HEY DOODES AND DOODETTES! Time for another Last Supper thread! We've got some exciting updates for this one, so even if you don't post, please take time to skim it at some point - Stuff could be relevant to your characters. Sie and I decided to make this one non-mandatory, because it's holiday season and we thought it would be cruel to force you to post if you're busy with family and whatnot. But, if you get the chance, please whack a post in here! Sirius will be assuming that all members currently in the territory will be attending, so even if you don't post, feel free to just pretend your character was there. If I have mentioned your character as being present, and for some reason you would rather they are not, let me know and I will edit. Also, keep an eye on the website if you can - Sie and I are going to be meddling with some new co-ranks to better suit our current members. Love you all, Season's Greetings and the best New Year!
Forward-dated to the 28th.
Word count: 5+
The call ebbed within his throat, swelling out into the brisk twilight air and oozing dramatically through the skeletal and grotesque shadows of the Ruins. It was a proud, if not eerily haunting sound - The call of the peacock monarch, Hunter, Thistle King. It demanded the presence of his subject, his beloved Family.
As the long, strange howl faded in his own ears, Sirius reclined back to his cross legged position at the head of the four flattened logs that formed the table for this particular ceremony. Already, fires lit from slow-burning wicks of animal lard and stripped bark flickered in small pits about the circular chamber - The Last Supper was always held in the same place, a round chamber near to the ocean that, after hundreds of years of decay, was little more than a loop of crumbling stone wall. Where there had once been a roof was now only open sky, and the wind moaned softly through large capes in the stone walls. The occupants would not sit on chairs, but on the compact earth, for their table was crude and had no legs.
As primitive as it appeared, there was strict protocol to everything about this evening. Sirius sat to one head of the table, the dark sable form of Eris at his left hand, and the absent space where his dishonored Protege belonged to his right. Sirius had yet to fully accept Itachi's rebellion in secreting his woman within the borders, and although the monarch had allowed him to keep the sickly girl (who he had suspected would die from her pitiful state, regardless), his disappointment was still livid. From this high point of the table, the following pack members would ascend according to their rank - Their primitive instincts would probably ensure such a thing.
Already, the table was heaped with food. Large silver platters from Sirius' own chambers were overflowing with half-cooked chunks of ambiguous meat. Some of the choicest parts were reserved for himself, the liver of a young doe Salvia had hunted being such a prize, along with a bizarre crustacean that Sirius had never eaten before. The exotic food was regarded with surprised relish. Liliya's prowess was displayed in more of the strange, bug-like creatures, heaped amongst crispy rabbit and juicy fowl. The king had been very pleased with the Russo woman's offering.
When all who would come had arrived, Sirius raised his hand for silence. It fell, and a familiar pride welled within his cavernous lungs, sharpening itself in the yellow glint of his viciously pleased smile. "My Family, we meet again, and share the blessings of our bountiful land under this swollen moon," As he spoke, the King's acidic olive eyes glanced to the baleful eye of the celestial body, hovering above them in heavy fullness. It cast good luck upon them to sit, as one, beneath the power of its cool silver gaze, and it spoke in primal and ancient voices to them all. His ancestors had prayed and howled to such a moon, before they knew voice and mind.
Taking a deep breath of the bitterly cold air, and exhaling it in a mysterious gush of opaque steam, the dramatic monarch continued. "Winter is upon us, and many of us have felt her teeth, as she is the cruelest of mistresses. For our livelihoods, our crafts and our livestock to survive this season, many of us have gone above and beyond in ensuring the wealth and prosperity of Salsola. I name them now, and may all who see them know them to be beloved. The Family welcomes into its thorny embrace: Odessa D'Angelo, daughter of the strong brethren; Liliya Russo, daughter of the deep waters; And Siv Helsi," Here his voice, so strong and full, fell slightly in tone - For only a second, the King's eyes lingered mistrustfully on the witch, before returning to the other expectant faces of his beloved, twisted pack. "Siv Helsi, daughter of the dark night. To these three, extend your blood and your kinship."
