Kingsfall At the Gates of Babylon

For @Lachesis <3 (set before the move obs. took him a little while to get accepted)

Like so often before, it had been a dream that guided the young Captain to change his course. He had been contend in Ered Luin, sure in his post as protector of the young dragon, and happy to finally learn more of the religion and history that had been kept from him growing up. By all signs and sensations, that was where he was meant to be, once he had joined the little family, and set himself the task of protecting Ægir, the haunted feeling in his chest had finally subsided. But then, the mother had sent him a message. Just like when Karina and Bennet had been lost, and he had gone to find Kjors, dead, on the mountain, Kyrios had had a staggering nightmare. This time though, it had featured a river, wider and darker than any the boy had ever seen awake. The water had flowed peacefully at first, making dull ripples as it hit smaller rocks on its way. But as the dream progressed, the river had grown wilder and wilder, turning into a turrent of foam, rising high along its banks and sweeping with it everything that stood in its path. It was a horrifying display, though he didn’t fully comprehend its destructive force, until the scenery along the banks started to change. Suddenly the generic forest grew familiar, towering trees with vast trunks quivering as their roots were stripped bare by the raging water, washing away earth and smaller vegetation indiscriminately. And animals too. There was everything, from squirrels and hares to monstrous moose and even bears, swept up by the, ever rising, force of water. And then there were wolves too. The first few were unfamiliar, generic as the landscape had been at first. But slowly, he started to recognize the casualties; Aleksei, Lilya, Inna - his teeth clenched as they were all swallowed by the surge - Then Karina was there, and Atropos. His heart stopped in his chest, he hadn’t seen her for so long, but he recognized her instantly, a frail figure similar to him but with brighter coloring, standing frozen, right in the path of the water. And she was gone. Someone was screaming - he was screaming - but someone else too. Another figure emerged, pale fur bright like a light in the darkness, charging towards the spot where his sister had just perished, and the advancing wall of water. Kyrios cried himself hoarse trying to stop him, begging him to stop, but he didn’t listen. For a moment, less than a breath, Lachesis looked up and met his sons eyes, and then he dived headfirst into the oncoming water. The water filled his whole point of view, nothing of Hearthwood remaining but the writhing mass of dark blue. And in that water, he saw an image. A face that had haunted his dreams for most of his life, yet it had never accompanied something so horrible, and the familiar glowing-yellow eyes were staring up at him, full of blame. The images continued to flash in his mind as he made his was across the tundra. He’d awoken suddenly on that morning, even before dawn, and known instantly what he must do. With a brief message to Kjell of his intentions, he’d set out, trusting that the Mother knew best, and would keep the dragons safe while he headed this her latest revelation, and returned home. It was with a strange mixture of feelings that he crossed into Kingsfall, looking up at the gigantuan sequoias, somehow relieved that they were still there. He wasn’t sure what the dream meant, if it was to be taken as prophecy, or something more symbolic - he had never been very good at these things. But he would follow the call nevertheless, and soon he stood on the banks of that same river, its waters filled with memories of his childhood. He hesitated only a second, afraid that his fear would overcome him if he waited any longer. Then he raised his head, and howled for his father. Word Count: 676 Thoughts "Speech"

Skudde-Textures @DA

<3

Since discovering the river at the base of the mountain Lachesis spent most of his time travelling between the two forests. He was scouting dens, borders, potential cache spots—everything. The pale ghost wanted to ensure that he was making the right decision for the pack, for he feared they would reject his proposal to move. No. There wouldn’t be a proposal—not this time. Those who did not want to follow did not have to, but Lachesis doubted any of his current subordinates would refuse. For the Baranski’s the Kingswood held nothing but bitter, painful memories. Lachesis, too, as he had been part of the pack since the beginning. He had seen it all. Wolves coming and going, the founding leaders passing away, his own children leaving… he was ready for the change.

He needed it.

When he wasn’t patrolling the mountain forest he was in the Kingswood visiting old haunts and getting less acquainted with the territory. Often he went north, to the Ethos, for heading further south would take him away from those buried among the tall stalks of lavender—his son included. Ghosts couldn’t make him stay. He knew that his fallen friends wouldn’t want him to remain in Hearthwood if it no longer felt like a home. After founding the pack he and Maksim had discussed spending the rest of their days among the towering cedars, but now the thought filled his mouth a bitter, sour taste.

