The Tresspasser [Draeg - and anyone else]

[Zukozu]

[glow=black,4,000]The evening sunset was unlike the usual, for Tor had already taken her place in the sky before the powerful sun God had managed to settle behind the horizon. Darkness was taking over as fiery oranges and reds lit up the western side of the world, inky blacks running in from the east and allowing Tor the ability to glow in her mates leaving.

Long, slender legs shifted almost effortlessly over the iced over river, large pads spreading out and acting like snow shoes to prevent the elegantly statured bitch from sinking into snow covered ice. Her body was thickly furred, like any varg at this time of year, and yet she still managed to hold a slim and beautiful appearance. Long, feathery tail danced out behind her like a banner with her ceaseless movement, head perfectly in line with her shifting shoulder blades. With erect auds and determined fiery lanterns - this varg was on no mindless wander, she was on a mission.

The sinister hearted bitch - dubbed as Zukozu to those who happened to unfortunately know her - had only one thought in her plagued little mind; seek out Ge-Rad. Something had happened, something that was still to continue. A lie. Nothing but a little game to the niece of one so powerful. Zukozu was in fact a direct relative to the previous First of the Balkar; Serg. She had wandered to these lands and joined Sarnes all in the hope that she would one day be re-united with him...but nothing but disappointment and shock came to her black heart when she was told of his disappearance. He had abandoned his packs, abandoned his life. And now...she would take over in his place. No varg would look upon her with anything more than hatred, lust and fear.
It took her little time to clear the shortcut over the river and was soon nearing the borders of the Ge-Rad plains. Her slender muzzle lifted and her broad ears stood erect as she looked across the snowscape, her blazing hues watching out for any signs of movement. Slowing to a halt and scenting a protruding outcrop of long grass she grinned broadly, taking in the pungent aroma of the pack’s odour. This was where she would make her appearance known. The land was open and the territory more unknown to the Ge-Rad varg. Her chances of a quick escape back to her own marshy lands were far greater. Yes, this was just perfect.

Flicking her feathery tassel and circling the spot for a few moments, Zukozu planted her paws firmly on the trampled and compressed snow, facing inwards towards the wooded land that lay out beyond the expanse of plains. She was no longer a cub. Though she was still young, Zukozu had grown into a finely developed feminine bodice, and she flaunted it to the greatest extent. Tilting her head back and parting her lean maw, the bitch let out her twisted song. It played for what seemed like minutes before finally ceasing. Falling silent, Zukozu lowered her muzzle and watched out from her post, awaiting either a reply or the appearance of another.[/glow]

[Ayasha]

Having returned to Ge-rad, her place of birth Ayasha had been given the position of warrior. A position she carried well. Since her leave from Ge-rad she had been known as a twisted varg, partially because of her young puphood, partially because of her recently dead mate. But now she had changed, changed to fit in with Ge-rad's strong bonds. No more was she the hateful young she-varg that didn't fit in. Now she was older and more mature. Now she was a warrior with a duty.

Patrolling the borders had become somewhat routine to her. Not only was it her duty, but it was also her time to think and be alone. As she made her way swiftly through the trees, the dying light letting her fade into the darkness. Her ebon pelt blended in with the night sky. She paused for a moment, scenting the air but finding nothing unusual she moved on. As she came closer to the outer edge of the terra, most Ge-radians stayed within the forested part rather than the outer part, she slowed down. It had been a few moons since she had been here, and she felt a little uneasy about it. Not that she couldn't fight, no, she just preferred no confrontations.

Suddenly a howl echoed into the now lightless sky. Stopping in her tracks Ayasha let out a low growl. It might have been better policy to greet those who entered with kindness. But something about that announcement didn't please the femme. She seemed to slither through the darkness, scenting the air and gliding along the terra silently. As she neared the place from where the call had come from, she slowed to a walk and then stopped. Her auds stood straight up like radar trying to pinpoint where this caller came from. She let out a low growl again, the winds had begun to echo a stifness in the land of Translyvania. Once again her nares took in the air, there was certaintly another varg present. From a pack Ayasha had never met before. Peering out from the trees where she crouched she couldn't see the intruder.

Ayasha stepped out a little from the trees, standing her full height. "Who calls." She barked out into the darkness. "Name your buisness with the Ge-rad pack!" She scanned the terra, it appeared no other of her family was present at the moment, but she suspected that they too had heard the howl.

