Baring offerings; [Calliope, Korie and Kyren]

[⋆Ravɛn]

Tortuga

It had been a long journey that had lead the ivory brute to where he was now, weaving up the back trail that lead to Hagen Mesa. Above him, twinkling away in the darkened sky, the stars were infinite. The male's massive strides ate the ground as he moved, not quite trotting but walking fast. His body slunk along almost silently, fur illuminated by the light of the moon which glowed through the light mist surrounding it. His paws made little noise on the path that twisted around the rock formation; he was truly a sight to see.

Cerulean eyes searched behind him as his body paused for a moment, head twisting around. He was searching, in fact, for Calliope, Korie and Kyren - the Sklavins and the Beta he'd been requested to lead to Eperna's festival. Held gingerly between his pearly incisors was a medium sized antler. His keen eye had found it during their journey to Hagen Mesa. He had planned to uncover a river rock in the stream on their journey, but instead he had spotted the antler, no doubt the result of the usual shedding of antlers that deer experienced after rutting season. It held four tines that he was cautious to keep away from his eyes, and the hard surface had his tongue constantly shifting in his mouth. It would be very much worth the bother, however. Thank you to whichever deer shed this.

He turned his gaze back forward, satisfied that they had followed. With a flick of his tail and a twitch of his ears, Tortuga was off again. His gaze flickered to the sky, which was steadily beginning to lighten as they moved. The mist was thinner now, and he knew that daylight was approaching. Soon, the moon would retreat, the sky would fade from dark to light blue, streaked through with pink, and the sun would rise. It was perfect.

Finally, he arrived at the top of the formation. A flock of birds exploded in front of him from where they had been resting, their stretched wings identical. He watched them for a long moment, body still as his nose worked, a hundred things to hear, a thousand things to scent. The forest below hummed with newly awakened life as the moon and the stars made their retreat, the sky a dull, pale blue. The night had faded, fast, and they had arrived just in time. He inhaled another time, chest swelling with air, pausing for a moment, holding it...before slowly releasing it, lungs deflating. He breathed normally then, eyes roaming over the forest that stretched below.

Breath puffing out steadily now, he took a few more steps forward until he was on nearly flat land. Kneading his paws so that dirt shifted between his toes, he realized that he felt truly calm. Everything just seemed...right. He couldn't help but let his thoughts wander back to Kasimira, his mate. As his thoughts revolved around her - nothing out of the usual - he knew that what he had brought and what it stood for was right.

He turned just as the sun rose, the sky now effectively shot through with pink and orange, his eyes finding the others.

"Ready?"

[/color] His voice was slightly muffled by the antler, but the word he spoke managed to come out clearly enough.
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[Kyren]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,250,true][bg=black] X.x "Quote" thought "speech" text x.X I used up all of my tricks Kyren followed along behind Tortuga, his ears flicking about and every few strides his head would turn ever so slightly to compensate for limited sight. His tail was pretty much level with his body, not as low as if he were a submitting sklavin, nor as high as if he were the ranking member in this little group. His own mind was working to not shift back to Matrid, but this time it had little to do with his feelings for her. Ky disliked having to show any signs of limited eyesight, showing a weakness for others to see. However it was far better than ignoring the problem and being surprised. If Matrid were with him he wouldn't have to take all these sidelong glances. Such quick trust, so illogical. I hope that you like this, but you probably won't Kyren himself had planned on picking up an eagle's feather. The logic was that eagles were good parents, willing to defend their young with tenacity. In this he hoped to be making an offering that would offer protection for the pups that were to be born. In the end he had chosen something he felt was even better. An eagles nest, and not far from the ground! It looked as if something had actually snapped the limb it had been on. Lightning? Something else? That didn't matter. All that mattered was the nest seemed to be abandoned and with a bit of work he managed to nudge and nip the nest out of the tree. A soft mouth was required to carry the prickly multi limbed nest but it seemed far better than a feather. A nest, a symbol for the den and it was still in one piece even though it had been abandoned. A good request, so it seemed to Kyren, for a den that would be safe for young pups to grow up in. Kyren had of course considered what he could offer in regards to him becoming stronger or smarter, to find some way to move even closer to gaining his position as alpha. However, he would leave that as something else he would deal with in the future. Right now the best thing to work towards being alpha was helping the alpha's protect the pack. An alpha should know how to do his job whatever it should be, and right now his job was helping this pack, not himself. It also would be a good way to gain more trust with the lady, should of course the nest be accepted for such a purpose. you think you're cooler than me Kyren stayed close behind Tortuga, keeping an eye on the sklavin occasionally though to make sure she kept with the group. Considering how Calliope had acted earlier, not responding to the ladies call, it would look rather bad should she disappear again. For the most part Ky worked to keep his mind only on what was happening, not far in the future, not back over the last few days. He needed to think on the now, his place in the line, the action of the wolf above and the wolf below him. Listen to the nature surrounding him and plan what needed to be said when he made his offering. Tortuga was offering an antler, a choice Kyren certainly approved of and a lucky find. What would eperna think would of course be the real question, to everything they were bringing. When he asked if they were ready Kyren, twitched his tail back and forth once and nodded. It wasn't just worrying about what it would sound like should he try to speak, but not wanting to damage the eagle nest. After nodding his head he turned his own to get a better look at Calliope, to see her answer to the question. Words;; 649 Muse;; good Puppets;; Kyren for Tortuga and Calliope Notes;; fun to pick out items for this...sorry Ky wasn't very talkative..will be more so when he drops his offering