A call pulled him away from his thoughts, causing his head to snap around. His brows narrowed in confusion, the corners of his mouth dipping into a frown. There was familiarity behind it but he couldn’t… he couldn’t quite place it. He dove through the trees, curiosity driving him forward…

The figure waiting for him was not one he immediately recognized, earning a perplexed expression from the Stark. But as he drew closer he was hit with a scent he had followed for weeks. A scent that would never leave him, even though it had been months since he had last seen the boy… but the wolf standing before him was no longer a boy. Lachesis stopped abruptly, dumbfounded by his guest, his chartreuse eyes wide with disbelief. It couldn’t be… no, he had gone… left with the dragons in pursuit of fables and stories weaved by the one-eyed reptile that had attempted to steal Lachesis’ throne.

But here he was, clear as day. As though he had never left.

Kyrios?

(This post was last modified: Feb 01, 2018, 02:46 AM by Lachesis.)

stick with those who stick with you

He wasn’t sure what he had expected. The borders were clearly marked, strong as ever, no sign of any decline, disastrous or otherwise. Still, his heart jolted at the sign of movement among the trees, a pale figure approaching shiftly. Perhaps he’d thought they would ignore him, it was certainly in their right - he’d abandoned them, up and left without a word! But no, someone was coming to greet him, a face he recognized instantly once it was clear of the shadows; The past year hadn’t changed a thing. He couldn’t remember ever seeing that kind of expression on his father’s face though, tail slipping nervously between his ankles as he looked back into the light green eyes. What could he say? Hey, just stopped by to make sure you weren’t all dead… Wasn’t exactly the best ice breaker after so long. But the silence was getting painful, russet-tipped ears flicking sideways and back as he waited. Finally the word fell, just the one, resounding like a shout in the silence. Kyrios blinked, slowly perking up one ear; At least he’s not yelling… Again that would have been justified. But instead, he just looked shocked, voice full of a disbelief that made the boy’s heart clench. Perhaps he should have stopped by sooner. Clearing his throat lightly, he gave a nervous flick of his tail, tongue slipping out to wet his dry lips. “Hi dad…” He said cautiously, as if speaking to a deer that might spook at any loud noise. It was so strange, standing across from Lachesis like this, in a way it felt like no time had passed at all. But then, looking closer, there were lines in the pale face that hadn’t been there before, flecks of what might be greying hairs around his muzzle. And they were the same height now, though Kyrios had grown in length to appear less gangly than his father. After a pause that seemed to last for hours, the young Aegina finally tried: “I… How’ve y’… Been?” He usually wasn’t this awkward with words, but the situation wasn’t exactly usual; I can’t believe it’s been a year..! Word Count: 358 Thoughts "Speech"

Skudde-Textures @DA

There was no anger. Relief, yes, and a bit of confusion. But no anger. Lachesis was just happy to know that his first-born son was still alive, for he had always feared something dreadful had happened to the Aegina. Despite looking well-travelled and tired Kyrios appeared to be in good health, but where had he gone? Had he found Bennet and Karina, or had he gone a different route? Was he living on the other side of the mountains or had he left the lands of Lore in search of something else; something more?

And his sister—where had Atropos gone? Was she on her way to the Kingswood as well, or had she found a home elsewhere?

Questions consumed him, threatening to spill off his tongue as he struggled to compose himself. He was still in shock, his chartreuse gaze sweeping over his pale figure, waiting for it to disappear before his eyes. But he remained, looking just as awkward as Lachesis felt. A smile tugged at his dark lips, his expression softening as the boy spoke. Hi dad… He took a small step forward, almost as though he was approaching a grazing rabbit that he was intent on not startling. He was so big! Lachesis couldn’t believe it. Pride swelled within his chest, and it slowly consumed him as he took another step closer to his son. You have good timing, he murmured in response, ignoring Kyrios’ question for the moment. We’re moving the pack soon. What if the boy had come a few days, or weeks, later? He would have been greeted by an empty forest… and what… what if he hadn’t followed their trail south?

No. There was no point in thinking of what if’s. Kyrios was here, now, and that was all that mattered.

How have you been? He asked, his voice quiet. 

