A New Hall of Old Stone

[Mokobo]

A younger me would not recognize this place.
Much has indeed changed throughout the years. What was once the entirety of the Hall had been expanded to form the common area. The Atrium is what it is called now. This grotto had been expanded far beyond its original space until it grew into the chamber it was today. Alcoves carved into the bedrock of the walls shone brightly, casting out the warm light of the fires that burned within. That incandescence played across the many ores that veined throughout the stone room. The ceiling was a veritable spiderweb of golds and silvers and coppers that glistened almost merrily in the glow from below. A spring of cold, clear mountain water bubbled near the center of the Atrium. It's gurgling notes echoing off the furrowed stone walls.
So much has changed.
The Atrium was the core of the Hall of the Vorlfur. Four passages spread out from the grotto, each lit with the same fires that never seemed to burn out. Two of those wings house the Vorlfur, and the rumble of distant voices drifts down their hallways to the Atrium. With their entrances set across from each other, the gallery between them seems to hum with the whispers that echoes off the walls. Another corridor offers up quite different sounds. The obscure sound of wind sighing through the leaves of many trees drifts down from the entrance tunnel. That too was far different, far larger from what it had been. A floor eroded to a smooth surface from the passing of many paws slowly sloped toward the surface. Yet it was from the final tunnel, the one that descended further into the heart of the mountain, that the loudest sounds now came.

"-since long before the war. I doubt he still draws breath."
"He is not dead."
"With all the destruction the war wrought? It would be a miracle-"
"Not a miracle, a curse. Besides, destruction is all that cursed being knows."

As the voices grew louder, a figure stirred from beside the spring within the atrium. Slowly a young white wolf stood to all fours, stretching his frame to shake the rigidity from his joints. Bright blue eyes turned toward the passage from which the voices now drifted. It was one of those voices that he had been waiting for, although he had not expected to have to wait as long as he had. The interim had been a nice reprieve from his duties however. There seemed no shortage of Imus in need of training or forests paths in need of patrolling. These days Gjelu took whatever rest was granted to him. Slowly he strode toward the tunnel entrance. Even as he approached, two figures appeared from the gloom beyond the last fires set into the walls.

"So what will we do then?"
"Do? We do nothing. The betrayer has his own path, and if it crosses ours again we know how it will end."
"There has been too much death already.."
"Death is part of life."
"So is family, father."

As the young white wolf called out to them, the two figures stopped suddenly in the warm lighting of the hallway. Both were wolves that were visibly older than the one who addressed them. One bored a golden pelt, its silky strands moving fluidly with every motion. His golden eyes snapped from the companion he had been conversing with toward the one who had called out. The other male bore the same colors as the youth who had been waiting patiently for their return. His white pelt was tipped with the lightest shade of blue, giving him the hue of a glacier bathed in sunlight. An identical golden mark was set into the right foreleg of each these aged males. That mark depicted a serpent curled about a sinister dagger. A malevolent symbol that did not seem to fit the warm smiles that both creatures offered to the one who hailed them.

"Ah Gjelu, give me a moment." With those words Icewulf turned to his golden pelted friend. He leaned close to the other, whispering a few words in a low tone so as not to be overheard. When he was done, Hawke gave him a curt nod before promptly turning back towards the depths of the mountain. It was not long before he disappeared in the darkness beyond the fires, and yet Icewulf waited for the other to be well away before turning to his son. "So, what brings you looking for me Gjelu?"

"Mother actually. She seems to be of the impression that you were retired from duty. I must confess though, I am surprised to find a peaceable retiree in our halls."

A sheepish look crossed the elder arctic wolf's maw. For a moment as he pawed at the ground, it seemed that father and son had switched roles. "Ah yes, well I had business with Hawke.." With those words Icewulf raised his gaze from the floor. His deep blue eyes hardened as he looked to the son who resembled him so closely. "The business of a Cordus is not the concern of an Archus. So do not hope to lecture me youngling. I'm your father and I can still discipline you as I see fit."

