To forge, or not to forge..(Rhia)

[Ahote]

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[atrb=background,http://i.imm.io/62ae.jpeg] Exhaustion. Ahote was physically exhausted. He had spent much more time in the Knight’s territory than he had ever planned to. But he was an anxious first time father and he needed to make sure everything was okay and in place for the arrival of his pups. He wanted a son, or more than one son so badly he could hardly stand it, although he voiced this to no one. Now that he was back to wandering the Cadre lands he was quite aware of the warm rocks and sand beneath his paws. Hot rocks and sand actually, and he had to swallow the grimace that was plastered in his mind, moving to his face. He needed to speak with Rhia about the birth of his pups coming soon, and the female he had taken as a mate and the securing of the alliance. It was a tall agenda, but he was a tall, strong male wolf and he could handle it. He had chosen to come very close to Rhia’s den for this conversation, even though he knew no one ever really had the courage to go underneath where the waterfall pooled to the alphess’ den. He had such an agenda and he knew his talks with Rhia were always so long and wonderful, for a moment he feared what she would do when he told her he had taken a female in another pack and gotten her pregnant and wished to now make an alliance so he did not have to continuously feel this sense of guilt or sneakiness to make sure the pups would be well. Perhaps it was all for the sake of his conscious that he did all this. Shaking his head to clear it he called out to her, “Rhiannon, I hate to come to your door with this, technically speaking but there is something I need to speak with you about and its important and requires privacy..” He waited there for as long as it would take to get her attention and let her know he was serious. He needed her to hear him out about all this, and the timing was not exactly the best. The pups would be due soon and he needed to cement this before he disappeared for longer than a day or two, or even three. He didn’t need his alphess thinking that her new gamma male was shirking his responsibilities in the Cadre for anything less than what he considered dire. He had no idea what he was in for, and in this respect and this respect alone, Ahote was unprepared. He was nervous, anxious, over-protective and completely on edge. It was so unlike him he was surprised Rhia hadn’t called him to her before now. Trying to keep a clear head, and a poised, calm exterior appearance he waited, the sound of water rushing through his mind and drowning out all other thoughts, thank the Great Spirit for that, he could finally have some quiet. The water in fact seemed to entrance him, and for what seemed like a few long moments, he stared into the entrance of Rhia’s den, unaware of anything else around him. His breath had calmed to a near immeasurable degree and he in that moment knew peace… [[Short but only to get things rolling..]]

[RHIANNON !]

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[atrb=background,http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z341/awaywithmysanity/RHIATABLE2.png] Just as swiftly as Forte had come he had left. He vowed to be back and as much as Rhiannon believed he would return she couldn't help feeling helpless and alone again. He wanted to find Isy, and the only way he could do that was by leaving. The strong myou might have better luck than she. So with a good meal and a long night's sleep Forte had gone off in search of their daughter, leaving Rhiannon to fend for the pack once more. At least this time she had reinforcements. Both Ahote and Dagyr could help out, as well as Gypsy. She knew there was talk of an alliance with the Mafia, which she was sure would be beneficial. There was much to be done in the next little while. She moved around the den slowly, drinking every so often and pacing. She needed to figure out a good plan of attack. Being an impulsive actor made it hard for Rhiannon to think things through but right now it was imperative. The pack would want to know what their next move would be. She sighed, the cool, damp air soaking her rusty red fur. It was in this moment that she felt the stirring in her belly. Her body froze, every hair on end. The movement happened again and her moan escaped before her brain registered what was happening. She hadn't noticed any nausea this time, and it was too soon for it to be noticeable... she swore under her breath, her eyes squinting shut. She was pregnant. Somewhere in the back of her mind she knew it was coming, but it was hard to reconcile, so she had done the only sane thing - ignore it. The idea of having more pups sent her heart fluttering. On the one hand, she would have the opportunity to be a mother and nurse a new litter of pups fathered by her mate. On the other hand, it was just another chance to screw up. Rhiannon had already lost half of her previous litter, left with only her two sons, what was there to say the same wouldn't happen to this litter? These thoughts won out and suddenly she was on the ground sobbing, her paws covering her eyes. The intermittent moving only furthered her tears, forcing her into a curled up ball. It was during her sobs that Ahote approached the den. She was hardly aware of his presence, her sobbing continuing as he spoke. She heard words, but Rhiannon did, said nothing. Her ears were flat against her skull as she continued to sob. Her cries were quiet, dulled by the rushing waterfall in front of her. It was only the slight scent that caused her attention to waver from the current predicament. Her head lifted, sniffing in sharply, wiping her teary eyes on her paws. "Ahote...?" she spoke, trying to make the whine in her voice go away. She sounded like a sad pup, so she forced herself from the ground, clamping her jaw shut and inhaling deeply. She would appear poised and in control if it killed her.

