Of the Mind and Responsibilities

[Relairah]

Morning was not far off over the lands of Noctre Imperii, and while most slumbered, one particular wolf could not find sleep. It seemed elusive of late. Instead, his mind was a torrent with matters of the pack - of its present state, its future, and the current dangers which threatened its peace. Old ghosts were returned to haunt, new ones were appearing. And it seemed it was only going to get darker.

Zefirino Coldbane felt quite the weight on his shoulders. He gave his dark wings a flap, soaring a little higher. Even in his youth, he had often wandered to the Northern Borders. It was typically peaceful there and could allow his mind time to think, to reflect, and to come to decisions. He passed a particular ledge against the mountainside that brought back a memory of years before when the great Wyndbain and Yueh had been the leaders before him. He had sat on that very ledge, looking out over the vast world visible from it to the horizon in the distance. He had felt that he was held back somehow. That he was destined for something great. And it had been in those moments that the course of his fate leading to now had begun.

He shook away the memory, pushing onward. Now was a different sort of reflection. The meeting of the Vorlfur and of his Advisors was still fresh on his mind, having happened earlier in the night. In only a short period of time from the evening through the meeting, much had taken place leaving nothing but a since of dark forbode in his belly. What awaited them? And further, how long before he would understand the full scope of what lay before him. He felt himself standing on a precipe, staring out at the world. But the world was night with a new moon and he was searching, waiting for the glimmer of light to rise on the horizon. He was not the type to wait. He wanted to go forward and find the answers himself.

Which was why he was here. His brilliant blue eyes searched for the one he was to meet. Varadoss. Powerful muscles coiled and his maroon-tinted dark fur swayed as his paws came in contact with earth once more. He tucked his wings into his frame, slowing his gate to a walk as he settled on an expansion of land high within the mountains. Here he knew they could speak freely and without disturbance.

[Xenoxice]

The night was dark and calm in the sky only a mere tinge of sunlight peaking into the horizon at this altitude.  His expansive wings staggering their thrusts making them nearly silent, quite surprising given his enormous size.  The events of earlier in the evening still fresh in his mind.  His visions and dreams haunting him even now as he flew awake in the cool air.  Ominous things seemed to loom over the packlands but it was a matter to be discussed with only one person currently.  The one he was flying to meet.  The peaks of the mountains of the northern borders rose and fell wildly, some smooth, low and rolling while others sharp, tall and ice-capped.  Of course everything in between as well.  One would be hard pressed to find a single person in these expansive mountains but luckily Varadoss' eyesight was nothing short of exceptional, even in the dark.  A lone figure he spotted sitting far below in an open area within the plateaus just below the peaks of some of the tallest mountains.  Turning himself downward he allowed himself to descend and would appear as a long streak bolting towards the ground with all wings folded against his body.  At the last moment, Varadoss flared his wings out to catch himself beating them only twice each to stop his descent and land both slowly and quietly among a few evergreen trees that had managed to survive in the area.  Along the ground he slithered like a serpent until he came close enough to see whom he was to meet.  Bowing his head with respect he acknowledged him.  "Emperor Zefirino."  He turned his head back up and looked at him.  "I wish we could speak on a more... pleasant term... but as I'm sure we are both aware this is business that needs tending to.  The events earlier in the evening seem to have rattled quite a few.  The most disturbing to me being the timing of these occurrences to the visions I have had of late which is why I assume is one of the reasons you called to speak with me?"  Varadoss' voice was as smooth and clear as crystal as always.  His size always misleading to his voice and demeanor.  While very powerful in combat, he was as wise and cunning as he was strong.  The traits that had earned him the respect of the wolves during the war enough to allow him to become a Primus within their Vorlfur ranks.

[Relairah]

Zefirino looked toward the Primus as he approached, and dipped his head slightly in respectful acknowledgement. He always treated each of his highest members with equal respect to that he expected of them to show him in turn. As always, Varadoss spoke with great knowledge, able to deduce much in a short time. The dark wolf smiled warily, nodding his head toward the other's words. "Yes, Varadoss. There is much that concerns me of late, in particular the events of the last day and night. Something lies ahead which I fear spells great danger and an enormous threat." He paused, ruffling his feathers for a moment.

