Toxicity wanted to finish the three main sermons before the seasons changed over. She knew these lessons were important while the pups were young. The third sermon her father had given was so close to his death that it became one that Toxicity had come to dismiss mostly in her life. She didn't care much for mortals, and those of her siblings that did quickly abandoned their faith for some semblance of love. Toxicity hoped to deter the pups from becoming weak minded like some of her siblings while also hoping they wouldn't become quite as reclusive as herself. This sermon would take place inside the warmth of the shrine. Obi had all the furs and snacks ready and Toxicity only peeked open the door to howl out that there was a mandatory sermon for all the Abraxas pups before she tucked back inside so Obi could groom her once more before she gave the last mandatory lesson. ""

Due 07/2! All pups required to attend!

Seclusion treated the young Abraxas well, though he did not notice his tendency to relish his solitude. Now that Hallux accompanied him most of the time, he felt more secure. She was insightful and well rounded, and she didn't mind chatting with him throughout the day. Now that she had the boy supplying her with more regular food, she was less harsh with him. Currently, they were doing some chores that Toxicity had assigned when she noticed her son was lounging about the shrine, insisting her son be of use if he was going to be avoiding the potential socialization he could get among his peers. Some of the bowls that were used regularly around the shrine were in need of a good wash, so he had been sent off to one of the ponds that had developed as the snow melted so that he could clean them up. He had just finished arranging them in their proper spots when his mother summoned the rest of the children to the shrine. Hallux opted to follow behind her charge with her strange, side-to-side hopping gait as he padded into the main antechamber to see what all the fuss was about. His mother was being groomed, her dark pelage shiny and pristine. "Can Hallux sit with me during the sermon?" he asked his mother softly, glancing around to be sure none of his siblings or cousins had already arrived. He didn't want to display open hesitation around them, for fear they would think him lesser for it. If his mother sent the dark bird away, he wouldn't mind too much. They'd spent the whole day together, after all. The young wraith shook out his coat before he settled down on one of the furs, setting himself up in a corner where he wouldn't need to worry about being crowded while also being more than able to participate in conversation with the other children. Hallux made herself comfortable in the space between his curled thigh and sharp elbow, folding her wings neatly to either side as she sat. Pontifex was trying to be subtle as he watched the doorway, waiting for one of his sisters to join them. While he didn't mind his cousins, he wasn't as comfortable around them. He really ought to make an effort to seek them out, as stronger bonds between family would be critical as he grew up and rose through the ranks. What had been stopping him all this time? He really was lagging behind his peers, and it irked him. "speech" BURN BRIGHT LIKE THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Shuriken continued to grow, shooting up equally as tall as her brothers and finding with her long legs she was looking over her sister’s heads with no problem. While she grew her grace did not. If anything Ike was even more clumsy than just a few weeks ago. Her paws were huge and difficult to wield and her legs looked too long for her body. She was on stilts, and grew ever further from the perfect petite princess she wanted to be alongside Iki. That didn’t mean she didn’t try but whenever she compared herself to her sister she fell short. This caused her to withdraw, Ike tried not to be a boisterous, and she didn’t often speak unless spoken to. Her closest confidant was her akita servant. Who did not come with her today.

The tall princess answered her aunt’s call, maybe not quite as promptly as was befitting a princess but when she slipped in the door she realized she wasn’t quite late at all. She tried to sneak into a place without bringing attention to herself but as she found her own little fur to sit upon her foot got tangled up and she pulled the skin out from under her own paws, resulting in a small tumble. With a thud and quiet ‘oof’ Shuriken righted herself, her pale fur glowing bright red with a blush. She tried to straighten her fur and settle back down, all the while mismatched ears were tucked to her skull and dual toned eyes downcast.

The young Abraxas had taken herself down to the shore, the unseasonably cold wind whipping through her fur as she looked out at Dove Island with eyes narrowed against the glaring sun. For all it's brightness it barely shed any warmth down upon them at all. As much as she wished to cross today, something told her she should stay close to the shrine, and so she heeded that gut feeling, her rump planted in the sand, her toes flexing to feel the way it shifted beneath her. A white bellied kite was wheeling overhead, calling to her shrilly, tempting her to follow, and she wanted to! She wanted to race the bird to the Ashen boarders and beyond. To feel the cold air burning its way into her lungs with each thundering step... But this was where she belonged.

