Hammerthynn walked quickly to the Den upon notification that Brig had returned with the mistress. He met Brig briefly in the hall and they exchanged a few words.
'How does she look?' He had asked Brig who had returned with his usual quip.
'Lovely enough to be the next Ex'.
With a scowl, Hammer dismissed the Piper Commander and met the Alpha on the way down. As they neared the sitting room her familiar scent engulfed him enough to make his heart stop. It had been so long since he had been this close to her - to smell her softness. If Xeph had been talking to him, he would not have heard.
As they neared the entryway in, Hammer held back and let the Alpha enter first. She would want to see her son first. To be so far apart from blood ties, for some Hammer had noticed, was a painful thing. The Hammerthynns were solitary men with a single focus and it was that focus that kept the wolf in him ready but the man in him cold. Hammer refused to look up at her until they had gotten a chance reconnect. It was awkward for Hammer to watch the affection anyhow.
He had let that part of him go a long time ago.
Home Away From Home... (attn: Iov, Aidan)
Lily stood in the great room of this place her son called the Den. It was fitting. Warm and dark, illuminated with gentle glows and furnished in soft earthen colors, it reminded her exactly of what it was named for. Any Kadzait should feel at home here, she thought. Their kind had an affinity for caves and burrows, dark cozy places with secure nooks and crannies.
The woman at the front desk must have recognized her name, for she assured Lily that Aidan and Iov would be along shortly. Lily had declined the offer to wait somewhere more comfortable; this was good enough for her Pack, so it was more than good enough for her as well.
Smoothing her skirt over her thighs, she left her slender frame drift down into one of the large chairs, bags at her side, hands folded demurely in her lap as she gazed into the fireplace.
Iov Hammerthynn
17 years ago
Xeph
17 years ago
Xeph nodded to Brig; his thanks for picking Lily up and delivering her safely to the Den. He left Hammer and his cousin outside the great room while he entered.
His mother stood when he appeared, but she didn't move to him, she let him come to her. That was Lily in a nutshell, to Xeph. Steadfast, calm, unmoving. He crossed the space between them and only then did she reach out.
Sweeping her up into a gentle bearhug, Xeph lifted her off her feet. "Mom. You look beautiful."
Lily was unchanged; it had been over twenty years since Xeph had seen her but she was exactly as he remembered. It was easy to believe that this was the woman who had held him and rocked him to sleep as a child. He'd been barely more than a child when he'd become Alpha and left Canberra, really.
Replacing her back on her feet, Xeph stood still for his mother's scrutiny as she gave him the once-over, green eyes glittering in the dim light.
His mother stood when he appeared, but she didn't move to him, she let him come to her. That was Lily in a nutshell, to Xeph. Steadfast, calm, unmoving. He crossed the space between them and only then did she reach out.
Sweeping her up into a gentle bearhug, Xeph lifted her off her feet. "Mom. You look beautiful."
Lily was unchanged; it had been over twenty years since Xeph had seen her but she was exactly as he remembered. It was easy to believe that this was the woman who had held him and rocked him to sleep as a child. He'd been barely more than a child when he'd become Alpha and left Canberra, really.
Replacing her back on her feet, Xeph stood still for his mother's scrutiny as she gave him the once-over, green eyes glittering in the dim light.
Lily
17 years ago
Part of her had expected a child still, Lily thought, even though Aidan had been a young man when he'd left as Alpha. Hugging her only child back, she felt her smile grow.
"You're not doing so badly yourself," she replied. As her feet touched the ground again she took him in with her eyes; no, no longer a little boy at all. Not even a young man, but a grown Alpha.
He reminded her, in some ways, of Iov. It was to be expected. They'd been companions for ages, and no doubt Iov's manner and bearing would have rubbed off onto Aidan. Still, though, Aidan's air was far more laid-back than Iov really ever was.
She couldn't help looking for the Beta as well, but she didn't see him right away. She wasn't sure whether she should deliver her news to Aidan alone, or if Iov should be present. How close the two might be, she could only infer from her letters back and forth with her son.
It could wait, she thought. She hadn't seen either of them in such a long time; her news - it could wait.
