|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:12 pm
 So far things were going well, Orithia was holding her own while talking with the sisters, gaining their acceptance. And now, with most of that out of the way they could speak with the slaves, as even they too had to accept their new leader. Just because the males were of lower ranks did not mean they couldn't have their say in things, to a certain extent at least, they were still given the option of accepting or denying the new alpha. Though for their sake, and their lives, it was best that they accept. Penthesilea had no doubt that the slaves would accept Orithia, after all her daughter was much like herself to the male, strict but fair.
The two set off towards the dens that the slaves occupied, they were further away from the main den site, allowing the sisters to move about without running into the low ranking males. Iosef would be their first stop today, he was the most senior of the slaves in many respects and had always accepted anything that was presented to him.  Orithia's confidence had been boosted a bit with her acceptance among the sisters and now as her mother pointed out she needed to speak with the lesser members of the pack as well. She had not had much interaction with the slaves so far, though knew they all to be relatively hard and reliable workers. Varia may say that the Queen was too easy on the males, but Orithia disagreed, they knew their place and did not do anything that went against her mothers orders. If they did, well then they would no longer be in this pack. Eyes were alert as they approached the slave dens, looking to see which of them would be about at this time.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:29 pm
 Iosef's mood had, of late, been as chaotic as a storm. On the one hand, he was overjoyed at his recent fatherhood. He was proud of his pups, and all of their achievements -- male and female alike. He was also relieved and grateful for Seraphin, as her acceptance of him as favored had secured for him a safe place in the pack, and much-needed companionship.
But all of that could just barely cover the raging tumult in his chest. Tui was gone. Who knew if -- or when -- he'd come back, and Iosef didn't have the heart to search for him. He hoped, for his sake, that Tui was long gone from here if he had chosen to forgo the life of a slave. He had little doubt that, if caught in the woods near the pack, Tui would suffer an unspeakably awful fate at the paws of the sisters. And worst yet, he couldn't go look for him to ascertain his safety.
It was killing him. He wouldn't speak of it to anyone -- because he couldn't, and because his heart caught like stone in his chest when he thought of how it had all happened -- and so he labored on like always, barely strong enough to hold the insufferable weight upon his back.
So, when the queen and her heir arrived, he was barely aware of their approach -- he was far too preoccupied with his duties, all of his attention focused solely on maintaining his facade...of looking whole, when he truly wasn't. Luckily for him, his youngest son was there also, and Chimera was substantially more alert.
The pup was just old enough now to truly be training as a slave, but not yet old enough that he could reasonably shoulder much responsibility. Odd, really -- Iosef had, not so long ago he thought, been playing this same role with Glacier. And now, Chimera was proving to be an apt student, if a little prone to distraction. The true seriousness of the job -- the life or death aspect of it -- had not quite been taught to the pup, as Iosef was eager to shelter his pup from the misuse and abuse that came as part of their duty. Best to leave that til later. Best to allow the pup to enjoy his games, while he could.
The oddly patched pup looked up, catching the sound of other wolves approaching, and he grinned broadly. He knew Orithia, of course, because she spent time with his mother sometimes. His tail wagged in recognition, and then he realized that the Queen was with her, so he looked at the ground and wagged his tail anyway. "Father," he said, addressing the dirt at his paws. "Father -- look up."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:44 pm
Iosef was a reliable as even, he as right where the Queen expected him to be at this moment in the day. As she broke through the trees at a graceful and easy trot her eyes fell upon on of his sons as well. Young Chimera had just began his training to become a slave like his father and from what the Queen had heard was doing quite well in the matter. Seeing the pup did bring a smile to her maw, even a male pup had that effect on her. Puppies were the special new life of the pack. Some would stay while others would leave to start lives elsewhere, but for a time there were here and she enjoyed having them around. It reminded the Queen of when her own brood was around that age. But now they had grown into fine adolescents who were beginning to take on more responsibilities that would shape their adult lives.
The Queen noticed that Iosef was a bit slow to react today. Was he ill? Or perhaps he was overworking himself again. Iosef did have a habit of always taking on more work than was required of him. Perhaps she would order him to rest a bit after this little meeting was over. "Iosef, Chimera." She greeted the two males. "Might I have a word with you two? It is an important matter." And an important matter being addressed to slaves was truly important.