stick with those who stick with you

His heart was still pounding wildly, but the more time passed without a lash out, the surrer he felt that there wouldn’t be one. Lachesis was watching him with the same awe-like intensity in his wide eyes as Kyrios had him, moments before. But there was no sign of malice. Finally, the hint of a smile surfaced on his father’s face, and slowly, the boy returned it, giving his tail a decisive wag; He really isn’t mad..! Many scenarios of this reunion had played through the young Aegina’s head, ever since he first left Hearthwood behind. But this was more than he could ever have hoped for. Beaming happily, he leaned forwards in an encouraging manner as XIX stepped closer. His tail continuing to sway easily. A russet ear twitched when the pale man spoke again, brows furrowing slightly at his words. Rather than an answer to the question, Lachesis offered surprising news, and his son’s eyes widened. “Ye’re leaving?” He barked in shock, tail stilling its rhythmic beat. Unsure what to feel, he simply looked at father with clear disbelief. He’d hardly thought twice before leaving the River himself, but the idea of his dad doing the same was unimaginable; What about the river?! A fleeting thought swept through his mind; Was this what the dream meant? And then a sudden calm started to fill him, spreading over the worry that had persisted in his gut ever since that horrible night vision. But of course, this was it, the pack wasn’t in danger, they were simply moving. Voice much easier, and tail slowly starting up its wag again, he asked: “Where’re ye’ gonna go?” Lachesis though, had already moved on to his next question; determined, it would seem, to turn the conversation back on his scion. Kyrios shook his shoulders lightly, a low chuckle falling from his lips. “I… Good, I…” Where to even begin? So much had happened, so many things changed since they parted ways. Looking over at his father, the young Captain smiled crookedly, feeling no need to dive into detail; “Ah’ve been good dad, real good. Missed ye’ though.” Now he was the one to take a step, small, but firm, almost closing the distance between them; “Am’... Sorry it took so long…” Word Count: 378 Thoughts "Speech"

Skudde-Textures @DA

A young deer has been separated from the rest of its herd. Hunt Opportunity

He still felt like he was dreaming. The ghost was trying to blink less than normal, for he feared that his son would disappear the moment they closed. There were still an array of questions ricocheting off the inside of his skull but XIX continued to bite his tongue, for he did not want to scare the Aegina off. He’d almost lost hope that he would never see his first-born again. That he’d forged a new life for himself elsewhere and no longer wanted anything to do with the man that had helped raised him. Their relationship had become strained after Lachesis (and Kisla) banished Kjors from their pack after he’d challenged the Stark for his rank. It made sense—sort of—as the dragon’s baby momma had been the boy’s milk mother after the death of his birth mother; therefore, he’d spent a lot of time with the old man. It had hurt, knowing that the ivory boy had left to follow stories weaved by a deranged dragon, but Lachesis had always hoped his son was happy. That was all that mattered.

And that he’d found his sister, or vice versa. That she was safe too.

Ye’re leaving? He nodded, his expression soft as he examined the shocked expression on his son’s pale features. It’s not my home anymore, he answered with a dismissive shrug, cutting straight to the point rather than beating around the bush. There was no child in front of him; he did not need to be coddled. Just west of the lake, closer to the mountain. To another river. He laughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement. After leaving Pitch Pine Trail many, many years ago Lachesis had stuck close to water sources, for he'd always been fond of getting his toes wet and being close to a body of water. He would have preferred to claim the entire lake as his own but the Surge would do.

The yearling began to fumble over his words as he struggled to come up with a response, only further widening the smile etched across Lachesis’ pale features. Missed ye’ though. His tail wagged at this. I missed you, too. Every day. Losing Laddeus had been like losing Kyrios all over again. It’s okay, he added, his voice quieter than it had been before, I’m just glad you’re okay. Don’t know how you got so big, though. He squinted at his son as he began to examine him once more.

Where’d you go? He asked, finally getting to the point as he was unable to stop the question from expelling from his chest. Did… did Atropos find you?

