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 Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 12:56 am
 Rorret was running a risky gambit.
He recognized this, of course. He was not a stupid wolf. Far from it -- he was entirely too smart for his own good, which was a primary reason he had landed in this position to begin with.
Nevertheless, the weight of the news he carried was greater than the less-than-proper way it had been gathered. He would just have to lie about some of the details. He'd just tell them that he had wandered into Antianeira lands in search of fresh pups to steal. That was true enough. He would just leave out that the pups in question would share a portion of his own DNA.
But in truth, none of that mattered -- because there was something much more relevant: the whereabouts of their precious god-alpha.
Rorret himself had never met Danel, of course. He had only vague memories of Rummy. But most of his life had been spent in the chaotic time of transition, a time marked by a scattering of the pack and general anarchy. A miracle, really, that the pack hadn't torn itself apart.
But not completely unexpected. They were superior to other wolves, after all, and most still believed entirely in Danel's power as alpha -- even from a distance. Also, most were so indoctrinated to care for each other as brothers that the idea of internal strife never crossed most of their minds.
Where would these wolves go, if not in the Brotherhood? What other pack could possibly take them? They belonged nowhere else.
That was Rorret's opinion on the topic, anyway.
And so it seemed only right to let two of the most loyal members of the pack in on the knowledge he himself had stumbled upon.
He sat back on his haunches, waiting for the gammas to approach the meeting place he had designated. It was far into the heart of the swamp, removed from the dens by a muddy expanse of thick grass and low, twisted cypress. The locale was a bit dramatic, perhaps, but he wanted no one to overhear that he had not invited.
Some things were best released slowly, and to trustworthy sources. Why not the beta, then? Well...Rorret sensed that Dustiel was every bit the duplicitous player that he himself was. No, what he needed were wolves who would act swiftly and appropriately with the knowledge given.
In short, what he needed were Zolis and Arkadios -- the two self-appointed guardians of the pack.
And so he had sent word to them both to meet, and he hoped that they would come.
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Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 8:24 am
 Xihuitl wandered through the pack lands, weaving in and out as his cloak shuddered around his shoulders. Why had Rorret called this meeting? There was so much to be doing with danel gone and so many of hte pack not following Rummy like a god.
It wasn't right, all this anger towards eachother, they were stronger together than apart. He could remember the older days when they all hunted and cared for eachother. When they didn't get at eachother's throats about who was the rightful alpha. The starry male shook his head and cntinued on towards the swamp.
He spotted the omega right away with his light colored coat and the green scarf he always had wrapped around him. He appeared out of the shadows and stood infront of the wolf he had taught so much as a pup. Truth he held a certain soft spot for this pup.
"Rorret, what is the meaning of this?"
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Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:21 pm
 Arkadios slipped through the pack-lands as silently as any warrior worth his meat. Though he had been tending to pack matters, Rorret’s request had piqued his interest. What could the clever, young omega want of him? He would have come regardless, but the fact that it was this wolf in particular had him especially curious. The Traitor’s son.
Thus far, Dios had had no reason to distrust him, but that did not mean that he could disregard the possibility. This wolf was so very intelligent, after all, and intelligence combined with ambition could breed discontent. Certainly, this was not the only wolf Dios had his eye on, though of them all, he was fairly certain that Rorret was not actually a traitor in the making.
Nonetheless, the more he knew about each of his brothers, the better. Given the secluded and clandestine nature of this meeting, Dios was certain that this meeting would be most illuminating. Ah. And there they were, now.
“Greetings, brothers,” he said. “Why have we gathered thus?”
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Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 6:29 pm
Rorret opened his maw to speak to Xihuitl -- to tell him to be patient, in fact -- when Dios arrived. His mismatched eyes slid over to the other, and a slight smile touched his maw. Both so business-like. Both so intrigued. Well, good. He had hoped they would be curious.
"Sorry for the secrecy routine," he said, but couldn't help but smirk -- when were the Brothers ever anything but secretive? "But I don't want this getting out, in case nothing comes of it. These are dangerous times, and rumors all the more so."
Danger. Regnad. His ear flicked. She was gone, a ghost from his past. Why did he still think of her, sometimes? Foolish, childish games his mind would sometimes play.
He continued. He spoke like an equal, but held himself in a posture more befitting his rank -- a pose of supplication. "To be brief, as your time is valuable. I...there is a fox, who I have taken as an ally. An extra set of eyes, if you will, beyond where mine will reach. And he has told me something I think you will both be interested to know.