[Ϻinέrvă]

Calliope

<sup>Calliope dutifully followed the male wolves before her, letting them guide her as she occupied herself with her thoughts. Lost in her mind, she could ignore the uncomfortable silence that hung over the group. The main reason was the objects each wolf clenched in their teeth, but Calliope suspected none of them would have much to say anyway. Tortuga had no need to talk to sklavins and she had noticed that he behaved rather coldly to Kyren, especially around Kasimira. Usually Calliope would say that Kyren could talk about anything, but lately he seemed distracted. And then there was Korie. Mysterious, quiet Korie. Kasimira had won the dark female by challenging another Alpha. Did Korie even want to be in Irrsin? Or did she prefer her first master?

The think fae shifted her jaws, readjusting the feather she held delicately by the quill. It was a raven feather, strikingly dark against her dusty fur. She had found the feather several days before and kept it stored away, hidden under a thin layer of dirt in her den. Calliope planned to ask for guidance, as ravens flew high and saw the whole world at once, while some legends said they were agents of the gods. She could believe that; she found the gaze of the black birds unsettling, as if they knew much more than she.

What she wanted guidance for, she wasn't sure. Perhaps that was part of what she needed guiding through. Calliope thought of Zy, and the mixed feelings she had for him. It would be nice to know exactly where she stood and where she wanted to be with him. Of course, none of that would matter if he had run away. Kasimira seemed certain of his return, but Calliope had her doubts. If he had the audacity to leave, he had the nerve to stay away.

The incline was growing steeper and Calliope started to feel burning in her leg muscles. Her breath began rasping in her lungs, her mouth open to gulp in more of the needed oxygen. Just when she thought she would have to stop and rest, the ground leveled out and her guides paused.

"Ready?"

She expected Kyren to answer, but he merely nodded to glanced at her. She laid the feather at her paws so her voice would be uninhibited.

"After you, sir." The wolf of highest rank always went first when a group came to Hagen Mesa. Calliope gave the antler in her Alpha's maw a curious glance. She couldn't possibly imagine what he would ask for with such a unique sacrifice. She often saw wolves bring food, pretty stones, and feathers, but she doubted anyone had ever been in possession of an antler. Kyren's offering was another oddity. A eagle's talon or feather might mean strength or power, but no one had ever taught her what a nest meant. A small pang of fear hit her as she realized her gift was much more common than either of theirs. Would the goddess even be impressed?

