Summer Serenity (Closed)

[Meds]

Koa;

Zeus' ears flipped back at one point when Koa asked for more clarification, she noticed. He explained that he knew she must be close to claiming the territory. She didn't let it show on her face, but she supposed she was pretty close, after all. She just needed one more wolf. Slowly, her eyes found him again. Zeus then began to explain that his sister, who currently held the den, had been through many hardships, and he didn't want to have to trouble her further. Koa considered that, especially the part about him not wanting her to have to find a new home in the middle of his nephew's puphood. Well, pups moved dens all the time, Koa thought. Some pups were born even without dens. Really, a secure den was only necessary until the pup was old enough to follow along behind its mother; then again, such a nomadic life would be hard on a young body. Koa guessed that much to be true.

Then Zeus asked if his sister could stay in the territory until her son was older. Koa's brow lifted, especially when Zeus the offered his own help in starting up her dream. She took a halfstep back, sat, and allowed her eyes to flick over the den. He would have her fill 33% of her pack in one conversation? She glanced behind them to the meadow at large, and from what she had seen so far, guessed that it would hold no more than 10 or 11 wolves at the most. Counting her, Epicenter, and Nanouk, if she were to appease Zeus immediately, her pack would only have room for four more wolves—not really enough to strengthen a family; especially if one of the members was a pup, and the other a mother whose main interest would be raising said pup. Then again, one extra pup might not take up that much space or food.
It was a lot to ask, especially of a wolf who one, technically had no claim or even right to grant such wishes as of yet, and two, to a wolf the asker had just met.

But Koa was clever, not hasty, and considered things from every angle. She looked back to Zeus and chewed her lip for a few moments. She did need his help, she knew that; at least, it would be easier and happen sooner if he were to side with her—but she also didn't like conditions. If accepting his help would mean that she was bound in some sort of contract, she may as well just walk away now...

"Considering that I already have two other wolves who are with me in this, were I to accept this idea of yours... my pack would be 60% full before it is even born." She eyed him closely. "A pack needs hunters and warriors, as you've just said, to keep it functioning efficiently. Why should I take up valuable space within my idea for your family?" She was not attacking him—she was actually asking. Why should she? If he could give her a reason that mattered, other than not wanting to inconvenience his sister, perhaps she would consider it. "There are plenty of other hollowed-out trees; in fact, I know of a few right across the line of what could become my border. You must understand that from my point of view, basically... your sister built her den in a claimable territory. I plan to claim it. It's just the natural order; then again, were she to find a den outside of the territory, even just, she would be largely safe. For starters, you would be right here if you joined; and secondly, my pack would be a neutral pack, not evil, so your sister and nephew would be in no danger of getting hunted by us if they stayed close by."
She tapped her foot on the ground in thought, her ears flicking.
"What alliance is your sister—and yourself, for that matter? You know of Sheba, and speak of her as The Giver, so I can only assume you're neutral like me. But I know nothing of your kin."

((I hope that was alright, Blood! I wanted to come at it like Koa is still wanting Zeus to join, but also is slow to make any big-time decisions.))

[Blood]

Zeus;

Koa simply watched him intently as he gave his explanations. Her eyes never wavered from him, and when he finished, she stepped back and sat down. Zeus wondered what that was supposed to mean, but he kept his expression docile. She was silent for a good long moment, and Zeus was wondering just how much she was thinking over what he had just said. A small finger of worry started to pull at his ear, but Zeus shook it off. What he said had been said, and he couldn’t change that. His answer may have not been thought through very well before he presented it, but assuming Koa was deep in her own thoughts, made up for the thinking he didn’t do. It was probably good that she was thinking it over very precisely, after all, they were discussing the possible future of her pack, and that was something an alpha shouldn’t think lightly on. Zeus admire that about the cloudy pelted female sitting in front of him, and he agreed to himself, that once again, Koa would make a fine alpha. So far, she had all the necessary traits that would make a pack flourish under her rule, or so far of what he knew of her; and again, that curiosity of wanting to find out more about her tickled his brain.

