[M] The Last Supper - OPEN POSTING
#1
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Thread Information
Date: 16 June

Setting: The Ruins, Borgata Colotl (See map if you are unsure).

Time: Evening

Character Form: Optime

NOTE: This thread is for all current members of the Salsola pack. For more information regarding the Last Supper and seating arrangements, please take a look on the Website!
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Word Count » 3+


ooc: Welcome everyone! Time to get feasting. Please read the cultural information regarding the Supper before you post - Otherwise, leap right in! PP over Eris approved by Sie <3


He had risen early that morning, as was the Hunter's ritual. A strange excitement hung in the limp morning air, sucked into the lungs and awakening the blood of the cunning Thistle King.


A warm summer sun had breached the harsh, wild land of Salsola, and long ago dissolved what glimmering pearls of dew dared settle on the harsh spine of thistle. Preparations had been made - The Boss had previously spoken with Larkspur, and the Arbiter had again proved his invaluable worth by offering his prized lamb as centerpiece of the feasting that was soon to enfold Sirius' precious Family.


Now, as the moon rose, its splendid silver eye casting a baleful gaze on the mere mortals below, the Revlis man prepared to call them to him. Fires had been lit at various spots amongst the main area of the Ruins, their garish yellow glow visible across the nearby Borgatas as small pinpricks of welcoming light. Each pit of flames had been surrounded with stones by the slaves Molcaxitl and Rowan. The two women were obedient and fast in their work, but the King gave then scant thought. They were little more than proficient items, and not worthy of his immediate attention. His virile, poisonous eyes were attentive, seeking the moon, and then the ever-present form of Eris, who stood beside him.


In the largest confined area, a patch of hard compressed soil that had been cleared of weed to make a neat court-yard area, were four large felled trees. The pines had been impressive sentinels in life, but with much precision they had been chopped down and dragged here. Lined up, they created a long, uneven table. Sirius paced the rotting stone walls that encircled this table - In some areas, the stone had crumbled away completely, leaving large gaping doorways. There was no ceiling to the skeletal remains, and the stars were bitterly bright overhead.


On the nearest fire, the slaves had started the process of roasting meat for the feast. Hares, moles, fowl and fish alike were roasted on spits, the scent of charred flesh and death wafting appealingly through the Ruins. Those unfortunate critters that had already been cooked were heaped on the log table, their juices flowing freely about the felled wood.


Eris, her dark form shrouded by shadows, made a gesture to the King. Allowing a bewitching smile to grace his maw for the voodoo Auxiliary, he nodded once, and stepped to the edge of the stone circle. Maw lifted to the gentle night wind, and the Boss' howl rose, strong and commanding as he beckoned those in the beloved, wicked Family. Tonight was the night for them, the wild creatures of Salsola - Tonight was the Last Supper, night of the Thistle Family.


After his seductive tones stilled in the heated air, Sirius moved to take his place at the head of the table, sitting cross-legged on the bare earth.A large bearcoat settled about the King's shoulders and hid his bobtail from view, but in the flickering flame light, the four wicked scars that marred his chest were vividly clear.


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#2
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Table & Coding © Bobbi & Kiki; 389 words


Since Bastion was hanging around Salsola there was nothing placed upon his body in order to cover him. He didn't bother with such things if he were to be staying home. It was only while he went out that he dressed himself and took a scented bath. But if he were to be within the protection of the thistles then why should he worry about such things? And well, he really tried to stick around Salsola once night fell. Of course he had those times when he wasn't here. But of course he made that they were around the time for when they would all eat together. That was one thing that he always made sure that he was around for.

And it seemed he was lucky to have gotten in when he had. Though he had been hanging around Salsola now he had gotten back not long ago. He had been given enough time to strip down and clean away the blood from his hands. What he did while he was away was generally his own little secret. Of course some of it could be speculated at. And there was at least one occasion that another had witnessed that he wasn't quite as innocent as he came off. Or at least a couple other outside of his puppy. Still the number of live witnesses were minimal in this area. Or any area really. They had either been past puppies or deceased.

Bastion was glad that he had the chance to clean up before he heard the call to attend the supper. He made his way there quickly, not wanting to be late. He moved over to try to greet those present with a lick to each cheek and of course his childish nature decided that the gesture needed to be accompanied by a hug should it be allowed. Of course with greeting Sirius he ended up adding a single whispered word. "Present." The word was whispered to the Boss with an inclination of his head to indicate back the way that Bastion had come from. He didn't say anymore but moved to take his spot, choosing to sit on the other side of the Crone. He knew that she didn't like him but after what had happened prior she seemed to tolerate him a bit more at least.


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#3
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Word Count→382 — Xochime took out her nose ring; figured it was a good time to get that out of the way if she's staying a family member, though it might seem strange for someone to just take out an obvious slave ring, but what people make of it is up to you. Tlantli = sitting at Eris' left.

She'd been working, as was common for the Crone, in some spiritual world that sat within the realm of subconscious thought when the call came to her. Settled in her spiral room, dark pupils dilated from effects of some hallucinogenic substance, Tlantli almost didn't hear; it took a moment for the golden woman to realize what was going on in the real world. Xochime had to tap her sister's shoulder. Leaving the bloodied sacrifice on the spit before her, Tlantli rose and gathered up gifts found within the confines of the ruined human city to the south: a tarnished silver-backed mirror for Eris, a carved wooden comb for Sirius and a set of uniquely matched golden bands for the added effect of offering blessing to Eris' decision to settle on the black d'Angelo oaf. Her sister watched with the faintest traces of concern, asking if she needed help only once. Tlantli shot out denial of the most venomous kind, slinging her bag over her shoulders.