"You are also correct that I wished to speak concerning the visions you mentioned. As it is just the two of us, and these matters are grave, I feel it would be prudent to discuss them. My hope is that they are a gift from fate for us to adequately prepare for and fight what lies ahead."

With that, Zefirino fell silent once more, his entire focus resting on the dragon. There was much to discuss otherwise, but he felt getting everything out in the open was the best place to start.

[Xenoxice]

With a deep breath and slow exhale, Varadoss shook his head.  "Oh Emperor... I can only pray that my visions do not come to pass and are merely a warning of what is to come should this threat fail to be eliminated..." His voice trailed off as he closed his eyes.  Almost immediately the visions once more flooded his mind in foggy flashes and muffled sounds.  Although brief and not forming a single coherent vision, they disturbed him enough that he felt it prudent to share the details.  "Chaos would be the best word to sum it as a whole.... Murder.  Blood.... lots of it."  He paused for a moment trying to compose himself before continuing.  "Screaming.  Betrayal.  Pain and suffering... loss of innocent life.... destruction of the pack from within."  Varadoss opened his eyes slowly.  A grim expression upon his face.  "The images aren't clear so I can't tell exactly who or what but I have noticed they are more so than they previously were before this threat surfaced and revealed itself... meaning the closer this threat comes to succeeding... the more vivid my visions become.  That in itself emperor both scares me... and relieves me."  Giving pause once again to look skyward to the stars in the night sky, he turned his gaze back down to Zefirino.  "I believe the opposite would hold true.  The more we succeed in preventing this catastrophe, the more blurry and unclear it shall become.  In essence... I may be able to use it as a measure of the success of our tactics over time if my theory is correct."  Varadoss shook his head slowly with a heavy sigh.  "How could things come to this once again... the pack facing a threat that will try to destroy it from the inside... If only it were as simple as an external foe that we could repel."

[Relairah]

The Emperor listened entirely in silence until Varadoss finished, his face reflecting the gravity he felt. He became equally concerned as what details Varadoss had were expressed and he felt a glimmer of hope in kind when the dragon expressed his theory. If that were true, and all they had to measure their tactics was the clarity of the visions, it was better than nothing. They had no choice. They had to do everything in their power to prevent the future expressed in those visions from coming to fruition.

Yet at the same time, it only brought further questions to Zefirino's mind. What could come that would cause such calamity? Certainly,
it would not be the working of only one wolf, even from within. No. This was something much greater. A plot which would take much time and development to see through. Zef felt the need to bring his concerns to the attention of his council, a more specified and private meeting. If nothing else, the advisors needed to know. Yet before coming to that conclusion, he must first finish this discussion with Varadoss - and even receive his permission to share, he felt. In Zefirino's mind, one must be cautious when sharing such fragile information. Even amongst the pack.

Finally, the wolf spoke, his smooth vocals rumbling. "I hope that your theory is indeed correct. Thank you for sharing what you have seen. I fear that we are closer than we know to seeing the unfolding of what is coming. The presence of that bird during our meeting. There was something beyond the trouble it awoke with those present. There is an ancient wolf I have known of in the past that was capable of causing such a thing - controlling and speaking through other creatures and warping reality and perception. In fact, I suspect both Icewulf and Hawke would know more, though I am hesitant to utter his name. If he is involved in this plot, I fear that there is more at stake than just the pack and the empire. I feel that this would threaten our entire world."

Zefirino shifted on his paws, the words he spoke making the reality all the more present. "What are your true thoughts on the matter?"

He would pause once more, waiting for Varadoss' response, then said, "Which brings me to the matter of Shanto. He is no new threat, though hasn't been as prominent until recently again. What do you know of him?"

