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A popular man arouses the jealousy of the powerful - Thufir Hawat (Dune)

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He was traveling a bit farther than would probably have been recommended for the fledgling king but now that he had a kingdom to care for the whole of Alacritis had earned his attention. Who would be friendly, who did he have to watch out for? Drashiel was not interested in starting alliances with anyone except family at the moment. He wanted a chance to get to know and interact with the other alphas before deciding if an alliance could be maintained and would serve both packs. Of particular interest was the new pack that had formed about the same time as Fehu. The claiming call had been that of another young male. Drashiel hoped he could find some common ground with this new alpha. He also knew there was the inherent risk that he could be attacked and he did not let down his guard as he approached the border.


Bearing the golden dragon on his left limb he felt a sense of power that shown in how he carried himself. He'd found the trinket buried in the wash and took it as an omen. For the moment fate was on his side. Tipping back his head to howl, the Linjal of Fehu called for the new ruler so that they might know of each other. And fate would move where it would to determine what would happen after.


"Speech"

With a rumble, the massive brute stood. He continued groaning as he stretched, achy muscles tensing beneath his thickening coat. Winter was coming. He could feel it in his bones and see it in the surrounding terra. It offered a change from what he was used to and the Imperator couldn't help but wonder what the change of seasons would bring his pack's way. Reaching the border, Valentine fixed his icy gaze on the caller. He approached slowly, every inch of his being proclaiming his dominance in a languid, comfortable display of authority. The brute wasn't overly demonstrative in his movements, but there was no mistaking him for a subordinate. This was his domain. Slowly to a halt, the glaucous king kept a reasonable distance between himself and his guest; there was enough space to react should he be assaulted, but not so much amplitude as to impede conversation. "Greetings, stranger. What brings you to Imperium?" His pack was young and growing, but still very much in need of able bodies. With this in mind, Valentine eyed the handsome stranger, his gaze taking in capable appearance appreciatively but lingering the longest on his stunning eyes, taking them in for their beauty before locking on the gaze they offered. He wished to know more about this brute's wants but refrained from making it immediately known. No, he'd said his piece, it was the caller's turn. "Speaking" "Thinking"

Drashiel waited patiently, his limbs loose but steady as he kept his posture firm, the muscles in his chest flexing just slightly as he stretched his shoulders. It wasn't long before a young male about the same age as him came bounding up. And this male was massive. Drashiel felt suddenly wary but he masked the feeling well. The other man stood a good six inches higher than him but size was not everything. It was clear from the way the male moved that he was clearly the leader here. Drashiel grinned. There was something reassuring about another new pack taking root with a young, ambitious male at the helm. Perhaps they could find some common ground that might blossom into a fruitful alliance.


Drashiel lifted his head to meet that startling sapphire gaze, his stance confident despite the difference in size. "Greetings to you as well. I'm Drashiel Armada, the Linjal or rule of Fehu a newly started pack in the north. I'm curious about the other packs that have formed. I won't badger you for an alliance, after all we barely know each other. I'm merely curious as to your? how shall I put it, philosophies as a ruler? Perhaps, we can find ground on which to build a trust that will lead to a mutually beneficial alliance. Oh, and I would very much like to know your name."


"Speech"

Rats. Not a potential member. Oh well, knowing he was a fellow alpha was equally intriguing. A new alpha at that. "I couldn't agree more, Drashiel," he savored the name as it rolled off his tongue, testing it and admiring the strangeness of it. "Alliances aren't something to be rushed into. My name is Valentine and I am the Imperator here, the alpha." The corners of his mouth quirked up subtly as he considered Imperium's "philosophies". "Philosophies..." he rumbled, one corner of his mouth rising higher than the other. "First and foremost I believe in a strong and capable military force." He decided to be frank and bare the agenda of Imperium for the Linjal's scrutiny. Valentine had nothing to hide; Imperium's ways were sure to be public knowledge soon enough. "I believe having such a force doesn't entitle one to wanton use of it, but if it is necessary, whether to further an agenda or aid an ally, one should not be afraid to use it." What of Fehu? Surely this capable looking gentleman didn't lead a pack of peace loving hippies. "Speaking" "Thinking"