It wasn't hard for the two Kimaris women to find their way to the 'table', for the scents of various animals could have drawn many a spectator. They approached with caution, Xochime walking several paces behind the Crone herself; it wasn't out of respect so much as fear. They paused as the shapes of the Boss and Auxiliary came into sight. Tlantli glanced sideways at the remnants of the slave-girl Kimaris, tapping her hose to indicate the symbol of enslavement that was still worn there before confidently crossing the ground. Xochime fumbled with the nose ring to remove it before finding a place on the far middle of the table.

The petite witchdoctor halted before her leaders, removing the presents and setting them carefully on the ground beneath each; the silver mirror shone in the firelight faintly, giving a strange cast to the comb that came next. It wasn't until she was satisfied with their placement that Tlantli took her seat beside Eris — choosing not to acknowledge the man-child to her left — with all the elegant grace of a young man rather than woman. One leg was twisted to rest beneath her while the other offered a place to rest her arm, keeping her head turned in an attempt to hide her drug-addled features from the rest of the family.



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#4
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pray to your god, open your heart

+3. When he does sit it will be next to Itachi, on Sirius' right.

Sirius had come to his largest Arbiter the night before, and that was when Larkspur had made his decision. This ritual, while new to him, was one that held both purpose and power within Salsola. To not face it with the same respect as he might had this been Khalif would be shameful not only to him but to his family. Given the fact that Eris had gone down that route on her own, he had no desire to follow suit.

Night was the time of his patron god, and for this reason Larkspur traveled with the ram alive. Tak would demand sacrifice, and even if the Salsola members did not worship as he did, killing the beast in any sort of ritual would suffice as long as the words were spoken. Though the rite to present to the spirits was for Eris and the Crone, Larkspur would speak to the earth-demon and send him away from their home. At the very least, it would keep him at bay—Eris had welcomed Tak into her womb when she spoke ill of him and the sisters.

Massive in all forms, the Optime male had dragged the ram to his home the previous evening. Rowan, before Sirius had summoned her, had scrubbed the animal clean. Larkspur had spent time making himself presentable as well; while normally dirty and scruffy, he was spotless. In the firelight his fur gleamed like that of snowflake obsidian, catching the color of the flames in a way that paled in comparison to his orange eyes. He led the ram by a halter, and the animal’s steps were stiff and nervous—only the will of the massive wolf kept it in order.

He halted before the leaders of the pack, presenting the mighty ram to the pair. “For the health of Salsola,” the Arbiter said gravely, slowly, careful of his pronunciation. His eyes trailed to Eris, silently asking if she sought to perform any ritual with the animal before it was taken to the slaves.

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#5
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Word Count » 423 Out of Character Text

Citlali Kimaris-Etalpalli

His sparseness from the pack would have surely been noticed by now. Then again, he wasn’t favored much compared to his Aunt Tlantli. So there was a higher possibility than he first assumed that his boyish absence had gone overlooked. Since finding serenity in the high stone tower, Citlali rarely left. He had no desire to escape to the outdoors and make acquaintances. By now, he supposed that newer Family wasn’t aware of his residence or those who had seen him around believed he didn’t have a voice at all.

By the time dusk had settled upon Salsola territory, the boy’s hands ached from his work. A shallow scar wound its way across his left palm and continued shortly before stopping above his thumb. It was still fresh, and burned from where the knife had grazed his tawny fur on accident. After the incident, the coyote continued to work on the thick band mingled with beads. The weave required deep concentration and a great blade to loosen a strand and attach a bead. Citlali flexed his injured hand and winced while he stood, feeling the stiffness in his youthful muscles. There was brief movement outside the cracked and dusty window of the tower. He made his way carefully over just in time to hear the bottomless howl of Sirius. The boy fingered his white bracelet nervously; a developing habit.

Stepping into the night was a challenge. Shadows of gathering figures headed towards the ruin could be sensed yet not quite distinguished. Citlali looked about fretfully, hands alternating between both ends of his band. He knew where the Family was all headed; Tlantli had informed him as much as she could. The feast would be great, he remembered, and all must attend on perfect manners. A knot was forming in his churning, aching, stomach. Each step brought the coyote a slash of panic and he could feel his pulse throbbing in the mark on his palm.

He reached the ruins swiftly despite his hesitant pace. The smell of blood and boiling meat was thick in the air and mingled with smoke and thistle weed. Piles of rubble were frequent outside the brick wall surrounding the makeshift table. Citlali approached the gathering place silently and tentative, similar to a rabbit hopping about fueled with fear. Breathing in the warm, bold, air, the ginger coyote made his way through a crumbling entrance. Dull green eyes spotted his half-Aunt immediately in the fire light, but still held back out of instinct.

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#6
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With the retirement of a summer day entered evening, cooler in every way compared to its daylight brother. Hybrid ears swivelled to receive the melodic call of their leader, the man with the chemical eyes, reeking of delicious danger. The flawed Prince had been expecting the sound, though maintained his relaxed pace as he moved towards the ruins in utter silence, working with his stealth without rest. Two days had passed without a taste of flesh for this occasion alone. While the young blonde had decided to involve himself with the new family he had become part of, he would always struggle somewhat to enjoy larger gatherings. A solid hunger always bathed the Last Supper in a better light.

