Time to Unveil Secrets

[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 left Matrid back near the boundry marker, taking up a ground eating trotting gait, his ears up as his senses worked on picking up a fresh scent from Tortuga, making sure it wasn’t an older scent that would only leave him down empty trails. His mind was running in circles, not even knowing if it should be hopeful thoughts or the more disturbing variety. Logic! Kyren clenched his eyes shut for a moment, forcing himself to concentrate on what he was to do and not on those irritating emotions that were trying so stubbornly to get in his way. It was foolish to assume things would work out only because he could find no answer to a darker turn of events. I hope that you like this, but you probably won't Hopefully this would be a joyous meeting, one that would end with him and Matrid spending more time together and in the open. If it did not, he would be upfront and honest. If he was told not to see Matrid he would square up and say ‘no’ regardless of the consequences. It was the closest he could manage to staying loyal both to his mate and pack. It was certainly still disobeying the alpha’s, but at least it would not be lying and deceiving them. Keeping a secret, while not perfect, was for more acceptable than ignoring orders to not do a thing. Of course if he bluntly refused them it would likely become painful, and would it cost him his position? How much would he accept as justified punishment before he must take actions that would truly be disloyal? This was all rather dangerous, and yet somehow it was all necessary. Life was far simpler when he believed as his father and brother that love was a weakness best avoided. you think you're cooler than me He had nearly missed the minor difference in old scents and a fresh one of Tortuga. Shifting his course he followed a trail Kyren was confident would lead to the male alpha. Shaking his head Kyren forced out all thoughts, both good and bad, of what might be. His mind firmly fixed on the present, ready to notice every detail so that he could focus all thoughts on the conversation he hoped to soon be having, he continued on. With a deep sighing breath he felt his confidence firmly establish himself. He was Kyren, a wolf that was destined to be alpha, and who would never disgrace himself. So long as he remained true to whom he was there would be a way to accomplish his goals. A small smile appeared on his face, all doubts forgotten. Words;; 431 Muse;; Puppets;; Kyren for Tortuga/Open Notes;;

[⋆Ravɛn]

TORTUGA

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It had been only a short while since Tortuga had departed from beneath the tree where he had stumbled upon Zy. Their previous words were still ringing in the brutes head, repeating themselves over and over, causing Tortuga to chuckle lowly to himself. It had certainly been interesting, and a nice break from his more..serious duties, but naturally, all breaks had their ends. Although Tortuga would have rather been lounging in the shade of a tree somewhere, discussing trivial things with another being, not a single care ruffling his ivory pelt...it simply was not possible. Especially when one was the Alpha of a growing pack.

Pausing mid-stride, Tortuga froze and forced himself to take a deep, calming breath. Nothing was truly working at his nerves, but he found himself feeling anxious and worked up. Almost as if it had been too calm lately, and he was awaiting...something. Of course, this was a very pessimistic mindset, but Tortuga found that it was unable to be helped at times.

Shaking himself, he began to move slowly forward, deciding that his previous brisk trot only made him more anxious. As he moved, his ears swiveled atop his head, his nose scented the air, and his cerulean eyes took in all of the sights surrounding him. So far, he had not spotted another member of the pack, and he wondered where they all were. Surely they were awake by now. Just when he began to consider returning to the dens to prod around, however, movement to his left caught his attention.

Tortuga turned his head sharply, his keen gaze immediately finding Kyren moving towards him. Greatful both that it was the Beta and that he had finally spotted someone aside from Zy, he angled his body towards the rust colored wolf, strolling slowly forwards. Kyren looked like he was on a mission, and Tortuga wondered what it was that he was looking for. Perhaps, whatever it is, I'll be able to assist him. With this thought in mind, Tortuga moved a bit closer until he would not have to shout to be heard, before he halted and began to speak.

"I was just beginning to wonder where everyone was when I spotted you," He said, his tone conversational and calm, as per usual. He shifted his weight just slightly, pausing a moment to let his eyes roam over Kyren's frame. He did not appear particularly stressed about anything, but something about him was attracting Tortuga's attention moreso than usual. "Is everything alright? You look like you've got something working at your brain."

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KASIMIRA

Two blue eyes stalked through the thin flax grasses, the defined black paws treading quietly. Before the she-wolf opened a clearing from which voices trickled slowly, distinctly male and in hushed, quiet tones. The she-wolf's audits flicked forward and her stance posed carefully enough to peer between the meadow's khaki stubble. What have we here? It was none other than the slinking mind of Kasimira that questioned the gathering before her, the interest budding into a curious demeanor.

"I was just beginning to wonder where everyone was when I spotted you,"

A white pelted male spoke first, his speech calm, his posture collected. Tortuga. Kasimira could easily identify her mate by scent or voice alone, but seeing him before her sent ripples of excitement down her spine. It seemed so long ago that they had been together alone... Memories of their first encounter rushed through her, the feeling of ecstasy thrilling and breathtaking all at once. The pale moon that had hung above their heads as they explored another world together was in perfect sync with her emotions, the raging, pulsating hormones that willed her to flirt deeper and deeper with the white brute.

"Is everything alright? You look like you've got something working at your brain."

