He’d done his best to take care of the pair while they travelled. He was nothing if not resourceful, he’d kept them fed happy and exercised to the utmost of his ability. Req however wasn’t really a parent, he often times ignored or lost the boys. One of them had a particularly eerie demeanor about him… it reminded him of Ruby. Regardless after days of talking and searching ethne had been where he would be sent. He was looking for a wolf who resembled these children and he was certain this was where their father resided, who probably was unaware of their existence in the first place.

Reqouis stood at the border, ushering the boys closer to him as he raised his head in a call. "If your dads here, he’ll take care of you from now on." he whispered bluntly. After all that had been his plan from the beginning. Regardless he respectfully and silently waited. Hoping not to be waited on too long while the two boys got antsy.

There was much to do and so much that needed to be done to keep Ethne running smoothly. After her fateful meeting with Gilgamesh on the dark beach, the young Leader had taken a lot of time to consider his words and the young woman has come to the sad realization that she hadn’t been truly ready to lead a pack. As she mulls over her short comings and options, Haydée runs a patrol around Ethne lands, keeping an eye out for predators that may try to encroach on Ethne territory.

That where the summons from the border finds her and immediately, Haydée turns and swiftly trots out to where the wolf who summoned her waits. She arrives as quickly as she can and spies an albino stranger who seems to have two young pups in tow. The pups seem vaguely familiar in a strange way but she pushes that aside as a friendly smile pulls at her lips. Coming to a stop in front of the man and pups, she introduces herself, “I am Haydée Kedieo, Leader of Ethne. How can I help you?”

Eyes rove over the trio as that familiar stirring tries to alert her of some kind of connection but fails to connect the dots. So, Haydée waits to hear what they are in need of.

"Haydée Kedieo"

This was stupid and he was bored. The young pup stood between reqs legs. Looking over at the wolf who had come to greet them. Well he just hoped his dad wasn’t a loser. Req was great and all but he was no fun and didn’t play any fun games. When she introduced herself as the leader. He couldn’t help he laughed. "Pa you a leader did yur daddy give you that crown?" copper giggled as if he’d done something amazing. The boy ran around reqs legs before he bregrudgingly settling down. He wanted to see how this turned out for him.

Reqouis was relieved, not commenting on the alphas appearance. When copper piped up he said nothing. It was not his responsibility to have these kids yet he’d found pity in their situation. So he’d have to go explaining this. Ah well not like it was that hard, his loose lips got Ruby out of the way. "Greetings Haydee, I am Reqouis." he nodded his head his soft spoken misused voice always sounding strange to his ears. "This is Copper and the other boy Iridium. Frankly I won’t sugar coat it, their mother was a murderur and a liar, she even stole me as a pup from my family." he felt a bit of background would be best. "The day came when these two were weaned their mother was called to a death match which thereafter she intended to abandon these pups. After further inspection I have reason to believe the pups father resides here in ethne." Req pushed Copper forward. His coat may have been purple but it bore a striking resemblance to Fenix.

"If you had any members last season who perhaps were gone a while. I believe Ruby the woman in question, said she’d met a man in the north who was likely the father." Req finished. Hopefully it would end well and he could go live his life. Though unsure if he wanted to find his birth family. That was his own path to tackle.

Bellamy had been out patrolling when the scent of her daughter caught her attention. It seemed that Hay had taken a path that connected to her own. The woman would trail after her, knowing that her daughter had been… reclusive after what had happened. She worried for the young Leader, though what she would stumble upon would need to temporarily take priority…

Strangers at their borders… and a paw with a familiar cream and slate coloring mixing with his purple. The scent too, while not bearing the father nor Ethne, reminded her of her friend, and Bells approached just in time to hear the kid make a smart remark. Oh boy, the kid was going to have to learn that being rude to alphas was a bad idea… especially in case he offended one that was reactive. Bellamy sighed, coming to stand beside Haydee donned in her cape and armed with her dagger.

“No child, I did.” The old wolf looked down at him. “You shouldn’t judge a wolf by their appearance. It can very easily be your undoing to underestimate the wrong one.” She did not mean a threat by it, but better to learn from her by word of mouth than in the midst of battle… she flinched, the rainbow girl and the figure she had been mixed with during Bellamy’s battle flicking into her mind. Right… if anyone would even trust her with kids now…

To distract herself from falling into another rabbit hole of self depreciation and doubt, the woman flicked her eyes to the albino male who had come with the children. He spoke of the children’s father, and their mother… her fur bristled, the thought that Fenix had been taken advantage of at his lowest making her sick. With any luck whoever challenged the bitch to the death would shred her and put her in the ground… Didn’t sound like a great individual anyway. Her gaze flicked from the male to Haydee.

