I am the conquerer, get out of my waY

─

at some point in their travels, Érebos slinked off and headed towards the obsidian beach. he went somewhere private to discuss matters with Enyo specifically, while the others slept. it was just before sunrise- birds silent still as the water slowly washed up to the shore. he paused by the brink, not allowing himself to get wet. many memories he had in these parts; now in the south. with such a long ways to go, the patriarch was impatient. he calls for her, Enyo dunamis. requiring her presence with a commanding howl. one that beckoned her sooner than later. he sat, glancing over the ocean, listening to the waves as they lightly crashed over. soft breezes blew over him as he waited for the arrival of the head matriarch. they had plans to discuss.



talk ─ think

Made for Alo by Skelle !

Enyo's heavy eyes snapped open at the commanding howl, a signal that Erebos had deemed it necessary to summon her before dawn. Her disdain for such early interruptions was momentarily pushed aside by the need to maintain her facade of authority or at least equality. With her air of practiced indifference, she slipped through the shadowed forest toward the obsidian beach. The promise of confrontation, political or otherwise, always invigorated her. Especially when it involved someone of Erebos's standing. Her tail, though maimed, swayed in a calculated rhythm as she approached, the contrast of her fur vividly standing out against the morning twilight.

As she emerged from the tree line, her piercing eyes locked onto the patriarch with a mixture of contemptuous curiosity and aloof amusement. Erebos sat by the water’s edge. Enyo's gaze briefly swept over the terrain, but her focus was singularly fixed on the patriarch. Her voice, a low rumble with a sharp edge, cut through the stillness of the dawn. “It’s not every day that I’m roused from my slumber so rudely,” she drawled, her tone dripping with a concealed snark. “You must have a pressing matter to drag me out here before the sun has even dared to make its presence known. Pray, what could be so urgent that it necessitates my immediate attention?”

She strode forward with her head held high, her imposing silhouette cutting a stark figure against the encroaching light. Every step was deliberate, every motion calculated to reinforce her aura of indomitable superiority. The beach, with its black sands, seemed to bow in respect to her presence as she approached Érebos. A bulky white figure slicing the darkness.

“Perhaps you would like to watch the sunrise with me brother? This beach is certainly beautiful. I have seen nothing like it.” she continued, thinking of spending a romantic evening here with a woman. There was an interesting amount of hues and colors. The twinkle of the moon danced with the distant shades of pink. A signal of the approaching sun. If she had been well rested she wouldn't have minded so much. To wake her after such a strenuous journey, she could only assume it was just another way to remind her of the order of things. As much as she despised it, Erebros was still in charge of her. However, she couldn't ignore that his calling her and only her was a signal of trust.

"SPEECH"

CODE BY SIN

he turned at the sound of Enyo approaching. he rises to stand as he received her with a harsher glare, one that bore a primal hunger deep inside the blackened pits of pupils. she evidently came with an asserted aura that far expanded his own, and it irked him. he displays this with a slight pucker of his snout, inky lips slightly parting to flash his pink gums and ivory fangs at the matriarch so as to better align her. he responded with his animalistic nature and force.
with some months apart-, she may of needed a directive & he had no problem enforcing it. his ears swivel, catching her snide comments and offense as he eyed her with an unwavering gaze that pierced through her irrelevancy. in quick, automated result, his scut rose high like a wavering banner in the wind as he silently reminded her of his superiority- a warning. his attention swallowing her whole as he examined her body language and studied her presented mindset that seemingly leaked of her internal state & ideas. a weakness he hoped she'd fixed on her own. "You will always be faced with urgent matters. You are the Matriarch." his demonic voice vibrated out-, a baritone depth that cut through the air between them. his left ear flickers as he fanned off the lingering annoyance & distaste. "I've called you here to discuss my goals, with your counsel." he stated, ears erect as his gaze continued to choke her. "Much has happened that I'll cover in due time. But for the time being, we will be joining insomnia. You are all free to leave by next season- but for now, I require you all with me as I sort our next steps together." he released a sighed, his face cold and emotionless. "We may have some enemies. But I will discuss this another time. otherwise, keep everyone in order, Enyo." don't let the men fuck up, his eyes seemingly said.
admittedly, enyo was useful. her resentment for being a female was one he understood at a minor level. but she had advantages whether she saw it or not. he aimed to extract them from her, to use and plunder the clarity of her mind that was seemingly unclouded by the facades of testosterone. why, even he had issues with it still. "The sunrise? I hate this beach." he sneered through the cavernous rails of his teeth while he turned to glance at the sun, nearly scrunching up his snout at the memory it held. he met fic here and it all seemed to flood him once and while but just as quickly, he settled his flare of resentment. turning to face her once again, Érebos added "And what of you? Any questions?"