At those words an exclamation of mirth escaped from Gjelu. He turned away from his father, trying to hide his chuckles. "As for discipline father, I would not want to be in your paws if mother learns you were here. Come, tell me about this business that is no concern of mine." Such was the way these two had grown to talk to each other. In truth it felt odd for Gjelu. He had grown up with the idea that his father was the greatest warrior of the land. Icewulf had bested demons, betrayal and even death. A younger Gjelu had revered Icewulf as nigh on a god. His father had always treated him gently, most likely due to the condition he had as a youth. Yet Gjelu was grown now, and had proven himself many a time throughout the Demon War (much to his parents' dismay).

"Honestly Gjelu, it was just some old business between me and Hawke. It's nothing to worry about. How about instead you tell me how upset your mother is with me."

So it was that the two wolves padded slowly back to the spring in the center of the Atrium. They spoke to each other in low voices that added to the whispers which filled the Hall of the Vorlfur.

[Xenoxice]

The clouds below were always a sight to behold. Varadoss learned never to take any form of beauty for granted, especially in all his years of living and seeing so much of the ugly side of things as well. The war that to him seems as though was only a few days ago, was certainly one of the ugliest. He never once involved himself in a war between species for the simple fact of risking his own life which was far too valuable to his kind. But something was different about this one... his mind wandered of the memories that haunt, yet teach him. Gliding on the air current high above the northern border peaks, all of his wings were stretched out as he moved effortlessly through the air. Looking down however he not only was enjoying a flight of fresh air just to get out, but on the side looking for anything suspicious far below on the mountainous terrain. After his mind snapped back to reality he figured it was time for him to go back to the warmth of the caves the Vorlfur now called home.

Spotting the oak the entrance resided by, he threw himself into a nosedive. Gaining speed quickly as his wings folded in and against him. Flaring out his 2 smallest wings he maneuvered himself into a position where he would glide straight into the entrance of the Domus from his nosedive. Being such a skilled flier he cared not for slowing his speed just yet, instead kept his momentum as he bolted through the tunnel that lead to the Atrium. Only after seeing the pond ahead did he use all of his wings to bring himself to a rapid stop and hover momentarily, his wings easily creating the loudest noise within the Atrium for a moment or two.  Finding the most suitable place to land, he coiled himself up on the ground next to the water, staring at his reflection with a heavy sigh. So many memories that haunt him. So many that bring him joy. A blessing and a curse to one who has lived for millennia. The soft whispers that echoed in the chamber filled his ears. A serene sound that seemed to calm his nerves.  Looking up from his reflection in the water he spotted some familiar faces and grinned ever so slightly, still wrestling with some of his memories.

[Mokobo]

"Honestly father, I don't know why bothered retiring if you're just going to spend your free time here."
"I do not spend all my free time here. If you remember I was the one who originally built this place"
"No, you built what this Hall was cut from. Before that these were cave systems. Hawke has told me all about it."
"Yes, I'm sure he has."

Even as the two continued their hushed conversation they came upon the edge of the mountain spring. Despite how much their appearances were the same, Gjelu and his father had their differences. Icewulf carried himself with a calm, determined demeanor. Every action, every word, was carried out with a cold precision that showed the years of discipline he had ingrained into himself. Gjelu, on the other hand, had inherited a more energetic nature. Granted, he took after his father and did his best to remain calm despite any provocation. However there were situations and subjects that could break his icy shell.

"It's not kind to lie to mother."
"I did not lie to your mother. I told her I was going for a walk to stretch my legs. I have walked and my legs are limber as ever."

A soft snort escaped Gjelu before he dipped his head to the cool spring water. The younger wolf took a long while in lapping up the crisp liquid, using the action to give himself a moment before continuing his tirade on his father. Yet even as he lifted his head to let loose his opinion on his father's 'walk', a sudden burst of air came from the entrance hall. Both of the arctic wolves turned their heads to the passage in time to see the large form of Varadoss come swooping in. As the dragon made his final approach to the spring, Gjelu turned to his father and continued to speak in a hushed tone.

"It's best that you go home, before you get caught."