“These children are Fenix’s… without a doubt.” The woman spoke with certainty. “This boy,” She gestured at Copper. “Holds his cream and slate coloring… Their  scent has a touch of his natural musk too.” Her gaze flicked to Reqouis.

“On the off chance that this… biii– w-woman lives…” Bellamy very nearly forgot herself in front of the kids and barely caught herself. “What does she look like?” Her claws bit the soil. The woman might have wanted to abandon the kids… but if she came back to Ethne to mess with Fenix or them… Bellamy would finish what her opponent started.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

The smaller of the two children, Alexandrite, hung back behind Reqouis, the white in her own fur pressed into the white in his when they settled at the border. A shimmering green eye watched alongside a bright purple one through her half-marked face. She watched silently as a small brown wolf came to greet them and named herself the leader. Her mismatched gaze glared at her brother as he spoke out and raced around. Then her whole tiny body shrank as the elder wolf came into view and told him off.

Alexa had just gotten used to Requois, no way he was dumping them here! Where was Mama?
The girl's dark purple ear flicked at the elder woman nearly referring to her Mama as a bitch. She knew those words, her mother wasn't as keen to save children's ears but she knew what that word was!

"Mama's no bish!" She snapped angrily, ready to defend her mother's non-existent honor, "I have her purr- her PoRble! My porBle is the same as Mama's!" and stuck out a tiny pink tongue under her dark nose. Her lackluster education on display for all. If her mama was bad and she looked like her mama... Was the purple on herself bad like her mama?

She then hid her mismatch eyes into Req's legs after her fiery outburst, she didn't want to let him go.


"Speech"/"Thoughts"

Reqouis was stone faced as usual. His slightly slitted eyes had his red ruby eyes locked on Haydee. Like he was sizing her up or something. Coppers comment offered no reprimanded from him and his paws twitched with slight irritation. The runts were lucky he even took them, he remembered their lives being threatened if they'd been left at the den by the time Ruby was gone. It wasnt long after that another woman showed up. His glare shifted to her but if one observed long enough they would tell his completely relaxed body language he was no threat. Even with his natural glare. Req looked down at Alex. "Its purple." he noted.

Though it seemed they'd be in good hands he probably wouldn't help with the situation. He was asked what Ruby looked like just in case. "Ruby Imp. Average size for a female. Purple with a dark purple back and stripes. Shes got pinkish looking eyes. But i dont think youll need to look for her." he may not have stayed to see the result. Ruby had a lot of enemies. He looked at Alex again and lowered he... tried to be as nice as he could. "Your mother didnt want you. Your dad needs you." his gruff voice pointed out.

The boy went quiet when Bellamy showed up. He was eyes wide staring at her weapons. Well well what did he have here? He got the bright idea that maybe one night he'd try to steal one of those. He just wanted to see there was no harm. All Bellamy got was a tiny glare and a turned nose. When his sister spoke up he looked disgusted.

"Leawrn how to speak first you dork." he sputtered despite messing up his own words. "I bet if mom didnt wunt us then da definitely does its his duwty." he nodded his head confidently.

He still hadn't been able to fight off the nightmares. Yet step by step he was getting better. Fenix learned to take it a day at a time. He'd been close to the border when he spotted them. Aimlessly as he'd been he blinked scared at first to approach and find out what was happening. Weren't those.... pups. Ruby popped into his head and he silently cursed himself.

Fenix walked cautiously. He still was slightly a mess, his weight low followed by lack of muscle. Hardly a sight of power. When he stared at Requios then the pups he stared at Haydee and Bellamy. "I... uhhh. It mustve been ruby wasnt it...." he trailed off. The woman had pups and hadn't even told him?! What wolf in their right mind would do that? "Whats going on?" he tried to keep his anxiety from flaring up in his fragile mind state.

