It was time. The pups were starting to leave the dens, there was an influx of awarded slaves, and Ashen was simply bursting from its borders. The mark of great leadership, certainly. She couldn’t simply accredit herself, Hannibal had put in more work to the pack than she had been able to while caught up with her newborns. He had his own puppies to worry about as well, and she was forever impressed with his capabilities. Her brother was a completely different wolf than the one she’d found before Ashen rose.

She left the babies with Zee, one of the few adults she trusted with the babes who would not be present at the meeting. Darkness reigned, and the night was cold. The moon was huge and lit up the ground before her. Thistle the short eared owl rode the air above the Empress and her cloaked form. She made her way to a private clearing in the forest surrounding the ravine and call out for her high ranking members. Hannibal and her Daimyo were required to attend, but her family were invited as well.

Sirius heeded the call for high ranking wolves immediately. He had seen Deathbelle exit her den, but had only tracked her with his eyes, not his paws. He had stayed behind, waiting to see if the tiny ones would amerge, especially seeing how Deathbelle had left them in the paws of Zee. He grinned at the thought of her, hair in disarray as the troublesome triage bounced about her. He did not get his chance to wait them out, realising that Deathbelles exit had been in regards to pack matters and not personal ones. He jumped down from his rock, interested in attending a pack meeting for the first time as Warlord. He moved past his den on the way, snagging something from near the entrance where it had been hanging to dry. He arrived to find Deathbeath in the forest just above the ravine, and offered her a smile as he draped the Bongo pelt over her. Finally mended and cleaned to perfection. He took a few steps back, before taking a seat before her and offering her a bow “Empress.” was all he said in greeting, lapsing into silence to wait out the appearance of others. "Speech"

Ever dutiful Rosemary was quick to answer the call and soon stood before her with his two headed rat in tow. He sauntered toward her and sat his tail coiling neatly around his paws as he waited to be addressed, the chains glittering in the dim light of the moon. “Sweetest sister.” He greeted, flashing his gilded teeth. “I hope nothing is the matter for you to call your counsel so late.” He simpered, knowing that Ashen was at its pique performance and all but unstoppable, but something still troubled him greatly. The rash of strange weather left him feeling unsettled and although he had done precious little to show it. speaking

As Hannibal made his rounds a call filled his ears. The beautiful song of his half-sister beckoning those of the utmost importance to her palace. A grin flicked across as he changed the direction of his trot with haste. The alpha knew why his darling sister was calling upon them, which brought forth a slight bubble of anticipation within his belly. As the male moved towards the ravine his thoughts ran wild. It was no secret Ashen was getting rather populous. Most of it members being pups, but one day not so far away those pups would grow. The pack was reaching it's limit rather quickly and it was time to discuss their options going on. There were a few ideas that had been tossed around. Perhaps expanding the territory or maybe even claiming another pack's lands as their own. But, of course Hannibal's favorite of them all was to have him leave Ashen to claim a sister-pack of his own. Hopefully some would offer to follow him voluntarily but he knew Dutch and the pups could come at lease. Recluse and Banshee as well. it was a way to expand the pack but for him to have territory of his own. A pack Hannibal could lead with his children never being second best. Hannibal arrived just as Rosemary did. A sly smirk stained his pink lips as he slithered in next to his Empress. A respectable nod was tossed to both Rosemary and Sirius as he settled in. The albino held his head high as he glanced to Belle, "Empress." ""

He had been preparing for the first of many sermons the pups would receive. Their education early on was the most important task one could take on, for it was this time when their minds and personalities were still so soft and malleable. He wanted to ensure that each of them got a strong sense of self in the New Abraxas religion before being confronted by the harsh reality of the mortals' thoughts. He had many plans for them, but right now, his empress and wife-to-be called on official business. Archon unburdened himself from planning the sermon with Obi to attend.

When he came, there were already a few others there. Archon offered Belle a soft, warm smile and a humble bow. He couldn't believe this woman was to be his bride. She was so glorious in her being, her mannerisms and movements so refined. He had nothing but love and respect for the woman and his eyes showed that adoration.

"Deathbelle," he said before settling to let her address them professionally.