It was Icewulf's turn to give a snort of derision. Without a word he turned from his son and began to approach the creature who had made such a splendid entrance. The veteran wolf strode with the usual determined pace, stopping a respectable distance away. Patiently he waited for Varadoss to finish his refreshment. Once the larger Primus raised his head and offered a grin, Icewulf bowed his head ever so slightly.

"Primus Varadoss, how fairs our borders?"
"Don't tell him anything! He's supposed to be living the retired life."
"You forget yourself, Archus."

[Xenoxice]

Varadoss listened as the question was asked of him. Also, the retort made by the younger one. He gave a small chuckle, his voice chiming as clear as crystal addressing the younger wolf. "It is quite alright, retired or not, he has earned his rank and as such, just as much respect. Do well to remember this and maybe one day you will advance in the ranks yourself. Perhaps you have forgotten yourself whom you were addressing?" Giving a little bit of a toothy grin. Turning his head towards the elder wolf, he bowed his head a little bit in return and went on. "The borders are well Icewulf. I saw no activity or strange things near the northern borders. I just came back to rest for a while before checking the rest of the lands. But all seems quiet for now." His large silvery eyes, gazed between the two of them. Without much thought he turned his head back to the water to take a rather large drink, scooping the water into his jaw. The water was refreshing and cool.

Turning head back to the wolves, he addressed them both at the same time. "So how fairs everything here in my absence? Anything of importance come up?"  His voice seemed a little more serious than before.  While generally light-hearted and gentle, his tone often changed to become more serious and direct when speaking of certain matters.

[Relairah]

OoC: Omg it was so hard to decide who to roleplay with DX

iC:

How he loved these moments. When life was serene and no emergencies tugged at his attention. Today had been nothing special so far and Zefirino had taken flight, looking over the lands as he went. The lands themselves were now even more expansive than in times past and it required much for the pack to guard and watch over them effectively. It was no small task. But it was already being done well thanks to the trusted Vorlfur which had begun long ago under the command of his father. Zefirino smiled to himself at the thought. He was proud, and glad he had so many he could trust.

Easily, he swooped. As the thoughts of his father crossed his mind, he was already nearing the Domus. He did not visit too often, as he felt it was best to leave them to their duties. But every now and again, it felt good for him to come. After all, he had spent some of his pup days in these very halls... before they were this developed. Crystal biue eyes gazed over the fires ever lighting the pathways and his dark paws tread softly.

In build, this wolf was the image of his father with developed muscles, large paws and plenty of bushy fur from his neck to his tail. His fur was hardly a resemblance though.. it was black with red marked outlines. Pointed ears turned in the direction of the voices, and he came upon the group just as Varadoss was giving his report. His gaze glanced between the other three - the dragon, his father, and his brother. It was almost strange the way things had turned out, he thought. But much time had passed, and the war had certainly brought many things.

"It is a welcomed serenity for the time being," said Zefirino, his voice rumbling. His eyes finally settled on Icewulf and he quirked a brow, a small smirk coming to his lips. "Reminiscing, father?" he asked.

Before his arrival, Zefirino had spotted his sister, Aelariah, headed toward the Domus as well. Probably with some sort of message about their mother, no doubt. He found no need to warn anyone, however. For Zefirino still retained some of the mischief of his youth.

"I guess an old fellow really can't forget his glory days, hmm?" Zef asked with a chuckle. Certainly the more than capable warriors of the Vorlfur did not need Icewulf's guidance... but after so many years where this group was literally his entire existence, Zefirino wondered if Icewulf's ventures here were not simply to see how things continued to progress because he couldn't entirely let go. He could never read his father's mind, though. This was merely a suspicion.

[Mokobo]

A bemused sort of smirk settled upon Icewulf's lips as his fellow Primus accosted Gjelu. However that expression was not just born from the satisfaction of his own words being reaffirmed. Even after Icewulf had scorned his son for his lapse of respect, Gjelu had lowered his head and mumbled an apology. When Varadoss added his own remark about advancing through the ranks, the younger officer abruptly straightened his posture. Icewulf could see the frost of his son's demeanor solidify into an icy calm not unlike his own. A great sense of pride swelled within the chest of the veteran each time he was reminded of how much his children had grown.