stick with those who stick with you

Kyrios’ childhood certainly hadn’t been a conventional one. He’d never known the woman who gave birth to him, she was but a story told by his father, a ghost who’s image he’d never seen. To him Karina had been his mother, she’d raised him and his sisters, both of them. Then of course there was Kjors. They’d not known he was Bennet’s dad, none of them, the young Baranski evidently to frightened to let her family know the truth about her pregnancy. But he’d been a big part of raising them nonetheless, almost as close as Lachesis; Certainly with Bennet, spending alone time with her whenever the twins were off with their own dad. To anyone else, it might have looked complicated, hell to the adults involved it probably was, but not to Kyrios. They were all his family, so when it was split up, Kjors getting banished after a failed challenge, prompting Karina to uproot herself and set out after him, with her daughter in tow, the pale boy had been forced to make a choice. And it hadn’t been an easy one, one half of his family still in Hearthwood, but there other out there, on their own. In the end he had chosen to go where he felt most needed, to look over Bennet as a proper big brother, leaving Attica safe with their dad and the pack. He didn’t regret that choice, even today. But if he could do it over, he would have gone about it the right way! Not snuck off, only to run away on his own after the row with Aleksei. He’d have made a proper goodbye, and explained himself. It was far too late for that now of course, all he was left with was apologies. But he dearly hoped Lachesis would accept them, however rash and wrong he had acted, it had never been Kyrios’ aim to hurt. If at all possible, he prayed that they could still have a relationship; Mother be willing..! He nodded at XIX’s simple explanation of their choice, even giving a small laugh as he learned of the full moving plan. He shrugged his own shoulder in response; He’d loved growing up in the River, but in the end the wolves mattered much more than the place, and besides, it hadn’t been his home for a while now. Maybe this new river would prove an even better home for the remaining wolves. His smile turned sheepish as they continued though, ears falling a little to the sides. There really was no anger on Lachesis’ face, no hurt or reticence in his low, emotional voice. Kyrios’ throat felt tight as he leaned in the last bit to press his cheek against his father’s, for a moment unable to speak. It was only as the conversation went on that he regained his tongue, chuckling a little abashedly at the comment. “Aye well, it took awhile,” he answered, smiling still more strongly. For a while there he’d actually seemed to shrink, struggling to feed himself out there without adult help; Bloody stupid! But once he’d joined up with Kjell and his family, things had begone moving the right way quickly enough. Just as he thought it, Lachesis asked about his trip, once again straining his grin. With this fresh reconnection, he didn’t feel it wise to bring up Kjors’ family just now. Instead he jerked his muzzle dismissively; “All over th’ place, really…” His worries were derailed soon enough though, eyes widening and smile vanishing. “A-Atty?” He breathed, tongue slipping out to wetten his suddenly bone-dry lips; “Ye’ mean she left? Sh-she… Ain’t here?” This was a twist he had not been prepared for, a sour taste filling his mouth; No! Word Count: 623 Thoughts "Speech"

Skudde-Textures @DA

Lachesis didn’t care that it had taken the boy almost a year to return to Hearthwood. Even if he had no intention of staying beneath the towering cedars, or accompanying them to their new home at the base of the mountain, Lachesis was just happy to know his first-born son was alive and well. Flourishing, actually. He was a little thin but the Stark figured that was from living his life as a loner, as he couldn’t detect any pack scents lingering on the boy’s pelt. It meant he could stop looking. He had never stopped hoping he’d run across Kyrios’ scent, or Atropos’—a sign that the twins were still alive. The Lore, however, was a big place… and the lands beyond? Even bigger. Part of him had convinced himself that they had found somewhere better to call home; a place far away from the lands Lachesis was tied to. Happy—he had just wanted his children to be happy. To feel as though they were needed, wherever they ended up. To have purpose.

He’d been inexperienced at the time of their birth. Not only had their mother passed away at the time of birth, but they had been created due to the Baranski’s inability to breed that spring. To strengthen the pack and unify them.

The irony of losing both of his children was not beyond him.

Perhaps he deserved it.

It’s okay, he answered with a lazy shrug, his chartreuse glistening with amusement, not too much has changed. Just the wolves. Some of the wolves Kyrios had been familiar with were now dead, buried beneath the lavender in the north alongside the boy’s mother. The others? Gone; vanished. Just like the Aegina and his sister.

Ye’ mean she left? That wasn’t the response he’d been hoping for. He blinked, his ears sweeping back as he observed his son, a low whine unfolding in the back of his throat. No… he started, his voice soft as his brows pinched tight with concern, she--she went looking for you. I thought she’d found you. She—she never came back. Oh no. Oh no! His chest heaved. Where had his daughter gone?!

stick with those who stick with you

@Lachesis sorry for dropping this <3 I figure we can wrap up in a few more posts?

The expression on his father's face was like a gut punch, taking his breath away; She never came back..! His pain mirrored on Kyrios’ own features at the explanation, an echo of that same whine leaving his own throat. He’d left feeling certain that she would be safe, that the pack would look after her while he was away, until he came back. Only he hadn’t. The boy’s shoulders slumped, head hanging low and eyes drifting to his paws. He had made a choice back then, deciding that Bennet needed him more than Atropos, now he had lost the both of them, he had failed. “A’... A’m sorry,” he muttered, too guilty to look back up and meet Lachesis’ gaze. He had been a foolish child back when he left, and he had long paid for that stupidity, but that it should come back to bite him again, and others he loved as well, it was almost too much to bear. His father had always been there for his children, caring and supportive, and Kyrios knew he’d never properly appreceated it, it might be one of the few things he truly regretted. But to learn that both his kids had abandoned him, put a whole knew weight on those actions. “A’... A’ didn’t know A’... Thought she’d be safe. A’ should’ve explained.” He shook his head, finally looking up with remorse lining his face; “A’ never meant… Argh damned A’m j’st sorry dad!” He didn’t know what else to say, this wasn’t exactly the homecoming he had expected. Word Count: 258 Thoughts "Speech"

Skudde-Textures @DA