My Kingdom Awaits [Juice]

[Gyllbane]

The sun had begun to dip low in the autumn sky by the time Treason had made it to the Honovi grounds; their borders were somewhat stale, though not absent, and she wondered about the state of the pack. Perjury had told her they were in disarray, though not completely without leadership - she hoped against hope that they would hear her out. If they didn't - she didn't want to think about that prospect. Unable to return to Frigid Plague, cast out of the pack she had been told was her birthright; the thought of it was sobering, and she shook her head, a vain effort to clear her thoughts as she made her way to the heart of the Honovi territory.

She came upon the oasis that she'd seen a few times before when visiting the Honovi lands. Browned around the edges, but still verdant and beautiful, it was a piece of her home that reminded her of Perjury's promise and gave her strength. She waited only a moment before lifting her head and giving a long, purposeful howl. She summoned the Honovi's leader - whoever that may have been - with the call. It was not the normal submissive call of the loner, seeking rank and shelter in a pack they did not know. It was the call of one who had summoned the courage to face her destiny head on, and would follow that path wherever it led her.

She called out, her voice carrying into the packlands. "I am Treason, daughter of the betas of Frigid Plague, granddaughter of Kiowa, one of the founders of the Honovi. I seek its current leader, that I may share words with them."

There was nothing left to do but wait.

[Juice]

The cream colored wolf was licking a small wound on his chocolate brown foreleg when he heard a howl. His ears pricked forward at the sound and his curiosity was peaked. The pack had been suffering lately and Cameo could barely handle things on his own. However, he had been doing just fine accepting new arrivals that were seeking shelter from the harsh weather the mountain had been cursing them with. For a moment he thought it was just another loner come to find a den but this was a different sound. The howl was more...prideful. Cameo stood and stretched out before trotting towards the sound.

He came upon a female and heard from her howl the important information she was conveying. So she had deep family ties to Honovi just as he did. This was new as many of the Honovi lineage had been diluted over the years due to the death of many of their ancestors during the Kerberos plight. Although he hated the title and didn't think of himself as a leader, Cameo figured he had to fill the position of alpha even if he despised it. Although he was not directly related to the original alphas, he had a strong history of Honovi and had reformed the pack when he came to the mountains only a few moons ago. "I am Cameo, alpha of the Honovi." Cameo stated, wondering what it was that Treason needed.

[Gyllbane]

It didn't take long for her to get a response; a cream-colored male appeared who introduced himself politely as the Honovi alpha. There was no going back now.

"Greetings, Cameo." Her voice was formal, but not stern or cold; she resisted the urge to bow to him. Respect was due, yes, but she could not fool herself into thinking that this was anything other than a formal challenge for leadership, and any sign of submission or weakness could spell disaster for her. "I am Treason, as you have heard. I was once a member of Frigid Plague - though in my heart I am not evil. I have renounced my title as future Beta there in order to come here." She took a deep breath. This was her moment of truth.

"I have come to stake a claim to the Honovi as alpha. Although my grandmother did not remain in the pack, her blood runs within it as much as Acka's does; she had a mate, and pups who all bore the Honovi name. I understand that none of Acka's direct descendants remain in the Honovi; I claim a birthright that no other does. Long ago my Grandmother found her calling as leader of Frigid Plague; now I do so in reverse."

She looked at him directly now, her eyes piercing - not threatening, but unwavering in their resolve. "However, I in no way wish for this to be a violent takeover. I imagine you have no more need for senseless violence than I do. I do not wish to lead a pack that does not respect me for the alpha I am, for a right to lead that was won by bloodshed instead of birth."