Seer was first, but he practically followed her from the den too. She looked up to him, finally able to see her childhood friend and confidant instead of her lost dreams. His presence was a comfort as he moved up to her and draped her bongo pelt around her shoulders. She smiled brightly up at him as he sat back and greeted her as Rosemary appeared right after him, with Hannibl in tow. She greeted her beautiful brother with a quick nuzzle as he expressed his concern. ”No brother, issues we must work through, but for good reasons.” As for their meeting occuring during the night.. she much preferred a nocturnal lifestyle.

She leaned against Hannibal’s offered side as he looked to her and offered his greeting. He knew exactly why she called their meeting of highest officials. Archon stole her eyes away from Hannibal as he appeared and offered a low bow and his warmest smile. The mammoth of a wolf was her soon to be husband, and she could still scarcely believe the fact. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she resisted offering her affections. They had business, and he didn’t let much time go by between when he saw their children.

”Welcome, my most trusted wolves. I’ve gathered you to discuss an urgent problem. Ashen is about to burst forth from our borders.” Not a bad thing, their growth was amazing and didn’t seem like it would stop anytime soon. ”I’ve briefly spoken with Hannibal, but we need to decide on a real solution.” She opened the floor to her Hand and the Daimyo

Harbringr worked to finish the knife he'd been working on, squelching the blade in oil to harden temper the metal. In truth it was really Ari who was doing the work but Hari felt a certain sense of commitment to the craft as the supervisor and keeper of vision. He could see the blade in his minds eye. It was Ari's job to bring that vision to life. He heard the call of his sister and the duo quickly wrapped up.

Constanza took to the air, flying silently ahead as Harbringr and Ari followed. They arrived at the meeting, consisting mostly of high-ranking wolves. Hari didn't bother questioning whether or not he was allowed to be there. With a charming smile he walked in. "Greetings, dear sister. You look radiant as always." He settled down and waited for the meeting to begin.

The problem at hand seemed to be the growing population of Ashen which didn't really surprise him. Everyone had been having babies. "I hate to suggest this, but could the pack be split in half? Could another pack be started." He did not like the idea of splitting the family up but he wasn't sure what else could be done. They needed to make sure they had enough land and resources to support the pack.

Sirius eyed each newcomer as they arrived at the meeting. They where, for the most part, equal or higher ranking to the Warlord. The warrior kept his silence, his titanic form lowered in his seated position, so he did not loom quite so imposingly over the others that gathered here. His ears perked in curiosity as Deathbelle spoke, mentioning the growing numbers of Ashen - something he himself had noticed. It was hard not to, with the influx of babies in the relatively new pack. It was a good way to start an empire, but it did currently leave them in an awkward position. The members of Ashen where outnumbered by children and slaves, and their resources were stretched to the limits. “Are you proposing we fight apposing packs for resources?” was the Warlords first thought, but Harbringr beat him to it, suggesting instead a calmer recourse. The smaller wolf had garnered some respect from the warrior at this point, and the Warlord fell silent to hear the idea proposed. What would a splitting of packs do for Ashen? And would a raid be more beneficial. It wasn’t like they had started the Empire to make friends. "Speech"

Hannibal stood tall and attentive as his counter part spoke. He listened with perked ears, one tattered and one in tact. The albino's eyes swept over his family members to witness their reactions. There was no initial surprise. There was no reason for one. It wasn't a shock to anyone that Ashen was getting to be a bit over populated. Their territory was growing thin on resources, room, and prey. With the pups came a lot of need for space and it was weighing on just about everyone. Especially the mother of his own offspring, Dutch. First came Sirius with the assumption of hostilities. Not that Hannibal expected much less from the warlord. But, Harbringr brought up a much more reasonable and doable proposition that wasn't so detrimental to their own time and resources. Splitting the packs would aid in spreading out the Wolves and the opportunity for further growth. More outsiders could call the Klein Empire their home and eventually they could expand by force. "Splitting the pack was an idea we had thought of. In theory splitting the pack would grant us much more land, room for growth, and resources." Hannibal glanced to his companions with stern yet warm eyes. "I view it as an opportunity to truly rebuild what our father started; The Klein Empire." A smirk spread across his lips, "Once we are at full force we have the opportunity to expose our strength to the world and conquer as our ancestors once did." Honestly once the pups were at least a year of age they would have a literal army at their disposal. With patience and wits Boreas could be theirs and maybe even Auster if they played their cards right. "With that being said we are open to hearing any other ideas or propositions anyone may have." ""

Archon stood and listened to the suggestions before speaking. He wanted to know what these Klein family (and servant) members thought. He was surprised to hear that their first course of action was not one of violence, despite their claim to power and prowess. Anyone could breed and make a large family line, and besides Deathbelle, Archon hadn't seen any Klein amount to any real form of power yet. Even Hannibal, though the next closest to Archon, had been made a failure over and over again. With his new dwarf children in tow, Archon wasn't sure that would improve any time soon. Not that Archon planed to voice that to anyone ever.

