Lily walked at a moderate pace beside Reign, whose agitation showed in both her gait and her frustrated movements. She didn't let her amusement show on her face, but it seemed to her that Reign was still experiencing the ups and downs of growing up. If she had to guess, she would have placed the woman no later than her early twenties, but she could be wrong. Either way it seemed that Reign had a long way to go yet.
Watching her son's friend, she understood why Aidan had brought her here. She seemed comfortable in the woods. While Lily didn't have anything to compare Reign's actions and body language to, she could still tell when someone was upset because of location, or situation. Aidain had brought her to someplace unfamiliar, with unfamiliar people, likely in the hopes that Reign would be able to think through her predicament. Sometimes, it just worked out better that way than with those who knew you too well.
"If you want to tell me, I will listen," she offered. "It's hard enough trying to balance life itself, much less with complications such as we offer." She gestured to herself, meaning the werewolf virus and the changing.
As the pond came into view at the bottom of the hill, she kept her attention focused on Reign and waited for her story to come spilling out.
Letting it all work out in...
Reign hoped the Doc knew she would take him up on that, she really intended to come by the Den once in a while. Probably more during daylight hours in hopes of catching people going about their business but if nothing else it was a good place for the mutt to run.
She'd followed him along happy enough not to say anything, she had a lot to think about. The Long Run gave her something else to think about, it was wild enough fortunately there were some paths for the two footed sort as well so she wasn't going to kill herself. The howls struck her, obviously they weren't the only ones out looking for something to chase. The funny thing was yesterday the howls would have seemed sort of creepy, tonight she heard them as almost friendly. Oh good she was going off the deep end, well probably not even as a wolf that one night the Doc had seemed friendly enough. God how strange to just decide to become a wolf to pass an evening.
And apparently the Doc intended to embrace that tonight. Reign did a double take, but curiosity did get the better of her, Bas had always been fairly private about that side of himself. Besides if they were family why would she even think about denying that aspect of him or any of the rest of the pack for that matter?
Of course she hadn't anticipated the naked, but it made sense she thought as she grimaced. That had to hurt, there was no way it didn't the human body wasn't meant to do that. Well when you put it that way he wasn't strictly human was he? Nope his body was meant, after a fashion, to do that. And it didn't seem like he was in much pain, maybe a little but not enough to prevent him from embracing the change. It was, to put it bluntly, fascinating.
Through out the transformation Reign had kept a firm hand on Sirius' collar. He hadn't quite known what to make of the whole thing and she didn't need him doing something unexpected. Good dog that he was though, he just sat at her side and whined a bit. Talk about the devil and the deep blue sea... well massive German Sheppard and ginormus russet wolf any way. Backing the mutt up a few paces and having him lay down and stay Reign cautiously approached the wolf Doc. She wasn't scared, but not 100% sure how he'd react. Still she knelt in front of him, it seemed rude to tower over him by continuing to stand.
"Was that as much fun as it looked?"Â?
It was the Doc, it just... wasn't. But it was... so she had no issues talking to him. And once she got a feel for the wolf side of him then she'd let Sirius come over. After all in her little pack of two she was the alpha and set the agenda especially when it came to werewolves.
((OOC... you guessed it permission to post here via Xeph, such a nice wolf))
Lily
15 years ago
Reign
15 years ago
Knowing she had a truly objective audience, Reign went for broke and opted to tell the whole story. She condensed where she could and didn’t go into massive details but she started with college and meeting Bastian and trying to hold him at bay, about the sapphire ring, him vanishing, her ex-husband and then essentially running away from home and winding up here in Nachton and trying to make things work again with Bastian.
She did her best to allow Bas some privacy and to keep her story objective. But of course Reign also knew that the Doc was aware Bas was part of the other pack and undoubtedly if he’d deemed that information important it would already have been shared so she didn’t hold back that information. And she also couldn’t entirely keep her viewpoint from coloring things. Reign also finally fessed up to punching the Doc and allowed herself to speculate a bit about the confrontation between the two wolves as well as going over the bowling incident and her follow up conversations with both the Doc and Bas.
Sighing she paused to pick up some pebbles and started skipping them across the pond as she wrapped up her story.
“So that’s it. I’m still not entirely sure what happened. Maybe I pushed the wolf out of our relationship or maybe he never let it in. And to some extent, I think maybe he hid me from the pack but I don’t have a clue why. Doc says the other pack has some different views on human but since we never talked about that I don’t know.”
Another sigh escaped her and Reign finally flopped on the bench, she had after all paced through most of her story telling. But now that it was all out there she felt a bit deflated, like she could relax.
“Maybe the whole thing was a mistake and we shouldn’t have tried again or maybe we should have given up. I guess there’s never a good answer for these things though is there? I was thinking about moving back home, back to Chicago but I don’t really want to. On the other hand, though I can’t quite come up with a good reason to stay here. And now I’ve got a whole new wrinkle with the Kadzait.”
Unconsciously Reign smiled at that thought, it was a vague ghost of a smile but it was there. She liked the idea of a new home, family a real reason to stay here in Nachton.
