A not so Silent Night

[Adurnak]

"Zefirino, wait."

Anara's cold, clear voice cut the air before Zefirino had taken more than a few steps, carrying with it a noticeable level of command. It wasn't enough to be considered a challenge to the young emperor, but at the same time there was a clear message; The strange female was under no obligation to actually obey him, and would challenge his decisions as she felt necessary.

"Lord Zefirino, if only five of us are going directly to the Hall, then with your permission I will simply warp us there. It would save quite a bit if time, and allow Káshila to receive medical attention much sooner. Regarding my requested attendance, I thank you, and accept both the invitation and its terms with a single exception; I will inform my father, Vyrn tsyr Ny'Caltas, of the gathering's proceedings."




{[Bleh... Sorry its so short, but I just can't think of anything else, and I don't want to hold up the thread.]}

[Mokobo]

Despite his earlier joke given so offhandedly, Hawke was truly amazed at the offer Icewulf had just made to Daichi. His old comrade had not done such a thing since before the Demon War, which had changed so many things. To see his friend show a spark of that former self firmly planted a large grin across the gilded wolf's lips. Yet he dared not react or jest too much, lest he spoil the whole thing. Instead, Hawke choose to turn to watch Zefirino's approach and examination of Káshila as the young shape-shifter displayed a remarkable amount of modesty before graciously accepting the offer. Perhaps this pupil will teach his tutor.
"Excellent," Icewulf spoke with a measured pace that almost masked his pleasure," When the sun is at it's highest tomorrow, meet me by the lake. I suggest you-" Once more Icewulf would pause in the middle of speaking as he noted his son and alpha approaching. "Eat a hearty breakfast, you will need it." After finishing his thought in a soft voice, the white wolf would watch attentively as Zefirino addressed Hawke in an authoritative tone that would allow no nonsense. If the situation were not so serious, he would almost find it comical to see his own son command the mischievous desert wolf in a manner he himself had used before.
Hawke would simply nod to the duty his alpha laid upon him. The task would be simple to achieve once they arrived at the Hall, even simpler if they encountered any patrols during their return. The veteran canine did not fail to notice to glimmer of mirth within his friend's eye, but choose to ignore it for the time being. With so many strangers and so much chaos in one night, they could ill afford to appear any more lax, even in something as seemingly insignificant as proper decorum. Before his sharp, golden eyes, he watched as father and son locked gazes and Zefirino spoke as an alpha to an elder. Within a heartbeat the situation became tense as Zef reaffirmed Hawke's own demand that Icewulf attending the gathering, adding on an unexpected stipulation.
From the first moment Zefirino addressed him by his name, Icewulf had snapped to a rigid, militaristic stance. His head was held high with his tail slightly relaxed, a position that was almost instinctive despite the many seasons since he had last used it. It was the pose of a soldier ready to receive orders. It was the shroud from which he had always hid dissatisfaction at the command of a superior. It was an unspoken message that if commanded, he would perform the pomp of being the warrior despite his own wishes. Yet at the mention of Antarctica's name, Icewulf's ears would droop slightly as his tail sagged to the ground. The words struck the elder straight in the deepest part of his gut, right where an uneasy feeling had been building ever since he first sensed an approaching Mark.
As soon as Zefirino would turn to speak to Diachi, Hawke would approach Icewulf with as quick of a pace as he could manage without it appearing so. Luckily, his old brother in arms seemed dumbfounded enough that he had lost his voice. Yet even as the golden wolf closed the gap, he saw the familiar frosts take grip of that icy gaze. Just as Icewulf made to open his mouth and speak, Hawke would complete the short distance, placing a paw upon that of his fellow elder. It was a touch of comfort and warning. This was no time of familial quarrels, especially ones that involved matters that now concerned the pack. The touch also drew the full force of that brewing blizzard of anger, causing Icewulf to direct a ferocious glare with Hawke wordlessly returned an almost apathetic stare.
By this time the alpha was extending an invitation to the newest arrival, something that might have as well earned a bit more ire from the grizzled arctic wolf were his attention not diverted. Icewulf directed his coldest glare upon Hawke, who in turn offered him a blank stare. It was infuriating to be interrupted, almost as much as it was to be reminded of the situation by that unspoken gesture. As his frustration and worry began to ebb, Icewulf reminded himself that his son was doing what was best for the pack. As much as he hated the idea of his beloved mate being brought into anything involving Shanto, she was part of the counsel. His son had simply been trying to warn him, not harm him. With this realization a drizzle of guilt extinguished the glowing coals of his anger.
A soft sigh of relief would escape Hawke as he watched Icewulf begin to calm. This night had been long before Shanto's arrival, and the tension was becoming so great it threatened to snap them all. Yet it was unlike his friend to be so hotheaded, but perhaps it was simply weeks of worry and conjecture of doom coming to a head. Hawke and Icewulf had both been aware of the approach of not one, but two Marks similar to the ones they bore. Neither had suspected Shanto would cross the borders so soon, nor would they have dreamed that the other had in fact been the son of the druin. "Perhaps we should have that talk before the gathering." It was an offer that Icewulf accepted with a simple nod, apparently not trusting his voice just yet.
Hawke turned his gaze to survey the area, noting that Daichi was once more in the form of a lion with Káshila on his back. Zefirino had begun to take his leave when Anara called out to him, making an offer to 'warp' their group. Instantly the inquisitive mind of the golden wolf began to buzz with a swarm of questions about this mysterious form of transportation. Twice tonight he had seen creatures appear from seemingly nowhere, something he had some familiarity with. What Hawke was truly curious about was just how the act was accomplished. He had seen creatures accomplish something similar by slipping between the world of the living and the spirit world. He had even heard of magic used to scatter one's body into pieces, only to reassemble it at a different place. Such a notion was preposterous, but offered amazing implications. Hawke's mind was practically slathering over the offered feast of information this new wonder could hold. Just as he made to put voice to some of the many inquiries he had, the golden wolf found himself being cut off.
"I agree that Káshila should receive healing as soon as possible, and as Daichi has said, we do not yet know the full extent of her injury. It would be best to take this 'Anara's offer." Icewulf would speak the outsider's name with a hint of suspicion, casting the curious female an brief, appraising gaze before addressing her. "No doubt by this time tomorrow most of what you will hear tonight will be on the lips of half the pack. Even so, betraying the trust we are giving you by allowing your attendance would be most unwise." Icewulf would allow his gaze to remain on the stranger for a moment before surveying the rest of the group quickly.
His gaze would fall upon Zefirino last, where his frosty gaze thawed slightly. This whole ordeal with Shanto was his own doing, and once again his children were being made to suffer the consequences. If this encounter was to be anything like their previous forays, there would be much blood and more tears to be shed. Icewulf's dearest hope was that at the end of it their family could be at peace, if only for a time. The elder wolf would approach Zefirino, pausing only a few steps away. He wanted nothing so much as to comfort his child and tell him he would deal with the monster in the dark, much as he had in the hazy past. Yet this was no pup before him, but the alpha, the ruler of their peoples and lands. It brought a tear of frustration and pride that would not gather enough to roll down his cheek. Instead he would offer a brief nod before striding purposely off into the gloomy forest. As the white wolf began to fade toward the North, his voice would echo back forcefully like a gust of wind bearing a winter storm. "Come Hawke!"
"Oh boy." The words were muttered softly beneath his breath. I wonder what's got him so riled up. Rather than delay by pondering that thought, Hawke would look to the others sheepishly before giving a slight shrug of his shoulders. "We'll be with you all soon. I just need to have a talk with the old salt. We old timers are notoriously horrible gossips." The golden wolf would chuckle slightly to himself, almost sounding a bit nervous. He would look to his alpha once more, attempting to offer a wordless gaze of reassurance. Without further ado, Hawke would turn to follow after Icewulf, his golden pelt rapidly disappearing among the trunks of the trees.

