|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:00 pm
 Terreis paced nervously and excitedly at the border of the YMCA pack lands. Today was the day that Iosef was coming to meet her family. She had spent countless hours if not days making sure that not only Derecho but her pups knew to treat him right as Iosef was very special to her. Not only that, but she was terribly excited about the little surprise she had for her brother. Guinevere hadn't been here for long but she felt very attached to the small pup and even went so far to call her her daughter. And wasn't she? I mean she was raising her, therefore she was her daughter whether they shared blood or not.
Right now Guinevere was hidden away in the families den. She had given the white pup strict instructions to not come out until she was told to so as to not ruin the surprise. Of course Guinevere had no problem agreeing to such conditions as it was a bright sunny day so the pup would naturally gravitate towards the den until it started to get dark. It was challenging to raise an albino as there were so many obstacles to overcome, especially related to her light sensitivity, but Terreis wasn't about to let that get in her way of raising her daughter.
Now if only Iosef would get here already. Terreis hoped that her brother hadn't been too distracted by unfinished duties that he would run late. But of course if that was the case she would forgive him, even if she would scold him for it.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:30 pm
 It wasn't a very long journey, from Antianeira to YMCA, but Iosef spent the entirety of it fidgeting and glancing over his shoulder, terrified of being so far from home and all by himself. It reminded him forcibly of those rough months on his own, and that was a time he never wished to return to.
The calico wolf distracted himself by reminding himself that very soon he would be seeing his sister and meeting all of her pups, and that very much excited him. In fact, it had been the main thing he had looked forward to for weeks, and with each step he took closer he nearly writhed with anticipation, although his generally-serious face held his puppish enthusiasm quite well. He glanced around, sniffing at the air, hoping to catch his sister's scent, as he was very afraid of becoming lost in this unfamiliar territory, and he didn't know how he would interact with any strangers if he met them.
Balios had snuck out, following his mother's trail with utmost interest. he wanted very much to catch a glimpse of his uncle Iosef before all of his brothers, and he was quite proud that, as of yet, his mother hadn't seemed to notice him yet -- or maybe just didn't care that he was following. Still, the promise that quite soon he would be meeting the much-anticipated Iosef made any trouble he might get into well worth it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:38 pm
Fully well aware that she had acquired a tag along Terreis had up until now ignored him. Make him think that he was super stealthy and that she hadn't noticed him. Oh no, she noticed him the minute she left the den, and was quite annoyed that he had followed her all the way out here. "I told you to stay at the den." She said attention turned out towards the border before turning and looking upon his apparent hiding spot. "Thought I wouldn't notice you?" She questioned though she didn't particularly care if he answered or not.
Returning her attention to the border Terreis' eyes narrowed as she spotted her brother coming. Ah there he was, right on time. Ignoring Balios for the moment Terreis ran forward towards Iosef, tail wagging as if she were a mere pup that was being praised by it's parents. "Iosef!" She called out to him and the gap between them narrowed. Once she actually reached him Terreis came to a stop and gave him a nuzzle. "It is good to see you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 pm
Balios's ears drooped and he looked up at her with liquidy bright eyes. "I'm sorry, Mother," he said, and sounded appropriately chastised. "I'm just very excited!" Then his mother, clearly ignoring him, took off, and he was pleased that he was not further punished. Sometimes, being nearly non-existent to Mother came in handy! He ducked behind a bush and peered through the branches, trying to get a good look at Iosef without getting in Mother's way.
His uncle looked different than he had expected. He was different from both Mother and Father; his colors were bolder than Mother's, and his build was leaner and lighter than Father's, and his fur looked very soft. Something about him reminded him just slightly of Corinth, but he couldn't for the life of him figure out what it was.