Tortuga's voice snapped her back to the present, her breathing faster at the memories of her mate. She felt like a pup again, the butterflies fluttering around in he stomach, the lightness in her head. Kasimira vainly tried to steady her emotions, the flicking of her irises visible enough in the bright sunlight. Should she reveal herself or wait for Tortuga to find her? The black queen smirked before lowering herself to the ground, breath noiseless in the chilly air. As soon as he came around the bush, she planned to pounce, becoming his tiger to tame. Purr.

ooc- shoot me. I don't know why I'm suddenly obsessed with hiding characters...

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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 When Kyren saw Tortuga he nearly forgot all his earlier thoughts of what to do as the importance of the next few moments weighed on him. Still, with the acknowledgement of the situation it only took the time of an inhaled breath to get his gears running again. Tortuga had addressed him, it would be rather rude to not reply. With such a simple thought of what was proper to do everything fell back into order. "Tortuga.” His head dipped a short ways to offer proper respect of beta to alpha, far less than he would have forced himself to make as a sklavin. “Everything is fine, but I do have something on my mind. I was wanting to speak with you, privately.” How long he had waited for this moment! Again he steeled his mind to not think either of past or future, just the now. “I’ve been wanting to speak with you for a while in reality however there have been many wonderful happenings in the pack that has made it rather hard to find any private time with you.” I hope that you like this, but you probably won't Kyren’s head turned to look off in the direction that would eventually lead a travelling wolf to where they had met Eperna/ “You recall that night I assume? We went and made our offerings to Eperna.” When had he ever been so unsure of what words to use? Hard enough to admit loving a sklavin to himself or the sklavin, but to an equal? Well, technically above equal considering for the moment Ky had to play the part of alpha. Probably best to just say it but it sounded so ridiculous and pathetic to him if he weren’t emotionally involved. “Shortly before that day” it was tempting to say screw the story and just state what happened, but that might seem a bit odd in itself, “you might recall also that I had been searching for Zy with one of the sklavins, Matrid.” Should he tell Tortuga about all the wonderful things he’d learned about her? Hell. “It’s going to sound ridiculous, it does to me. I…” half a second pause, “I love her, we are mates now though up till now, without you or the ladies consent we have kept it quiet.” He nearly mentioned Eperna making the suggestion he speak to Tortuga first, but that would speak plainly of Kyren lacking confidence in making his own decisions. “We will of course remain mates, but what I am requesting of you is to let it be made public. She is also worth far more than a sklavin, but trained that it was her lot in life never bothered searching within herself. She knows it now, though still knows of loyalty enough to play the part designated to her.” you think you're cooler than me It had started off hard to say, but once the secret was admitted it was like purging a wound. Kyren’s pride and confidence was back. The fact had been stated and once more he could be the proud wolf ready to defend logic or even just his own sense of self and justice. So with all nerves gone he watched Tortuga and awaited his decision. Words;; 526 Muse;; good Puppets;; Kyren for Tortuga/Kas Notes;; and...*pop* the secret is out

[⋆Ravɛn]

TORTUGA

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"Tortuga. Everything is fine, but I do have something on my mind. I was wanting to speak with you, privately. I’ve been wanting to speak with you for a while in reality however there have been many wonderful happenings in the pack that has made it rather hard to find any private time with you.” ”

Ah, yes. Tortuga thought, completely oblivious to his mate's slinking presense. Tortuga remembered Kyren requesting to speak with him earlier on, but Tortuga hadn't had time. His offspring had just been born, and he had been far away from home. He had assured Kyren that they would speak later, and had promptly forgotten. But could anyone blame him, truly? He had became a father for the first time! Something like that tended to block out all other information for a period. But now, Tortuga could listen freely to Kyren. And something about the way Kyren was speaking made Tortuga feel as if this topic was going to be very, very important.

“You recall that night I assume? We went and made our offerings to Eperna. Shortly before that day you might recall also that I had been searching for Zy with one of the sklavins, Matrid. It’s going to sound ridiculous, it does to me. I…”

For a moment, Tortuga nearly stopped listening as he remembered that night that Kyren spoke of, the night when Eperna had appeared to all of them. It had been glorious, almost too magnificent for words. It had shaken Tortuga's very foundation, and the brute found himself smiling. Kyren's next words, however, wiped the smile from his muzzle.

“I love her."

The words that followed were equally as shocking. They had become mates, without anyone figuring it out? Absurd! They had seemed like complete strangers that night in the den when the pups had been born. Tortuga's mind reeled as the Beta went on, making it clear that no matter what, he and Matrid would remain mates, but just without being...secretive. Kyren had stopped speaking at that point, and Tortuga said nothing for many minutes as he considered all of this, staring up at the sky with narrowed eyes. At first, rage nipped at his gut; rage that he had been so oblivious when he was supposed to read others like eager, open books, and rage that Kyren seemed so very confident that he and Matrid would remain mates. But quickly, his rage died, replaced with shock, wonder, and general confusion.

He knew that Kyren was awaiting a reponse. The Beta was likely nervous after admitting something so huge. Tortuga let out a heavy breath, his thoughts battling with each other. How in the world did he respond to this situation? How would Kasimira respond?

"Kasimira is not going to be very happy, you know. She won't like that there have been secrets," he began, glancing at Kyren. "In fact, you and Matrid very well may be punished for it, although I can not say how nor if I am certain that you will be. To allow you two to be together seems ridiculous. But, how could I possibly stop you? I wouldn't have the heart to rip you two apart. I could do away with Matrid. Have her sent back to Auktion Rock, or kill her for her defiance. But that seems so dramatic, and I have a strong feeling that you would not allow either of these options to happen. Revoke your Beta status? No, definitely not. That, too, seems like a step too far."

