Gerda: -frets over a decision to be made -- should she leave Gomorrah or should she stay? She knew it wasn't in her to make Novik and Switch come with her, even if she wanted to be selfish and keep them as her own...-

Swell: *pops up infront of Gerda* Whatcha thinking about Gerda? Worrying about Novii? Me too...he's been gone so long...*falls silent a long moment wondering if she hadn't somehow pushed him away*

Gerda: -jumps back, surprised at the appearance of her granddaughter. Smiles a little forlornly and shrugs, looking past her. She wasn't worried about Novik, not right now.

Novi: -hears a familiar voice and perks up, head snapping forwards as he leaps to greet them- MOM! SWELL! -in a voice much too loud for nighttime and tackles Swell-

Swell: Novii! Oh we missed you! I missed you! Where did you go? I was so worried about you! Oh I can't scold you now I'm just so happy your back! *nuzzles him eagerly* Promise me you'll never leave me like that again?! *eyes Gerda curiously but won't try and pry with Novii back*

Gerda: -looks at them, wondering how the heck they managed to be in love when they knew -- they KNEW -- they were related-

Novi: -giggles and rocks back on his haunches and nibbles Swell's ear tenderly, avoiding Gerda's pointed look- Oh... I dunno. I was around? I needed a breath of fresh air! -ears pull back- Are you mad at me? -at Swell- Mom? -headtilt- Are you mad? I'm sorry I went off without telling anyone... -sadface-

Gerda: -sighs softly, smiles and licks his face, shaking her head. No, not mad-

Swell: *rubs against him happily* Oh I was very very mad, ask your mom, I was mad wasn't I Gerda? See, I was, and then I was worried, and your mom was too, but now your back so we forgive you, don't we Gerda? See we do, just as long as you don't just vanish again Novii, I love you so much and I thought...I thought something had happened to you...*tries to keep her voice strong at the end* But...your okay...and thats all that matters. *wonders if Vik is still upset with her, but won't ask such things infront of Gerda*

Gerda: -heart warms at the sight of her son happy, truly happy... Did it matter who he was with? She couldn't pull him away from Swell... Frowns and looks down at her paws-

Novi: -brightens at Swell's words, happily wiggling- Oh, I'm glad. I'm sorry, I'm sorry! But I'm back now and maybe next time, I'll take you with me! -blush and grin, then looks at Gerda- M-Mom? You okay? -worried now and nudges her- Momma?

Gerda: -nips at his face, ears pulling back and she shakes her head, yes, yes she's fine. Fine... She stands up and turns her back on them, dropping her head as she went to return to the dens, but stops at another's voice.

Piper: -voice haughty- You're leaving, Mother?

Swell: I'd go with you anywhere Novii...you know that...*glances over tilting her head as Gerda walks away then looks up as she hears her mothers voice but snuggles back into Novii, What did she care if her mother saw her, she wasn't going to be ashamed or keep her love a secret, Novik was hers and she was his and no one would change her mind*

Agrona: *quietly shadows piper considering herself a bodyguard of sorts, since it was the best outlet for her constant agression*

Gerda: -stiffens slightly, looking Piper in the eye, refusing to be cowwed down by her power, by the power Gerda unknowingly gave her. Slowly, sharply, a nod. Yes, she was leaving... She glances over her shoulder, to Swell and Novik, and back at Piper.

Novik: -eyes Piper uncertainly, torn between going for Gerda -- he was big enough, strong enough to stand up to his half-sister if Piper threatened Gerda -- but Gerda's nod sent chills down his spine- W-What? What do you mean leaving? -voice rises in surprise-

Piper: -knows Agrona is playing bodyguard and it only fluffs her pride, knowing she had a youthful young wolf at her disposal. Eyes Swell, lifting her lip in a sneer -- love for her uncle?- Step away from them, Swell... -soft voice, but full of power- Where are you going, Gerda? Are you leaving without your precious children? -sneers a little-

Gerda: -hackles rise and a breathy growl escapes as she nods again-


Swell: *Worry filled her eyes, but not because Gerda was leaving, it wasn't that she didn't like Gerda, she actually liked the older female quite a bit feeling she could talk to her, but if Gerda left, Novii might leave too! The thought was not a pleasant one and again she felt the painful rush of her brother being stolen, her sister given to the Reign, would Novii leave too? Everything she loved seemed to be pulled away from her, she heard her mothers voice telling her to move aside, but she couldn't do it! She wanted to obey her mother, please her, she wanted to show Piper that someday she would have what it took to become alpha, but leaving Noviks side? Impossible!* Gerda can make her own choices mama, and Novik and Switch are old enough to make their own choices about wether to stay or go.