He liked the idea of giving Hannibal a chance to form another pack. Give him a chance at redemption. And that would take his heathen kids away from the Abraxas at least intermittently. Finally, he spoke. "I agree splitting the pack would be wise. It avoids unnecessary conflict, but there are two problems that may arise: who goes to the sister pack and, in times of extreme disagreement, which pack acts as the ruling house?"

"Hannibal." Cold edged voice sounded as she slipped from the shadows. She had heard it all, listening to them try to procure a plan to fix the mess that had been created. Ashen was too full of mud-blooded puppies now, and servants who were allowed to roam around and do as they wished as if they had never been servants at all. She fixed them with a hard stare, pitch black and rose red eyes daring them to challenge that. "He is the rightful heir to our fathers throne. As the first born son. he was the heir under our fathers rule, and it will remain that way." Her gaze briefly cast over to Deathbelle, though she didn't show any of the disdain that had been breeding inside her for her half-sisters way of ruling. Turning her attention back to the group as a whole, she continued. "Deathbelle may have begun our ascent, but she is not the rightful heir," The priestess sat neatly, tail wrapping around her feet as she thought. Would they dare protest her word? Would the fanatic be prideful enough to challenge her word when he was the outsider? She had no care what Sirius had to say on the matter. She would not respect him as an equal, fighting skill be damned. Hannibal was who she respected most. And it was Hannibal's word that she would follow and obey. "Alternatively we could siege as father did to expand our borders. But we've no enemies," (and Olympias hatred for Abraxas is icly unknown to them). "Although in retrospect, perhaps this should have been planned before the pack started having children left and right and bursting it at the seams." She added grumpily. "Can you see me?"

Silent steps carried the ashen Klein through the darkness, her eyes of blossom pink scanned the perimeter in case something out of normal could be happening. The reasons for her being awake so late were because of the need for her to patrol the borders, yes it wasn't a task for an Advisor but she wanted to do it for this night. Herself didn't ignore the fact that with so many newborns, the pack's size was going to explode. It had benefits but on the other hand, it also held trouble in a way. But well, she would have to do something, but of course, she couldn't do anything without her sister's will. And as her black legs marched, a call was heard. One that belonged to the empress herself. And slowly and with her confident walk, she made her way to a private section of the woods, and as she came she could see her family gathered. In silence she would approach and sit beside  Harbringr, taking note of who else had come. Se cared little if it may be only for those in the top of the empire, she was a Klein still and such this mattered to her too. She listened to the discussion, doing private thinking and analyzing the problem. "Well, if may I add? " She started as looks at the rest of Kleins and allies. "Splitting the pack could work. But, maybe an alliance with another pack could be beneficial for our cause." There she allowed her words to come out like honey, well versed and without much care about what others could react. "He is the rightful heir to our fathers throne. As the first born son. he was the heir under our fathers rule, and it will remain that way." She stared in silence at her. But didn't mind adding anything over that. She was aware of that, she knew Hannibal is and always will be the heir to her father's legacy. But why adding that when they were discussing other matters? But well, she wasn't in the position of complaining, not a real need for that. "Although in retrospect, perhaps this should have been planned before the pack started having children left and right and bursting it at the seams." Well, she couldn't be more correct with those statements. "I can't help but agree with her. Bringing youth this soon could compromise our goals of showing this land what the Klein name means." She was confident with her words, and little she cared if none liked this. "Speech"

code by Cloudy

Archon's brows furrowed at Pandora's words. Hannibal, the rightful heir? That was laughable. Her hard stare told him she wasn't joking. He let go of a soft breath debating on whether or not he should truly speak. He was an outsider in all of this, but he knew Hannibal well. Then she moved on to insult the pups and Archon fixed his eyes on the split-faced woman.

"Mind you, you only even have a pack for the Kleins to gather because of Deathbelle and the pups she bore," he said, his eyes not leaving her for a second, but his body remaining otherwise in a relaxed position. "Hannibal has served in a pack that crumbled due to its weak leadership. He became my slave, and then lost to the leader he himself deemed so terribly flawed. Then he went missing until Deathbelle rose to rank and handed him a position despite his shortcomings."