The crocodile grin graced his wicked jaws again, narrowed pupils finding the other two females mentioned, nodding imperceptibly to them both. Then, raising a hand to motion for silence once more, the King cleared his throat before continuing. "So, too, must we note those who we already adore, those who are to be blessed and welcomed into our hearth and our hearts. Salsola has total confidence in those who I name: Denver Mathis, son of the civilized; Magnolia Takekuro, daughter of the beautiful forest; and Salvia Eternity, daughter of The Auxiliary, daughter of the Tigress," His sharp, predatory gaze found them all, and lingered in particular on the piercing lime gaze of his most favorite weapon. Then, his speech done, Sirius made a sweeping gesture to the dark woman who sat at his side. "Our Auxiliary will now speak. Hold your appetites." His gaze lingered expectantly on Eris, knowing for the majority what it was she would say.
The sable hybrid listened with a cocked ear as their Boss spoke, though her mind was elsewhere. Her stomach had been moving and shifting all the live-long day, as it had these past weeks, and Eris did not think she would eat much, if anything. To be sure, the dark woman planned to take a heaping plate, but who would notice if she only picked at it? Everyone would be engrossed in their own meals. The hybrid woman did her best to ignore the unrest in her belly and focus her attentions, but it was a losing battle.
The dark woman knew the words well enough, anyway. She was already privy to that which Sirius wished to speak, and so she did not have to pay rapt attention. Yellow-green eyes searched beloved faces for brightening as the promotions were announced, and the wolfish woman could not stifle a fierce grin, directing it particularly at those who had been promoted. Salsola had passed its adventive phase and was well-established, with strong roots sunk deep into the ground. It was these canines who made it strong and kept the plant watered and alive through the long, dead winter. She was not so distracted that she missed her cue, and she gave a brief, faint smile as she stood, nodding to Sirius to signify her readiness to speak.
My darlings, she began, spreading her arms to indicate the whole of Salsola. We will welcome two new Co-Ranks on this night, as well. Liliya fills our fisherman's role, and dear Salvia fills our huntress rank. Those of you who do not yet possess a co-rank would be wise to seek after one, the coyote said, though there was no tone of admonishment in her voice. Their dearest Boss had yet to select a co-rank, even -- she would not hold the absence of such a thing against those who were still in the process of finding their perfect job.
Having nothing else to share, the coyote nodded her completeness and settled right back down to her seat, the thrashing in her belly settling a little with it. She swallowed noisily, and looked down at the expanse of cut log before her. It swam in and out of her vision, and sudden hunger gnawed at her stomach. Her earlier plans to forego eating were for naught, apparently -- ravenous hunger now roared in her belly, and she thought she would have to eat. Wonderful -- as if she had not gained enough weight.
Odessa had moved up the table. And, how wonderful it felt to do so. She was now Family. It had been the one thing she had been striving for, getting what she once had. As a Bambino, she was family, perhaps not with the same benefits, but family nonetheless. It had baffled her for a long while after she was old enough to leave the rank and found herself in the Associate's rank. But she came to terms with it anyway and set her sights on finding her feet within Salsola. And she had been rewarded.
Juan had not joined her at the Supper. Canadian winters were too harsh on the adventive creature, whose fur was too short for anything colder than southern America. Though Saffron had joined her, lying next to Odessa on the floor, reading for the meat scraps that would come later. It was quite possible, from Odessa's observations, that she was carrying a litter. Odessa would largely profit from this, cats were prolific hunter, well most of them. After all Saffron would prefer to rest in the warmth, rather than hunt in the snow like she was able to with that vast coat of hers.
She watched both Sirius and Eris as they spoke, lowering her head in shyness when her own name was mentioned. Daughter of strong brethren. Did he really think this? Odessa was truly honoured, whether he felt it true or not. No one would doubt the Boss's word, would they?
Broken glass is luxury; Friendly fires are alchemy
Bastion was once again in attendance. He had yet to miss one of these things. But then again he also had food specially prepared for him each and every time. there was always a bowl of something set aside for only him to have so why would he miss that? Though this supper things were different. There were too many holes at the head of the table. It felt so odd but Bastion of course took the opportunity to sit just a bit closer to Eris. He still left some space there so it didn't look like he was entirely trying to take over the role of the Crone but simply made it easier for him to be able to lean over and talk to Eris.
He listened to the announcements without much interest since they didn't concern him in the slightest. Just a few being made family and a couple getting jobs. Nothing of real importance to him. They were all still lower than him and that was all that mattered. No one had moved up to where they were allowed to be near him so he didn't really concern himself. Now if someone had moved into the high ranks he might have paid more attention.
