Malleus had been thinking about Ashiel's vision for some time. Originally he'd been alarmed by its more urgent implications and that had prevented him from diving deeper into what the fallen god had been trying to convey. It was only much later that it had occurred to him that the forest had been reborn. It had survived the consuming fire; its remaining trees having blossomed and propagated future generations. The next time Ashiel had seen it, it had been magnificent and strong. They as a people needed to focus on their future. That, he felt certain, was the underlying message beneath the command to follow god's laws and return to the old ways. They needed to weed out the weak and raise up the strong, and they needed to ensure, as god had commanded, that there was a generation of (capable, godly) Abraxas after them. That conviction had gotten him thinking. Many of his relatives were well into their prime and had yet to contribute a single child to the cause. He was going to have to change that. Malleus was considering many possibilities to remedy the situation. He'd thought about commanding the bachelors to go out and catch strong mortals. Thought about capturing some himself and seeing if any of his relatives might bite. The former seemed like a decent option and the latter he'd keep in reserve just in case, but neither were ideal. During all of that thinking his thoughts had repeatedly gone to the few single mortals that called Risen home. Given their willingness to join they were afforded more consideration than rogues, but that didn't stop him from scheming about their potential matches. There was one match in particular that seemed to have the fallen god's blessing otherwise Malleus didn't think he'd have noticed. Since he had, he couldn't help but feel that his gaze had been directed that way. And so it was with matchmaking in mind that Malleus called for his uncle Typhon. He was sitting above the creek gazing out over it. In the distance he could just barely make out the shapes of his children through the vines of the cathedral. Their voices carried and every once in a while he could hear a shriek of delight. Their mirth warmed him and served to further convince him of the righteousness of his mission.

It would be a lie to say that the vision that Ashiel and Malleus had presented at the meeting hadn't been plaguing Typhon ever since he'd heard them describe it. It mattered little how much he dwelled on it, though; he wasn't able to decipher any true meaning from it, not beyond what his nephews had already postulated. As far as he was concerned, they likely knew more about such things than he ever could, so he would leave the visions up to them - he was merely a soldier in their army, a pawn to be used as the Abraxas family and The Fallen God saw fit, and he was perfectly content with that. Well, mostly. He had done fairly well adjusting to life back with the Abraxas family, but he was still left feeling a bit shaken since the incident at Bent Canyon. He had yet to see any sign of Phenex, though Zinnia was a welcome distraction from the anxious thoughts that his brother's disappearance plagued with him.

Currently, though, with Zinnia nowhere to be found - at least for the moment - he found himself sinking back into that dark place. The nagging feeling that he wasn't good enough to live among his kin seemed reluctant to leave, no matter how hard he tried to distract himself. Hearing Malleus's call should've been a welcome relief from his own loud thoughts, but instead filled him with another pang of paranoia and fear. Perhaps he had been spending too much time tending to Zinnia and not enough on his own duties? Worried, but unwilling to make his nephew and leader wait much longer, Typhon scrambled to his paws and headed toward the edge of the creek where he saw the larger male waiting for him. He picked up his pace, dipping his muzzle in greeting once he drew closer to Malleus. "Afternoon, Malleus," he thought better than to simple call him nephew, deciding he'd earned far more respect than that, at least in Typhon's eyes.  "Is everything alright?" His gaze only briefly fell to the Cathedral across the river, before settling curiously - if not a bit anxiously - back on Malleus.

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As soon as Typhon came into view Malleus' gaze switched to him. He kept a single ear swiveled in his children's direction just in case, but he was confident that all would be well while he was away. Malleus was determined not to coddle his children. Love them, yes. Train them, certainly, but he wasn't going to spend his days chasing them around and keeping them from harm's way. They were old enough now to - more or less - think for themselves. They knew the rules and what was dangerous, and many of the harms that could come their way now were, in his opinion, the fallen god's way of weeding out the unfit. All he could do was give them the wisdom that had been given to him and hope they listened. "Uncle Typhon," he rumbled in greeting. "It is, yes, I hope I didn't worry you. I meant to speak with you after the meeting, but I was required elsewhere and then I'm afraid it slipped my mind." One lone, indignant wail rose up from the cathedral and Malleus' attention briefly turned in that direction. He listened a moment, determined it was no more than a squabble, and then turned back to Typhon with a chuckle. "Kids," he said with a shrug. He cleared his throat to signal a change in topic, then said, "I wanted to talk to you about the future. More specifically, the future of the Abraxas. I've been thinking a lot lately about Ashiel's vision and what it means for us. Each of us has a role to play, duties to fulfill, wouldn't you agree, Typhon?"