“Some days it feels like my heads going to explode, you know? But tonight has been oddly good.”
Oddly good, really she hadn’t felt this relaxed in quite some time. She’d gotten things of her chest in a way she’d not been able to do with Aishe. It was a good thing to be around people who knew, or could know, the whole story.
She did her best to allow Bas some privacy and to keep her story objective. But of course Reign also knew that the Doc was aware Bas was part of the other pack and undoubtedly if he’d deemed that information important it would already have been shared so she didn’t hold back that information. And she also couldn’t entirely keep her viewpoint from coloring things. Reign also finally fessed up to punching the Doc and allowed herself to speculate a bit about the confrontation between the two wolves as well as going over the bowling incident and her follow up conversations with both the Doc and Bas.
Sighing she paused to pick up some pebbles and started skipping them across the pond as she wrapped up her story.
“So that’s it. I’m still not entirely sure what happened. Maybe I pushed the wolf out of our relationship or maybe he never let it in. And to some extent, I think maybe he hid me from the pack but I don’t have a clue why. Doc says the other pack has some different views on human but since we never talked about that I don’t know.”
Another sigh escaped her and Reign finally flopped on the bench, she had after all paced through most of her story telling. But now that it was all out there she felt a bit deflated, like she could relax.
“Maybe the whole thing was a mistake and we shouldn’t have tried again or maybe we should have given up. I guess there’s never a good answer for these things though is there? I was thinking about moving back home, back to Chicago but I don’t really want to. On the other hand, though I can’t quite come up with a good reason to stay here. And now I’ve got a whole new wrinkle with the Kadzait.”
Unconsciously Reign smiled at that thought, it was a vague ghost of a smile but it was there. She liked the idea of a new home, family a real reason to stay here in Nachton.
“Some days it feels like my heads going to explode, you know? But tonight has been oddly good.”
Oddly good, really she hadn’t felt this relaxed in quite some time. She’d gotten things of her chest in a way she’d not been able to do with Aishe. It was a good thing to be around people who knew, or could know, the whole story.
Lily
15 years ago
Lily listened to Reign as they reached the bottom of the hill and the versdant, grassy clearing that was the home of the Long Run's spring-fed pond. She settled herself on one of the benches on the bank, her skirt fluttering gently in the light breeze. Her head moved back and forth as Reign paced but she didn't fidget or shift at all, intent on the young woman's story.
It was all quite long and convoluted, and Lily was able to glean from it that Reign had been in a long term relationship with one of the Vyusher R'asa. The Pack didn't much matter to her, except for the fact that she was aware of the pitfalls that could happen when Pack dated adlait. It either worked well or it worked not at all. In Lily's experience it worked best when both parties were open and honest, and that advice stood for every aspect of love.
When the young woman related Aidan's part in all these adventures, Lily held her hand to her mouth to hide her laugh. So, he'd taken his share of lumps had he? The fact that Reign's boyfriend had challenged Aidan was of some concern; the challenger could have been badly injured. Where was the instinct that told him he was facing an Alpha? She would have imagined that whether Kadzait or Vyusher, that instinct would remain the same. It sounded as if no one had been injured, but she hoped there would be no further ramifications. Lily knew Aidan valued the truce between the Packs, particularly in light of the fact that they were now encroaching on vampire territory. They couldn't afford silly misunderstandings within their own species.
As Reign spoke, Lily began to get a feel for why Aidan had brought her here. She had a fiery spirit, but an open mind. Her intuition came slower than Aidan's, but it still gave her keys to someone's nature. Reign needed and wanted family, as she said, without running home to her kin. It was obvious that she loved them but equally obvious that she wanted to be independent. Aidan must have seen in her an Amaroq waiting to be born, or an Illamar. Whether wolf or human, this woman had potential to be family.
The thoughts were mere shadows to grasp at, for Lily. She understood them vaguely, as part of a whole concept, not as developed as Aidan's thoughts on the matter.
She smiled at Reign as the woman finally stilled and sat next to her. "Aidan brought you here because he sees someone trustworthy, someone who could belong here."
Lily was sure of it, but also sure that Aidan would have put no pressure on Reign. That wasn't his way.
"Whather Amaroq or Illamar, I think he sees someone who could be family. My son is always willing to open the door, but he won't do so until there's a knock."
She brushed her unbound hair away from her face, tossing it back over her shoulder. "So perhaps his intent was not to let you hide, so much as to let you discover. The world of wolves isn't as complex as you might think. If it calls to you and you're not afraid to answer, there is a great security in knowing you're home wherever you go."
Across the pond two large shapes burst through the bushes and barreled into the water, thrashing wildly. Lily sighed.
"And if that barbarian I raised doesn't frighten you off, you've definitely got promise. I'm starting to think you might not have hit him hard enough."
She laughed softly, watching the wolf and the shepherd flounder in the water. All grace, her Aidan.
Lily rolled her eyes.
