Ooc: Set after exploring thread, and before pack meeting

Moments after he had returned to Armada with Azure, the Warlord would make his way to the borders between their packs. Before his pack heard this, his once Empress and ward should hear it. The loss of Ashen at his back would be the biggest, and hardest change. But he knew it was one the Armada needed. They needed room to grow, and he would always return if Venom needed him. He was but a call away. If she howled his name to the wind, he would answer.

But it was a change all the same, and change could be hard. As excited as he was to bring this news to his pack, he was almost weary about bringing it to her. Thoughts of this place, of where and how he had grown until he was who he was today… it brought to mind Deathbelle, and Venom as a child. Of all the paths he could have taken, and the one his paws found. He missed her, even if he would never say it.

It was important to him how Venom took this news. So he settled himself on their border, and pitched his head back to call out for her. Waiting in the soft winds for her to find him.


"Sirius"

Normal was something she could feel herself achieving now after so long without Hattori at her side. It still didn’t feel like normal, her life hadn’t recovered, but life continued moving. With or without her. Venom was nearing the age at which her mother had fallen into incapacity to lead. That fact weighed heavily on her as she looked to the Empire and what it had become. Everything was so different from when she was a young girl. Everything was always changing, but the Empire was the only constant.

As she would soon realize even deeper. The sound of Sirius’ voice at the borders brought her from the palace. White gloved paws carried her as she took a deep breath. Much had been occupying her mind recently and she tried to clear it as she approached her Warlord there on the borders.

She gave him a small smile which was much easier to show now than the last time they met. "Hello, Seer.” She greeted him informally, easily adopting her mother’s nickname for the man.

"Venom"

The familiar form of the viper Empress appeared before long. She was a sight for sore eyes, and his expression lifted into a fond smile as she stopped before him. “Hello, Venom” he returned, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he stepped forward and kissed her cheek. He settled back on his hunches then, his expression becoming more serious.

“I’m here in an official capacity” he explained, almost apologetically. “After much consideration, we’ve decided that the Armada needs a change. Somewhere new, with more room to stretch. With that change, we’ve decided on a few others as well. You’re the first person to hear most of this.” He explained, settling his weight into his forepaws as he considered his words. “There's a mountain range with a valley through the centre of it, and a warren of heated caves. It opens out over a forest of woods growing on top of themselves. It’s quite beautiful, and i’ll be delighted to walk you through it all.” He said, his eyes to hers. “I’m moving the Armada North. I wanted you to be the first to know. To know this, and that I will always come to you if you need me. You’re welcome in the Armada, always. That won't change.” He promised her gently.

"Sirius"

Sirius leaned forward and kissed her cheek politely and affectionately as he greeted her again. Just as he put her at ease though the Warlord would tell her that he arrived on official business. She tilted her head slightly and listened, he wasn’t slow to get to the point. Venom had to keep her expression neutral as he went. She couldn’t deny that she had felt the pressure as well. Most of her pack was separated from the rest of the world by the ocean, they had more of a buffer than most. But still, the two packs had allowed others to grow up and take residence around them. Their home was becoming far too populated for comfort. Especially considering their neighbors. Though Venom felt the decision heavy on her heart she couldn’t come to blame the Armada either.

He was leaving her too. For a moment her emotions got the better of her, Venom’s senses failed her. For a moment her heart broke again. But she was being completely irrational. This was the natural way of things. Change wasn’t promised to be easy, but it wasn’t a bad thing either. However, no longer having her strongest ally at her back made Venom feel more vulnerable than ever. But she was a big girl, she was an independent and strong monarch. If the Armada had adequate room to move and grow both packs would prosper.

Venom looked back up at Sirius, not completely certain how well she hid her emotions from him. "Thank you for coming to tell me,” she returned just as softly. She felt the strength of his promise and knew keenly the reason he went. "It just feels like everything is changing so much…” She spoke from the heart of a younger Empress, one who had stepped up to take care of her people and looked to her Warlord for guidance and protection. That was not her any longer. She could stand on her own mismatched paws. "I’m happy for you, Sirius, and the Armada. I’m sure you’ll flourish with more room to grow.”

"Venom"

Her quiet acceptance affected him more then anger would have. Despite the expression she turned to him, he could see something of the child she had been. That one that had lost her father, and the young adult that had lost her mate. But she was so much more then that. She was the vipress, strong and sure who had dethroned her mother to turn the Empire into something stronger. She was many things. Hurt, and brave and strong. She was his child, not of his blood but of his heart. Empress to a throne he would have died for.

He settled his rump more firmly on the ground and considered for a moment. It wasn't as good an option as keeping the Armada here. If he wasn't utterly set on the idea that the Armada needed this… but perhaps he could send her support in another way. So she knew he was with her still. Moving, but not abandoning her. "I will give Kotori a few weeks to settle his belonging, and then send him back here to stay with you for the rest of the season. Your personal body guard." Yes. That felt right. If things had been different, that would have been the job of one of his children anyway. Ko was ambitious and strong. If he told the boy to defend Venom with his life, he would. It felt right. Besides… Kotori owed him a fistful of favors.

He was quiet and accepting as she gave him her soft congratulations. Venom wasn’t offended, she knew the train of thought and the sound logic that had her Warlord relocating his pack. They had to come first, a string Armada made for a stronger Empire. Venom was proud of him, even if Sirius looked at her like his own daughter. He had always been the father she needed while her blood kin was gone. Not having him at her back would be the most difficult thing, especially now as her inner circle shrank around her.

Sirius spoke again, mentioning what he would do to help ease the transition. Venom felt like she was going to have to find her feet all over again. He offered up his young son to stay with her until the end of winter. If she remembered correctly Kotori was the one to have helped Ikigai. He was a trustworthy young man, he would do the job his father asked of him well.

"A kind gesture,” She offered with a soft smile. "Thank you for the extension of your arm.” He would be much much farther away, but she knew he would come to her aid whenever she needed him.

"I’ll miss having you just a stroll away.” Venom finally said after a long pause. She offered him a genuine smile, even if there were harder emotions welling up in her eyes. This wasn’t goodbye forever, but it would be change and change was hard.

"Venom"