So once the announcements were over with he leaned over to speak with Eris. What he was going to say was already known about. It had been a decision a long time in the making. "Want make official with Puppy... with Janos." The words were whispered out so that only the leadership might be able to hear. He'd already had the consultation with Eris over this. Actually, she had been the one to help him come to this decision. She had been the one to help him figure out what it was he had felt and what it was that Janos had meant by wanting them to be family. So it really shouldn't come as a surprise to her though it might to the rest in the Family as he never had come across as the sort to love or care for another.
The ritual was familiar now, and Salvia looked forward to it. More so than the others, she was a primitive beast posing as a house-pet—she was without a doubt a weapon well crafted and well tooled by her leader, even more so than her absentee parents. Larkspur had not yet returned and her mother had proven that Salvia was nothing special to her; Sirius had confirmed this, and his word was law. So it was now, as her dark ears and bright eyes focused on his shape alone, a savage profile filled with eager light.
Salvia all but beamed at her cousin, thrilled at the announcement of her new rank. Odessa had filled a gap left by Wretch, and though they were not terribly close, their blood relation still held weight with the blonde girl. Likewise, she was proud of Liliya. They were all Family here, regardless of how she felt personally about them, and if one prospered than Salsola prospered. It was a simple equation.
It surprised her, though, when her own name rang out into the night. Salvia’s head lifted higher, though it hardly looked as if she was forcing such a thing. As the acidic eyes of her uncle met her own, Salvia lingered an impossible second too long before she dropped her head in a bow of thanks. She would not show such disrespect before the others, though in private she loved the dark man as a second father. Tigress. What an invocative word, she thought, and wondered just what beast carried such a title. I do, she thought sharply, and smiled with daggers.
She did not wait long to eat, and chose meat recognizably made by Mocha. Having been watched over by the coyote woman, Salvia had grown up with familiar spices and preparations and likened them yet. The slaves were no doubt around, and she hoped that her own woman would know her place. Once the Family had eaten, what was left would go to them—Salvia was particularly pleased with the glossy sheen returning to TK’s coat, and intended to see that she (much like Nacht) was a sight to behold. It was not a flattering idea, but for Salvia, the extension of property was reflected on the owner. To have a slave disrespectful or dirty would only show that they were worthless. Certainly, the Korean was far from that—a small scar on her muzzle, though faint against her pale fur, proved such a thing.
Siv understood that a feast was not simply made for the enjoyment of such a thing. Information, ritual, it all carried over when it came to such events. She had made a point to ensure her own appearance was flawless, after of course ensuring her daughter was looked after. All of the children had certain nannies of a sort, and she was glad that she had not brought the girl. For herself, she had bathed in cold water and combed the gray-streaked mane of hair into a billowing sea of glossy waves. The jewel on her head glittered in the firelight, a similar shade to that of her eyes, and far brighter than the triangular design on her throat. She wore only one piece of clothing, and that was the finely crafted leather skirt that helped to ease the cold from the ground, if only slightly.
Unfamiliar with the proceedings, she watched the others for social cues. Sirius was without a doubt the only one who commanded this ring, though Eris was at his side. Siv admired the man’s speaking; he would have been chosen for her life had he been born a woman. The thought made a peculiar smile cross her face, though this faded momentarily at her name. Yet he looked to her, and she forced a soft thing onto her face and bowed her head to him. Inwardly, she was thrilled—and yet even now, carefully calculating, carefully planning.
By the time they were allowed to eat, she was desperate for food and drink. Wine, especially. Yet she ate with practiced control, and made sure to test and savor each strange and uniquely seasoned dish set before her.
300+
I'm just vaguely playing her here since I've done nothing yet :x;;;
There was still too much that the colorful woman did not understand about this place. There were customs that were foreign to her, especially considering her heritage as a wanderer, a solitary figure. Before the call for this meal - the Last Supper? - Isabella found herself grooming her long, course locks with bone comb and lavender water. Her two precious bottles of rose water and lavender water were dwindling, but she had used them daily and had made them fairly recently. But with no access to fresh roses and fresh lavender, Isabella was going to be forced to use her wax sealed oil stored in small glass jars. She had been loathe to break the seals and take them from her dark little hiding place and start to dilute them. They were expensive, and they were hard to come by.