[Zukozu]

[glow=black,4,000]It seemed like an eternity that she waited, merely standing stock-still and staring out with unblinking lanterns into the snowy canvas. The plains stretched for miles before any sign of forest, and Zukozu felt now that maybe this had not been the best place to make her stand. Yet just as she was about to give up, her broad auds picked up the faint sounds of compressing snow. Her eyes lit up and sparked with the thrill of what might happen to appear over the horizon. Then came a low and distinct growl. This was no mindless lera; it was a varg.
A grin snaked its way onto her elegant muzzle like ivory vines up the trunk of a dead oak, her sinister giggle forcing her body to tremble with the excitement. And now, a voice rang out and echoed over the expanse of land. No wolf could she see, but indeed Zukozu had heard the beast. Flicking her feathery tail and shifting her now numb paws, the ebony bitch growled darkly in thought before calling out in response. “The name you need not know Ge-Rad varg, but my business here is simply a form of cooperation,” she barked, cocking her head now and listening ever more intently for a response to her words.

Amber hues scrutinized the land before her, watching with keenness for the appearance of the other. Her plan was simple, and yet so cruel. For the day that Sarnes and the Balkar breeched these lands and scarred the battlefield with Ge-Rad blood, it would be the day that Zukozu broke that trust. It was a way to give her Uncle some peace, to give this forsaken pack and its Alphas a taste of their own medicine. To feel betrayal at its worst.
The very thought of it made Zukozu’s skin tingle and her hackles stood on end. The exhilaration was almost too much to bear. Though for now, she’d have to hold off her teeth and play the act of innocence and become this pack’s friend. The chances of her success were low; she kept this well in mind, yet there was no harm in her trying. Only to see their faces on the future morn…it would be counted priceless amongst her memories.[/glow]

[Ayasha]

Ayasha cocked her head as a reply broke the silence after her questions.hmm, suspicious you give no name she thought before replying. "Traveling at night to another pack's terra, somewhat strange don't you think?" She lowered her head and sniffed the ground, lifting her maw up she scented the air. This varg was alone.

Exposing herself to the full night, though she blended in well, she looked around to find the varg. "We usually don't get visitors from this side of the terra." She lifted her tail slightly, the top drooped to one side as it swayed lightly. She was unsure of this varg, concealing it self was odd, but it was probably for it's own safety. Traveling at night was up for a little debate though. Unless this varg was endanger from another pack. Rolling her shoulders Ayasha leaned against a tree.

"If you will not tell me your name, then state exactly what you want." She rolled her orbs. Night rounds were her favorite time to be on patrol, but this night was unusual. She hadn't had another varg come to ask permission to enter for a while.Cooperation, I know Krystal had gone in search of Deor a while ago, but this varg hasn't stated if they are pack. But I haven't asked either. She shook her ebon colored skull and waited for a reply. Draeg would know how to respnd to this better than she did. But she also knew that she had to do this on her own. Draeg wasn't in sight and neither was anyone else.

[Krystal Zanguzen]

Normally at such hours Krystal would be fast asleep, for she had been given the job of patrolling the lands of Ge-Rad during Fenris’ reign, and so needed as much rest as possible while Tor took hold of the heavens. While Krystal slept peacefully in a den provided by the Ge-Radian’s, her pack sister Ayasha made the night rounds around Ge-Rad, making sure that all was well while her family slept peacefully. But on this night, the air was unusually cold even for winter. For the past few suns, it seemed as if the land was warming up. Spring was just over the horizon, and each night that the bi-hued fae slept, she hoped that when her optics would open, they would gaze upon the sight of life coming anew in her home. However this night would not bring such joys. Chilling winds found there way into the sanctuary of the Ge-Rad dens, and Krystal found it a difficult task just to fall into dreams.

The final straw would be a long song played by a stranger. Or at least Krystal thought it to be a stranger, for she did not recognize the hymn as one of a Ge-Radian’s tongue. Quite the opposite, Zukozu’s requiem held an ominous presence in the land as her final notes echoed sinisterly and reverberated around Ge-Rad like a plague of sorts. Her very song had rattled the crows and now the flying scavengers hung in the air around Ge-Rad’s lands. Now was Ayasha’s moment, for surely the young ebon warrior would answer the song of summons given out only moments before. But again that ominous presence held a vice grip in the back of the imperfect Zanguzen’s mind. It was enough to further send the thoughts of sleep away from Krystal, and now that the bi-colored fae was awake, she might as well check out what’s going on in the world of Ge-Rad. If worse came to worse, Ayasha might need backup. With that thought in mind, Krystal rose to her ebon paws and shook the weariness out of her form.