Once more he was silent, frowning. "You have truly put me in a very difficult decision. But you say that Eperna told you to speak with me? Perhaps the Gods themselves approve of this odd pairing, otherwise she surely would have warned you against the relationship. And had she thought that I would harm either you or Matrid, or do something equally dramatic, I also doubt that she would have instructed you to reveal your secret. So how do I respond to this? What is it she would have me do?"

He began to pace then, back and forth in front of the Beta. He flicked his ears and shook his head as a fly dared venture too close, his jaws snapping instinctively. He saw only one logical solution to this.

"Kasimira might have my manhood for this, Kyren, but what else could I do? I can not stop you and Matrid from seeing each other. I won't. I'll allow it, in fact. But you must think about how this will make you look. Matrid will remain a Sklavin. She might be punished for this when I tell Kasmira, because although I will try to soften the blow, this will likely offend your Queen. You are in a position of power, and Matrid is...well, to put it kindly, not.

"I apologize if I've made myself unclear. My thoughts are jumbled, as you've shocked me." He stopped pacing and grinned. "Basically, I grant you my permission. I truly hope that I do not regret it."

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KASIMIRA

Silence had fallen between the two males. Tortuga was waiting for a response, Kyren's brows furrowed together as he contemplated what to say. Eperna forgive her, but if this was what brutes occupied their time with.. Kasimira huffed obnoxiously, her eyes narrowing in on a nearby beetle. The reflective wings and buzzing tick from it's tiny body was certainly more interesting than watching these two send telepathic messages.

"Tortuga. Everything is fine, but I do have something on my mind. I was wanting to speak with you, privately.”

Kasimira, completely exasperated with her failing plan, barely pulled her gaze from the beetle to briefly glance at Kyren's face. He looked troubled, considering and fidgety. What had gotten into his fur?

“Shortly before that day you might recall also that I had been searching for Zy with one of the sklavins, Matrid.”

Hmph. Something Zy had done? Results indicated positive. How sweet of Tortuga to amuse him with his lingering and concerned interest. If Kyren keeps this up he might just need to lose that fancy title he parades around. Kasimira smirked devilishly. Kyren was a good beta and regardless of whether she would ever demote him or not, he needed to learn to get along. Zy was obnoxious, yes. Mental to a point, and in all rights. Although the black queen would never admit it, Zy didn't exactly bother her like she let on. His masculine charm and quick wit were the redeeming qualities that held him just above a boiling annoyance. Bored, Kasimira let her mind wander. Maybe she should just pop into the conversation and get these two rolling. The pack needed a meal, the pups needed her attention. Not to mention that it was a sure bet to assume that Zy was off frolicking with some loner female or otherwise.

“It’s going to sound ridiculous, it does to me. I…”

Oh please, just get on with it. Kasimira lazily rolled onto her side, closing her eyes to soak in the cold that crept over her skin.

“I love her, we are mates now though up till now, without you or the ladies consent we have kept it quiet.”

For a heartbeat Kasimira thought she'd heard him wrong. Love Matrid? It was an outrage! Her beta, her second in command sank so low as to adore a female of lesser quality... A sklavin. Hmph. He hadn't been talking about Zy at all. Matrid had been the source of his nerves. Wait, no, Tortuga's response had been the thing making him act like this. Kasimira's blue eyes flashed from Kyren to Tortuga, surveying his response. His azure eyes were mixed and flaring. Anger? Or confusion at how he had missed all the signals before? Kasimira pulled herself off the floor, silently moving among the brush to come stand behind Kyren. He wouldn't know what hit him. However, Tortuga's mellowed voice broke into her movements before the tiger could pounce.

"Kasimira is not going to be very happy, you know. She won't like that there have been secrets. In fact, you and Matrid very well may be punished for it, although I can not say how nor if I am certain that you will be."

The black she-wolf grunted her approval, her mind buzzing angrily. How dare Kyren defy her like this? She'd brought him from the lowest ranks of the Auktion Rock, taken him into her pack and provided him with everything at her disposal. A growl threatened to slip off her lips but she forced the noise down, flipping her ears to hear the rest of what her mate had to say.

"... Kasimira might have my manhood for this, Kyren, but what else could I do? I can not stop you and Matrid from seeing each other. I won't. I'll allow it, in fact. But you must think about how this will make you look. Matrid will remain a Sklavin. She might be punished for this when I tell Kasmira ..."

Punished! Oh, Matrid would be hearing from her dearest queen soon, that was for sure. The burly female had always come off as a devote and completely assured follower of hers...

"...Basically, I grant you my permission. I truly hope that I do not regret it."

At the last of Tortuga's words the air grew tense, sparked with a gleaming electricity. Kasimira licked her lips out of habit before breathing deeply. She had to announce her presence now, before the moment was lost. The she-wolf shook her pelt roughly, her breathing louder now that her hiding wasn't to be kept a secret. The bits of frost from the ground fell and she sauntered into the clearing, her eyes narrowed at Kyren before flickering to inspect her mate's gaze. Deliberately her ebony fur brushed Kyren's ever so slightly, her muscles taunt. Forcing herself not to inflict the damage now.