As he approached the growing group, he moved to greet the present family members and the two leaders in the appropriate way, though taking no extra step to show non-mandatory courtesy to anyone but Sirius, where he carefully evaded the poison hues as he lowered his head respectfully, momentarily exposing his neck for the Boss in a display of trust. With grace inherited from his indifferent mother, Itachi sat down on the ground to the right of the Thistle King. Pale eyelids partially veiled the vibrant sunset gaze as he watched the black giant come forth with his offer in the form of a live ram.

He saw the direction the orange gaze trailed, and could only guess. Eris had already revealed her demons, and he had watched her hungry hands dig deep into his dead father’s abdomen. This blissful lack of common morale had set fire to his consciousness, and he continued to cherish that sensation she had awakened.


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Table by Hilli
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#7
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Lmao, Denver is kinda out of place. xD Lemme know if this makes sense, timeline-wise and such... >> Ugh, rambly posts tonight, sorry. :| WC: 715


It had been weeks since that first meeting with Eris, but it hadn't seemed like much time at all. Denver had been entranced, enthralled, and intrigued by it all. The mysticism drew him in, captivated him. He was awestruck. Here, he felt that royal presence he had so longed for. The people here were powerful, he knew it-- in every way he desired.


They were ritualistic. Denver had grown up with quite a lack of specific religious or spiritual education, and these practices were quite foreign to him. Some family friends from his early years had worshiped a god, but he failed to remember who. To him, religion was either a crutch, or a means of control, depending on which side you fell to. It was something that he had mostly avoided learning about; partly out of laziness, but also out of disinterest. He wanted nothing to do with something that would remind him of the past. The Salsola religion, though, was different.


It was sacrificial, spiritual, and secretive, all in strange ways. He'd watched Eris; she was a mystery to him, still. She was closer to a divine being than anything else he'd seen. Denver had still not met their King, and was curious to see what sort of a person was fit to rule such an enchanting, mysterious kingdom.


Just then, as he came to a halt in the half-shaded light of the moon, the call went up. Ears perked up, though only one stood erect. Denver turned, trying to get his bearings; he still had no idea how to navigate this bewitched, desolate ground.


Back in the so-called dog kingdom, he had been displeased by the lack out outward company. Here, he knew that really, they were everywhere. Masters of stealth and disguise, they were, and he felt overwhelmed, but strongly desired to know more. He'd taken notice of their slaves with curious, heavy interst; maybe this was something he could get used to, perhaps even enjoy. His own personal slave might do him well.


The ivory mutt finally made his way through the ruins, stepping carefully over the many vines and thorns that lay across nearly everything. Surely, this place had been a castle. It was not the sort of grandiose mansion he'd always dreamed of, but you could tell it had been, once. And that was good enough for Denver, for now. It's rooms were large, half-demolished buildings, overgrown with thistle and weeds. To some, it may have been ugly, but Denver often cared naught to take interest in the foliage. As he moved through the vague hallways, though, entranced by the scent of cooking meet, the scene began to grow on him. Denver did not let his curiosity get the best of him, though, still taking great care to repel dirt from his tailored clothing. It was only a matter of time, though, before his clothing would become ripped by the thorns, and he would be tossed into a fit of rage.


Ice blue eyes set straight ahead as he entered the room, his short-statured body postured high and proud, but with tail low and ears back; he was intimiated, unsure, and instinctively respectful, however slight. Denver quietly surveyed the room; six were gathered. His eyes found Eris quickly, but she was surrounded by others. A pale, yellow-faced woman with eyes of fresh blood sat to one side of the dark goddess; on the other, a man who the cream-colored dog could only assume to be the King; the one they called the Boss. Sirius was his name, and Denver appraised him with hungry eyes, finding an unoccupied space at the makeshift table. He left space on either side of him, not feeling comfortable enough to get close to any of these strangers. Each of them possessed a powerful presence that he could sense. He wondered if he was capable of projecting such a thing; perhaps he did already.


Pale eyes swung around the room, taking abrupt notice to the ram standing there. It looked strange, to him; brighter and cleaner than the normal dirty animal he was used to. Brows furrowed as he stared at the thing, wondering who would have troubled to clean the beast-- wasn't it going to die anyways?


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#8
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OOC here! Table by Sie; Image from Flickr


He was unfortunate enough to arrive before Salvia, and the obsidian boy felt out of place at once. But he was a big boy now and the world was not a scary place. His tail stalked his hindquarters nervously as the lupus form of the D’Angelo son approached the seated family, silver eyes rising to his father’s burning orange as he passed in a half circle , careful not to interrupt his father’s presentation. The boy’s nose twitched with curiosity, then hunger. He could love and hate these gatherings simultaneously, for as any true feast, they would eat grand meals tonight. Some of the visible anxiety evaporated as Pandemic’s belly rumbled its eager grumble for the waiting meal, for he’d rather focus on pleasant things like food.

His pale eyes took a last trip across his immediate surroundings for his sister before he greeted the the adults with a wet kiss before he found himself a seat. The Crone had taken the seat next to his mother, and his father had yet to be seated. It was also important to keep a spot open for Salvia, and he sat near the top end of the table, placing his bushy tail at the spot right next to him to signal that this was a reserved seat for someone very special. A boyish smile settled on black lips as he looked at his big and mighty father. He was truly Larkspur’s son, and though he was larger than most children his age, he had a long way to go before reaching his father’s impressive size. But soon he would be big and strong like that too!

