Charred Ash Draw The Queen is gone

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Vaken could feel the tension in the air. It was thick and heavy, putting everyone on edge. Of course, he had expected that. Lone wolves didn't belong in pack territory, but here they were. Three of them facing the draw wolves like a line had been drawn in the dirt. They were small and wicked, sneaky looking vermin with sharp fangs and venomous eyes. They had weaselled their way into the main clearing, made themselves at home. The scruffy looking boy knew the impression they gave off. Vaken was particularly rough looking, with his knotted winter coat. He seemed more coyote than wolf, especially now. When his mentor's eyes met his, Vaken felt the impulse to look away. He fought it, his eyes burning coldly back into the man's without an explanation. There was no apology in his face, but no hatred either. He had no ill will towards Garmir. This was strictly business, and Vaken would hear his mentor out first.

When the scarred man moved towards him, Vaken microscopically tensed. They were friends. They had spent nights sleeping beside each other, shared meals and stories. The scruffy looking boy had admired Garmir, learned so much from him. They had gotten so close, became brothers. It didn't feel like it now though. Now- all the boy saw was Garmir's raised tail and the threat in his voice. Forced dominance was not something Vaken approved of, it felt like a spit in the face, a challenge. The boy did not break eye contact, maintaining his own sense of dominance. He was sitting, so he could not lift his tail, but he felt his fur start to raise. It took everything in his power to flatten it, to hear his mentor out.

Was there any loyalty in him? Of course, there always was- but at a cost. Vaken would join the pack. He'd revive it, bring his comrades. He knew he would be capable of raising the numbers, filling the cache, offering new life into the dying draw- but not as a subordinate. His intentions had always been clear. He had spoken to Garmir of his desire for leadership. He had no intention of being a right-hand man, working behind the scenes just to eat second. The idea of it made bile raise to his mouth, a grimace settling across his features. He had never wanted that from a pack, regardless of what it had to offer him.

Garmir had two wolves under him, just like Vaken. They faced each other now evenly matched, eye to eye. The boy didn't snarl or bristle his fur, he kept himself oddly calm and still. When it was time for him to speak, he gave a small nod. "You know my conditions Garmir." He lifted his head a little higher, keeping malice out of his tone, but his words were heavy. He was challenging Garmir. It wasn't a fight, but an offer. Without their help, the draw would most likely crumble. It was clear now that without the apprentice, the draw would cease to exist. "I respect you. I care for you," his eyes slowly drifted across Garmir's two subordinates with disinterest, almost pity, "but I will never work under you."

 

currently travelling with Circe (she can jump in any of his threads)

Ferreiran stood up, fur bristling along his back. He so wanted to speak, to admonish Garmir for trying to dominate them. They wouldn't stand for that. But it wasn't his place, but Vaken's. So he held his tongue, instead staring piercing daggers at the scarred man. He was satisfied with his best friend's words that he would never live under his authority. The shadow nodded in affirmation. He may be quiet and solitary, but he wouldn't submit to anyone he didn't trust as much as Vaken.

He glanced at the other side of his friend at Circe. He didn't really know where he would be in the ranks compared to her. Presumably she would rule as female alpha besides Vaken, who would absolutely be the male alpha, and he would be the male second in command under him, but it could be different. He didn't care much, as long as they didn't try to completely control his every move, and he doubted his friends would do that. He hoped so.

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Of course Vaken wouldn't be satisfied with anything but leadership. He had long since told Garmir so. Despite this, hearing those words did frustrate the earthen male, whom was visibly not very happy to hear such an demand. Vaken had ambition and guts, that none should deny but right now the boy was way over his head and thinking little bit too much of his chances to actually lead. If Garmir had to beat up his apprentice again to get some sense into him, he would do so - but would he understand the point then? Or just see it as strongest ruling over the weaker ones. He let out deep, frustrated huff, but gave no answer to Vaken's demand. He was thinking.