"So all we have left to deal out is a punishment."

Kasimira slowed her walked over to Tortuga's side, pausing to stand at his left shoulder, her shoulders a pace in front of his. Regardless of whether he was the Alpha male, she was the pack leader. Decisions would be confirmed through her, that was clear enough in her body posture and crystal orbs.

"Give me one good reason why I should allow this inferior, repulsive behavior to continue."

The queen's voice was a sliding whisper off her lips, the fury loaded like a hidden poison in her words. Kyren had not only lied to his pack; he had lied to her, his queen and alpha. Utterly unacceptable. You better had a good excuse for this one...

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done.

[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 "In fact, you and Matrid very well may be punished for it, although I can not say how nor if I am certain that you will be. To allow you two to be together seems ridiculous. But, how could I possibly stop you? I wouldn't have the heart to rip you two apart. I could do away with Matrid. Have her sent back to Auktion Rock, or kill her for her defiance. But that seems so dramatic, and I have a strong feeling that you would not allow either of these options to happen. Revoke your Beta status? No, definitely not. That, too, seems like a step too far." Punishment was a thing Kyren could deal with, and accept for the fact it was another reminder he was below someone had no problem with that answer. Hell, kas and tort wouldn’t be the only ones that thought this mating was insane. Ky thought it was insane. Zy would love it as a way to drive Ky crazy. The other sklavins would question the title of sklavin possibly hearing that the beta considered one worthy of being mate. Then again, the lady Kas had decided one sklavin was worthy of being beta. Funny it was then so crazy for another sklavin to be worthy of being the mate of a beta. Tortuga was getting a great realization of why he might not have learned of their pairing up. Tortuga spoke of getting rid of his mate, tossing her to auktion rock and yet Ky did not change his expression as much as a flick of an eye. Of course, it was a stillness born of having already imagined such things being said and threatened. The rage was carefully caged up inside of him, expected and under watchful eye. It was still an immense relief when Tortuga said that would not happen. Won’t get rid of Matrid. Won’t take away his position as Beta. Things were going good. Kyren’s head didn’t move and yet his good eye followed Tortuga as he paced. What would happen in the end? Kyren had hid the secret far longer than he’d wanted and now he just wanted to hurry up and have it done with. The alpha’s surely thought how dare he hide this from them. Yes, well, he wanted to know why fate had made those pups be born the same night, making it take forever till a moment would present itself. I hope that you like this, but you probably won't "Kasimira might have my manhood for this, Kyren, but what else could I do? I can not stop you and Matrid from seeing each other. I won't. I'll allow it, in fact. But you must think about how this will make you look. Matrid will remain a Sklavin. She might be punished for this when I tell Kasmira, because although I will try to soften the blow, this will likely offend your Queen. You are in a position of power, and Matrid is...well, to put it kindly, not. The words ‘I’ll allow it’ gave Kyren the most important answer he’d waited far too long for. The question hadn’t started when he’d asked Tortuga after all, but the moment he’d realized how he felt for Matrid. There was an ironic grin finally on Ky’s face as Tortuga suggested he think about how this would make him look. What did he think on every day on his walks? What did he think of before he fell asleep at night? When he searched out time for his mate? Oh yes, those things had been well thought of. "I apologize if I've made myself unclear. My thoughts are jumbled, as you've shocked me. Basically, I grant you my permission. I truly hope that I do not regret it." Kyren was ready to reply to him but then someone who quite frankly was unwanted at the moment appeared. Oh, he would have liked to get this done and over and that would mean facing the lady also but perhaps it could have waited an entire two minutes or so to say a few words to Tortuga and enjoy a moments peace that the most important part was cleared and safe. Kyren’s ears flicked, his body tensing, and his tail twitching once in an anger that had nothing to do with the conversation or the way in which the lady entered. The anger was at himself for not noticing, wondering if he’d had his good eye if he would have spotted her. Was it due to a handicap, or simply being stupid enough not to pay better attention? He was paying attention! Ah well, the lady’s movements and the glance she gaze him suggested to lecture himself later as he was going to need to be putting all his attention on her for now. you think you're cooler than me "So all we have left to deal out is a punishment." For all he had reacted to her appearance he didn’t bother commenting or offering any expression to this comment. Again the truth was he just wanted to get it over with. Could Kas think up something worse than having to wait for so long to know what happened, to wait for a punishment of any portent or threats or… so many possibilities. This was the relief from those questions. Try to scare me, by all means lady. It was almost hilarious but he had to force himself not to offer a slightly wicked smile in that moment of twisted amusement. "Give me one good reason why I should allow this inferior, repulsive behavior to continue." Ah. So many answers that could be given. So many emotions to choose from…oh crap love was foolish…grabbing at a choice of emotions floating around inside of him. No wonder he was taught to avoid the stupid form of logic that comes from a heart. Too bad, it seemed once love wrapped its collar around your neck, it never could be undone…besides who would want to be rid of it? Control yourself! His answer needed to be one of thought and presence of mind. His eye looked between the two and he offered a slight nod to Tortuga. “My thanks.” Then his gaze went to Kasimira. He was no longer in the position of some lowly sklavin, not even a random pack member. He met the lady’s gaze, though he was careful not to glare at her, but to keep his face straight. Still, the desire to glare was bad. Apparently the more power he held, the harder it was to give it up and accept others having power over him. Control! Damn it all! “Lady. What I did was foolish, what I do now is right. You are correct, it is improper for a beta, one who is in a position of power, to choose to love a sklavin,” the word sklavin said with a measure of distaste, “wolves that are barely worth the remnants of a prey’s carcass.” That should be good confirmation he knew the two ranks. “Lady, I didn’t even think I could feel love, so you might imagine my surprise when I’d fallen into its trap and…from a sklavin.” His eye was fully focused on her, letting her feel the weight of each of his words. “However, it did happen. I found am amazing wolf burried deep in Matrid, all one must do is give her a chance and permission to show her true self.” A quirked brow, a twitch of his tail, “Of course, you could say that maybe I wasn’t fit for position of beta, that I flow back to where I belong in falling for one? I am still the same wolf you’ve known me to be. An honorable wolf, who speaks the truth regardless of how welcomed the words might be. I have pride in this pack, and have already offered my loyalty to you personally and to the pack itself. What sort of wolf denounces one they love? What type of scum gives in to fear of punishment and backs away from one they love? Who refuses to acknowledge how they feel and thus lie to themselves?” Finally his gaze broke to look between the two alpha’s, then glance up to the sky, his voice losing some of its passion to a more normal tone. “I wanted to tell you both sooner. Then the pups were born. I hid it waiting for a time when both of you had time to put to such a consideration. You both had just become parents, that was all that you need worry about. I was not carefully hiding our mating to deceive, but simply to not allow the lower ranks of pack to know what you had not heard of first.” “Lady. You wish to punish me then go ahead. Matrid has also agreed she will accept what punishment she must. Do you really think you will punish us any worse than the frustration of having to be around each other so often and ignore each other? Of wondering what would happen? I am one to take action, hiding things is not what I prefer to do.” He went quiet then, his stance showing that silent dignity he tended towards. No lax muscles, no nervous tension or fidgeting. That head was up and even, tail out straight and well balanced. Still, his eyes were positioned ever so slightly downward to show some form of submission. Words;; # 1541 Muse;; mmmm...gooood Puppets;; Kyren for Matrid/Kasimira Notes;; uh...so it was a little long? loving this