Once that was accomplished, those same paws now carried the bi-hued warrior out of her safe abode and into the chilling winds that had first awoken her tired form. Krystal’s fur tangled with the breeze and swayed roughly with each blow. Her tail hung like a flapping tassel, though certainly not a storm; it was still not the best of times to be out. Her pinto pools scanned all directions in search of some clue as to Ayasha’s whereabouts. It certainly wouldn’t be easy to track down the ebon fae who could be anywhere from the eastern forests of Ge-Rad to the western plains. Krystal then pointed her nose to the heavens, to see if the very wind that chilled her would lend some aid. In this case it would carry along Ayasha’s scent, and act as a guide for the former Zanguzen to follow, a guide that pointed toward the western plains of Ge-Rad, void of any cover. Ebon paws carried the fae across the ivory snows toward the western plains, though it would still take her a while to cover the distance, much could happen in that time and so Krystal needed to hurry. Just what was this stranger up to, and would Ayasha be all right?

[Zukozu]

[glow=black,4,000]((By the way, this is out in the open plains so the only trees here are stumps…and I’m out in the open where you can see me. Maybe you’re behind a large snow drift and I’m just over the ridge I don’t know…but just thought I’d make that clear. Didn’t mean to seem rude!))

A steady reply or words passed from this non-existent varg’s muzzle into the night, and soon they formed a definite reply – she wanted an answer. Rolling her eyes Zukozu let out a low growl that would at least be inaudible to anyone more than a few feet away from her. This was getting tiring. All she wanted was for these varg to see her and for her visit to be over. The wide-open space of another pack’s territory was not the most comfortable place to be. Though it was at least better than being surrounded by trees where who knows what could be lurking in the shadows.
For a few moments Zukozu remained silent, pacing back and forth now on the same trampled and compressed snow that she had decided to settle on. Finally she stopped and turned back round to face the voice once more, scanning the landscape furiously now to try and find some sort of blot on the white canvas that would determine this varg’s position. “To us varg, what is the difference between daylight or twilight? We are putnar that use both times to our advantage. This side of your territory just happens to be closer,” she replied back to the first comments made. Pausing briefly she scented the air, checking to see if there were any alterations made on the surroundings. Peering over her shoulder, Zukozu gazed back and forth across the open landscape, making sure that no ambush from behind was likely to happen anytime soon. There was none, and so she relaxed again, swivelling her elegant muzzle back towards the plains.

Impatience began to get the better of her and her lips began to twitch into the beginnings of a snarl. Digging her sharp, ebony claws into the solid snow beneath her, Zukozu lowered her head and glared out at the blank canvas which stretched out before her, fiery eyes now ablaze like wildfire. “What exactly do I want? I want Draeg!” she replied back, a sharp edge now to her words. Until these varg showed themselves, Zukozu held an aggressive and frustrated posture. Only when the Dragga appeared would she switch the charm back on and hide away her hostility.[/glow]

[Draeg]

The amber Dragga had been busy tending to Sorcha when he had heard Zukozu’s admission into Ge-Rad, the unfamiliar howl emanating from somewhere near the western border within the meadow. Having charged Ayasha with performing the evening border patrol and more than a little reluctant to leave his daughter unattended for any given period of time Draeg had chosen to ignore the foreign sound, confident that his niece would be perfectly capable of handling whoever had managed to wander into Ge-Rad without him. But even as he busied himself applying more bedding to the den Draeg couldn’t shake the feeling that whoever had arrived had been calling for him.

There was an ominous chill in the air and the amber varg found himself growing increasingly worried that something might befall his niece. Ever since Cwen’s death Draeg had found himself growing increasingly paranoid and suspicious of every little thing that transpired in Ge-Rad, as though half expecting Wolfbane to emerge from the shadows and finish what he’d started with Cwen not too long ago. Deliberating this he had set out for the border, leaving Uskiya to care for Sorcha until he returned. It hadn’t taken long for Draeg to notice Krystal’s scent drifting about he air alongside Ayasha’s, the midnight fae apparently having decided to investigate the matter of their little intruder as well.

Paws sinking into what little snow remained Draeg followed her scent, padding through the sheltered forest and out into the rolling plains that encompassed nearly half of Ge-Rad. By the time he saw them Ayasha was already in the process of interrogating a rather frustrated looking femme, both fae looking visibly annoyed with the other as they tossed rude jibes at one another. Advancing on the duo Draeg uttered out a sharp bark, his voice carrying out in the open field and cutting through the still evening air. “And exactly what, pray tell, do you want with me that won‘t allow you to cooperate with my niece?”

[Krystal Zanguzen]

Did the winds that swept the land of Ge-Rad bring false lies or an aura of truth with each breeze that passed along the ivory plains? Such was the question in the imperfect Zanguzen’s mind as her midnight paws carried the Ge-Radian across the land she called home. A land worth protecting, coupled with the love of her new family filled the heart of the bi-hued warrior and caused the adrenalin to pump. No longer was Krystal hindered by the lack of sleep this frosty night provided. To the fae, there were more important matters that needed seeking, like the safety of her pack sister. Who she knew at this time must have by now met with this stranger. But was the intruder alone or perhaps in the presence of others who lay hidden in the blanket of darkness? These images pushed Krystal to run even faster across the ivory snows of her land, at times almost skidding with each paw placement as her pads grazed the fresh powder.