It was all quite long and convoluted, and Lily was able to glean from it that Reign had been in a long term relationship with one of the Vyusher R'asa. The Pack didn't much matter to her, except for the fact that she was aware of the pitfalls that could happen when Pack dated adlait. It either worked well or it worked not at all. In Lily's experience it worked best when both parties were open and honest, and that advice stood for every aspect of love.
When the young woman related Aidan's part in all these adventures, Lily held her hand to her mouth to hide her laugh. So, he'd taken his share of lumps had he? The fact that Reign's boyfriend had challenged Aidan was of some concern; the challenger could have been badly injured. Where was the instinct that told him he was facing an Alpha? She would have imagined that whether Kadzait or Vyusher, that instinct would remain the same. It sounded as if no one had been injured, but she hoped there would be no further ramifications. Lily knew Aidan valued the truce between the Packs, particularly in light of the fact that they were now encroaching on vampire territory. They couldn't afford silly misunderstandings within their own species.
As Reign spoke, Lily began to get a feel for why Aidan had brought her here. She had a fiery spirit, but an open mind. Her intuition came slower than Aidan's, but it still gave her keys to someone's nature. Reign needed and wanted family, as she said, without running home to her kin. It was obvious that she loved them but equally obvious that she wanted to be independent. Aidan must have seen in her an Amaroq waiting to be born, or an Illamar. Whether wolf or human, this woman had potential to be family.
The thoughts were mere shadows to grasp at, for Lily. She understood them vaguely, as part of a whole concept, not as developed as Aidan's thoughts on the matter.
She smiled at Reign as the woman finally stilled and sat next to her. "Aidan brought you here because he sees someone trustworthy, someone who could belong here."
Lily was sure of it, but also sure that Aidan would have put no pressure on Reign. That wasn't his way.
"Whather Amaroq or Illamar, I think he sees someone who could be family. My son is always willing to open the door, but he won't do so until there's a knock."
She brushed her unbound hair away from her face, tossing it back over her shoulder. "So perhaps his intent was not to let you hide, so much as to let you discover. The world of wolves isn't as complex as you might think. If it calls to you and you're not afraid to answer, there is a great security in knowing you're home wherever you go."
Across the pond two large shapes burst through the bushes and barreled into the water, thrashing wildly. Lily sighed.
"And if that barbarian I raised doesn't frighten you off, you've definitely got promise. I'm starting to think you might not have hit him hard enough."
She laughed softly, watching the wolf and the shepherd flounder in the water. All grace, her Aidan.
Lily rolled her eyes.
Reign
15 years ago
Thank god Lily had just let her ramble, it really did make a lot more sense hearing it from beginning to end. Hell it helped her to hear it from beginning to end with only mild censorship. A few extra pieces fell into place during the course of her story; at least they did for Reign. She was starting to suspect that Bas didn't let the wolf into their relationship because he still wasn't 100% comfortable with it and out of his always present desire to protect her. He probably would have disagreed that keeping her informed was the best protection. Ah well all too late and water under the bridge.
But here was this nice new bridge. This pack wasn't keeping her at arm's length or trying to hide. It wouldn't help matters with Bas, god knows it would make them worse given his reaction to the Doc, but he wasn't part of her life any more. Not in such a way that he could influence this type of decision.
Reign merely nodded at the idea that the Doc trusted her. It was trust returned or he wouldn't be out running on all fours with the mutt. That was as close to handing over her first born as Reign could get.
She was silent for several seconds very carefully and deliberately measuring her words. Reign knew better than to make the next step lightly, but she also knew herself well enough not to have to dwell on it.
"So how do you knock?"Â?
Any family was both a privilege and a responsibility and it very much called to Reign. She wasn't worried about the Amaroq vs. Illamar debate. That would work itself out in time, that she'd need to think on, but asking to have the door opened, that was an easy decision.
She also caught that the Doc would be the one opening the door. Reign didn't ask, but she did start to suspect he wasn't at the bottom of the Pack structure.
More serious musings on that point were cut short as both the Doc and Sirius plowed into the water. Reign groaned at the thought of having to clean the mutt up but couldn't help but laugh as they both were apparently having fun.
She grinned at Lily.
"Actually compared to what I grew up with that's almost civilized. And every one I grew up with only ran around on two legs. I'm starting to think I might actually fit in."Â?
And she meant it. It should be a scary proposition throwing in with a bunch of werewolves. But it wasn't.
But here was this nice new bridge. This pack wasn't keeping her at arm's length or trying to hide. It wouldn't help matters with Bas, god knows it would make them worse given his reaction to the Doc, but he wasn't part of her life any more. Not in such a way that he could influence this type of decision.
Reign merely nodded at the idea that the Doc trusted her. It was trust returned or he wouldn't be out running on all fours with the mutt. That was as close to handing over her first born as Reign could get.
She was silent for several seconds very carefully and deliberately measuring her words. Reign knew better than to make the next step lightly, but she also knew herself well enough not to have to dwell on it.
"So how do you knock?"Â?
Any family was both a privilege and a responsibility and it very much called to Reign. She wasn't worried about the Amaroq vs. Illamar debate. That would work itself out in time, that she'd need to think on, but asking to have the door opened, that was an easy decision.