[⋆Ravɛn]

TORTUGA

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"So all we have left to deal out is a punishment."

Tortuga found that he was not surprised when Kasimira made her apperance. In fact, he would have been surprised if she hadn't. Leave it to fate for her to overhear everything. It certainly made his job easier, as he didn't have to relay the story to her now. He wondered, briefly, as she moved to his side if she was angry with him for giving Kyren his permission to see Matrid. Of course Tortuga had known that he would have to go through Kasimira at some point. She was, after all, the one with the final say. He had just hoped for a small amount of time, perhaps just an hour or two to take it all in. Oh well. The cat was out of the bag, apparently.

"Give me one good reason why I should allow this inferior, repulsive behavior to continue."

Her words were whip-sharp, beautiful yet dangerous like frozen ice shards, and the male shivered. Even when she was angry, he was reminded of why he loved her. So much power, so much authority. She certainly could turn that burning glare on him at any moment, and he would indeed be a fool not to fear it, but he thought that he wouldn't. He would just love it like he loved everything else she did. Or so he thought. The couple hadn't exactly had a disagreement as of yet, and Tortuga was unsure if this would fuel their first.

Tortuga was drawn out of his thoughts by Kyren thanking him, and he dipped his head briefly, although he wasn't sure he deserved to be thanked yet. While he had given permission, Kasimira could easily revoke it.

Kyren began to speak then, giving a long drawn out reasoning full of love and acceptance for punishment, no matter what form. Tortuga thought it slightly admirable that Kyren was able to stand there and speak so honestly with Kasimira's gaze practically boring holes in the Beta. When Kyren finished speaking, silence enveloped them, and Tortuga knew then that he had to speak. Call it a gut feeling, call it idiocity, but yes, something was urging him to speak up. He couldn't be a coward now.

"Kasimira," he began, his voice low as he turned his head towards her, careful to keep a distance in case she was so angry that she didn't desire his touch. "Kyren claims that Eperna instructed him to come to me with this news. I think that this bit of information should certainly be taken into consideration. I know well enough that the decision is all yours to make, and please don't think that I'm trying to persuade you to support my acceptance of this. Do as you will, but at least think on the fact that Eperna herself didn't scoff or scowl at this odd relationship, but instead...seemed to support it."

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KASIMIRA

Blue stared, deadlocked into the gold and glazed combo, a growl lingering on the blackened lips. Although Kyren was not openly challenging her, his ability to keep her gaze for so long without flinching was slightly agitating. Not exactly unnerving, but just enough to get under her skin and make her hostile. After a few more moments however, his gaze lowered, his voice level and even. A surprise? Hardly. Kyren was an eloquent speaker and something inside the she-wolf truly appreciated a well-addressed wolf. Not enough to clear him of all charges, however.

“Lady. What I did was foolish, what I do now is right. You are correct, it is improper for a beta, one who is in a position of power, to choose to love a sklavin, wolves that are barely worth the remnants of a prey’s carcass.”