The scent of her pack sister grew stronger with each step taken by the sprinting twilight fae. Tor would watch from her throne as the twilight warrior moved across the land in an elegant dance of speed and swiftness. Her tassel flew in the wind behind her as the wind combed her ebon and ivory fur with its moderate strokes of intensity, causing the strands to dance in rhythm and sway with each bound. The forest was unusually silent, even for the nightly hour that now hung over the Ge-Radians. But high above where even the tallest of the trees themselves could no longer reach, flew the numerous black crows that had been stirred to life. They hung over the land and circled the Ge-Radian world, as if waiting for something to happen. Scavengers looking for any chance at a meal, would often hang over what they knew would soon be fallen pray. Perhaps they thought this of Ge-Rad, and were now waiting simply for there meal to be served.

At last, Krystal broke through the eastern forest of Ge-Rad. Before her pinto optics stood a rather peaceful, but in fact very dangerous part of Ge-Radian territory. Though the land was very open and tranquil, it held little to no shelter amongst the stumps and other assortment of deceased vegetation. Here there would be no safety to retreat too, no distinct advantage to take hold of in the climax of the night. Unlike her pack sister, Krystal could not fully blend into the twilight hours as well as Ayasha. Her cream like underside stood out and made the femora less likely to be concealed in the darkness. Not too mention her two crescent shaped Zanguzen markings acted as targets for any well tuned pair of optics. Perhaps that was why Draeg had appointed Krystal for patrolling the shift of which Fenris ruled.

Krystal’s bi-hued optics then caught the sight of both her Dragga and pack sister, and she slowly made her way towards them. Having arrived only a bit after Draeg’s call to the stranger, the bi-colored Ge-Radian didn’t know at all what was going on, but was glad to see that at least her sister was all right. “What’s going on?” Krystal asked as she arrived and stood beside the amber Dragga. The question had been directed to both pack mates, but either one could answer. Now out in the open plains of Ge-Rad, a new scent caught Krystal’s attention, the scent of the stranger. And judging by the winds that blew toward the Ge-Radian’s, it would appear that only one hid amongst the cluster of stumps. Saphire and emerald orbs gazed outward into the dark abyss blanketed by Tor’s night, and soon enough caught the form of the ebon tresspasser. Her optics bore right into Zukozu, as if they tried to see through her, and discover what secrets the black fae kept.

/Edited so that Krys can see Zu/

[Zukozu]

[glow=black,4,000]The atmosphere altered suddenly and Zukozu’s skin prickled, sending her hackles standing on end all the way down her neck and spine. The ominous presence of the Ge-Rad Dragga dawned on her as his scent wafted the breeze towards her sensitive nares. Perking her auds and lifting her head, the ebony bitch replaced her frustrated façade with a more light-hearted grin, cocking her head slightly and gazing at the amber pelted mann from fluttering ember hues. Taking a single step forward now, she knew that she had to try and win him over. If this daft excuse for a wolf that she had so happened to encounter first was Draeg’s neice, then the chances of him believing Zukozu over her were very slim. She needed to seem authentic and convincing.
A light growl rattled in her chest as the seductive bitch flicked her feathery tail and allowed the gentle breeze to ruffle her soft coat. “I seek out the alpha of a pack to speak my words of consideration to, not the subordinates Draeg,” she replied courtly to him, eying him now curiously in hope that he was not going to be aggressive towards her…even though she wore the scent of Sarnes upon her enthralling form.

Another, of course, entered the scene asking questions of the goings on. Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, Zukozu simply shrugged it off and continued to pad forward, her broad paws preventing her from sinking into the deep, powdery and untouched snow. Halting her movement not too far form the small gathering, she now sat back casually, appearing now to be completely relaxed and un-phased by the fact that she was in enemy territory. It was clear she had something worth bargaining for.
The grin that was plastered on her raven black muzzle grew long and malevolent. Fiery lanterns now flickered with satisfaction as she tore them from Krystal’s antagonising stare and settled them back onto the eyes of Draeg. “My proposition is simple, and it would do us both well to agree to it,” she began to explain, her voice at ease and flawless. “Don’t you want to stop this hatred Draeg? To erase the past and start a fresh, clean slate? Serg - you might not know - has abandoned these lands, and those that he held responsibilities for with it,” she growled, seeming now far more serious at the mention of the Former First.
Was it possible, that Zukozu even showed the signs that she was hurt by this news? Never the less, she frowned deeply and growled darkly, a more stern expression contorting the features on her visage. “Be at peace with us. Drop this malice that Sarnes and Ge-Rad hold for one another. I was sent to you by our Drappa Shunké to give this news. She has far more important matters within out packlands to deal with,” she described, appearing now completely truthful in each word she spoke.
If Zukozu had managed to lie about her injuries to Sarnes and have them believe her, how likely were her chances of success against Ge-Rad? She guessed slim…but worth a shot.[/glow]