She also caught that the Doc would be the one opening the door. Reign didn't ask, but she did start to suspect he wasn't at the bottom of the Pack structure.
More serious musings on that point were cut short as both the Doc and Sirius plowed into the water. Reign groaned at the thought of having to clean the mutt up but couldn't help but laugh as they both were apparently having fun.
She grinned at Lily.
"Actually compared to what I grew up with that's almost civilized. And every one I grew up with only ran around on two legs. I'm starting to think I might actually fit in."Â?
And she meant it. It should be a scary proposition throwing in with a bunch of werewolves. But it wasn't.
Lily
15 years ago
Well, it would seem her son had sown the seed of interest and done his best to nurture it. Lily assessed Reign briefly, taking her in and nodding to herself.
"It's generally as simple as asking," Lily said. That, she supposed, wasn't entirely true. In this case, however, the person doing the inquiring was a personal friend of the Pack Alpha, and Lily was certain Aidan had done any checking-into that needed to be done. His position combined with his special sixth sense would have given him plenty of say in the matter.
"We welcome Illamar and Amaroq alike," she continued, "but we have two different stations in the Pack. Aktok, and Piarak. Those who teach and those who learn. To become Piarak it is a simple matter of gaining permission from the Alpha. Once you spend three months with us, you may decide if this is truly where you belong. You are welcome to sever your ties with us if that's what you want after that, or you may remain."
She didn't bother to go into detail; Lily knew Aidan would have made clear the consequences of betrayal long before he ever let an adlait into their world. Reign had their trust already, and she would understand what happened if she caused harm to their family.
She smiled at Reign. "You should have a sponsor, of course, during these three months. Someone who is ultimately responsible for easing your way into our family, teaching you our ways and teaching everyone else about you."
Lily watched with amusement as Aidan allowed the german shepherd to bodily shove him beneath the surface of the pond.
"If such a time comes that you would like to be Gifted, you should inform your sponsor. They in turn will inform the Alpha or Beta. It is the Alpha's responsibility to find you a suitable Gifter. You may request one, but it won't be guaranteed."
It was the short version; Lily found herself omitting facts that either didn't apply to Reign, or she assumed the young woman already knew. Obviously she had found a sponsor if she decided to join their Pack; Aidan's intention was clear simply by the fact that Reign sat here, aware or not that she carried the hint of the Alpha's scent upon her person.
"It's generally as simple as asking," Lily said. That, she supposed, wasn't entirely true. In this case, however, the person doing the inquiring was a personal friend of the Pack Alpha, and Lily was certain Aidan had done any checking-into that needed to be done. His position combined with his special sixth sense would have given him plenty of say in the matter.
"We welcome Illamar and Amaroq alike," she continued, "but we have two different stations in the Pack. Aktok, and Piarak. Those who teach and those who learn. To become Piarak it is a simple matter of gaining permission from the Alpha. Once you spend three months with us, you may decide if this is truly where you belong. You are welcome to sever your ties with us if that's what you want after that, or you may remain."
She didn't bother to go into detail; Lily knew Aidan would have made clear the consequences of betrayal long before he ever let an adlait into their world. Reign had their trust already, and she would understand what happened if she caused harm to their family.
She smiled at Reign. "You should have a sponsor, of course, during these three months. Someone who is ultimately responsible for easing your way into our family, teaching you our ways and teaching everyone else about you."
Lily watched with amusement as Aidan allowed the german shepherd to bodily shove him beneath the surface of the pond.
"If such a time comes that you would like to be Gifted, you should inform your sponsor. They in turn will inform the Alpha or Beta. It is the Alpha's responsibility to find you a suitable Gifter. You may request one, but it won't be guaranteed."
It was the short version; Lily found herself omitting facts that either didn't apply to Reign, or she assumed the young woman already knew. Obviously she had found a sponsor if she decided to join their Pack; Aidan's intention was clear simply by the fact that Reign sat here, aware or not that she carried the hint of the Alpha's scent upon her person.
Reign
15 years ago
Yeah, Reign didn’t believe that for a second, it couldn’t be that easy or any two-bit freak could ask. She did, however, think that between what the Doc had said and showed her and now what Lily had said that in this case, her case, it might be that easy.
Oh good more strange words; lord she was learning a whole new language wasn’t she? How did one get credit for this in a more traditional academic setting?
It all sounded fairly straight forward, although she was a bit apprehensive about having to meet the Alpha. But then she’d never liked job interviews and that’s about what this would be. It would be especially as she couldn’t quite articulate why she wanted this, it just felt right.
“Doesn’t sound too bad, pretty fair too. God knows I’d have a lot to learn. Right now I just know enough to keep track of the phases of the moon and to keep a bucket of water handy.”
That wasn’t necessarily true. Doc had told her quite a bit when he’d come calling after that little incident. But undoubtedly he’d not told her everything, it would be stupid –to- tell her everything right then. Not only would she not have been prepared for it, it would have put his family at risk.
Watching Sirius half duck the weredoc and bounce backwards, waiting for if not inviting retaliation, Reign just shook her head.
