There was trouble brewing between Glaciem and Valhalla, he knew that much. Isardis had lost the challenge to Chrysanthe and Argent had taken the red king as their prisoner, so it was to be expected that Valhalla didn't exactly feel very warm and cozy towards the Ice Kingdom. But thankfully Taurig wasn't part of that pack anymore. He had his own pack to take care of now and first thing was first; securing alliances. He needed to now that if worst came that he would have another pack that would be able to back him up and vice versa. He wanted to have good relationships with the other packs in Alacritis and what better way than forging an alliance. Valhalla was his next pack on the list. He would've gone to ludicael, but he had heard rumors that it was currently hanging in the balance of whether the current alpha would stay or not. The titan though it wise to wait until the dust was settled with them before coming to ask for an alliance. Hulking mass traversed the distance between his home and the western pack within a few hours, somewhat weary frame finally hitting the borders of the western pack. Pace would be brought to a halt, icy gems dancing over the unfamiliar landscape. The border was overpowering with the many scents of the pack. He had come to the right place. Ebony muzzle was titled towards the heavens, a low baritone erupting from his jaws as he called to Chrysanthe or any high ranking member within the area. After a moment the cobalt King allowed his call to fade, taking a step back from the borders as he patiently awaited the arrival of someone. Talk like this

Erani

Erani pressed a last herb into place, just as the call rolled over the land. Her head popped up, and her paws were in motion in the next moment. She arrived quickly, deep blue gaze resting on her cobalt son. He was a welcome sight. His wounds from Isardis? attack were healing, though he would have those scars till his dying days. She gave him a welcoming smile. ?Taurig. I was wondering when you?d get here. How are your efforts at leading your new pack coming?? Her tail wagged gracefully, as her haunches lowered to the ground. Gaze ran over him, a healer searching for any other injuries, and a mother taking in the sight of a son. She deeply hoped Chrysanthe would be the one to come, Syrinx would be more likely to attack first. Her tail wrapped comfortably around her rump as she waited for Chrysanthe to arrive. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

He was a familiar presence, one that she definitely did not want to see again on her borders. Never had she heard the boy's name, but it was one that Erani seemed to know. It irked her deeply, that she had claimed this boy as a member of her family, had adopted him as he adopted her, but she would not deny Erani the expansion of loved ones. But just because he was a son to her, did not mean that Chrysanthe would easily accept him as her brethren.

It seemed that between Erani and Cormalin they would sooner make Glaciem their family than fight them in any sort of war.

Looking the dark male over, Chrysanthe would try and cease her judging, and find out just what brought the new King to Valhallan borders. As much as she would love to chase him off, she couldn't tie him to Glaciem by association, and so his slate was relatively clean. That of a stranger. "Taurig. Congratulations on Tortuga." She wondered if he had seen Morphine, the woman had not seen hide nor hair of the ivory dame since she was Valhalla's beta - over a year had gone by. Opposed to asking Erani's question again, she would stand beside the woman and wait for him to answer, expecting for him to answer to her just as he did Erani, even if she was the one that answered his call first.

He had expected to see the red faced queen Chrysanthe appear first, given that he was an ex-glaciem and was most likely not completely welcome in Valhalla. But not surprisingly, Erani, his adopted mother would be the first show, clearly happy to see him. She would greet him with a smile, asking how Tortuga was fairing as she sat herself before, azure gaze dancing over his frame, looking for more injuries. He didn't try to hide the slight scratches that were now visible on his right cheek or the ones decorating his neck. Amenti had tried to take one of his members and the titan had come out successful. Pretty well. I answered a challenge from the pack named Amenti a day or two ago because they had tried taking one of my members from me. If you couldn't tell from the scratches, I came out victorious and my member stayed my member. A soft smile would curl his ebony lips, attention dancing towards the creamy russet figure that was Chrysanthe. She didn't look nearly as pleased as his adoptive mother to see him, but he didn't hold it against her. He had nearly gone to war with her and her pack, so it was to be expected that she wouldn't exactly be the picture of friendliness towards him. She would address him by his name, congratulating him on having claimed Tortuga. A bow of respect would be given to Chrysanthe, trying to show her that he wasn't on the bad guys side anymore. Thank you. I know I probably don't sit to well in your mind given my past status as a wolf of Glaciem, but as you know I have abandoned them and forged a pack of my own. And in doing so, I come asking if you would be willing to make an alliance with Tortuga. I am nothing like the king of Glaciem and you can ask Erani to verify that for you. He wasn't sure what to expect from Chrysanthe, but he had hoped that Erani had spoken to the queen and tried to convince her that an alliance with him would be the best thing. Talk like this