He turned on a smile for a moment, even managing to loose a chuckle as he thought of the situation they were in. "Of course you were going to say that." Here they were, two groups of wolves whom could not be strong enough to form pack alone, but the supposed head of either group unable to decide whom should lead. Even if Garmir agreed, what of Nauja and Tyne, whom knew nothing of Vaken as far as he was aware. "You are like son to me, Vaken but sometimes you just.... frustrate me to a no end with your stubborn behaviour"

Garmir glanced over his shoulder at Nauja, giving her look that was seeking for advice. He wasn't sure if she had any solution - she did not even know who Vaken was yet. Perhaps he should have first introduced everyone to one another. Garmir pressed against Vaken's flank to direct his attention at the two of his comrades. "This is @Nauja and he is @Tyne. Us three are all that remain of the pack." -continued, speaking in tone that expected Vaken in turn to tell whom the two strangers he had - without pack's admission one should add - invited with him.

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we appreciate power

Vaken's patience was wearing thin. He had negotiated his needs, made himself clear. It was all on the table now. He wasn't willing to compromise. There were only two ways to end this conversation: Garmir as leader, or Vaken as leader. He wanted the man to submit or turn him away. Instead, his demands were nearly ignored- laughed at even. Garmir's banter did not ease the tension in him, but only added to his annoyance. He felt himself turn cold, his upper lip almost twitching. It wasn't worth it.

Things had gone on long enough. Vaken had no desire to participate in making small talk, introducing one another without a clear hierarchy. It wasn't his style to linger around and beat around the bush. He was itching to fight, but knew it was pointless. He didn't want to risk lives for such a small gain. He respected Garmir, and forcing him into submission was not a solution. He didn't need this territory. The small trio could travel outside the lore for their home, establish their own pack.

When Garmir pressed against Vaken, the apprentice shrunk back, stepping away from the clearing. It was too much for him. He exhaled through his mouth, slowly shifting backwards. "It's time for us to leave." There was no reason to hang around like this. It wasn't going the way he wanted, and he had no trouble quitting. He wasn't going to be compliant, not without leadership. He didn't need to know Garmir's subordinates, or introduce @Circe and @Ferreiran. It was only prolonging the inevitable.

He lightly reached his tail to the silver woman once, touching her gently. She had been quiet during this, but he knew she would have been watching. She was a clever lady. He knew she'd know the next move to make. Returning his tail behind him, Vaken turned his head to Ferreiran, his brother in spirit, and flicked his head as if to signal their departure. He appreciated their company, softening his gaze to reassure them of this decision. He began to turn his back on Garmir, before hesitating and shifting his gaze back to his old mentor. "Find me if you need me," he added, nodding his head once in a goodbye before starting a sharp jog forward and out of the territory.

Vaken's Exit

currently travelling with Circe (she can jump in any of his threads)

Ferreiran knew that Garmir was likely trying to diffuse the situation with his flippant comments, and he probably still viewed Vaken as an apprentice and friend. But this apprentice had overtaken his master. The shadow was as proud as anything of his best friend. The scarred leader of the battered pack should be afraid of them. They may be three skinny loners, but they were strong. And to his slight astonishment, they had just as many wolves as the pack did. They could put up a fight if need be.

He followed Vaken out of the territory at his heel. No use making small talk with this pack, if they couldn't talk business. Maybe they would return. Maybe they'd find another pack to accept them as their dominates. Maybe they'd all die tomorrow. But at least they would know they tried. He faded into the forest as the shadow of a ghost that he was.

-Ferreiran's exit-

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To be frank Nauja wasn't happy about this situation one bit. From what she was hearing it seemed like Garmir had made some kind of arrangement with these strange wolves. Why hadn't he come to her about this? Talked it over with her. Weren't they supposed to be a team now doing what was best for what was left of their pack?

She was thankful when these wolves seemed to be making the choice to move on. Maybe it was time she and Tyne did the same. It was clear there wasn't anything left for them in the burnt out forest. She looked to Tyne wondering what he was thinking about all of this. Deciding that she'd heard enough she wanted to go.

“Come on Tyne,” she said to her lover. They could talk more about it later away from Garmir.

Nauja's Exit

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