He really, truly hated politics. A lot. But he had heard whispers through the wind that Roman once again held a crown. He grinned, remembering the first time he had knocked on her door. She invited him in, even offered him a hunt in her lands. A lot had changed since then, he was more mature and bold now. Baby fat left him, replaced with defined muscles that rippled under his fur. He was no longer so innocent, being tainted more by the darkness around him. While it didn't change his heart, it opened up his eyes. No longer did a dust of purity coat his eyelids, instead everything was much more clear. Plus, he was a father now, to five perfect little ones. The smell of Wren's milk was still clinging to his fur, even after the long boring walk to the North. Boy, the things he did for his pack.

Now cold and tired from his journey, Bass finally made it to the borders. He easily picked our Roman's scent, while it had changed there were still notes in it that spoke of her. There was another male mixed in though, and was that a hint of pregnancy that he detected? Blinking his tired eyes, he tipped back his head and called for Roman. It could simply be the smell of his own pups on his pale fur that he was picking up, he had walked a long way to get here. But they had been allies once before, he wanted to know if she was still interested. This was not the pack that he had first come to, but neither was his. Abaven had grown with the man, and now stood stronger.

A deep summons echoed powerfully through the thick forests that she now called home. She lifted her head with interest, a slight smile pulling at her jaws. She recognized that voice as Bass the leader of a pack called Abaven. Pulling her whale sized ass to her feet, she waddled towards the sound. She was due soon,  thank the gods- the she'd get back to the sleek size she'd come to know and love. A lot had changed since she'd last met Bass. She'd grown colder, if that were possible. She craved seclusion, simply put, she'd wanted to be on her own in the North- with her empire and left alone. It wasn't that hard. She was soon to be a mother- assuming the Gods didn't decide to torment her again, and cause her to lose this litter of whelps. She had once held an alliance of sorts with Bass and his pack, but wasn't sure if she'd seek the same again. Alliances brought more trouble than they were worth, in her thoughts these days.  Her pace was horribly slow, but surely she made it to her borders. Her eyes studied Bass as she approached, and she inhaled. Still the same pack scent- but a smell of... milk? Her brow furrowed in confusion as she approached. He'd changed in the seasons that had passed, but so had she. Would they even get along anymore? "Bass." She greeted, her tone firm yet not lacking warmth and familiarity as she halted about five feet from him. "It's been awhile." This time her tone was lofty, a slight twinkle could be seen in her eyes.  Greek Speak -- Roman Speak

As the woman came into view, he knew that he was not wrong about her being pregnant. He grinned at her, his tail wagging behind her as she lumbered up. Roman looked as if she was about to pop at any moment, and he suddenly felt a bit bad for calling her here. He remembered how much Wren complained about her aching paws, and knew that walking in the snow probably didn't help. As he was studying her, he saw a flash of confusion cross her face, to which he rose a brow too. Did she not remember him? No, she just greeted him by name, telling him it had been a long time since they last saw each other. Forgetting about her confusion for now, he pressed the conversation forward. "It certainly has. I heard you had gained a crown again I couldn't help but drag my butt up here," he said teasingly, folding himself to a seated position as he gazed at her. Time had changed many things, but what of their pack relationship? "We held an alliance once, and I know that much has probably changed on both our ends..." he paused, his eyes searching her face, "do you think that would still stand now?"

As Bass spoke again a wry chuckle left her, and she spoke- her tone teasing. "Ah.. I cannot stray from power too long. It's in my blood." Though her words were teasing, there was a note of seriousness to them. Roman took in another breath, her brow furrowing slightly. "Bass? Have you taken a mate?" She inquired, her tone curious and light. He had a mate- or had been around a nursing female lately, she could smell the milk scent on his fur. She eyed him speculatively, as her back legs folded her into a seating position as gracefully as she could manage with her large size. He mentioned there previous alliance, and Roman cocked her head in interest. "Possibly." That word was her only reply as she studied him for a moment before speaking. Roman despised the idea of allies these days- but would she be so quick to turn away an old ally- an old friend? "Has the alignment and position of Abaven changed since I've been absent?" She inquired. It was only fair for each side to know what type of pack they could be having a relationship with. Roman wasn't as kind as Athena was- she was darker, more prideful- perhaps more like their father? She didn't want Bass to assume she hadn't changed- when she had. Greek Speak -- Roman Speak

