a word of welcome and of warning
02-10-2015, 08:05 AM
Though her relationship with neighboring packs was not one of her biggest concerns, she knew that her pack's relationship with their closest neighbor, Threar, had to be addressed. They were a pack of mainly Destructions, or so Jupiter had told her, and her former Sol had kept a fair number of the family captive. What sort of reaction she might get from the leader, or leaders, she was not sure, but it was something she was unwilling to ignore. There were Destruction wolves among her own, there out of their own free will rather than force, and she wanted no harm to come to her own pack because of it.
There was little hesitation in Epiphron's step as she made her way to the borders of the lands, careful to not overstep their boundaries. Only when she comes close to their home does she lift her muzzle to the sky, letting loose a howl for whoever might be in charge here. There is confidence in her posture as she comes to rest on her haunches, remembering just how daunting talk of politics can be and wanting to get this meeting over as quickly as possible.
02-10-2015, 08:57 AM
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02-10-2015, 08:58 AM
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02-10-2015, 10:26 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-10-2015, 12:33 PM by Nyx.)
The confidence that she exhumed could quite easily be mistaken as threatening; for she had nothing to fear. She was no tyrant and she would show no harm to the Destructions that had made their home within her ranks. Though she wished to be amicable to the woman that ruled this neighboring pack, she had little to do with what Jupiter had done to her prisoners and she hoped her offer of peace would be enough to reconcile whatever wrongs had been done.
The woman that arrived was entirely unfamiliar to her, and beside her stood a darker male who appeared quite young. Neither of them seemed particularly happy to see her, and her own expression was rather guarded as she waited for their approach, eventually dipping her head to each of them in polite greeting.
It wasn't entirely surprising that she didn't get the same sort of greeting from either of them. After a moment of silence, she parted her jaws to speak. "I didn't expect such a friendly welcome," came a playfully sarcastic quip, a sudden bit of amusement flickering over her pale, steady features. The moment would end as quickly as it had begun, and she noted the sharp seriousness on the other woman's face. "I wanted to tell you that Jupiter is dead, and Ludicael is no longer." What she knew of Jupiter's relationship with this pack, or this woman, was next to nothing; she knew she had kept Destruction wolves as prisoners, though their shackles had been loosely bound and would've been opened had they simply asked. Epiphron searched Novella's face then, looking for a glimmer of relief that she expected to show at the news of Jupiter's death. "She appointed me as her heir, before her death," she admitted, anticipating no particular reaction from this admission. "My name is Epiphron Adravendi. I have renamed the pack to Fiori and have released all of Jupiter's prisoners. I want no part in whatever went on between her and your family." It was an educated guess at best that the wolves before her were Destructions, and she welcomed them to correct her if she was mistaken.
"I had no part in the claiming of your family, so you know. I joined after all of that happened, and only knew Jupiter from a former alliance many years ago, and I can assure you that I hold no grudge against your family. Some have even chosen to stay now. Two women and their young sons." Perhaps she might know of them? She supposed they had wanted to stay because their sons had grown up in those lands, but it was a fact regardless. A moment of silence would linger as she watched for the reaction of the two before her, tail curling absently behind her back. "I come to offer neutrality, if you'll offer the same in return." An alliance was something she didn't know if she wanted, nor if Novella wanted, but it was a discussion she would be glad to have.
The woman that arrived was entirely unfamiliar to her, and beside her stood a darker male who appeared quite young. Neither of them seemed particularly happy to see her, and her own expression was rather guarded as she waited for their approach, eventually dipping her head to each of them in polite greeting.
It wasn't entirely surprising that she didn't get the same sort of greeting from either of them. After a moment of silence, she parted her jaws to speak. "I didn't expect such a friendly welcome," came a playfully sarcastic quip, a sudden bit of amusement flickering over her pale, steady features. The moment would end as quickly as it had begun, and she noted the sharp seriousness on the other woman's face. "I wanted to tell you that Jupiter is dead, and Ludicael is no longer." What she knew of Jupiter's relationship with this pack, or this woman, was next to nothing; she knew she had kept Destruction wolves as prisoners, though their shackles had been loosely bound and would've been opened had they simply asked. Epiphron searched Novella's face then, looking for a glimmer of relief that she expected to show at the news of Jupiter's death. "She appointed me as her heir, before her death," she admitted, anticipating no particular reaction from this admission. "My name is Epiphron Adravendi. I have renamed the pack to Fiori and have released all of Jupiter's prisoners. I want no part in whatever went on between her and your family." It was an educated guess at best that the wolves before her were Destructions, and she welcomed them to correct her if she was mistaken.