Archon coughed lightly, soothing himself back down. He didn't need to start any fights, but when it came to Belle, it was nearly too late. "I have no problem with Hannibal being your 'heir', but do not downplay the one who has brought him to the position to even be considered for leadership at this point or her decisions." He said, his voice more level this time around. "How long have you all had to show the world your Klein name? And yet the only one who has come close is the one who you wish to deem unfit for the throne. Then, I pray ask, why are you even in her pack? Are you just waiting idly by for Hannibal to tell you to prove yourself with no real will of your own? Where were you when Hannibal was being thrown in the dirt time and time again? You share not in his struggles, and yet you want all the glory."

Archon fixed his gaze to Deathbelle at this time, "I think the suggestion of a secondary pack is a wonderful one." Let the beggars follow their failure of a leader and this decrepit litter. They could show the world what fools looked like while the true Kleins could flourish in the primary pack. "Calm," he reminded himself. "You mean not to hurt Hannibal nor Deathbelle. Both are strong, let them work it out." Archon tried to reason with himself to not start anything. With a rigid huff, Archon physically disengaged from Pandora, turning his attention to Hannibal and Deathbelle to see what they would decide.

”Hello, Hari. You’re words are always too sweet.” She said affectionately, but refrained from offering her physical touch as they started to speak on the state of Ashen. Deathbelle perked her mismatched ears and listened as each council took their turn to speak. There was little surprise that Sirius was the first to mention outward expansion, but it seemed for a moment the consensus was to create a second pack. It would indeed give them more resources faster than trying to siege for more land.

And then Pandora appeared out of the shadows, making commands as though she had the authority to make any decision in a group of the highest ranking wolves in the pack. Deathbelle perked her brows at her half sister’s words, hoping that she was misinterpreting the insult perceived in her words. ”Thank you for your input, Pandora. But your criticisms are unwanted. It is in the nature of the Klein to build and expand.” She looked to Hela as she agreed with Pandora. ”Being prepared for tomorrow is better than rushing today.” She didn’t expect Archon’s next words.

Her eyes widened as he criticized Hannibal, and her brows furrowed as she tried to interrupt his deep voice. ”Silence, Archon. Now is not the time.” Internally she appreciated his undying support. Pandora’s harsh gaze and emphasized speech on the rightful heir had Deathbelle wondering if she had any loyalty to her at all. Hannibal was indeed the rightful heir of their father’s kingdom. However, those lands were long dead and gone. Deathbelle grasped her very own kingdom and built it with her own paws. She took her brother at her side because she found his council priceless. She would allow him to defend himself to Archon’s words. ”I believe it is in our best interest right now, to simply expand our field of influence with Hannibal as the leader of a second pack.”

GOT AN ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER But the devil always won... Harbringr settled back to listen. Technically most of the wolves here outranked him and though he was of Klein blood he knew better than to over step his bounds… well, most of the time. He was the youngest brother of the first litter after all. He wouldn't live up to his position if he didn't cause a little mischief here and there. He listened as Hannibal spoke and nodded his approval. It seemed the most logical option even if it did mean splitting the family apart. Archon brought up a good point about which pack would act as the ruling house and who would go and that is when Pandora spoke up. She spoke truly. Hannibal was their heir and it was deemed his destiny but Hari still didn't care much for his sister's tone. Deathbelle had seen a need and rose to the occasion in a truly splendid manner. Any of Hannibal's full siblings could have taken up the mantle but none of them did. Deathbelle deserved respect for this. He cocked his head to the side at the mention of a siege. "That is also a good suggestion. If we don't have any enemies we can certainly make some." He smirked. Wolves these days were so touchy and prideful, it would be easy enough to stir up shit. He had to agree though in regards to the baby boom there'd been far too liberal a spreading of seed but what was done was done. "I think we're overthinking this. As for who will go to Hannibal's pack all he needs to do is ask for volunteers.  I'm assuming we'll keep the packs close. It's not like we'll never see each other again. I can be the first volunteer. As for decisions. Let Deathbelle and Hannibal meet and decide together like civilized creatures and work it out. If something must come to a vote of the highest ranking members then let it be so. Or if you prefer bloodshed they can fight it out and the victor will decide. But really, we are family, surely we can work this all out?" Based on the tension in the air a small part of him doubted these words but he no less said it with conviction.