The sun peeked over the horizon at that moment, bathing them all in its brilliant light. From where she was standing, Tortuga and Kyren became silhouettes, living shadows walking in the light. She waited nervously for Tortuga to present his offering, eager to give her own.</sup>

[⋆Ravɛn]

Tortuga

A nod from Kyren and quiet words from Calliope made the snowy colored brute nod as well, turning back forwards. Readjusting his grip on the antler, he moved forward until he was directly in the middle of the plateau. The short blades of grass tickled his pawpads, but he paid it little attention as his eyes roamed over the forest below once more. From his high position, he could clearly see birds flapping from tree to tree; he even spotted a fox as she made her way into a large clearing. He watched her until she disappeared back into the trees, which did not take very long. Then, shaking himself from his reverie, he lowered his head and gently placed the antler in the grass.

Lifting his head, he licked at his lips, his mouth much more comfortable now that the antler was not pressed against his tongue and gums. Once more he reflected on his good fortune, pleased with himself for stumbling upon the antler. He had mulled over what he could ask for on his way; what did an antler represent? Finally, he had come up with strength and protection. Once, when he had been younger, he had been hunting rabbits when he had stumbled across two stags during rutting season. They were butting heads, quite literally, and he watched them until they noticed him and fled. He had marveled at how strong and sturdy their antlers were as they came together time after time.

Shaking his head, Tortuga cleared his throat before he lifted his head, blue eyes aimed towards the sky above him as he spoke. His words rolled slowly off of his tongue, his voice deep and as sincere as he could manage.

"Eperna, I request that you accept my offering. I bring this antler to you hoping that our pack may be granted strength and protection, especially needed now that new life is flourishing."

[/color]

He allowed silence to follow his words, his body still. Then, with a sudden flick of his tail, he lowered his head respectfully, eyes fluttering closed. I regret that this is my first offering to you, Eperna, but I truly hope that it is satisfactory. This was not spoken aloud, but he found that he meant it with every fiber of his being. He truly did hope that he had pleased Eperna.

He straightened, turning back towards Kyren, Calliope, and Korie. Again he reflected on the fact that he had not been as welcoming and as friendly as he could have been. Some Dominors believed that they had no need to be friendly towards Sklavins and lower ranking members of the pack, yet Tortuga found himself wanting to let it be known that he was truly not as rude as he had perhaps come off to be. He was conflicted, however, and decided that he would leave it for another time. Now, they had more important things to do. Like finish their offerings and then begin their journey home. Afterall, the brute had a pregnant mate awaiting his return.

His gaze met Kyren's, and he took care to ensure that his tone was light, not wanting the Beta to think that he looked down upon him or that he disliked him in any shape or form. "You're up." Then, after stepping aside, he glanced back at the two Sklavins, offering them a half-smile.

So much for conflicted. Blame it on the fresh air and the morning sun. He thought to himself. My mood isn't half bad.
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[Kyren]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,250,true][bg=black] X.x "Quote" thought "speech" text x.X I used up all of my tricks Kyren waited quietly as Tortuga made his offering. His eyes stayed focused ahead as he listened to the alpha speak and went over once more what he desired from his offering, to make sure his thoughts were clear on that alone. Finally Calliope and Korie were not being watched by his occasional gaze. If the two were to try and run at any point, it was unlikely they would try such a thing in this place. No one would be wise to act up here. I hope that you like this, but you probably won't Kyren nodded in return to Tortuga as the wolf stated it was his turn, the nest in his mouth still made him reluctant to speak but that would soon finally come to an end. Later he would reflect more on the alpha’s tone, the back part of his mind suggesting it was a positive thing, however that wasn’t as unimportant as the present. Walking forward he stood just a short distance to one side than where Tortuga had been, laying the nest down next to the antlers. He had bowed for Kas, and she was a mortal wolf, and with that in mind he bowed down low for Eperna, chin resting on the ground for a handful of seconds before rising. you think you're cooler than me “Eperna. I offer you this nest, and hope you will find pleasure in it. I’ve made some mistakes lately, and I know I am unworthy of your attention, but please look past that.” Admitting he had made mistakes! Lets see him say that to anyone else, as it was he had been humble enough to admit that in front of the other wolves. “This nest I offer you survived its branch falling from a tree, and yet it remained intact. I request you make our pack as well as you allowed this nest to be made. Let nothing destroy what we have formed. Pups are on the way and we need the young’s strength to grow well.” Hopefully he hadn’t spoken for too long, or asked for too much. Kyren was never one to back off at a little risk. Play it safe and you never move forward. Kyren bowed once again, and then stood and backed off. He sat down perhaps half a step behind Tortuga and turned his head to Calliope and nodded. “Go ahead.” His words were soft, not to be gentle but it felt wrong to speak loudly or harsh in such a place. He tried to think only of his desire for Eperna to accept this offering, but some part of him still felt regretful he could not have requested something to help him become an alpha sooner, a great alpha. Unfortunatly no great alpha ignored basic ranks of pack or the duty of your rank. Words;; 457 Muse;; good Puppets;; Kyren for Tortuga/Calliope/Korie Notes;; short, but I liked it