"I had no part in the claiming of your family, so you know. I joined after all of that happened, and only knew Jupiter from a former alliance many years ago, and I can assure you that I hold no grudge against your family. Some have even chosen to stay now. Two women and their young sons." Perhaps she might know of them? She supposed they had wanted to stay because their sons had grown up in those lands, but it was a fact regardless. A moment of silence would linger as she watched for the reaction of the two before her, tail curling absently behind her back. "I come to offer neutrality, if you'll offer the same in return." An alliance was something she didn't know if she wanted, nor if Novella wanted, but it was a discussion she would be glad to have.
02-10-2015, 12:08 PM
Frith had indeed been on a trip around their borders, so far in his duty that he was on the exact opposite side of the territory when the call rang out on their borders. He would hope desperately that Novella had had the sense to stay in their den, especially with the voice that called to them. As he trotted (quickly) towards the call he'd hear her request for Aslan, even if it was somewhat distorted over space. He couldn't help the knot that would tie itself in his stomach as he hurried his pace.
He'd arrive as Epiphron would explain the demise of Ludicale's previous leader. His hackles would smooth as he came up to stand beside his wife. He would listen, pushing himself into his wife's shoulder. He had to say that he felt more at ease even as she spoke, especially her mention of the members that had remained in her care. Surely if they felt in danger there they would have come to see their family here. His bicolored gaze would watch the pale woman curiously, she would offer them a neutrality that he felt he really couldn't deny. If she had no further ties to the previous dictator he saw no reason deny her that. However he had no intentions of speaking over his wife and her decisions. The man would keep quiet, looking to Novella to speak and make the decision.
He'd arrive as Epiphron would explain the demise of Ludicale's previous leader. His hackles would smooth as he came up to stand beside his wife. He would listen, pushing himself into his wife's shoulder. He had to say that he felt more at ease even as she spoke, especially her mention of the members that had remained in her care. Surely if they felt in danger there they would have come to see their family here. His bicolored gaze would watch the pale woman curiously, she would offer them a neutrality that he felt he really couldn't deny. If she had no further ties to the previous dictator he saw no reason deny her that. However he had no intentions of speaking over his wife and her decisions. The man would keep quiet, looking to Novella to speak and make the decision.
02-10-2015, 02:35 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-10-2015, 02:38 PM by Novella.)
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02-10-2015, 05:35 PM
Bjorn had not been far behind Epiphron when she left, shadowing her from the border and ranging out to scout for danger as she left the pack land, and had the neighboring pack been further away he may have caught up again before the alphas answered the call. As it was he moved silently - far more silently than one might have expected for a wolf of his stature - to take up a seat behind and to the right of Epiphron's position. He didn't speak, only inclined his head respectfully to Pip as he took his place to guard her. His ears swiveled constantly on the lookout for danger, but he was otherwise still, a statue beside her as he watched the other pack's alphas guardedly. Not that he thought there was a great risk of danger here - he had spent enough time in Ludicael to be less than impressed with the family who had once ruled there and here. But he hadn't survived as long as he had in his hostile birth pack by being stupid... there was always a risk.
02-10-2015, 07:48 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-10-2015, 07:49 PM by Epiphron.)
Perhaps her slight sarcasm was a bit over the line; and while her own amusement was justified, she knew that these wolves were likely concerned for their family. They didn't know that they hadn't been harmed, though it was a fair assumption that a prisoner was likely not treated well. The other woman's expression was hardened for a moment, though seemed to grow less cold as she broke the news of Jupiter's death and the official dissolution of the Ludicael pack. Briefly she found herself away of Bjorn's position nearby and she greeted him with a nod, appreciative of his support whether she truly needed it or not.
