Kingsfall At the Gates of Babylon

He struggled to compose himself once more, his brows pinching together as he attempted to calm his breathing. She was safe—she had to be. Lachesis refused to believe anything else. She had gone in search of her brother but found herself, and a place where she belonged. The pale Stark was a smart girl; the father was confident that she had not succumbed to her surroundings or the wolves around her. She had forged her own story, just like her brother had.

A’… A’m sorry. The ghost shook his head softly, his chartreuse gaze seeking out his son’s golden pools despite Kyrios’ persistence to avert his gaze. It’s okay, he responded, his voice more composed than it had been before. I don’t think she’s lost. No—not his Atropos. She found her way. Just like you did. He attempted a soft, lop-sided smile as he took a hesitant step toward his son. Kyrios did not need to apologize. Not for following his gut, or his heart. He took another step forward as his ears flattened against the back of his skull, his nose reaching forward to press against the ivory Aegina’s cheek. You don’t need to apologize. Not ever.

It was foolish to think that you could control everything, of course, Kyrios had learned that early on. But still, he’d always seen himself as the protector, the older brother responsible for looking after his sisters. That was why he got so restless staying behind in comfort, when Bennet left for a life of danger and uncertainty. He had to follow, to look after her. And in all his time searching, he’d only gotten more convinced of this purpose.

So Lachesis’ words, though clearly meant as comfort, struck a chord in the boy’s very core; Can it be true..? Was Atropos really out there, safe and happy, adventuring and learning just as he had? He wanted it to be true, so very much, but at the same time it made him queasy. If Atty had managed to find her way, all without his help, then surely Bennet had too, already living the life she was meant to leed. But then… What about me? If he wasn’t The Mother’s appointed guardian, then what was he meant to be?

This inner turmoil no doubt visible in his eyes, the yearling met his father’s eyes uncertainly, ears twitching pathetically against his skull. The embrace couldn’t have come at a better time, a warm shiver running through his body at the touch. Smiling back shakily, Kyrios leaned his cheek into the caress, breathing in the still familiar smell to steady himself. “Thanks dad,” he said, earnestly, feeling his smile growing wider as he pulled away; “I’ll come visit ye’ in th’new place, once ye’ve settled in.” He might not know exactly where to go now, but at least he wasn’t alone.

Word Count: 277

Thoughts "Speech"

Skudde-Textures @DA

Choosing to believe that Atropos was safe and alive somewhere, even if it was a bit unrealistic, was better than the alternative. Although his first litter had chosen to leave he still cared about them, and thought about them constantly. What they were doing, where they had gone, who they had become… They would always hold a special place in his heart and it filled the father with content to know that one of them had returned to the Lore. Whether the ivory youth decided to continue his life as a rogue, or chose to seek refuge in a pack, Lachesis would support him. Kyrios was alive and well—that was all that mattered.

The embrace had soothed the male’s own troubled thoughts; eliminated the fear that his first-born son resented him. His shoulders sagged in relief as he pressed his nose to his son’s cheek before the Aegina pulled away, an honest smile tugging at his handsome features. You’ll find your way too, y’know, he added with a soft wink of encouragement. You’re welcome anytime. There’s some wolves I’d like you to meet. His younger half-siblings. His sort of step-mother. The rest of the Stark family.

He gave his son an encourage bump to the shoulder before turning away into the trees. A heaviness had been lifted from him as he disappeared into the forest of Kingsfall. For the first time, in awhile, the weary leader felt content and hope.

Fade — thread complete.