"The Hall fills with the ranks, Primus, and we spread the Emperor's peace."

As he spoke these words, Gjelu paced up to his father's side, bowing deeply to Varadoss. When he lifted his head, his bright blue eyes fell upon his litter-mate. For a moment the cool, calm disposition left his eyes, replaced in stead with a glitter of mischief. Gjelu's brother was the leader of the entire Imperii, while he himself held the rank Archus within the Vorlfur. Despite the gap in their responsibilities, a part of the young arctic wolf would never forget the wolf he had grown up with. However the Zefirino he saw before him was not the pup he had played in the caves with. Gjelu could remember many a battle in which he rallied behind his brother, fighting fiercely by his side. The war had changed so much, and so many of the survivors had grown from that change. Even now, the young Archus resisted an urge to rush to his brother, and instead sat smartly at attention as his father spoke.

"This old fellow simply had business with an old friend, your eminence."

As he spoke these words, Icewulf offered his own bow towards the son who now ruled. The smile on his lips and the pride in his chest grew even larger now. The three offspring of his were treasures he held dearly. All of them had changed so much over the years, and had become far more than he had ever dreamed. That he remained to enjoy in the delight of watching his children grow was blessing that Icewulf never took for granted. Often did the thought cross his mind that by all rights he should be but a memory, and each time it brought a tinge of angst to his mood. After raising his head, the elder wolf sat once more upon his haunches and resumed his cold, collected demeanor.

"To what do we owe this pleasure Zefirino? Not another inspection I hope."

[Xenoxice]

Varadoss looked towards Zefirino as he spoke to Icewulf.  Giving a bow of his head in acknowledgement of his presence.  "Zefirino, an honor as always to have you here before us."  His glance shifted towards Icewulf and the young Archus, Gjelu.  Icewulf seemed to have asked just the very thing that was on his mind.  Why had the leader shown up?  It wasn't often he came to the home of the Vorlfur, especially just to say hello.  Seeing them all together, Vara's mind once again began to sort through his memories and when he had last seen them all together during harder times.  The war was ugly and even more so to many families who had lost loved ones.  It often reminded him that he hadn't seen his own family for several thousand years and even worse, had no idea where they were or if they were even still alive.  Of course they would be... as long as someone hadn't hunted them down as a trophy kill.

With narrowing eyes that wandered to the reflection in the water again, he seemed to zone everything out around him while still listening to the others.  Looking at the armor that still remained upon him that was created for his protection so many ages ago, it looked as though it had been created merely a day ago.  Even in the fighting he had managed to keep it in pristine condition thanks in part to its composition.  A heavy but silent sigh came from his mouth as he shook his head and fought off the memories of the times of past.  Instead he began to focus more on the present, and rejoiced in his heart at still seeing a family together after such brutal events transpired not so long ago.

[Relairah]

It felt odd... his father calling him 'your imminence'. But he appreciated it... the respect. He had earned it. But even so.

The large dark wolven pushed it aside. "Of course. Old friends are a priceless treasure," he said with a smile in response. Zefirino then glanced between Gjelu and Varadoss. At the question of his presence his ears flicked slightly. "Hardly, Counselor. I am certain the Vorlfur are in more than capable hands... and therefore the pack as well. I merely desired to say hello." At this, he specifically looked at Gjelu.

'And three... two... one...' thought Zef.

"FATHER!"

Aelariah's melodic voice filled the Domus and reached down the hall to where the wolves and dragon had gathered. In a blur of lavender and white, the final of the three siblings burst into the space. The image of her mother in build, with graceful features and luscious fur, Aelariah was Icewulf's only daughter. Her pale eyes were bright. "I knew you'd be here!" she exclaimed. "Mother asked me to find you. You shouldn't let her become worried..."