[Ayasha]

As Draeg's voice broke the angry wrods between bothe femme Ayasha sat back on her haunches. She did not like this black bitch that dared to step paw into the terra and have such a hot tongue as she. Shortly after Draeg Krystal then arrived, obviously the intruder had woken up more than the dragga. Despite feeling somewhat happy to have company, Ayasha couldn't help but feel bad that they thought she needed help. Being Ge-rad's youngest warrior sometimes left Ayasha feeling inadequate.

"Perhaps if your tongue was were it ought to be, you'd have got a warmer welcome." Ayasha let out a growl. She wasn't happy with the situation. If Draeg decided to listen to this snack like varg, then Ayasha could do little. But she herself, did not trust this serpent. "Draeg, don't listen to this snake." Ayasha growled, hoping that he would listen to her. Ayasha turned to Krsystal. She gave her a look of skepticism at the tresspasser's fake words of kindness.

Ayasha waited for Draeg to reply, emerald orbs concentrated on the black she varg. No, she did not trust her, did not believe her. Sarnes had never felt need of alliance with Ge-rad. Not that Ayasha knew. It didn't seem real. Why now, why so urgent? Ayasha found the visist in the dark to be ratehr suspicious, if the news of wanting to be friend the pack was all she had to say, then couldn't she have come in the light?

The feeling of distrust only built in Ayasha as she waited for Draeg to respond. Did he believe her? Was he going to agree? Surely he could see through her fake expressions and words. Such a hot tongued femme as this couldn't want to bring news of peace. It didn't fit together. Ayasha's brush twitched imaptiently. She turned to look back at Krystal, now giving her a look of 'I don't trust this femme, can't Draeg see that'. But there was little Ayasha could do now but wait what her uncle would say.

[Draeg]

Pulling up beside Ayasha Draeg cast her an appreciative glance. The amber varg was grateful to his niece for volunteering to take the night shift so that he could tend to Sorcha and work in little time with Firefly, being the youngest warrior in Ge-rad with the possible exception of Kaemon Draeg knew that Ayasha often felt the need to prove herself to rest of the pack. And while it was clear that Ayasha seemed relieved to be getting some support Draeg suspected that secretly she was disappointed with his arrival, however while Draeg felt bad for spoiling Ayasha’s chance to feel like a real warrior Zukozu had called for him specifically forcing him to intervene and deal with the matter personally. Glancing back toward Zukozu Draeg took a moment to give her a quick look over before moving forward to meet the ebon fae, eyes narrowing suspiciously as she drew near. “I can tell by your scent that you’re from Sarnes so I’ll say this once, my ‘subordinates’ and I don’t offer your pack as much leeway as we do with List and the other packs so I’d advise you to show the proper respect when speaking to anyone while you are here.” he uttered darkly, bitter gaze still centered on the sumptuous youth. “I don’t know how Serg runs things your pack but in we do things a little differently around, anything you wish to say to me you can say to my packmates.”

Ears perking to the rhythmic sounds of snow crunching beneath lightly padded limbs Draeg became aware of the arrival another varg emerging onto the scene, this time in the form of Ge-Rad’s newly appointed warrior Krystal. The amber Dragga couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward as the former Zanguzen immediately place herself beside him, still not entirely sure of exactly just how their friendship was faring since he had been forced to reject the twilight femme feelings for him. On the one hand she seemed perfectly fine however there was no real way to be sure, had she been hurt by his blunt refusal to return her affection? Draeg knew from experience that Krystal wasn’t one to simply share her feelings with others, just convincing her to explain the details of her past had proven to be a challenge until the amber varg had figured out the right thing to say.