The girl tried her best to live up to her name, but with her ever expanding frame and bright coloured coat, it was difficult to keep a low profile. I wasn't that she was yet growing gracefully, nothing could be further from the truth, all massive paws and ears on long gangly legs. The girl was still prone to the occasional stumble as were all her age mates, she was sure, but recently she had begun to wonder just how different she might be from mortal wolves. In naming her, she could only assume  to reach her full potential and ascend from this mortal flesh prison that she would need to embrace it, to be unpretentious, fair and decent. To be unassuming. To never overestimate her own abilities...

She shook, her quills clattering as she did so. To be modest, almost seemed to be the opposite of godly, and it caused the girl no small amount of angst as she spent a fair chunk of her spare time trying to puzzle it out. What had they meant in giving her that name? If she was of the gods then what gave them the right to dictate her future?

These were dangerous thoughts, and she knew it, but thankfully she was pulled from her brooding by her mothers summons. She would live up to her name and earn her place, she was determined. Drawing a deep breath she returned to the shrine, not rushing like on previous occasions, but with purposeful, measured steps. She found herself a fur upon entering the shrine and settled with her front paws crossed before her, attentively looking towards her mother and waiting for the sermon to begin. If there were answers to be found, her mother would know of them, and showing her appropriate respect was the quickest way to find a path to them.

"speech".

heard you’re new in town

Iki wasn't in a good mood for once, though she still fought to maintain a sense of decorum. Her meeting with Manea had opened the young princess's eyes to what the outside world had to offer. Now more than ever she wished to be given to a husband far away so that she might see the world and learn from it. The Ashen Empire seemed so small in the grand scheme of things...

The call for yet another sermon made the young girl sigh aloud. She peeled herself from the ink and paper where she'd been practicing her writing and made her way towards the shrine. Iki arrived just in time to see Ike stumble and fall. She wasted no time in hurrying to her sisters side where she helped to right her. Ike had grown more than Iki had. She was the little sister now. Curling her long tail around her hip, Iki leaned against Ike, seeking comfort from her larger sibling. Her mind was a swirling miasma of thoughts and she would have to struggle hard to pay attention to her aunts words today.

Faith Abraxas

Faith lurked about the shrine still, she hadn't exactly been too open or eager as of late, observing from a distance as her family opened their home up to a stranger, her uncle having wedded himself to a mortal whom by Faith's own estimation hardly seemed worthy of the godhood he was marrying into... but it had also opened up a thought in the young girl's mind.

Even from a young age Faith had known her familial duty was to learn the teachings of god, follow in his path and some day continue on the bloodline, bring new godlings into the world... but she'd never really considered her own relationships outside of that duty and her family... She had little to no interested in the idea of men... but it had also planted a small seed in the girl's mind. She had yet to truly even experience her first crush, that was hard enough to do when she was as secluded as she was but the seed would sit and eventually start to grow, until it would blossom in her later life. For now though the girl's mind would turn towards her mother's summon and she would make her way towards the designated location, giving her brother a quizzical glance before settling herself among her cousins, attention rapt on her mother.