[Juice]

Cameo watched her curiously and was surprised at her absence of a bow. Normally wolves acknowledged his leadership by bowing to him and even loners would do this most basic of behaviors. A wolf coming from a pack, especially one who valued leadership and strength such as Frigid Plague, must know the proper way to address an alpha and yet she did not. Cameo listened to her speak and quietly nodded, taking in her words. So she was from Kiowa's brood. His own grandmother had often spoke of her in great reverence, as did the other elders, and he knew for a fact it was Kiowa who taught his grandmother, Kala, the ways of battle back before the Honovi had established leadership over their territory.

He sighed deeply as Treason stated her claim to leadership. If anyone had a birthright to lead, it was certainly her and the gods knew Cameo didn't enjoy his position. He toyed with the idea of battling her but only because his heart was prideful and he felt it would have been the appropriate thing to do, but he let the idea slip away silently. Cameo did not enjoy violence especially between packmates, which was what he now considered Treason to be. "I see..." he said, still mulling some things over in his head. "Well Treason, as much as it pains me to do so, I shall renounce my leadership of the pack to you. I only require that you allow me to be your adviser and accept the position of Beta male within the hierarchy. I care deeply for my pack and know this - if you ever behave in such a way that calls your leadership skills into question, I will challenge you to take over the pack." Cameo did not want to come off as threatening but he needed to make it known that he had every intention of protecting his home and he was only renouncing leadership because he felt it was the best decision for the pack. "Do you agree to these terms?" Cameo asked.

[Gyllbane]

The look of momentary surprise on his face worried her - had she done something wrong? Once he began to speak, though, relief flooded her body. She had not wanted to turn what could be mutual respect into a rivalry; he seemed wise, and she would be glad to have him as her advisor in pack matters; he would help her acclimate to her role amongst the Honovi - no doubt there would be some reservations, which he would hopefully help to quell. She exhaled, unaware that she'd been holding her breath as he gave his answer.

"I would be more than happy to have you as my beta, Cameo. You are clearly knowledgeable, and trustworthy; it would be my honor for you to be my second in command." At last, she bowed; she had not known before how he would judge her, but she was determined now more than ever to maintain a trusting relationship with the wolf who had renounced his title as alpha of the Honovi. He had shown kindness and courage by stepping down without issuing a formal battle challenge for the title; she could only do the same to him. "And I will be the greatest leader I can be. I will carry the Honovi in times of prosperity and of scarcity; if I were to do any less, I would remove myself from a leadership position before you could. However, I shall expect you to exercise your right as a member of this pack to challenge me if you deem me unworthy." She gave an honest smile; she spoke the honest truth. She knew what it took to be a leader, what sort of responsibilities it entailed; she would lead the Honovi to the best of her abilities.

The name alone now was enough to cause a swell of pride within her breast. The Honovi - her pack. Her birthright, come to fruition at last. It seemed like days, weeks ago now that she had been so lost and confused, scared of what she had known all along - that her calling was not to be evil, or to be good, but to walk the twilight path between them. 'You were right, Perjury. Thank you.' she thought, before turning her attention back to Cameo.

"I know that the Honovi has been in a state of disarray. Is this true? You seem a capable leader, but I know that the tragedy that was Kerberos rocked the foundations of even the oldest packs in the valley." If she were to lead this pack on the path to prosperity and greatness, she would need to know as much as she could about its current state of affairs. No matter how disjointed or scattered the pack was, it was her charge now to mend it.

[Juice]

ooc: OKAY so there has been some discrepancy in what I originally posted and what actually happened during IC posting back in 2010 lol. I am redoing my previous posts so that they are actually correct about Honovi's history and if you need any further clarification, you can click on the link in my siggy and find Cameo's history. I recently redid it so it was true to what I had originally posted in 2010 and 2012. Sorry!

Cameo's yellow eyes softened as he realized Treason would be accepting and non combative. He was grateful for this and sat down, relinquishing his aggressive stance. He nodded as she spoke, taking her words in and getting a better feel for her personality. She was a proud and capable wolf and Cameo felt glad that she had come to the pack's aid in their time of need. He was lucky to meet such an ally and partner that refused to let the pack die.