As Haydée introduces herself, one of the pups laughs at her and the short Leader’s emerald gaze turns to him. There is a sharpness in her gaze as they giggle and mock her but she remains calm, voice cool as she says, “Child, you should not laugh at others you know nothing about.” Her tone is serious but she simply wishes to impart the importance of not insulting strangers the moment you meet them to the youth. The albino male speaks next and she turns her attention to him, surprise lighting up her eyes as she nods to his explanation.

However, before she can reply, her mother, Bellamy steps into view and gently scolds the pup who had scorned her. Haydée turns her attention to the taller woman, a gentle, appreciative smile wiggling her lips and her tail briefly wags as she dips her head in silent greeting. The Co-Leader then goes on to say that these are Fenix’s pups and the younger woman dips her head in agreement, saying, “Yes, they do look like his and he did just return from a trip up North…”

Voice trails off as the second pup, a smaller girl, pokes out from behind the albino boy and snaps at her traveling companions, earning a wince from Haydée as the girl’s brother answers. The trio bicker for a moment before Fenix arrives and questions what is going on. Clearing her throat in an attempt to quiet everyone and draw their attention to her, the Leader remains poised as she speaks. Her voice calm, gentle, and filled with warmth as she explains to the lost man, “It seems you have children Fenix. This boy, Reqouis, saved them from their mother Ruby who did not want and brought them here to be with you.”

Looking to the fiery tempered boy, Haydée lifts a paw to point at him first than the smaller girl as she fondly says, “Meet Copper and Alexandrite… your son and daughter.” It feels stranger to introduce the man to his children but it is also something that feels completely right. Fenix has been struggling with the loss of his family and now, as if the Divines themselves had hear of his sorrows, he suddenly has two children who need him.

Turning her attention back to Reqouis, Hay gratefully says, “You are all welcome here in Ethne. Copper and Alexandrite…” Warm emerald green eyes track over to the pups as she says, “You can stay with your father in his den, if you wish.” She does not expect the girl to turn down the invitation but Copper seems to be angry and she does not wish to force anything on the pups. Looking back to the albino boy, Haydée gently asks, “Will you be staying with us too, Reqouis? Ethne is in your debt for keeping the pups safe and bringing them back to your father. Is there anything we can give you?”

Head cants to the side slightly as Hay wonders if Ethne will gaining two new members… or three.


"Haydée Kedieo"

The girl cuts in, defending her mother, but this time instead of a harsh gaze Bellamy’s look turns sympathetic. The boy seemed to understand, but the girl did not. The albino male tells the girl that her mother didn’t want her, a harsh truth, particularly for a child, and Bellamy sighs. “Not all wolves are good, little one.” She looks away, a reminder that she, herself, isn’t the best wolf crossing her mind.

Divinities above… will this be a mental battle she fights for the rest of her life? That is what she deserves though, isn’t it? Fenix had arrived as well, but rather than remain engaged with the other wolves, Bellamy’s mind began to drift, her green gaze taking on a faraway look. She would let Hay handle them joining… it is her daughter who is more-so in charge than she is. At least to Bellamy that is the truth… what is she, other than just a weapon? Something meant to destroy? That gaze falls to her paws.

Was she really any different than the mother these children had? Would she, too, one day die at the fangs of another wolf in a death match?

"Speech," 'Thought.'

Alexandrite glares at Reqouis as he tells her that her mother didn't want her. It was not what she wanted to hear, how would he know? She didn't understand that her mother had kidnapped him as a pup. She didn't understand that her mother couldn't want her. She also didn't understand how a grown adult would need her, of all people, her dad.

The elder remarks how not all wolves are good. Mismatched eyes blink up at the very tall leader, for some reason the tone of her voice was soothing. She had never heard a tone like that, her mother certainly hadn't used a soft tone like that with her.

Another wolf comes out of the woods and sidles up to the gathering, Alexa shrinks back again, trying to pretend she is a snail.

The grown-ups talk, and it's revealed that this male that came up... who does kinda look like Copper to some degree... is their dad. She says nothing about staying in his den. She doesn't move. She is a snail. She's done moving. She doesn't want to go with anybody. She's been passed from one stranger to another, her mother didn't want her, hell her dad probably doesn't want her. No one wants her. Might as well be a worm. She liked being a snail instead though, her little white tail pressed protectively over her hip and curled up like a snail's shell.