my words | my thoughts | my story

Image and table made by Scarlet

Pont was the first to arrive and asked quietly if Hallux could sit in. Tox nodded slowly, "Of course, Hallux is always welcome." Companions and other animals who gave their support to the Abraxas were as much needed as the Abraxas themselves. Next came the princess and Tox pretended to not her blunder. The others came in and all seemed contemplative in their own way. She noticed two of Venom's were missing and made a note to talk to her about it later. For a brief moment Tox considered doing something fun instead, but she had a duty to uphold. They could play and lighten up later. "By now you have learned of your godly inheritance and the many paths of those around you. As you approach your first birthday and go forth in the world, spreading God's will, there will come a time where you are called to have children in the name of God. This is the greatest honor. It means God has entrusted you to choose someone spectacular to share in the creation of a litter of gods." She recited the words her father had as best she could. She emphasized many of these points as it seemed her own siblings missed the memo. "When that time comes, it may seem to make sense that the only way to have a litter of gods would be to breed with another god, but this is not always the case. Many mortals make fine carriers for children of god and through those children they may also be blessed. There are, however, a set of Litter Laws to ensure the litter to be healthy and blessed." It was obvious all the pup present were blessed already. Whether or not they would continue to shine in God's light had yet to be seen. "No one is to approach any close relative to have a litter. Do not have litters with your sister nor brother, either of your father’s litters or your mother’s litters, whether they were born in the same litter or elsewhere. No aunts nor uncles on either side of your family. No cousins, nor any wolf who shares the same last name nor the last name of any of your parents." She thought this would be fairly elementary, but seeing Deathbelle's other litter... ugh. Yeah. She'd have to murder someone, or lots of someones and that was a lot of work. "Pups produced from such litters would be cursed to a life of unholiness and bring such wickedness upon their parents as well. Such pups are also at risk for being mortally nonviable as well as morally. If anyone you know performs such a detestable sin, they are to face judgment and be cut of wholly, for they are unclean in mind, spirit, and body. Such wolves should be stripped of any chance of ascension, their holy lineage, their sigils, and ultimately their life is forfeit for culling." She paused for some time to let this sink in. "This has happened to my own mother- your grandmother. Who was a mortal turned god, but when she delved into the unholy, she lost her right as the alpha of Ashen and fell from ascension. She has been rejected by her children, her god, and her pack for her sins." It was unfortunate, but it was true. "Litters produced otherwise, will be blessed by God, or by a combination of the deities the two wolves embody. You are not required to get married, but may do so when your heart desires to whomever you wish. Such a choice is left to your heart as long as it complies with the Litter Laws. It is important to produce the next generation even if it is not out of love. Though Venom found love and produced pups, I have not felt such a feeling towards anyone. Regardless, I found suitable people to help me create pups worthy of the Abraxas name. I hope you all are able to find your own way to further the line. Any questions?" ""

Due 07/16!

Shuriken let Ikigai help her back up as she tumbled through the furs. There was one wolf that was always there to catch her when she fell and Ike adored her sister. The leggy princess ‘looked up’ to her smaller pale sister. She was the perfect princess, poised, well spoken, intelligent. Everything that Ike wasn’t. She leaned into her smaller sister, though Ike was thin and slender she was incredibly tall now. Those long legs gave her so much trouble, as was made obvious by her tripping over her huge paws all of the time.

She lowered herself to her elbows so she wasn’t towering over her sister anymore and looked up to her aunt for their last godly lesson. Ike was just a child herself so she certainly hadn’t thought much about her own family someday. She had talked to Kitsune about one day finding her prince, but surely that day was many many years in the future. Ike hid her reaction to her aunt’s words as best she could. Having children one day, picking the right mate, all of that was relatively easy and she could accept those terms with ease, but Toxicity went on about their laws and devolved into the consequences the leggy princess was again brought to her doubts.

Toxicity again spoke of suffering and punishment and most of all reiterated their places at the arbiters of morality. It felt… wrong to the young girl. She didn’t feel like she could speak up, lest she be subjected to those same punishments so she simply leaned against her sister just a little bit more. Wasn’t Tox talking about uncle Chimera? He was the most amazing hunter she had ever seen, and the girl couldn’t… and wouldn’t… believe that he was cursed. Their aunt opened the floor for questions but Ike remained silent and uncertain.