Cameo took a moment to think about what all had been happening since he had taken leadership of the pack. He wanted to give Treason a full and comprehensive history of the pack's reformation. "Well." he began, taking a deep breath. This story was somewhat long. "The pack was reformed a short time ago by myself and a few other wolves. Of these wolves, I was asked to take leadership and though I did not wish to do so, I agreed because I longed to call Honovi my home. The pack has suffered a loss in members and two of the four wolves I began with have since disappeared. I don't even know what became of them but I cannot leave the packlands in search of them when the pack is still weak. I fear that an encroaching pack could easily take our territory if I left." Cameo took a moment to look out over his packlands and thought of how he never seemed to be any less humbled by their beauty despite how barren the land was. "You see, I was born in a valley just south of the mountain. It was here that many original members of Honovi fled to after the attack of Kerberos. Of these was my grandmother and my mother. My grandmother, Kala, was a trusted adviser to the alphas Condor and Acka during their reign and she taught me much of Honovi's policies and history. When she passed while I was still young, I felt a strong calling to return to the mountain, to the packlands that were the home of my ancestors." he bowed his head a moment, remembering the love of his grandmother. "When I arrived here the lands had long since been abandoned...I don't know what happened as many wolves from the valley in which I was born returned to the mountain when they deemed it safe. There is not much to tell of the interim of my arrival here and now. All I know is that my blood drives me to keep this place safe and a haven for all the members of the Honovi, new and old alike."

Cameo's yellow eyes looked back at the wolf before him. He was happy to tell her of his past because he knew, deep in his heart, that her soul burned with the same passion as his to protect the land of their ancestors.

[Gyllbane]

She listened carefully to his explanation, soaking in as much information as she could - if she were to lead this pack, sparse as they were, she would need to be as familiar, if not more familiar, with the history than any other. She nodded solemnly when he mentioned the Kerberos plight - she had not witnessed it, but had heard stories of a thick, noxious fog that drenched the valley, and a wolf halfway between mortal and something more... dire. She suppressed a shudder at the thought, and thanked the Power that even the evil white wolf Geist did not seem hell-bent on destroying the valley completely as Kerberos nearly had.

When he mentioned his ancestors, however, she smiled - oddly coincidental, that he would take up the mantle as Beta and advisor to her, when his grandmother had held the same role all those years before. It only further cemented her belief that this was the way things had been meant to be.

"I am proud to lead a pack with such rich history, though I am deeply saddened by its recent plight; I have you to thank most of all for keeping its name alive within the valley, and for that I am grateful. I promise you, we will restore the Honovi to its former glory - it may take time, but legends such as our history rarely die out when they have individuals willing to carry it with them."

She looked out over the Heathlands, then, scanning the horizon. "I have been here before, on Frigid Plague meetings, but I have never explored the territory with the eye of someone who considers it their home; would you join me on a trip around the borders - if not now, then soon, and begin to tell me the things Kala taught you?" She knew it would take time for him to relay all the things he had learned from his grandmother, so it was not an order, but a request; she didn't want to begin lording her title over him, nor did she think she ever would.

[Juice]

Cameo followed Treason's gaze as it crossed over the Heathlands and his eyes glowed with the love he felt for his land. It might not have been the most luxurious territory on the mountain but it was still his home. He nodded when she spoke of restoring the Honovi and was glad that she had come. He felt almost as if his ancestors had sent her and written their meeting in the stars as fate.

"I believe the pack will become strong with your leadership." Cameo said with a smile. The cream colored wolf was proud to know his pack's history and carried it with him in his heart. He raised his eyebrows at Treason's request to go around the territory as he had thought she would explore on her own. No matter, he would be glad to show her around. He stood up and stretched after being seated for so long. "Follow me." he said and began trotting forwards at a leisurely pace.