To reach that goal though, it was important to eat. The boy’s grey eyes turned to the meal that was still being prepared, and he shut his mouth tightly, afraid he would accidentally start to drool openly.


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#9
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Mel: Like I said in the PM, I’m going to pretend that magz has hung out with larkspur a few times before now and and has been learning about the pack.
words:309

It seemed as if the land whispered at night. Magnolia had noticed, more than once, that in the dead of night, the packlands were busy and full of activity. The silver-haired female had kept a low profile, meeting up with Larkspur occasionally to learn about the new land she called home. Those meet ups showed the girl that this land was full of secrecy and horror. She didn’t mind it, though; the eeriness made her feel more aware of her surroundings. She felt that the lands were magical, pulsating even.

An unfamiliar call rang out. The girl froze, wondering if she was invited to the gathering. She hadn’t been on the land for too long, and she had been too cowardly to meet the Boss yet. Instead, she learned from Larkspur. The family dinners had come up in conversation, and while she was told she was invited, the young girl’s nerves paralyzed her. She hesitated, mind whirring as she decided whether or not to go.

At long last, she reasoned it would be poor behavior to not show up. Magnolia had scouted out the Ruins before today, and so it wasn’t impossible for her to find the area before too long. As she finally arrived, her heart sunk. She was late. Everyone seemed to know where to sit except for her. Jade eyes averting any other pairs, the optime girl froze as soon as she came into sight of the others. Taking a deep breath, she walked forward to the Family after a moment. She made sure to be on her best behavior or now.

“Hello,” the teenager said softly, submitting to the Boss, Auxiliary, and everyone else. She hesitated for a moment before taking a seat next to the blonde male. She remembered him from Cour des Miracles; she had seen him out and about once or twice in the packlands.

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#10
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Salvia is in her optime form, yaaay!

There was a good reason that Salvia was late; she had been fretting endlessly about her appearance since her father had warned her about the meeting. Something truly magnificent was going to happen. She intended to make sure that she looked appropriate when she asked for her right of passage, when she shed her puppy rank and was fully indoctrinated into the pack she called family. At six months old her body reflected her adolescence all too well—especially in her newly found Optime form.

While she had waited patiently for her father’s slave to finish grooming him, Salvia had been persistent in her secretive desire to gain the same. Rowan trusted the girl enough to meet with her without Larkspur knowing, and the two had worked tirelessly to ensure that Salvia glistened. When Rowan had been summoned Salvia had remained. This was why when the second call came she had tarried, but finally the lingering demand and fear she would be late hit her. In a near-panic the teenager moved towards the meeting place, her still large paws traveling at a brisk pace.

Sure enough, when she arrived most of the pack was assembled. Yet Salvia carried herself with all the pride that the daughter of a Queen would do; her head was high and her shoulders set. Her fur gleamed like her father’s, but it was an earthy color only slightly lighter than the boss. Dark hair fell to her shoulders, perfect but still wild, and vibrant acid eyes gleamed out from her sharp visage. As per custom, she greeted her superiors with silent respect, but retreated to her brother’s side as her father remained awaiting whatever magic their mother would perform.


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#11
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Word Count → 746

The hybrid woman peered over the food set before them with pleasure glinting in her chartreuse eyes, though she would not have complimented Molca or Rowan on their skills. They were objects intended to perform such duties and they had done so satisfactorily; they were unworthy of praise. The sable hybrid looked upon the feast with hunger growling in her belly nonetheless, and her mouth watered faintly, though she reigned herself in until more had assembled themselves. She was ravenous lately, and it was not a secret to Eris as to why -- she did not feed herself alone these days.


The earthen-hued male lifted his voice, the musical and light call of the coyote, though unmistakable in its command. Everything had been set forth before them. The coyote looked to Molcaxitl, who stood twiddling her thumbs and peering down at her feet with vermillion eyes. The hybrid attempted to command her with a gesture, but when this failed to catch the woman's attention, the coyote resorted to a low growl, just brief enough for Axi and Rowan both to peer upward from their duties. The chartreuse eyes of The Auxiliary were for Axi only, however, and the tawny coyote scurried away quickly, fading from Eris's interest immediately.


Instead, she turned back toward their gathering, peering over the felled trees. The newest slave had been put to this purpose -- he was stupid and rather easily directed, and the sable coyote was appreciative of this. He did not seem to realize, however, that he was a slave -- it was likely to get his tongue cut out. The sable coyote had attended to his piercing herself, botching the job half-way. Darijus, as he was called, hadn't been able to keep from yowling and yammering, but he had withstood it all the same, believing it to be a testament to his devotion to the pack. The coyote had not been able to stifle her laughter at that.


They filtered in one by one, her pack, and she greeted each with equal fervor, returning the nuzzles that were offered with her own. She beckoned to Citlali as he lingered on the edge of their gathering, waving him forward warmly. When Larkspur made his way forth, the coyote peered at the ram appreciatively, only smiling at him and giving a slight nod of her head to indicate the slaves might take the creature. Her children assembled, Pandemic still in his four-legged form, while Salvia graced them with her two-legged one. The coyote gazed in brief appreciation on the strange thing that was her daughter with two legs. She would be an adult sooner than Eris knew, and the coyote marveled at this for a moment, stewing over it silently as her eyes fell to the meat.