Regardless, Isabella, lightly scented of lavender, came to the strange ritualistic supper and sat at her place at the further end of the table. She had made sure to wear the trinket the King had given her for her services, keeping it modestly tucked under the shawl she wore. Her bi-colored eyes watched the dark King speak and then the dark woman beside him speak as well. She watched and listened with curiosity. So, everything earned in this pack was on the whims of these people. Isabella tightened the black and silver shawl about her shoulders, looking from the handsome speaker to those he gave his favor to. Part of the family? More respect? That seemed nice, but things were always complicated in families. But favors were hard to come by at her rank, perhaps she ought to figure out a way to be more useful.
Having watched the information spread and people begin to eat while they talked, Isabella gingerly helped herself to the food within reach. It was not the choicest nor some of the most tender, but it was better than eating the remains. She took one of the strange buggy creatures, caught by the new fisherwoman, One of the men, what seemed ages ago, brought such creatures for her, cooked pink and shelled. It had been a new taste but she had enjoyed it then. Easily removing the shell, she noted the salty taste to it; the ones she had been given before had been freshwater. Regardless, the woman enjoyed the meal, though she felt ignored and spurned so far from the prestige.
It was no secret that Salsola’s beautiful king would soon call the kindred to another feast, but exactly when it was going to happen Liliya did not know. Not until she visited Verusha and found the slaves up in a hustle and bustle preparing for the meal. A mélange of emotion coursed through her then. There would be so much to do to get ready for the feast! And… she wanted to be prepared in more ways than one. The woman spent so much time building and fishing that much of the time she was caught mucking around dirty and unkempt. She didn’t want to present herself at a dinner with her pack like this! Yet, if a meal was being prepared, then the crab needed to be just right or else her hard work would go unnoticed. She couldn’t just trust these mere slaves with the preparation of the treasure she had collected from the bay!
Verusha… mother… she could do it. But could she trust the daffy woman to understand just how important this was?
***
When the call finally came… the call from the striking Boss himself… her heart pounded in her chest. When it came down to it, she couldn’t entrust anyone with the preparation of her portion of the Supper except herself, so she tasked the communal slave… her mother… with cleaning her clothing while she worked over the pots. Now the slaves were whisking the crab away and she just had to hope they would treat it right from here on out. Please don’t let it be too cold. Please don’t let it be too hard to shell. Please let them like it.
She entered the dining scape in a hurry, afraid that she was late. When her dull grey eyes took in all who were there it didn’t make her feel any easier, but at least they were all still settling. There were no cross looks, so she knew she had made it before the events commenced. She sat at the first place open, wanting to just get her butt in its spot and hoping not to be noticed. As she plopped onto the ground she raked nervous fingers through hair – it felt strange. Where there were normally many knots and tangles, her fingers slid free. She had managed to find time to make herself look respectable, for once… even if she did smell of brine.
When Sirius began talking she only had eyes for him, her gaze darting to him with rapt attention. If he wasn’t their leader and she had less of a reason to gaze at him so one might think she was a girl enamored. Luckily, she could tell herself that wasn’t the case.
She was startled when he spoke her name and a small, ‘yote-style yip escaped her before she could cover her mouth. Her typically expressionless eyes widened in a mixture of gleeful shock at her new rank, and horror at having interrupted part of Sirius’s speech.
She almost didn’t believe her ears… Family? It had finally happened… everything she worked and strove for over the last few months was coming to fruition. She was family! And she was now Pescador! And Family… that meant… her eyes searched for the slave woman, but she was not there.
It wasn’t until the others shifted to take their place in the new order that she moved to do so as well. Her eyes turned to Odessa for a moment, and a half smile tipped her muzzle. Odessa had helped her, she was partly responsible for this, and that was a debt she would never forget.
The Dark Lady spoke next, and again an attendee was named who had aided her with her work. Salvia. Her eyes flicked to the light colored daughter of Eris before wandering back over to Sirius, despite the fact that he was no longer addressing them. Though she wanted to eat with her pack, she only idly picked at a few pieces of food while she watched to see if he liked the crab she had prepared for him.
Once again Denver sat upon the cold, hard floor in the round, once fully-walled room. By now it was crumbled and lacked a ceiling, letting the open sky look down on them as they gathered. Denver found his seat beside Magnolia as the monthly tradition began. He enjoyed these meals; the food was expertly prepared, and there was always something entertaining to take away. With a smirk he remembered the bloody sight he'd seen at his first Supper; the slave's tongue being cut out for his non-compliance. If nothing else could be said about his leaders, it was that they wore their power well. Sirius sat at the head of the table, his posture grandiose and impressive. Just as it should be for a King, Denver thought. Pale blues scanned the room for all of the new faces; he took particular notice of a quiet, doggish woman that he had not noticed before. He always wondered how the dogs found their way here, as he had.