“You know if I hadn’t talked to him before watching this I’d have some serious doubts.”
What that left her with was needing to chat with the Doc again. OK sure she could ask some one else but it just wouldn’t feel right. Hell even if he said no Reign was fairly certain he’d make a recommendation or introduce her to some else who would be a good fit.
“How do you think… I mean…” Grinning away her hesitation Reign tried to continue “I almost think he wants me to ask.”
It was as close to expressing any hesitation she had as Reign was able to come.
Oh good more strange words; lord she was learning a whole new language wasn’t she? How did one get credit for this in a more traditional academic setting?
It all sounded fairly straight forward, although she was a bit apprehensive about having to meet the Alpha. But then she’d never liked job interviews and that’s about what this would be. It would be especially as she couldn’t quite articulate why she wanted this, it just felt right.
“Doesn’t sound too bad, pretty fair too. God knows I’d have a lot to learn. Right now I just know enough to keep track of the phases of the moon and to keep a bucket of water handy.”
That wasn’t necessarily true. Doc had told her quite a bit when he’d come calling after that little incident. But undoubtedly he’d not told her everything, it would be stupid –to- tell her everything right then. Not only would she not have been prepared for it, it would have put his family at risk.
Watching Sirius half duck the weredoc and bounce backwards, waiting for if not inviting retaliation, Reign just shook her head.
“You know if I hadn’t talked to him before watching this I’d have some serious doubts.”
What that left her with was needing to chat with the Doc again. OK sure she could ask some one else but it just wouldn’t feel right. Hell even if he said no Reign was fairly certain he’d make a recommendation or introduce her to some else who would be a good fit.
“How do you think… I mean…” Grinning away her hesitation Reign tried to continue “I almost think he wants me to ask.”
It was as close to expressing any hesitation she had as Reign was able to come.
Lily
15 years ago
Lily chuckled at Reign's observations. "I wish I'd been there to see that," she said in regards to the water bucket. "Not every day we find ourselves doused in water by pert humans. Excepting the present, of course."
She nodded toward the pond, where Aidan and the shepherd were busy trying to drag each other into the pond. Aiden had latched onto the dog's tail, and the dog had a good grip on Aidan's back leg. Together they mutually tugged and pulled until they floundered in water that was too deep for such roughplay and both went under again. Lily bit back a chuckle and pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Some of us prefer a more dignified lifestyle," was all she said, and even that was touched with humor. Aidan always did things his way, and most times he had a reason for doing them. She had to admit Reign seemed amused by the whole affair, and if she'd ben nervous or apprehensive about wolves at all, Aidan's antics were certainly going a long way toward showing her the other side of werewolf life.
"There's a reason we call it a Gift," she said, watching the dog and the wolf emerge from the pond once more, both reaching the bank and shaking vigorously. "There is no comparison to what you can hear, feel, and see as a wolf. Scents are sharper and the world has new dimensions to it. Our wolfish sides are not something to be feared or held in check. Instead we believe in balance. We accept who and what we are."
That was the lesson Aidan meant to teach, Lily realized. An important lesson for anyone joining the Pack to learn. Reign seemed to be off to a good start though. Lily didn't smell fear from her. It had a particular odor, and Reign didn't smell at all as if she feared what she saw now.
When the young woman commented about Aidan's wanting her to ask, she laughed again, this time not hiding it. "If he brought you here and told you anything about us, then he has encouraged you to ask," she confirmed. "Aidan won't force anyone, though. I know my son. Family must be accepted, not forced. He has opened the door for you. Whether or not you step inside must be your choice alone, and whether or not you take him up on the offer you'll have made a strong, and loyal, friend."
Maybe that was over the top, but Lily loved her son. He was a good man and a good Alpha. He had done amazing things for their Pack. She was proud to stand beside him now and regretted the years she'd missed, when instead of supporting his efforts she'd been bound by her duty as a wife.
He approached them now, the shepherd dog in tow, big grins on both faces. She fixed him with a stern look.
"You will neither shake on me, nor will you take on human shape until you've some decent clothing around."
Alpha he may be, but she was Mom and some things never changed.
She nodded toward the pond, where Aidan and the shepherd were busy trying to drag each other into the pond. Aiden had latched onto the dog's tail, and the dog had a good grip on Aidan's back leg. Together they mutually tugged and pulled until they floundered in water that was too deep for such roughplay and both went under again. Lily bit back a chuckle and pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Some of us prefer a more dignified lifestyle," was all she said, and even that was touched with humor. Aidan always did things his way, and most times he had a reason for doing them. She had to admit Reign seemed amused by the whole affair, and if she'd ben nervous or apprehensive about wolves at all, Aidan's antics were certainly going a long way toward showing her the other side of werewolf life.
"There's a reason we call it a Gift," she said, watching the dog and the wolf emerge from the pond once more, both reaching the bank and shaking vigorously. "There is no comparison to what you can hear, feel, and see as a wolf. Scents are sharper and the world has new dimensions to it. Our wolfish sides are not something to be feared or held in check. Instead we believe in balance. We accept who and what we are."