It would not be long before the cycle started over again, though -- the children in her belly would be born soon enough, and the sable hybrid would care for them as she had Salvia and Pandemic and even Wretch, brief as the pallid girl's lifetime had been. Eris believed her to be dead, or at least far enough away that they were unlikely to see her again anytime soon. She had gone so very far while she was so young, after all. The hybrid often thought of the pale girl, and tonight was no different -- she should have been beside her siblings. Eris would not let Wretch's absence disturb her good night, however -- it was done and long over with, and her chartreuse eyes flickered to Sirius, though they were away again just as soon.


She would wait at his command to eat, but a murmur at her side caught the sable woman's attention, and Molca leaned forward to present the sable woman with three bottles of alcohol. Eris was not much of a drinker, but she trusted the slave's instincts, and saw that the woman had brought forth dark liquid, their bottles tinted a dark green that made the reddish liquid inside appear black. The coyote woman took them and placed them on the table herself, her offering to the pack -- the slave would not have the glory for that. She smiled faintly, knowing the other gifts -- the ones she would present to Larkspur later -- were not far behind, either. Though she itched to divulge news and announcements of their intent to the others, she would not speak of them yet; they needed to eat first.


hold us at the center while the spiral unwinds
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#12
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Word Count » 5+


ooc: Thank you all for coming! Time to get our FEAST onnnn.


It was not long before the first arrived. The boy, light of feet and pale of fur, pulled himself from the shadows beyond the stone circle and approached. The King stilled, his gaze direct on the manchild, pleased as the bizarre youth displayed appropriately demure behavior. He had been wary of Bastion initially, dismayed by his apparent lack of control. But Eris had stood by her choice in the Arbiter, and it had not been long indeed until Sirius had found value in the boy's... 'Talents'. As he whispered his wicked word, the Thistle King rewarded the youth with a sharp smile, his venomous gaze glancing back the way the boy had come.


While his gaze lingered, another form drew into sight - Two, in fact, but Sirius had eyes only for the first. She moved with the prowling intent of a mountain lion, and her ruby-red eyes were deliciously powerful in the casting glow of the fire pits. The smile on his maw did not fade, and yellow teeth glinted in pleasure at the sight of the Kimaris woman and her meek sister. His gaze did not drop to the presents that Tlantli left, remaining piercingly direct on the pixie lines of the Crone's face until she and Xochime took their seats.


The sounds of heavy approaching footfalls took the male's attention next; He knew immediately who it was, and although the smile had fallen from his maw, the Thistle King's eyes glittered with cold hard approval. Larkspur had become an invaluable member of Salsola, and Sirius prized him and his abilities greatly. The scars over his chest tingled with the memory of their hunt, and although Sirius had been successful in claiming his dominance that day, without the presence of the massive Arbiter he would surely have died at the teeth and claws of the bear he now wore. The ram was presented - A handsome animal, thick with fat and flesh. However, it was not Sirius' place to take it, for the animal had truly been offered for his Auxiliary alone. She, and the Crone if necessary, would use the creature in their strange and wicked blessings of the Thistle Family.


When next his gaze drew over the growing assemblage, it found the mild form of Citlali. A quiet boy - Tlantli's blood. Perhaps his Aunt had taken all the fire and spirit from their heritage, leaving the boy with nothing but his silence, Sirius mused. However, there was a difference between chosen silence and forced silence; While the first spoke of a contemplative nature, the second spoke of Sirius' hunting knife, and the cruelty with which it sang. Thus, Citlali's nature did not offend him, merely made the Boss fleetingly curious before his gaze drifted away.


Wandering attention was instantaneously stolen by the approach of the blond youth. The King's cunning gaze flickered with a strange ferocity, almost a hunger - Itachi was an enigma, and favored highly by the Revlis man. He had shown surprising wit and compelling self control, but more so, the boy possessed a strange magnetism to the Boss. Yellowed teeth glinted quickly as Itachi revealed his neck, a quick display of the feral dominance which ruled their hearts, that faded instantly to a more subtle authority. Itachi took his place at the right hand of Sirius, and the Thistle King favored his handsome pelt with lingering sights only a moment longer.


A stranger had joined their midst. Although suspicion was always close to the heart of the umber male, his sensibility knew that no true stranger could have wandered so far into the heart of their territory without merciless slaughter or enslavement. As the wispy, pale man approached, the scent of Eris rose from his pelt and his peculiar clothing. The King had a strange adoration of human-things, and his interest was alighted by the fabric the man wore. Feeling the man's gaze lingering on him, Sirius lifted his lip in a slight snarl - To gaze such at the Boss was a daring thing indeed, and had they been in lesser company, perhaps the leader would have asserted himself physically. As it were, his attention was fleeting, and quickly stolen once more.


Pandemic arrived, and his sister not long after. While the ebony boy retained his father's burly appearance on four legs, Salvia walked this day on two. It was the first time he had seen his 'niece' in her new form, and for a moment, the leader's poisonous olive eyes were entranced. She was sleek and leggy and young, and in this form, her value was intensely greater. Pleasure and pride welled within the Thistle King for the girl, whom he had sparingly taken time to teach, on occasion, as he had her mother. While Eris had been a difficult, if willing pupil, Salvia had been immeasurably more pleasing to mentor. Her skills grew rapidly.


A silvery grey girl emerged into the fire-lit circle, and she too was unfamiliar. But the scent of Larkspur clung to her pelt, and her submission was accepted with a calm nod from the Boss. The girl seemed meek and willing enough, and he trusted Larkspur not to invite fools into the Family.


