Kyros: *He didn't mind the cold so much, though it hampered his attempts to hunt since he stuck out worse than . . . Well possibly worse than Whisper even, and she was just as dark as he was. Not that Kyros bothered much with the aggressive warrior; too much of a feminist. He got enough from Kevlar, whose far too observant eyes were always drawn to a wolf's weakness. But weakness was not on his mind as he wound his way up the stony steps to the center of RoT. No, only the words he had been reciting to himself ran through his mind currently, for it had to be perfect to achieve what he wanted from his king - his father*
Chernabog was sitting in the stony den that he had claimed as the center of his territory. His mood was rather foul, his head ached and ached and he knew exactly why, even if no one else did. He forced himself past the pain though and thought of distant packs who even now formed and grew. His own ranks of warriors needed to do the same, since the pack meeting he had realized many things. His pack was great, strong, full of sharp minds and brute strength...but they needed more, they needed to expand and form alliances with others of their ilk. To spread their terror, their legacy, and oh what a legacy he intended to leave someday. He thought of his pups...and of...Kiara's. He was no fool, he knew the pups were not his blood, but as he watched the grow, saw their strength and cunning, he knew it behooved him not to dismiss them completely.
Kyros: *And there he was, visible even within his den! Kyros still couldn't believe how large the king was, even as he himself was rather sizeable for an adolescent. Would become as tall, as powerful? But this was not the time for either doubts or awe . . . He steeled himself and approached the lip of the stony maw, straightbacked but with a low tail* Your majesty, I request an audience. *He might have used "Father", but the formal term bespoke more of a business conversation. Though Kyros longed to be able to spend time with his usually distant father*
Chernabog narrowed his gaze through the mask and took in the sight of Kiara's eldest son. His supposed son, the male did look like a blend of himself and his one time beta, but he knew better. Still, the young male was one of the members of his pack and he deserved to be heard as any other despite his youth. He stood and gave a mild shake the faces against his fur seeming to writhe in agony.
"Very well, you shall have your audience." He stepped out onto the rocky ledge, the obsidian stone bore grooves and indentations now where many wolves had planted their claws to keep from slipping or being impaled on the sharper slices of stone. As far as a natural formation went this one seemed as if it had been wickedly carved out just for this pack.
"Sit, tell me what weighs so heavily on your mind that cannot be taken up with another?"
Kyros: *Nodding a little, he joined the Goblin King on the ledge, able to even trace out the path he had taken to reach this place from the overlook. He didn't wait long to speak* I was hoping to request leave for a short while. I want to test my mother's training beyond these borders and come back fit to be called a warrior.
Chernabog considered the request for a long moment and then looked closer at the young male who sat before him. The request was a reasonable one, normally Kiara herself often sent those under her on quests to prove themselves. It was little surprise that Kyros wished to prove himself, so many had been dubious of him and his siblings since their arrival.
"How far do you plan to travel?" He finally asked as if weighing the decision, he had already chosen, but he was curious how determined the male was.
Kyros: To the north, where the mountains have white heads. *He had an idea of what he wanted to do but, ever wanting to please this wolf, he decided to try and avoid talking about exactly what he would do so that the achievement would have a greater impact when he came back* I want to see my mother's homeland.
"The lands to the north are harsh, the weather bitter even during this time of year. You could well perish if you intend to climb into the mountains there. Still, it is only fitting that if you wish to be a warrior, your challenge should be a great one. What of other packs you may come across? You know to hold your tongue do you not? Allow the ambassadors to deal with them, and only return with news and your life." He knew Kiara might be upset, he was sending off her only son on a journey that might kill a weak wolf.
Snows, bears, dangerous terrain, sharp cliffs, were all just par for the course when one wished to travel into the icy northern mountains. Chernabog knew, and judging by Kyros certainty the young male knew as well what perils lay ahead.
Kyros: *He was a little surprised that the king had taken to the idea, and it showed briefly across his face before it was suppressed again with his serious face - though some eagerness now had made its way into his eyes* I won't go near any packs if I can help it, sire, on my word. I might interact with the one my mother was from if they're still there, but otherwise I will be a shadow.
Chernabog watched him for a moment and then softly nodded, the male had promised to remain unseen which was important. He did not want a lone wolf of his pack to end up fodder for another to teach a lesson. They were becoming known now, feared, and often others lashed out at that which they feared.
"Tell me, you hope to become a warrior after this, how well do you think you will currently fare if you are attacked out there on you own?"
Kyros: They will find me more substantial than shadow. *small smirk* My mother's training was not for bragging rights alone. I have a feeling I will not be alone on the journey, though. Kevlar has always been a nosy nuisance - she would probably follow and be a witness. >>
"Really you would allow her to join you? Will you be taking responsibility for her as well? Or is she to join you in an attempt to prove herself worthy of the title of warrior?" Chernabog was intrigued now to hear of this. Would all of Kiara's pups be so determined to win their places among the pack?
Kyros: I don't know, sire. Kevlar's ambitions are her own . . . *He realized then that he honestly didn't know his sisters as well as he should have*
"If she is to join you, I suggest you find out if she will be an asset or a hinderance. Unless you intend to request that she not be given leave to go, though I hardly find that...fair." Her watched the other male now wondering what he would say. He had believed the siblings of Kiara's litter to be close to one another, yet it seemed they were not as close as he had thought.
Kyros: *hastily* If she comes, then she comes. But I /will/ make sure it is for a reason if so. More than likely it will be without coming to you first for permission, so I pre-empt any tailing she might engage in by asking for her leave as well.
"Naturally, you may leave then, but don't return without some proof that you have managed to make it north into the mountains. Will you be leaving right away, or saying goodbyes first? Tell our border patrols that you will be on your way and I will inform them to allow you to re-enter once you've completed your journey." He stood as if dismissing the male. He wouldn't bother with wishing him luck, he either had what it took or he didn't. He would inform Kiara of her son's choice if he hadn't already told his mother himself.
Kyros: I will say my goodbyes now and leave in the morning. *stands a few seconds after the king does, feeling the end of their conversation coming. He bows his head and says with genuine gratitude* Thank you for this opportunity, sire. I will not disappoint.
Chernabog headed back inside the den, he paused and glanced over his shoulder. "I know you won't...your determined." He wanted to say he saw something of himself in the male, that spark that refused to be smothered. Still he was hardly one for sentimental drivel so he simply strode back into his den and let the younger male go on his way. At least the dull ache in the back of his skull was gone...for now.
Kyros: *It was as good as a compliment though! It meant at least his father still thought to notice his behavior, court or not. His outlook on the journey brightening considerably despite the horrid chill settling in that night, the adolescent turned to make his way down the rocky path back to his family's den. How his mother would take it, he didn't know; hopefully as well as the king did*