With his mother's permission acquired, he shot a glance and a soft smile towards his companion. The bird dipped her head respectfully to the dark female, and fell silent. It wasn't a long wait before his cousin Shuriken arrived, and he took a moment to note how tall and lanky she was. Similar in build to himself and Faith, even. Though she was certainly a sight to behold, a far cry from his far less elaborate form. Long whiskers and claws, with that mottled coat split nearly clean along her midline in two opposing shades. She also shared in the struggle of long legs and oversized paws, stumbling and jolting her way along as he often had. He noticed the subtle shame she bore with her slip upon the furs, and wondered if he ought to reach out to assuage her worries. Hallux's sharp beak jabbed into his thigh, her naked features pointedly indicating he had better get up and do just that. He quickly jolted to his feet, stumbling over his paws as he worked to avoid stepping on Hallux. Just as he took his first few steps closer to Shuriken, the pale form of Ikigai slipped into the shrine. The princess made quick work or righting her sister and tidying her pelt, leaving Pontifex hovering awkwardly a few steps away. Well, now he looked stupid. Nervous gaze drifted over his shoulder, seeking direction from Hallux. The bird gave a small shrug of her wings in response. One more awkward glance between his two cousins, and the boy slunk back towards his parrot to settle back down for the sermon. This time he opted to recline closer to Modesty, shooting her a hesitant but warm smile as he tucked his forepaws close to his chest and his hind limbs framing his flanks. Hallux hopped over to sit in the cup formed by his front paws, warbling softly to herself for a moment. Then he watched Faith enter, looking a little better than she had at the last sermon. The brief look of confusion she directed at him was met with an equally confused stare, one brow lifting briefly in question. She didn't sit close by this time, which wasn't abnormal but still felt odd. He wanted to share in the sermon with both of his sisters, like the last one. There wasn't much to be done about that, and soon his mother began to speak. He realized this was the first sermon Hallux would attend, and tucked his chin in to lightly touch the top of her head. How exciting! "By now you have learned of your godly inheritance and the many paths of those around you. As you approach your first birthday and go forth in the world, spreading God's will, there will come a time where you are called to have children in the name of God. This is the greatest honor. It means God has entrusted you to choose someone spectacular to share in the creation of a litter of gods." somehow this particular piece of lore had been overlooked thus far, because it struck the boy like a freight train. His own children? He wasn't sure he wanted those. That was so much responsibility, and while it was his duty, he wondered if he was worthy of the undertaking. "When that time comes, it may seem to make sense that the only way to have a litter of gods would be to breed with another god, but this is not always the case. Many mortals make fine carriers for children of god and through those children they may also be blessed. There are, however, a set of Litter Laws to ensure the litter to be healthy and blessed." Fallen One preserve him, Pontifex wanted to bolt. Something about this was settling like a lead block in his chest and twisting like a blade in his gut. "No one is to approach any close relative to have a litter. Do not have litters with your sister nor brother, either of your father’s litters or your mother’s litters, whether they were born in the same litter or elsewhere. No aunts nor uncles on either side of your family. No cousins, nor any wolf who shares the same last name nor the last name of any of your parents." he glanced over at Modesty. Why would he want to have children with her? Or Faith, for that matter. Gross. Two toned gaze slipped over to his cousins. Nope, that would also be weird. Also gross. "Pups produced from such litters would be cursed to a life of unholiness and bring such wickedness upon their parents as well. Such pups are also at risk for being mortally nonviable as well as morally. If anyone you know performs such a detestable sin, they are to face judgment and be cut of wholly, for they are unclean in mind, spirit, and body. Such wolves should be stripped of any chance of ascension, their holy lineage, their sigils, and ultimately their life is forfeit for culling." The broken record repeated itself, punishment of sinners and heretics. The mauve and soot stained boy understood why cursed children should be culled- they would lead miserable lives, likely bogged down by deformities and plagued by bad omens. No child deserved to suffer that fate as a result of their parents' failures. There was something in his mother's gaze that drew his attention, a minute shift of her features that set unease dancing along his spine. "This has happened to my own mother- your grandmother. Who was a mortal turned god, but when she delved into the unholy, she lost her right as the alpha of Ashen and fell from ascension. She has been rejected by her children, her god, and her pack for her sins." His grandmother was a heretic? What did that mean for his mother- for him? Were they cursed by proxy? Who would dare cull the cursed children of an alpha? "Litters produced otherwise, will be blessed by God, or by a combination of the deities the two wolves embody. You are not required to get married, but may do so when your heart desires to whomever you wish. Such a choice is left to your heart as long as it complies with the Litter Laws. It is important to produce the next generation even if it is not out of love. Though Venom found love and produced pups, I have not felt such a feeling towards anyone. Regardless, I found suitable people to help me create pups worthy of the Abraxas name. I hope you all are able to find your own way to further the line. Any questions?" Pontifex had many questions. But where to begin? He looked about, wondering if any of the others would ask the questions first. He wasn't certain he was ready to question the minutia of their lore. "What happens if you don't have a litter before you die?" his voice, as always, was not especially loud. His brows were pinched ever so slightly, concern wrapping around his vocal chord like a vice grip as soon as the words left his maw. What if he couldn't ascend unless he had children? "talking" thinking actions