 

the behemoth king would usurp the land with intentions to figure out what was happening and put his hand in the control. he bred chaos and had every reason in the world to drown himself in loathing, and yet there was a pride and a readiness in his gait. especially at the moment. weakness was not to be tolerated in a time of war. he need to work with his sister, teach her how to move with more swagger readiness. Exposed jaw created a remarkable appearance, crafting the man as a totalitarian when he, half-heartedly, lead a democracy. The beast had no intention to change what Valhalla was, but someday, he would change what the world saw the young Adravendi as. He craved the craft of power more than anything else, it burned powerfully in his chest.

Taurig arrived, letting the scent of his once Glaciem home encumber the lands. It so easily made the fur on the red man's back bristle fervently. he wanted to know what this all was, and he wanted to know what they knew. Giant pads pressed against the earth and it was not long before the frame of the king deviated near his sister. He stood as the largest, and yet cast his gaze down on Taurig with much scrutiny. he didn't trust him, and he had no reason to thus far. They were fighting a war, and it was no question that the boy could be working as a double. perhaps he wanted to know when Valhalla would strike, perhaps he wanted to know when to warn Isardis. Perhaps, he wouldn't make it through the day.

silence encumbered the gargantuan as he listened and watched Taurig. He would make no judgements until it was time, but until it was he would leave Chrysanthe up to bat. Erani had just gotten caught in a bad place? passing judgement where and when it had not been time to judge. Was Chrysanthe so quick to trust the woman again? After all, it seemed as though Erani had the pull. The day against Isardis. and now here. Oh, what to do?

Erani

Erani listened with a quiet smile as Taurig?s replied, noting Chrysanthe?s arrival with a soft woof. The news of Taurigs successful protection of one of his members was met with an encouraging ?Well done.? And then she fell silent as he turned his attention to Chrysanthe, her eyes watching her daughter and new son intently. When Taurig referred to herself, she nodded. ?As I said, I saw his father disown him at his claiming of Tortuga?s lands. Isardis named him an enemy and forbade Glaciem to interact with him. Taurig has knowledge of Glaciem, which could come in handy. An alliance would be a wise step. And I?m not just saying this because I adopted him. He has a good heart, and he is nothing like his sire. He does not treat others as though they are beneath him. It would also be a good chance to mend any distaste toward Tortuga?s name.? And then of course, Syrinx arrived. ?Taurig, this is Syrinx, Chrysanthe?s brother. He was recently lifted to second Alpha.? Deep blue pools met Syrinx?s eyes calmly. She would defend Taurig if Syrinx chose to act rashly, with her life if need be. She was a good judge of character, well taught by her parents and alphas, as well as a long several years of being alone, and fending for herself. ?This is Taurig. I?ve adopted him as a son, now that he is free of Glaciem.? Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Hearing Erani say it - that she had adopted this male, was not easy. It made the alpha feel unsure, yet at the same time Erani's judgement had not been questioned before. Eyeing the male, letting him speak, giving him a chance, the woman would take the situation in with surprising calm. Syrinx's presence was welcome - it always was, regardless of scuffles and clashing morals her love for her family was unconditional. Perhaps that was the same reason that she didn't send Taurig packing as soon as she smelled him at her borders. He was, in a sense, some distant form of family - it wasn't something that she had the privilage of picking and choosing. It simply was.

Erani had taken him in, and so she was connected to him.

"If it were not for my mother I would wonder whether you were double crossing me. I know how deep familial bonds run - I know what it's like to do literally anything to keep your family safe." Easily he could trick them, deceive them, let them think that they were on her side - only to turn toward Glaciem and throw it all away. She would let her words sink in a moment before she continued - her blue eyes holding a neutral stare, her emotions staved off for the time being. "Yet Erani is my mother, and if she sees you as family, we are such - and that connects you to my entire family as well, Taurig." Perhaps not as close as a blood brother, not yet, but the Adravendi would see him as something closer than a stranger. "Tortuga has a rocky history with Valhalla - I would love to see past that entirely. An alliance would be the perfect way to do that."