Briefly his own gaze returned to the cluster of trees and vines that formed the structure known as Grapevine Cathedral, wondering briefly how his cousin enjoyed having children. He was pleased that the Abraxas family was growing, which was the goal at the end of it all. They were put in this world for one purpose - to spread the word of their god, and growing their family was just another way to ensure that goal was achieved. "Not a problem," Typhon replied simply, understanding that Malleus often had matters to attend elsewhere. His attention was briefly stolen as one of his children began to squeal from somewhere in the mess of vines, though once it was evident it wasn't anything serious, he let out a low chuckle.

Kids indeed, he thought to himself, his attention snapping back to his nephew curiously. He couldn't help but feel his stomach sinking slightly at the vagueness in his words, though he struggled to maintain his relatively calm demeanor. He wanted to talk about the future, and Ashiel's vision. Though nervous, he was also quite curious about what the vision could mean, both for he and the rest of his family. He cleared his throat as well, pondering his words. "I definitely agree with that," Typhon responded easily, fully on-board with the concept that he too had a unique role to play in his family, despite not quite knowing what that was. Perhaps Malleus had an idea, or insight that he couldn't possibly have. "Tell me, Malleus - where do you think I fall in with this vision?" Though partially afraid he wouldn't like what his nephew had to say, he was eager to know what he thought.

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Typhon did more than agree with him and it briefly threw Malleus off the roll he'd been on. He was quick to jump back on it again. After all, Typhon's role was exactly why Malleus was speaking to him today. It was good that his uncle had picked up on that so quickly. It saved him a lot of build up and trying to suss out whether or not Typhon was open to what Malleus had to say. It did, however, mean he wasn't going to get to use the speech he'd come up with, which was kind of a shame because it was good, but in the long run, this was better. "I think," he said confidently, "That you will play a part in righting our course." They needed to get back on track, needed to return to the old ways. Typhon struck him as sensible and Malleus had never had a reason to doubt his devotion to the Fallen God or to their people. It was for those reasons that Malleus was approaching him now. If this meeting went well he might work on others. "We need to focus on the next generation. Its our duty to see to it that they, well, for one, that they exist, but more than that. It is our duty to see to it that they learn our ways, respect our god." He studied Typhon and then said in a voice heavy with his convictions, "I think you will do just that, Typhon. There are some in our ranks who best serve our people by seeing to its defense, needs, or conquests, but there are others who are called to that and more. I think you are called to more. And it is for that reason..." Malleus steeled himself with a breath. This was the hard part. "That I think - no, that I encourage - you to pursue the mortal female you brought with you from Aurum." Malleus thought about leaving it there, but he couldn't. He had more to say. "I've seen how you tend to Zinnia. I've yet to get to know her, but if Ashiel thought her deserving enough to join our ranks she must be worthy enough to bare Abraxas children." He wouldn't question his cousin's judgement. The younger Abraxas had proven that he was capable. thoughtful and devout. Malleus trusted his judgement otherwise he wouldn't have accepted the mortal in the pack so readily. "And I think you would be a good father. I think you'd raise your children right."

Typhon's own deeply-rooted sense of self doubt was what prompted him to speak up. It was less so that he knew where Malleus was headed with this conversation, and more that he was truly desperate to know that he was ready and willing to do whatever the Fallen God needed. If he had a purpose, or a role in this family that he hadn't come to understand yet, he hoped Malleus would lay it out plainly for him. His breath hitched slightly in his throat as his nephew began to speak, insisting he had a role in the Abraxas family getting back on track with their old ways. Uncertain where this conversation was headed, he nodded and listened, feeling slight panic rising within his chest.