"You're not doing so badly yourself," she replied. As her feet touched the ground again she took him in with her eyes; no, no longer a little boy at all. Not even a young man, but a grown Alpha.
He reminded her, in some ways, of Iov. It was to be expected. They'd been companions for ages, and no doubt Iov's manner and bearing would have rubbed off onto Aidan. Still, though, Aidan's air was far more laid-back than Iov really ever was.
She couldn't help looking for the Beta as well, but she didn't see him right away. She wasn't sure whether she should deliver her news to Aidan alone, or if Iov should be present. How close the two might be, she could only infer from her letters back and forth with her son.
It could wait, she thought. She hadn't seen either of them in such a long time; her news - it could wait.
Iov Hammerthynn
17 years ago
Hammer stood just outside the entryway, waiting on Xeph and his mother to finish when he heard the pause in their conversation. He tugged at his shirt and took a long step inside to greet her...and there she was.
She barely looked old enough to be Xeph's sister, much less his mother, but she was exactly how he remembered her. Her auburn hair had not lost its springy curls and there was nary an aged line on her creamy complexion. Hammer walked to her in a comfortable stride, but he felt his anxiety go up several notches. It had been so long since he had seen her or even talked with her. His time with her as her protector, though several years, had seemed so short. As he closed the gap he felt his face soften and he permitted himself a small smile.
'Lily,' he said in a soft gruff, 'you look well. Welcome to Nachton.' He wasn't sure what she was expecting - a friendly embrace, a hand shake so he did what came natural and gave her a stiff nod. Feeling the flush of embarrassment rise up in his cheeks, Hammer tried to temper down the nervousness of the situation and hoped Xeph wouldn't notice.
She barely looked old enough to be Xeph's sister, much less his mother, but she was exactly how he remembered her. Her auburn hair had not lost its springy curls and there was nary an aged line on her creamy complexion. Hammer walked to her in a comfortable stride, but he felt his anxiety go up several notches. It had been so long since he had seen her or even talked with her. His time with her as her protector, though several years, had seemed so short. As he closed the gap he felt his face soften and he permitted himself a small smile.
'Lily,' he said in a soft gruff, 'you look well. Welcome to Nachton.' He wasn't sure what she was expecting - a friendly embrace, a hand shake so he did what came natural and gave her a stiff nod. Feeling the flush of embarrassment rise up in his cheeks, Hammer tried to temper down the nervousness of the situation and hoped Xeph wouldn't notice.
Lily
17 years ago
Lily had no sooner finished greeting her son, than Iov appeared. She watched his approach, noted the slight smile, then the sharp nod. And the reddened cheeks. Her lips, ever so subtly, twitched. It had taken a very long time for her to become friends with this man, but they had done so.
"Iov," she said warmly. "Thank you."
Her eyes betrayed the depth of the sentiment. Not only was she thanking him for the welcome, but for his years of friendship and loylaty. She had asked him to be present, to be Aidan's Beta, if Aidan wished it, and for a personal favor - to watch over her son.
And she'd known when she'd asked it of him that she might never see either one of them again. For twenty years all she'd had of them was the occasional letter. But seeing them both now, she could only be proud of what they had done.
Unable to offer her support for fear of Liam's retribution, Lily had stood to the side, trying to lend quiet strength while her son had led an uprising that changed the lives of their Pack. "What you've done here is beautiful," she said. "I'm proud of you both." She took in her son again, the strong, capable Alpha, no longer the gangly boy who'd chased his own tail during the full moon.
"I'm happy I can finally be here to say that," she said.
The decision was split-second, and she knew it had to be now or never. She placed her hands on Aidan's arms and looked him in his dear, mismatched eyes. In spite of her decision to enjoy time with her son and her friend, she knew business had to be completed first.
"Aidan, I'm sorry. You must know I couldn't have left Canberra under just any circumstances."
Aidan's response was an echo of Iov's own curt nod; how alike the two were, in so many ways.
She glanced at Iov, then back at Aidan. "I'm sorry. Liam... your father... is dead."
"Iov," she said warmly. "Thank you."
Her eyes betrayed the depth of the sentiment. Not only was she thanking him for the welcome, but for his years of friendship and loylaty. She had asked him to be present, to be Aidan's Beta, if Aidan wished it, and for a personal favor - to watch over her son.