In truth, Jasper had told him nothing: this bit of information he had gleaned himself. But better to lay the news on the fox, who had a much better excuse than he for roving about all over the countryside. "Danel lives, and his location is known."
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Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 8:18 pm
Green-yellow eyes slide over to his brother, Dio. He nodded having trusted this brother for a long time. They has grown up together as the rest of them had. He looked to his omega brother as he talked.
This all seemed rather wierd, normally Rorret followed orders and would report to the now alpha Rummy. But normally it trickled down to them. But when he heard of this new fox Xihuitl stepped forward. "Rorret, you know the consequences of telling outsiders about the pack." He said and narrowed his eyes, figuring that he of all would know to be loyal and keep his maw shut. "How much does this Fox know?" He asked but Rorret continued anyways.
The last comment shocked him more than he thought. Danel lives? "Impossible, he has been so long. If possible why could he not return to us?" He said and glanced to Dio. How should this be handled? The pack would be angered, and some followed Rummy not without fault, and others were completly loyal to Danel.
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Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 9:18 pm
Dio returned Xihuitl’s nod and then focused on Rorret. The omega’s change in sentence structure had not escaped him, for such a slip-up was rare for him, but that was something to ponder another time. There was more interesting news. He had taken a fox as an ally? That was a risk. A dangerous risk that Dios did not appreciate. However, it would not be the first time a brother had befriended another animal, though the occurrence was exceedingly rare.
“I trust you are using caution with your new ally,” he said, his voice measured and grave, “Because if I learn otherwise, I will take care of the problem myself.” The implications of his promise were, of course, quite obvious. He would tolerate no threats to the pack. However, Rorret was not done. There was a last bit of news. News which made Dio’s heart stop for a moment before a certain gleam entered his eyes and a fierce grin spread across his maw, hidden beneath his mask.
Danel had been found at last.
“Where is he?” Of course, Arkadios had never doubted that his God-Alpha had lived, nor had he questioned his prolonged absence. He had faith in Danel, like he had in no other wolf. Still, news that he had resurfaced was most welcome. The Brotherhood needed its alpha. It was time for Danel to come home.
The whole matter would have to be handled carefully, though. It would not be wise to allow the pack to tear itself to pieces in an internal conflict. It was a sad fact, but though Dio and many others were still loyal to Danel, some of their younger brothers and some of weaker will or faith had given their loyalty to Rummy. They were foolish, of course, to put their faith in a weak pretender like Rummy, but even fools could be dangerous. He glanced at Xihuitl.
Yes. This matter would require utmost care.
“You did well to tell only us.”
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Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 11:13 pm
Rorret's ear flicked in mild agitation. "Never mind about the fox," he said, mildly, working to keep any hint of annoyance from his voice. When he continued, his tone was grim. "He is loyal. He has nothing to gain from disobedience, and quite a lot to lose."
He looked from one wolf to the other, his expression serious, mismatched eyes blazing. He sat lightly on his haunches, as though he would left off and run at any moment. "It is a matter requiring some discretion, and I could think of no other wolves I could trust with the news." Rorret had chosen these wolves, specifically, because of their loyalty to the Brotherhood -- not just to the alpha, but the ideal it embodied. Besides, he had known Xihuitl almost intimately since his puphood. "The news is larger than my station," he continued, and though this was technically fact, it felt like a lie. Rorret -- who had chosen to live amongst the omegas consciously, when he could have taken a higher rank quite easily -- considered himself quite capable.
He sighed. "I never met Danel, nor many of those who were loyal to him. I did meet Rummy, briefly, as a pup. But that was a long time ago, and he -- along with those he held near -- are gone. I don't know where. But...if Danel still lives...the way I have heard him spoken of...I should think it was advantageous to seek him out." He glanced from wolf to wolf, tension creeping through him. He hoped they were listen to the content of his words, rather than judging them based on his station in the pack.
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 4:27 pm
Xihuitl looked to his gamma brother and sighed. "Very well the fox shall be your charge, but if word gets out we expect you to deal with it." He said and pushed his hood off shifting his gaze to the omega.
"As for our past leader, this may cause problems. Many in the pack have never known Danel only Rummy and believe he is our true God. It could cause a rip in the pack." He started and thought how they could not afford to be divided. "Will Rummy stand down should he ever return? I would think not, but i will see that this pack stays together." Flattening his ears against his head he looked towards the sky and continued to determin the best way to go about this.
"Rorret, do not speak a word of this to any other brother. They will not see you as we do, but looked that you've let another know about us. Considering your. . . well family." He said the last words softly and looked to his brother Dio. "What do you believe we should do? Why wouldn't Danel return to us if able? Perhaps there is a problem."