[Xenoxice]

Varadoss had carefully listened to the Emperors words, much was his custom to do so with anyone who spoke to him.  It was an instinct which further drove his wisdom.  Never to miss a detail nor to pass anything over as irrelevant.  Everything served a purpose, even what normally seemed irrelevant to many Varadoss would see as serving to distract or misguide.  Psychological warfare... even far more dangerous than the act of war itself as it can turn packs and lands against themselves.  Taking a moment to gather his thoughts and process what Zefirino had just spoken, he finally responded.  "I fear you may be correct about this threat being greater than just to the pack itself.  The visions of blood that I see are no small amount by any means.  I can see small glimpses of rivers running red with it, trees and plants stained and wilting under the odor from it.  All life both prey and predator alike, the targets of this danger."  Upon drawing his conclusion he also seemed to be thinking about the names mentioned by others in the meeting earlier before his thoughts were put on hold by Zefirino once more.  "Shanto?  I have heard his name in passing several times previous to this day but I'm afraid nothing more than that.  But I do not believe this Shanto is the real danger that we face.  A single wolf would not be capable of such a catastrophic event.  No... I feel it may be a very powerful leader gradually setting the stage for their main event.  Even whoever this Shanto is could possibly be nothing more than a mere pawn in this grand scheme.  I'm afraid right now we just have too many blanks to fill in the details of what is going on to truly understand what is being played out before us.  But then again... even in war patience can sometimes be the key to victory.  Even going so far as to allowing an enemy to set the stage, unhindered, so you can get a clear picture and layout of how to brace, defend and counter-attack.  It all depends on how swiftly we can move as a single entity.  Both the Vorlfur and the pack.  And that is up to the leadership, so I promise to fulfill my oath as a Primus of the Vorlfur and do my part to end this as efficiently as possible with the resources and soldiers available.  What is it you wish of me?" Varadoss gave a bow of his head as he spoke his promise to the Emperor, awaiting whatever instruction the leader had for him to carry out as he was always mindful of the chain of command.

[Relairah]

As Varadoss spoke, Zefirino moved toward the edge of the plateau, gazing out over the territories. He was greatly troubled, indeed. His ears were tilted back, taking every word the dragon spoke and considering it carefully. "Mmm," was a low rumble of agreement that rose in his throat. "You're right, Primus Varadoss. Perhaps for us to wait until the next events unfold would be wise to take the best action - once the image is just a little clearer." He paused, smiling to himself for a moment at some of the irony. He himself was a master of disguise and of fooling others - it was a part of his magic. Yet he was now on the other side of it, looking through a smoke screen and unable to determind what lay on the other side.

Still, his very instincts gave him tiny indications, and that would have to be enough for now. "As for Shanto," Zef said, turning back toward his companion, "I believe that while he may be a pawn, he has an intregral part to play. I pray that those we sent to subdue him,
or at least learn more, find success. I worry that he plays a far greater part than even we could understand."

Once more, he fell silent, mulling something over. He entirely agreed with the dragon's words that they must be swift and in unison when the time to act did come. "Let's return to the Halls of the Vorlfur. I feel it best we meet with my advisors, as well as one other. This matter must be handled both delicately and with precision." Once Varadoss would agree, Zef would raise his head once more, a specific song flowing over the territories below. It was one specially designed so that only the ones he wished to gather would know it. Hawke,
Icewulf, and Antarctica.

[Mokobo]