Agrona: *lips raise in a silent snarl as her ears perk waiting for instructions from Piper, she was slowly learning to rein in her temper*

Novi: -ignores Swell and Piper, reaching out for Gerda, eyes watering. Leave? Leave home? Leave -them-?- Momma? -soft voice, trembling slightly- You want to...leave Switch and me? Why? -even though he knows she can't tell him- Is it because I left?

Gerda: -softens and licks Novi's face, shaking her head. No baby... Not because you left. Eyes Piper again and drops her head. Just something she had to do... She'd stuck around too long... She'd worn out her welcome-

Piper: -dark eyes snap to Swell's gaze, growling- I don't remember asking you, Swell... I'm well aware they can make their own decisions... So you're for sure, you're leaving?

Gerda: -sharp nod, ignoring Novi's pleading looks-

Novi: What will Switch say? -frets- You can't just...up and leave us here! -looks back to Swell, dropping his ears...could he really leave her? This was tearing him apart! Swell or Mom? They were making him choose?

Swell: *cringes at her mothers tone but can't bear not to say something then frowns as she senses Novik's worry and quickly looks at Gerda* Don't worry Gerda, I'll take care of Novii, and we'll come visit you! Won't we Novii, we'll go visit her...*looks at him frantic now worried he would just...leave...and take her heart with him.*

Agrona: *senses a growl rise in her own throat as she feeds off of Piper tension*

Gerda: -drops her head then looks Swell in the eye, smiling and nodding. She knew Swell would take care of Novi... It was part of the reason she felt comfortable leaving, even though she knew it was tearing her oldest son apart-

Novi: -blinks and pulls his ears back, curling against Swell- Visit... You'll find a home, right Mom? Right? You won't die a loner, right? -whimpers- Switch won't agree with you... He'll go with you. I...I can't go... -drops head-

Piper: -eyes Novik and Swell- You two...do realize you're uncle and neice right? -snorts and then breaks into a chuckle- I suppose it is the pack of Sin for a reason... Is that why you're leaving, Mother? You can't stand to see your own son love your granddaughter? Let me guess, you can't even stomach the fact that she's related, thanks to me, can you? -icy tone- You're so weak.

Vik: -has been listening this whole time and as he feels Novi cringe, he snarls, surging forwards- Take that back, you old hag -bristles and looks more impressive than before, hackles rising. He wonders how fast he can get to Piper before her black she-demon would be on him-


Swell: *shakes her head and slowly smiles relaxing* Of course Gerda won't die alone Novii, don't be silly, and we'll go visit her all the time...she'll be so happy! *Then she heard her mother and her ears pinned back unhappily, why did everyone have to bring up some stupid relation, it was a barely there connection!* I love hi-*She tensed as she realized Vik had taken the helm, not good timing*

Agrona: *growls and moves closer glowing eyes narrowed on Vik* Watch your mouth, you overgrown fluffball!

Switch: *the great wolf came galumphing in, the commotion having drawn attention to quite a bit of the pack, most of which decided not to intrude upon such an intimate moment. Though he didn't understand the occasion at first, he approached initially with glee, finding it an odd sight these wolves together, but a pleasant one at that, but as he came closer, he could sense something was amiss. Before he had the chance to crash into one of the group, Novik the only one he could truly make out well enough, he slowed, pulling his ears back, not directly staring at any particular fuzzy shape. Before he really got into the conversation, he heard Novik's voice, dark and challenging and before his faulty eyes, the blur that was Novik sprang at another figure, stripped and tall.* Brother! *He lurched forward, grabbing his tail, the only thing he just happened to grab a hold of.*

Vik: -sneers at Agrona, letting loose a low snarl, dropping his head and raising his tail- Me? A fluffball? I've heard of you... Agrona, is it? -snerk- You're fatherless... You're such a simple minded little b***h! -parades closer, eyes gleaming, lunging forwards at Piper but he gives a yowl as Switch clamps jaws on his thick tail and he spins to snap at him-

Gerda: -ears pin back against her head and she scoots back, bumping into Swell, disliking the turn her son's voice has taken, deeper, angrier-

Agrona: *Snarls furiously at the very mention of fathers, red filled her vision, fury, rage, thoughts were just-gone. She lunged then smirking when she saw her opponent would be distracted, hey they were sinners, fighting fair was for wolves with morals. She grunted and snarled flipping off her back to turn and face whatever had bowled into her only to realize it was Swell. Maybe if she hadn't been so furious she would have stopped for orders from her alpha, but right now Piper being Swells mother didn't do a thing for her. Snarling she lunged and grabbed the other female by the ruff of her neck*