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 4:42 pm
"The fox tells me that Danel was asking after a green wolf, with great intensity," Rorret said, butting in before Arkadios had a chance to respond. He was glad to be off the topic of the damn fox. Xihuitl was kind and loyal, but not so keen on The Big Picture as Rorret was. Rorret was most certainly an End Justifes The Means type of wolf, and he hoped that Dios might share that -- or else this whole discussion would quickly dissolve in a direction he did not intend. And that would be most unpleasant.
"In other words -- the traitor." He would not say his name, nor -- gods help him -- call him his father. He had to marvel, though, at Rotiart's power: he had managed to nearly tear apart an ancient pack through words alone. Rumors of the pack's existence may have leaked out into the world, but that threat was not nearly as damaging as the alpha's -- two alphas, now -- insistence on hunting him. That obsession had led two leaders now to disappear, and though one had resurfaced...well, it seemed likely to Rorret that he would not be returning until the unfinished business was resolved.
He lifted his eyes up to Dios, hoping that the other wolf would recognize this and explain it, as he was already dangerously close to overstepping every possible rank boundary he could.
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Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 1:45 pm
“There you have it,” Dios said. “Our God-Alpha has yet to return because he is still hunting the Traitor.” Dio considered the situation: the past, the chaos, what he knew of those who have been gone, the potential ramifications for the future. It did not paint a pretty picture. However, it must be done. They could not go on as they had been. Not for very much longer. The pack was beginning to heal, but if they did not have their God-Alpha, it would not last. They needed Danel. For all of his arrogance, Dio knew in his very bones that Rummy was not strong enough to lead them. Not really. He had done well enough for a time, in Danel’s absence, but of the two, only one was worthy of being called a god. But what to do about it all…
“But no matter how important it is to eliminate the threat that the Traitor poses, it is more important that our pack remain strong. For that, we need our God-Alpha,” he explained. This next bit pained him to admit, but he believed it to be true. “Unfortunately, Danel does not realize how his absence has affected us. I do not believe that he will return until he sees the Traitor dead, for he believes that this is the greatest priority for the pack. However, there is no telling how much longer that will be.” Arkadios sighed, not liking his options.
“We could send someone after him to explain the situation here to him. I know many have tried before and failed or gone missing, but now we know where he is,” he glanced at Rorret. “We might be successful this time.” He normally thought that so many of their brothers going off chasing one thing or another was foolish, but this time they would have a concrete destination. A fresh path to follow. Still, he was loathe to weaken their ranks again, by so much as one more brother.
“There is also the option of appointing another temporary leader,” he said, though he hated that option even more. “But it would only be a temporary solution. I cannot think of any of our brothers who have what it really takes to lead us for more than a short time and it is probably better that no one grow too accustomed to absolute control of the Shadowclan.” And he had seen how Rummy had turned out. That wolf had been far too intoxicated by the power of playing at God-Alpha. He would not like to see another of his brothers become so corrupted.
“I do not like our options. The pack is already volatile enough without having Danel return without the Traitor’s head. But we need him back.” It was a truly sad thing that so many of them had lost faith in Danel. Or had never even known him. It complicated matters. There should be joy at Danel’s return, not hostility, but Dios was realistic enough to know that not all of his brothers shared his faith in Danel.
“Perhaps we should get a feel for our brothers’ thoughts on the matter before we decide exactly how to proceed. See how they would react to certain events. In the meantime, we might try to sway their sentiments towards Danel. At least he has been located, whereas Rummy has completely disappeared.” And good riddance.
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Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 9:59 am
Xihuitl shook his head, "Another alpha would only cause more of a divide. I agree we must send a messanger to Danel. Even if the others do not follow his orders they will when they see that he is stronger than Rummy and can make this pack great again." He said and sat down.
"Even without the Traitors head he will be welcomed back. How could he chose between his pack and the death of one wolf? Who may already gotten what he deserved. And Rummy is still out there scearching for him." He stated and looked over to his brother, this was a tricky situtation. It could end badly, but it had to be done, they needed their true alpha and this was the only way.
"Who shall go though? I'm sorry Rorret but Danel does not know you and it is unlikely he will listen." He looked to Dio, it had to be one of them. Dio was he better fighter and if something happened he needed to be here to defend the pack. "I will go if it is agreeded upon. The pack needs one of us here."
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Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 10:48 pm
Arkadios was relieved that Xihuitl agreed with him. He would truly hate to see another new alpha cause damage to the pack. He was also probably right that their brothers would see reason once Danel returned. Perhaps he was only a name and a ghost to so many of them right now, but meeting him in the flesh was an entirely different experience. There was something unique and compelling about him. Something that radiated dominance and demanded obedience. Danel was God-Alpha.