It would have bothered Ikigai to know how her sister felt about herself. To Iki, Ike was tall and beautiful. She loved her sisters speckled coat and her long legs and everything else about her. Clumsy or not, Iki adored Ike and only wanted her sister to be happy. The long tailed girl curled into her sister's side, using her muzzle to gently lift Ike's head from its tucked, embarrassed state. She flashed her sister a smile and then turned her attention to her aunt.

The smile that had formerly been in her face quickly dissipated with the severity of Toxicity's words. Now, despite Ikigai's stature, respectful manner and demure ways, she was not shy. Especially when it came to acquiring knowledge. Her aunt was saying that those born from breeding between family were cursed, but it wasn't as though the pups had chosen their path. They would be forced into a life that their parents created. It was common knowledge that their grandmother had lain with her brother and had produced children from that union.

"The pups born from an... unclean union..." the young princess searched for the proper words, "It's not their fault. Are they still then cursed?" One dark eye spot lifted as she questioned her aunt. "Uncle Chimera is a little rough, but Aunt Siren is very, very nice." She hadn't spent much time with the wolves of the island, but her experiences had all been positive ones.



"Ikigai "

Each of the young wolves filed in and Modesty was feeling confident now in her faith. She smiled warmly and happily leaned against Pontifex as he joined her. Though her cousins seemed to struggle more with their Godly place, she had had no such problems yet. Although it probably helped that her mother reinforced her lessons each and every day.

As her mother began to speak, however, Modesty’s ears began to tilt back against her skull, her whole body trying to sink into the fur upon which she lay. Her lips drew tight in worry and she leaned back, shooting a furtive glance towards her siblings and cousins. Nobody else seemed to be having such a physical reaction to the words, but they were making Modesty more than uncomfortable. She actually felt sick. Surely there were enough of them that she could be spared such an awful fate? She had yet to experience her first crush, to find anyone she cared about as much as her siblings and mother. Not that she would think of doing THAT with with any of them… But she also didn’t know if she could bring herself to do the same with anyone else either. For the first time in her life, her Godhood was causing her misery.

Bile burned at the back of her throat, but she dare not excuse herself yet. Surely there was a way around it? She supposed it might help if she didn’t have to keep the other party around… It might only have to be once? For whatever reason though, that didn’t make her feel any better. Breathing deeply through her nose, trying to regulate her thundering heart, her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth, she tried to form words. Before she managed to work up enough saliva to form words again, however, her brother asked the question she had been meaning to, and she shot him a grateful look. Couldn’t they just skip that part? Or would they be damned?

"speech".

heard you’re new in town

Kuroki was late. Ooops.  But at leas this time wasn't his fault, Kitsune had asked him to play, so how could he refuse? There was no way and at least now the pair of them were on their way. Give or take. In all honesty he didn't really care much for the Abraxas faith, even the more spiritual aspects of his sire's culture. But his aunt was and would no doubt always be a stickler for rules and sermons and whilst it was fun to get under peoples skins he didn't feel like having her chew his ear again. Both literally and figuratively. By the time he arrived on the scene it was clearly in full swing, questions being tossed back and forth giving Kuroki just enough context to figure out what was being talked about. Ish.

Smushing himself right beside Iki-eyeing her chewable tail, no doubt- Kuroki tipped his ears forward to listen to her question. It was very reasonable and so like her, always looking for the best in others, being thoughtful and genteel in all the ways Kuroki wasn't. Him on the other hand, his question wasn't quite so delicate.