Swell: *She gave Gerda one comforting nudge before running to intercept Agrona, that wicked little b***h was going to backstab her Novik! She crashed into the slightly larger female with a snarl and then stood triumphant for a few seconds until Agrona lifted herself and attacked. She rolled and snarled growling and trying to clamp her teeth on Agrona as effectvely as Agrona had her teeth on her.*

Switch: *He could hear him now, the unfamiliar words falling from the maw of a wolf he knew would never speak to a female in such a way. His ears completely folded against his square head and not seeing the teeth coming, he jerked back as he felt the snap come at him, giving his own yelp of surprise, releasing Novik immediatly.* Wha' the hell has got you so worked up, brother? This ain't like you. *The sound of snarls and the obvious clash of bodies ramming into one another came before he could get an answer from Novik, and looking back at the sound, he saw flashes of ebony and hues of orange and blue. He wanted to intercept, he could easily, but his large size and horrible sight made him hesitate in fear he would cause greater damage to the battling females.*


Vik: -flashes his brother a smirk- If only you knew... SWELL! -roars and spins, free from his brother's jaws and aims to protect Swell -- why he was protecting Swell was beyond him, perhaps it was Novi's gut renching, the fear that dripped from their shared consciousness- Godamnit woman! -snaps at Agrona, hackles high as he shoved himself between the females-

Piper: -watches with mild amusement, on all her paws, tail flagging the air as she watched her daugher fight for her uncle...pathetic, really-

Agrona: *snarls at Novik* Need your little pet to fight for you? Next time just keep your trap shut! *she growled and glared at Swell hackles still raised before she glanced at Piper hopefully the alpa wasn't offended.*

Swell: *Growls softly at Agrona still upset, but Novik was alright, and that had been her only real concern. Still it struck her now that it was foolish to make enemies of anyone, but Agrona was probably the worst choice with her firey temper. Her eyes slid over to her mother and she frowned her lips raising slightly annoyed at that look she was getting. It certainly wasn't the look of approval...she slowly tuned to look at Vik her eyes wandering over him trying to see if he was alright...probably not going to get any approval there either...*

Vik: -stands tall against Swell, glowering at Agrona- I need no one to fight for me. -bristles and backs away, still angry- Piper, call off your hound from hell. I don't trust her not to attack me when my back is turned.

Piper: -sighs deeply- Are you quite finished? Agrona, stand down. -eyes Switch and then Novik and then Swell, standing and shaking her fur out- Now that that's over... -turns to Gerda, who had cowered behind Switch during the fight- I expect you'll be out of here by dawn. -offers a sickly sweet smile- I'd be happy to see you out, Mother...

Vik: -turns to Swell, trying to keep any traces of worry out of his eyes but fails a little- That was idiotic. You could've gotten yourself killed... Novi's not worth it. -snort-

Switch: *He panted, thankful things had at least somewhat settled down. Still with ears to the side, his head whipped between the figures, attempting to pinpoint their eyes, tell from them what was going on, their emotions, whatever he could get to help all of this make sense. His jaw dropped as he heard Piper, immediatly twirling around to face his mother* Wait...*Looking back at Novik, he got a more forward response* Y-you're leavin', Mom? W-why?

Agrona: *growls softly angry Novik hadn't taken the bait and tried to attack again, sighs at Pipers voice and nods firmly moving back behind her*

Swell: Your worth it...Novik *She frowned saying his full name her eyes narrowed on him, but she wasn't going to fawn and cuddle up to him. She knew the difference between Novi and Vik, and while Novi had been more then happy to see her, she doubted the same was true of Vik. She walked over to Gerda after her mother had her say.* "Goodbye Gerda, don't worry we'll visit, and I'll take good care of him, promise."

Piper: -looks down at Switch, snorting softly- She probably realizes that she's got no home here. My sisters and I don't...care for her and Akiva's nowhere to be found. Father quit wanting you a long time ago... -smirks at Gerda- And it looks like you're too weak to keep -their- father around, too!