Aelariah sat. She seemed to be oblivious to the presence of anyone besides her father. However, once she sat down a moment and caught her breath, she seemed to calm. Slowly, her head moved around the room toward each of the others present. It was a physical habit she had taught herself to let others know that she was looking around. Her eyes were the faintest of blues with a light haze making them look blind, even though she wasn't. But because of their appearance, she had to go out of her way for people to know her eye movements at times.

She stood suddenly and dipped her head lightly when she laid eyes on Zefirino. "Forgive my sudden interruption," she said softly, before turning her head slightly toward Icewulf again. She tried her best to give him a half-serious glare, her brows furrowing in a wolfish way.

[Mokobo]

See what you look upon.
The words of his old training ran through Gjelu's mind as he remained sitting at attention. His bright blue gaze first settled upon Valadoss. The large dragon seemed to be deep in thought as he gazed into the mountain spring. As to what could draw the Primus into such a deep reverie was beyond the Archus. He had heard many stories of the dragon's prowess in battle during the war, and had even witnessed some of those feats for himself. Rumors flew around the Domus that Primus Varadoss was older than the mountain above them. Of that Gjelu could not be sure. However even as the wolf watched, the dragon seemed to stir himself and come back to the present.
So he turned his gaze to his father. The two of them had much in common. Although sometimes it seemed their similarities stopped after their appearances. Icewulf seemed to have an art to keeping secrets, and there was no telling how many thoughts were hidden behind his ice-blue eyes.  Gjelu had grown into the habit of imitating his father's cold, collected demeanor. In doing so he learned he could shield his thoughts behind a simple look of apathy. Never could he learn to use words like his father.
Even now Gjelu could see how his father used courtesy and flattery to offset his brother.
He could see that now as he looked to Zefirino. The title their father had used had seemed awkward even to Gjelu. It had to be difficult for his litter-mate to have everyone looking to them as their leader. Now his brother was returning his gaze, and he could see that there was something else in his eyes. Was he expecting something to happen? That was when he heard the voice he had been dreading since he followed his father to the Domus.
Oh no.

It was as Aelariah's exclamation echoed off the walls of the Atrium that Icewulf flinched first. For a moment he again seemed years younger, finding a sudden great interest in a pebble on the floor. There was scarce a soul who could break this warrior-wolf's icy shell like his daughter, with the exception of his beloved mate. As he gazed intently at the small stone, it was the word 'mother' that caused the elder wolf to flinch again. Patiently he waited for his daughter to finish scolding him, and soon she was collecting her breath. It would be obvious that Icewulf was quite flustered at having been found out by not just one or two but all three of his children.

"Now Aelariah.. er - no need to tell your mother.."

These words were followed by some mumbled words that sounded similar to 'walk' and 'fresh air'. Icewulf held his silence after that, and soon heard his daughter apologizing to the others. Quickly the veteran wolf would raise his gaze to look upon his sons with an almost pleading expression. First he turned to Gjelu, where he received only a small grin. No, that son had waited for hours after following him to this hall. Whether Gjelu's patrol had merely crossed his path or he had been asked to keep a watch he did not know. Either way the youngster had done so well at keeping his presence hidden until he got too close to that squirrel. There would be no help there. So instead he looked to his other son, hoping he might find some mercy there.

[Xenoxice]

((OOC: Muse has left me tonight... sleepy + headache = short post.  Sorry!! >_<'))

IC:

Looking up as Varadoss heard the wolfesses voice echoing down the hall and into the chamber, he slightly quirked one eye in amusement as he watched the scolding of the former Primus by his own daughter.  Keeping his memories and thoughts under control this time, he watched as the young wolfess bowed in apology to Zefirino and then glance back at Icewulf.  His eyes shifting between the two but noticing the particular looks he was giving his sons gave him an idea of what was going on.  Silently laughing to himself Varadoss knew these were times worth making memories.  Turning to the female he bowed his head ever so slightly and spoke.  "Please forgive me Aelariah, I sent for Icewulf's presence at the request of one of the Cordus.  There were a few things they wanted an opinion on and requested I ask him specifically.  Please send my apologies to the misses.  I will make sure next time he doesn't stay so long."  As he explained his vary vague not so truthful, yet not so untruthful lie, he turned his head toward Icewulf and gave a half-smirk that could only be seen on the side of his face that was facing him and not his daughter.  "I believe I may rest here just a few moments longer before going to check the rest of the lands." he spoke softly.  In actuality just wanting to see how everything would play out between the family that was gathered before him.

