White Fir Notch all my heads are tails

For @Jynx and @Emrys only. Will be a role dem thread for Gent (and possibly Jynx?).
Random Event: The Lore experiences an unseasonal bout of warm weather.

When he had brought the news home to @Raela of Emrys and Jynx's mateship, the two had ended up launching into a lengthy discussion. They covered the details of their friends relationship, what it meant on a personal level as well as for the pack as a whole, and what it could mean in the future. They also talked of their own future, coming ultimately to the decision that with Raela's illness it would be too risky for them to try for a second litter. Gent couldn't confide in her about how it broke his heart to accept that, nor how scared he really was about her prolonged decline in health.

After all, it hadn't been so different when they'd suddenly lost Minka.

He replayed it all in his head as he moved through the melting forest, unusually warm sunlight beating down upon his blue-black back as he ventured toward the private den that he now knew Emrys and Jynx shared. Hopefully, he would have some semblance of luck and the two would already be present within. A part of him was deeply unsettled by what he would have to do, on what he would have to allow and what he would have to give up. Ultimately, though, he knew that this was what was best for the pack, and he would rather swallow his pride and hopes for one year than let the Notch fall apart because he could not admit otherwise.

Reaching the shelter, his twitching nose told him that the morning did indeed favor him; both his current co-leader and his beta dwelled within.

"Emrys, Jynx. I'd like to speak with you."

(This post was last modified: Mar 07, 2017, 01:49 AM by Gent.)

A few days had passed since Emrys had spoken on their behalf with Gent. She would have been present to deliver the news with her pale lover, but alas, as a busy hunter and Leader, she had to attend to more pressing duties first. Emrys had been left alone to deliver the news, which it turned out, may not have been the best option. At least it had given him the chance to speak with the dark king one on one, on a personal level. And when all was said and done, sure enough, he had sought her out and gave her the details of how the conversation went.

A pang of anxiety churned in her gut, paired with regret when she learned of Gent's initial disappointment in that they had not spoken with him first before solidifying their own relationship. What's done was done, and as Emrys had said, the confession of their feelings and the proposal had taken her completely by surprise. She had not been expecting, so soon, to have her life turned around in this way. It was a spur of the moment and one that she seized with no hesitation. That same day when the healer returned from his chat with Gent, she and her mate settled in for a lengthy talk of their own. Jynx was relieved to learn that their friendship was still in tact. But what about trust? Would they still trust the new pair as much as before? She wasn't sure, but all she could do to reinforce that sense of trust was to express no interest or desire for pups of her own, regardless of what she felt inside. So it was with great reluctance but a deep sense of acceptance, that the hunter expressed to Emrys that it would be in their best interest to take their minds off any offspring of their own this season. Besides, after the outcome of the serious discussion between Alpha and Beta, pups were not looking likely at all.

Since their pairing, Jynx had taken some time to expand the den they now shared to allow for a more comfortable, spacious interior for Emrys. Previously, it had been suitable for one wolf, but for two, it was snug. Now with the new renovations, there was room for them both to stretch out comfortably, with room to spare. When Gent's voice summoned them outside, she had been in the midst of rearranging some of her collection, consisting of various items from hunting expeditions, some new, some old. Russet ears pricking, she allowed Emrys a quick glance before ducking out into the warmer air, where her Leader waited. "Yes Gent?" She replied in her smooth, polite voice while taking a seat outside by the entrance.

(This post was last modified: Mar 07, 2017, 02:58 AM by Jynx.)

After speaking with Gent he sought his mate out to fill her in on the conversation since she'd been unable to accompany him. Emrys hadn't ever kept anything from her so this was now different, he'd shared everything from what was said to his he'd felt. By the end of the conversation with Gent he'd felt that they had not fallen in the eyes of their alpha. However it was with a heavy heart that he told Jynx it might not be a good idea for them to ask for permission to have pups this year. The healer had been able to keep the trust Gent felt for them in tact but he felt it unwise to push their luck. His advice was they continue to prove to Gent they weren't taking any liberties and ask the next year.