Ah! So the fiend admitted to his wrongs. Kasimira forced herself not to smirk at the small victory, instead arching her brows, as if to ask where or when he'd decided this. Kyren made no further comments and continued on with a minor pause, the emotions flooding from him. He spoke of love and Kasimira connected with him, with the deep strung sensation of falling into depthless waters, the drowning, sinking sensation that plagued her dreams. It mimicked the way she felt around Tortuga, with the light airy disposition and flirtatious laughter that came so easily. The side of her she never flaunted in public eye, the aggressive, passionate romantic that wanted nothing more than a lustful night under the sparkle of twilight.

Without Tortuga, it was the abhorrent rise of the dawn star, the morning lark that called to her, soft coos like a barrage of a rushing river, thundering over her and sucking her into darkness. Without him, what would she be like? Being alone had never been a fear for the blunt she-wolf before; she could face the world on her own four paws and she didn't need someone else to guard and protect her like a princess. Treat her like royalty? Yes. But she was more than capable of holding her own. That was another thing she admired of Tortuga; he knew how she felt about their relationship. She'd never had to spell it out for him. It was passionate and fiery but not smothering. Not yet at least. The one thing that had kept them out of arguments seemed to be Tortuga's uncanny ability to gauge her anger fuse with precision--certainly skill required of anyone who took an interest in her.

Kasimira was lost to her own thoughts, her mind faded as Kyren talked. He'd sparked a sense of attachment inside of her and she warily cast a glance at Tortuga, her eyes flickering question. Had she been wrong? An occasion like this wasn't exactly her strong point...

"I have pride in this pack, and have already offered my loyalty to you personally and to the pack itself. What sort of wolf denounces one they love? What type of scum gives in to fear of punishment and backs away from one they love? Who refuses to acknowledge how they feel and thus lie to themselves?”

Good point, Beta. Kyren had only provided the pack and family with loyalty beyond all expected means. Kasimira's fur immediately felt hot under her thick accusations, but she shoved it away just as quickly. She took the time to fold her hind legs underneath her to sit more comfortably upon the ground, her mind lost in thought. Maybe she had been too quick to judge. She wasn't exactly pleased with Kyren's rash mate decision, but the way he talked about Matrid was absolutely phenomenal. The black she-wolf watched Kyren in silence, considering him carefully. How could she mend this to show Irrsin's beta her grudging acceptance while still holding her pride?

“I am one to take action, hiding things is not what I prefer to do.”

As I expected from you. Kasimira took a few more seconds, dragging out her thoughts, turning them over for possible flaws or outward weaknesses. Once Zy heard that she'd approved this pairing he'd never let her live it down...

"Kasimira,"

Instead of Kyren's gruff voice, Tortuga's bold speech reached her and the she-wolf turned her attention to him. Blue eyes searched his face, an inquiry of mistake lingering in her.

"Kyren claims that Eperna instructed him to come to me with this news. I think that this bit of information should certainly be taken into consideration. I know well enough that the decision is all yours to make, and please don't think that I'm trying to persuade you to support my acceptance of this. Do as you will, but at least think on the fact that Eperna herself didn't scoff or scowl at this odd relationship, but instead...seemed to support it."

Interesting. Kasimira's eyes widened slightly before she dipped her head. Who was she to meddle with the wishes of the gods? Or had he made it up? The queen's ears flicked irritably, unsure of what to make of Tortuga's bit of information. Was it supposed to be the icing on the cake, the piece of the puzzle she couldn't refuse? Anger seeped back into her limbs, slowly mixing with her already reluctant acceptance of the Kytrid pairing.

"Because of your exceptional devotion and loyalty to the pack I will allow this. Matrid too has done well in Irrsin and she runs well in the pack standings. Because of these two factors I will give your courtship the pack blessing. I will even go so far as to consider Matrid's freedom. However."

Kasimira's voice hit a sharp staccato note, her blue eyes piercing Kyren. She hadn't meant to announce Matrid's possible freedom so soon, but the timing would never be better.

"I want to make two things crystal clear. For starters, I want to say I am granting this because I have only respect for you, Kyren. As my pack adviser and pack mate I have an obligation as Alpha to listen to you. You know me for my leadership. Now know that I can listen as well as dictate."

The she-wolf dipped her head in a short show of appreciation. Maybe the others would come to know her as a listener as well. The odds weren't high, but crazier things had happened. Exhibit A: Kyren falling for Matrid.

"Secondly, you two, under no circumstances, are to have pups. Your devotion remains to the pack and to my liter. Unless you both approach myself and Tortuga for approval, you shall remain fatherless."

Kasimira's eyes flashed angrily and she added another sentence, her rougher, more aggressive tone returning.

"If she ends up pregnant, I will make you regret it Kyren. I can promise you that."

The queen straightened her posture, forcing the hair on her neck to lie flat. Part of her still couldn't believe she'd agreed. A sklavin and a beta... What was the world coming to? Sighing, Kasimira let a smirk play on her lips. She was tired of the formality and the closeness of Tortuga made her fur itch with excitement.

"So who wants to fetch Matrid?"