Sitting stoically at the entrance to the Hall of the Vorlfur, Icewulf kept his icy blue gaze trained on the sky above. Through the sparse tree limbs he could see the stars shining brightly in the crisp, cool night air. The elder wondered to himself how often he had sat in this very spot looking at the same patch of sky. Before the formation of the Vorlfur the Hall had been home for Icewulf and his companions. In the earliest days he had gazed at the night sky and dreamed of what sort of life he could hope to build here, far from the ashes of everything he had known until then. After meeting Antarctica and starting their family together, his waking dreams had turned to what sort of life he could build for his children, as well as how he could protect them from the fate of his firstborn. This night he dreamed of a day when the nightmares of his past would cease to haunt him.
Icewulf and his beloved mate had been about halfway to the peace of their den when Zefirino's call had echoed across the forest. With a soft sigh the veteran wolf had nuzzled against Antarctica for a brief moment before urging her to follow him back to the Hall, not that she had required urging at all. When they had arrived, it was to a rather anxious Hawke pacing in the spot where Icewulf now sat. Upon spotting the couple, the gilded wolf had dashed forth to needlessly inquire if they had heard the emperor's summons as well. Rather than offer a well-deserved bit of snark, Icewulf had simply given a tired nod as an answer.
"Well I'm sure you can guess what it's all about."
"I'm sure I could."
"Ah-yes...well- You'll have to cover for me for a bit."
"What are you-?" By the time Icewulf had turned his head to face Hawke, his willful friend had already begun to descend back into the Hall. A twinge of frustration sprang up Icewulf's spine before he called out into the entrance tunnel. "Where are you going?!"
"I've got to go borrow something from someone." After these words Hawke was lost to sight as he dashed off into the depths, but his voice had continued to echo up the stone passage. "It's important, I'll be quick!"
Rather than lose his temper, Icewulf had heavily flopped into the seat he now occupied before muttering a few curses at Hawke under his breath. He felt too exhausted  to needlessly exert himself to find reason in the antics of his oldest friend. His head felt light and almost distant from his body, most likely due to the strain of the night's events. Wistfully he had sighed once more before turning his eyes to the everlasting gems of the sky above.

[Xenoxice]

Varadoss gave only a small nod in agreement at the Emperor's words.  It was true.  Handling this situation with finesse was the only thing that seemed to be viable at this point.  "I agree completely.  We will need your advisors in a time like this and we will need to move swiftly.  Time is not on our side in this venture."  It was time.  The call had been rang across the packlands to summon only those who needed to attend.  He turned his gaze towards the Emperor and spoke simply.  "I shall see you again at the hall."  Even with his monstrous size, Varadoss' wings had no issue lifting his frame off the ground.  They were quite powerful indeed and a sight to behold.  It wasn't every day one saw a creature with eight wings.  Let alone ones that could carry so much weight with ease.  In a whirlwind of dust and dirt from the ground, Varadoss bolted skyward.  The Serpent of the Sky.  A little nickname he had earned among the enemies during the Great War.  A name he proudly carried with him to this day as it had struck fear into their hearts many times when uttered in combat.  Truly he looked as one though.  An armored, legless snake weaving through the clouds at high speeds.  It did not take him long to reach the Hall of the Vorlfur even from the those mountain peaks.  The entrance large and inviting even to him, leaving plenty of room to maneuver.  The spring in the middle his favorite place to reside besides his chamber much deeper inside, he already looked below and saw some of the members that had been called had gathered.  He swooped down into a smooth slithering landing where he tucked his wings to his sides upon touching the ground.  He gave a head bow before Icewulf, addressing him appropriately as he felt once one had earned a rank, they always kept it regardless if they were retired or not.  "Primus...." He turned his eyes towards Antarctica, giving another small head bow. "Counselor..." He addressed them both respectfully before turning his head around to look for one more person.  "Where has that Cordus Hawke gone to?"  He turned towards Icewulf, more specifically asking him.  "The Emperor will be here momentarily, he should not arrive after the fact or it will look poorly on his behalf."  His emerald green eyes looked back and forth, searching for the Cordus before quickly turning his gaze toward the entrance of the hall.  "The Emperor is arriving...."

[Relairah]

As the call had come, Antarctica had hesitated. She felt torn. For as giving as she could be, she certainly longed for sleep. She prayed that Gjelu and Aelariah returned soon. The effects the imbalance that she and so few others felt signficantly was taking its toll far more than she realized and she simply couldn't keep up as she had used to before. Certainly, the restoration of balance would be her remedy for her body to recover from the trouble in her spirit.

Yet she dared not breathe a word of her other two childrens' quest. She wondered if the others were thinking of their absence as she was.
She trusted them - believed in them. Surely, they would return successful. She brushed it from her mind as she and Icewulf once more approached the Hall of the Vorlfur. Antarctica raised a brow at Hawke. Ever the energetic one, she noted. She released a soft sigh.
She smiled slightly as she heard her mate's irritation. Some things never changed - no matter what was going on. She snuggled against her beloved, finding comfort in his nearness.

