The meeting with their family had been pleasing, to say the least. While the whole family had not yet arrived, more had been trickling in by the day. Natalya could feel it in her bones - she would be seeing Helios soon. It was inevitable now and there was no way her instincts could be wrong. The heavens would never betray her in such a way.



While she was not fond of joining another pack in order to begin their conquest, it was necessary. Virgil had quickly risen in the ranks to take on a position of substantial power after joining, so Natalya was certain they would be well off until Virgil was able to take what was rightfully theirs. Leadership in all forms was undoubtedly a privilege only for the gods. No one could honestly question an authority so absolute. Once they took control of the land, everyone would know this.



She would wait outside of the caves, knowing she was better off without entering, at least until she had a guide. She fared much better on her own in open spaces, where there was room to maneuver around any obstacles that stood in her way. Natalya let out a quick bark to summon the matriarch to her, and hoped that no one else would find it necessary to answer her call.


""

Amenti is not hers. She knows this, but for now it feels good to get her feet wet, to learn what it is like to remain in control. She yearns to traverse the lands, to learn of the families, to establish alliances. Alas, she is fine holding this throne for now. Syrinx has earned a place in her respect; he has brought her home, after all. Alas, the woman learns what she can while she can, and it certainly feels good to know her first recruit is none other than her aunt. ?Aunt Nat,? she greets affectionately, striving forth and pressing an affectionate kiss to the melanistic woman?s cheek.
She sits down before her aunt, smiling gently. ?Here to join?? she says, a rhetoric question. She knows what her aunt has already agreed to, and she feels a certain thrill for it. She is accepting her first member, on one of her first days in her second year.








talk, think

With a small smile she would return her niece's greeting kiss and wait for her to seat herself. "Virgil, my niece, how are you?" Greetings first, business later was always Natalya's way with her family. Of course with others it was typically the opposite. When the queen wanted something from another she tended to get right to it, not wanting to spend unnecessary time with those who did not matter to her.



"I am here to join, and I am more than glad to be the first. I would prefer to take on a role that would be most beneficial to you. But first, please tell me about the leader of this pack and how he will receive us?" She hoped that Olympus pride would not be too much for the man in such a large dose. If it was, their worries would only grow.


""

Virgil cannot deny that she is happy her family is here. She loves them so dearly, and they have every sliver of her affection. She respects Natalya in particular; the melanistic woman is not blood, but she is as close to it as anyone can get. She has born Olympians into this world, and thus Virgil considers her as one. ?I am well enough. What about you?? she inquires, tilting her head to the side curiously. She hopes the answer is ?well?.

She listens to her aunt and nods her head, listening close. She is uncertain of the answer, truthfully, but she supposes it matters little. Amenti is a stepping stone, a foothold for the gods. ?He is a tougher ruler, but rather distant in my opinion. He shouldn?t be much of a bother; I don?t intend for Amenti to be much more than a stepping stone,? she tells her aunt. It is the truth; despite how she feels for the Arkhos, it is not home. It is not hers, and it is not where her family will prosper. Familial loyalty sits above all for the matriarch, and right now much rides upon her back.

As for her aunt?s mission, a smile flickers on her face at the thought. ?Speaking of stepping stones, I have a favor to request of you, Aunt Nat,? she says.








talk, think

"I am well," she would respond simply, before falling silent again. Natalya nodded along as her niece continued to speak. She knew as well that Amenti would mean little in their journey forward. It was merely a place to gather their strength and spread their name - nothing more, nothing less. Her only concern was how the leader would react to the family of the gods, but judging by his distance from his own pack that would be of little import.



When Virgil mentioned a favor her ears perked slightly. While this would surely be important, she wondered if she should mention her agreement with Zeus now, but it was probably in her better interest to let the matriarch speak first. Afterward she would tell her of the plan, then inquire as to the actual rankings within Amenti. "I have something to share with you as well, but please, you first."

""

It is good to hear that the blind woman is well. Virgil has always known her to be a hardy woman, with no reason to worry after her, but Natalya is a role model of hers. She knows not what she would do without the woman?s advice and guidance, but she supposes it is silly to worry after the dangers posed to gods. Nonetheless, her expression displays her gratitude at the fact.

It would seem she is not the only one with something to talk about, which makes this meeting rather important. ?I would like you to start scouting out lands, other packs, if possible. I need to know where we could build a good pack, and if needed if we need usurp someone from their throne,? she muses.







talk, think

She could not help the smile that formed on her face as the girl spoke, knowing that the thoughts in her head were very much the same. "I have scouted the lands a bit, and have found many suitable for living. The east is largely open, only one pack resides there. The west is entirely unclaimed. Both have lush plains and fresh water that we could take for our own." She would pause before moving on to the second topic. "As far as the packs go, this is something I recently discussed with your father and was planning to speak to you about today. In addition to judging their capabilities, I will be seeking out allies in our rise to power. This, of course, would be only with your blessing." If they were to start their pack without allies, they may face a danger from Amenti and its ruthless, yet distant, leader. It was a risk she was loathe to take while their numbers were low, for Amenti surely had allies of its own.



"I only had one other question in relation to Amenti. I would be very interested in taking a position similar to advising - I have no interest in fighting for this false king, but I am perfectly capable of doing anything presented to me, as you know." Arrogance was something perfectly acceptable within her family, something she was thankful for. She bore no concern that her words to Virgil were to forward. Olympians were entitled to their power, and bragging rights were a privilege that came with it.

image by Luisiana

She listens to her aunt?s counsel. The East sounds charming, but it is the West which grabs her attention. Lands that are entirely unclaimed? She imagines what sort of insanity has possessed these wolves, who crowd up north where there are few resources, and ignore such fertile lands. Perhaps their insanity is a blessing from the gods. ?We go West, then. The gods have given us an offering,? she notes. Her aunt notes other packs, and her head dips again in agreement. ?You have it. I would like to know of alliances before final word is given, but I trust your judgment,? she says.
Natalya asks about a rank, and Virgil thinks for a moment. ?I do not know if there is such a position in this pack. All of Syrinx?s ranks are to be challenged for, I believe. Nonetheless, you will hold that position in any pack I lead. I value your advice, dear Aunt,? she explains. ?συσκευασία του είναι μάλλον απολίτιστοι? (His pack is rather uncivilized) she says quietly in the language of their gods.

She minds it little, but even the warrior queen knows there is more to life than war and battle nad bloodshed.






talk, think

"It will be done, then," she replied with a nod. "I will head out in a few days' time to scout the packs and will keep my ears open for any signs weakness or movement that we should be concerned about."



She would make Olympus proud. She had been one of the few chosen - a member of an elite group permitted to marry in, and the only one she knew remained alive. It was Natalya's destiny to do something great for the family that had welcomed her among its ranks and for the gods who had accepted her as one of their own. Having the faith and trust of the matriarch behind her, even one so young, made her feel empowered. She would rise and give Virgil a parting kiss on the cheek.



"I will be sure to let you know when I leave. αντίο! (Goodbye!)"



-exit Natalya-

image by Luisiana