While it wasn't ideal or what they had discussed he felt they would have a better chance of they waited. Emrys also worried about the friendship he shared with his alpha. He may have let the mistake go this time but the healer was sure he wouldn't allow another. He had apologize to her for not being able to give her what she wanted as he felt bad for it. Emrys made a promise to Jynx that he would give her the puppies she wanted one day. He just wished he could give them to her sooner rather than later. Nothing was set in stone so he remained hopeful that he would be able to help her fulfill her dream of being a mother.

Since they had become mates they no longer shared the communal den and instead had moved to the den Jynx had for herself. She'd made room for him by digging it out a little more, Emrys doing what he could to help her. She shouldn't be doing it all alone, it was their den now. It had been an early morning for the healer as he went to search the territory for signs the pants were coming back and then he’d taken in a hunt. It hadn't been successful but he wasn't very stressed about it. When Gents voice reached his ears Emrys had been dozing while Jynx did some rearranging. She left the den first to speak with their alpha while Emrys rose to his feet and gave his pelt a shake. He then slipped outside the den to find the two of them waiting. “Good morning Gent, what can we do for you?”

(This post was last modified: Mar 07, 2017, 03:22 AM by Emrys.)

Please see Kajika's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you.

Jynx was quick to answer him, and Emrys was not too far behind. Their closeness hit a sore spot within his heart, reminding him of those early days when he and Raela had first decided that it was love holding them together, how bright the future had seemed at last. Now she was sick, they were already declining, and all he could do was pray to the gods he didn't believe in that history didn't repeat itself. Yet if it did, well, maybe the duo before him could succeed in carrying on the Notch, unlike the Crest, and he had faith that his children would prove more loyal than the Lagina boys. At least he had that.

A soft breath left him as he attempted to shove these negative thoughts away. They weren't helping anyone, and he would certainly create a self-fulfilling prophecy if he let them impact him greatly.

"I've spoken with Raela, about your relationship and about the coming Spring," he preluded, tail sweeping casually behind him as his pale eyes panned between the two wolves, watching them both.

"We've decided that... it wouldn't be wise for us to try for pups, what with Raela's condition. Every pack needs a litter, however, so I was thinking, since Jynx holds leadership... that for this year only, breeding rights would extend to the both of you. For the sake of the Notch."

This year only. It echoed in his head unforgivingly. Would it really only be this year, or had their time already passed?

(This post was last modified: Mar 10, 2017, 04:51 PM by Gent.)

As Emrys emerged outside to gather with them, she sent him a quick glance of acknowledgement. Now that they were mates, it was common knowledge amongst the rest of the pack, surely. Yet in front of Gent, the rightful Leader she so deeply respected, she refrained from exchanging any signs of affection with Emrys. It was too soon. She knew what the king had with Raela. The very same relationship she and the healer were working towards now, but purely on an emotional level. Not one of status. She wished not to further irritate any open sores already embedded into his ego.

Placed before them, she took her time to study the large, blue-black wolf in detail. Traces of genuine concern lit at the corners of her eyes, brows knitted gently. She was not concerned for herself or Emrys, but for the pack. More specifically, Raela. News had certainly spread about her illness, and she had been meaning to check up on her dear friend. But with her new responsibility came a busy schedule. She needn't worry, knowing she was in good hands with Gent's extensive healing experience on call. The question had formed on her tongue; she was anxious to receive the latest update on the demoted Queen, but waited for Gent to say his piece. Quietly, with a somewhat solemn expression, she nodded. They had talked, came to a conclusion of sorts. The words that slipped from his mouth couldn't have been more surprising. Was he asking...suggesting that she and Emrys try for pups?

Her clean lined facial features slowly morphed, from one of calm to shock and disbelief. Stark yellow eyes grew wide, pupils dilating slightly. Her russet ears pivoted back, quivering in readiness to flatten. Her mouth fell open slightly, her tongue feeling dry. All she could see for a moment was a pair of large black paws before she finally found her voice. "B-but Gent....I couldn't..." Her eyes slowly lifted up to meet his. "The rules of the pack are perfectly clear...I would never consider..." She stammered softly, giving her head a shake as if to try and clear her mind. While she had wanted pups of her own, she was not expecting a chance so soon, if at all. This humble yet honest display by the huntress should serve as solid evidence of how deeply respectful she was to her rightful leaders, regardless of her own desires. Composing herself, she took in a shaky, deep breath. She glanced at Emrys, to see his reaction, to hear what he might have to say. Then she turned to Gent again, ears flat. "Are you sure of this? I...we value your friendship too much to do anything that would jeopardize it." Her heart wasn't leaping for joy yet. First she had to be sure she wasn't dreaming.

