Aurielle Adravendi

She’d decided to take Drachen on to teach the script and words of Valhalla. She planned to extend the writing to other packs. Writing could not be twisted or changed, or forgotten, and it served as a way to get messages to another pack without the possibility of the courier forgetting something important on the way there. Even if the wolf was unfamiliar, the script would be Valhallan, well-known if all went right… But she would watch him as he learned, and if he did indeed choose to stay for life, or at least a few years, she wondered if he’d be interested… the Circle she had in mind had yet to receive its first member. The only wolf to have walked such a path had been Mask, long ago. By now the man was probably long dead, and she felt a sadness at the loss of the quiet, brusque male. She padded to a stop at the mouth of the man’s den, breathing in the scents. He wasn’t in, so she settled, waiting patiently for him. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

The scent of hare was strong as he padded back towards his den with not one but two clenched in his jaws, one for him and one for Enzi. Even though the hawk had told him many times that she was fine with the harsh cold that still cling to the land, Drachen still caught large meals for the bird to help her keep her energy up. Perhaps it was a bit too over protective of him but he could tell there where some days the raptor did appreciate the meal when her own hunting did not go well. His oceanic blue eyes glanced to the skies to see if his companion was returning but did not see her yet so he continued on in his swift and graceful trot towards his den.

The scent of his kills nearly caused him to miss the scent of Aurielle close by, only just nearly, and his dark ears perked on top of his skull as he looked around for her. Soon he found her, the glowing female sitting patiently outside his den obviously waiting for him to return. His dark face tilted slightly to the side for a second in curiosity but he quickly made his way to her and placed a hare in front of her, readily giving up the one he was going to eat. "Spirit! Please eat if you are hungry.... What can I do for you?" He said warmly and with respect after he set down the remaining hare at the side of the entrance of his den for Enzi when the hawk returned. He then settled his black and tan frame to his haunches in front of her as he waited to see what his Alpha needed of him.

Aurielle Adravendi

In time, the man came into sight, a fresh hare in his jaws. Drachen was quick to greet her, and she smiled warmly. Though she’d already eaten a light meal before patrol, she accepted the offer, putting her clawed bracers to work skinning the pelt from the hare and slicing a haunch from the left side before nudging the rest back to Drachen. “I wanted to know if you’d like to learn Valhallan Script? It can be challenging without thumbs, but fun and useful.” She nibbled through her chosen haunch, studying him with that alert, intense pair of dual-shaded blue eyes, a friendly invitation to broaden his knowledge and horizons. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

He was silently pleased when the Spirit took the hare and after skinning it, took a haunch for herself to eat. He was glad that he could repay her some of the kindness that she had shown him since his arrival. He took the remaining meat that she returned to him and made quick work of his meal and cleaning his tan lips as Aurielle asked him a question, wanting to know if he wanted to learn how to write her language. While he was familiar was writing in a sense, his birthpack had various marks used to carve into wood to mark boundaries and even marks meant to send a fearful message to those who crossed the King, but Drachen had a feeling that this crafty woman meant something much more complicated than that.

"Yes, of course." He rumbled quickly after, a small ghost of a smirk dancing on his lips at the thought of a challenge. "I have learned at a young age that there is no such thing as having too many skills." He continued on in his soft hushed tones. That was a lesson that his mother had always insisted he took to heart, remembering fondly the few gentle but firm whacks of his mother's paw on the back of his head when he tried to slack off on a lesson as a pup. A tan brow lifted over a deep blue eye as he rumbled again "I am ready to begin now if you have the time for it?" he offered, eager to learn but unsure if she was only stopping by to find out if he was interested or if she had planned on starting the lesson right now.