She finally spoke and Zeus let out a slow breath after he realized that he had been holding it. He hadn’t really thought about the size capacities for pack territory until she had mentioned it. It definitely seemed to make a lot more sense why she was so opposed to just letting whoever join. She scrutinized him harshly with her almond shaped minty eyes as she mentioned the necessary areas of skills that a pack needs to function. Zeus stood unmoving under her glare, but her next question made him look away. He repeated the question to himself. Why would she sacrifice her dream pack for a lone family like his, what could he tell her that would be convincing enough to change her mind. Zeus groaned inwardly as he struggled to come up with something, but he had taken too long as Koa continued with more reasons to convince him that her ideas were far more thought out and a lot more practical. He was starting to doubt his original reasons of making sure Hemera and Laden would be able to stay there. How hard would moving dens be, even if it was just a short distance away at the edge of the territory. A clear image of his sister’s depressed eyes and weary form passed through his mind, and he couldn’t help but feel the pain she was dealing with. Losing her siblings, losing her mate, losing one of her pups, it was almost too much to ask of her to move to a new den. But if he was possibly going to join this pack- Zeus was surprised he was going along with the thought so easily. Leaving Hemera’s side would break her heart even more How could he do that to her. He should simply just agree with Koa and her wiser reasonings and make a new den for Hemera and Laden just outside of the border and stay with her. However, Zeus had seemed to catch on to a hint that Koa needed him, or wanted, if that was a better word. But what alpha wouldn’t want a massive muscular male that could possibly take down a small deer singlepawed. The stormy pelted wolf forced his head out of the clouds, acting stuck up in his own pride wouldn’t solve anything, he’d already learned his lesson with that. But as much as Zeus wanted to stay with his sister and nephew, he couldn’t help but feel a pull to this new adventure and the life of being a part of a pack. He didn’t want to admit it, but Hemera and Laden were holding him back from this longing that he didn’t know was inside of him. Meeting Koa had suddenly uncovered it, and Zeus could feel a stronger restlessness growing inside of him, a restlessness that he knew he wouldn't be able to quench if he continued to live by his sister’s side. He would still be able to protect her and care for her even if he did join, like Koa said, and they would be safe from threat or attack, like Koa said, but how would Hemera take it? After all, he did give his word that he would stay with her until she is ready. But when was that?

Zeus jerked his head up when he realized that the female in front of him had asked him a question. He fought the urge to stammer, but only his jaw moved silently before he actually spoke clearly. ”Indeed you are correct when you assume I am of neutral alliance. I have submitted my ways to bring Sheba glory. My sister however…” He trailed off, realizing he actually never spoke to his sister about such matters. As siblings, all of them had been born into a pack that didn’t stand for any alliance, let alone practice any ways of morality, good or bad. Zeus frowned for a second, trying to block out the terrible past memories of his pack and what he had gone through trying to flee with his siblings, no wonder most of them turned towards the evils of this valley. Hemera could stand anywhere at this point. He life was such a dump, that he wouldn’t blame her for hating the world and everything in it and turning towards the destruction of life, but he couldn’t see that in her eyes, only a broken hurting soul. He didn’t want to answer for his sister, so he settled with telling Koa the truth. ”I can not give you a clear answer, for I do not know who my sister stands in alliance to, but I assure you, it wouldn’t be against you unless you threaten her pup. As for your wise reasoning about the location of this den, I will have to say that your proposal has trumped mine. I have no great reason that my family should be allowed to be a part of your idea unless the simple fact that helping another in need counts as anything. But what would a pack be made of if it only helped out the weak. Although pups do grow into wolves, and the weak can always be made stronger, but that of course takes time, and I’m not quite sure if you’re the type willing to spend it.” Zeus cocked his head towards Koa, wondering what she was thinking as he sent his answers back to her. ”Therefore, I am willing to submit to your natural superiority over the situation and accept your offer of relocating my sister’s den where the border is to be marked.” Zeus wasn’t sure if he wanted to add anything else, so he kind of finished talking without it sounding quite like he was actually finished talking. A small part of him wanted to also take Koa up on the offer of joining her soon-to-be pack, but he wasn’t going to leave Hemera and Laden alone at the border of a territory that he had run off to join, even if he would still be able to communicate with them. He just couldn’t make himself mention it, not until he had talked to Hemera about it.

