Willow Ridge war rages within - Printable Version

don't need reason

Morganna Archer

don't need rhyme

When the white wolf got down her snapping ceased, although the fur along her spine remained flared in a threatening display. Skoll’s movements were measured and watched with suspicion. His stance may have been intimidating but the pig-headed princess was not cowed, daring to meet his eyes with an unspoken try me. Had he done more than flash his teeth, if his tail had flagged a challenge she might have turned her displeasure toward her sibling, but there was something so off in the way he held back - his whine that softened her posture.

She stepped back, out of ‘their’ space as her brother spoke - her eyes snapping back to him with disbelief as he declared the outcome an accident and the pull of her lips into a sneer promised it was not a declaration that would soon be forgotten. Regardless of her opinions it would seem she was about to become an Aunt and she would just have to suck that up, whether the offenders remained among their ranks or not.

As their mother retorted she took measured steps back to her position between Elettra and Renier, an apologetic smile offered to Greer whose face seemed to slip between confusion and realisation. Surely it was a hard lesson for one so young to learn but better now than later. Her mothers decision to allow them to remain among the pack left the girl with conflicted emotions, relief that her sibling would not be cast from her side - but also resentment that once again her workload would increase through the fault of others. At the finality of the word lowest she averted her gaze, wondering if they would not have been better off out there. But it wasn’t her call to make and she would uphold her mothers law until her own time came.

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How Elettra's words stung and burned! She called him out, calling him weak in front of the whole pack, and to that he openly scowled at her. All the perfectly assembled insults and even his armory of cheap shots were held captive on his tongue. "Are you out of your fucking mind?" she continued in her rage, "How could you do this to me, to your pack, to Piety? You risk your new brothers lives, your first litters lives, by the competition for food Winter will bring. How could you be so selfish?" Anyone could have called Sköll anything and he wouldn't have minded, coming from his mother, whom he allowed to get away with anything, one would think that even she would have been dismissed from his own brand of ire. To label the young Archer selfish, however, was something no one, in his book, was allowed to do. It wounded him.

"I am NOT selfish!" he shot back, standing at full height now but not moving from where he stood. "YOU are selfish, Mother! So self-seeking. You should--" He was immediately cut off as she recovered herself and to her instruction that he and Piety would fend for themselves, he snorted in compliance, even as his demotion figuratively knocked the silver crown from atop his black-furred head. Being Lowest, taking the fall for both his significant other and their unborn children, was something he could take. If anything, it was better than being exiled and thrown out for the crows.

Upon being dismissed, Sköll stared hard at Morganna, Angier, and Elettra, even Greer who sat like a shadow by his parents. Then, as was characteristic of him, he attempted to make certain that he had the last word in the matter, "As you wish, Your Grace..." He even went so far as to give the matriarch a curt nod of his head before nudging Piety in the shoulder with his nose. Get up, his touch conveyed with so much as a restrained grumble. We're done here.

As was gentleman-like, he waited for his beloved to get up, then after making sure she was all right to walk, he escorted her away from the little meeting. Whatever else Elettra had to say, apparently had little else to do with Sköll and his little family and he was glad to leave it at that. Once he had walked with her out of earshot of the pack, he dared to let out a little sigh then slowed his steps just enough so that he could tenderly place a small 'kiss' upon her muzzle and bump his nose to hers in a silent apology. He could have done so much better. He could have shone them all, without much effort, that Piety was just as queenly as Morganna or Elettra... that she was very much his equal in title. But, now, as it stood, the least he had done was make it so that she was a higher in rank than him.

"We're going to be okay," he said once he had brought Piety back to the thicket where he had tried to hide her time and time again. "They've made a mistake, they'll see. They'll pay for it all soon enough."

For a short while he stood at the entrance to the leafy hideaway, wondering if he ought to spend the rest of the afternoon with her, resting with his ear to her belly while he slept. He moved to step inside but froze and took a step backward. "I'll see you tonight," he said stiffly. One more gentle kiss to her temple and he excused himself, heading to the west with an unsteady gait. His ears flattened and he did not dare to look back. As her mate, he would come for her at nightfall as if nothing had happened; he would hunt, scavenge and visit with her for as long as she pleased; but, as the Lowest of Willow Ridge, he had no business meddling in the affairs of someone who was superior to him in rank. In his eyes, he had already failed.

He stumbled back under the canopy of his willow and into the small sinkhole of a den that served as his resting place. Curling up between the roots, he covered his nose with the tip of his tail, grimacing to himself and helpless to the onslaught of thoughts that kept slumber at bay. Sköll Archer was a disappointment of a prince.

(Skoll exit.)