That was the lesson Aidan meant to teach, Lily realized. An important lesson for anyone joining the Pack to learn. Reign seemed to be off to a good start though. Lily didn't smell fear from her. It had a particular odor, and Reign didn't smell at all as if she feared what she saw now.
When the young woman commented about Aidan's wanting her to ask, she laughed again, this time not hiding it. "If he brought you here and told you anything about us, then he has encouraged you to ask," she confirmed. "Aidan won't force anyone, though. I know my son. Family must be accepted, not forced. He has opened the door for you. Whether or not you step inside must be your choice alone, and whether or not you take him up on the offer you'll have made a strong, and loyal, friend."
Maybe that was over the top, but Lily loved her son. He was a good man and a good Alpha. He had done amazing things for their Pack. She was proud to stand beside him now and regretted the years she'd missed, when instead of supporting his efforts she'd been bound by her duty as a wife.
He approached them now, the shepherd dog in tow, big grins on both faces. She fixed him with a stern look.
"You will neither shake on me, nor will you take on human shape until you've some decent clothing around."
Alpha he may be, but she was Mom and some things never changed.
Xeph
15 years ago
He and Sirius were thoroughly soaked. The dog, Xeph imagined, would sleep like the dead tonight. He, on the other hand, might actually have worn himself out enough for at least and hour or two. He hadn't expected Lily to show up, but his mother's presence sure couldn't hurt anything, and she and Reign seemed to be talking amiably.
Recovering from their dunking in the pond, they headed around to the bench. Aidan fully intended mischief, but he should have known some things just never went over well with your mother no matter how old you were or how respectable your job was. And as always, he was entirely unable to pull one over on Lily, who fixed him with that stern, "mom says so" look and pursed her lips in a very no-nonsense way.
Xeph sighed at her, then rolled his eyes at Reign and herded Sirius a good distance away before the shepherd shook, too. Shedding as much of the water from their coats as they could, they returned to the women on the bench.
Recovering from their dunking in the pond, they headed around to the bench. Aidan fully intended mischief, but he should have known some things just never went over well with your mother no matter how old you were or how respectable your job was. And as always, he was entirely unable to pull one over on Lily, who fixed him with that stern, "mom says so" look and pursed her lips in a very no-nonsense way.
Xeph sighed at her, then rolled his eyes at Reign and herded Sirius a good distance away before the shepherd shook, too. Shedding as much of the water from their coats as they could, they returned to the women on the bench.
Reign
15 years ago
Reign just grinned at Lily and continued to watched the two of them play. Apparently Sirius wasn't getting enough exercise or he -desperately- needed a four legged play mate because he was having far too much fun.
Lily's wisdom was appreciated, she liked that the transformation was looked on in a positive light, and from the sounds of things it came with a good support system. Maybe she and Bas might not have fallen apart if he'd come into things in a better light... or if he hadn't hidden it from her and let her try and help. Yeah, really she should have seen this coming. The break up not the whole I'm thinking about adopting a pack of werewolves; no -way- to see that coming.
"Sensible, it works for most of life why should this be any different?"Â?
Of course she couldn't help but wonder what it was like to be a wolf. OK she would very seriously consider it, she obviously wasn't ruling it out. Wolf or human though she resolved to ask the Doc officially about becoming part of the pack; all she had to do was find the words.
"I think I had the friend before, I'll need to ask about the rest."Â?
Any serious thoughts left Reign as mom took over. She couldn't help it she had to laugh. Giant wolf or not one apparently listened to mom and that was oddly reassuring. Wolf or human pack life wasn't that different was it?
"Mmmm I love the smell of wet dog in the middle of the night."Â?
Reign quipped wryly as Sirius flopped at her feet after only a cursory sniff at Lily. The Doc had worn him out, there was no question about that.
Lily's wisdom was appreciated, she liked that the transformation was looked on in a positive light, and from the sounds of things it came with a good support system. Maybe she and Bas might not have fallen apart if he'd come into things in a better light... or if he hadn't hidden it from her and let her try and help. Yeah, really she should have seen this coming. The break up not the whole I'm thinking about adopting a pack of werewolves; no -way- to see that coming.
"Sensible, it works for most of life why should this be any different?"Â?
Of course she couldn't help but wonder what it was like to be a wolf. OK she would very seriously consider it, she obviously wasn't ruling it out. Wolf or human though she resolved to ask the Doc officially about becoming part of the pack; all she had to do was find the words.
"I think I had the friend before, I'll need to ask about the rest."Â?
Any serious thoughts left Reign as mom took over. She couldn't help it she had to laugh. Giant wolf or not one apparently listened to mom and that was oddly reassuring. Wolf or human pack life wasn't that different was it?
"Mmmm I love the smell of wet dog in the middle of the night."Â?
Reign quipped wryly as Sirius flopped at her feet after only a cursory sniff at Lily. The Doc had worn him out, there was no question about that.