A sigh seemed to make the end official, but he was curious if Koa would bring it up.



((I am so sorry this took forever! Life has been a little crappy lately. Don’t worry about it Meds, it was a little hard getting Zeus’ thoughts organized, but I think I am happy with this reply.))

[Meds]

((That is totally fine, Blood! I hope the crap calms down some for you))

Koa;

Mint green eyes, the colour of a thundercloud-choked sky, narrowed in calculation. It was just a little-long of a wait before Zeus jerked back to the present and spat out a (surprisingly clear) answer.
He confirmed her guess that he was neutral, which gave Koa a satisfied glow-like feeling in the pit of her stomach. She liked this male, even if she wasn't sure why yet. He was all brawn and bravado, the very image of strength and perhaps a dash of bullheadedness... but then, he thought his words out. He was careful about the way he went through the world, and the way that others reacted to him. This was something that Koa picked out within him, and something that she thought very highly of.
Not to mention the only real argument she had against him so far was that he was trying to protect his family—and that wasn't exactly a bad thing, was it? She shook her head to herself. No, it wasn't.
He then surprised her again (though less this time) by agreeing with her side of the argument. She could see that saying such things caused him a small measure of discomfort, but also that he was the type of wolf that once he said something—that was it.

Koa didn't move as he replied to her, but watched him closely all the while. When he was finished she gazed back at the spruce around them, craning her neck back to see some of the highest peaks. Well, now that she had gotten her way, his side of the argument was seeming more and more sensible—and she, more and more tyrannical. That wouldn't do. That wasn't the way she wanted to start her future. She took a slow breath, bringing her head back down and facing him once more.
"This pup-nephew of yours... I assume he is still young, of course?" Koa was tilting her head back and forth slowly as she spoke, deep in thought. "I counter my original offer." She let a small smile creep past her lips as she looked at him. "I will accompany you and your family to the other side of the treeline—which would be the border, I assume—and help you all look for a new den. If you do not feel that the den is completely safe, I would be willing to let the pup into the pack." She watched him, waiting for a reaction. This would go without saying that Zeus would join as well, and even help her start it... or did it? She found herself hoping so.

"Until this pup is of an age that he can hunt for himself and would begin to eat a full portion of food, he could stay. Though when he did get older, his position within the pack would not be guaranteed." This seemed like a reasonably good counter. Koa wanted Zeus, she knew that now, and if the pup wouldn't technically take up any space either, it would be unnecessarily harsh to disallow him. "We would have to continue this conversation with them ultimately," Koa continued. "For it is unlikely at this point that your sister would be welcome within the pack. I can't ask you to make the decision to split up a mother and son, but perhaps she would be more willing if her own den was not far from the border, and with the knowledge that her pup would be safe."

She took a few steps back towards Zeus now, and brushed past him to face the line of trees. She inhaled gently, feeling all the more like an Alphess that thought of all the angles and made the best decision she could, with what she had. Not unfair, though neither willing to bend out of shape to please others... this could work...

"And of course, I would be more than happy for you yourself to help me start the group up. You seem clever and thoughtful—and I think I'd like to fill my pack with those kinds of wolves. You could be the final piece of the puzzle."