"So how do you actually make kids?" He asked with a tip of his head, wondering why she was being so vague about it.

Again as she finished speaking, many of the pups stayed silent. Eventually Pontifex asked about what happened if you didn't have a litter before you died and Toxicity hummed lightly, "That's a good question. Many Abraxas have died before having pups. Some chose instead to become great warriors for God and others simply were never blessed with a litter of their own. It's even possible you won't find a suitable wolf to give or carry your pups. While it's one of the highest honors, and something everyone should strive for to grow the Abraxas family and thus the power on this plane, there is no punishment for not having pups as long as you have tried your best."

Next was a question about the cursed pups, saying they did not choose that life. Toxicity nodded sadly, "This is true they did not choose it. But neither does a rabbit choose to be born prey. It is simply the order of the world. Not all monkeys can belong with wolves, and then Obi defied that, strived for more, and overcame that. Some wolves have prey animals as companions. There are many ways around both blessings and curses, and you can both gain and lose grace based on your actions and the strength of their faith. Pups don't choose their parents, so unfortunately, some can be cursed by simple birthright. They may yet overcome that, but it has yet to be seen in my lifetime. " Toxicity had to hold back her distain for Chimera when he was mentioned and managed to do so well. He was one of her least favorite wolves in Ashen- perhaps in existence- and she nearly hoped for the day he turned against her and showed fang as Pesto had. "Chimera and Siren are not particularly different and they are only here in this pack due to Venoms most... abundant graces. Perhaps in her case, she is extending some of her holiness to them to help keep them afloat, though I recall Chimera being forced from the pack for bad deeds not too far in the past and I wonder if his heart has ever changed. As for Siren, I have never spoken to her nor has she to me. Any grace she could have inherited would have been shattered by her parents' unholy union, however, at that time, Deathbelle's choices had already fallen her, and thus Siren and Chimera are simply mortals who cling to one another in this unholy union."

Lastly, Kuroki asked how kids were made. Without the social awareness, Toxicity felt no awkwardness in the situation and fell into an explanation.

"For pups to be conceived, there must be a man and a woman. The woman usually- but not always- will be in heat, which will happen when they reach adulthood. When they decide, the man will mount the woman and -fade to black- and thus the lifegiving will be complete. Some have forced these actions upon another, while others seek them freely. It is not important to stay with your chosen partner after the pups are born- or even before if you are the one carrying them, as only women can do." She nodded, that about covered it.

"Is there anything else that plagues your minds?"

Next round due August 2nd

Shuriken would admit at the very least that her aunt’s comparing their half aunt and uncle to rabbits made sense but it still didn’t feel right. Not that the young girl was even certain of her own morality. Everything that was said seemed to be double edged and didn’t sit right with the princess. Try your best to have babies, don’t have them in a cursed union, your actions and faith could and would delineate you from grace. Toxicity was the authority on their religion, that was obvious in the esteemed rank her mother had given her aunt. She wore her dedication in the scars that decorated her body and the daily devotion she showed towards Abraxas. It should have been inspiring and incredible but Ike couldn’t find connection in it at all.

She had seen her own mother commune with… something deep in the mountain palace. Ike didn’t really understand it, but she was put in awe at the stories that Venom told of their father and the times before the eruption and his demise. Though her words were similar to her aunt’s there was more of a feeling of resentment. One that her mother would never admit to, but was obvious when the girl compared her lesson.

The last question was answered and Ike continued to listen, feeling at ease with the straightforward way Toxicity described how children came about. Ike knew she didn’t have a husband and her cousins called no one father, but Venom had put emphasis on them finding a partner. Someone to strengthen the bloodline and support them as Hattori did for her. Or even better, taking a mate for political advances. All of those reasons were elevated above love, but Ike could see the adoring glances her mother gave her father, and the protective and steadfast way her father stood for her mother. That example seemed far more virtuous than simply finding a donor to help make her godling babies.