It was then a gust of wind was heard before the great dragon, Varadoss, approached, inquiring to Hawke's presence. "I'm sure he will return momentarily," Antarctica said.

Zefirino had watched as Varadoss had taken flight before taking flight himself and following. He made no attempt to keep up with the dragon. He knew he'd not match the other's capabilities in the sky. Instead, he was content to continue gathering his thoughts on his way down the mountainside. His flight was a glide downward until at last his paws touched the earth once more. How he longed for the days now when things had been simpler. He somewhat envied his parents, who had each other. Having not yet found someone of his own - he felt the burden so greatly. Yet at the same time, he felt an overwhelming desire to protect this land no matter what that meant for him.

As he stepped into the hall, he dipped his head in greeting of the others, also quickly noticing Hawke's absence. "I believe we are all aware of the purpose of this meeting," he said, his eyes betraying his weariness despite the strength in his voice. "I have some thoughts I wish to discuss before making a decision. Though it is for these ears alone. The entire future of our formed pack is at stake. No, even more than that." He paused, glancing to Varadoss, before glancing once more toward the entrance. He would wait for their golden friend before he would continue.

[Mokobo]

|For a moment Icewulf found a bit of peace as he and Antarctica shared an embrace beneath the serene night sky, but he knew it would not lost. They were simply in the eye of the storm which had been the events of the evening, reveling in the short respite from responsibility. Just as he knew it would, that peaceful moment came to a quick end as the massive form of Varadoss blotted out the starlight as he swiftly soared to the Hall before making a graceful landing. The elder wolf had returned the respectful nod in kind before he and his mate accompanied the dragon into the Hall. Icewulf released a soft sigh as the Primus immediately noted Hawke's absence, cursing the latter under his breath once more. It had always been like this, Hawke rushing about with Icewulf walking behind collecting all the pieces. Yet before he could begin to give a satisfactory answer for the gilded wolf's absence, his beloved swiftly, and thankfully, set the matter to rest for the moment.
Varadoss' declaration of Zefirino's approach somehow seemed foreboding, and yet Icewulf turned his gaze to the entrance tunnel nonetheless. He frowned slightly as he watched his son stride toward their small group. Zef looked as tired as Icewulf felt, causing the patron's heart to swell with pity for his child. He knew all too well the weight of leadership, but it had been for a relatively small group which paled in comparison to the entire pack. For a moment Icewulf wondered where he had seen such fatigue before, but he soon remembered. Yueh, one of those who had led before the forming of the Imperii, had been not just a strong leader, but a close friend to Icewulf. During several of their chats he had seen that same fatigue his son now suffered from, even though Yueh had done his best to hide such things.
After Zefirino's first statement, Icewulf was sorely tempted to answer with a tongue-in-cheek comment about keeping the child keeping the parents up out of bed. Yet he rightly decided such humor, which could possibly bring a smile, would be in poor taste given the nature of their business. Instead Icewulf patiently listened, waiting for his chance to speak. Zefirino's words did not directly tackle the issue Icewulf guessed was the true meaning for their gathering. His icy blue eyes narrowed slightly before he replied in a carefree manner, letting a small yawn escaping him. "There's no need to- to be so grave. I hardly think Shanto, one wolf, is that big of a threat."

[Xenoxice]

Varadoss whom had been lying quiet until this point aside from his mentioning of Hawke's absence, glanced towards Zefirino, staring for just a moment before heaving a rather heavy sigh.  His glance turned towards Icewulf, staring emptily before he took a deep breath and began to speak.  "While Hawke is not here I will not say much.  But I feel this is important for you to know.  We feel that Shanto may not be the true threat that is looming over us but merely a pawn being controlled.  It is true he does not appear to be that big of a threat but if he is merely setting the stage for something greater, then we have a very big problem on our hands.  More will be discussed when Hawke arrives and the Emperor will go over everything in a bit more detail.  This is not a matter we should take lightly since we have so many blanks to fill in and only very few answers."  The dragon spoke calmly and wisely as he always did.  It was one of the many reasons he had obtained the rank of Primus.


Ooc- sorry for the shortness.  Replying from my phone!