[Ϻinέrvă]

Calliope

<sup>A sacrifice to Eperna was a highly personal thing, Calliope realize as she observed the two brutes. Her paws shifted in the thin grass, showing her discomfort at being privy to what they wanted most from the goddess.

Tortuga's request for strength was understandable; males were always seeking more muscle despite the amount they had. He also asked for protection, though from what Calliope couldn't fathom. To her, Alphas were invincible. But when he spoke of the pups, she heard something new in his voice. For the first time, she saw that her leader was flesh and blood. Maybe he didn't want strength in the physical sense, maybe even dominors could feel powerless and frightened in the face of life's unpredictabilities. But that was silly. Fear was weakness, Calliope knew that well.

Kyren's speech to Eperna made Calliope doubly uncomfortable, feeling the embarrassment she thought he must be feeling. She focused on some point far away, studying it as if that would block out his words. She was unused to the thoughtful side of a wolf she had pegged as self-absorbed.

"Go ahead."

Startled, Calliope tried to both picked up her feather and walk forward. This resulted in her tripping over her own paws and very nearly ending up with a maw full of dirt. Recovering, she clenched the quill in her teeth and kept her head bowed as she approached the edge. Her feather was small next to the other offerings, making her doubt its importance again. She knew she had to speak, but after hearing such strange things from her companions, she was hesitant to bare her own soul before them.

"Eperna, please accept my offering." Her voice was quiet as she spoke the familiar opening. "If it pleases you, grant me your unfailing guidance."

Leaving it at those simple words, she backed away, head and tail low in respect. There was so much more she wanted to ask of Eperna, so many burdens she wanted the divine wolf to relieve her of. Even though she was a goddess, Eperna might require more instruction of what Calliope wanted. Once again, Cal let her fear rule her, but it was too late now. She had her turn at the goddess's ear and she wasted it.

Do you hear my thoughts, Eperna? Do you know what I really want?</sup>

[DIVINE WOLVES]

EPERNA

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From a low mountain valley rose a red coated she-wolf, fur bristling and eyes narrowed in concentration at the tranquil water that flowed around her legs. The cold water lapped at her belly fur, soaking bits of her pelt to the core, a feeling that was completely mortal; it could, should she so desire, be washed away by the goddess's simplest words of command. Regardless, she let the feeling fall over her, the emotions of the immoral being lost for a moment as the fish her vision was tracking slithered through the water with renewed grace, a strange underwater nimbleness.

With swift, cat-like reflexes Eperna let her jaws dip cleanly into the water, before they clamped down and pulled the great fish from the creek's shallow depths. The fish scales pricked uncomfortably at the she-wolf's lips but she endured the slight pain, trotting off to a nearby tree with her new catch. As Eperna set down the meal a voice cut across her mind, intercepted her thoughts with a sincere plea. It was Tortuga, her son.

"Eperna, I request that you accept my offering. I bring this antler to you hoping that our pack may be granted strength and protection, especially needed now that new life is flourishing."

Tortuga. Images of a bold and stoutly build male rose to the surface of her consciousness, the unyielding power of the Alpha and the fearless bravery of a warrior. What a fine wolf he had grown into after all these years. He had found a striking mate in Kasimira and now their pups were soon to be born into life. And what pups they would make! Eperna smiled inwardly at the thought, her emotions happy as she danced over her meadows, making her way slowly to where the mortals stood.

I regret that this is my first offering to you, Eperna, but I truly hope that it is satisfactory.

