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 Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 4:32 pm
 For the first time in quite awhile, Iosef found himself in high spirits. Word had traveled to him -- as it often did, being the longest-serving of any remaining slave meant little passed him unnoticed -- that a new slave was to join their ranks, and he was excited for the prospect.
Things had been quite lonely, after Casimir had gone. Iosef did not begrudge the wolf for leaving. It had been necessary, after all, for the safety and survival of the big wolf and his pups. But the fact of the matter is, with both Tui and Casimir now absent, Iosef was aching for company.
He also ached for an extra set of paws to help him in his duties.
Oh, sure, Glacier had grown up strong enough, but his company only stretched so far. Of the other young slaves, none were really fully up to speed on their duties, and Iosef found himself working triple-hard to make up for the short-comings of the others, to cover for their ineptitude and protect them from the wrath of short-tempered Sisters. Nightshade was half-useless. Patroclus was busy, always, with his father -- and Achilles would never soil his paws with the work of underlings, however much he fought for their status. Which left Iosef with only his sons, and they were still too young to be much use.
In short, the simple prospect of having another wolf working alongside him filled him with happiness, and so he made his way through his morning duties with an eager eye and ear poised for the arrival of his new trainee. Chimera was tired.
He just didn't share in his father's enthusiasm at all. For one, he just didn't care that they were getting another slave -- it didn't seem like a very big deal. For another, Chimera had better things to be doing. Like practicing the things Achilles had taught him. He was supposed to be learning how to be a fighter, not dragging bones around and digging holes!
Why couldn't the sisters bury their own damn trash?
The patchwork wolf sighed and trailed along after his father, looking not-quite-mutinous, but getting there. He'd just have to keep himself occupied by thinking about something else, that was all.
And so a cloudy look passed over his features as he went over for the hundredth time in his head everything that Achilles had told him in their last lesson.
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Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 4:48 pm
Zeke was certain that today was the best day of his life. He'd been given strict orders to seek out Iosef. He'd immediately done so, tongue lolling out happily and tail swishing about behind him as he moved in the direction he'd been directed to head off in. He probably should have asked a few questions that would help him find this Iosef guy. As it was, Zeke wasn't completely sure what Iosef looked like or what he might be doing. Just to be safe, Zeke approached the first wolf he spotted. A male, one with speckles of blue on his feet. He was working alongside another male, and curiously Zeke peered between the both of them. "Greetings," he called, completely unsure of how to introduce himself. It'd been so long since he'd been within a pack. He hoped his politeness was enough because he really wasn't certain if this pack had different ways of greeting one another. In time, he assured himself, he would learn in time. "I am Zeke. I've been told to seek out Iosef. Do either of you know where I can find him?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 5:14 pm
The blue-pawed wolf looked over his shoulder, looking over the white-and-gold male with curious violet eyes. So this was the new recruit? Huh. "Dad," he said, turning away from the white wolf without any greeting. "Somebody's looking for you."
Iosef halted, turned, and planted eyes of that same shade of violet upon the newcomer. He examined him for a moment, as though sizing him up, and smiled a welcoming sort of smile. "I'm Iosef," he said, stepping forward, his countenance friendly. Though he carried himself meekly around the females, he felt no need to submit to a male, and was occasionally almost dominant with them. "Welcome, Zeke. Your presence has been much anticipated. Tell me -- have you served for a pack before?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 5:22 pm
Zeke stumbled over a greeting at the purple-eyed wolf, stopping himself when he turned away to call out to another wolf. It didn't take him too long to put all the pieces together and by the time Iosef had approached him, Zeke was feeling pretty good about the situation.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Iosef." He smiled gently at the multi-colored wolf, promptly answering the question he had been asked. "I have never served for a pack, Iosef," he said thoughtfully. "I was told you could tell me what such service would entail. I am willing to learn and happy to do any task set before me, I swear that to you." A packless life hadn't been too kind to Zeke and he was utterly determined not to screw this up, no matter what.
He did shoot an uncertain glance at the male that had utterly dismissed him earlier. That interaction had made him visibly uncomfortable. He'd never been ignored outright before. Zeke wasn't sure how to handle that.
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Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 5:33 pm
Iosef's ears swept forward, curious, brow furrowing. That...was not quite the response he had been expecting, and it intrigued him. This was not often a life chosen by one not born into it, and to see such...enthusiasm...about the task from a new member caught him offguard. "And I'll be happy to do so. Come, then, let me give you a tour of this place, and our duties."
He cast a glance to Chimera, and his expression darkened a little. "Chimera, say hello to your fellow brother," he said, and there was the quietest hint of a threat in his tone, a soft near-growl that lurked below his words. His eyes lifted, apologetically, to Zeke. "Apologies. My son is..." he trailed off, not even sure how to explain.
Brother? Oh, hardly. They might be slaves together, but they were hardly brothers.