"Talking" - "Thinking"

table by scarlet

Enyo stood tall, her posture unyielding, as if to counteract the subtle threat in his stance. Is the pressure getting to you? She couldn't help but think as she watched him adjust himself in her presence. It brought her petty satisfaction to know that she too held enough power to stir some insecurity. Her icy eyes noted the puckered pouty lips, sometimes her brother was just... just simply a diva. The harsh, primal glare he met her with elicited nothing more than a smirk from her. How much he looked like Nike when he was angry... The arrogance she exuded was her armor, and she relished in every opportunity to remind others of her elevated status. Enyo had intentionally gone in there with pride and prowess, and having successfully demonstrated her power she felt that she could relax a little.

He had a point, she couldn't deny. She undeniably sought power and so with that power would come more duties. More expectations. If it all went to hell and they failed, Erebros would be the main blame. He had more at stake here than them all, and they all knew it. But to be trusted as an advisor... Enyo did feel honored. Her pride wouldn't allow her to show it though. If this was expected how silly would it be to show happy surprise? Her powerful frame cut an imposing silhouette against the backdrop of the beach. Despite her usual disdain for the trivialities of her male relatives, the presence of Érebos stirred something in her... an old, familiar blend of annoyance and begrudging respect. Perhaps even endearment? It shocked her to think that she may have actually missed him. Any irritation she had felt prior at being awoken so soon dissipated the more she looked at him. If they had been raised to do so, she would've embraced him. Instead, she offered him this, "Well, perhaps it was a poor joke. No need to be so tense brother, you are no longer alone."

She would address all matters in order. Though some surprised her, to have enemies so soon? It would complicate things more than she had anticipated. Her eyes narrowed, many calculations going on beneath her cool exterior. She noted his mention of their future plans with interest, but her mind was already racing ahead to the implications of his commands. The hint of enemies on the horizon was not lost on her, and she mentally began to strategize the potential advantages she could leverage.

“You may be a formidable force and I understand there is a lot at stake, ” Enyo said, “but do not mistake my lighthearted banter for a lapse in authority. I am well aware of my responsibilities as Matriarch, and unlike some, I do not require reminders to remain vigilant.” Though there were more pressing matters at hand she couldn't help but be taken mildly aback by the sheer contempt in his voice for this beach.

“A beach,” she echoed with a scoff, her gaze following his to the horizon with mild disdain. “Why could you possibly hate such a beautiful place? Truly, you surprise me. Out of all the things to fall out of your maw... that was not expected" She nearly laughed, a smile sneaking its way onto her broad muzzle.

" I shall ensure that the pack remains in order, though I expect nothing less than a complete and thorough explanation of these goals you speak of so as to ensure that we are on the same page. We are stronger together." They navigated a foreign land, with a highly political mission. It felt, that the waters were far more murky than she had expected.