The tension between mother and son escalated to the point where Elettra eventually overrode him with her verdict and ultimate decision on the matter. Both Sköll and Piety were ordered to fend for themselves, that they were not to feed from any of the pack caches, and they were to continually hunt for the pack on top of it all. Angier gave a growl as if to back her up on Sköll's demotion and "punishment." Fair enough. He frowned as his step-son offered one more snide word on the matter, watching as Sköll escorted Piety away from them.

As the dark lady began again, to relay the rest of the announcements, the Lyall cast a rather grateful smile to Greer, the only one of their sons who had remained, then strode forward to where Sköll and Piety had once stood before Morganna. He glared through the trees, his head, ears, and tail held high as if to ensure that the couple would not return and that the Trickster would not stick around to eavesdrop.

It seemed all was clear though and, while Elettra continued to firmly instruct that forging bonds with Whisper Caverns and Secret Woodlands was something everyone ought to take advantage of hunting in larger groups, he pulled his gaze back towards the pack. To his side, he gently gave a heartening nudge to Morganna, wanting nothing more than to let her know that she had done what she had needed to do - that she had not been at fault in any way.

Then came the news of Rook, about Cut Rock River, and the threat they posed. Angier's fur stood on end; it had taken a while but soon enough the lines connected and it occurred to him that the culprit, Rook was indeed his nephew. Things were to be as they were then when he and Borden were growing up... The bond they had once held within Grizzly Hollow long ago no longer honored or worth anything once their boys - Rook and Sköll - had squared off.

"An' if ya think 'e 'as come to th'borders, ya call fer me," he added, "especially if Sköll 'appens ta beat ya there. They've exchanged blows before an' I'm sure they'd do it again. They're unpredictable an', as much as it is yer duty to guard and protect the pack, we would rather not 'ave ya place yerselves in danger." He gave a hard stare to Renier as if it would instill in the boy the confirmation that he would not try to intervene again. Returning his attention back to the rest of the small gathering, he smiled to his paramour, "Elettra an' I are pleased to announce that we'll be expecting new cubs before Spring's end; an' we would like for you all ta be there when they're ready to meet the rest o' th'fam'ly."

The news of their allies was new to Nicolò and he would make sure to keep it in mind for a later date. Perhaps these other packs would also be able to give him some information that Willow Ridge did not know about with the rest of the lands. The story teller was excellent at relaying information and would not mind finding out a thing or two from their allies. However, his mind did not wander to that trip as drama continued to unfold in front of the pack’s eyes. Archers had, in a way, always been one for the dramatics, and as the family debacle continued to unfold Nico could not help but make himself comfortable as he continued to listen to what had happened. His pale eyes were trained on Sköll as his sin was made known to the entirety of those present in the pack. His dark form remained close to his sister, only paying attention when he most needed to. The news of another betrayal made his blood boil but he knew that as a family of mostly Archers, it would be taken care of.

For the first time, it seemed, since the meeting had started, Angier finally spoke up. He spoke of what they should do in the case that one of them would encounter the said betrayer but it seemed that through this time, he would want to end with a positive note. With the news of children, Nicolò’s ears pricked forward, interested in what other information would be given to them. Meeting the children had always been something that Nico had enjoyed doing. It gave him a reason to get involved in the children’s lives early on. Hopefully, this would be good for the pack, in an effort to reunify the balance. Gently, he nudged Adele’s shoulder, his eyes meeting hers in silent communication. They had found their home finally and they would be able to settle.

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don't need reason

Morganna Archer

don't need rhyme

She watched her brother closely, with a stony face, breathing an internal sigh of relief when his arguing was cut short. She was even slightly relieved that he would only suffer a demotion, there was still some childish part of her that needed him in the same way she still longed for Asriel - but could things ever be the way they had been?

She was pulled from her musings as her mother passed on the rest of the information they had been gathered to hear. Enoki was welcome should she return, a prospect Morganna looked forward to (she would always appreciate a wolf that pulled their weight). Deacon had knowingly taken to wandering, Titan had crawled back home she could only assume and Sorya had returned to Torbine. However the confirmation of Castiel’s disappearance pricked at her skin like a burr. Xetor didn’t phase her so much based on his age and foul temper alone but perhaps Castiel could be found with Deacon - or perhaps he would have some word of a direction he might have travelled. When time allowed perhaps she would go in search of the information.

Confirmation of hunting grounds was offered to those who may not be so familiar with them and mentioning of allies and enemies was established, the naming of Rook causing her lip to lift momentarily leaving no question of her opinion of the young wolf. When the reins were handed over she turned her attention to Angier, beaming at the mention of more puppies to come. Although she would contain her excitement and assume they would all be boys again it was happy news that Skoll’s ‘accidents’ wouldn’t be the only ones eating all their food come winter.

