Chernabog was intrigued by news that had reached him, news always seemed to reach his reign. He had grown fond of his pack, of his queen, even his whelps had found a niche in his black heart. There was no fear, only the glory of the success of his pack, their glory was his glory. He moved down from the jagged obsidian outcropping that served as the center of the pack and his den. His head didn't throb today, the sun was obscured by clouds leaving him cool and calm.

"Rumor..." He called for his beta but walked on into the darkness of the western woods. The trees here were all scraggly, the ground covered mainly with chips of obsidian stone and bits of rock. He loved this land despite how inhospitable it seemed. Here the strong were born and raised and unleashed violently on the world.

She had been given quite a bit of alone times now that her two girls were out of the den. Adults now, her five children occupied homes of their own. She was proud of them, but now she could get so painfully bored. She rolled onto her back, letting the cool chill of the stone cool her. She took a deep breath, and then rolled back on to her belly.

Her kings call made her ears perk, and she nodded, without a word. She quickly caught up with him, matching his pace. He wasnt going very fast, but she supposed he was in no hurry. She was not afraid of the scary trees, or the extra dark of the shadows around her. No, this was her home, and she loved it.

"I've been...hearing things Rumor, things about our dear southern neighbors." He murmured as his beta came by his side, he had faith in her, she was her mothers daughter. Ah Piper, a female he respected and admired almost as much as his own icy queen. Mog was cooler though, her temper, her mind was a brilliant diamond shining, reflecting, refracting. He turned back to Rumor and let the southern news fade a bit more curious about their northern neighbors.

"Your mother is well I think, your father gone from her lands. I was glad to hear of it, she is a stronger leader alone I think. Gomorrah is an excellent ally for us, perhaps you should visit them again soon and ensure our continued alliance."

She listened intently, and when he spoke of their neighbors having had rather interesting news, she cocked her head. "Oh, sire? Do tell." She said, and listened as he continued.
She wasnt expecting a conversation about her mother and so she perked her ears, eyes widening a bit.

"She finally took the power from him, and he left. It was only a matter of time." She said with a sigh to her tone. However she had accepted the idea long ago and so it was void of most emotion.

"Visit Gomorrah? Really?" She wondered if Truth would follow.. Maybe she could finally make a name for herself. Truth was conniving, out for her own gain. She was smart, her mothers daughter. She'd be a great asset if she would just apply herself.

"Yes...and while you visit the north, I think Truth should visit the south. I've heard a rumor that Agua Azul and Akiiki Chibale have set aside their rivalry and become allies. I must wonder if they won't become allied against us here now that they are not at one another's throats. Akiiki Chibale has continued to send tribute, but the arrangement with Agua Azul must be made if there is a new alpha." He thought of Twist and her ambition, she was been violent, but unable to control her pack. He wondered at what kind of alphas had replaced her, and how willing they would be to cooperate.

"Do you think Truth could handle such a task? Normally it would be one of the Lord or Ladies duties...but it is close and these are after all just snippets of unconfirmed things."

She felt a bit of pride when he mentioned Truths name. She hadnt had to ask about bringing her. He had plans for her girl already. She knew she was worth something. Truth would prove herself, and if she didnt, she'd meet her mothers wrath.

"Surely they know they will meet their fate if they should turn against us. We have some of the strongest warriors in the lands. Im hoping they wouldnt be so stupid. But I agree.. I think that someone should go."
She stood a bit taller and smiled, though still not as tall as to signal her dominance over Chern. That would earn certain death.

"I know she can. She will not let you down, she will not fail."

"You have a mothers pride, it is understandable, but be objective Rumor. You don't think truth is too young? Will she be able to keep her mind focused on the task at hand and gather the information we need without engaging the packs? She is not a Lady of the Reign yet, she is going to confirm for us that the packs have ceased their war and become allied." He tilted his head as if musing, he knew he was hot tempered. The Lords and Ladies were the more diplomatic and cunning minds suited to handle the packs meetings with others.

"Our warriors are strong rumor, but sheer numbers can overwhelm event the most brilliantly trained. The body cannot withstand anything thrown at it though some can certainly handle more then others...and we have the best." He chuckled darkly and felt his muscles ripple under his fur.

