Motif lay on a cool hard rock that juttered free of the earth beside the gentle rushing water of the stream. The sun had started a slow rise across the sky and already she could feel the heat of it prickling along her skin. She didn't feel warmed by it, it made her feel hot and bothered and her skin crawled beneath its touch. She felt all wrong in her skin today, she felt tired and lazy and bothered causing the good natured queen to be unusually grumpy and short of temper. She had always had a stubborn pride and a fierce nature beneath it all but anger for no reason wasn't really her style. Her tail lashed against the earth and she wished she could work up the energy to move forward and dive into the cool water before her, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. No, she would lie here on this forsaken rock and let the sun treat her like its bitch until the day faded and the heat released her. She couldn't fathom her mood and wished she had company ? even as she equally wished the masses of Abaven would steer far clear of her, that they would leave her the hell alone. Even when she thought of Shai, it left this time a bitter taste in her mouth, his sweetness seemed sickeningly so now, knowing she could never go back to him or that place, that she could never see him again left her feeling regretful and bitter. But what did that matter anyway? What if under it all he was a waste of space and she had been lucky to get out when she did. She sighed, her tail lashed again, she truly could not understand herself today and couldn't imagine anything getting herself out of this bottomless well of a stinking mood. "Speech"

The dainty she wolf would wake from a morning nap, her vibrant blue and purple eyes blinking open into the afternoon sun. She?d yawn widely as she lifted her features from her dark paws, legs stretching out before her as her mind thought on what she would do with the day presented to her. Dark chocolate fur would be dappled brightly by the sun?s rays filtering through the branches above. There were only a few leaves left, another sign that the winter would soon be upon them. She?d feel a slight shiver run up her back as a chilly wind would sweep by her. A sign it was time to get up and move. Her first thoughts were to go and see Harmony, to try and get her out of her lame funk to teach her some of the herbs she?d been learning. However, the scent of Motif would swiftly change her direction. Obviously it was her sister?s scent, but there was something different about it that she could not deny. Curious her form would take a turn, following after her sister?s scent she?d soon spy the form of her almost twin. Rhythm?s dark tail would wag behind her lazily as she loped up to her sister?s lazing form. She wouldn?t judge, she?d only just been doing the same thing. However a look of curiosity would flood her features as she leapt to the rock?s surface. "Motif, Are you feeling well?" She?d start as she moved closer to nuzzle her sister. The scent becoming stronger and more familiar as the seconds ticked by. "Speech"

Motif tried to gain some sort of sleep as she lay upon the rock, but peace wouldn't come to her. No position was comfortable, the rock was to hard, to jagged and the heat had begun to warm it uncomfortably. She sighed and twitched and lashed her tail and in general thought grumpy thoughts. Her annoyance would be interrupted by movement as something bounded onto her rock, she jumped in surprised and scooted over quickly. ?Watch it!? she growled at the introducer, before seeing it was Rhythm and letting out a sigh. Her sister would nuzzle at her and ask if she was okay, the hot feel of her sisters muzzle in her face was uncomfortable and she pulled away, it seemed even her sweet sister would not get her out of the pet she was in.



?I'm fine, okay?' she grumbled, turning her head around and sighing again, no... she didn't want to snap at her sister, already regret churned in her stomach, making her feel sick. ?i'm sorry Rhy, i'm not myself today? she admitted, not turning back to her sister or meeting the others gentle blue gaze.





speech

 