[Relairah]

As Zefirino entered and began, Antarctica listened. She glanced toward Icewulf when he mentioned Shanto and grimmaced. It didn't matter if he were truly a threat or not. Part of her wished he would vanish from existence. But apparently some force in the universe felt he was necessary for some unknown reason to her. What could such a twisted being really bring? Nothing. But she kept her peace, focusing on the matter at hand. Her eyes settled on Varadoss as he answered her mate, speaking of something greater and more sinister. She was typically quite intune, even if it were only instincts, with things - particularly if they were amiss. Once more her thoughts trailed to Gjelu and Aelariah. Could everything really be that connected? That tied to some unknown figure that were pulling the strings? Or worse, a group?

Zefirino glanced toward the others once more as Varadoss spoke, sharing the very thoughts he had expressed. "I believe that Shanto may be a more significant pawn than we realize. But yes, as Varadoss said, there is something more going on." He paused, shifting slightly. "At first, it appeared Shanto was merely up to old tricks in a new way. I'm surprised he was able to do as much as he was, actually. It's been a long time since he's gotten as far as he did." Zef was grateful the Druin pair had appeared when they had earlier in the evening. Káshila could have been forever lost to them otherwise. He glanced toward the entrance once more. He wished to continue after Hawke were present... but if that was not going to happen, he would carry on without him. Even if Hawke were not ranked as highly as those present, he had much knowledge of value and Zefirino trusted him closely.

[Mokobo]

While the others seemed content to wait upon the whims of Hawke, Icewulf felt his own sense of annoyance growing. The night had been long already, and he knew all too well how much longer it could grow if they continued to wait. A frustrated sigh escaped the elder wolf as his son and Varadoss spoke, closing his eyes in an attempt to gather some semblance of patience. While Icewulf was so engrossed in keeping his peace, he entirely failed to notice his mate's uneasiness over the subject being discussed. Once Zefirino had finished speaking, the veteran wolf would open his pale blue eyes and speak in deliberate, controlled tones.
"I assume you two are talking about the visitor which interrupted the gathering." Here another sigh, one which almost rang of defeat, escaped from Icewulf before he continued. "He's called the Old One, and once I followed his commands. In the north there's countless legends about the Old One, and very little facts. What is known is that he likes to meddle in the affairs of others, odd whims which I and my comrades used to carry out." Another pause followed, this time brought about as Icewulf gave Varadoss a pointed gaze. "The reason they call him the Old One is that several ancient legends speak of him, and if they're to be believed he's even older than you Primus. No one really knows though, because no one has ever seen him. As for his winged messengers? As far as I know I've been the only one to see one for centuries, that is until tonight."
"Wrong, on both counts."
During Icewulf's brief explanation Hawke had emerged from the tunnels leading into the depths of the earth. In his maw the gilded wolf carried a large, pinkish hued crystal which he had set gingerly on the stone floor before speaking. Now, as he received a flabbergasted gaze from Icewulf, Moving carefully, Hawke once more lifted the odd crystal before striding briskly over to the small group. His golden eyes seemed to glitter with excitement and slight amusement as the surprise his words had delivered upon his friend.
"What do you mean?"
Upon arriving beside the others, Hawke slowly set the crystal done once more before turning a bemused glance upon Icewulf. "I've seen him before, the day we were brought back. He said his name was Zales, but I had never heard heard his voice before. It wasn't until tonight that I made the connection."
Icewulf's normal cold, collected demeanor broke with the force of an arctic blizzard, allowing a small growl to escape his throat before he spoke through clenched teeth. "Why have you never told me this before?"
"It's not for a lack of trying!" Hawke hastily replied in an almost pleading voice. "Every time I bring up the subject you grow annoyed with my theories before I can even explain them. Zales, the Old One, told me he brought us back for a reason, and I've come to learn that he did the same for Shanto. It doesn't make sense, I know, but mortals can't understand the will of the go-"
"Not the time Hawke!"
With a wistful smile Hawke looked to the others. "See what I mean?" Those words seemed to bring a little humility to his friend, causing the white wolf to realize their present company and shamefully cast his gaze downward for a moment.