Realizing that he was allowing himself to become distracted Draeg let out an annoyed growl, ears falling to his scalp in a show of annoyance as he regained his focus and returned his attention to determining the Zukozu’s purpose for coming to Ge-Rad. Personally Draeg didn’t trust her, she was too calm for someone in her position. Her eyes glimmered smugly with a deep sense of satisfaction and superiority at having witnessed Ayasha being forced to withdraw from their confrontation, what’s more she didn’t seemed bothered by Draeg’s arrival but rather pleased whereas with Krystal she seemed more annoyed then worried. Despite being at a several tactical disadvantage Zukozu was by no means afraid. Draeg didn’t like it. No one was ever that calm, especially not while in hostile territory. It was almost as if the ebon she-wolf knew that Draeg would allow no harm to fall upon her so long as she didn’t provoke him and remained passive. And there was something else about her, something familiar, as though Draeg had seen her somewhere before. But that wasn’t possible, up until today the amber Dragga had never laid eyes on this fae. Still she looked familiar, too familiar for Draeg to just ignore. Black fur, feathery tail, stunning frame, fiery eyes, now that he had gotten a closer look at her Draeg began to realize that the reason Zukozu seemed so familiar to him wasn’t because they had met before but rather because she reminded him of Serg. Was it possible that this whelp standing before him was the daughter of Serg?

Shortly after they had escaped from Sarnes Cwen had told Draeg that Serg had indeed had a mate, a fae by the name of Eveline, though Draeg himself had personally never met the Sarnes Drappa. Could Zukozu really be the result of their union? Serg didn’t seem like the type to start up a family. Draeg decided it would be better not to ask, better to be ignorant of the matter then to delve further into it. Despite his own misgivings about her Draeg allowed the ebon femme to speak, listening intently as she went on to explain her proposition and raising his tail to silence Ayasha once the Sarnes wolf was done. Like it or not Draeg had to agree Zukozu did have a point, it would be far more beneficial, not to mention productive, for Ge-Rad to simply put an end to the feud with Sarnes. And if what Zukozu said was true and Serg really had abandon Sarnes then their chances for peace were all the greater, with the former First gone there was really no one left to fuel the long withstanding hatred over Cwen’s supposed betrayal. ‘Not that it really matters anymore.’ Draeg thought bitterly.

Ayasha began to voice her opinion, clearly unhappy with the recent turn of events and showing her contempt for the intruding she-wolf. “Ayasha, that’s enough!” Draeg barked, tilting his head to address his niece. “Whether she’s lying or not, as Dragga it is my job to hear what she has to say and determine whether or not there is any truth to anything she has to say. If there is even the slightest chance that I might be able to put an end to all of this senseless bloodshed then I have no choice but to hear her out and at the very least consider the possibility that she might actually be telling the truth.”

As much as Draeg wanted to believe his own words Ayasha was right, something just didn’t feel right about everything Zukozu was saying. It was too easy. Of all the times for Sarnes to attempt to declare peace why now? And another thing, if Shunke really had become Drappa of Sarnes then why wasn’t she here now? What was so important in Sarnes that would keep her from coming to negotiate terms of peace? Was she planning something or was it that she just didn’t have the courage to face her brother after all this time? Draeg wasn’t sure, both idea’s sounded plausible but there was no way to know entirely for sure what was going through Shunke’s mind.

Maybe Draeg was just letting the ebon fae’s resemblance to Serg cloud his judgment but the amber Dragga decided that he would question Zukozu further before he decided whether or not he would accept her proposal. Turning back to Zukozu he regarded her carefully. “Exactly who are you to speak on behalf of Sarnes? If this is such an important matter then why isn’t your Drappa here instead of you, wouldn’t it have made more sense for Shunke to arrange a meeting on neutral ground to discuss something such as this or at the very least come here herself rather then risk sending you into a possible ambush? By now she should know that out of everyone in Sarnes she has the best chance getting in and out of Ge-Rad in one piece, especially with her brother being here.”

[Krystal Zanguzen]

The night held many mysteries and uncertainties as the events that went on in the western terra of Ge-Rad unfolded before Krystal’s pinto optics. The bi-colored Ge-Radian had instinctively stood by the side of the amber Dragga out of pure instinct, the need to protect painted brilliantly on her bi-hued orbs. Orbs that stared down the intruder with distaste, more so after learning of the way Zukozu had spoken to her sister. It was only a few suns ago that the news of Draeg’s daughter Scorcha, found its way into the midnight auds of the former Zanguzen. It was also on that same sun that many truths were revealed that perhaps weren’t ready to be brought into light. For on that sun, not only did Krystal learn of the small life that sheltered in a hidden den, the bi-colored warrior also learned of a truth she had all ready figured to be accurate, but had yet too allow a chance to sink in. The affection and emotions that had held a deep place in Krystal’s heart for the amber Dragga were not shared on his part. She had all ready known that such would be the result if ever brought up, so then why was she still saddened over learning what she all ready knew?