Motif had jumped when Rhythm had first found herself on the rock, and already the sister would realize she was not who she usually was. Even more so she would become convinced as her sister?s actions would point to something rather wrong. A growl would come from her lips, though that would hardly deter the darker sister. Instead of returning the nuzzle she?d pull away, this was so completely out of sorts for her sister. Confusion would sprad as she tried to put her finger on symptoms. The scent change, obvious grumpiness, not being herself.. Still it would elude her for just a bit longer. Motif would huff, snapping at her question and trying to feign perfect health. She?d turn away and Rhythm would feel a bit dejected when she turned back around confessing the last symptom. She?d apologize and Rhythm would take a seat before her, ears at her skull as she wasn?t sure if Motif would snap at her again or not. As her sister would turn back the scent would be whipped up once again, and realization would surround Rhythm?s consciousness. The timeline made sense, she?d obviously been with a man recently, how could there be another explanation. "Actually, Mo. I think you?re not as alright as you seem." She?d try to gain her sister?s gaze as her ears swiveled into a more serious position, her gaze a bit harder now. "Don?t you smell it? Can?t you feel it?" She?d lean in a bit closer, "Motif, you?re pregnant." ""

Rhy was undeterred by her strangeness, and a part of her felt good to have her sister near by. Rhy had proved to Mo that she could tell her anything and she would listen, she had no problems with Mo's teasing, she was family and Mo loved her. Rhy would continue to talking, telling her that something was very wrong and Motif, still not looking at Rhy would roll her eyes. Okay, so she had growled at Rhy, and that wasn't usual of herself, didn't mean she was dying. Then Rhy would speak again, and for the first few seconds Motif would freeze, utterly still and not breathing, then she would slide her head to Rhy and let loose a snarl ?That's ridiculous, it wasn't my season!? she accused, her voice harsh, harsh with accusation and fear. She thought of how she had felt, the heat that had rushed through her, how she had wanted and needed him. In fact, she had acted very much like a wolf on her heat, she was shaking her head rapidly ?No, no? she was muttering under her breath, denying what was in front of her. The more she denied, the more proof that came. She thought of today, of how she felt hot and bothered, wrong in her skin like something was changing. 'Nooo? she said in a strangled cry, and without concious request her legs where rising, pushing under her and she was leaping off the rocks. She howled then, howled in agony as she turned and ran across the plains of Abaven. For a fleeting moment she thought of how good it felt to run. She always turned to running, but normally her actions where to chase, to go to... she had never used running to go from before and her hollow pit of her stomach accused her of cowardice. Perhaps if she ran far and long enough she could leave the truth behind, perhaps if she ran for the rest of her life the news could never catch up with her. She was crying now, tears where flowing from her eyes and clouding her eyes. This couldn't be happening! She had ruined her life. She had always been so careful keeping herself in control or away from others in her season. She had never wanted parenthood, and that hadn't changed now. She thought of Bass, she remembered his words Venus is now expecting pups of her own, and with one of our best warriors out for commission... oh Bass, she had betrayed Bass, she hadn't even told him what she had done, and now she was pregnant. She would only let Abaven down, how could she look after it, how could she share the load with this she thrust her head harshly into her chest and as she did so stumbled on something in the earth and tumbled to the ground. She lay there a moment, breathing harshly through flaring nostrils as she closed her eyes and curled in on herself, she did't know where Rhy was, if she had stayed or followed her ? she hoped her dear sister could forgive her for how she had been on that rock, how she was now, damaged goods. "Speech"

Her sister would freeze as she said those three condemning words, she wouldn?t see her features until she slowly looked around and snarled viciously. Rhythm would hold to her ground tightly, her ears falling back to her skull as she narrowed her eyes and watched her sister?s violent reaction to this exciting news. She would hear the fear in her voice, and the obvious pain in her eyes and she?d feel herself relaxing. She needed to be as calm as possible right now. She needed to be there for her sister, not hinder her or make things worse. However Rhythm would disappear from Motif?s worlds as more and more she denies it, but more obviously it would chase after her, becoming more and more real with each second that passed. She?d been errant in her decisions and now she was facing the consequences. Once more a familiar nervousness about such things would rise in her breast. Then Motif was gone. Her sister would leap from the rock, legs running before she was even off the ground. For just a moment Rhythm was stunned, but she would quickly recover and take off after her. Though Rhythm was not near as strong as her similarly sized sister she could run just as fast, if not faster. Her own stride would match that of her sister, but she would be slowed by her careful footing as she raced after her litter mate. She almost hoped that the awful wail she?d let out would not call their brother. Was he ready to hear this news? What about Harmony and Chord for that matter? She?d push the thoughts from her mind and continue her focus on her long stride. Motif would stumble then, her body tumbling forward. Rhythm would let out a strangled cry as she watched her sister?s form stumble to the earth. She?d rush to her side, nosing her stomach to make sure she?d not damaged herself. Even more so now she wished to take up the position of healer just to look after her reckless sister. "Oh, Mo.." She?d nuzzle her softly as she lay beside her, breath heavy and her mind thick with worry for her strong sister. ""