It seemed that all who were coming had arrived. Allowing himself a dark, delicious moment of pride, Sirius gazed out upon them all. Momentarily, his eyes moved to Eris - They had created this place, this Family, and it was all theirs. The night and the moon, the harsh land and the wild nature of Salsola. This was their Kingdom; This was Salsola. He rose then to a stand, suddenly and with an air of importance, command silence with one hand held palm out in the air. Waiting for a hush to fall, the Boss donned one of his wicked crocodile smiles once more. "My people," Cunning gaze drew tenderly over each of them, the intensity of his intelligence a burning olive flame within it, "Salsolans. You have come to me, your Boss, on this night - This night of feasting, and of power. Within each of you is this power, that which you were selected for. My Family, we have done well to claim this paradise as our own, and with each day we will only grow stronger!" His voice rose vehemently, and perhaps madness line that fierce intellect seen within his eyes. Teeth glittered, and the flames cast demonic patterns of light to dance across his face.


Slipping back into his steely control, the Boss paused a moment before speaking once more. "Tonight, we dine as a Family - THE Family. Eat ravenously, my people, and sate your hunger on the bounty that the land has provided for us. Then, we shall discuss matters of great importance," His gaze drifted to Eris, before moving to the pile of steaming meat on the log table. If the Auxiliary and the Crone wished to sacrifice the ram now, then they may have, but the smell of the roasted meat was too enticing to ignore. Grabbing the haunch of a nearby roasted hare, Sirius waved it once in the air. "Enjoy!" Then he reclined cross-legged to the earth, and began to eat.


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#13
edit: =flails, edits!=

word count :: 688

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As the summer sun bled into twilight, a merle form rose from his knees to observe it with earthy eyes. He had just finished his evening devotional, though whether or not his prayers reached anyone's ears was still in question. Jeremiah had done much studying of his holy text in the past few weeks, and had yet to find a way for his feelings to come to terms with what he believed. He sighed heavily; at least he had a home now. He'd met with Eris several times since their first encounter on the beach, and she had taught him much of Salsola's ways. The whole thing made him vaguely uncomfortable, but he thought this was mostly because he was unused to a society not run utterly on religious principles. Regardless, it was his understanding now that he'd gotten himself into this, and it would be quite unwise at this point to try to remove himself; not to mention that, sacrilegious or not, the dark female had done Jeremiah a huge favor by allowing him admittance into her world, and it would be of utmost disrespect to turn that away.


His dark ears perked as a howl rang through the territory; this must be Sirius Revlis, to whom Eris had referred as the "Boss." Their bi-monthly feast was tonight, he knew, and it was time to begin. The male had prepared as best he could for the event, scrubbing himself and his simple attire until he gleamed. He'd even scrubbed down Black, who was currently tethered to a nearby tree; it hurt the young dog's heart to do it, but the sturdy equine was to be his gift to Sirius. He'd left Black's saddle on as an addition; what good was a horse without the tools to ride him? But the saddlebags containing his meager possessions had been removed and secreted away. Nerves afire, the mottled creature untied the black stallion's reins from his tether and started toward the direction of Borgata Colotl.


He paused as the light from the Ruins began to filter through the trees. He could see dark forms moving about in the firelight; he was one of the last to arrive. He tethered Black once more; Jeremiah would present his offering to the Boss after the feast was done, as Eris had explained the breach of etiquette that was discussing business during the feast itself. The horse snorted as Jeremiah gave him a final, friendly pat and continued toward the gathering.


It was with an uneasy stomach that he entered the clearing; laid out on the table was the feast, surrounded by the flickering flames of fire. It all had a very pagan feel to it; but, he reminded himself, this was the bed for which he'd made himself. Understanding that he was amongst the lowest ranked of the pack, not yet even considered Family, the shepherd straightened his simple white shirt and lowered his eyes to his footpaws. There was little conversation among those seated at the low table, and Jeremiah's mood joined the solemnity of the affair. As his eyes traveled the table, his throat dried up as he realized he'd neglected to ask Eris where, exactly, he was supposed to sit. Obviously not at the head of the table with her and the other leaders of this clan, but what if there was a specific order of which he was unaware? Finally, his gaze rested upon a silvery female with a striking, unusual blue mohawk, whose stature seemed less confident than those around her. This would probably be his best bet, he decided, stomach fluttering wildly. He unobtrusively slid in beside her, speaking no words but giving her a nod and a friendly smile, not daring to meet even her eyes as the brown male who must have been Sirius began to speak. Jeremiah's ears went back at the vehement speech the Boss gave; Sirius intimidated him, in a big way. The Boss gave the command to eat, but Jeremiah waited; it seemed to him that to begin eating before those who were higher ranked than himself may be frowned upon.
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#14
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Table & Coding © Bobbi & Kiki; Yay! Siri smiled!; 738 words


He was surprised at how early his own arrival was. But it was better to be early rather than late. it also allowed for him to pass along a message to the Boss. He hadn't brought his present with him but had left it in a safe place. After all his presents were quite special ones. At least in his own mind he thought them to be quite special. He thought them to be ones that should be cherished. He had taken special care in obtaining them. He had brought in a slave for the entire family to use. He wasn't being stingy like others of high rank and keeping the slave all to himself. Actually that slave had already been used within the set up or so he had heard.