OoC - Ok, couple of things >.> First off, I'm so sorry this took so long to get done Dx Second, I'm even more sorry if it's full of errors or has an odd pace to it. This was one of the rare cases where my reply was written in multiple sittings (which I'm not fond of doing for many reasons) which is also why it's a bit larger than my usual (at least it feels so) As it's late I'm going to have to proofread this later (other than a quick scan) -.- Lastly, if you all want, we can finish out this round of replies and I can start the next thread in the appropriate board. (And I promise it wont take me ten days to do xP)

[Relairah]

Zefirino paused as Anara asked he wait and suggested a warp. But it was her final words that struck him. This was Vyrn's daughter? Did Vyrn yet plan to aid them in the wake of this danger? He briefly considered the visit Vyrn had already paid. Already in his gut, Zefirino sensed Shanto's trouble had been an indication of something coming in the near future. Some darkness they had yet to face. But even more than that... something else surfaced in his mind from days long past. 'Lunara...'

Even more so now, he wished for Anara, as she called herself, to accompany them. Would he later regret it, he wondered?

Zefirino pushed it aside as his father addressed Anara. He wasn't entirely sure how to react as finally, Icewulf's gaze met his. Zefirino was glad of Hawke's presence. He had recognized instantly the stance his father and elder had taken, as well as the look in his eyes once Zef had spoken... And he knew the golden wolf had as well. Perhaps even sooner than he. As both took off on their own, Zef only nodded after them.

At last, he turned once more to the remaining members of the group. "It seems the five is now three... other than you, Anara." He paused, meeting her gaze. "Very well. Your exception stands for Vyrn alone as someone who aided us during the recent demon war. I will trust you to take us to the Hall of the Vorlfur with haste."

OoC: Anyone is free to start the new thread with the meeting