Faith Abraxas

Faith had had her own doubts and questions but as the rest of the pups piped up she would sit back first to listen intently for each answer, her own curiosity piqued for each question though for different reasons for the question of her aunt and uncle. Faith knew of them but her seclusion to the shrine had meant she'd never had the displeasure of meeting them but her feelings for them clearly leaned more towards her mother's, though it was not personal so much as a feeling of disgust about the circumstances of their birth. Much as she loved her own brother the idea of entering into a union with him made her deeply uncomfortable and she couldn't help but feel some amount of disgust with her own grandmother that she would even consider it at all.

But all these thoughts she kept to herself as she listened to the rest of her mother's answers, absorbing the rather clinical explanation of how children were even made as simple fact, she had no reason to assume there was any reason for shame about this and neither did her mother seem reluctant to discuss it and so as far as she was concerned it wasn't worth being flustered over. It did raise a question though and Faith pipped up:

"What about Uncle Plague's union?" She fixed her gaze intently on her mother, "If he was wedded to his husband will he be unable to have children of his own, and are unions between two males or two females... a problem?" She felt her chest tighten at the idea, she wasn't particularly close with her uncle but his marriage had awakened a possibility in her mind and despite her own naivete and obliviousness about her own feelings the idea that it was wrong somehow filled her with a deep anxiety.

my words | my thoughts | my story

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His mother was thankfully quite quick on her feet, readily offering an answer to his question. He only noticed the slightest movement from Modesty at his side, but paid it no heed as he gazed up at his mother. The boy was always amazed by the fact that his mother seemed to know everything, even when he wasn't certain anyone would know the answer to what he was thinking. There was some comfort to be drawn from the notion that he wouldn't be punished if he died without heirs, knowing full well that he was certainly one of the least sociable of his siblings and certainly among the bottom tiers among his cousins. He found himself drifting away on a train of thought that had him wondering what kind of future he would have, and the possibility of settling down with a mate to raise a family. Mismatched forepaws curled tighter around Hallux, the side of one long fang brushing repeatedly over the soft feathers of her neck as he thought to himself. It was an unconscious, self soothing action- the sensation of the feathers brushing over his teeth coupled with the gentle shushing sound put his mind and body at ease. The ebony bird allowed it, more focused on the interesting beliefs of the wolves she lived among. Pontifex wasn't quite old enough to really know what he wanted to do, but he wasn't certain he wanted a wife and family. Perhaps he would settled down with a husband, like his uncle Plague? The avian companion grew tired of the incessant motions of her canine ward once the topic began to take a more dour note, and subtly bumped her wing against those long fangs in warning. It was enough to shake Pontifex from his thoughts, and he returned his attention to his mother's sermon. He'd missed the question, but he was catching the tail end of the speech. A worrisome pit developed in his stomach at the notion of damnation without potential for salvation, as was the fate of his mysterious aunt and uncle. He'd never met either of them, but he wondered what they might need to do in penance to receive the grace of god once more. It seemed cruel to deny a child their divinity through the actions of their parents, and he wondered if somehow he might be permanently tarnished in God's eyes by Toxicity's future actions. Yet again he started to worry at Hallux's feathers, this time nibbling at the soft tufts of down at the base of her skull. Once he noticed a soft feather coming free in his teeth he soothed the skin with a swipe of his tongue, and fought to restrain himself from harassing the poor avian any further. Then his cousin Kuroki spoke up, and Pontifex certainly heard what he said. A frown furrowed his brows, and the boy turned a piercing stare upon his mother. This was pertinent information, and he could see no reason why she would withhold it from them. Heat? Mounting? Fade to black? Interesting, but the notion didn't stir anything in his young mind beyond concern that he might have to find a larger female or risk crushing her. He was a rather large boy, even now, barely even a yearling yet. That seemed a daunting task in itself, since the only large female's he knew happened to be related to him by blood. Already he was plotting his eventual departure from the pack to seek out a potential mate that would allow him to fulfill his divine duty, and thus allow him to return home and resume his usual life. His mother once again opened the floor to questions from the youngsters, who seemed to have fallen into a tenuous silence. Eventually his sister spoke up, her concern pointed firmly towards their uncle Plague. He had been tied to a male, as opposed to a female, and thus would likely be unable to conceive pups from that union. This was a good question to ask of their mother, and the boy opted to keep his mouth shut and await a response from Toxicity. He hadn't immediately seen the wedding as sinful, or his uncle as a heretic. However, he was suddenly aware that it could potentially be morally wrong, as opposed to physically dangerous. "talking" thinking actions