He grinned at the woman, nodding his head slowly when she teased about staying away from power. That is how it seemed to be with certain wolves, that they rose over and over again. If Bass ever lost Abaven -- gods forbid -- he would fight to have it back until there was no more breath in his lungs. But perhaps that was something different. He blinked back to focus when Roman asked about him taking a mate, and a slight flush rushed to his pale cheeks. They had flirted once, although back then he hadn't realized that he had been doing so. But by the looks of her belly, she too had taken on a mate. His ears flickered, although his smile did not falter. Why was she curious about it? Well... he did smell like a mothers milk, so perhaps that it why it brought the question out. "I have. She just recently had five pups as well... the whole lot of them cause a bunch of trouble," he muttered, but his eyes still danced with excitement. Bass was still getting used to the idea of being a father, and he felt an itch in his paws to start the journey back home. "And yourself Roman? I don't see you settling down with anyone but the best," he teased, once more eying her belly. Wren had told him that it had seemed bad when she was pregnant and swollen, but it was worse now that they were out.

The conversation took turn to being more serious, Roman's head tilting as she pondered his question. She asked if Abaven had changed much, and Bass' shoulders rolled upwards in a shrug. "As I got older I realized that Abaven is not really neutral, but instead more lawful good. Our workings haven't been changed though, we still offer guards in place for a favor. A few more ranks have been added, as well as changed. We now offer field medics as well, wolves who are skilled in both remaining unseen, being agile and fast, and having knowledge of healing as well. These wolves are perfect to have during battles, they are quick enough to get in and out fast and are also trained in combat," it was then his turn to eye the woman, the same question lingering on his tongue. "Has your pack changed more than just its location?"

 
 

As Bass spoke, she smiled slightly and mentally blanched. Five pups Dear God. No. She'd quit life. She felt her smile grow as she spoke, her words sincere. "Congratulations! She must be quite a woman to have snagged you." Her tone is light and teasing. "Five pups? I pray they are all healthy and well. Your mate must be a strong she-wolf." She mused, her tone still warm. Gods she couldn't handle five pups. She'd go mad. Two would be nice. Five was insane! She lets out a chuckle. "Aye. He is the best- he's a good King and a wise ruler. We merged Regium with Fehu, his pack- to be togther." She explained, her eyes sparkling as she speaks of her lover.Her expression grows serious as Bass begins to speak about Abaven and she listens carefully. Though they may be friends, she has to make decisions about allies in the best interest of her pack. Abaven could be a good ally. If Regium goes to war- they could use the expertise of medics and perhaps even guards to guard the homeland. She muses as she listens.  He asks if Regium has changed and for a moment her expression darkens. "They say that pack alignments change with their leaders. I wouldn't like to think that darkness has clouded my mind, Bass- but you were there when I lost my last litter. I'd be a liar if I said I hadn't grown darker, because of that- and I'm no liar. I left Alacritis, hoping the Gods would give them back to me- would give me an answer for their crimes, alas and as you can expect- they did not. My king- Drashiel, and I wish for Regium to be a place of power, and because of that we're willing to do whatever it takes to maintain that power. I dislike using the words light and dark to describe us- we seek power, and our empire to be safe, whatever the cost. My children will not grow up without a home- a strong home. I'll eradicate anything that may threaten that. That being said, I'm not actively looking for trouble- though it will undoubtedly find me." She mused aloud. Her tone slightly distant as she speaks, though it carries sincerity. "My word is the only thing that I cannot fail. If I take allies- I'll defend them with all that I am, though I may not force my empire to fight for their cause." She added as an afterthought. She wouldn't force the wolves under her to fight unless the cause was great enough to need them. Drashiel tempered her well, he was wise for his youth and though he was as dark as she- he was more cautious. "The one thing we value as much as we value power is... loyalty."  She finished, and smiled again- though it was a bit more strained.   Greek Speak -- Roman Speak