 

(This post was last modified: Mar 09, 2017, 06:05 AM by Jynx.)

Emrys didn't think much of Gent showing up at the den he now shared with Jynx, as beta it wasn't unheard of to have a visit from the dark furred man. The healer followed his mate out of the den to speak with his alpha and find out what had brought him there that morning. He stood next to Jynx though didn't show her the type of affection he might have normally shown her. He felt it wasn't proper behavior in front of the alpha though he was sure to let the rest of his packmates know she was his mate. With spring and the breeding season upon them and Jynx clearly showing the signs of that he did what he could to keep the other males at bay. Even deeper was that he didn't want to upset his friend who has to be so worried about his mate. Emrys was too and wondered if maybe this visit was about her.

Many scenarios for the conversation went through his head as he waited to hear what Gent had to stay. The worst one of course was first, what if she'd taken a turn for the worse and there wasn't anything to be done. Maybe Gent had decided to ask for help which Emrys would gladly give. Concern was etched across his features, he was a little nervous until Gent finally spoke, words Emrys wasn't expecting. The dark man was offering him and Jynx breeding rights for this year. The healer’s gaze flicked to his mate before returning to Gent. He and Jynx had spoken about it, decided it might not be the best thing to do just then. Disbelief and shock were the feelings that coursed through him and for a moment he couldn't speak.

The slowly as Jynx voice rang in his ears he started to recover himself though he still wore a look of shock on his face. His ears lay back against his head as he listened to what Jynx was saying but as she stuttered it was clear bags was just as surprised as he. Emrys touched her shoulder with his nose to show he was with her but that was the only comfort he felt he felt was proper to give in such a situation. Everything that came from her mouth the healer agreed with, if was things they had already discussed. Emrys nodded when he saw Jynx look to him to let her know she could go on. Then she she has finished Emrys took the opportunity to say his peace. “We do understand stand it's what's best for the pack but we do value our friendship with you and Raela and don't want to do something that could hurt you or Raela. We just want to be sure this bus what you and Raela truly want for this year.” Emrys couldn't believe that he might finally be able to give Jynx what she really wanted, what would make her happy.

(This post was last modified: Mar 09, 2017, 03:40 PM by Emrys.)

Please see Kajika's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you.

They didn't jump at the opportunity. Honestly, Gent hadn't been certain whether they would wish to conceive or not. There was the possibility that they were content without a family, happy with each other and wanting of nothing else. But he had seen Jynx with his own children, knew that despite all rationale the desire was instinctual, especially in those who were dominant by nature. The youthful woman before him was just that, whether she had strove for it or not. And Emrys? Gent knew that the wolf was the kind of man that would give his lover whatever she desired, regardless of his own whims. He would make a good father. There was no doubt about it.

So it was with mixed emotions that he regarded their actual response. A part of him appreciated their care and awareness, but another piece of him cursed them for dragging this out. It was hard enough just to have said the words. The leviathan king shifted his weight, pale eyes regarding them lacklusterly.

"We wouldn't tease you with an ingenuine offer," he elaborated, before the corner of his lips quirked upward briefly in a shadow smile. "Don't tell me you think we're that cruel."

It was truly a joke, he just wasn't in the mood to put much show in it. The expression was gone as quickly as it had come, and he went on to further explain his thoughts on the matter.

"I appreciate the sentiment, really. And I'm thankful that you still respect Raela's place in this pack despite her rank, but... think of it as a reward, I guess. You are alpha of this pack, Jynx. You've done more than we should have ever asked you to, and without a whisper of complaint. And Emrys, has been a better second that I could have asked for. It's true, if we were having our own litter, I wouldn't allow it. But we're not, and you truly do deserve this."