"SPEECH"

CODE BY SIN

she seemed to get off on pressing his buttons. she hadn't changed one bit. and despite it all, he admired her for it. she addressed him indirectly, offering him some essence of comfort. and it admittedly warmed his colder heart-, making his muscles relax a bit. she was right after all.. he wasn't alone. here, he would not be maimed or enslaved. even if he wasn't the patriarch, he had no doubt Enyo would never aim to disgrace or harm him. his hackles lowered and his jowls unclenched. a breather. "Thank you.." he sighed, breathing out as he felt more poised around her. no need for the wall or harsher exteriors. not around family. "Thank you Enyo for reminding me." he said, listening to her speak more. 'I do not require reminders to remain vigilant'- "I'll take you up on that," he warned with a low growl that vibrated out his chest. a slow smile crept on his inky lips to reveal the ivory fangs beneath. she was easy to be around. "I'll keep you on your toes, sister." he jested, chuckling as he took no real effort to explain himself. he discerned his internal dialogue and chose what to say, and what not to say. for now, fic wasn't worth the dread. neither was his scornful ex wife.
her attention shifted to the more serious matters at hand again-, to which he gladly followed suit, nodding once to Enyo in assurance. "Of course." his baritone voice rang out in response, his ears swiveling.
out of all his siblings, Érebos held a deeper respect for Enyo. secretly, she may of even been his favorite. had she been a male, she would've dominated them all. perhaps even him. she and him were so alike in the political ways of life- level headed and stern. cut from the same cloth their father use to say. his littermate, his sister. his extension.



"Talking" - "Thinking"

table by scarlet

To see Erebros relax, even if it was just a tad bit did make her feel better. There was clearly something else pressing his mind, and she strongly felt it was these potential enemies.

"You've always kept everyone in shape. Life would be boring without a little competition?", she took a few moments of silence to enjoy the scenery. The sun was creeping just below the horizon, promising a new day. Though she was far from poetic, it felt like the oncoming morning was signaling a new dawn for the Dunamis. "And so, what of these enemies? Who are they? Why have we made bad blood? Are they a threat or has our arrival evened out the playing field?" She would not allow anyone to bring disgrace to their family name, in fact, she was some form of damage control for the Dunamis. Invisible enough to work behind the scenes and not be thought about but strong enough to handle business. If Erebros trusted her enough to mention the enslavement or maiming, she would very quickly decide that would not happen. Apart from the love she held for her siblings, some things would just not be permitted.

"So please tell me in great detail, everything you can recall. Do not spare any information." The war goddess had begun her process. How can she get an advantage over them? Who were they. Where they resided. Though she was trained to not underestimate any enemy, she still had the Dunamis pride. No matter how difficult, she knew she would prevail because she was just better. That faith in herself and her lineage has won her more fights than she would ever know. However, it may cost her life one day. Sheer will was perhaps Enyo's strongest attribute.

"I will have to put the boys on a strict regime again, although I am certain they will begin to condition themselves once they hear this news."

"SPEECH"

CODE BY SIN

Enyo never could stay too long away from the topics of war or even the potential of it. it concerned him sometimes,- wondering if it would jade her vitality one day. he didn't want to see her hurt but he knew better than to say that aloud. her ego was just as big as his. after she spoke and paused, the air between them proved silent with poised energy. she asked then about enemies-, a chat he intended to save for another day as it was simply too soon to say. but alas, Enyo wouldn't sleep another day without knowing.
"I was.. married recently. To a woman named Widow. She rules Hellborn." he began to open the can of worms. the mess of it all, he fucking loathed it. looking at her, he went on, "She and I married for perhaps all the wrong reasons. She desired an opened marriage, I was the third husband, beta & advisor of hellborn." it sounded ridiculous. "She promised me a high rank so I agreed.. all in efforts to create my stake in auster. But somehow, our personalities simply clashed.. she is very masculine you see. both in mind and spirit. a viperous vixen." his brows furrowed. Érebos's ears swiveled at the sound of nearby birds while he let what he said sink in. the next part was just embarrassing. but alas, it was true. "I demanded she bend over, quite literally. for sex. to which it gave way to her sudden shift and unpredictable threat to enslave me should I demand such a thing again." he was shamed to have been tied to such a volatile woman. one with power who did not know how to use it. "I've apologized to the woman but she is scornful nonetheless. It's confused me mostly, but I've recently left her and her pack." he sounded relieved. "However I have no doubt she will complicate things for me.. and my family." his lip twitched, wanting to snarl but he holds back, his frustration evident. "she has threatened to tell an alliance of ours about what I've done." his brows pressed forward again, obviously conflicted as he looked up for a moment before looking back down at enyo's dual toned gaze. "But I have done nothing to that woman." truly, he couldn't understand the animosity widow had or why it had to create such a huge rift in their separate lives. it was as if she wanted to ruin things for her bitter enjoyment. what a wicked and spiteful older female.
he shifted his weight, uncomfortable with it all and wanting to shake his pelt. but there was unfortunately more. "Before I left widow, I engaged in a woman named identification. Please, keep this between us." bringing his left paw to his lower chest where two scars laid hidden in his plush white fur, he paused before adding, "she attempted to maim me due to her jealousy she seemed to have became overwhelmed by. fic knew of my marriage before hand.." there was simply no excuse for these two brats. "Hopefully I choose my relationships better, indeed." he finally did say. such minor, personal things.. "This will not be shared amongst our clan. Not yet. Not unless I find evidence that these women pose an actual danger to me or my family. Widow earns more of my worry. She has casted towards me more threats than anyone I've met to date." he wanted Enyo to be aware of it.