Aurielle Adravendi

Aurielle flashed a quick grin as Drachen quickly accepted her offer of learning, nodding and rising to her paws, chuckling at his remark. “My father was – and is – of that mindset. My twin and I were getting lessons in our family tongue and everything else he could stuff into our minds as soon as we were old enough to retain the knowledge. He made sure to make the lessons simple enough for the very young, but we worked our way up very quickly.” Solveiga, too, had been a wonderful mother, in those early weeks and months, before everything came crashing down. She’d been patient, sweet and knowledgeable about herbs and healing, which had been her calling as a healer, and between their mother and Paladin, it was no wonder Aramis had taken on the calling as well, and though Aurielle’s path had been the one she walked now, she had absorbed just as much as her brother in those early times. Her eyes scanned the plains, briefly flickering with a faint hope, as though the thought of her brother might conjure him, but there was no ink-black, blue-shimmering man there. He was still missing, for the second time in her life. Turning her mind back to the present, she smiled at Drachen, tipping her head toward the hill, eyes flicking across the sky as she offered, “Then follow on; my supplies are in the alcoves. I’d like Enzi to learn as well, but if she’s hunting for herself, I don’t want to disturb her. You’ll have homework afterward, so feel free to include her.” She padded ahead, pace easy, letting him catch up and keep pace with her. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Aurielle's mind seemed to drift away in thought for a moment and Drachen watched as her eyes scanned the plains as if she was looking for someone, curiosity sparking within his tan chest but he remained silent, not wanting to disturb her. But the Spirit was quick to turn her attention back to him and said that she wanted Enzi to learn this written language as well and his deep blue eyes glanced at the sky looking for her silhouette against the blue sky but she was not there. Still in the hunt. he thought but he was not concerned, he knew his feathery companion would be back as soon as she was done, which probably would be soon. He dipped his dark face as his soft vocals rumbled "Yes of course. She would love the challenge of learning it as well." Honestly the bird would probably be better at it than he would be with her talons but Drachen was a man of near stubborn determination and he would make do with what he got.

The black and tan male followed along after the Spirit, falling into step with her easily as they headed towards the hill, his dark paws crunching softly on the frost covered grass below. It wasn't long before the reached the bottom of the hill, his curiosity about this written language only growing as they climbed. "Is the Valhallan script something that is common knowledge here?" he asked, his oceanic blue eyes glancing at the shimmering ivory woman next to him. Was this something that the entire pack was taught or only a select few. If only a select few knew then why did she decide to teach him? Did she have some sort of plan for him?

Aurielle Adravendi

The Spirit smiled as Drachen volunteered the hawk’s willingness to learn. She didn’t doubt the assertion, though. Birds often enjoyed learning new things, regardless of type. She led the way along the deer path that had long since been widened and trodden down by years of wolf paws, and now often Taliesyn’s hooves, winding through the woods as she considered his question. As yet, only a few had joined for the open lessons, but all of her children, as well as Red, Cairo, Paladin, Regulus, and Taliesyn, had been well drilled with the knowledge. She hoped that in time the entire pack would know the script, but it remained to be seen. As she turned down the ravine, she answered, “It’s relatively new, so not entirely. The pack has been invited to lessons, but the turnout hasn’t been incredibly large yet. I’d like everyone to learn but I’m not keen on forcing them. Force leads to resentment, usually.” The ravine’s tall walls opened into the wide area just outside the cave mouth, and she paused for a quick drink at the spring-fed pool, tarrying long enough for him to grab a drink if he wished before climbing the three natural steps into the main chamber. The cave was of black marble, struck through with glittering veins of gold, silver, and streaks of quartz here and there, with the ceiling domed. Alcoves lined the wall, most of them closed off with large hides, tanned with the fur on, to keep in the warmth. One alcove was dark, clearly a tunnel leading deeper into the hill, though a flicker of firelight occasionally flashed deeper in the shadows. The Spirit’s own coat lit the chamber as she ducked into an alcove and returned with the writing supplies she needed and settled on a large white bearskin spread on the ground, nodding at the man in welcome to settle if he wished as she nudged the supplies to him. “Ready to begin?” Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