The first announcements that Sirius gave were vaguely uninteresting to Denver, and he eyed the towering plates of food, feeling his mouth begin to water at the scents. His attention was drawn quickly back as the Boss said his name. Chocolate-tipped ears perked at the voice, jaw slackening as his brain registered the words. Named Confidant now, Denver felt a rush of adrenaline and excitement. He had made it this far; farther into the circle of those trusted even by the Thistle King. He said Magnolia's name, too, and excitedly he nudged her with a grin. Together, they done their jobs well and proven their worth to rise in rank. Sirius mentioned Liliya's name, too, and the dog nodded his congratulations to her from across the room; she had skill, and it did not go unnoticed. Denver grinned proudly around the room then, not feeling his short stature today as they eventually dug into the feast. Happily, he ate until he was stuffed, savoring every morsel with swelling pride for the Thistle Kingdom.
OOc: blah blah blah i'm here, get over it. / +511!
Eris had told her of these. She was hoping to witness one, and she had gotten dressed up in her finest dress for it, the one she had back in Anathema, the one Daisuke had retrieved for her. She didn't know if she would be promoted at this one, but Eris had warned her once that it was hard to get promoted, she needed to prove herself completely loyal to the pack. The lazy princess would have to work, and suck up to the leaders, always bring them gifts and whatnot. She was a princess, and she hated giving away her objects that she worked hard to get. She begrudgingly put on a smile and she had brought her finest things, jewels, coins, things of that nature. She even thought about giving up her crown. Then she scolded herself. She would not give up such a prized possession. Not unless she had to. She quickly made her way towards the call when it had presented itself, and not without her slave and her pet, no doubt. The pet hung on her chest hair like always, and the chained beast followed behind her on all fours. She moved gracefully towards the meeting place, and once she was there, she quickly and quietly sat down and she silently listened to the words of the king and of the Auxiliary that had mentored her into the pack. She gave a small bow to both of them, finding her presence too distracting for her to give the proper greeting of the Salsolan bunch, but after the meeting, she would apologize and give them a proper greeting, as well as the jewels and coins she had brought with her.
She had heard the names called. She was not promoted, she almost knew she wouldn't be because she did not even know the king, the boss personally. Tonight, she would try to change that, and she wanted to talk to the boss, whom she had taken an interest in since the night she had seen him come and leave. There was something about his aura that intrigued her, and she wanted to know why she was drawn to him like she was. The woman looked at the olive eyed crocodile, and then the swirled woman again before she would try to match the names with the proud looking faces of the others whom had been promoted. She let out a small sigh, but she had tried to conceal the disappointment she had for herself. She should have tried harder, and she would try harder when she had the chance to. This next round, she was determined to get promoted. If she didn't then she might just be a little bit more than upset with herself. She bowed her head lightly to all of those whom were promoted and she let a fake smile rest on her lips. She wouldn't let them know that she was concerned with herself and still being an Associate. It would all change soon enough, and she knew it.
Sie, let me know if this doesn’t sense with salsola’s timeline or whatever. sosu: 445
Maggie had arrived in a punctual fashion; she was devoted to her thistle king and her ear was trained to pick out his call above others. The woman gave dear Denver a grin as they sat down next to each other, Maggie curious to see what news their king would provide today. The suppers were always excellent and her preference for cooked meat over uncooked was starting to emerge because of these feasts. They weren’t very often, but nonetheless Maggie adored going to them. She also liked them more than ever because she had Denver’s company, and he made them a lot more comfortable and pleasant, despite their current awkwardness.
Sirius began to speak and her jade eyes became locked on him the entire time he spoke. She didn’t seem worthy enough, she supposed, to talk to the king one on one. She had seen him around enough but had never worked up the courage just yet to speak to him directly. He seemed… above everyone, even lovely Eris. She must work up the courage soon, though, because Kimbra was now fully trained and she wanted the king to be proud of her work. Either way, she wished she could be one of those few trusted people he looked to. When he started listing names, however, her jaw dropped. Daughter of the beautiful forest? Her mind could barely comprehend those words. She bowed her head in utmost respect and appreciation to Sirius when he looked at her. It almost felt like daggers were being pierced through her when they made eye contact. His gave was a lot for her to handle.