"Time had changed her," Epiphron explained with a careful nod. There knew was little she could do to make Novella understand how time had changed Jupiter, though she herself had understood her decision to some extent. She herself had felt the bitter knife of betrayal, and knew how it felt when it was twisted -- once, she too might've taken a group of Armadas captive if she'd had the chance, regardless of who was or wasn't responsible for what had happened to those she had loved. And yet her own intense demeanor had been softened slightly by the presence of her children, the burning rage that had once built deep in her heart slowly calming until they were mere embers rather than a scorching fire. "The true reason I decided to join her in Ludicael is because she reminded me of my past. I know little of the Destructions -- in fact, I've only met one, a man named Iorwerth some years ago -- but I can assure you I told no grudge against them." Nor did she favor them, no more than she did any family she knew little of; she had no reason to wish ill will on them, even if they did strike her as somewhat weak for not fighting for their freedom.
"Yes, and they are fine," came her answer to the sudden question that left Novella's lips. "Her mate Ara, and her siblings, were born into Seracia when I was their Queen." She didn't know their relationship was something that some might not know about, nor did she know if this alpha knew anything about her former Kingdom or the wolves that had reigned in those days. Her eyes narrowed a bit as she let her mind wander back to their current situation. "They seem content to stay in the lands they have come to know as home, with their sons. Their freedom has been offered and they have seen former prisoners leave, though still they still stay." Epiphron was eager to stress that nothing was keeping them their by force -- nothing physical nor mental that might be binding them to her that Novella might suspect. They were rumored to be healers, and could prove to be quite useful to Fiori if they did decide to stay, and she would be happy to have them. "As far as I know, they are the only family members of yours within my ranks. Much of the rest of the pack consists of my own family." There was a similarity between the two of them there, though she didn't know it and could only assume that this woman's pack held a fair number of Destructions as well.
"Time had changed her," Epiphron explained with a careful nod. There knew was little she could do to make Novella understand how time had changed Jupiter, though she herself had understood her decision to some extent. She herself had felt the bitter knife of betrayal, and knew how it felt when it was twisted -- once, she too might've taken a group of Armadas captive if she'd had the chance, regardless of who was or wasn't responsible for what had happened to those she had loved. And yet her own intense demeanor had been softened slightly by the presence of her children, the burning rage that had once built deep in her heart slowly calming until they were mere embers rather than a scorching fire. "The true reason I decided to join her in Ludicael is because she reminded me of my past. I know little of the Destructions -- in fact, I've only met one, a man named Iorwerth some years ago -- but I can assure you I told no grudge against them." Nor did she favor them, no more than she did any family she knew little of; she had no reason to wish ill will on them, even if they did strike her as somewhat weak for not fighting for their freedom.
"Yes, and they are fine," came her answer to the sudden question that left Novella's lips. "Her mate Ara, and her siblings, were born into Seracia when I was their Queen." She didn't know their relationship was something that some might not know about, nor did she know if this alpha knew anything about her former Kingdom or the wolves that had reigned in those days. Her eyes narrowed a bit as she let her mind wander back to their current situation. "They seem content to stay in the lands they have come to know as home, with their sons. Their freedom has been offered and they have seen former prisoners leave, though still they still stay." Epiphron was eager to stress that nothing was keeping them their by force -- nothing physical nor mental that might be binding them to her that Novella might suspect. They were rumored to be healers, and could prove to be quite useful to Fiori if they did decide to stay, and she would be happy to have them. "As far as I know, they are the only family members of yours within my ranks. Much of the rest of the pack consists of my own family." There was a similarity between the two of them there, though she didn't know it and could only assume that this woman's pack held a fair number of Destructions as well.
02-18-2015, 08:57 AM
He'd stand closely to his very obviously pregnant wife, his presence only a comfort as she was the voice of both of them. He'd spare a respectful nod to both a soverign and her guard as another wolf found its way to the meeting. He felt no hostility from either of them, but with Novella's condition he couldn't have not been at her side during a time like this and to be honest he wished she had stayed in the den. Though the news the woman brought was not what he'd expected he couldn't help but appreciate her announcement. Ludicael was no longer.
He'd refrain from leaning over to give Novella a comforting touch as the opposing queen gave her news about the Destructions that still took up residence in the pack, even more so would he feel the need to have some kind of peace agreement with the woman. Of course with familial ties in either pack it seemed an intelligent option, especially when she offered it so easily. There wasn't much need for an alliance, unless one was asked for. He would be content knowing they could just be friendly neighbors. He'd wait for his wife's answer before he spoke, ready to give his input if she wished it.