((SO if Zeus is all good with that, we can basically end this thread soon and head over to that other thread I have (Spira hasn't replied yet and is waiting for this one to finish up), where Koa confronts Hemera and Laden. I'd have to edit my original post a bit before we got going, of course))

[Blood]

Zeus;

He reassured her that his alliance was neutral, and she seemed to be relieved with his answer, but Koa was good at not letting every single feeling slip through her expression or continence. He couldn’t read her emotions as well as he would have liked, and that's something that always gave him suspicion. Or maybe it was just what he was used to. Growing up with his siblings was always a rollercoaster of emotions and drama. Everyone expressed their thoughts and emotions so vividly and openly and it was easy to get dragged into the bowl of mushy feelings and heated arguments. It wasn’t until when Volka first showed up with his pretty face and gentleman personality when Zeus realized that wolves who hide their intentions and emotions are wolves to be suspicious about. He had noticed Volka too late to stop him from stealing two of his sisters, but Koa seemed different. She had the same calculating eyes and simple demeanor as if she knew of more loopholes in the conversation than he did and was more in control of the situation than he was, but she also had honest words and a solid head that made her just as decisive and cunning as she was wise and fair. But keeping ones emotions in check was also a good thing, and he supposed that an alpha would have to know the balance between the to tipping points of too much and not enough. Shoot, any wolf should work towards that balance, but so many only used it for their own good of manipulating others. Then again, Zeus just had to be wary of character judgment, for he did not have the power or knowledge to know the intentions of another.

Zeus was still lost in his own deep pondering until Koa turned to face him from her distant gazing and pulled him out of his thoughts. She asked about Laden with a tilt of her head, and then about his age with another tilt of her head.
”Yes, he has just started eating meat for himself, but not hunting yet.” He thought she nodded, but it was just another head tilt. A smile grew on her lips as she spoke against, saying she countered her original offer. What did she mean by that. Zeus squared his shoulders and stood his ground, but what she said only made his brow grow a little deeper in the center. He knew it would all come down to this, but hearing it spoken out loud especially from another wolf, the wolf being the one who was going to instigate it, made it all feel so much more worse. He took a half step back and thought of how he was going to bring this up to Hemera. In fact, he wished this conversation hadn’t gone so fast so that he could have at least involved his sister and had her there to help make the decision instead of him giving the whole speech. His mind swarmed with guilt, but he had to stay strong, he would carry his sister through.

Koa continued, speaking of Laden who she would be willing to let join the pack as a means of protecting him, until he got older of course and could handle himself. But to Zeus that sounded like it would be the end of Hemera. Separated from her son, the only light in her broken world. Forced to live outside of the territory that her son was growing up in, not allowed to be with him and raise him on her own, even though Zeus didn’t think Hemera was in the best state of mind to be raising a pup anyways. Zeus feared it would be too much for his sister to handle, but in all honesty there was nothing any of them could do about it. Koa was set on her plans and the only thing he could ask for was a little bit of mercy.

”I figured it would come down to this.” Zeus relaxed his posture, just slightly, almost as if he was giving in a little. He flicked his tail and continued while keeping a straight gaze at Koa, judging her reaction to his words. ”And Yes, ultimately we would need Hemera and her son among us to make the final decision, even so, their presence is hardly able to waver what the outcome will be.” Zeus couldn’t hold the gaze any longer as he dropped his eyes to the ground. ”I fear for my sister though, when the news comes to her. She is not in the most stable of mindsets, and all I ask of you is for a gentle approach and if you are willing, to spare as much time as your plans will allow, to bring along a slow transition. I know it seems like a petty request, but for what you are forcing upon us, I would expect you to at least be generous enough to allow my appeal to be carried out.” .


Koa walked past him, barely brushing his shoulder as his gaze followed her past him. She said she would be happy with his help in her her plans. It took a minute for Zeus to precession that she had basically just offered him a position in her pack. No, not just a position, a role as one of the foundational pieces of the puzzle that is needed in the structural building of a pack. With a few deep breaths, Zeus turned around to face Koa, his expression pretty normal with a slight grin and his emotions contained, even though his heart was glowing with pride and excitement. She saw something in him that she wanted in her pack. He truly was meant to be a part of something more. But his grin faded when he thought about his sister, and his heart fell with it, returning to the level he had been tied down to. This was a great opportunity for him, and it was surly a life he wanted to be apart of, but his loyalty to his sister was what came first. He had made a promise to her, and he wouldn’t be giving Koa any defining answers yet. ”I am very honored by your proposal and what you see in me, but I can not give you an answer yet. I must give it some thought, but I will not leave you wondering for long.”