Speech/Thoughts

It seemed a silence settled over them as Haydee reined them in. The two pups were definitely rambunctious if not anything else. Fenix was trying to wrap his head around it, but already his fatherly instincts were beginning to kick in again. What did the gods bless him with in his time of depression. While their birth had seemed difficult, they were safe now and all thanks to this albino male. Sadly he had a feeling he was another one of Rubys victims. If he’d known the stranger was a murderer he probably would have thought less about sleeping with her. She’d been the one to initiate the contact he’d been rather surprised when he found her in his temporary den at the mines. Giving a soft sigh the meager looking male stepped up to the trio. Lowering his body to be face to face with the pups.

"It’s true, I’m your father but if calling me dad makes you too uncomfortable Fenix is fine." he smiled gently his heart filled with sudden warmth. Like karma was giving back to him during his recovery. "Copper, Alexandrite, you are both welcome in my family and to ethne. Here we look after each other and it makes us strong. I will always care for you no matter what." he nodded his head. Though his eyes glancing over Bellamy. Oh hell this was embarrassing and he was trying to brush it off but after he literally cried his eyes out to her he didn’t know how to feel.

"If you want to stay why don’t we get you a nice meal and a warm bed to sleep in." Fenix eyes glittered with affection. He remembered his daughter and son previously who’ve been taken from him. Gone too early and now he’d lay down his life to make sure these wayward pups reached adulthood and lived fulfilling lives.

Oddly enough his lack of expression continued. Yet slowly it would be apparent his monotone voice might have been an effect of the apathy that gripped his heart. He wouldn’t fit in with these wolves, req didn’t even deserve that much. As much as he spoke badly about Ruby he had in fact played a part in some of her kidnappings. Something that she was surprisingly bad at. But by now he guessed she was beyond recognition not even a body to bury with the crowd that had shown up to the match. Reqouis red eyes moved over Alex. He gave her a gently nudge with his paw. "They’re right kids, not everyone is good that is why you must be careful." even with supposed family.

Honestly he was tired of talking. Haydee seemed to extend an offer of a spot in the pack but as he thought about it he slowly shook his head. "No debt. While I did take them for their safety it was because their lives were threatened when I told my confidant where Ruby was." his flare tone never changed, after all he normally was selectively mute. "I will not be staying, but if you’d have me I’d enjoy a rest. My plan is to find the family I was stolen from. My mother and sisters. Voodoo Klein is my others name. She is a monochrome wolf. I was born in Habari before it was taken over by Medusa. So if you do find any information on my mother I’d like to know." he may have been an adult now but he was far from a mature one.

—-
(Copper)

Copper sneered at the adults as they spoke. Rolling his eyes at his sisters behavior. Wow, grow a back bone he thought to himself. Not entirely listening to the information that was given to him. When his father spoke though his eyes looked over the sad looking man. This was his dad? He didn’t look strong at all. Yet his promise struck something in him. "I guess it’s okay if you promise to take care of us." he mumbled under his breath. The pup couldn’t wrap his head around the situation. All he knew is he wasn’t going to end up like his mom. He’d grow to be able to back up what he said. After all he was just that amazing. Copper turned to his sister and gave her a shove with his paw.

When Alexandrite speaks about her mother, Haydée is caught by surprise as her own mother speaks up and her emerald gazes move to take in the older woman. As Bellamy falls silent, the russet Leader knows exactly where her mind has turned to and she silently reminds herself to check in with her later. The young girl who had spoken pulls into herself, tail curling around her hip as she the adults continue to speak and Hay makes another mental note to try and help ease the transition of joining a new pack and finding a new parent for the girl and boy.

Looking to Fenix, she allows the man time to absorb the information while continuing to smile warmly and gently at him. At the man’s words, Haydée nods her head in agreement and says, “Yes, Ethne looks after each other and we will all look after you as well.” Lifting a paw, she gently indicates to Fenix that he should gather his terrified daughter as Copper softly speaks about his dad taking care of him. She gives the boy a small smile while saying to them both, “Welcome to Ethne, Cooper and Alexandrite.”

Haydée looks to Reqouis as he speaks and she bows her head in gratitude once more before saying, “You are welcome to rest here for as long you would like, Reqouis. I have not heard of Voodoo but I will check with the other members of the pack to see if they know where she might be. Please, come in.” With that, the young Leader officially welcomes Copper, Alexandrite, and Reqouis into Ethne as she moves to help Fenix with his pups, if it is needed.


"Haydée Kedieo"