Orithia smiled a bit as the pup came into view. She had spent a lot of time at the nannies den even when her sisters were off with their training so she knew the pup and his siblings quite well. And his tail wagging was quite infectious as her own began to wag until she reigned it under control. She was on official duty right now and couldn't be playing with the younger pup, who in a few moments would likely become her official underling. While she had always known the pup would be a slave in the pack this was the first time she really thought about it, after all becoming co-leader of the pack meant that she would be giving them orders much like her mother did.
Bringing her paws to a stop so she stood shoulder to shoulder with her mother Orithia regarded the two slaves with neutral eyes. They would be under her rules much like the sisters. There was a lot of responsibilities that she would be attending to, and once again her nerves started to get the better of her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:53 pm
Important business?
Oh gods above. For a moment his heart stopped entirely in his chest and he thought he would die on the spot. But then life went on, and he offered an uncertain smile to his Queen, and withdrew from whatever it was he had been doing. "Of course," he said, and his tone was as even and good-natured as ever even if his body felt utterly hollow.
He turned trusting eyes toward her, violet orbs that chanced to look at her face only once before lowering in deference to her chest, her paws, her well-muscled warrior body, her jewelry. Everything about her that proved why his rank was so inferior. "Is there something the matter, my liege?"
He stood perfectly still, as though waiting for a reprimand -- a blow -- for certain death, and kept a hint of a smile carefully upon his maw. If anyone was a master at leading a double life, it was Iosef, no matter the consequences to himself.
Chimera wanted very badly to bound forward and n** at Orithia's paws, but the way she carried herself told him that would be a bad idea. Sad. It was fun to play with the alpha's pups, even if they were bigger than him!
He glanced uncertainly between the adults, and then to Orithia, not sure what was going on but getting a funny feeling in his gut that he didn't like it. This all seemed very serious.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 8:08 pm
"No, nothing is the matter." She reassured Iosef with a smile as he looked up at her. Penthesilea glanced over at the multi-colored pup at his fathers side and gave him a reassuring smile as well. It would do them no good to think they would be getting in trouble in a time like this. "I'm sure you have noticed that my pups have been growing steadily. They are old enough now to start taking on more responsibilities amongst the pack. Your own litter has grown quite well and I see they too are starting their training."
She glanced over at Orithia for a moment who was standing patiently at her side, waiting for her turn to speak, that would come shortly. "I am sure that you are also aware of the traditions of our pack that surround the Queen and heir. It has come the time for Orithia to make her stand within the pack, to lead at my side." With a subtle motion of her nose Penthesilea offered her daughter the chance to say something, she didn't have to, but addressing the slave now would be good.
It was not hard to miss a flash of disappointment in Chimera's eyes that they could not play like they sometimes would when she spent time with the nanny. But she was older now and play was not so much of an option as it used to be for the heir. Soon her childhood ties with these pups would be cut completely and they would go from friends to pack mates, sisters and slaves.
At the subtle movement Orithia knew it was her chance to speak, and though she had been practicing what she might possibly say at this moment she found her mind was suddenly blank. The teen took a moment to take a calming breath before speaking. "Iosef, my mother has always spoke highly of you as a slave. You are a hard worker and hold the packs value's close to heart. I hope now, that I am old enough to lead along side our Queen, that I too will have your loyalty and support during my rule." Her eyes turned to fall on Chimera for a moment. "And you as well young Chimera."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 8:31 pm
Iosef's legs had begun their characteristic trembling, and he nearly collapsed in relief. His smile widened, and nearly reached his eyes -- nearly, but not quite. "Thank you," he said, to the compliment to his pups. His eyes flicked over, tentatively, to Orithia -- oh, young Orithia, how he had seen her play as an infant and now, here she was, soon to become one of the most powerful wolves in the pack -- and his ears flopped back to his skull in utter submission.
Oh, if only she knew, he thought. If any of them knew...he nearly died of shame on the spot.