Lily
15 years ago
Lily was gald she'd at least been able to act as a sounding board for Reign. Perhaps she'd helped give her a little direction, too. Whether or not it was the right direction for her would remain to be seen. She had faith in her son to act as a guide for anyone new to their Pack.
As Aidan returned, Lily chuckled at the young woman's humor. "Hopefully they'll be dry by then."
Looking at her son she asked, "Did you eat yet?" As he shook his head she turned to Reign. "Why don't you join us for dinner? You might be able to meet a few more of our family, if you like."
As Aidan returned, Lily chuckled at the young woman's humor. "Hopefully they'll be dry by then."
Looking at her son she asked, "Did you eat yet?" As he shook his head she turned to Reign. "Why don't you join us for dinner? You might be able to meet a few more of our family, if you like."
Xeph
15 years ago
Having been expressly forbidden by mom to change into his shamelessly naked human self, all Xeph could do was nod or shake his head in answer to any questions. That Lily had invited Reign to dine with them was encouraging, although he knew his mother would have extended the courtesy to any guest of his. It couldn't hurt to have the two of them get to know each other.
Xeph wasn't blind to his mother's strengths. Lily Xephier had a calm and tranquil air about her. On occasion it could be misinterpreted as aloofness, but anyone who spoke to her soon found themselves comfortable and relaxed. Xeph wasn't ashamed to use his mother's abilities when they were offered and available. He tried to be approchable himself, but every now and then his size and vigor worked against him. In this case, he had a feeling that talking to a mother figure was almost therapeutic for Reign.
He thumped his tail on the hard ground behind him, nodding his head at Lily's suggestion that Reign spend some more time with them. She seemed to have an affinity for their kind; he hoped she would feel at home here. Xeph wasn't ashamed to chase after a new Pack member when he found someone who fit the profile so neatly.
Xeph wasn't blind to his mother's strengths. Lily Xephier had a calm and tranquil air about her. On occasion it could be misinterpreted as aloofness, but anyone who spoke to her soon found themselves comfortable and relaxed. Xeph wasn't ashamed to use his mother's abilities when they were offered and available. He tried to be approchable himself, but every now and then his size and vigor worked against him. In this case, he had a feeling that talking to a mother figure was almost therapeutic for Reign.
He thumped his tail on the hard ground behind him, nodding his head at Lily's suggestion that Reign spend some more time with them. She seemed to have an affinity for their kind; he hoped she would feel at home here. Xeph wasn't ashamed to chase after a new Pack member when he found someone who fit the profile so neatly.
Reign
15 years ago
“I sure hope so or Sirius is going to find his bed moved to the living room.”
Reign eyed the dog half passed out at her feet and a faint grin slid across her features as he thumped his tail once or twice at the mention of his name.
No matter what she said, Reign wouldn’t kick the dog out of her bedroom. She could still be a little jumpy since the break in and without Bas there as an extra set of ears and eyes she was again relying on Sirius to keep her posted about that sort of thing. That and she just plain liked her dog; he was good company.
The mom vibe apparently transcended species and Reign did her best not to laugh as the Doc remained a wolf. She wondered how much of his mind was his own. Obviously, he could hear and understand them. He was even able to respond, albeit in a very limited manner.
Her own personal set of manners and propriety almost had Reign turning down the invitation. But damned it she was hungry. She was still hurting over the break up and hadn’t quite settled back into a regular routine. She wasn’t worried though, it hadn’t been that long and she’d have been surprised to have her equilibrium back this fast. Although talking to Lily had helped quite a bit, enough that she was aware how hungry she was. So bugger the manners.
“If you’re sure I’m not interrupting any plans or anything, yeah I’d like that. Thanks.”
She didn’t want to intrude on mother son time or anything else either of them might have planed but that aside… well she hoped they weren’t asking just to be polite.
Reign eyed the dog half passed out at her feet and a faint grin slid across her features as he thumped his tail once or twice at the mention of his name.
No matter what she said, Reign wouldn’t kick the dog out of her bedroom. She could still be a little jumpy since the break in and without Bas there as an extra set of ears and eyes she was again relying on Sirius to keep her posted about that sort of thing. That and she just plain liked her dog; he was good company.
The mom vibe apparently transcended species and Reign did her best not to laugh as the Doc remained a wolf. She wondered how much of his mind was his own. Obviously, he could hear and understand them. He was even able to respond, albeit in a very limited manner.
Her own personal set of manners and propriety almost had Reign turning down the invitation. But damned it she was hungry. She was still hurting over the break up and hadn’t quite settled back into a regular routine. She wasn’t worried though, it hadn’t been that long and she’d have been surprised to have her equilibrium back this fast. Although talking to Lily had helped quite a bit, enough that she was aware how hungry she was. So bugger the manners.
“If you’re sure I’m not interrupting any plans or anything, yeah I’d like that. Thanks.”
She didn’t want to intrude on mother son time or anything else either of them might have planed but that aside… well she hoped they weren’t asking just to be polite.