[Ahote]

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[atrb=background,http://i.imm.io/62ae.jpeg] Rhia’s absence after the tournament had not brought up as many questions as perhaps others thought, her territory patrolling, resting in her den, attending to pack matters, it was not unusual that their alpha was hard to pin down on any given day. Ahote had only come in to contact with her once, and that was to see the female completely breaking down before his eyes. Although he had a fountain of wisdom to draw from he had now words to take away her pain. It tore his heart open to see the female he loved as a sister in so much pain, and teetering on the edge of sanity that constantly seemed to drift away from her under the stress of ruling the pack alone. He scented the smell of another male around her and growled lowly. He did not want to think any male had taken advantage of her in a time of darkness, and rest assured Ahote would avenge her if that was needed. He heard muffled sounds from within and whined against the rocks around him. He needed to see her so he could comfort her, this just was not something he had much experience with, his experience with females were those who could hold their own emotionally, and he was just not used to crying females. He was getting his fair share with his alphess though. When he finally came close enough to see her up close, he could see she was upset through her eyes, as composed as she tried to be in front of him.. “Rhiannon, what is the matter…? If I could just know what was going on..I could try to help..” Help? How could he help her when his own situation was utterly complicated. He sighed and sat in front of her, he would never tell her he was nervous but his claws scraped idly at the dirt and rock beneath him. While he waited for her answer he tried to compose his thoughts to the best of his ability, he had come to a conclusion about how he would cement their alliance but it could come across the wrong way if he did not use tact and delicacy. “Rhiannon, there have been a lot of things happening lately, that will affect not only me, but you and your pack…” How to begin….”I know things are so hard for you right now. There are outside pressures constantly raining down on you from everywhere, and then running the pack by yourself, and being lonely…” He took a breath in between speaking. “I know it’s not easy to be alone…and it is for that reason that I traveled a while ago and met a female..” He pushed his head higher, showing that he was not ashamed. “We spent time alone together, and just recently, when I went back to see her she was heavy with pups…” He swallowed looking in to her eyes.. “I am not ashamed of anything I am telling you, and I took her as my mate, she is Czarina of the Knights of the Therian Order. I only know I don’t wish you to be angry with me. My obligations to the Cadre are a priority but soon I will be a father.” The statement being said aloud made him smile to himself. He would have a family. “I came here today to tell you those things and as the mate to the Czarina of the Knights, to come and propose an alliance between the two packs. You will always have my loyalty Rhiannon, and you will always be like a sister to me, and you know you can always count on me.” “I have come up with a way to cement this alliance by having my daughter join the Cadre, and in turn the Cadre could give a worthy pup to the Knights, when they are old enough of course…” Of course this had been thought up on his own, but he was sure Seven would agree. He was staring at her, seeing as he had been talking he knew she was listening but was she going to kick him out of the pack for taking another female as his mate? How would she take the news of his up and coming family? He decided to try to get out the rest before she banished him or replied. “I would like you to be in their life Rhiannon, seeing as you are like a sister to me….and I would like to go with your permission and blessing to be with my mate as she gives birth to my pups…” Now he remained silent, having said all he needed to say to her, and to get her thoughts and answers. His tail and body remained utterly still, braced to accept the worst. Although he hoped for the best…

[RHIANNON !]

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[atrb=background,http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z341/awaywithmysanity/RHIATABLE2.png] Ahote had come into the den, and Rhiannon's mouth clamped shut as she stared at the yagi. It was fairly evident in her eyes that all was not how it should be but she maintained a strong, cool, calm collected gaze as he come towards him. His words brought another wave of pain to her heart but she focused her mind not on that, but trying to stay calm. "I'm fine, nothing is wrong, please, don't worry," she spoke in a convincing tone, trying not only to convince the yagi before her but herself too. He began to speak though and like she had before she listened, waiting and hearing him out as he spoke. She twitched a bit when he mentioned being lonely but tried not to react in any other way. His next words did bring a look of surprise to her face and a single eyebrow raised. She had momentarily been pulled away from her plight, now intruiged in what the yagi was saying. His next words brought her crashing down slightly and she found it hard to keep his gaze, feeling almost like a puppy next to him. Why should an alpha, so strong around the other wolves, feel like such a pup next to a packmate? Perhaps it was because he was the only wolf that Rhia knew truly knew her, besides Forte, and who truly loved her. Not in the same way Forte did, a more familial love. She nodded though, saying nothing but her mouth did drop a tad at the next sentence. What was the alpha's name... it was a number she was sure of it. She had always agreed with the philosophy of the Knights and she was quite pleased that Ahote hadn't instead said he had mated the alpha of the empire. She nodded her head and smiled, especially at his last few words. Like a sister. She liked the idea of having Ahote as her brother and she nodded again, a seemingly common action right now. "Ahote of course you have my blessing," she spoke, finally seating herself down as he began to speak to her. "I would be honoured to have your daughter come to the cadre. She will be well taken care of here," she added, pausing for a moment and pursing her lips. "I may be able to further this alliance you propose," she added, frowning a bit as she felt another small flutter in her stomach. "I believe I am with pup as well," she said nothing else, looking up at the huge yagi before her. Maybe if she was a horrible mother, the pups she was going to have would at least have a chance sent to another pack. Ahote, she was sure, was a good, attentive father.