He followed after the Spirit as she took a turn to head down into the ravine, his paws nearly silent on the earth and stone while his oceanic blue eyes scanned the ravine curiously before he returned his attention back to Aurielle as she answered his question. A slight frown pulled at his lips as she told him that the turn out for the lessons had not been as it should, some not as willing to put in the effort as they should have. It was his first instinct to suggest a consequence for the lack of attendance, as was ingrained in him from the time he had been weaned by his father's harsh rule. But that was not how things were done here and his old way of thinking was quickly brushed off. "Perhaps an incentive?" he rumbled in reply, merely a humble suggestion for the Spirit to think upon and in no way him trying to overstep. He admired how she did not choose to punish those who did not attend even though it was clear that she highly wished that they would. The Spirit then led him deeper into the ravine and stopped next to a spring fed pool to drink and Drachen took the silent invitation and took a drink himself, enjoying the refreshing cool water. He did not make the shimmering woman wait long for him and after his quick drink followed her up the natural stairs and into the main chamber. He scanned the chamber as Aurielle disappeared into an alcove, the man taking a turn around the chamber before joining the woman on the bear skin rug, taking a seat across from her. His deep blue eyes scanned the items she had laid out before him, parchment and a coal stick, and his tan brows curled together subtly as he tried to figure out how in the world he was going to hold the thing. A soft breath escaped his brown nares as he glanced up at Aurielle and nodded. "Yes, I am." he replied. His right paw moved forward to the coal stick, his toes flexing wide before he took the coal in his teeth and placed it between his toes, the digits clasping the coal stick between them as he pressed his toes together again. He took a few experimental wiggles of his toes that caused the coal stick to move up and down and he was satisfied that his grasp would hopefully hold during the process. Drachen then looked up to meet Aurielle's gaze to signal he was ready to begin. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Aurielle Adravendi

His suggestion was taken with an interested quirk of her brow points, encouraging further elaboration as she led the way. She was not one to disregard the voice of her people. Just as Domari’s suggestion of trading kills for a resource for the next practice raid was taken and considered – and she agreed with it – Drachen’s next words would be considered seriously, especially if they might help spread the learning of this skill further through the pack. She smiled faintly as he studied the implements, and she demonstrated her own technique – similar to his with the coal-stick slotted between the two inner toes of her dominant paw, that being the right, but with the stick’s unburnt end grasped lightly in her incisors, giving her a little more control, even if, with prolonged use, she needed a deep massage to her neck muscles. As he showed his readiness, she set the implement to one side and nudged examples of the script’s alphabet and runes over to him, going over them with him until he had them memorized, and then setting him to practice with drawing shapes, as she had with Caelia. “I’ve found this to be a good way to build control of one’s paw. Not without a lot of frustration from time to time, especially when I was first drafting this all out. It gets better with practice; a lot of it.” She chuckled on the last words as she settled back with her own parchments, scratching out a line of text while keeping one eye on him to watch his progress, mulling over the ideas in her head that very much had to do with the man she was teaching. Information was a valuable thing, whether it was to feed the plans for a raid or simply to keep tabs on the world. One Circle of Valhalla had not seen use since its previous version under her Father’s reign, with Mask being the only member, and the man had eventually gone on to make his own place in the world. But how to broach it with a wolf who hadn’t yet made the decision to be a full-time member—although he certainly didn’t seem in any rush to leave, even with the winter being over, and his time in Valhalla stretching longer. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

He studied the runes in front of him intently as Aurielle taught him each one and their meaning and the combinations that they were to be put together. He frowned slightly in the beginning, his light colored brows coming together in his focus and his blue gaze flicking between the runes and the Spirit's face as she explained them. Slowly he began to grasp the concept, the Vaekhal male had always been a fast learner and his stern expression slowly became more relaxed. After that, it was time to begin the actual hard part, the writing. The Spirit had him first begin drawing shapes instead of the script so that he could practice his technique. Drachen first tried to just use his toes to to hold the charcoal but after a few times of the writing utensil slipping out of his grasp he soon just picked the charcoal in his mouth so that, much like the woman sitting across from him, the charcoal stick was held between his incisors surprisingly delicately. Then with that figured out, Drachen began to draw the shapes that he was instructed to draw, the images extremely unsteady at first but visibly getting better with each try. And for many minutes after Drachen continued his studies determinedly and diligently, occasionally stopping while his deep blue eyes flickered between his work and the original. It certainly needed more work but the visible improvement spurred on his confidence and soon he was engrossed in his lesson once more. It was about thirty minutes later when the black and tan male paused, his attention obviously shifting from his lesson to something else as his eyes unfocused on the parchment in front of him, all the while his charcoal stick was still held between his teeth. Several breaths later the man blinked and almost abruptly put his charcoal down and sat up straight and settled his oceanic blue eyes on Aurielle. His expression settled into a more serious look as he studied for face for a moment longer before he spoke his mind "I would like to stay" he rumbled in his quiet tones, his voice soft spoken but confident. "I would like to join Valhalla's ranks, if you would have me." Drachen tried again, gentler this time as he realized his tone could have come off as a demand and not a request as he had intended. His dark ears fell back to his skull to show that he had not meant to come off as rude before they lifted once more and shifted upright on  his skull as he waited for the Spirit's response. He sat nearly as still as a statue as he watched her face, trying to read whatever expression that might pass over her glowing face in an attempt to keep the sudden nervousness from peeking out from under his calm but slightly ridged exterior. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Aurielle Adravendi