[Relairah]

Zefirino couldn't help his inner amusement. Ever mischievous at heart... though he only showed this side of himself with those closest to him now. It had never really gone away. He wondered if he should offer his dear father a paw.... but then Varadoss spoke up and saved them all the trouble. He couldn't help a light grin on his lips.

Aelariah continued to glance between all of them, her mouth curling into a slight frown. She could sense that something was amiss... but alas, she decided she could let it go. Still... it wasn't really her they should all be worried about. "Oh, very well," she said finally, rising again and huffing slightly. She didn't feel it was her place to vocalize all of the things Antarctica had expressed as to why she was worried about Icewulf. That was between her parents... even if she agreed with her mother. It was only natural to worry after everything this family had been through already - in particular Icewulf and Gjelu.

She pushed the thoughts aside.

"I'll vouch for you," she said with a wolfish smile finally, and moved toward Icewulf. She sought to nuzzle him if he allowed. Aelariah had never been one to be shy about affections with her family. She thought perhaps she should make the visit brief. After all, she had only come with the intent of getting back to Antarctica...

Zef looked toward Varadoss. Perhaps the dragon wished to be alone... from his words. But he was worried he might cause Gjelu to break into a sweat! If Aelariah already hadn't... even if that weren't the case, it was tempting to tease his brother so. "Perhaps I should accompany you, Primus," Zef said finally, sitting back on his haunches slightly. Aelariah seemed to be waiting to see if Icewulf would be leaving any time soon or not. Zef wondered to himself if his sister intended to stick around or leave in order to lay their mother's worries to rest...

[Mokobo]

When Varadoss gave forth the excuse that he had been seeking, Icewulf would start slightly. Not in a way that showed, but he had indeed almost forgotten the dragon's presence. Quickly the veteran wolf collected himself, offering his fellow Primus and appreciative smile. Once he displayed his gratitude toward the dragon, the veteran wolf would turn to his daughter to see if she would accept the story. For a moment he thought she might persist. Even as he watched Aelariah frown over the situation, a soft smile took a hold of his own lips. It pained him to keep secrets from his loved ones, and yet it seemed to become harder and harder to do so. As much as it pained him to admit it, his children were fully grown and had long grown wise to his few tricks. Some secrets were not easy to part with.
It was then that Aelariah approached him and offered a loving embrace. Never had the veteran been shy to show his care for his children. As his daughter nuzzled up against his frame, Icewulf would raise his tail to ruffle the fur between her eyes. It always had amused him to do so ever since she had been the pup he still saw her as. The talk of a patrol around the lands caused the elder wolf to turn his head to look behind himself. Two scars still parted the bluish-white pelt beneath his shoulders. Once a pair of glorious wings had come forth from those scars. The memory of the battle which had taken them from him still haunted his dreams on occasion. As he thought once more of the Demon Wars the soft smile he wore would disappear. Icewulf would once more turn to the others, offering a slight bow of his head toward Zefirino.

"You must excuse me, I must return to your mother. I fear I might have already caused her to much stress." After these words he would offer a warm smile, which he in turn gave to Gjelu. Quickly Icewulf would rise to all fours. Once more he would use his tail in attempt to play the fur atop his daughter's head before beginning to make his way for the entrance.