"Of course, Orithia," he said. His brow furrowed. It sounded odd referring to her that way, but he wasn't sure what else to call her now. "You will be fair, and kind. And the Queen will always have my loyalty." Well, for so long as they would accept it...
Chimera looked up at his father. What was all this about? He looked back at Orithia, and at Penthesilea, and felt very confused indeed. "So...does that mean you won't play with me anymore?" He asked, tentatively.
He was pretty sure he already knew the answer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 8:45 pm
Penthesilea stood still and silent as Orithia spoke. She was so proud of her daughter in that moment, she could not have thought of better words to say herself in such an occasion. It was just more proof that Orithia was indeed ready to lead at her side. Her attention was focused, however, on the two males, to judge their reactions to the news. Iosef's reaction was pretty much what she had expected, he was submissive but accepting. The Queen nodded her approval of this. Of course with Chimera it was harder to judge just what the pup would say or do. Pups had a funny way of saying or doing things that one would not expect, but that was not always a bad thing. And when he finally voiced his concern with his question the Queen smiled, but remained silent, allowing Orithia to answer.
"Thank you Iosef." Orithia acknowledged with a nod. She had been openly accepted by him and it made her relax a bit, the stress and nervousness that she felt earlier was melting away. Of course her serious demeanor instantly broke at Chimera's question and she let out a laugh. She found it cute that he would ask such a thing at this all too important moment in her life. Orithia stepped forward, and then lowered her head a bit to look at him more clearly. "We can still play." She half whispered to him. "But I may have other things that I must do at times." And then because she knew it would help them both relax and transition better she reached out with her left front paw and tapped his lightly in a playful manner. "That is if you think you can keep up with me, Queens and future Queens are known to be very fast on their feet." She tried to give him a serious look at that moment but failed miserably and ended up smiling instead.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 9:18 pm
Iosef's eyes wandered uneasily to his pup. He wasn't sure he trusted Chimera to talk to the Queen all on his own, to be honest. He had a tendency of speaking his mind that he strongly hoped he would outgrow, or at least learn to use sensibly.
But, luckily, his commentary remained cute and harmless, and he relaxed. Crisis averted, a second time.
"Oh." Chimera said, and narrowed his eyes at Orithia, as though making sure she was telling the truth. Then he brightened considerably and reached up to lick her cheek, tail wagging as she batted at him. "I know I can keep up!" He said, and grinned a bit lopsidedly. He had no doubts at all of that.
Even if his puppy legs were a bit short at the moment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:08 am
Perhaps she should not encourage Orithia to play witht he pup, she was after all becoming co-leader of the pack and yet she needed to speak to Iosef alone for a moment. "Orithia, why don't you and Chimera go and play for a bit." She offered her daughter but gave her a look that said this was a one time offer and from now on she had better start acting appropriately to her new rank. As her eyes returned to Iosef she gave him a soft look, knowing how easily he could think he was being reprimanded for something. "Perhaps we could speak a moment."
The Queen glanced over at the two pups making sure they were now far enough away to not overhear what was being said. "I can't help but notice that you seem to be a bit distracted lately. Is everything alright?" If he was feeling ill she would make sure he went to see Yakut right away. "You are not taking on more work than you should are you?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:09 am
Orithia immediately caught her mothers subtle unapproving look. She knew instantly that given her new rank that times like this were a thing of the past, she could no longer be seeking out playmates when there was much work to be done. But for now, in the very moment her mother was willing to overlook it, only because she wished to speak with Iosef privately. Orithia looked at Chimera. "Well, if you think you can keep up then let's see if you can."
And raising herself up to her full height Orithia turned and trotted off. She kept up a fast pace but not so much that Chimera would not be able to keep up. She knew what it was like to be the smaller one always struggling to keep up with the bigger wolves so she went easy on him. Leading him towards the edge of the clearing that would give the adults the privacy they wanted but still be close enough that they could be called to.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 11:35 am
Iosef followed his alpha, but allowed his eyes to stray, following his son for a moment, his expression inscrutable. His ears flicked, but he looked back to Penthesilea after a moment. "I...Tui, the wolf I brought here, left some time ago," he said, carefully. "Perhaps you have already seen." He shrugged, and dared to let his eyes lift up to hers, dared to smile a little banefully in his woe. An ironic smile, a liar's smile. He almost wished Orithia were still here. Perhaps that would deflect some of his anxiety. "I suppose the life of a slave was not what he wanted for himself, after all."