They needed to focus on the next generation, he said. To extend the reach of the Abraxas, not only by conquering but by bringing forth children to train and to teach their ways. However, what he hadn't anticipated was that Malleus would encourage him to pursue Zinnia for this very reason. The thought caught him off-guard, and his facial features twisted slightly in confusion. While he knew carrying on the family legacy meant breeding with mortals, something felt strange about the concept now - perhaps he just hadn't thought of it for very long. But... Malleus was right. Zinnia had been accepted by Ashiel, and had proven to be loyal. Her faith was of less certainty to him, but true beliefs mattered much less than outward shows of respect to their culture, didn't they? He pursed his lips as he considered this. "I know nothing of fatherhood," he admitted after thinking over it for a long moment. "I'm not sure..." Though he wouldn't admit it to Malleus, he was unsure whether he would follow in his own father's harsh ways. To cast aside a child of his own, merely because they were flawed... what if he was faced with a similar choice?

The memories were painful, and he merely grimaced as he mulled it over. No, he would do what had to be done, and if he found himself at a crossroads with a particular choice in regards to his future children he knew he had plenty of wolves to lean on for guidance. "I'd be honored," he decided finally, accepting this task presented to him with humility, and letting his muzzle briefly dip to the earth. "I do believe Zinnia is fond of me, and perhaps feels as though she owes me for rescuing her." His own feelings were less important, but he was reminded of the way her presence made his stomach twist in a vaguely uncomfortable way. He enjoyed her company, and that - coupled with these newfound visions, and Malleus's direction - was enough for him. "It might take me... some time, but I doubt I'll have trouble courting her." Typhon didn't know the first thing about such matters; he had spent most of his life thus far avoiding distractions, and now everything seemed to be taking an abrupt turn. Children? The thought made him feel faint, though at the same time he felt a weird excitement bubbling in his chest.

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Typhon seemed surprised by the direction of their conversation, but to Malleus it was simply the natural conclusion. He listened as his uncle spoke and resisted replying until he thought the older male had both sufficiently processed what was expected of him and recovered from that understanding. "I've no doubt either," he said confidently. Zinnia could do no better than a son of the Fallen God. Their family would see to it that her offspring (should they be fit for the Abraxas way of life) excelled. They would make her children great. "And Typhon..." Malleus' thoughts went back to his own children. How nervous he'd been before their birth. How totally unprepared he'd felt. "No one knows anything of fatherhood until it is upon them. From experience I can tell you that it is equal parts stressful and wonderful - and there is nothing out there that could tempt me to give it up." He considered his uncle for a moment, then added confidently, "You'll do well. But we're getting ahead of ourselves now, aren't we?" he said with a chuckle before teasing, "First you have some wooing to do."

Having a plan, even if it wasn't quite the one he'd expected, made a wave of relief wash over Typhon. He did have a purpose in this family - even if it was not exactly what he'd expected. He'd spent so long away from his family training his mind and body, and preparing himself for... well, whatever was required of him. Though he'd only had the most basic of fighting lessons, he'd mostly thought he might be a fighter - but no, Malleus wanted him to be a father. Perhaps once he might've thought that an easier route, but he was suddenly overwhelmed with uncertainty. Maybe fatherhood would be even more difficult than he could've imagined..

He listened to his nephew's advice, nodding seriously at his words. He'd only become a father recently, so at least Typhon knew he could go to Malleus for advice if he needed. At the comment that fatherhood was stressful and wonderful, he let a small grin creep onto his features. "I could imagine," he replied earnestly. It was hard to picture exactly what it might be like to become a father but he couldn't imagine it'd be fun all the time; though he knew few things in life that were truly good and rewarding came without a fight. His final comment earned another grin, a more light-hearted one, and the expression was followed by a low chuckle. "Thank you for the talk, Malleus. Everything is more more clear to me now." He had known Ashiel's vision held significant weight to it, but with Malleus's train of thought he felt it all sinking into place now. He offered his nephew a deep bow, nose nearly grazing the ground, before he bid him a silent farewell and headed back the way he'd came.

- exit Typhon -

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