No doubt if Kuroki had asked his sire he would have gotten some variation of: go ask your mother along with a squinty eyed look. But Toxicity was quite willing to lay it out bare for all the pups to hear, nothing was spared and all the grisly details were explained and explored. Kuroki's expression wrinkled, the skin around his muzzle pulling back as he grimaced. It sounded pretty nasty to be honest, his mind lingering on the fact that he was supposed to use the very same thing he pissed and put it in somebody! The others were no doubt lingering on being cursed by birthright or finding donors yadda yadda, but as always Kuroki focused on the nitty-gritty of it all. How nasty it sounded, something he wouldn't be interested in for quite some time.

Faith mentioned uncle Plague and honestly Kuroki hadn't met his husband, let alone sparred a thought to their union. Whatever they did...was none of his business. Regardless of how nosey the Prince could be he didn't want to think about anyone in his family doing that.

"Too many rules." Kuroki quickly concluded. "Why does God care so much? Ain't he got better stuff to do?"

The pups all seemed deep in thought and Tox understood. It was a lot to take in. Especially for those who were raised with mortals around then calling everything into question.

Faith asked about Plague and Toxicity offered a smile, though her inner feelings were mixed. Her brother had said nothing of his marriage to her, didn't ask her to have any part of his wedding, didn't consult her at all. She had her doubts that he was no longer a believer, but she was too focused on trying to bring the pups up right to do anything about it.

"Plague could still have pups if he found a woman willing. It's not a problem- it's giving into a mortal urge and feeling, but we all do sometimes. If Plague were to adopt pups and bring them up the Abraxas way, they too could garner some graces. He could have a woman still give birth to his pups for he, and even his husband to raise. Even in a non-Abraxas family, same-sex unions come with their own challenges, but there's no reason why it would be considered any more wrong than a single Abraxas not yet having pups."

She tried to explain but it was a little complicated.

"Having pups is one of the greatest blessings and one of the greatest ways to receive His grace, but it is not the only way. Some are even born barren, and cannot have pups. These wolves can find other ways to bring His glory to the world."

The last pup to speak was the Hattori one. His quick comment and near brutal honesty earned a small chuckle from Tox- one that she VERY quickly tried to hide behind a cough. Having that brashness and honesty was better than hiding in your own mind all the time and Tox could appreciate even if she maybe should have been upset by the rejecting outburst.

"Wherever you go there are rules. Packs, loner lands, wherever. If you don't follow them- if you eat the wrong herb, poke the wrong bear, or something, then you have consequences. When you think of living forever in the spirit world with all your friends and family that believe in Abraxas, and the power he can give you on the mortal realm, all the rules seem simple."

Tox looked back to the kids. They had to be getting tired at this point and Obi dismissed himself to fetch some refreshments.

"It's important to be honest like that, though. Instead of wondering quietly. Good job, Kuroko for speaking your mind, even if it might seem scary."

Everyone else had interesting questions, and Modesty tried to allow the train of thought to lift her out of her deep pit of anxiety. When her mother began to describe how puppies were made however…

Her vision started to go dark around the edges. If she could have unstuck her tongue from the roof of her mouth she might have screamed. She pushed back as the explanation drew to a close, a very uncomfortable flipping in her stomach threatening to bring up anything she had ever eaten. She didn’t even bother to excuse herself as she scuttled from the shrine, barely making it to a nearby shrub before the contents of her breakfast made a repeat appearance all over the ground at her feet. Disgusting! She would never do such a thing! Abraxas would have to be content with the rest of them reproducing, she would find another path to Godliness, and apologise to her mother for racing out later.

"speech".

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