His ironic smile stayed affixed upon his maw, and he shook his head. Life was absurd. Life was absurd and he was a damn fool. "I had grown rather accustomed to a companion, is all. I'll be alright. Once my sons grow enough to shoulder some responsibilities things will go back to normal."
Chimera yipped excitedly and chased after her, oblivious to the nuances of the conversation his father was having. He bounded after her, tail waving behind and violet eyes gleaming with excitement and tried to get at the dangling beads on her bracelet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 4:04 pm
The Queen nodded, acknowledging his words. Yes, she had noticed Tui's disappearance not long ago, but slaves came and went sometimes, some were not suited to this life and it was best that he leave on his own accord than offend the sisters and be chased out. "That life is not for everyone, I know you two were close." And she didn't mean that she knew his secret either, just that the slaves were generally close much like the sisters were. "Your numbers are still small and having even one of your leave shifts a lot of work onto the rest of you."
She glanced over at Orithia and Chimera as they were running around the clearing. "I see much of you in him. He will be a fine young male when he grows older, as will your other sons." Her eyes returned to Iosef. "Is there anything that I can do to ease the burden for the time being?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 4:05 pm
This was what she enjoyed, having time to kick back and have fun. And with her new duties staring her in the face it was best to get as much fun in as possible before she was not allowed to play anymore. Orithia stepped to the left, suddenly shifting away from his paws. "You'll have to move a bit faster if you wish to catch me." She called to the pup and she put on just a bit of extra speed, flashing him a smile as she glanced over her shoulder, encouraging him to keep trying. Orithia would certainly miss times like this, but her new role was her birthright and she would not give that up just for the opportunity to play for just a little while longer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 4:20 pm
Iosef considered this honestly for a moment. What could he say? He knew that Achilles had done...something...to Varia recently, but was unaware of any details; he doubted it would last long.
"I'm alright," he said, and his smile was genuine. Penthesilea was a good queen. "I thank you, for your concern. It means much to me."
His eyes strayed to his son, playing so freely with the queen's daughter, without reproach. "If I may speak frankly," he said, tentatively, "I am glad to have Orithia, as heir." He let that hang for a moment. He clearly meant 'instead of someone else -- like Azalea' but he didn't say it aloud. There were a dozen unspoken fears in Iosef's mind and losing the queen to another revolt was high in his thoughts. Knowing that the heir would be kind to him calmed his anxiety, if only slightly. "...How has her health been, now that she is a bit older?"
Chimera bounded after her gleefully. He wished his sisters were there, to join in the fun -- he knew that if Isobel and Najara were there, that the three of them could take her, no contest.
That made him wonder. "If you're gonna be queen," he called after her, genuinely curious, "...What's all your sisters gonna be?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 4:31 pm
When he spoke the Queen knew just what he meant byt it and what he did not say as well. They were very fortunate that Orithia was the heir and not one of the others within the pack, not saying that her other daughters couldn't possibly fill the role. But those not of her blood, none at this time were the type that could rule without destroying the pack as it stood now. Orithia would be a fair but just ruler much like herself and that pleased the Queen to no end. "She is doing better now. Though she still falls ill from time to time, but when she does it seems to have less of an effect on her than when she was a pup. Her strength has certainly increased over the last few months however I think the upcoming winter may be hard on her." Winter was the time when even the strongest of wolves could become ill due to the cold and sometimes lack of food, she would need to keep her eye on her daughter for any signs of illness and see to them right away.
She continued to run, playfully barking at him, but his question made her pause. Orithia brought her paws to a stop and turned to look at him, the game they had been playing was over because she needed to answer the question properly. "Well...my sisters will be warriors, much like your own. And I am still the Princess, only one Queen can exist at a time, but I will share the responsibilities with my mother. When she steps down many years from now then I will be Queen."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