For now those feelings would have to be locked back in the chest that held perhaps many more secrets left to be reviled. Draeg was still family, she was apart of his family, his pack, and that meant the world to the bi-colored fae. As Zukozu took a step forward, Krystal’s midnight maw opened to reveal ivory incisors that gleamed at the trespasser from Sarnes. A growl would escape her throat as a clear threat and warning to Zukozu. She didn’t trust the Sarnes femora one bit, and felt anxious with any step closer the ebon bitch took toward the amber Dragga. Soon Zukozu would explain the nature of her visit into enemy lands, a proposal that would apparently benefit the life of Ge-Rad. She spoke of many things that Krystal simply did not understand. Who was this Serg, what was this malice that the ebon bitch spoke of? There was certainly much to answer for, and Krystal for a moment felt lost in translation to what was going on. Of course she knew this all had to do with history that must have taken place before her arrival to Ge-Rad. But Ayasha spoke out first, her sister bringing to light the distrust she held for the Sarnes femora. She wasn’t fooled by her cunning lyrics one bit it seemed.

Krystal would return her sister’s looks with her own, for she too didn’t trust the words of Zukozu. But what else could she do, having no knowledge of the past occurrences of Ge-Rad, there was no way for the bi-hued warrior to come up with any kind of judgment that would otherwise sway the amber Dragga in any direction. It was then that Draeg took his own steps forward to meet with the Sarnes messenger. At once another growl escaped Krystal’s throat, but it was clear from the tone of the amber Dragga that he walked with a purpose clear in his mind. Asserting his dominance over the trespasser, his tone was uttered darkly to Zukozu, as if he knew his very words could press the ebon fae onto her stomach in submission. Though Draeg held an infamous heart of love for his pack mates, on this night he would also show the strength that made the amber Dragga fit for his position. That same tone even held for his own niece after Ayasha had spoken her opinion. After listening to Draeg’s words, she too would speak. “I hate to admit it, but Draeg is right Ayasha.” The words seem to bitterly escape her maw like that of poisoned flesh, but his words were spoken truthfully. If there had indeed been some war, and an offer of peace was made, one had to at least hear what was to be said right?

After sighing, Krystal remained quiet for the moment, keeping her judgments to herself for the time being. For now, Draeg seemed to be handling the situation smoothly enough. But in truth Krystal felt the same as Ayasha toward Zukozu. She simply didn’t trust the femora, things did not add up in her mind. The pieces of the puzzle simply wouldn’t fall into place, but for now the advantage remained in favor for Ge-Rad. Zukozu remained alone; the winds brought no other scent to Krystal’s nose. Certainly there was much for Draeg to consider, though of course Krystal knew the first thought that would come to the Dragga’s mind. Sorcha his daughter, the litter bore by Yelae, the safety of his family, a time of peace was promised, yet Zukozu’s words to put it simply, seemed to be bathed in a horrible odor that ultimately, was the Dragga’s decision weather or not to take them. As Draeg finished, Krystal simply waited for Zukozu’s answers. How would the Sarnes fae respond to all these questions? How would Ge-Rad’s near future play out? Would it not be easier to just send Zukozu away? It certainly seemed so in Krystal’s mind. Deciding it best to leave the Dragga’s side, Krystal stepped away from Draeg to stand next to her sister, giving Ayasha a worried look for a moment before returning her sapphire and emerald gaze at Zukozu.

-suckie post-

[Zukozu]

[glow=black,4,000]Zukozu remained were she had placed her haunches, sitting patiently as Draeg question her and snapped back at his niece. Ayasha’s words were sharp and full of distaste; it only made the ebony bitch giggle lightly at the hatred she was causing. Passing the Ge-Rad warrior a glance, she stuck her tongue out but swiftly licked her nose – easily masking her sarcastic motion to the faemme’s earlier comment. She was in dangerous territory, but all of a sudden…Zukozu couldn’t care less about it. She felt safe almost amongst these three varg. They were not savages, not like she had told Shunké and her other pack members. So long as she didn’t step out of line and kept herself under control, Zukozu was unlikely to be severely hurt – at least that was the idea. There was still plenty of time for something to go wrong.
Turning her elegant muzzle and fiery eyes back up towards Draeg, she listened to his words and considered them thoughtfully. So Shunké had a brother within this pack? That news could indeed be useful for future prospects – but for now it would hold nothing to her plans.