[Meds]

Koa;

Zeus confirmed Koa's guess that Laden would not be eating an adult's portion of meat for some time, yet. She nodded in approval as he spoke. The large male then moved on to explain that he wasn't comfortable making the decision without Hemera, though he would ultimately prefer if Koa was generous. A slight leveling of her eyebrows appeared when Zeus told her what he expected of her. She felt words forming on her mouth, she heard in her mind, herself telling him that realistically it was only a matter of time until this dream became reality, with or without him. When it happened, no matter what he expected of her, she would be clearing the territory of any squatters. Koa thought it quite generous indeed, for her to allow Laden to stay at all.
Then again, with Zeus it would be much quicker, and she was sure he could be useful to the pack. But only if she stayed on his good side... ah, sometimes politics were tedious.
In any case, Koa chose not to comment. She merely planned to remember that Zeus had voiced that she was forcing something upon them (fair enough, she supposed), and then told her what he expected her to do in response. Technically, she had already been plenty generous... ah, no, but no. She gave a small sigh, and let the phrase slide off her back. It was his right to feel these things, after all.

"I have nothing against a slow transition," She murmured, lifting one vine-marked paw up to scratch at her ear. "Though I will warn you that my patience only goes so far. You know this well, as a fellow neutrally-aligned wolf. I will approach your sister and your nephew, I will give them time to make the choice; however, ideally, my idea will have come to fruition before Winter's start. I can give her a season to make up her mind, and you yours. But beyond that, I will have to find another puzzle piece to finish my vision, if you have not yet come to me."

That was fair. A full Autumn to think it over and make the arrangements. Besides, Koa wouldn't enjoy trying to claim a territory and get settled in in the dead of winter. She nodded her head crisply, then turned.
"Shall we go find your sister?"
The eye mark on the back of her neck flared up once more, and she suddenly sensed two living beings just beyond the border of trees. She glanced once to Zeus, then began trotting off to find them.

-Exit Koa-

[Blood]

Zeus;

Zeus could see a slight emotion triggered in Koa when he had asked for her favor. She seemed ready to voice her opinion, but she held back, seeming to be debating with herself. Zeus was greatful nonetheless but he still portrayed that he would be firm in what he requested of her, keeping his expression fixed.

“I have nothing against a slow transition.... Though I will warn you that my patience only goes so far.”

Oh, of course. Zeus nodded in total agreement with Koa. He knew exactly what she meant, and could easily relate. Although Sheba had done a number on his pride and arrogance, Zeus still didn’t have unlimited patience. It was different with Hemera and Laden, but if he would ever run into any of his other siblings, he was sure that his patience would be quickly sapped up. Therefore he completely understood where Koa was coming from. The cloudy pelted she-wolf continued her answer, and when she finished, Zeus was pleased with it.

”Before Winter’s start.” He began with a satisfied tone to his voice. ”That is more than enough time.” Zeus dipped his head in a slight nod. ”I appreciate your generosity towards me and my sister and her son. Thank you. And for your answer to my decision...” A reasuring smile had lighted his expression when he said, ”I will not leave you wondering for long.” Zeus’ desire to be a part of Koa’s plan was strong, and he could feel his heart already leaning towards “Yes”. But his loyalty was first to his sister, and he needed to see her about the matter before anything with Koa was decided on. Koa voiced his exact thoughts and he agreed immediately. ”We shall indeed.” Zeus walked past her to assume the lead, but he had caught sight from his peripheral vision the soft glow of Koa’s power mark as she tried to locate the she-wolf and pup.

-Exit Zeus-