She smiled at her friend when he was mentioned too, and gave him a friendly nudge back. Magnolia’s head whipped over to Eris as she spoke too, though since her co-rank achievement was not announced, she lost interest. Her head hung low, staring at her plate, suddenly not hungry. Why wasn’t she mentioned? Was Eris waiting for Denver to hurry up and do his task before she announced the pair together, or had she forgotten the honor bestowed on her? Either way, Magnolia was still the pack Vendetta. No one else knew the borders quite as well as she did, and no one spent as many hours guarding it as much as she did. Despite Magnolia’s constant need for attention, she let this minor detail go.
Maggie shot Denver a disappointed look as she started to dig in. The food was delicious, and she was also starving like usual. She ate quietly, not speaking, choosing to watch all those that surrounded the table with some sort of interest.
(1051)
Hurf. Pretending Eris started talking again before everyone ate. |: I am stupid. Also assuming no one speaks against Janos and Basti's mateship. Lemme know if I needa edit. c: Alsooo assumed Sirius okayed the nommings in next post. Alaine plz don't kill me, but do throw a brick if I need to edit. >_< Sorry about all the awkwardness, my peoples. <3
Eris is by me!
The sable-hued woman frequently wondered if Salsola would fall to ruin if their Boss abandoned them. She thought so. While she strove to be the glue that bound them together, in truth, the Auxiliary merely complemented the bonds between them. Their Boss was the true fibers to hold their pack together, and she thought the pack would fall quickly without one as strong and smart as Sirius Revlis to replace him. None among them were his equal, however, and she had yet to see any with promise for the rank of Protege, though she had been scouting their ranks since they had decided Itachi was no longer fit for such a position of esteem.
Her first instinct, of course, was to consider her own son Pandemic. Young as he was, there was strength in the boy, and he was his father's son -- developing from a large boy into a well-muscled man. But the dark woman knew, despite her own contribution to Pandemic's blood, there was danger in the boy becoming too like his father. If that was the case, fit for Protege he might be, but never a leader would he make. Larkspur, much as she loved him, did not inspire the same vicious loyalty and sharp confidence that Sirius inspired, and she feared the same would become of Pandemic. Still, that her mate and her son were not destined for leadership did not make them worthless, and the dark woman thought she valued them no less for their shortcomings.
The Arbiters served them well in their positions, and the dark-furred hybrid thought Denver might need to do growing of his own before they considered him for a position of such responsibility as the Protege. He was not altogether discountable, however, and the dark-shaded woman filed the once-upon-a-time Miracles hybrid away as such in her mind. Salsola had a dearth of males, and it seemed she might soon have to consider women for the position of Protege, though she did not like the thought. She and Sirius had not decided on precise or hard-line gender roles, but she, personally, had always imagined the Crone as a female position, while the Protege complemented her in his male role. The dark-hued woman supposed it was fine to break such preconceptions, as there was no long-standing traditions they would break by switching the genders of Protege and Crone.
A whisper drew her attention, and the dark woman looked to Bastion, her face drawing taut in dismay as she realized her error. Standing shakily, the coyote cleared her throat and offered a small smile, thankful none of her pack had chosen this time to speak their own news. She still had time to correct her mistake, and she tipped her head slightly, the public apology clear in the gesture. I offer my apologies, for I've forgotten important news. You'll excuse me, won't you, my dears? Your Auxiliary is feeling lightheaded with hunger, she explained, adding a dismissive wave of her hand. In truth, she felt worse than that -- she felt something was desperately wrong with her, and she hoped it did not show too plainly on her face.
Odessa and Magnolia have won their Co-Ranks, as well -- Odessa serves as Curandero, and Magnolia will protect our borders as Vedetto, the coyote explained, then turning toward Bastion. Bastion and Janos shall seal a mateship in the eyes of the pack, the coyote added, gripping at the table to keep her balance. She wished badly to sit again, and it was perhaps only the significance of this news which kept the sable-shaded hybrid on her feet. These were no mere sprats of Salsola; their news was pack news. They have my blessing, she said, pointedly keeping her gaze from Tlantli. The tawny hybrid no longer served as the Crone, and so Eris had no one to confer with regarding her decision.