"Talking" - "Thinking"

table by scarlet

To learn he was married was a surprise but mainly a relief. She was partially grateful it didn't work out but she couldn't understand how it all ended so nasty? Was that really all it took? Sounded like this Widow began to despise Erebros. What a childish thing to end a marriage over. This woman let her emotions rule her, did she not understand the advantages Erebros brought with him? Or was he just that annoying? But to be with masculine women, were they so foreign to him? You would think between Enyo and Nike that he would know how to handle them by now.

Her brother continued going, and the more he went on the more her head began to hurt. Such unnecessary drama... This Identification... This Widow. Her brother was stressed and she was confused, when did he become so emotional? Were the women here that strong-willed that he simply didn't command them? She would have to find out, it pleased her to know this. Perhaps the only part of his situation that did. However, for Widow to threaten enslavement because of a seemingly wounded pride? Enyo scoffed at her weakness.

"You know how to pick them don't you?" she said quietly, "You two married for all the right reasons. Marriage was always for political and financial advantage. This whole marrying for love nonsense was never a thing until modern times.", certainly their parents did not love each other at first, they learned to maybe, "For such a matter of fact marriage, there is certainly a lot of emotion. It just doesn't make sense.... Besides, if this Widow puts pride over success, then she should never be an ally."

The old Erebros would not be so concerned but the more she analyzed his face the more she could see just how much this weighed on his mind and heart.

"If companionship is what you seek then do not be so sad, brother. We have never had an issue finding company. But if I ever see this Fic I will be returning the favor. I will admit I am surprised you didn't slaughter her on the spot. I would. If maiming is what you seek then you should rightfully earn it at the price of your life... Or did she best you brother?"

He communicated his wish for confidentiality and she nodded her head. His secret was safe with her. It was not her business to tell, there was also no advantage to discussing such intimate details with the rest.

"So where does this leave us now?">/b>



"SPEECH"

CODE BY SIN

Enyo had particularly strong, deep rooted beliefs. one of them being that she was always right. a common trait these two had in themselves, but it would create friction from time to time- no doubt. Enyo replied soon then, spewing her usual teases before she said her more serious bits. assuring he did it all correctly in the end regarding his reasons for marrying such a vile woman. "tell that to the bitch." used for the term female dog versus profanity, Érebos felt no attachment there. he never truly loved her after all. but his sister's notions were just dead wrong sometimes. flattened ears, his offense was clear in the way his brows pressed. "Sad?" his lip curled, "I am resentful." she couldn't have read him more wrong, and his need to elaborate placed him in a slightly bitter than before mood. annoyed, if you will.
his tail whipped once as his gaze hardened ever so slightly, in a sense asking she watch her words. but she teases again, hitting him in his egotistical core. "remind me not to open up again..," he spoke, releasing a lowly growl that hummed from his girth. ears erect again, he glanced away to the horizon, fanning out his lingering aggression with a heaving sigh that flared out from his nostrils. "Alas, you're right in that. Widow is never to be trusted as an ally." he paused, understanding it all now. how could he missed the truth? where does this leave us? "it means we make enemies out the ones who make enemies out of us. " as different as they all were, the dunamis, Érebos had pure ingrained loyalty to the very blood that ran through Enyo's veins.. and the dunamis as a whole. nothing ever more important than their dynasty & their influence. "And you will do no such thing to identification. While she is faulted by her actions, she is pitiful. Rather, be vigilant of Widow and any who kneel before her." his voice was cold, cutting and stern. his left ear swiveling as his icy blue and chocolate brown eyes glanced back at Enyo's face, his angular maw turning to face her. "You will only ever attack those who are an actual danger to us. We will not waste our energies on the sheep." his teeth clicked as his maw closed.
slowly, he became like a stone inside. empty and hallow with the lack of emotionality: he was the recipe for a power hungry monster.



