Phineas had failed his family completely – not just the children from his second mateship, but Aponi and Kyna as well. To repair the damage was questionable in its possibilities – Aponi and Celandine hated him, Kyna feared him, Takis remained indifferent and Hypatia had swept away from the lands. His heart bled for his eldest daughter – worried for her, and yet unable to leave his home to truly seek her out. He had little doubt that she wanted to be found by him.


Celandine was scarce as well.. avoiding him with an expertise that surprised him. Her crown was threatened surely – especially with Aponi’s intent to challenge Aesire. He himself was uncertain of what to do as the situation unfolded – all he knew was that life had not only become lonely, it had become exhausting.


With a rabbit in his jaws, the ivory man skirted around the den site Aponi often favored for Kyna. He did not poke his muzzle in, knowing the tawny girl was frightened of him.. and despite his rank, he held no authority to be so obtrusive upon their lives. Instead, he waited for the silver woman to come out.. they would need to discuss a few things, and he did not want to put it off much longer.


Dropping the rabbit to his paws, Phineas settled back upon his haunches. He was aged – and yet still in his prime, for the most part. Seven years was nothing to scorn – and he held no doubt he would maintain his rank for at least another year or two. But what would that mean for him and the silver female who so desired to rank at the top as well?

Whatever outward caution was shown by the lissome she-wolf, Phineas only assumed it to be a hesitance at his presence.. and a protectiveness over their daughter. The ivory wolf gave an idle flick of his tail, his own form lifting naturally to reinstate his dominance, though only in a manner of caution should she attempt to disprove of him once more.

 
One era would flick toward her voice, and his bright eyes drifted over her wi8th a feeling of apprehension. “Is Kyna alright?” His daughter was nowhere to be seen for the moment – and he remained oblivious that she made friends with Maeve.. something he wouldn’t have felt comfortable over, given he and Aesire’s tense relationship.

 
The question was spoken and his gaze directed back to the den entrance, as if waiting for the tawny girl to appear. She was growing like a weed, and would still have nothing to do with him – none of his remaining children would. Each day the Argyris man further pulled in to himself, as if the resounding silence would somehow settle his thoughts and he would be able to make sense of it all. He would not.

 
Taking a tentative step toward Aponi, the man’s brows furrowed, considering greeting her with a quick nudge to her cheek in mild affection. Uncertain to whether the advance would be welcomed, he refrained from doing so – whatever intrigue she had held in him prior to their mating had quickly dissipated when he had asked but one question: the legitimacy of their daughter, who, as he watched her grow, held no doubt now that she was truly his.

 
It would seem no attempt he made would fix the mistake of his running mouth.


But what escalated before him was far worse than his own problems. His eyes flashed toward the silver she-wolf, her upset at her fight with Aesire, and how the pale leader had slipped back off on of the heights -- falling to her demise. Not once did the man consider it had been no accident, and after he ushered her in to her den, her emotions raw, he encouraged her to sleep, while he made his way toward the body of the fallen leader.

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