Of course he had heard the awful wail that had broken through the peaceful day, hell packs in the North had probably heard it. Bass' head snapped up, golden eyes wide as his lips pulled back in a snarl. He was filled very quickly with concern, but it was couples with anger. Who dared harm his sister in their home? Snarling, Bass scrambled to his paws and raced with all his might towards the call. He was on the opposite side of the pack lands, but his paws easily glided along the ground, seeming to soar and he dodged and jumped over his obstacles. There was nothing that would keep him away from Motif in her time of need. The Azat made it to his two sisters in no time at all, skidding to a halt as his sudden stop kicked up the frozen earth. Panting, his eyes narrowed into slits as he looked around, ready to tear someone's throat out. "What the hell happened? Who dared to touch you Motif? I will tear them limb from bloody limb." He growled, lips stretching back as he snapped his jaws together, rage burning through him. No one touched his family, and on his land to boot. There would be blood to pay for whoever touched her. He glanced down at her to make sure she was okay, but it didn't look like she was bleeding. Rhythm looked like she was consoling her, so he knew that something was up. Nothing brought his mighty sister down, and whoever did this would be dead meat.

It was such a powerful emotion that was blazing through the man, and he remembered Catalya saying something about everyone having a touch of darkness in them. Perhaps this was his downfall, his family. He was ready to kill with no regrets, to paint the ground with the blood of whoever touched his Motif. Growls and snarled flew from Bass' mouth and he paced back and forth, nostrils flaring as he looked around for any signs of someone within the borders. This was a whole other side of Bass that had never been showed before, and he couldn't even give a damn.

She didn't want to face the truth Rhythm was showing her, it was simply to mad to believe, the sheer possibility of it, even if the evidence stood before her eyes. She curled in a ball, panting, and thinking hard as her sister curled around her and offered her comfort, her words trickling into Motif's ear in a soft sigh of her name. She loved her family, and this was proof upon proof on why they meant the world to her. She nuzzled her head into her sister as she lay there, still trying to come to terms with what Rhythm had told her. Before she could reach any solid conclusions another form would come barrelling towards them, and she could see the bloody murder on his face. She sighed and pulled herself to her paws. ?It was a truth Rhythm told me that.. surprised me Bass. I.. I wasn't expecting to hear it, I never meant to worry you? she told Bass softly, regretful to see his anger. More then that, she was afraid now, afraid because she had never told Bass what had gone on in the Southern lands, and now it was to late to him peacefully ? now he would find out with damning evidence and she expected to hear judgement and disdain upon his tongue. She lowered her eyes from him, yes the prideful spite fire girl lowered her eyes at the thought of hearing anything from Bass that would indicate he was disgusted with her, it would be a hot knife in her heart if he, the brother she loved most in the world said the words she could already imagining forming on his tongue. But he wasn't looking at her yet, he was pacing, the murder was still their, cooling all friendliness from his eyes and her stomach opened up into a hollow pit inside of her. Could he.. oh no, could he already smell it on her? Did he know? Was that why his face held such anger, did he already guess at her condition? She flinched from his rage, suddenly utterly certain it to her, and her predicament. Walk "Talk" Think