Iosef smiled, returning his sister's affection with a tailwag of his own and a reciprocal nuzzling, although his posture was distinctly that of a submissive wolf. "I was afraid I'd get lost," he said, withdrawing from her to glance around at this territory that she called home now. "And I thought I might run into a guard, at the border, and didn't know what to say to them. I'm glad I didn't. Have you been well, Sister?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:00 pm
Taking a step back Terreis smiled at her brother. "You know I wouldn't let you get lost. I would have looked for you if you were late." Then she let out a laugh. Yeah like YMCA had guards that one needed to worry about. Giving her head a shake Terreis re-focused. "There aren't guards here like there are in Antianeira. Just a few wolves that do border checks every now and then, though I tend to do the majority of those." Turning slightly so she faced the border and in turn to where Balios was hiding Terreis spoke once more. "I have been doing very well. In fact I have a pleasant surpirse for you, but first it's time you meet one of your nephews, who decided to follow me out here." Eyes narrowed a bit to spot Balios hiding before a bush. "Balios!" She yelled, putting a bit of a command to it telling him to come here. "Come, meet your uncle."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:41 pm
Iosef tilted his head, brow furrowing, trying to understand why a pack would be so lax about its security, but didn't pursue the thought. He was quite sure Terreis was doing well enough to keep the pack safe. "Balios," he murmured, committing the name to memory, and turned his eyes eagerly to the underbrush.
Balios burst out of his hiding place with immense enthusiasm, nearly falling over his paws in his hurry to make it out. He thought he might be afraid to meet his uncle but the violet-eyed wolf didn't seem scary at all, and he was excited to run home and tell the others there was nothing to be afraid of. He skittered out hurriedly, then skidded to a stop beside his mother, looking up at her uncertainly, afraid she would yell at him for his exuberance. He came to a seat and looked between the older wolves for some sort of social cue.
The pup that scampered out of the brush was, possibly, the most adorable thing that Iosef had ever seen in his life. He was dappled, very much like his sisters, but there was a stormy color in him that Iosef supposed was from the father. And that face mask! Oh, how utterly adorable! "Hello, Balios," Iosef said, with tenderness in his voice, looking down at the pup.
"Hello, Uncle Iosef," Balios said, looking down shyly at his paws, but secretly quite pleased at how well this seemed to be going. In his usual pompous manner -- as though he had memorized this speech -- he added, "I am very pleased to meet you, Uncle. Thank you very much for coming to visit me. Us. For coming to visit us." He glanced sidelong at his mother, hoping to catch some sign of approval for his actions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:50 pm
Terreis watched with a neutral expression as Balios made his way over to them. As much as she wanted to scold him for acting so foolishly Terreis was as always trying her best to hold back, knowing that most of her anger stemmed from having so many boys around. She stood quietly watching the exchange between the two, and while it was nice to be well manners Balios took that to an almost annoying level. Terreis would need to speak to Derecho about that later, though it was doubtful that he would find anything wrong with such behavior.
Back to the present, Terreis gave her head a slight shake to clear her thoughts. "Well, now that that's over we shall go meet the others." He attention was on Iosef but she turned to look at Balios for a moment. If he though she would give him approval he was very wrong. "Run ahead, let your father know we are coming, tell your brothers as well." Using her left front paw she gave him a nudge, a mostly gentle one, to get him on his way. And she could only hope that he would keep the secret she was holding in a secret a bit longer. For if he spoiled the surprise of Guinevere he would certainly receive a sound lashing later. Turning her attention back to Iosef she began to walk in the direction of the dens. "How is the Queen doing? And her consort, how is he adjusting to life in the pack?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:55 pm
Balios was about to say something further to his uncle, but was interrupted by his mother. He offered her a wide, charming smile, all bright eyes and dazzling enthusiasm, and nodded obediently. "Okay!" he said, with a tail-wag. That was precisely what he wanted to do -- to run home and tell his siblings everything he could about this new visitor. Indeed, he was so excited at the prospect that he had temporarily forgotten about his new 'sister' entirely, and he nearly tripped over himself again in his effort to run at high speeds back home. He had rather large paws that would take some growing-into.
Iosef watched after him with amusement in his eyes; he said nothing about his sister's action, of course -- she was, after all, doing very well, and it was hardly his place to say anything even if she weren't. As the pup scampered out of sight, he returned his attentions to Terreis. "She is doing well," he said, considering this, and then, with a sly smile, "and with pup as well. It seems to be a lucky season, suddenly."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 10:03 pm
Relieved that she was momentarily free from one of her sons Terreis continued to walk towards the dens. This would give her and Iosef time to catch up before he was overwhelmed by all the pups. Of course she was caught off guard by what he told her. With pups already? But she had just gotten her consort not long ago. Apparently she wasted no time getting him to fulfill his duties.