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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 was good at commanding his body to show only what he wanted, so he thought only of what appeared most proper and refused to acknowledge the muscles that wanted to tense in apprehension to the decision that would finally be made after all this time. It had been quite obvious by her entrance as to how she felt about all of this. So, this was as much a test of how the lady’s mind ticked as it was an answer to his relationship with Matrid. Of course right now the latter was far more important. He would have shown Tortuga a bit more gratitude when the wolf spoke up for him but Kyren did not wish his gaze to leave the female who’s decision had such an impact on his life. An ear twitched and his head moved ever so slightly in a nod but that was the most he dared give right now. He had to read her body signals, get inside her head, be ready to make the best response if her answer came up negative. "Because of your exceptional devotion and loyalty to the pack I will allow this. Matrid too has done well in Irrsin and she runs well in the pack standings. Because of these two factors I will give your courtship the pack blessing. I will even go so far as to consider Matrid's freedom. However." Kyren was good at hiding emotions, however the answer of her simply allowing this with nothing of punishment or angry snarling tone made him a bit more surprised. His ears tensed up rising up to their full height. That easy? Serious? Now his eyes shifted for a split second to Tortuga but then right back to the lady. Kyren denied his sense of relief, it wasn’t going to take over until this conversation was ended. Until Kas had said her fill their could still be a ‘but’ in this conversation. I hope that you like this, but you probably won't "I want to make two things crystal clear. For starters, I want to say I am granting this because I have only respect for you, Kyren. As my pack adviser and pack mate I have an obligation as Alpha to listen to you. You know me for my leadership. Now know that I can listen as well as dictate." This was a truly amazing conversation! The lady offering him a complement of respecting him, and stating she had an obligation to listen to him? It is one thing to say that a beta is made that way as a superior member of the pack, only below alpha, however it was a whole other thing to admit that the role of beta was to be able to state an opinion for the alpha to listen to. Well, well, she had just earned a little bit more respect from Kyren. Did she know how such a comment would be taken, and that it would be of note to her beta? Likely. Even when they had only recently met he had sensed that she had what it took to be a good alpha, which also meant a sound mind. Good job alpha. "Secondly, you two, under no circumstances, are to have pups. Your devotion remains to the pack and to my liter. Unless you both approach myself and Tortuga for approval, you shall remain fatherless. If she ends up pregnant, I will make you regret it Kyren. I can promise you that." Well, no problem there. He and Matrid had both already decided no pups until she was not a sklavin and they were certain that the pups would not be turned into sklavins. Her last words though, the threat had Kyren having to force himself to continue standing there at attention. Funny how he’d been already to accept punishment, but the moment he started relaxed the threatening tone had him wanting to respond in time. No more hiding this secret! Remember, this is turning out the way you want it too! you think you're cooler than me "So who wants to fetch Matrid?" So that was it! All good news and bad news had been given, and there was nothing really bad in all of this! The worst was a threat for something they hadn’t wanted to do anyway. Kyren’s head turned back in the direction of where he’d left Matrid. Kyren’s expressionless posture was slipping, his tail swaying back and forth slowly. “I’ll get her.” His voice was still controlled though it was obvious he was quite pleased with the outcome with that tail moving about and how his expression seemed a bit softer now. A pause before turning around, “and lady,” his eyes seemed to twinkle in amusement, or was it just the coy smile he wore, “Matrid and I both were adamant about our decision to not have pups until a day where she was no longer a sklavin and that we knew without a doubt that no pup of ours would become a sklavin.” His eyes narrowed again with a fierceness, “nothing of my bloodlines will ever have such a low position. I guarantee you my bloodlines are of the highest caliber, regardless of where you first saw me.” Offering a small hint of his past? Well, why not? He was one proud wolf, only submitting by choice, and as of yet never from being forced into it. Spinning about he started to head off, “this won’t take long, she is not all that far away.” It was possibly the most they had ever seen of him showing his true self without thought to every gesture. For the moment he wasn’t thinking about every motion made or how to win in this strategic game of life. Words;; 943 Muse;; quite good Puppets;; Kyren for Kasimira/Tortuga/Matrid Notes;; What a happy boy!

[⋆Ravɛn]

TORTUGA

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"Because of your exceptional devotion and loyalty to the pack I will allow this. Matrid too has done well in Irrsin and she runs well in the pack standings. Because of these two factors I will give your courtship the pack blessing. I will even go so far as to consider Matrid's freedom. However."

Despite the upcoming "but", Tortuga was surprised. He had expected nothing short of fireworks from Kasimira, despite his comment about Eperna. He had expected fury, rage, a hurricane at it's best. But Kasimira was proving that she was full of surprises, and Tortuga flicked his ears, eager to hear what her conditions were.

"I want to make two things crystal clear. For starters, I want to say I am granting this because I have only respect for you, Kyren. As my pack adviser and pack mate I have an obligation as Alpha to listen to you. You know me for my leadership. Now know that I can listen as well as dictate. Secondly, you two, under no circumstances, are to have pups. Your devotion remains to the pack and to my liter. Unless you both approach myself and Tortuga for approval, you shall remain fatherless. If she ends up pregnant, I will make you regret it Kyren. I can promise you that."

When Kasimira spoke the last sentence, Tortuga found himself shivering once more. The rage was back, and Tortuga couldn't exactly say that he disliked it. It made Kasimira seem so powerful, so headstrong, and if it was one thing that Tortuga enjoyed, it was a dominate mate. Once more his mind was drawn to the idea that she was a perfect match for him. He was proud of himself for having managed to snag such a magnificent creature. Not to say that Kasimira was his prey, however. She was so much more than that.