[Ahote]

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[atrb=background,http://i.imm.io/62ae.jpeg] Ahote still did not believe Rhia was fine, he was more than a little concerned, and there was a nagging sense of something being wrong..something did not feel right. He looked around the den, trying to discern if it was something in there or just his mind laying tricks on him. Upcoming fatherhood was destroying his calm demeanor he simply could not imagine what he would be like with little ones…so easily hurt or endangered. He saw himself losing his hair in clumps of forest green as he tried to keep them from getting hurt. The very image was making his stomach turn uncomfortably. He turned to her as she told him not to worry about her and he smiled softly and whispered, “I will always worry about you Rhiannon. You were kind enough to give me a home when others wouldn’t, and you have been very honorable and in your dealings with me.” He knew all those things to be true, and he also knew that Rhia loved him in her own way. They would never be mates, or have that kind of chemistry with each other, but it was enough that they could have been separated at birth had they been the same species. But none the less, the male yagi’s pride and love of his own wavered for the spunky, smaller female alpha and he knew she would always be special in his heart. He was relieved to say he had her blessing to go and find his pups and mate and now he could do so with a clear conscience of all things, he felt that was one of the important ones. He smiled, his white teeth glimmering as she accepted his offer to bring his daughter to the Cadre to be part of the alliance between them. “I know she will be, because you will be their godmother.” He laid the title on quickly as his wise eyes slitted mischievously. He knew deep down Rhia would be happy with the title but he also knew it might make her nervous, all the better because he was right there with her being a first time father. His tongue fell out of his mouth when he heard she was with pups. “From who!” He did not know for true if Fort had come back or if they had mated so he was ready for any answer, although he did manage to lick his lips lightly and put his tongue back in his mouth. He moved a little closer and sat down next to her, making sure as much of his body touched her as possible. Maybe he was just being brave at this point, but this was just one more thing she would have to deal with on top of running the pack, and here he was..leaving her…”I feel bad for leaving you like this Rhiannon…” Which he truly did, but he knew while she may have been in the beginning, his mate was at the end, and he tried to determine who would be more important…the battle was making his head hurt. “You going to tell me how to further the alliance and keep both packs safe? Or keep that a secret like the little ones you have?” He smirked and looked down at her, particularly her stomach as he waited for her to speak.” He wasn’t going to lick her or clean her, but he assumed his natural, comforting presence would be enough to give her some amount of comfort no matter how the little female conflicted him. She had wormed her way into his heart and he knew, no matter how inferior most other species seemed, he just couldn’t lump her in that group. He huffed and gently rubbed against her, almost shoving her over. A little levity for such a grave conversation.

[RHIANNON !]