He grinned and wagged his tail a little as the Boss smiled at him. it made him anxious to show off his present and have the other male tell him just how much he loved it. And that is exactly what he imagined would happen. That Sirius would say he adored his gift best of all. After all there had been a bit of a scuffle to get it. But once the right conditions were met it was something that Bastion had no problems at all dealing with. Actually his obtaining of the gifts had earned him a small portion of the Crone's respect. Oh yes, at first glance he didn't really seem to fit in with the family or belong to his rank. It just took getting him into a playful mood to show that he more than deserved it.

He glanced over at Tla as she sat next to him after he had seated himself. Even though she didn't acknowledge him at least she didn't force him to sit somewhere else. That certainly was a bit of progress at least. Or it could just be chalked up to her not wishing to disrupt things. Whichever it was it made Bastion happy. At least for a bit until he realized that Janos had yet to come back and so he would be unable to stare across the table at his puppy. He certainly hoped that the other was okay, even if it was only because he was reluctant to replace the other. Janos was such a perfect puppy that it would be difficult to find another like him.

Attention was turned to the head of the table once Sirius began his speech. It seemed that all who were going to be at the supper were already there. There were faces there that he didn't know but given their place at the table he knew that they weren't nearly all that important. It was fine that he didn't know them because they hadn't even made it into the family as of yet. Though perhaps he should see what they are about at some point. He reigned in his wandering thoughts in time to hear that it was time to eat.

The small boy didn't reach for food just yet but instead he leaned forward to try and catch Eris's eye. He knew that they weren't to talk of business and that was why his question was silent and written upon his face and in his eyes. After all he glanced between what was laid out on the table and then back to Eris. He wanted to know what was what that was laid out before them. or more importantly if there was a certain delicacy that was placed out upon the table and if so then where was it so that he could sample it. He really wasn't one for cooked meat since it drained away all of the blood but it wasn't like he could complain. Instead he had made a request for a special meal and was curious as to whether or not it had been prepared. He would rather have his meat raw and bloody. Or well, the blood over the meat actually. Still, he would force himself to stomach the cooked meat just for the purpose of this feast. And well, if he had to eat something cooked then he wanted what he had asked for. Of course he hadn't minded it laid out on the table for others to enjoy as well. There was such a great mix that the others most likely wouldn't realize if they ate something special or not.


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#15
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She did not take notice of those who came in after, and though it was rude of her, she looked at no one. Fiery eyes remained focused on her own fur, dilated pupils taking in so much more light than they needed. The world was bright, the world was colorful, and she refused to allow her new family to witness the strange and enigmatic Crone under the influence of mind-altering substances. It was not until the presence of Larkspur, filthy wolf-blooded Larkspur, came into her space that she came from her awkward stupor. Her head twisted at the oddest angle, focusing entirely on the mighty ram he presented to his Queen. While she might have hidden her disgust in him at any other moment, the presence of drugs in her system did not restrain the expression that came to her features. Larkspur D'Angelo was, to the mind of the golden shaman, filth; his gift seemed wrong to her, tainted somehow. She made a mental note to avoid eating the ram's meat.

Her attention was pulled to the handsome leader as his voice broke through the silence set around them. His wicked smile enticed her eyes, bringing forth something similar to her own jaws. All of his words sounded wonderful. He was right, this new family held power, and they would grow strong and wonderful. She had been right to trust this man, who had tempted her with words to return her to her former Eternian glory, with a proper family in the new world. He hadn't disappointed her.

And then the speech was over, and he urged them to eat, but she — like so many others — refrained. It would be rude not to partake in the feast, but she felt it best to wait for her lovely leaders to lead the way, and she expected that Eris may require her skills in dealing with the tainted ram brought by her bedmate. It was certainly difficult to resist, of course; the scents caused a rumble in her stomach as fiery eyes took note of all the faces at the table.



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#16
361.

She was late. That much was clear. Tayui had attended the previous familial meals, but this time, she had unwittingly managed to get herself so entangled in her own personal affairs that she had returned to Salsola, late and out of breath. As usual, she had ventured east, wandering as close to the borders of Inferni as she dared. Today, she had waited for three hours, wondering if that Hybrid fellow would ever show up. She thought she’d seen a flicker of movement at one point, but nothing came of it, and she had returned to the pack bitter and annoyed.

Now, as she lingered in the threshold, she wondered what she should do. Indeed, she had arrived late, but what was she expected to do? She paced in front of the house for five minutes, rolling the possibilities around in her head. Should she peek her head in through the doorway into the dining room and see if the leaders were upset? Should she forego the meeting and return home, fearing worse punishment for lateness than absenteeism? She didn’t know. She exhaled loudly and then decided to go in. She supposed she couldn’t abandon Salsola like she had the other packs, and it would be best to at least pretend she liked it here – and the leaders and fellow pack members – than to alienate herself any further.

With that decided, Tayui entered the house and waited near the entrance to the dining room. She spotted an empty chair, but waited near the entrance. Sirius was making a speech with such pomp and circumstance that she decided it would be best to wait and enter later. She found herself clutching the doorframe tightly when Sirius erupted into a shout, wondering what on earth had possessed him to act so foolishly. Manifest destiny was all good and fine for the underlings, but Tayui found it difficult to commit to anything anyone said these days. She suspected that her apathy would one day be her death, but found it difficult to care. Still lingering at the door, Tayui waited for an opportunity to pretend she was sorry and beg to be allowed in.
#17
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pray to your god, open your heart

HE'S SO GROSS AND MANLY

Behind him they came, one by one, and Eris gave a silent gesture that brought a signal from the massive wolf. Rowan was at his side like a russet ghost, taking the ram from him. She was silent, as was her role, and she looked at no one as she drifted back into the smoke and the haze outside of the Family’s feast. The girl would never truly be a part of this, as Larkspur had explained to her. As a lower class, she accepted this. She would eat, yes; she had gained back her sheen and her weight since Larkspur had brought her into the fold. No bruises marked her, no fears lingered in her steel-colored eyes. This pleased her master; he wanted to keep her here without chains.