He'd refrain from leaning over to give Novella a comforting touch as the opposing queen gave her news about the Destructions that still took up residence in the pack, even more so would he feel the need to have some kind of peace agreement with the woman. Of course with familial ties in either pack it seemed an intelligent option, especially when she offered it so easily. There wasn't much need for an alliance, unless one was asked for. He would be content knowing they could just be friendly neighbors. He'd wait for his wife's answer before he spoke, ready to give his input if she wished it.
02-18-2015, 09:49 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-18-2015, 09:49 AM by Novella.)
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02-18-2015, 09:58 AM
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02-20-2015, 11:16 AM
When first confronted with the fact that Ludicael was now hers, initially she hadn't wanted it. She had ruled a pack once, and she'd failed, distracted by raising her children. Only when Amalia had shown up here, asking for a home for her family, had she considered keeping the pack. And seeing Cassius and Arian, both in need of a nurturing home, in need of a family to care for them... it had only further cemented her decision. This time, though, the pack would not be ruled solely by her, but by those she trusted, with decisions made as a group rather than resting heavily on her own shoulders.
Briefly her gaze drifted to the male that stood tall at Novella's side, and to the younger boy that had joined them as well. They all seemed to relax considerably as she explained what had happened, and even more as she told them that Novel and Ara and their sons had decided to stay within her pack despite everything. Her smile grew a bit, a pleasant expression that was in stark contrast to the more serious one she'd worn upon coming to the border.
She had only assumed that Iorwerth had been a Destruction, due to his markings and his scent that had led her to believe so. She would nod as Novella corrected her, listening to the information carefully. Novella seemed to want to know about a sister of hers, Myth, though she could not recall the woman. She shook her head, genuinely sorry she could not give her any more information. "I can't say I recall her," she told her after a moment of careful though. "I'm sorry. I believe the couple that has stayed is the only family of yours that I have seen recently." If Novella had not seen this sister of hers, she wondered where she might have gone; though admittedly she knew little about the Destruction family and couldn't offer much insight into the issue.
'Well, it is a pleasure, Novella Destruction," she let the name be burned into her memory, her tail flicking idly behind her. "And Frith and Aslan, as well," she nodded to the two of them in turn. They seemed quite eager to accept her offer on neutrality, and she found herself quite grateful that she had come here. "Perhaps in the future we can reassess our agreement," she offered gently. She felt she was walking a fine line, for she had still been associated with Jupiter, who had been keeping so many of Novella's family as prisoners; anything about an alliance would certainly be pushing too far. It wouldn't surprise her if the wolves of Threar were still wary of her and the pack she would try to build up. "Though I think this suits all of us well for now."
Briefly her gaze drifted to the male that stood tall at Novella's side, and to the younger boy that had joined them as well. They all seemed to relax considerably as she explained what had happened, and even more as she told them that Novel and Ara and their sons had decided to stay within her pack despite everything. Her smile grew a bit, a pleasant expression that was in stark contrast to the more serious one she'd worn upon coming to the border.
She had only assumed that Iorwerth had been a Destruction, due to his markings and his scent that had led her to believe so. She would nod as Novella corrected her, listening to the information carefully. Novella seemed to want to know about a sister of hers, Myth, though she could not recall the woman. She shook her head, genuinely sorry she could not give her any more information. "I can't say I recall her," she told her after a moment of careful though. "I'm sorry. I believe the couple that has stayed is the only family of yours that I have seen recently." If Novella had not seen this sister of hers, she wondered where she might have gone; though admittedly she knew little about the Destruction family and couldn't offer much insight into the issue.
'Well, it is a pleasure, Novella Destruction," she let the name be burned into her memory, her tail flicking idly behind her. "And Frith and Aslan, as well," she nodded to the two of them in turn. They seemed quite eager to accept her offer on neutrality, and she found herself quite grateful that she had come here. "Perhaps in the future we can reassess our agreement," she offered gently. She felt she was walking a fine line, for she had still been associated with Jupiter, who had been keeping so many of Novella's family as prisoners; anything about an alliance would certainly be pushing too far. It wouldn't surprise her if the wolves of Threar were still wary of her and the pack she would try to build up. "Though I think this suits all of us well for now."