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[atrb=background,http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z341/awaywithmysanity/RHIATABLE2.png] Obviously her charade didn't work on Ahote and his words confirmed it. She sighed, but smiled a bit as he continued speaking. The confidence in her chest was gone a bit, but at least it was Ahote and not a random new member. She trusted the yagi and so even though she was trying to put on a good show of how strong she was, she knew she didn't always have to wear the facade around him. "Any pack would be lucky to have you as a member. I say that with all truth. Your loyalty, dedication, physical and mental strength all make you a worthy packmate. Plus you are a good friend," she replied, a small smile etched on her tired maw. He was pleased with her reaction and she couldn't help but start wagging her tail - as much as she dreaded the arrival of her own pups, she would strive to be the best... godmother?! Her eyes widened at the proclamation Ahote had just made, and her grin widened. Ahote wanted her to be the pups' godmother! That made her swell with pride, and yet, as Ahote had thought, made her anxious as well. She had already lost her own daughter, there was no way she would let the same thing happen to her future goddaughter. Perhaps this pact would make her be a more diligent mother to her own future children. It was a strange thought, but it made sense. Rhiannon had opened her mouth to reply but just as she did Ahote seemed shocked by her own announcement. She realised most of the members probably had no idea Forte had returned; of course not, since he had left almost immediately after. Had she not been red already she would have reddened as the blush grew to her face. "Forte was back for a night," she replied almost mischievously, watching him sit down beside her. "It's okay Ahote, I shouldn't have to have someone babying me all the time. I need to learn to be strong even in the face of adversity. Plus you have your own family to worry about now," she smiled and gave him a slight nudge. Just his prescence seemed to lift the weight off her shoulders, taking away the apprehension. "Oh, well, I was thinking... you have pups, I have pups... why don't we swap? I'll take your daughter and you can take mine?" It seemed like a good idea to her; that way if anything ever fell out between them, which she was sure would never happen, they would have reason to stay allies. Either way it would tie their packs stronger than now. "I think it would be only fair. Plus who would want to go against both our families?" she replied, feeling him rub against her. She couldn't help but giggle a bit as she let her feet slide out from under her, sliding onto the ground beside him. She had forgotten her sadness from before, the idea of pups now sounding not so ominous. And so Rhiannon let herself embrace the moment and she nudged Ahote in the shoulder, her tail wagging a bit.

[Ahote]

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[atrb=background,http://i.imm.io/62ae.jpeg] For Ahote time usually stood still when he spent time with Rhia alone, of course when they were in public he deferred to her in all things and made sure others knew she was to be respected and treated well. But when they were in private some part of him felt as though he could just tackle her and be playful like he had been with his brother. Of course in reality she was far to small for such rough housing, but he knew she’d put up a good fight, she was just too spunky not too. He approved when she actually dropped the façade, because in reality it wasn’t required with him. In this moment they had shared many of their failings, and weaknesses, and worries. He had become closer to his alphess than any other member and while he didn’t lust after her as he had done Gypsy, he cared for her so deeply. “You flatter me indeed my friend. I may be all those things, and I hope those skills help me with whatever mission I have down the roads in life. Perhaps the lessons I have learned from a very tenacious, spunky red female, who is stubborn yet caring, compassionate and worthy of every good thing she can find..” He saw that she looked so very tired, and it just increased his guilt about leaving, how could he when she needed him so…and the pack…his mind was warring upon itself about what was right, to be selfish or to be righteous, and neither side was doing very well. He could see her face light up with anxiety and yet pleasure at the idea of fostering one of his children, especially a little girl. He knew he had made the right choice, it might bring back painful memories in the beginning but he knew that she would come to love the little yagi as her own, and he trusted her. It was not just about an alliance, he could not think of anyone better to keep his daughter safe while offering her a better life. If she was anything like him she would be a thorn in Rhia’s side but she would do right by her, Ahote would raise her to do right. His own full tail wagged in return and he was smiling as the thoughts were chasing most of her previous sadness away. When he heard that her mate, Forte had come back his ears went back and his eyes glittered with some emotion. He did not see the male now, but he had imagined that his return had resulted in a passionate mating and thus Rhia found herself to be in a motherly way. However, it irritated him to no end to know she would be seemingly facing this alone, of course Gypsy would be here, and Dagyr, and most of the other pack. He would send a messenger or something to find out how she was going along and doing toward the end. “It is not about someone babying you Rhia. It’s about your pack helping you through this instead of you having to suffer through it alone in this cave half the time…” He just about growled the words. “IF I have to come back to whip these wolves in to shape to help you, I will, and you know I will.” It would seem the alpha was shining right out of him even as he was nudged, he huffed indignantly at her and pretended to be affronted. “Family or not, you are also someone I consider to be family..and I will not allow you to waste away while I try to take care of my own things..” He listened to her proposition and smiled gently, “I think that is a wonderful idea, that way even though we may each lose a daughter in a sense, we will each gain a daughter, a daughter of each other none the less. ..” He smiled happily and nodded, “It is an agreement, we can work out the details as they get older but here and now I pledge to give you Rhiannon, my first born daughter to cement the Knight’s Alliance to the Cadre pack.” It sounded very formal and important and he smiled and barked at the end of it to lighten the mood entirely. He lay against her, and leaned his head over to gently lick he head and smooth some of her fur out. His tail brushed against hers and he pretended to lean over on his side slowly, acting as though he would squish her. There is the den of his former alphess, Ahote clung to their last moments together, and even as his heart broke he knew soon he would be on his way to the Taiga and his new family. ((-Sniffling- Cut and Scene!))