It surprised him to see his children, one night and the other earthen-twilight, one wolf and the other two-legged. How he wished their sister still lived. Larkspur, like Eris, believed Wretch was dead and beyond his reach. He let his eyes linger on them as he joined the blonde man near Sirius; he did not sit next to Eris. This was not the custom, nor did he wish to do so.

The scar on his leg itched as he sat, listening to the voice of the man he called leader. He knew of what was to come and did not desire it. Still, he detached himself. The Arbiter reached to the pile of meat and grabbed himself a whole rabbit. Ungracefully the D’Angelo bit half of this off and began to snap the frail bones noisily, swallowing after several loud crunches before working on the second half.

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#18
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Itachi did not spend any moment considering how intimidating the seated individuals lined up by the table came off to the less fortunate members of Salsola. The hierarchy here was as complex as any, with a towering mountain of unwritten rules that all were expected to know and follow for the rest of their lives. The flawed Protégé cared little for such a chaotic system, but it was easy to take on a simpler view of all. He did not have to pay attention because his general nature. Perhaps he was favoured because it was recognized that he was nothing; an empty vessel moving along with the tides on top of the sea of undeniable change.

It was with absent eyes and stone carved face he watched the remaining guests of the dinner make their entrance. Pale hands rested in his lap, displaying the same patience as the rest of his demeanour as insignificant individuals stole away the seconds of his life. But all he was required to do was to watch and simply exist for time being, and it was not a difficult task. Light lids slunk down to hood sunset eyes as the dominant man beside him let his voice rise to speak. Perhaps Sirius believed in these words, but Itachi knew well that this was not paradise. This dimension was not the garden of any God; it was the back alley in the City of Sin.

Sate your hunger, the leader said, but Itachi had yet to distinguish exactly what his body craved so. Food and drink would never be enough, but it would do for now. There were exciting alternatives for all, but Itachi accepted water only to be poured into his cup. The sweet taste of simplicity. The black giant noisily fed beside him, made him almost consider fetching a ghost of a smile. The Lykoi chose from the rich banquet as the rest of them, but while the roast had an added flavour from his fast, it eventually turned into ash on his tongue. Such was the fate for devilish offspring, but he would never breathe a word of complaint. He didn’t know any better.



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Table by Hilli
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#19
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Sorry! ><

Eyes of icy blue had tried hard to avoid the mounds of food that lay on the table, but now the King commanded it. Denver had been eying some of the cooked, tender morsels, and readily reached for it at Sirius' word. The Boss' strength in speech had forced the white-furred mutt to attention; power, yes, that was just what he sought. Power, any way he could get it. Now this was a kingdom.


Without any embarrassment, Denver leaned forward over the table (so as not to dirty his clothes) and began picking the meat off of the bone with his fingers. This way, only his fingers and paw pads would get dirty; it was much less annoying to clean up. As he nibbled, narrowed pale eyes scanned the room, pausing on the few he knew: the leaders. His gaze lingered there for a moment as he chewed, watching their individual movements. The muscular black wolf to Sirius' right ripped right through the meaty rabbit morsel, not even bothering to remove the bones. Repulsed, his gaze ran further to see that the sand-colored coyote woman at the head of the table still chose not to eat. He quirked a brow briefly, but moved on quickly from her, as her own crimson line of sight was sweeping the room.


At some point, Eris had introduced two dark bottles to the table. Curious, Denver's pink nose twitched along with his floppy ear as he tried to inhale the scent of the drink. Beneath the thousands of smells in the room, though, it was buried. Hopeful, he watched as the bottles were passed down the table, eager to taste their contents himself.


His anticipation was eventually soothed and the red liquid filled his cup splendidly, pale eyes wide and excited. Now, they were feasting like true royalty-- and for now, Denver was satisfied.


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#20
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OOC here! Table by Sie; Image from Flickr


Within, emotion swelled as starlit eyes finally got to settle on the hues he preferred above all. But Saliva had changed, and now moved on two legs instead of four. His sibling’s change had unsettled him somewhat, but he was not afraid. As the son of a religious man and a witch, he knew what was in store for him. Soon, his body too would stretch and change and he would abandon his child status and rise up as an adult of the Family. The overgrown boy was eager to prove himself, but nothing but patience could help him now. Pan was jealous of his sister, yes, but it an emotion born gentle, and he only held joy in his heart for her.

The boy’s sable tail flicked away from the space he had held off as his sibling stepped forth to take her seat. Twinkling silver smiled at his littermate before Salsola’s leader raised his voice. The boy was probably the first to reach out for the prepared food. Ears drew back as his pale teeth fetched the roasted meat, spilling fat and chunks of the food as he had no hands to assist him yet. The boy took after his father in more ways than one. Pan loudly attacked the meat with his jaws, old enough to be able to crush through skin and bone relatively easy. While Pan’s body size already was impressive for his age, the boy’s magnificent appetite revealed that he would continue to turn into Larkspur’s image.


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