"This is great news. Let us how her little is blessed with a good, strong heir." And let's hope that the male heavy litter curse does not affect the Queen. Terreis was worried what would happen Penthesilea didn't produce an heir. The pack was still small compared to before and really couldn't take another round of in-fighting. Iolaus was back at the dens waiting for his mother to return with his uncle. Unlike Balios he had actually listened to their mother when she told them to stay at the dens to await Iosef's arrival. Balios was gonna get in big trouble when Terreis found him following her, and there was no doubt in his mind that indeed their mother would be well aware of the pup following her. Hopefully though she would spare any major punishment after after the family visit was over, because he really did wish to see his uncle.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 10:26 am
 Apollo had listened to his mother as well - and while he'd hissed at Balios to return when the pup had misbehaved his sibling had blatantly ignored him and run off anyways. He rather hoped his mother boxed him on the ears for that but oh well - he'd tried.
At least the rest of his siblings seemed to be listening - even the little white girl. Apollo wasn't sure what to think about her - she didn't like the sun, couldn't play in the daytime less she burned and mother got seriously ticked off if they were to rough with her.
Nothing much he could do about her however so Apollo had just decided to treat her like he treated all of his siblings and harped at her to toe the line in much the same fashion he did everyone else. "Now!" He commanded even though it was unlikely anyone was listening to him - they would if they knew what was good for them! - "We must all wait until mother says it's time to go out and meet him." Derecho had been off making sure his mother and Merrill knew they were to have a visitor, he'd told them earlier of course but told them again now just to ensure they didn't forget. In the time he'd been gone it seemed one of the little rascals had snuck off - Apollo had informed him that Balios had followed terreis so Derecho wasn't worried other then to consider the fussing the poor pup might get for his curiosity. Pups would be pups after all. Laying outside the den he awaited Terreis return with her brother, listening to the pups within and being faintly amused by their conversations. Being a rather large and imposing looking wolf - much like his father - Derecho cast a large shadow outside the den site as he peered into the trees, ear flicking in slight agitation as he tried to predict how this visit would go.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 10:55 pm
Balios scampered home, breaking through the underbrush to his siblings, eyes bright and a wide grin across his maw. "Guess who I've met already?" He announced, tail wagging exuberantly. Some of his formality seemed to have slipped in his excitement. "I met Uncle Iosef already! And he's nice!" He said the last word of this in an 'I told you so' sort of way, and looked self-satisfied. Still, just to be safe, he slid in next to his father and ducked between Derecho's legs to keep safe in case Mother was angry when she got back.
Iosef nodded, acknowledging the unspoken addition to Terreis's words. He suspected she would be perhaps a bit jealous if Penthesilea did have a litter of girls, but would not allow that jealousy to get in the way of her well-wishes for the pack as a whole. "Achilles is...not around, much," he said, then, in response to the question he had been asked previously. "So I have not been able to form much of an opinion." He had other things to say on the topic, but didn't want to bring them up just now -- if ever.
He caught the sound of pups, and smiled, eyes gleaming fondly. "We draw near?" He questioned, glancing around for a look at the other males, perhaps as curious about them as they were about him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 4:43 am
Corinth sat quietly, waiting. He'd heard a little about his uncle, he knew the male was coming and he knew that, for some reason, his mother was fond of her brother. At first he hadn't been sure - there was tension when she mentioned him around his father, but there was something about the care she took in bringing him here that bespoke affection. Towards someone other than his father and new sister.
Corinth had been thinking a lot about his new sister. She seemed to be loved by his mother. Pampered. She seemed a little weak, like him, but even so mother cared for her. He guessed it was probably not completely unusual that a mother would love a daughter a little more than her sons, especially when she had to many of the latter, but he was beginning to realise there was a bit more to that.
Still, given how much attention his mother lavished on his sister, he wondered if it would be good to try and befriend the little white pup. Sure, his brothers didn't all seem keen on her, but if it would please mother that they got along, and she so obviously loved the white girl, then he might try getting over his awkward shyness with her.
His thoughts turned to Iosef again. that his brother had pronounced him 'nice' was something of a relief. He wondered if his uncle and mother looked alike and moved up behind his father's legs, peeking out in the direction the large male looked.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 10:31 am
"From what I can remember even Queen Marpe's consort didn't stick around too much. But then again the fool wasn't the smartest brute ever." Terreis commented, remembering the number of incidents that included the previous Queen's consort. Her attention refocused as Iosef questioned her. Yes, she could hear the sounds of her sons as the den was very close now. Smiling to her brother she gave him a nudge with her shoulder. "Come on, I bet your dying to meet them." And Terreis was dying to show Iosef the surprise as well. Picking up the pace she led her brother to the den where Derecho and the majority of her pups were. She couldn't see Tantalus anywhere, but then again that pup seemed to wander off quite a bit.