A long grin stretched her maw and she looked down slightly, peering at the mighty Dragga from the tops of her eyes. “I am a Craeft of Sarnes and a devoted member of the pack that Shunké keeps together. She has, as I stated before, far more important matters to deal with in our lands. These matters you do not need to know the details of. If you are so interested to know who I am…then maybe the only way you’ll know me is through Serg. I am his niece. But as I stated before, he has abandoned us. Shunké trusts me with her priorities, and I delivered them to you tonight,” she growled, seemingly once more to grow disappointed and hurt by the mention of her uncle’s departure.
She waited for another few moments in silence, allowing Draeg to digest this information. These varg did not trust her – and she knew fine well why. In fact, Zukozu didn’t blame them. If she was in their position she wouldn’t trust herself either – a seductive little wench who came one night to suggest a truce that had never been spoken of before. It was untrustworthy indeed. But if they wished her to simply leave…then she would. At least now they’ve seen her. That was part of the deal she needed.[/glow]

[Ayasha]

Ebony auds flattened against a black cranium. The words came as a surprise, the tone of the words came as a surprise to her. She felt hurt, felt that her age once again seemed to be playing in to the way she was treated. But it could always be just her head. She let out an annoyed growl, but there was nothing she could do about. Her dragga had spoken and it was obvious that her opinion wasn't going to be heard. Not while that bitch was here.

Ayasha glared, Zukozu stuck out her tongue, a childish thing to do, but none the less it upset her. Even Krystal seemed to agree with Draeg. Being a welcoming pack or not, she knew that she could not trust this sarnes varg no matter what. She ahd never met anyone from Sarnes, but it had been a long while that Ge-rad and Sarnes had been enemies, it seemed doubtful that they would forge an alliance now, at this time of night, without the drappa coming to speak. It wasn't believable. If Draeg wouldn't trust his own neice, then so be it, but she wasn't going to stand around and listen to ever lieing urge.

Ayasha let out a growl and padded away from the group, sitting herself down to groom her paws. Deep inside her the anger was welling up, her heart was hurt. Pride was hurt. It was all just to stupid. It wasn't that Ayasha had never been disciplined before, but now that she had come back, she was trusted. But she wasn't trusted here, obviously they would trust this sarnes femme and not their own? She growled, letting out a sigh. She was losing, falling in between the cracks of this situation. Her presence there no longer mattered. Maybe she should've let the visitor wait out there until she got so angry she left.

She watched from her place, watched the situation progressed. Still there was no faith she could see in this lying femme. Her tassel flicked in annoyance, they weren't getting anywhere. If Ayasha was in charge, she would've attacked allready. But she wasn't, and there was little she could do. She couldn't even stand there and listen anymore.

[Draeg]

Awaiting Zukozu’s response Draeg glared down expectantly at the young emissary, amber gaze never leaving the ebon fae’s ashen form. His eyes narrowed at the sly smile adorn her muzzle as she addressed him, a low growl resonating deep from within his throat and working its way towards his muzzle. So she was related to Serg, and from the look of it apparently they had been close. Part of Draeg wanted nothing more than to go over there and tear her throat from her body in retaliation for all the grief her uncle had caused him, it was because of Serg that Huts had died and that Ge-Rad always seemed to be at the brink of war with Sarnes and the Night Hunters. Killing his niece would be poetic justice for the former first killing Huts and attacking Cwen, but then again if Serg really had abandon Sarnes there would be no point to killing Zukozu. Unlike Serg the amber varg was not a murderer, he did not kill without cause however much he may have wanted to. To make matters worse the arrogant little bitch looked as though she were enjoying prodding the hornets nest. Draeg didn’t like it. Something about all of this just didn’t feel right. The amber varg was beginning to get the sneak suspicion that he was being played, however without proof there wasn’t anything that he could do to Zukozu without provoking Sarnes into an unnecessary war.

To the side Draeg spied Ayasha watching the procession from where she had gone off to sulk, he had hoped that she would understand his position toward the matter but he knew that she probably felt hurt perhaps even a little betrayed by his refusal to heed her advise and drive out Zukozu. In truth it worried him to see his niece respond in such a manner, true he had come off a little harsh on her but it had been necessary at the time in order for him to hear what Zukozu had to offer. Ayasha had been too young to have participated in the last confrontation with Sarnes, however now that she was older the amber varg wanted to make sure that she would never have to go through an experience like that. And while Draeg knew that he might have become a great deal colder and more cynical since Cwen’s untimely demise the amber Dragga still cared for his niece and the rest of Ge-Rad. He would to explain that to her later once everything was said and done. Turning back to face Zukozu he growled. “You will go back to your drappa and tell her that if she wishes to talk of peace between Sarnes and Ge-Rad then she can arrange to meet me in the Vale of Shadows and discuss the matter with me personally. I will not let this pack fall into a false sense of security on the words of an emissary, if Shunke wishes to parlay with me let it be on ground that neither of us hold sway.” Jerking his head he motioned for Krystal and Ayasha to start heading back to the den. “Go, return to your pack. This conversation is over, our business here has been concluded.”

((right, I'm probably going to make one more post here and then I'm done. We basically achieved what we set out to accomplish anyway...god the ending sucks))