Sharp pink and blue eyes washed over the trusted of their beloved pack. Hannibal listened intently as Archon brought up a good point. Who would act as the ruling pack? Honestly the pale beast hadn't given that much thought since he assumed Deathbelle and himself would rule as they currently did but with Hannibal being the primary alpha of his own segment of their Empire. They had done well defusing situations, deciding upon political plays, and balancing business. What made anyone think that wouldn't carry through to the split? The male held Deathbelle to the highest respect for she was his one and true Empress. Never would the albino ever go against her unless something harmful to his family would arise. Which likely would never happen. But, nevertheless he gave the proposed question a thought and before he could answer his two black and white sisters spoke up first. Pandora was swift to answer the question with confidence. His own name had been spoken but in truth the male did not agree fully with her proclamation. As the spiritual femme continued he couldn't help but to be torn. That undesirable selfish side of Hannibal had had forgotten many seasons ago scratched at the depths of his riddled mind. But, once again before he could object Hela voiced her agreement and more ideas on how they could improve their situation. Hannibal's mind raced with the thoughts of their rushed procreation and the results. Having so many pups so soon wasn't wise but they would adapt to the consequences. Archon and himself fathered two litters within the season. Both of Archon's were in attendance but only one of Hannibal's were within Ashen. Thanks to the disappearance of Archon's beloved sister the albino beast was missing another set of children. Children who he would much rather be with him in the pack that was bursting at the seems rather then off no where to be found or maybe even dead.. In onslaught of negativity was something he expected from certain members of the pack for he had already heard some of Pandora's concerns previously. Hannibal was willing to defuse the issues and honestly the best case scenario would be Pandora and Hela just coming with Hannibal if the pack were to split so they could thrive beneath his rule. But, once again before he got a word out another voice shot through the patio. Archon spoke up almost immediately with a deep and fiery tone. Hannibal turned his undivided attention towards the religious male. Unsuspecting of what may come next. The dappled giant began to s p e w forth a deranged history lesson before completely disrespecting the Klein name. Hannibal bristled as the Abraxas went on. His pale hackles raised and the albino's Stoat seemed to fidget nervously upon his back. The alpha raised his lips to expose those yellow twinged fangs in direct response to the lesser ranked male being so blatantly defiant to his superior. Hannibal heard his Empress speak up and tell her beloved to stop his ramblings. But, the Klein male wouldn't allow such folly go so easily. Hannibal raised his head slightly as his attention turned back to the crowd. Lips lowered into fine lines before his rigid yet stern vocals were lifted into the air. "Let us all thank Archon Abraxas for that enriching history lesson." A pause as the slender ghoul's head turned towards the Daimyo. "You are correct to an extent. Yes, I lost two fights that were significant in a negative chain of events. This is common knowledge and something that I am obviously not proud of." Hannibal's lip twitched slightly. "I failed in my initial conquest to claim a throne and build a home for my family." It was something he hadn't said out loud before and it stung horribly coming forth from his slippery pink tongue. Hannibal had never fully recovered from his failures and loss of his strength. Without Pandora or Cannival he'd likely be rotting in that horrible maze to this day. "That being said.. I do not see a Wolf here who won any battles for their rank. I may have failed but I tried to do what I thought was right at the time. My mistakes are not something I am ashamed of any longer and I will not tolerate such being thrown in my face as if I am some unworthy whelp." Hannibal looked to Archon, "The bite of your words fall flat, Archon. Your foolish speech is riddled with contradiction and fueled by insolence." Pink lips twitched in a dreary sneer. "Deathbelle handed me a crown just as she handed you your rank." Archon was granted the high rank for being nothing more then a glorified mistress with a God complex. "Yet, what you say of myself is not what had irked me so.. You stand beside the woman you aim to defend by rolling our family name in the mud? To say that we have not shown the world the Klein name is a direct offense to your Empress. Deathbelle Klein raised this pack from the ashes of our former Empire. She has given our family, as well as your own, a home to thrive within and you say that the Klein name holds no prowess within the ears of others? Our pack is booming with life, strength, and our members are proud. There are issues and that is why we are here to defuse them. But to utter such disgrace to our family name is something that will never be forgiven or forgotten." He would not enact on any discipline for that was Deathbelle's choice. Hannibal would not be her white knight or start any violence on her patio. But, if Archon continued to disrespect the family the alpha wouldn't hesitate to step forward. Hannibal took a moment to ease up slightly and regain his thoughts. Harbringr had brought up some good points. "The Empress and I will work together as we have time and time again to layout a solid plan. We are here to ensure a positive future for our beloved family as well as our little ones that will one day walk the same paths we do." A pause. "Now, let us continue the discussion about ways to solve our issue of over population and allow the unrelated issues rest for the time being. After this meeting feel free to pull myself or the Empress aside to further talk on any immediate concerns." ""