"Talking" - "Thinking"

table by scarlet

The world was ran by prideful and sensitive men. This was a fact she quickly came to terms with, how funny that women were considered the weaker and more emotional sex? It was a particular detail about life that was never lost upon her but in moments like this it became quite evident. What a sad life they all lived.

She watched Erebros with quiet, analyzing hues. How funny... This was one man that she was certain could never bear the burden of being a woman. All it took was words? A few words to hurt his pride, despite everything in life being set up for him to be on top. All it took was a few jokes for him to try to remind her he was a man or at least try to remedy his wounded ego. There was no need to speak any of this out loud, it would only irritate him more. So much so that she was certain it would end in a dominance match. And she would have to let him win because if she won that would confuse things far too much.

"Well, pardon my intrusions brother.", she retorted, "If you wish to withhold your struggles then so be it. I will not beg." Stoicism is a good quality of a leader. It was a simple misunderstanding but it was a little funny how one word upset him so much. Perhaps this was how his marriage ended so bitterly. Silent she stayed, watching... watching... thinking while they had a moment of silence. Surely he would continue and continue he did.

At the command to not avenge him, she ignored the urge to roll her eyes. He could pretend to be whatever he wanted, he couldn't ignore that those scars were a stain to their name. Someone marked a Dunamis and did not pay a price? Pitiful or not, their parents would have their heads (or so she believed).

Funny, she never knew sheep could bite so hard.

"As you wish." she said. She would keep an eye out for this Widow.

"So what is our plan? Do we band together as rogues and stick it out? I have been exploring, there is many rich and unclaimed lands... Or perhaps we go somewhere else?" Personally, she preferred claiming land as her own especially one that was bountiful or in a crucial traveling point. They could impose taxes, restrict trading or corner markets etc. Ultimately, it would up to her brother.




"SPEECH"

CODE BY SIN

in a sense, they both tolerated one another. not coming after each other's throat like they might've wanted to. their common goals bonded them together, him and his sister. she was the closest to the throne he held despite the sex between her legs. it made her no less in his eyes and he despised anyone who acted like it did. the pressure nike placed on her was unethical and shameful- but it made Enyo who she was today. having known her longer than the rest of his siblings; for this, he would handle her better than he would've other characters in the dunamis clan. she deserved it because she earned it. Enyo was a volcanic force that admittedly burned his own paws from time to time. & only she knew about the skeletons in his closet.. and what ticked him off. he inevitably trusted her more than the others & perhaps it was time he showed that. "You don't intrude." he said, his body shifting weight. "You are always welcomed. No matter how much you overstay that invitation. You are righteous in my eyes, even with your silver tongue. All you went through, you deserve your matriarchal status, warlord of our family." it was true. the challenges she faced for being a woman were cruel, constant and psychologically traumatizing. he never had those issues-, never denied for the mere body parts he had. but alas, the dunamis had always ran this way. they would not be changing such sacred family traditions.. no matter their pains. for it made them strong in their own ways. with pressure came diamonds like Enyo.
she forfeited then, giving way to his wishes. and he appreciated it with a nod of approval before adding on, "we must take our power and contain it. Forgive me. I only wish to preserve our bloodline, not squander it by focusing on lesser matters. Identification will be worked with, a slave perhaps for you on your third birthday." he attempted to make up for the tension between them. Enyo's desires came from a good place, albeit heated with vengeance and passion that spilt over every time.
turning to face her as she spoke her last sentence, Érebos's brow quirked up for a moment. "What do you suggest?" he relinquished some power, feeling good to share the weight of it.