"But I have a single requirement. War is coming, between Valhalla and Glaciem. Should I give the call, or send for assistance I would like you and if possible couple of your warriors to be there." He didn't need to send the alarm for his entire pack - it was growing after all. But the extra strength would be greatly appreciated - and Taurig would confirm his loyalty to Valhalla and then some. If he declined, the woman would not deny the male neutrality. "Should you decline, there will be no alliance, but I will not make an enemy out of Tortuga." Just because they were not friends, didn't mean that they had to be at each other's throats.

If he accepted, she would gladly help him get his pack off of the ground. "Should you accept, I want our packs to be somewhat close. I can send a healer to teach your own, or a hunter or warrior to fill in when and if you ever need it. Winter's here, and although Valhalla is big, we are not above reaching out to our family." They would like getting to know other lupine besides each other and everyone would benefit. She herself would have to get to know the dark alpha on more than political terms should he choose to stand with Valhalla.

As he waited to see what Chrysanthe would say, a third valhallan would appear. A large russet man whose lower jaw seemed to be just pure bone. What happened to this man? He walked with an air of confidence, his scent similar to Chrysanthe's. A sibling perhaps? Second alpha? He could only wonder as the man to stand beside the queen, keeping any comments to himself as he watched the proceedings. Erani would congratulate him on having defended Poppy before going into her vouch for him, starting with her witness to his banning from Glaciem. The cobalt king would slightly incline his head towards the red-faced queen, baring the scaring from the mauling the ice King gave him. She would continue on to mention that an alliance would be wise with his prior knowledge of Glaciem, as well as the fact that he was now her adopted son. Icy gaze would flicker to Chrysanthe, wondering how she would take the new of his adoption. It was clear that he wasn't exactly one of her favorite people around; would she accept him as something of an adopted sibling? He was sure Erani wasn't psychic, but it felt that way when she decided to introduce the russet man as Syrinx, second alpha and brother to Chrysanthe. His original assumption had been correct. A dip of the skull would be given to Syrinx in quiet acknowledgement as Erani introduced him to the second alpha as he adopted son. Would be oppose it as well? There was no time to linger on Syrinx's opinion as Chrysanthe began to speak. If it were not for my mother I would wonder whether you were double crossing me. I know how deep familial bonds run - I know what it's like to do literally anything to keep your family safe. It was understandable. He didn't come from the friendliest pack around, so it would make sense that his intentions would be somewhat questioned. It was to be expected, so no offense was taken. Yet Erani is my mother, and if she sees you as family, we are such - and that connects you to my entire family as well, Taurig. Tortuga has a rocky history with Valhalla - I would love to see past that entirely. An alliance would be the perfect way to do that. But I have a single requirement. War is coming, between Valhalla and Glaciem. Should I give the call, or send for assistance I would like you and if possible couple of your warriors to be there. She accepted him as something akin to family. That was definitely a step in the right direction and better than nothing. Should you decline, there will be no alliance, but I will not make an enemy out of Tortuga. Should you accept, I want our packs to be somewhat close. I can send a healer to teach your own, or a hunter or warrior to fill in when and if you ever need it. Winter's here, and although Valhalla is big, we are not above reaching out to our family. She wanted he and his warriors to help her in battle if the time ever came. That was nothing that he wasn't capable of. He would be more than happy to march into war beside Valhalla. Despite what Erani has told you, I still don't expect you to trust me completely, given my recent history with Glaciem. Through this alliance, I hope to change your opinion about me now that we're...something like family. I would be honored to fight alongside you Chrysanthe, you as well Syrinx, defending your pack which will now be considered an extension of my own. Anytime and anywhere, just call. I and any warriors I can rustle up will be there to aid you. And I will most definitely take you up on your offer of healers, once I gain some within my ranks. I am truly honored to be forging an alliance with such an awe inspiring queen. His words were not meant for flattery. They were the pure truth as he saw it. Talk like this

he faced a fair amount of scrutiny in trusting this Tortugan paladin. He did not agree with Chrysanthe's willingness to trust the son of the man who sought to fell them, but in the end she was at least filled with enough gumption to give him some standards to live up to. The other Valhallan alpha would nod his head. He cared little to insert his opinion and since Chrysanthe had made her mind up, Syrinx only needed to know what was happening. It would seem fair enough and it would come to be that the man would turn and depart. He saw pros and cons of this 'alliance', however, this was not the typical decision. these pros and cons would not reveal themselves until war arrived on their timelines. Then he would see what Taurig was made of.