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The chocolate woman watched the scene before her play out with a weary gaze. Her sister wasn't one to mince words and she quickly put her sinner of a son into his rightful place. Adele was a compassionate woman, but even though she felt sympathetic towards the young couple, Elettra spoke truth. He had not thought of the pack when he had gone through with his little tryst, and now he had to suffer the consequences. It was only right. Skoll took his leave, taking his pregnant mate with him and Adele could finally relax as the tension in the air eased. Her attention was on her sister as she relayed news to the pack, and as she spoke of Enoki, Adele couldn't help but feel a little sad. She had seen the fellow huntress around the territory, and had even seen her among some of own hunting trips, but she had never approached the lady. When she came back, it would be time to change that. It would be good for Adele to have a female friend that wasn't blood related.

Elettra finished her speal, and Adele took it all in stride. Nicolò was the one who always had a gift with information and words in general, but Adele would keep all this information at the forefront of her mind. It would more than likely prove to be important in the future. Angier, her sister's mate, spoke up and mentioned that the Ridge leaders had been blessed with a litter of their own and Adele couldn't quite contain the smile that threatened to break free completely, nor the warm twinkle in her gaze. She felt the touch of her brother and she immediately turned her attention towards the taller male. No words needed to be said, for Adele completely understood. They had perfected the art of silent communication after spending so much time with each other over the years. Yes, they had found their home and Adele's wanderlust had been sated. Nico was here, her family was here, and new nieces and nephews were on their way. Her tail brushed gently against his as she turned her attention back to her sister and the king. While waiting for dismissal, Adele cherished the contentment within her now. Yes, there was discord in the pack that would one day reach it's peak, but she pushed that thought away. For now, the huntress would gladly take the happiness life was gifting her with, before the darkness came and decided to wreak havoc over the Ridge.

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Life will come our way, it's only just begun

It wasn't until others arrived he realized the change within Morganna, and apparently the pack ranks. The urge to look upon her again came, but he did not. Angier was the one who caught his attention, and the rogue gave a respectful nod, happy to see his Uncle amongst them. Though he found himself musing if all Lyall men made matches with such strong woman. Thinking of Morganna only further set his pondering.

With more to come, Elettra began, leaving little room for doubt of what this meeting was about. Not that Skoll and Piety's actions surprised him. He felt a little empathetic for the pair, and yet the recklessness did not sit well. It reminded him too much of when Rook left.

Ren was soon staring after Morganna. Just like that the dark, fiery lady at his side was upon Piety. Her brother coming to his mate's protection. Ren, rose than, ready should blood mean nothing. They certainly was something different about the dark and silver male today.The word Skoll had used, an accident, was what made the Lyall bristle. He caught the growl in his throat, not wishing to ignite any more. For now he felt the need to take direction from his Uncle, he was the leader of the Ridge too.

Elettra swiftly gave them their verdict, and he only waited to see if it should hold. Skoll seemed to be ready to argue, but perhaps seemed to realize for the first time how terrible it would have been. With Morganna back by his side, and the lowest leaving he felt his tense muscles loosen. Listening to the other important news of the pack. It was the look that Angier gave him he deeply took note of. The feeling that came he repressed with many others. He was not sure what he would do in the end if that happened and he didn't want to think about it. It was the news he would have more cousins he tried to pay attention to. Sadly, all he could think of was his parents, his siblings.

The large, tawny Leader did his best to smile upon relaying the news of new puppies but had trouble keeping it upon his silvered face. It was good news, yes, but in light of his step-son's disobedience and how all of that had unfolded, it had done nothing but make the family much more tense and reclusive. His own family had been torn apart by his brother so many years ago; he would not let Skoll ruin this one, the one he had with El'. Upon seeing his mate take her leave, he did the same, offering a small bob of his head as to dismiss all who were still gathered. They could continue on or remain, whichever suited them. He, on the other hand, was going to join her. Skoll and Piety were not going to cause anymore trouble - especially not after such a thing as a public demotion - and he was certain they would all be left alone.

He stretched his forelimbs as he walked, following his beloved Queen step for step but not without casting @Morganna one last appreciative nod. If anything, he supposed he and Elettra could count on her to help with the new cubs. When she settled, he did the same, sprawling out behind her so that she could lean against him if she wanted to be fully comfortable on her side. Their next litter would be here soon and, now that Elettra's wayward middle-born had been properly dealt with, there was nothing else to do apart from waiting and looking forward to what the summer months might bring in the wake of it all.

(Fade.)