Coming to a stop Terreis glances over at Iosef and then towards her family. "My mate Derecho." She said as she looked towards him, noting Balios practically hiding between his legs. "You've already met Balios. There's Corinth." She pointed her muzzle towards the shiest of her sons, who was also hiding near their father. "There's Apollo." She noted as she gazed at her eternally truthful son. Then her eyes swung around to land on Iolaus. "And that one is Iolaus." She said pointing with her muzzle once more. She let her eyes scan the area again for any sign of her missing son, but she found nothing. "And it appears Tantalus isn't here, but I'm sure he will be along shortly." Terreis so badly wanted to call Guinevere out of the den right now, but she held back on doing on if only to try to keep Derecho happy during this all too important family meeting.
As Balios made his way back to the den Iolaus perked up. Well his brother didn't look like he had been beat for his adventures out so that was a good thing. Of course when Balios announced that he got to meet Iosef first Iolaus was a bit jealous. He had hoped they would get to meet their uncle all at once, but nope Balios went and ruined that. Huffing slightly Balios sat on his haunches eagerly awaiting his mother and uncles arrival.
When he spotted that very familiar splotched pelt followed by one that was similar and yet different his tail wagged. "I see them!" He called out to his brothers and couldn't help but stand up, trying to get a better look at his uncle as he came into view. As his mother introduced his brothers Iolaus was a bit disappointed that he was the last to be pointed to, but that was his lot in life, always in stuck in the shadows of his brothers. "Hello uncle!" He barked happily, and tried his best to resist the urge to run forward and play with the new male, but he had been warned to take it easy on his visiting uncle. Eventually though he caved in and ran forward to greet his uncle up close.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 7:28 pm
Iosef smiled a little, thinking back on it. Their old life. How different things were then...although, at the end of the day, he was happier now than he had ever been.
He came to a halt at Terreis's side, looking over the pups, smiling broadly as he recognized parts of his sister in each of them; then, his eyes swept up to Derecho, and he regarded the other male with a certain curiosity in his violet eyes. It was easy enough to see where the other markings had come from, he thought. And then he paused, uncertain how exactly to greet him.
He'd known, of course, that he would be meeting Derecho, but somehow he had put that detail to the back of his mind in his excitement to meet the pups. Now, he was faced with a somewhat awkward conundrum.
He had never really met a male that wasn't a slave. And he could tell, very clearly, from the looks of Derecho that he was not a slave. So he wasn't entirely sure how to react to him; it seemed inappropriate to approach him as an equal, as it would be presumptuous....but it seemed equally inappropriate to be submissive.
He glanced at Terreis for guidance, and -- without meeting Derecho's eyes -- said as warmly as he could, "It's a pleasure...Derecho," before averting his attention to the much easier task of greeting the pups. His tail wagged at the approach of one of the pups. "Hi there....Iolaus?" He looked at the pup for confirmation, then swept his eyes around at the other pups, smiling encouragingly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:09 am
Derecho nudged both Corinth and Balios in assurance as they hid out beside him, he doubted Balios would be in too much trouble - Terreis was far to excited for her brothers visit to spoil it with punishing a pup for his curiosity and Corinth had nothing to worry with - like Derecho would let anyone harm a hair on his head.
Rising to his feet and giving his pelt a brief shake as Terreis appeared with whom he could only assume was Iosef in her wake Derecho looked the male over - he looked smaller then Terreis, or perhaps that was just in the way he carried himself. Derecho however was quite used to dealing with shy wolves - the YMCA had quite a few skittish,uncertain or submissive wolves in it. "Iosef" He greeted in a welcoming tone "Your nephews have been very excited to meet you" He continued as he moved towards Terreis and rather brazenly licked her between the ears - they normally were not an overly affectionate couple...but Derecho couldn't help but make it clear that he was not her lesser here..or anywhere else for that matter.
Apollo was just a tad disappointed to find out his uncle looked just like every other wolf out there but he got over that quickly when his brother made the first move in greeting him. Huffing slightly at this fact Apollo trotted forward to stare at the patchy wolf "You look lots different then mom" He stated with a critical look.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