He knew the veracity of his own words, and that helped a little bit. He was determined to focus on the positive 

(This post was last modified: Mar 10, 2017, 05:02 PM by Gent.)

This was no joke. Not in her eyes. To Jynx, this was just as serious as Gent made it out to be. After Emrys had spoken, she remained silent long enough to allow her co-leader to explain his thoughts, his reasoning behind this rare opportunity. A reward then, huh? She rolled over the words in her mind again and again, taking her time in digesting them. She would always respect Raela, no matter her place in the pack. Rank, between the two females made little difference when it came to terms of their friendship. Jynx had worked hard from the start, even as second, to prove herself as a useful asset to the Notch. And not for the sake of keeping her rank, but for showing that as an individual, her character was solid. With the shift in rank now, her behavior hadn't wavered in the slightest.

With a soft sigh that heaved her sides gently, she nodded in acceptance at last. "I appreciate the gesture, Gent. It is most generous of you. The idea of my own children...it's...appealing." She allowed a tiny smile. On her behalf at least, having accepted the offer, she came towards him purposefully. She closed the space between their bodies and dared to press her shoulder to his in a gesture of a hug. "Thank you my friend...this means a lot. Please know that our children will in no way, take precedence over yours. The Notch belongs to you...and them." He and his mate had built the foundation for this pack. Any other subordinates had no right to inherit it. If it was for the sake of the pack, to boost their numbers to ensure they did not crumble, then she had no hesitation in doing what she must. The Notch would not fall while she was around. She pulled back to give him space.  "I understand your choice in opting not to try for pups this year, given Raela's condition." Her smile then vanished some, expression turning serious. "How is she...? Any change?" A flick of yellow eyes towards Emrys sought to read what he might possibly be thinking. It worried her to no end, knowing that Raela was unwell. She had to know, just to ease her mind.

 

(This post was last modified: Mar 11, 2017, 09:16 PM by Jynx.)

It was an unexpected offer to say the least and as much as he wanted to jump on it and tell his alpha he would gladly accept he couldn't. He had a place in this pack that he respected and even more so he respected both Raela and Gent. He didn't know all of the details of how White Fir Notch had come to be and one day he would ask the dark man but he did know the two of them had built it. Despite being a loner all his life he still understood the work it took to build a pack and keep it alive. So ensuring his children would be the ones to carry on the legacy was a right Gent help as alpha of the pack. Emrys wanted Jynx to say yes because he felt that Gent wouldn't be here asking if he truly didn't want to give her this opportunity. It had to be her choice though, she had to be the one to accept the offer. Yes, they had talked about having pups and he was sure she was ready to have some of her own but was she ready to have them in this way?

Gents reasons of why he was giving them this opportunity left a smile on the healers maw. He let Jynx speak her piece and was glad when she finally did accept the offer. He agreed with all that she said as he felt the same and they had even talked about it but Emrys felt there was something he should say. “We appreciate this generous gift that you are giving us. I do hope you know that Jynx and I don't work for a reward we do it for the pack and because we respect not only you and Raela but what you have built. I stand by Jynx when she says our children will not take precedence over yours. Most importantly it means a great deal to me that you would trust us with this.” He then stepped forward and bowed low to show Gent that he did know his place in the pack. Once he had lifted himself to his full height he went back to Jynx side, he felt it more important for him to show their alpha he knew his place.

There was still the concern of Raela, Emrys knew that Gent wanted to be the one to take care of her. He understood that since he had been the same way with Jynx when she was injured. After Jynx inquired about Raela’s progress Emrys took that moment to interject, “You don't have to do it all alone Gent, If you need help with Raela I would be more than happy to help you with whatever she needs.” He then fell silent waiting for an update on Raela’s condition. He had been worried about her but hadn't known what to do and hoped that If Gent needed the help that had been offered he would take it.

(This post was last modified: Mar 12, 2017, 03:13 AM by Emrys.)

Please see Kajika's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you.

There is a moose carcass that has been scavenged by coyotes nearby. +15 Health