? Her thoughts were disrupted when a familiar voice called her name. It was all she could do not to wrinkle her nose at the sound. Displeasure would show in her voice and Nowa would undoubtedly hear it, but Fallen God, why were they so determined to pop up just when Razi was getting comfortable with her place in this land? "Nowa, your presence is a glowing light in the darkness as always," she cooed. It was her favorite way of joking, hinting at her sister's pelt that looked like a sunrise at midnight. Not that Nowa would ever know that. Pity. Her attention shifted as the other began speaking. So, Amon really was gone now. That was interesting news. A shame to see him gone so suddenly, but a relief to know he was gone with a good purpose. While Razi wasn't overly acquainted with Malleus, she trusted her brother to leave the Risen Empire in capable paws. For now, she remained largely silent, drinking in all that was said. "Talk" "You" Think

Ashiel's brow furrowed as Apollo stepped forward, mention something about Gaios' deterioration.  He saw the other look at the loners in his pack but Ashiel did not turn his head. His pack had to have members and since he could not fill his ranks entirely with Abraxas he'd opened it to mortals and the descendants of other gods and spirits. They were a part of the pack now though he supposed this news could be distressing. Ashiel himself was having trouble with it and what it meant for them existentially. He kept his voice low. "I'm glad to hear he's alright and yes, if Gaius is the sole problem and he has fallen out of favor of the remaining family then it is Amon's battle. It was the chance of him being out-numbered that concerned me." Ashiel grinned. "With a little luck when he returns it will be with more of our lineage." Ashiel stepped back and nodded at Malleus' words as he addressed the group. When he finished it was Ashiel's turn to speak. "The Risen Empire will be in good paws until Amon's return from his mission. Yes, I think it will be best for us to continue in his absence and as we share the same traditions it seems only fitting to hold them together." He gazed out at the gathered wolves and back to Malleus. "The future seems to be moving swifter than we can account for. With spring around the corner I wonder if it would be more prudent to plan the Full Moon Festival?" Of course he did not have any healers in the top tiers of his pack yet but he was sure Seth could manage a few lessons. There was also that itching temptation to try and track Lydia down again but he was skeptical that his family would tolerate lessons from a mortal. "I also wish to discuss joint training sessions as well in the form of mock battles between our packs, if this is of interest to any?" He gazed out at the others as well. He also wished to speak of the future of their conquest as a whole but felt that might be something to discuss privately with Malleus first. "Talk" "You" Think

Chasing Twisters In The Canyon

Pyralils snorted and did her best to hide her irritation. Nice of her brother to just flounce off without a word or bothering to send a message to her in the canyon. She was going to chew his ears off when he returned for this. She moved to sit down next to Razi, letting the young males discuss the holding of festivals and other such stately stuff but before she sat down she stopped and gazed at the gathering crowd. "Perhaps you two can work out the finer details of the festivals and Apollo and I can take the pack out on a midnight outing?" She grinned. "You know… I never did get my buffalo hunt, is anyone else here hungry? Alkali did spy a small herd of Gaur bedding down in the Boneyard. We could slay a few, throw a feast and spend the night sharing tales and stories."

My Cathedral Is The Badlands

ooc: Ok we've got it sorted so I'm going to go ahead and adjourn this meeting. Keep an eye out for the Full Moon Festival!

Ashiel sighed at his mother's excuberance and shook his head. "No, Pyralis, that will not be necessary. Malleus and I can work out the final details in our own time and we have gained the answers we sought." He stood and turned to address the whole group. "Everyone, I thank you for your swift assembly. Before you depart Malleus and I wish to announce that on the first full moon of the spring season we will be holding the Full Moon Festival. This Festival will focus on the healers within our packs so I encourage the healers of both groups to brush up on their skills. There will be lessons and activities centered around healing. As this will be one of our first festivals together I request that the hunters and non-healing members put together a feast so that we can get to known each other better." He grinned, hoping Malleus approved of the idea. He didn't want everyone who was not a healer to just sit out on their first joint-pack festival. They would also need some umm… volunteers for the healers to practice on but he could do the finer arrangements with Malleus. "Meeting adjourned, I wish you all a good evening." -exit- "Talk" "You" Think