Neither spoken aloud or made known to anyone but herself, Eperna's thoughts meshed with Tortuga's own. Her image did not flutter before his eyes yet her voice echoed deep within the male somewhere. The antler he had presented faded from sight, vanishing to Eperna's meadow to remind her of his deeds. Not that she would ever forget; it would become more of a keepsake than anything.

"Of course, my child. Take pride in your pack and raise these new lives with respect and leadership. In this way they will take after your goals and dreams, leading fulfilling prosperous lives long after you have joined my domain."

Eperna smiled to herself as she spoke again, a slight hint of humor in her voice.

"Give Kasimira a private challenge every once in a while. But also treat her with the utmost respect; do this and she will always hold you with the same values."

Eperna turned her attention away from Tortuga with a blink of her eyes; her thoughts pulled tighter to the currents of Kyren, his beating pulse, the memories that flashed through him. Matrid and their secret affairs, the ambition that raged inside his heart, the devotion that was so clearly etched into Kasimira's pack. It was unmistakable, how he had found his true place in the Irrsin pack.

“Eperna. I offer you this nest, and hope you will find pleasure in it. I’ve made some mistakes lately, and I know I am unworthy of your attention, but please look past that. This nest I offer you survived its branch falling from a tree, and yet it remained intact. I request you make our pack as well as you allowed this nest to be made. Let nothing destroy what we have formed. Pups are on the way and we need the young’s strength to grow well.”

Kyren had always been the eloquent talker. Those traits made him a distinguishable wolf that was easily suited to the position of Beta. Instead of remaining invisible to Kyren as she had Tortuga, Eperna appeared, her head adorned in a soft crown of white flowers, her fur glistening with stardust and sparkles. It was a soft, even tone that drifted from her as she spoke, sweet and thankful.

"Kyren, with your leadership to support Tortuga and Kasimira's stances the pack will stay strong as granite, unyielding to others. But it would only take one member to shatter the boulder, to allow water to trickle in and slowly, steadily, crack the surface."

Eperna's golden eyes bored into Kyren as she paused, the tone clear in her voice. Irrsin needed his full devotion.

"As for Matrid, talk to Tortuga about it. He will be the most sympathetic of the two at this time."

With that the goddess and the nest disappeared; the nest to Eperna's meadow and Eperna herself materialized before Calliope as her voice quietly fluttered out.

"Eperna, please accept my offering. If it pleases you, grant me your unfailing guidance."

Calliope. It was easy to see her obedience and gentle nature were unmatched in Ravensbrück. Eperna had always loved her little daughter for her soft voice and compassion. Guidance was what she had asked for. Interesting. Eperna's ears twitched as she listened in on the female's whispering thoughts.

Do you hear my thoughts, Eperna? Do you know what I really want?

"I hear everything that I wish to hear, my daughter."

The goddess stepped forward and closed her eyes, removing the feather from mortality and letting it drift into her reign.

"Guidance, love? I am always with you to lead and advise you. Look at the stars my child and wallow in their beauty! Know that I am with you. Like Polaris, the north star, I am always there, the solid presence in a world of crashing waves and changing seas."

The day had turned night as Eperna spoke, the stars sparkling above them as Eperna drew her head towards the heavens. Neither Kyren nor Tortuga would see the change in times and lights. This was meant for Calliope alone.

"Now make haste; the Irrsin heirs are born!"

With nothing more than a breeze of wind Eperna was gone, the night turned back to day, the sun glowing just as brightly in the sky as previous. How dearly the goddess loved her children.

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[⋆Ravɛn]

Tortuga

For a long moment, Tortuga wondered if he should remain present or turn to leave. He had a mate to return to, one that was expecting any day now, yet some instinct whispered for him to stay. Not one to turn against his better judgement, Tortuga remained still and silent, his posture proud, eyes sweeping over the land visible from Hagen Mesa. It wandered towards Irrisin, his expression almost longing. He shook his head gently, reminding himself that he was not to act like some lovestruck fool. At least, not in front of the others. Steeling himself and wiping the emotion from his features, he glanced back to make sure that they were present. Their offerings were interesting, their words coupled with them sincere and pleading.