Quietly Gjelu watched everything about him. He knew his sister's wrath was born from her concern for their mother. The same worries plagued himself ever since when they first lost their father. Bright blue eyes darted toward his elder as they examined the scars on their back. Gjelu's own lush wings twitched slightly as he remembered that day. In one of the countless battles of the war his father had his wings taken from him. It was yet another time that the children of Coldbane almost lost their father. Gjelu himself had been the one to happen on the aftermath. His father had been overwhelmed by demons, and yet when his son came upon the scene he was the only one still breathing. Wasting no time, Gjelu had carried his father to the healers. That day he had flown the fastest he ever had, but he still refused to tell his siblings about all the blood.
As Icewulf began to take his leave, the young Archus would do nothing to try and stop him. He knew where his father's mind was now, but he also felt it was best for Icewulf to return home. Instead he would turn his attention to Varadoss. There was another who seemed easily lost in his thoughts. The opportunities for Gjelu to be around this enigmatic Primus were few and far between. Quickly he would rise to his paws as well, snapping his wings out as he stretched his frame once more.

"I would like to accompany you as well. I've been in the Domus too long today."

[Xenoxice]

(( OOC: Sorry for the long wait and short reply, been busy getting things situated after returning from the trip and trying to get the mojo going!!  Perhaps Vara could fly them to the plateau of hills and plains and jump in on the plot RP ))
 
Listening to the remainder of the conversation Varadoss acknowledged with a silent bow of his head when Zefirino had mentioned accompanying him to patrol the rest of the lands.  Soon after Gjelu had volunteered to go as well, he breathed deeply and let out a soft exhale... for his size anyways. Stretching his eight wings out across as far as they could go, a few loud cracks would be heard with a sigh.  "Much better."  he simply stated.  Taking one last drink from the spring and lifting his head to face to Zefirino and Gjelu, he allowed one of the wings to fall to the ground.  "If you'd prefer I can fly us out to the plains to take a look around.  It would be much faster this way than running.  I've searched everywhere else for today and I would much appreciate the company."  Waiting to see if they would prefer to fly upon his back or if they would rather run or fly themselves, his large eyes gazed between to the two to see what they would choose.

[Relairah]

Zefirino stepped back slightly as Varadoss spread his enormous and numerous wings. They were certainly something else in comparison to his measly two... but his could definitely get him where he was going. While he had no intention of running, there was no doubt the dragon could probably fly the fastest of all of them. Even if he only had two wings, his sheer size would have given him enormous advantage.

Zef glanced at his brother with a smile before glancing back at Varadoss. "Well, Primus. I would consider it an honor." Instead of walking aboard, the black and red wolven leaped, using his wings to aid him so that he landed neatly on Varadoss' back.

[Mokobo]

The air of the Atrium stirred as did the behemoth of a dragon within. Gjelu jumped back a pace as Varadoss stretched his many magnificent wings in preparation for the flight. For a moment the wolf turned his bright blue gaze to look at his own. White glossy feathers covered the appendages, tipped in the lightest shade of blue. His wings resembled those of a snowy owl well fully extended. For now he kept them neatly tucked against his side however. There was an offer made of transportation upon the back of the dragon. Graciously did his brother accept, acquitting himself as well as an emperor should. Gjelu's own cold, calm shell broke for a moment as his eyes twinkled with amusement. Even though his litter-mate was his leader now, the urge to make some taunt or jest was barely suppressed.
In the stead of such an uncouth expression, the Archus would offer a deep bow. The tip of his nose touched the stone floor of the the grotto, the better to hide the smile that fought at the corner of his lips. He always did find it easier to imitate his father when in the elder's presence. Yet by now Icewulf was far from the Hall of the Vorlfur, and Gjelu's own mischievous side bubbled beneath the icy crust of his composure. However he was not so young or foolish as to forget his station, so it was with a measured pace and careful words that he spoke.
"I fear I shall decline, Primus. A proper patrol needs outriders after all." With that utterance he then opened forth his wings. The gust of wind was small compared to when the dragon had stretched. Feathers the color of icicles in sunlight splayed out for a moment, quivering as the muscles beneath stretched taunt. Gjelu knew he could never hope to fly faster than his reptilian commander, but it was the hopeless challenges which offered the best sport. Loosely the white wolf's wings folded to his sides once more, ready to snap open at any moment for flight. With a small gesture to the entrance hall and a glance to Zefirino his voice rose up once more, an air of mirth escaping to hang with his final word. "Shall we, m'lords?"