The man worked diligently, and she watched between working on her own scrivening, nodding approval as the shapes smoothed. Practice would polish the marks, but with what she’d gleaned of the man, he was a dedicated type. He’d already stayed long past his originally offered time, and she’d been wondering how to pose him staying. As it turned out, he must have had a similar line of thought. She looked up with interest as she noted a sharpening of thought over his features. In the next breath he spoke, and she bit back a grin of amusement, allowing him to finish, not finding it rude at all. If anything, it reminded her a bit of Red’s coming into the chamber what felt like a glorious lifetime ago and saying, rather abruptly, ‘Come to Auster with me’. Her eyes glinted as she made a note to track her husband down for some time alone. “I was beginning to wonder when you’d ask.” Her tone was amused, grin almost crooked as she rose to sit, studying him. For now, she decided, he would run among the hunters, or perhaps among the Messengers. He’d make an admirable diplomat, for certain. The Armada had shown her what not to look for. She just hoped Malalia was alive out there somewhere, and that she’d come back to her pack eventually. “Is there a particular service or Circle you find appealing?” It was a tricky thing, having a Circle where none but its members knew the true purpose beneath the veneer. But she’d seen enough to know that if there was anyone who might suit it, it was this man. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

The matriarch in front of him seemed to have taken no offense by his little mishap as he saw her blue eyes gleam with amusement. She apparently had been waiting for him to make his decision on staying known and said as much causing his cheeks to burn under his dark fur. "My apologies..." he replied, his gaze dropping ever so slightly from hers before meeting it again. He sat proudly, although not enough to be considered arrogant,  in front of her as she studied him. No doubt wondering where to place him, so he waited patiently for her to speak again. After her eyes finished observing him, his lips tightened slightly as she asked him where he wanted to be place. After a short moment of thought he rumbled in his hushed tones "Hunter... or Warrior." a small shrug of his muscular shoulder. He had not really given it much thought but he was skilled in both, though up till now, his duties were to hunt and patrol the border. A tasked he was happy to do as he liked hunting and he liked the males he usually hunted with. Then with his dark past of being his Tyrant Father's punisher and executioner, he knew his way around in combat and the only reason his scars did not show through more on his thick pelt was for the fact that his mother had been an exceptional healer and often forced him to sit through treatment while the wounds were fresh. "But I will accept any task or rank that would be most helpful to you and the pack. I don't need anything glory filled or some nonsense like that." he finished off with a slight chuckle and a quirk of the corner of his mouth. All and all, he just wanted to play his part in the pack and help his pack mates out as much as he could. He liked his new life here and he wanted to do everything he could to repay them for a chance at this new and happy life he had found.   Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Aurielle Adravendi