Suddenly, he felt it. Confusion smashed into him first, his mind wondering what this sudden prickling in his thoughts was, this peculiar feeling. He took a single step back before a voice, clearly female and clearly ethereal, rang clear through his conscious. It was light, like the pealing of bells, gentle and pure. He focused on the words, his ears swiveling back and forth wildly. "Of course, my child. Take pride in your pack and raise these new lives with respect and leadership. In this way they will take after your goals and dreams, leading fulfilling prosperous lives long after you have joined my domain."

Eperna.

Her words were forever embedded in his mind at that moment. He felt as if his very heart was lighter, less burdened. A smile came to his maw first, before it morphed into a full out grin. He allowed a deep, gleefull laugh to slide forth from his muzzle. Her next words about Kasimira had the brute sobering, only just slightly. The mirthful, playful grin was still on his features, although he nodded his head to make it be known that he would indeed respect his mate. And the private challenge...well, he could certainly take that to heart. He realized then how very fortunate he was; a wonderful mate, pups on the way, and a strong pack to look after. Not only that, but he had just encountered Eperna. It was a reawakening almost, shocking the brute right to the core.

"Thank you, Eperna. Truly, thank you."

[/color] His words oozed sincereity, his piercing gaze flickering with admiration. As she moved to speak to both Kyren and Calliope, he watched curiously, yet tried his hardest not to listen to what she spoke to them. They were private words, nothing that concerned him. But although he did not listen, he could not refrain from watching the elegant goddess. It wasn't every day that Eperna appeared before a canine. He was still mulling over his good fortune when she turned away to address them all, voice ringing out.

"Now make haste; the Irrsin heirs are born!"

With a gust of wind she was gone, and Tortuga once more felt as if he were in shock. He didn't doubt her words - no, he would have been a fool to. For the briefest second he was still, then he was turning back towards the others, eyes flashing with both anxiety and anticipation.

"You heard her!"[/color] He said. His words were not harsh, simply anxious mixed with haste and glee. He sprang forward, nudging Calliope gently in encouragement. "The pups are here! Back to Irrsin!"[/color]
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[Kyren]

Kyren watched Calliope place her feather next to their offerings. This was one place were Kyren would not judge another wolf, at least not so harshly. This was eperna's range and she alone would decide what to make of the three of them, she was one being who would likely ignore their status considering she could see into their hearts. It was done, the three offerings placed and now, now what would happen?

For the moment it was as simple as following Tortuga's lead. Speaking of watching his lead, Kyren's ear flicked up a bit straighter at the way Tortuga backed up, at the the smile that formed on his face. His words made it suddenly more clear. Eperna herself had spoken to him! A great honor for any wolf.

With that thought in mind, Kyren's muscles tensed his expression of shock and awe freezing on his muzzle as he found himself looking at Eperan. She was beautiful, and there was something about her visage that made it obvious that she was more than them, that she was one who you could not help but to respect. Even one as arrogant as Kyren could only offer her humble respect when confronted with her face to face.

"Kyren, with your leadership to support Tortuga and Kasimira's stances the pack will stay strong as granite, unyielding to others. But it would only take one member to shatter the boulder, to allow water to trickle in and slowly, steadily, crack the surface."

A twitch of his ears, and then a slow nod of his head as his mind worked past the fact that eperna herself was before him, acknowledging him. A statement of how he can help to make the pack strong against all others, and yet then right afterwards a warning of dangers inside. Was she warning against him damaging the pack, or another member of the pack. If another one who was already a part of the pack or someone new? It could just be a generalized statement. Her eyes, so focused on his own, were like a blazing fire and he the moth unable to turn away. This was important, enough that even one of her magnitude would appear and speak to him about it in such a fashion.

"As for Matrid, talk to Tortuga about it. He will be the most sympathetic of the two at this time."

Numbness swept over Kyren with the words, and he nodded to her disapearing presence. How to feel about that? His head shifted slightly for a better view of Tortuga and then Calliope with his good eye to see if either had listened to that last part. To speak of it openly, and at this time? He had wanted to be open but still was hesitant, and wanted to know them better first. Yet who was he, Kyren, to ignore a statement from Eperna? What did 'at this time' mean? When this was over? Today? In the next few days? How would he say it? The questions died out after a moment, a slow deep breath calmed himself and all concerns vanished. Again Kyren reminded himself of future plans to be a great alpha, and he must never forget who he was to make that a reality. Show himself for who he was, and never fear what needed to be said. thank you The thought was soft, wanting her to know he was grateful without interupting her moment with Calliope.