She did not entertain relations with the same sex, herself, but Janos and Bastion had already proven their union fruitful enough to beget a child for Salsola. What did it matter if this child was not exactly of their loins? The dark-hued hybrid offered a faint smile to her pack, awaiting a challenge from any of her pack. When it did not come, the coyote settled demurely back into her seat, surreptitiously pressing a hand to her stomach beneath the table. She could hardly wait to eat, but the shadowy wolf also wished badly for sleep. Eris thought she might retreat to her den and retire early. There was little need for her to remain for all the festivities of the dinner, after all.
With the speeches truly wrapped up, the coyote did look to Sirius, though two of them swam in her vision. She leaned forward and propped her head against her arm, knowing such a gesture was perhaps wildly casual for their feast, but unable to help herself, lest her face end up in the steaming pile of meat set before her. The dark coyote's ears stood half-mast, and with her Boss's command, the coyote fell to eating, pacing herself as well as she could. Still, the dark woman thought she ate quickly and perhaps too much, for the strangeness in her belly was only partially placated by the heavy meal.
Her plate emptied, the dark woman looked up, finding herself still more exhausted, perhaps by the added effort of digestion. Most of Salsola seemed preoccupied, and so she turned wearily to her beloved leader, feigning a smile and muttering her prepared excuse. It was no lie; she was truly feeling unwell this evening, and she thought it would do her a world of good to retire to her underground den before she ended up making a fool of herself at the Supper. She stood, murmuring a quiet good-bye to those seated closest to her, and walked off as confidently and steadily as she could, mustering all her strength to do so. Molcaxitl waited just beyond the firelight, and the dark woman leaned heavily on her slave-girl, allowing herself a very quiet whimper only when they were well-beyond the noises of eating and faint, proper revelry so characteristic of Salsola.
The Boss's call rose in the distance. Dark, horn-like auricles swiveled to catch the unfamiliar sound, and the dark head rose as if considering it. She did not recognize the voice, but there was no doubt to who it may belong to. White orbs glanced briefly at her master and the dark-furred brother. It seemed that she was not mistaken-- the howl upon the air did indeed belong to one of power. The response elicited by her superiors was enough to tell the Korean that. Through her training, she knew that the call must not be ignored. However, the significance of the other pack members was lost upon the enslaved Korean. She had met very few wolves outside the other slaves, with whom she scarcely interacted. Aside from Siv Helsi, the bent-eared female that had borrowed her services, Salvia and Pandemic were the only wolves that she heeded. Her life was not to serve her master, and she did so in silence, the wild aggression held at bay by the gift of privilege bestowed upon her. As long as Salvia permitted her to train, the martial artist was obedient.
TaeKyung followed Salvia silently, choosing to remain in her natural, lupus shape. She did not know what sort of event to expect, but she felt some measure of excitement from her master. Regardless, the enslaved female knew that she was insignificant in the way of the pack-- she was but a slave. Her presence would be nothing, perhaps even unnoticed. She followed her master only to be present should Salvia require her services. While doubting that her earthen-hued superior would require any sort of protection at a pack event, the martial artist had very little to do. She had completed her allotted training for the day, and without further privileges, she would be left to await her master's return. In following Salvia, TaeKyung would at least be able to scent the members of the pack, and to distantly become 'familiar' with the pack with which she was now forcibly a part.
Silently, the Korean wolf had entered the scene of what appeared to be celebration. Lunar orbs briefly passed over those present, finding the one who had named her 'Phantom' as well as two-- a male and female-- that seemed to hold power within the pack. The white gaze peered up briefly at her master before the strong, belligerent maw was lowered, as she was taught. TaeKyung was content with silence, willing to remain so until spoken to by another. In every sense, the slave remained her master's shadow, and when Salvia took her seat at the table, the obsidian-furred female lowered herself to the earth, sitting beside her master's chair. Like a guard dog, the Korean slave was almost protective of her master-- for Salvia was the only one that had both saved her life and had allowed her to train. The shattered mind no longer comprehended the enslavement as a direct consequence of her encounter with Salvia. The wildly belligerent nature was therefore allowed to remain dormant so as long as nothing provoked her. To keep her privileges, the Korean was very willing to obey Salvia.
As words were exchanged, the dark crania was lowered to rest upon her paws. White orbs scanned the feet of the Salsolan pack wolves gathered about the table. In silence, she waited for the formalities to be complete and for Salvia to offer scraps to her. And the black wolf was silent, a dormant and broken shade.
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