"I will be happy to relay to you the things my grandmother taught me." Cameo began as they walked along. It was hard for him to find a place to start as there seemed to be so much knowledge passed to him from his grandmother. She had been around since the beginning of the pack's formation so he thought that would be a good place to start. "My grandmother came to the mountain after her mate and pups died." Cameo paused a moment, perhaps this was not the best way to start. He blushed a bit before adding "Sorry I didn't mean to start out with tragedy, it is simply where my grandmother's history with Honovi began." he took a deep breath and started over.

"After my grandmother's tragedy, she came to the mountain with a friend she had met in her travels named Garn. The two came to the mountain seeking refuge and a place to call home. Deep in the Redwoods they came across a pack that had recently formed. The leader of this pack was Acka. She had gathered many wolves of our alliance from the outer reaches of the mountains to join her cause. The largest and most coveted forest territory on the mountain was called Sequoia Woods." Cameo paused for a moment, wondering if Treason was aware that the territory she had grown up on had once belonged to the Honovi. "Kiowa was a member of the pack at the time and taught my grandmother and Garn how to fight. She taught all the wolves to fight because she knew the ins and outs of combat. The wolves were preparing to take over Sequoia Woods, to take control of it from the Fire Bringers. However, when the arrived on the land, ready to battle, there was no need to fight. Many of the packs members had disappeared leaving only a few stragglers behind. Of these was Shenzi, the Alphess of Fire Bringers. She spoke with Acka and stepped down from her position, allowing Honovi to take over the lands on the condition that she be made Beta female of the pack and that all other Fire Bringers members would still be welcomed. Acka gladly accepted and, from how my grandmother put it, it seems that all were happy for the peaceful way of settling things. Not all of them wanted to fight." Cameo smiled as he thought of his grandmother fighting. It was quite an odd thought. "After that the Honovi lived quite peacefully. There were times when things were rough, like when Acka disappeared, but things continued on as normal. My grandmother met a mate, Kento, my grandfather, and she bore three pups. One of these was my mother Kali. During their puphood, the attack of Kerberos began. As I'm sure you know from your own pack's history, there was a horrible fog that settled over the entire mountain and made many wolves sick and even killed some. It was out of this fog that Kerberos emerged and laid waste to many lands. My grandfather and Garn stayed to fight along with their alphas but Kala took her pups and fled. She and some of the other females with pups, along with the elders and youngsters, managed to find refuge in the valley where I was born. As days and eventually weeks passed, more and more Honovi members found their way into the valley. There was no leader in this valley, at least not really. All the wolves there wanted desperately to return back to their homeland and many did but they never returned to lead the rest of their brethren home." Cameo sighed a moment and thought of what life would have been like if he and his mother had made the journey home along with their grandmother. "My mother's sister Echo and her brother Zephyer, both made the journey back to the Honovi lands but I do not knwo what became of them. I never met them as I had yet to be born. My mother was the smallest of her litter and very feeble so she could not make the journey alone. My grandmother was very protective of her but was also busy tending to other pack matters. My mother ran off on her own after a fight with my grandmother, I know not what about, and met my father Harkness. He was an outsider and used my mother. He tricked her into falling in love and mating with him. He left shortly after." Again Cameo paused. It was difficult for him to recount this to Treason as it shamed him so, but he hoped she'd understand. "My mother died during my birth and left me to be raised by Kala. My grandmother died when I was very young. After her death I felt lost and made my way here." Cameo smiled as he thought of how proud Kala would be if she knew he'd made it here. "And as you know, I met up with Kaya, Chenoa and Peril. I know not what became of Kaya and Chenoa but before they left they did tell me some interesting information. After Kerberos' attacked, Frigid Plague took over Sequoia Woods as the Honovi had basically abandoned it." Cameo was sure that Treason knew this part already but he decided to finish anyway. "When Honovi did return they allied with Frigid Plague and made a home in The Heathlands. Apparently, Kaya and Chenoa had blood ties to the Honovi as well although I can't remember exactly how far back their blood ran. I believe they were direct descendants of Taima and Kiowa but I could be wrong. Cameo sighed, finally finished with his tale.