Then Eperna's statement came, "Now make haste; the Irrsin heirs are born!"
Then Tortuga, in his excitement, practically repeating it. "Now make haste; the Irrsin heirs are born!"

The pups were here. That was good for the future, they needed the pack to grow, and with more than just sklavins. Still, Kyren imagined the extra work it would be caring and protecting for the pups. Eperna's words were encouraging, though she never said the strength would come easily, only that it was theres to claim. Kyren started to spring out then paused and looked back.
"We thank you again Eperna." The words were the first he'd said at a more normal pitch since coming here and the only ones since her appearance, more meant as a thank you for the pack, even though they had all offered their individual thanks. Never hurts to be extra grateful? More words came to his mind he could offer. How grateful they were to the knowledge the pups were born, how even her presence was a gift to them. Perhaps he would be overdoing it? A shake of his head and he glanced at Tortuga wondering if he should honestly say his piece with him know before they returned, or if the words would fall on deaf ears as his mind would be on his mate and pups. Or, perhaps that is why Eperna suggested 'at this time' it was a time when Tortuga would be emotionally inclined to allow the beta male his choice of mate, and future pups.

He moved to keep to a side of Tortuga, to keep pace to his gait. "Tortuga, my congragulations towards your pups, ones worthy enough of note that Eperna would speak of them!" The words offered truth in their respect for such a thing, but then his tone shifted to show that his next sentence laid heavier on his heart. Yes, Kyren did have a heart. "At your earliest conveniance I would like a chance to speak with you on a matter, one that is important to myself, and I feel beneficial to our pack." He could add in how Eperna had suggested he speak to him, but that would be a sign of not weakness, that he did not feel worthy enough to make the request in his own right.

[Ϻinέrvă]

Calliope

<sup>"I hear everything that I wish to hear, my daughter."

Tears pricked at Calliope's amber eyes. She closed them, locking in the drops before they tried to escape. Often, after giving up her offering, Calliope had heard an indistinct voice, as if a wolf were talking just out of sight. She had never bother to investigate, brushing away curiosity with reason. Her duty to the goddess filled, she would continue on until the next year barely ever thinking of Eperna. But hearing that sweet voice now, she knew it had always been Eperna speaking, speaking words Calliope never bothered to hear. And now the goddess spoke as clear as day inside Calliope's mind.

Or was it in her head? The skinny fae sensed a presence before her and risked opening her eyes. A crimson she-wolf stood before her, with an aura of power radiating from her like the light from the sun.

"Guidance, love? I am always with you to lead and advise you. Look at the stars my child and wallow in their beauty! Know that I am with you. Like Polaris, the north star, I am always there, the solid presence in a world of crashing waves and changing seas."

Before Calliope had time to properly take in what was happening, she found herself alone on the clifftop with Eperna. Only now the azure sky was a deep cobalt, the stars stealing its light to make it almost black. Eperna drew Calliope's attention to the brightest star, shining like a beacon. Her snout pointing up, Calliope kept her eyes trained on the north star. As she watched, it seemed like the other stars began to revolve around that single point, while Polaris never moved. It was a captivating sight, but lasted only a few moments.

"Now make haste; the Irrsin heirs are born!"

Suddenly thrown back into daylight, Calliope felt dazed. Her mind went to Kasimira and her swollen belly. She had seemed fine when they left, but the Alpha was good at masking weakness. Her labor could have started even before they left. Even though the pups were important, Calliope wished she could stay here and savor this feeling of closeness with Eperna. However, Tortuga was practically jumping with joy. He nudged her forward and she complied, breaking into a fast trot.

I never said thank you, she realized as they started the descent. A smile came to her lips as she remembered Eperna's words. Thank you. She focused on those two simple words, knowing now that the goddess would receive them. Her smile grew as she looked at the two males.

"To Irrsin."</sup>