Lily
15 years ago
Lily chuckled at Reign's interaction with her dog. They clearly loved each other; Sirius was obviously a one-woman dog. Aidan's interaction was natural as he had a skill with dogs in general, but Sirius hadn't reacted the same way to the Alpha as he had to Reign. Reign was clearly Sirius' Pack, and she and Aidan were allowed to be guests for the time being. She wondered how the dog would feel, were he capable of viewing it from their perspective - thus discovering in reality, it was the other way around. She had a feeling it would make little difference.
Standing, she gestured to the younger woman. "We have no plans. Nothing special, at least. There is a common room in the Den where Aidan often takes his meals. Since arriving in Nachton I've begun to do the same."
They started walking up the trail again. "We Kadzait, and all weres, I suspect, are generally gregarious by nature. We aren't solitary creatures. You will find very few 'lone wolves' among us. We prefer family, Pack, for safety and for companionship. That is how it should be."
She glanced over at her enormous wolf-son, who now paced sedately between them. "I am sure Aidan would agree, if he had pants on."
Her lip quirked up a bit as she teased him. No doubt he hadn't planned to run into "mom" while cavorting like a barbarian tonight. Knowing him, he was chagrined but not embarrassed. Her son had a marked lack of concern for his state of undress when he shifted unlike Lily, who had spent her formative years mostly among humans and was much more body-shy.
Standing, she gestured to the younger woman. "We have no plans. Nothing special, at least. There is a common room in the Den where Aidan often takes his meals. Since arriving in Nachton I've begun to do the same."
They started walking up the trail again. "We Kadzait, and all weres, I suspect, are generally gregarious by nature. We aren't solitary creatures. You will find very few 'lone wolves' among us. We prefer family, Pack, for safety and for companionship. That is how it should be."
She glanced over at her enormous wolf-son, who now paced sedately between them. "I am sure Aidan would agree, if he had pants on."
Her lip quirked up a bit as she teased him. No doubt he hadn't planned to run into "mom" while cavorting like a barbarian tonight. Knowing him, he was chagrined but not embarrassed. Her son had a marked lack of concern for his state of undress when he shifted unlike Lily, who had spent her formative years mostly among humans and was much more body-shy.
Xeph
15 years ago
Once again Xeph had to leave the talking to his mother. Sure, he didn't mind going naked with anyone else around, but his own mother was another story. Some things you just never got used to.
He flattened his ears back, suitably chastised, as she made her quietly teasing comment about his nudity. His grin returned in short order though; try as she might, his mother had really, in heart, given up trying to civilze him when he'd finally been Gifted. If he'd been prone to loose manners as a human, embracing the wolf within hadn't helped any.
As they approached the Tikerak once more, he ran ahead to retrieve his clothes, shifting back in privacy and letting his two exceptionally long legs carry him back to where Lily and Reign emerged from the trails back onto the field.
"All right all right. I've got pants on. Can we eat?"
He smiled as charmingly as he could at both women. Who could resist an innocent smile from a guy... in pants no less??
He flattened his ears back, suitably chastised, as she made her quietly teasing comment about his nudity. His grin returned in short order though; try as she might, his mother had really, in heart, given up trying to civilze him when he'd finally been Gifted. If he'd been prone to loose manners as a human, embracing the wolf within hadn't helped any.
As they approached the Tikerak once more, he ran ahead to retrieve his clothes, shifting back in privacy and letting his two exceptionally long legs carry him back to where Lily and Reign emerged from the trails back onto the field.
"All right all right. I've got pants on. Can we eat?"
He smiled as charmingly as he could at both women. Who could resist an innocent smile from a guy... in pants no less??
Reign
15 years ago
Reign was happy enough to follow Lily, Sirius padding by her side. He was wore out enough that he didn't even stop to sniff things or wander away content to just keep a close eye on his mistress.
What Lily had to say about the common room pleased her, she'd always though eating should be more of a shared experience. Hell even at home when it had been the six of them all running around on different schedules they all had a tendency to drag their food to where ever something was happening rather than sit alone at a table.
"Then that sounds perfect."Â?
Laughing as the Doc flattened his ears back she ruffled the fur on the top of his head, if he'd been in his two legged form she probably would have punch him in the arm, in a friendly manner this time. Why was it moms always won?
She shook her head at him when he returned.
"I thought the signs always said 'No shirt no shoes no service'? Nothing about pants. But yeah, let's eat."Â?
Flashing both of them a light hearted grin she allowed herself to be lead off and fed
((OOC... all three, four with the dog, out with permission.))
What Lily had to say about the common room pleased her, she'd always though eating should be more of a shared experience. Hell even at home when it had been the six of them all running around on different schedules they all had a tendency to drag their food to where ever something was happening rather than sit alone at a table.
"Then that sounds perfect."Â?
Laughing as the Doc flattened his ears back she ruffled the fur on the top of his head, if he'd been in his two legged form she probably would have punch him in the arm, in a friendly manner this time. Why was it moms always won?
She shook her head at him when he returned.
"I thought the signs always said 'No shirt no shoes no service'? Nothing about pants. But yeah, let's eat."Â?
Flashing both of them a light hearted grin she allowed herself to be lead off and fed
((OOC... all three, four with the dog, out with permission.))