"Now then, do you have any questions?" This was so much information to take in that Cameo imagined Treason may need some things to be cleared up.

OOC: So all of this stuff happened except the part where the Honovi members fled to a valley lol.

[Gyllbane]

Treason walked easily alongside Cameo; he was good company, not overly loud or terribly quiet - a wise wolf, indeed, and one she was increasingly glad she had to rely on.

His tale, long as it was, was dearly important to Treason. She listened intently, etching the memories into her mind as best she could - she was a quick learner, and a dutiful one at that, but even she occasionally let things slip through the cracks. She was determined to absorb as much as she could this time, though - this was her livelihood, her responsibility. At his mention of his mother's brutalization by an outsider male, she was disgusted at the thought, but sympathized with Cameo's shame. He had no choice in the circumstances of his birth, after all - it wasn't something she could ever fault him for.

"Your grandmother sounds like a strong wolf indeed, and I am sorry for your loss of both her and your mother." She paused, trying to recall his tale as best she could - it was important that she ask questions while the memories were still fresh. "I thank you for the history lesson - it's a feat indeed that you have so much information at your disposal." She gave an honest smile. Without Cameo, the legend of the Honovi might have been lost to the ravages of time. "You say that Kaya and Chenoa were descendants of Kiowa and Taima - Taima was Kiowa's mate before she met my grandfather?" She had heard very little of her grandmother's personal life before Misdemeanor had found her - out of her own shame, or her pride, she didn't know why, but she imagined it must have been difficult for her to leave pups of her own flesh and blood to strike out on a new path. She imagined it must have been a far greater pain than her own; pride in her grandmother swelled briefly in her chest. And the fact that that she may have had half-cousins somewhere in the Valley made her stomach clench - out of nervousness or anxiety, she wasn't sure. Would they return eventually and try to take back the alpha position?

That would be a problem for another day, she decided. For now she needed to focus on Cameo. She exhaled, and began to speak again. "And furthermore - are there any others of direct Honovi blood in the pack? Or are you and I the only ones with Honovi ancestry?"

[Juice]

Cameo nodded and smiled when Treason gave him her condolences about Kala and Kali. It felt nice to share his family's story and also hear kind words from a friend. Cameo was also surprised at how excited and happy he was that he could call Treason a friend. It had seemed like a long time that he was able to call someone that. The only wolf that had stuck around through thick and thin was Peril and, while he cared for her as a packmate, Cameo knew she was busy with her own life and was didn't have much time to speak to him.

Cameo was pulled from his reverie when Treason asked a question about Chenoa and Kaya. Cameo had to think a moment before answering, it had been a long time since he'd seen either of them. "Well I know one of them was for sure directly related to Taima. I can't remember which one, all I know is that they were cousins and they grew up in the Honovi packlands. They were the only two remaining here when I came around and they seemed to disappear before I really got to speak to them about their lineage." Cameo realized that Treason may be a bit sensitive to this information but she had asked so he would answer as best he could. "Anyway, I haven't seen them in many moons so I don't think they shall return. Perhaps they went the way of the other Honovi descendants and returned to where their parents were?" Cameo tried not to muse too much about the whereabouts of those two as it saddened him.

To Treason's next question, Cameo had to think a little longer. "I don't know actually. Peril was one of the original four of us that restarted Honovi and I do not think she is a descendant of the pack. I believe we two are the only current pack members with Honovi lineage. I know there are many more of us out there because the valley I was born in was full of generations of Honovi wolves. My grandmother was dear friends with a few of the families because she had known their ancestors before Kerberos. However, I do not know what became of them." Cameo thought about his past and how rich his heritage was. For a moment, he also thought of his present and how hard he had worked for it. Looking at Treason, he knew he was in the right place.