Archon was quick to speak after her, causing the chimeric femme to lift her lip in a sneer as he spoke. She listened with half interest, though the more he went on the more he fed the flames. "Mind you, you're only among us because you fucked her." She replied with venom. She was well aware of the band he had before he joined them. But as he dared go on about Hannibal, dragging his name back into his past failures, her disgust and hatred for the fanatic grew. "Yes, you who enslaved my brother because of your pride. You who started his downfall. You who has no real backing to your words nor anything you do. Over what? A territory you hold no legal claim to because you were nothing but a powerless leader against a true alpha." She sneered at him, a cold stare fixed on him. "You disbanded what you had to follow my sisters tail, and you failed to do what my brother attempted to do." She cared not if Belle reprimanded her for what she said. She followed Hannibal, not someone who let the slaves roam free and treated them as friends and equals. Ashen struck no fear into the hearts of others. She was not the iron paw that her father was, and she did not rule the same. Their father would be rolling in his grave. The spirits had been uneasy and disgruntled for the past events, screaming at her for it all. "And yet...here you are. Among us. As a supposed equal. Just like the slaves have been." She snarked.  "Deathbelle may trust you, or perhaps you're that good of a fuck. But you will not squander our name, you who believes in a Fallen god. Or perhaps he fell because he wasn't that powerful now, was he? Perhaps nothing more than a false god. And now our blood is stained with that of a fanatic." She wasn't outright attacking Belle, no. Her words were directed entirely at Archon. He dared insult them by speaking what he claimed to know. Had he not claimed Hannibal, then perhaps he wouldn't have been "thrown in the dirt" like he had. "Lest we forget, it was you who dragged him down and your actions that caused his downfall. I found him and nursed him back to health while you were off preaching about your false god. Do not claim false truths. You may have pulled the wool over some of their eyes, but I see clearly what you are." She hissed. "If you feel so strongly that way about us, why don't you run back home to your own family? Or perhaps they don't want you anymore." The last part was an assumption. She didn't know whether that was the case or not, though she said it as a statement with enough venom in an attempt to make it sting. Though Belle spoke and sought to reprimand her more than Archon, she would take it with a grain of salt. It was clear where Belle stood. And it was not entirely with the family. Harbringr spoke then, though she listened quietly. And finally, when Hannibal spoke up, she was pleased to see that he had spoken up to put Archon in his place. Something that Belle seemed unwilling to do. She listened as he reprimanded the Abraxas fanatic, her sneer growing before she sat back and watched with a cold gaze. He was the true heir. And he would lead them the way it was supposed to be. The way the Kleins were supposed to rule. Her loyalty lied more with him than with Belle, of course. After all, she was a friend to the slaves and to religious nut cases. She bore mud blooded children with someone who had not proven himself in any way, and only spoke of promises and sweet nothings, she was sure. He was not one of them. He did not belong among them. To Hannibals last statements, she replied. "A takeover. A siege. A challenge. It matters not how it's done, as long as you're the rightful king wearing the crown on his head where it belongs." She stated, turning her gaze to him, softer this time. "Can you see me?"