Gerda: -lets a hiss of air out from between her teeth -- how dare she speak of that b*****d! Looks at Switch and drops her head, shaking it slightly before licking both her sons and then beginning to pad off towards the territory line-

Vik: -shoots a glare at Piper at her words, then looks at Switch- She's adamant on going... I...can't go with her. -looks back at Swell, knowing Novi would just run back here the second he got ahold of their body-

Switch: *His eyes glared at Piper as well, but he couldn't argue with her. It was obvious, a sad truth that Gerda's first litter cared nothing for their mother. Their father had disappeared altogether, and he didn't know any details about his own. But that didn't matter. What mattered was that Novik and he cared about her. Swell did as well it seemed.* You're not goin' with her? But somebody's got ta g-* Immediately he started to pace, using only his forelegs to pull him back and forth between the direction his mother was wondering off to and right back into where he was firstly stationed. Letting out a whine, he shook his head. He didn't want to leave his mother alone. Sure, he suspected Tauro would be gone with her, but even his aunt had her own life. But could he leave his birthplace? He had never known anything outside of Gomorrah. But maybe...maybe that was right. There was nothing tying him here but his family. Another whine followed.* I...I gotta go. I've got to follow her. *He was staring back at Novik, or Vik rather, not getting what was going on in this situation either, but that wasn't his main concern at the moment.* But I don't know if I can leave ya. But I've got ta, right? Will I see you again brother if I leave?

---

Vik: -looks at Swell long and hard -- was she worth it? Worth staying in a place that had no meaning, a place that didn't even ring true with his beliefs -- their beliefs? With a small sigh, he nodded- ...I'll find you. I need you to go with her. Make sure she finds a home, a real home... One that accepts her, and you. You...you gotta take care of her... -Geez why was he getting teary-eyed? HIM? Vik? Sure he wouldn't put crying like a baby past NOVI but him? he gives a chortle of laughter- I'll find you. Swell and I will find you. We'll visit, just like she said. I promise, brother... -all the edge was out of his voice now as he stared after Gerda, who had paused-

Gerda: -looks at her sons, hope prancing into her heart as she looked at Switch, almost pleading in her gaze. Would he really come? They would have to get Tauro. To ask her if she'd come too... Smiling, she licked Switch's cheek and gave a wag of her tail.

Swell: *Frowns and watches Gerda go, hopefully she would find a place where she was better cared for, and of course she would go with Novii whenever he wanted to visit her. Vik's words stung, the way he said them, he would leave in a heartbeat, away from her and never look back. It hurt more then the rough grab she had taken from Agrona, much more. Her chest felt tight, she wanted to tell him he could just go on, she wanted to loathe him the way he loathed her, but the trouble was she loved him, because she loved Novii and unfortunately no one had shown her how to love in halves and parts. Her ears perked and she frowned, she didn't want Switch to go, Novii would feel so alone, and Switch was the only one who at least seemed to support her love for his brother. Still she knew better, knew better then to ask Switch to stay and sound so...pathetic. It was bad enough her mother had seen the way she couldn't step away from Novik, the way she had flung herself in harms way for him She looked at Vik surprised by his words, her eyes trying to read his, he was sad too.* Goodbye Switch...*she turned to him and smiled softly* We'll visit *she nodded reaffirming what Vik had said with a nod*

Switch: *After he received a lick from his mother, he smiled at her, feeling something had soothed his uneasy perceptions with just her joining his side. Turning back to Vik, he suddenly moved forward, rubbing up against him in a brotherly way, knowing he would have knocked over any other wolf except his brother whose size practically matched his own.* Ya better visit. I-I, yeah, I'll make sure she finds a place. *His pause was for his own self doubt. How could he find anywhere half blind? But maybe this was his chance. He had nothing to prove here in Gomorrah, nothing to truly challenge him. Now being on his own, well, maybe he would do something more. He grinned at Swell as well, thankful for her input. Ignoring Piper, he returned his gaze to his mother.* Yah ready?

Vik: -nods and stands, rubbing himself up against Swell- I'll see you, brother... I...love you, Mother. -feels a little foolish for the words, but feeling Swell at his side bolstered his courage- C'mon Swell... I'm in the need for the mountains. -voice is tight as he begins to walk off-

Gerda: -smiles as the brother's exchange nudges. Licks first Novik, then Swell, then Switch and nods before turning off and heading towards the dens -- they would find Tauro... and then? Then they would be free of the heartache that Gomorrah had caused her for all these years... She didn't even give Piper a second look. She would be relieved to be rid of her daughter...

Piper: -watches them go, though she catches Swell's gaze as the female follows Vik- Don't think this is over... -says a little icily, feeling angry at her daughter for betraying her for Gerda's son, and then looks back at Agrona- Come. -trots off, tail flagging behind her-