And that was why she felt that Drachen might suit the role she was considering for him. He was humble, with no desire for glory or fame. He wished to be of use, and she would honor his nature as such. He was strong-willed, respectful, and seemingly adaptable and quick-thinking. He watched and listened. Her head cocked thoughtfully then cautiously, though her tone could have been easily mistaken as casual, asked, “What do you feel about intelligence gathering and Ambassadorship? Diplomacy and such.” Should he be unwilling, she’d drop it, and perhaps point him to the Hunters as he’d said, but it was a good question. Perhaps when Ardyn took the proverbial crown he would make the purpose of the Shadow Circle more transparent among the pack. The Masters and highest ranking of the Circles knew of the purpose; or they would if there were more of them. Caelia was another possible prospect for it. Both wolves were striking in appearance, though by comparison to such as Aurielle and other wolves, like Jupiter Aeris, they were practically plain. And that was a good thing for where her thoughts were going. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Drachen's tan brows come together ever so slightly when the Spirit spoke again, her offer of what she had in mind for him was unexpected to say the least but the subtle surprise vanished from his handsome face just as quickly. Being the son of a King meant that he had plenty of experience and lessons in the ways of politics, especially before his half brother was born when the King tried to pass him off as the Kingdom's full blooded heir. And while he did not exactly enjoy the games of his father's court, he would do whatever Aurielle would ask of him so there was no hesitation when his dark head nodded. "It has been some time since I have done such things but the lessons of such tasks are still ingrained. " he admitted. But he had no doubt that he could perform such duties even in this new style of court, he was a quick learner and he was able to adapt to the environment when needed. His heart thrummed a little faster at the prospect of finally cemented his place here and truly calling this place home and he had to remind himself to keep himself from shifting his weight in excitement but the tip of his tail sounded a few soft thumps on the hard ground underneath him before stilling once more. "If that would benefit you and the pack the most then I will be more than happy to take up the role" he rumbled, confirming that he would accept the role she offered. He watched her intently for her reply, eager to begin learning more of the role she had of him and even eager to begin a mission if she gave him one. He had always been a hard worker like this but now with a good strong but kind leader, that will to work hard was only amplified. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Aurielle Adravendi

The Spirit listened with interest to Drachen’s response, nodding in satisfaction. “Then, I would like to install you as a Mist of the Shadow Circle. It’s not the highest rank of the Circle, but given you already have some prior experience, and I’d like to see your capabilities for myself, it’s a good starting point. To the rest of the pack, you’re a fighter and hunter. I’m working on a Circle also devoted to Diplomacy of the more open version, as well.” Her head tilted as she studied him, tongue ticking in thought as she mulled over her options. “First, for now, I’d like you to act as a diplomat. The next time, for instance, that we hold a festival, I’d like you and another to deliver the invitations to the packs’ leaders. Get a feel for each of their dispositions, and report back when you felt in your gut about each. A few of them I am already familiar with, especially Abaven, but I’d like to hear what you think of them. Perhaps if next winter is kind to Boreas, I may hold a winter festival. But, in the event of such things, keep an ear open for the name Recluse.” Her tone darkened slightly, then lightened as she settled back onto the rug, regarding him with a faint smile. “I’m glad you decided to stay. We need more like you. Your honesty and initiative is always appreciated.” Her eyes lowered to his penwork and a chuckled hummed from her throat, “The joys of having no opposable thumbs, eh? Still, you shouldn’t take too long to have a serviceably legible pawmanship.” Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

He listened intently as Aurielle bestowed him his rank, officially accepting him into Valhalla's fold, and his dark face nodded in understanding when she explained the rank of Mist was not the highest in the Shadow Circle. He was completely fine with that, he did not want hand out, he wanted to prove himself worthy of the rank. Again he nodded in agreement when she told him his rank should be kept to himself and only to the highest ranking individuals, and to everyone else he was a hunter and a fighter. For know, unless she told him otherwise, he would not make mention of his true rank around anyone but her, not even her son or mate. "Thank you Spirit, I will not let you down." he rumbled with a bowed head before lifting it once again. His oceanic eyes glowed with determination and intent when she gave him his first mission, his body leaning forward slightly as he listened to every word. And even though it sounded like this mission would not be for some time, his chest still filled with excitement and eagerness. His eyes then narrowed subtly as he caught the change in her voice when she mentioned the name Recluse and he gave a curt nod and burned the name into his memory. He did not know what this individual did to earn Aurielle's ire but he had a feeling it had to be something horrendous if it caused such a tone in this kind woman. "I will not forget the name." he assured her. Then the tension passed and he followed her gaze down to his parchment and the unsteady shapes he had created. He chuckled at her comment about opposable thumbs. "I will not lie and say i have not been jealous of Ardyn on more than one occasion for his useful thumbs." He lifted his eyes to met Aurielle's with a warm smile. He liked Ardyn very much and considered him one of his best friends. He was actually hoping to show the younger male his pawmanship once he got a little better. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think