Hannibal confirmed the idea of splitting the pack, and Sirius nodded his head in silent support to the man. His relationship to the man was still rocky, he blamed Hannibal in part for what had happened between him and Deathbelle, but he couldn’t blame him when the result of that had been Zee. So long as he offered no danger to Deathbelle, Sirius was willing to give the man a chance, and some silent support. Pandora, on the other hand… he hadn’t spoken to her since his rank change, and other then catching some sour glances here and then, did not know the inner workings of her mind. Sirius’s lips pulled back in a silent snarl at the insult to Deathbelle, who had built this empire from the ground up. She had worked hard and clever to ensure the rise of their people, and her achievements were not made simply because it was supposed to be handed to her. No, she had seen something, and worked towards it. No insult to Hannibal, who had, in the absence of being handed his throne, tried for it himself. He felt the old ways, of Hannibal being heir, had dyed with the old Kingdom. Here, it was strength first, and Deathbelle had seized her throne. Pandora was a fool to hold on to this. He watched her carefully, knowing he would remember her words. He would only need a reason, any reason, to act against her. He gave her a toothy smile, a silent threat, as he loomed beside Deathbelle. He barely contained his eye roll at Archon’s words, who was yet to receive Sirius’s respect. At least he was defending Deathbelle, he got a few metaphorical cookies for that. Deathbelle herself would say her peace, giving him no recourse to go after Pandora, at least not yet. The Empress was quick to put Pandora in her place, but Sirius would help to ensure she stayed there. She bid silence to Archon as well, and still Sirius refrained from reacting. He would not offer insult to Deathbelle’s choice of mate, if only because he trusted her judgement. Hannibal wasn’t far behind in responding, thanking Archon with great sarcasm. Sirius silently agreed with the pale king-to-be. Sirius stiffled the urge to rock his weight from foot to foot, keeping instead still and silent as he watched the reactions of those that attended, looking for unrest or signs of agreement on anyone other than Pandora. He wanted to know who he might silently consider enemies of Deathbelle, who, in her own family, he may need to protect her from. At the end, that was his concern here, and he would do much to ensure her safety and wellbeing. Pandora spoke again, and he knew it wasn’t going to go well. She seemed strongly intent at making this meeting a mud-slinging mess of insults. She didn’t want to just sit there quietly and let hannibal and Deathbelle make a consecutive, informed decision based on what the pack want. No, she just wanted to shout insults, call Deathbelle a whore and Archon.. He didn’t even know or care what. Didn’t she realise she was damaging the very meeting where Hannibal was likely to split off and form a pack in Ashne’s name? She was a fool. “Enough. This is a civilised meeting, and you will hold your tongue if all you can utter are curs. You are a Klein, and therefore privy to this meeting, but you are also a fool, who wishes to cause unrest between our leaders. No.” he had never spoken so to a Klein, but Pandora had pushed the limit. She wanted to hate Deathbelle, to make an enemy of her? That she would have to face the consequences of her actions. He took a step forward, brushing up past Deathbelle as he did so. His Mistress would understand, would know the turning point. Stop him, or unleash him? Sirius Vs Pandora for Dominance, Round 0/? Conditioned on Deathbelles reaction. "Speech"

Belle hushed Archon and he sent her an apolegetic dip of his head. He wouldn't actually apologize, but he would take himself out of the argument for her sake. Archon let out a pointed yawn while Pandora continued to foam nonsense out of her maw. Archon made a note to never let her talk to his kids again. She would no doubt try to turn them against their own mother in place of her beloved Hannibal This woman was not his equal in rank nor in existence so she could speak to herself for all he cared. His eyes drifted somewhere in the distance as she spoke. She could froth all she wanted to, but at least he had made something in this pack, unlike her.

When Hannibal spoke, Archon would give his attention. He listened to what the man had to say. Despite his shortcomings, he continued to try. "Your perseverance despite your past is why I respect you, Hannibal. Why I think you would make a good alpha and why I agree with putting the other pack in your paws, however, I do not agree with her assessment of where Deathbelle's position is in relation to yours." Archon woudn't argue further in this meeting. "If she has something she'd like to raise against me, she can come to me after the meeting."

Archon didn't have to say anything more as Sirius took hold of the situation. Silently, Archon was glad to know he wasn't the only one to stand up for Belle. If her family treated her so, then she was better with the slaves and the fallen gods than she was with them any day.

“Enough of this nonsense.” Rosemary spoke, standing between the titan and his split faced sister, an adamant glare on his features as he stood between them. “We can’t have an empire if we have no peace within our family.” The silver tongued wolf said. “Pandora did not mean to cause offense, much less any that would warrant fighting. “ He said, his head raised boldly as he enunciated each word. “I would not expect outsiders to understand that which we have been led to believe from our birth. Favor was always with Hannibal and Hannibal’s favor has always been with Deathbelle.” He said, his claws flexing slightly. “I call for peace!” He cried, “Equality, unity, whatever words please you most, but if we fight among each other we will fall before we even begin." He turned his head left and right, searching for understanding among his siblings but carefully avoiding looking at the red male . "Talk"  Thought you