Chimera raised a brow, hardly missing the look his father was giving him. He demured from fighting him on the matter, however. Oh, he'd hear all about this later, he was sure. Well, fine. Bring it, father. At least he was out here slaving like he was supposed to be, which was more than he could say for the twins. Psh. "Chimera," he said, shortly, and nodded to Zeke. Though he was leggy and clearly in the beginning of his adolescence, there was something undeniably childlike -- petulant, even -- in his countenance. He caught another sharp look from his father and added, in a bit of a grumble, "Pleasure to meet you."
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Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:16 pm
"Chimera," Zeke dipped his head in greeting to the younger male. It was obvious the boy was... unhappy? Annoyed? Zeke wasn't sure, but Chimera certainly wasn't exuding a welcoming aura. "It's a pleasure." Ah, well. Zeke wasn't going to let it bother him. He'd been brought in by the Queen, that had to mean something, right?
"Gratitude for the welcome, Iosef," Zeke mumbled, turning his attention back to the calico-colored male. "And no need for apologies. I am just happy to find a home." Lowering his voice so that only Iosef's ears could hear his next words, Zeke spoke softly, "I am eager to learn all that you have to teach me."
He hoped it would defuse the tension between father and son. The last thing Zeke wanted to do was make enemies in his new home.
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Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:34 pm
Iosef cast a last glance at Chimera, seeming to weigh something in his thoughts. "Chimera. Go on ahead, if you would, and see to the empty dens while I show Zeke around. I'm afraid something might have been hibernating there."
His nose wrinkled. There were numerous dens outlying the main area -- most for use of slaves, or warriors needing rest while on extended border patrol -- and with the pack not at its former numbers many of them had been unused long enough to become infested. Also, he tried not to visit them now if he could avoid it -- too many memories that he didn't want to go back through.
"When you're finished, meet us back by the main dens."
Chimera flashed his father a grateful smile. Not only was he relieved to be able to get away from what he suspected would become a very boring learning activity, but he had the opportunity to do one of the only slave chores he actually enjoyed -- killing vermin. He hoped he'd run into something especially dangerous, for a challenge.
Nodding obediently, he turned and loped on rangy legs for the abandoned dens.
Iosef shook his head, rolling his eyes somewhat plaintively skyward. "Teenagers," he muttered. Dropping his gaze back to Zeke, he nodded his head for the other wolf to follow. "I'm sure the Queen told you a little about the way things operate here. I understand we may be a bit different from other packs. Feel free to ask any questions along the way."
It felt so refreshingly good to have a trainee again. It felt especially good to have a new face around, a wolf who had yet to be downtrodden by certain unpleasantries of their lifestyle. He really hoped his sister didn't take an unwholesome interest in him, the way she had with Casimir.
"The Sisters spend their time training as warriors, so that they can defend the pack on a moment's notice. They conduct extensive border patrols, and work themselves hard to stay at topmost physical shape. Because they have so little leisure time, they count on us to do more menial tasks." There was an undeniable amount of pride in his tone as he explained his lifestyle. Though he had grown to despise some parts of his life in recent times, overall he genuinely loved it, and it showed in his voice. "Hunting small game, killing vermin, keeping the den sites free of debris, and any other task the Sisters place upon us. It's a great honor."
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Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 9:57 am
Zeke watched the younger wolf lope away before turning his attention back to Iosef. "You are lucky to be a father," he mumbled. It wasn't something that he'd wished for, himself, but there was something to be said about father-son dynamics. It was interesting to watch, but Zeke didn't know enough about Chimera or Iosef to press for details. Perhaps in time Zeke would know more, but for now he was most interested in learning about how he'd be caring for the females in the pack.
"It sounds as if you enjoy your duties," Zeke said softly after Iosef had finished speaking. It was important to enjoy your tasks. Before Zeke's last pack had been lost to him, he'd found great joy in performing his duties as best he could. "It does not sound like they are such terrible duties, hmm?" Cleaning, hunting, caring for the Sisters that looked after them. Was there a downside? Zeke had to ask.
"So we look after the Sisters by making sure their dens are clean and providing easy meals for them? And they protect the pack from outsiders and intruders." Zeke grinned, tongue lolling out, "What's the bad side, because right now it all sounds wonderful to me."
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Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:10 am
Iosef's ears flicked. Lucky? Ah, Zeke had no idea. All his life Iosef had wanted nothing more than to settle down with a family of his own, prove his worth through the strength of his children. Now that he had succeeded, he realized that he was not as satisfied with his life as he'd always hoped he'd be. But there was time to learn.
"I do," he said, in response to his next statement, allowing the first to go unanswered as it hadn't really seemed like a question. "I would be lost without something to keep my paws busy, I think." He nodded toward the dens as they passed them. "These here are the Sister's dens. The one in the center, decorated with antlers and trinkets, is where the Queen sleeps." He carried on forward, keeping out sharp eyes for others.