"So who wants to fetch Matrid?"

"I'll get her."

Kyren turned before pausing to speak once more, informing Kasimira that pups weren't a problem. When he explained why, Tortuga was impressed. Kyren was a proud wolf, that much was obvious. As the Beta turned and wandered off to find his mate, Tortuga chuckled and shook his head. "Well, it certainly has been an odd day," he commented without looking at Kasimira yet. He kept his eyes on Kyren until the Beta disappeared, and then, finally, he turned to his mate, affection sparkling in his cerulean eyes.

Slowly, he slid closer to her until his side was pressed against hers. It had been a while, between looking after the other members of the packs and the pups, since he had been truly alone with her. It was nice, despite all of the drama that was swirling around them. Once more he wondered if she was angry with him, but if he was, it wouldn't be an issue. He would quell her storm if he had to, although it would take a very brave wolf to do so. Tortuga was either very brave, or very stupid. Sometimes it surely seemed as if Kasimira's fire would prove to be overwhelming, but then Tortuga recovered, realizing that this was what he loved about her. The fire, the passion...it was what he lived to see. He wouldn't have traded it for a thing in the world.

Gazing at her still, he gently nudged under her chin with his muzzle, his tail swaying back and forth slowly.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you love?"

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Matrid

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*

Once more, she found herself worrying.

Matrid seemed to do that so very much lately, but more so on this particular day. The worry gnawed at her, twisted her stomach in knots, stabbed blindly at her just when she thought she could rest. It left her tossing and turning under the oak tree, too restless to nap, too nervous to quiet her racing thoughts. If ever there was a thorn in her paw, it was on this day, and it was the thorn called worry. Several times she leaped from her place under the oak tree, pacing back and forth wildly, shaking her head back and forth as if irritated. She must have appeared mad to the little sparrow perched in the limbs above, but Matrid could not bring herself to care. Truly, perhaps she was mad.

Mad for Kyren? Well, that's a given," she thought, chuckling as she rolled onto her side, the leaves rustling below her large frame. She sighed, brown eyes peering up into the tree, idly watching the sparrow leap from one gnarled branch to the other. It seemed to be building a nest, occasionally glancing down to see if the mad Sklavin was still lolling about in the leaves. When the sparrow realized that she was, it would continue on it's own merry way.

If only she could be so calm as the sparrow! If only she had a task to focus on, such as building a nest. But no, instead her thoughts were consumed by Kyren. As it was, her mate was off to tell one of the Alphas, Tortuga, that he and Matrid had been mated in secret for quite a while. Matrid didn't know what to make of this. How would Tortuga respond? Would he be terribly angry? And what would become of her when Kasimira found out, as was bound to happen? She would be punished for sure. Perhaps they would send her off somewhere to get rid of her, for who truly wanted a disloyal Sklavin?

She opened her muzzle, parted it just enough to allow a half-sigh, half-growl to slip through her teeth. Then, suddenly, she rolled back onto her stomach, startling the little bird above her. Matrid didn't care. Let the creature be so scared that it's frantic heart beat matched her own. At least she wouldn't be the only one, then. Hmph.

Truly, her agitation was simply masking her worry. What if Kyren didn't return? What if something terrible had happened? Truly, Matrid knew that her Alphas wouldn't be so cruel as to do some of the things she imagined in her head, but that was no comfort to her. She was in love, and therefore she would always worry about Kyren.

"Ridiculous," she mumbled, flopping once more on her side and allowing her eyes to flutter closed. "but very much worth it."

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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 had trotted out of sight of the two alphas as he went to find his mate, but the moment he was out of sight he proved how fast he could move over the land he had worked hard to learn so well. His body zig-zagged about tree’s, lept over dead logs and was quickly back in the area he’d lift Matrid earlier. He had her scent and the moment she was in sight he called out to her, his tail flagging high, mouth slightly open and that head held high with an actual look of joy to it. There was nothing subtle or hesitant in this greeting. “Matrid!” I hope that you like this, but you probably won't When he was next to her, he hit the brakes, coming to a fast stop, that tail of his actually still swaying in the air…certainly more joy than he normally showed. “I have spoken to both Tortuga and Kasimira. They have both given their consent. They acknowledge us as mates, for the moment you are a sklavin, but Kasimira will consider allowing you to be a free wolf in the future. That much you and I shall keep to ourselves, the rest of the pack does not need this knowledge unless the alpha’s wish to let it be known. Her only terms were that we are not to have any pups without their consent.” He sneezed at the memory, “she actually threatened me on how little we would like the results. As if we had not already decided we would never have pups when risking their position.” you think you're cooler than me This was Kyren as only Matrid knew he could be. Dancing lightly on his paws, in the excitement of their little victory. Kyren made a quick circle while still mostly standing in place. “Come, the lady asked that one of us fetch you…though I’m sure she knew who would speak up to do so.” Laughter gleamed in his eyes, “Oh you should have seen her rage at first, burning like the forest itself were on fire. Still, I found the words we needed, Eperna was right! Tortuga gave his consent first, even he was wary of her opinion of this. We did it.” Stating things that weren’t necessary in his joy, well it had certainly been a surprising ending. Words;; 375 Muse;; Good good Puppets;; Kyren for Open Notes;; ...he's happy if you can't tell. (sorry took forever)