She flicked her ears back at his comment, and cleared her throat. Could Truth do it? She certainly hoped so. Deep down she was a bit worried, but could she didnt think that was something that she be mentioned to her Goblin King. She didnt want to ruin Truths chances. She had faith in her girl.
"I may have a mothers pride but that girl has her mothers drive. If shes anything like me, she knows better than to fail you." She said with a little grin.

"No. Maybe not. I guess youre right. But I still thing we have a fighting chance. Hopefully she confirms these are all just rumors. Lies that others make up in order to send others into a frenzy."

"I wonder how those two could have achieved peace...obviously one of the alphas lost control of their pack. Akiiki Chibale has continued to send tribute however so all appears normal on that front." He was almost certain the issue lay with Agua Azul, the seaside pack had always been heaving with turmoil and unrest.

"If she has your drive Rumor then she'll come back with all the information I need and none of our neighboring packs the wiser for it. Call for her...I'll ask her myself to run this little errand."

She grinned, raising her muzzle to the sky and howling into the sky. Sure the trees were likely going to make it a bit harder to hear her call. But Truth needed to hone her skills. And she was good at hearing her mothers call. Once her eerie call was over, she lowered her maw and grinned at Chern.

It wasnt a few minutes into waiting before she felt someone appraching through the vibrations in the earth. She knew it was likely Truth, she was running as quick as she could. A few more minutes later, and the orange wolfess was standing in the shadows, emerging from the shadows. She bowed her head in greeting to Chern, and smiled at her mother.
"You called, Mother?" She asked.

"You're voice is as lovely as your mother's Rumor..." Chernabog grinned at his beta, his flirtations it seemed never ceased though with his betas so perfectly mated and matched it was just harmless teasing.

"Ah Truth, your mother and I were just discussing you..." He eyed the female, grown but still youthful. She was tried only by the pack not yet honed and tested by the rest of the wide world.

Rumor smiled, giving him a little wink. Her Goblin King was a bit of a flirt when it came to her, but she knew he would never stray from his Queen. Despite everything that happened, she still felt that Mog was his one and only. She knew it meant nothing, and was all in good fun.
"Thank you. Ill sing for you any time." She chuckled, and her eyes landed on her daughter. With a different kind of smile on her maw than the one she had given Chern she welcomed her daughter.
"My daughter."

Truth looked at the Goblin King, and approached with her tail lowered. Her head was a bit lower than Rumors as well, as she wanted to make sure she did not offend. That was the last thing you do to the king of your pack.
"Were you, Sire? Thats a pleasure to hear." She said.
"What about, might I ask?" She had met his son once, and she was still in hopes that she would be able to reel him in for herself.

"We were just wondering how well suited you might be to head south alone...for some information gathering. Your mother seems to think your capable. I question if your youth won't cause you to be distracted, this is focused work." He was blunt with her because he needed to know how she would handle it. Was she emotional in her choices or could she keep as calm and confident as her mother under pressure?

"There is a rumor of peace between Agua Azul and Akiiki Chibale, we need to know if a truce has been formed. If a truce has been formed, we need to know who the new alpha's are. I could send in one of the Lord or Ladies, however I prefer to send them in with prior knowledge not stumbling in the dark."

Truth perked, looking into her Alphas eyes. He was trusting her with such a task? Oh she knew mother was just beaming with pride as this was sort of what she had been working for. Just to be shown she could do what she needed. Which, sure.. she'd have to leave court for a few days, she could get over a few nights of such things.
"It would be an honor to do that for you sir. I can do it, you've done well to listen to my mother." She knew she couldnt fail. She wouldnt let them see her, and she'd be just as sly as Static.

"Very well Truth...you will go south and recover the necessary information. Do not fail your mother, do not fail me." He gazed at her his eyes gleaming red in the shadows. "Go...now we need this quickly..."

He turned back to Rumor with a smirk and tipped his muzzle excusing her as well though her journey would take her north. He was confident in both Truth and Rumor though for different reasons. He stood and turned heading back to his dark den later would bring practice sparring with his warriors.