Zeke's last question made him smile a bit darkly. He glanced over his shoulder at him, meting his eyes for a brief moment. "It's a good life," he said, carefully. "But not for everyone. And...some sisters find our rank to be....unnecessary. And will take every opportunity to remind you of that."
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Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:22 am
That troubled Zeke. It didn't sound like an experience he wanted to endure. He admired the Queen's den in passing, acknowledging Iosef's indication of the den. "And we are not able to defend ourselves should we be attacked?" He spoke silently, not wanting to offend or find himself in trouble so soon. Zeke thought it likely that he already knew the answer to the question. It did not bother him. If this was to be his new lot in life, well, there was no point in getting upset about it.
"I hope the slaves, us, I hope we look after one another." Companionship had always been important to Zeke. He had never planned on being alone, and now that he had a home again, well, it was important to have friends.
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Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:29 am
He paused, one paw in the air. The new recruit's question troubled him and also intrigued him, as it was hardly what he had expected. Odd, really. Hadn't he just been having a discussion with Achilles on this topic, not so long ago?
Their opinions had differed a bit, though. Iosef considered himself more of a realist; the queen's consort had so many ideas that had seemed so...idealistic. Sensible for a great and powerful assassin, surely. For himself? Hardly.
"It would be best," he said, hesitantly, "not to engage in a fight that you cannot win."
And he left it at that.
A smile twitched upon his maw, however, and he resumed his walking, heading toward a break in the trees. "We are all family."
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Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:42 am
Yes, it would be stupid to fight back against a Sister, a warrior so fierce and unforgiving in her anger. Only a fool would do such a thing. Zeke might not be bright or even incredibly smart, but Zeke was not a fool.
Family. That thought comforted Zeke. It had been a long, long time since he had been in a pack, one that stuck together out of pride and not necessity. His old pack, well, it had been one that had no such loyalties to one another. Nothing more than a band of mercenaries, forced to group together in order to feed. Zeke was not a grand hunter, and so he'd joined only to fill his belly.
But this, well, this was different.
"Family," he repeated Iosef, a small smile curling his muzzle. Yes, Zeke liked the sound of that.
"Where do we sleep, Iosef?" That was a pressing concern, really. It had been a long time since Zeke had been able to sleep without one eye always open.
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Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:47 am
"You don't have one of your own, do you?" He asked, curious. The near-reverence the other wolf had on the topic of family intrigued him. Maybe that was why this stranger was so eager to throw himself into such an...unorthodox arrangement.
"Our dens are a bit smaller, and towards the edges of the central territory," he said. "We'll pass them here in a bit, once we circle around. As you may have heard when I dispatched Chimera there, they can tend to be...infested...from unuse. But we'll work on cleaning it out together, if you'd like."
He paused, and gestured with his maw to an open area amongst the trees. "This is where the sisters train," he said. "They are led by the head warrior. Her name is Varia, and it would be best to stay out from underpaw as she has little patience for our kind." Then, as an afterthought, "She's my oldest sister."
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Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 12:14 pm
Zeke shook his head at Iosef's question. He didn't think the Queen would be bothered by such trivial things and so he figured it was a question that had been better suited to Iosef.
"I would not expect you to help me clean out my future den," Zeke said softly, grinning slightly in Iosef's direction, "but any help would be welcomed." Zeke wasn't keen on small vermin -- anything smaller than a squirrel tended to make him uneasy. He wasn't scared of them he was just ... well, yeah, he was scared of them.
"Varia," Zeke whispered to himself. It was a name he should remember and so he spoke it only to lock it into his memory. "She has no patience for her brother?" That was strange, but then again, Zeke didn't have family nor was he in the most typical of packs, he supposed.
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Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:04 pm
"My birth brought great shame upon my mother," he said, pausing to dig at an anthill that he came across, reflexively churning up the dirt and sniffing around in it, searching for the queen. He acted with the compulsive movements of one who works to offset pain. He worked to offset the memories in his mind, the look on Varia's face when she had walked away from him, so long ago -- telling the others to leave him for dead when they wandered, packless, during the disbandment. He remembered the way her lips had curled in disgust when she learned that he still lived, while his mother was gone...and he remembered the way she had attacked their sister Terreis for defending him.
Something hardened in his face, a taut line along his maw. He dug furiously at the ant hill, buried his muzzle within it, and oblivious to the stinging bites he received, snapped at the fat, pale queen. "Varia, like many other Sisters," he continued, carefully, re-burying the ants; they wandered around in chaos and disarray. "Believes that the pack has no need of males at all."
He stamped down on the ant hill, flattening the earth beneath his paws. The whole process had taken less than five minutes by the well-practiced wolf. He looked back up at Zeke and offered a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "But not all Sisters are the same. The Queen is fair, and just, and treats us all well. And my...mate..." he hesitated on the word, not sure if it was the right one, "...is the pack nanny, and one of the kindest wolves I know. I'll introduce you later."
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