She?d feel her sister curl into her as she struggled with what knowledge was given to her. Though she thought it might have been more exciting, Motif was not taking the news well. The sight would almost hurt Rhythm to know that she had been the one to give her this unwanted message. Not that she would hold any sympathy for her sister, she would support her in any way she could. She knew she was forgiven as Motif curled her head into the chocolate fur of her chest. Dark ears would fall to her skull softly as she nuzzled her sister comfortingly before the sound of crashing came to her audits. Bright eyes would look up and watch as Bass came barrelling into the clearing they?d fallen in. Rage would dance in his eyes as murder was written on his face. She?d tuck her tail slightly as she lowered her ears and tried to cover Motif from his violent stupor. She wasn?t afraid for her safety, but Motif didn?t need to be exposed to such actions at that moment. Her efforts were not long lasting, a sigh would sound below her as Motif would find her feet. Ryhthm would watch for only a second before she too would rise, coming to stand close to her sister, her muzzle grooming her sister?s scruff affectionately and encouragingly. She shouldn?t be afraid to tell their brother anything. He would understand, he had to understand. ""

When Motif stood and told him that everything was okay, it went over his head for a moment. He couldn't stop pacing, the anger still flowing from his lips with the growls. It was only when his second sister stood beside Motif that he realized it was okay, that no one was hurt. His lips took a lot longer than normal to return to their position, and his head was still flashing around, looking for anyone that might be around. Growls died out as he slowed his pacing, but his hackles were not quite settled. Eye twitched as he came to a pause in front of his chocolate sisters, a deep, heavy sigh leaving his lips as golden eyes looked from one to another. "So no one hurt you?" He asked, his voice still rough. It was obvious that he was still on edge, but he was trying to calm himself. He was oblivious to his sisters scent change, if he picked it up he didn't show any signs of it. Ear tips fluttered as he forced himself to sit, eyes closing as he took a few calming breaths. "So what was this news that made you cry out like bloody murder?" He asked, eyes still squeezed tight as he reigned his anger. Now was not the time or place, whatever Rhy had said it was enough to make Motif call out like that. Walk "Talk" Think

Motif would be a silent pillar of strength beside her as she faced her brother and expected judgement. She would quickly realise however that hadn't guessed a thing about her condition and certainly couldn't read her mind about the events that had passed in other lands. Ah, well, it just meant she still had to worry about telling it to him. Pushing aside her fears of Bass's judgement ? never in her life had she found herself in such a situation before and she honestly didn't know what to expect of his response ? she moved closer to Bass. He still looked frantic, protective, and she smiled at her brother, nuzzling his neck. ?No, my big knight? she teased him softly, struggling to a piece of her old self in the wake of what she had learned ? even if her teasing wasn't very in-depths, at least it was there.



She sucked in a breath as Bass questioned her and tried to think, to lay it all out before him. She closed her eyes, and decided to simply get it over with, trust that her dear brother wouldn't go crazy with the news. ?I met someone Bass... I? she swallowed ?and I think i've fallen in love, but I choose Abaven over him and that will always be my choice. However, the.. the result of my feelings have turned into something more... pressing? she sighed, and simply said it. ?I'm pregnant, Bass... im pregnant?

She?d watch Bass through her bright bicolored eyes as he, ever so slowly, would start to calm. She?d notice how long it really took him to settle and she?d wonder if he?d lose his anger before Motif found her voice. A deep sigh would release from his lips as he came to stare into each other his sister?s gazes, obviously at a loss as to what would have caused such a reaction. He?d sit before he asked an explanation, his eyes closing as he took a deep breath and asked those fateful words. Motif would leave her side as she moved to nuzzle their brother, preparing to announce what she?d just been told. Her sister seemed to have accepted the news as truth now, not denying her words any longer. Rhythm had no doubt of her prediction. Still the unique she wolf would move closer to her dark sister, giving her an encouraging nuzzle softly, her eyes on Bass as he would receive the news. ""