Hopefully Xihuitl was correct and Danel would see reason; and from a practical perspective, it made perfect sense for his brother to be the one to seek out the god. At the same time, part of Dio desperately wanted to be the one who found Danel. The one who got to see him a little bit sooner. The one who spoke to him and reasoned with him. Yes. Dios missed the great, crimson wolf. But above all, he would do his duty, for Danel and for the pack. He had not abandoned the Brotherhood throughout all of its trials and he would not start now. Not even to chase after the fresh trail of the only wolf he would ever obey. He owed his alpha at least that much. After all, it was Danel who had found him and Danel who had welcomed him into his fold. For that, Dios would protect his brothers even when he would rather follow his alpha.
The pack needed his strength. Danel had done well enough without it. So, he would continue to be patient, as he had been. He would wait a while longer and allow his brother to seek their alpha and use his storyteller’s tongue to persuade Danel to return. Meanwhile, he would keep guarding the rest of his brothers.
“Very well,” he agreed. “That sounds like the best plan of action for now.” He would rather not consider what would happen if Danel refused to return. They would deal with that if it came to it.
“Rorret, tell Xihuitl everything you know about Danel’s last known location. It is important that he catch up to him soon, or else we will lose his trail again.” He paused and considered the omega, who seemed to have a lot going on in his head at the moment.
“You might as well speak your mind,” he added. “Before we put our plans into motion. You are an intelligent wolf. Between us, at least, in this seclusion, do not let the restraints of rank hold your tongue.” Dio glanced at Xihuitl and back to Rorret. “We would be interested in your opinion.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 1:20 am
Rorret remained silent as the Brothers discussed matters amongst themselves, his mismatched eyes flicking from one to the other in turn. A slight smile played upon his maw, but otherwise, he did not move or speak.
He took a moment to collect his thoughts.
"Many wolves have disappeared in search of the Traitor," he said, finally. "And perhaps followed Rummy to their death, for all we know." David, he thought, remembering the wolf who had been with Satoru when he was first discovered -- he was gone. As was his brother Niccolo. And others, so many others. "I...wonder if the search for him has not caused us more harm than his flapping tongue ever could."
Ahh, but the search for Rotiart was addictive. He knew that better than anyone: he, who since he first learned the secret of their relationship, had suspected that his father had left a great and powerful legacy behind, a supremely complicated puzzle for Rorret to solve. If there was any wolf in the pack who wanted to find Rotiart more than Danel, it was Rorret....although the goals may differ.
"If Xihuitl can convince the God-Alpha to return, I think it will be easy enough to turn the loyalties of the others. If another wolf wished to be alpha, he would have stepped up by now." But not even the heir wanted it, Rorret thought -- though perhaps Fallyn had always been that way. He considered for a moment before continuing. "There...may be an anxiety, that the position is...cursed. As fortification against usurpers. That....may be a helpful superstition to encourage."
The ends justify the means. It would never be any other way in Rorret's mind.
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Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 3:26 pm
"Thank you brothers i will not fail you, i have met with the alpha a few times and believe he will listen to me. . . At least if i bring up the state of the pack." He knew their alpha loved them as brothers, as if they were of the same litter.
Xihuitl looked to his small omega son and raised a brow, something was cooking under that fur. He wondered what it was, but decided it was best not to call it out just yet. "Very well so its settled, i shall depart as soon as possible. Rorret you must tell me everything." He said hoping that his brother would not lead him astray. It was high time he stepped up for his pack once again, having laied in the shadows so long was a waste of his talents. Also imagine the stories he could tell to he pups about all their vallant efforts to bring back the alpha.
"I would not worry about the curse, Danel is the true and only alpha that should be followed. He has always been the strongest and most powerful of us all."
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Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 4:09 pm
Dios considered Rorret’s suggestion. It would certainly be useful to have a deterrent against possible usurpers, though he could also see that particular course of action backfiring. What would happen after Danel returned and eventually died? Of a certainty, that was a ways off, yet, but even the God-Alpha was mortal. It would happen eventually. Then again, that was far enough in the future that there would be ways to diffuse the superstition by then, or to add to it. Yes. That little rumor might be just what they needed. Danel is the true God-Alpha and any who try to take his place will be cursed. When he returns, all will be well. It would do, for now.
“It is settled, then,” he said. “You will find Danel for us and Rorret and I will deal with matters here, by whatever means necessary.”
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