"Talking" - "Thinking"

table by scarlet

Enyo stood beside her brother on the obsidian beach, the rising sun casting a shimmering glow over the dark sand, turning it into a canvas of reflected light. The morning was crisp, the beach serene in its otherworldly beauty. Despite the gravity of their conversation she couldn't help but glance at the twinkle of sun against the water.

She listened to Erebros with a mix of acknowledgment and restraint.. His words were soothing to her often wounded pride, and while they did not fully erase the deep-seated frustrations she harbored, they provided a moment of solace. The acknowledgment of her struggles and her worth as the "warlord" of their family was a rare gift, one that pierced through the pressures and expectations she faced daily. It caught her off guard, her chest tightened and she didn't know if she should be embarrassed or not. Should she show thanks? Should she acknowledge his words with praise? No, the woman would not offer a fellow compliment, she felt that giving one after just receiving one diminished the authenticity of it.

Enyo’s icy blue eyes met his with an intensity that held her gratitude. The reflection of the rising sun danced in her gaze, casting an orange hue on them. Despite the warmth in his voice, she remained guarded, her exterior shell only slightly softened.

"That is quite high praise brother. I can't say it was expected," she replied, her voice carrying the weight of her usual sharp edge but not as intense for they were mitigated by a trace of sincerity. "Your recognition means more than you might realize. I have had to fight for every inch of respect, and it is a struggle you can understand better than most." It's nice to be seen.

She paused, considering his offer about the potential for a slave on her third birthday. Enyo's pride wrestled with her practicality. "And what of our own legacy? We cannot rely solely on the trappings of power or symbols of our status. The true strength of our bloodline lies in how we shape our future, in the alliances we forge, and the respect we command through our actions.".

Her gaze returned to the horizon, where the obsidian sand met the sky. "What I suggest," she continued, "is that we build on our power with intention. We must ensure that our legacy is not merely a product of our lineage but of our deeds and decisions. That the future of our clan in Boreas is not of Nike and Cassius' prestigious leadership but because of Enyo and Erebros' prowess. Whose name do you want recorded? Theirs or ours? It is time we turn our focus to shaping the future, beyond just holding our position."

Hopefully, he understood what she meant. She did not want their efforts to be forgotten as time went on, should they succeed. To not be the Dunamis who furthered their lines but to be the Erebros Dunamis and the Enyo Dunamis who conquered.

Enyo turned back to face Erebros. "We must be strategic in our approach. Power without purpose is fleeting, and our family's strength must be more than just an emblem of dominance. Let us not squander the power we have but use it to build something enduring."

Her voice softened slightly, a rare glimpse of vulnerability showing through her usually impenetrable facade. "I appreciate your trust and your willingness to share the weight of our responsibilities. It is not a small thing to ask, but I hope you see it as a step toward not just maintaining our legacy, but elevating it. "

Enyo's gaze held a mixture of challenge and hope, looking to her brother for the shared commitment to not just survive, but to truly lead and leave a mark on their world, "There are many ways we can go about this, I do not want to piggyback off the work of another wolf. But if joining a pack is what we must do then I will follow your lead." She knew she was prideful to a fault, Erebros was once like that but he had changed since she last seen him. Odd enough, he felt more patient.

" I think we play our cards right, and the pack we choose.. Build strong bonds with them so that when we branch off we have an ally. But let us not choose just any pack. Make sure they are someone worthy of hosting the Dunamis." To be an ally of the Dunamis was to be an extension. If their allies were weak or underestimated then what would that do for their image?

"SPEECH"

CODE BY SIN