And she'd known when she'd asked it of him that she might never see either one of them again. For twenty years all she'd had of them was the occasional letter. But seeing them both now, she could only be proud of what they had done.
Unable to offer her support for fear of Liam's retribution, Lily had stood to the side, trying to lend quiet strength while her son had led an uprising that changed the lives of their Pack. "What you've done here is beautiful," she said. "I'm proud of you both." She took in her son again, the strong, capable Alpha, no longer the gangly boy who'd chased his own tail during the full moon.
"I'm happy I can finally be here to say that," she said.
The decision was split-second, and she knew it had to be now or never. She placed her hands on Aidan's arms and looked him in his dear, mismatched eyes. In spite of her decision to enjoy time with her son and her friend, she knew business had to be completed first.
"Aidan, I'm sorry. You must know I couldn't have left Canberra under just any circumstances."
Aidan's response was an echo of Iov's own curt nod; how alike the two were, in so many ways.
She glanced at Iov, then back at Aidan. "I'm sorry. Liam... your father... is dead."
Xeph
17 years ago
And after all that, Xeph thought... the look in his mother's eyes, the letter she'd sent. He'd known.
All the time he'd been waiting for her to arrive, and confirm what he'd read between the lines in her letter. Nothing could have torn Lily Xephier from her husband's side unless he'd died.
A chill settled over him, but he gathered Lily close and hugged her again, all the more because he imagined it was expected of him.
When did you learn to be so cold?
Xeph didn't have an answer. Liam had existed, like a cloud over them all, for so many years. He'd been the stake that drove them apart, but he had been Xeph's father. Xeph's idol, even, when he was young and inexperienced enough to think that there could be no greater power on the earth than Liam Xephier.
With a voice that choked (not with emotion, came the guilty thought, but with shock that the seemingly immortal Liam was gone), Xeph asked, "How?"
All the time he'd been waiting for her to arrive, and confirm what he'd read between the lines in her letter. Nothing could have torn Lily Xephier from her husband's side unless he'd died.
A chill settled over him, but he gathered Lily close and hugged her again, all the more because he imagined it was expected of him.
When did you learn to be so cold?
Xeph didn't have an answer. Liam had existed, like a cloud over them all, for so many years. He'd been the stake that drove them apart, but he had been Xeph's father. Xeph's idol, even, when he was young and inexperienced enough to think that there could be no greater power on the earth than Liam Xephier.
With a voice that choked (not with emotion, came the guilty thought, but with shock that the seemingly immortal Liam was gone), Xeph asked, "How?"
Iov Hammerthynn
17 years ago
Hammer looked down at Lily and gave her the softest look he could, which really wasn't much of a look at all. He hoped and partially knew she'd understand. He watched her as she turned back to her son and did her best to tell him something upsetting. Her body language was enough to tell him she was about to say something he might not be prepared for and knowing that much about her was something Xeph never needed to know. Hammer took a step back, giving them both the privacy they needed when Lily dropped her proverbial bomb.
Hammer's eyes furrowed forward as she told them of Liam's death. With a deep sigh Hammer looked to his right, behind him in search of Brig who was already nearby. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know that when the Alpha's mother comes to visit, its not for a vacation. Hammer couldn't see him but he could smell his presence nearby.
Turning back to Xeph and Lily, Hammer clasped his hands behind his back and lowered his head - partially in respect but mostly in preparation. The old King was dead.
Hammer's eyes furrowed forward as she told them of Liam's death. With a deep sigh Hammer looked to his right, behind him in search of Brig who was already nearby. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know that when the Alpha's mother comes to visit, its not for a vacation. Hammer couldn't see him but he could smell his presence nearby.
Turning back to Xeph and Lily, Hammer clasped his hands behind his back and lowered his head - partially in respect but mostly in preparation. The old King was dead.
Lily
17 years ago
Lily hadn't expected an overwhelming response to the news. It took time to set in, and even then, the relationship between Liam and Aidan had been so badly fractured, she couldn't possibly know how her son would react. He'd stiffened for a moment, just then, when she'd told him, but as he hugged her close she could determine very little sign of his response, until he spoke.
She shook her own head. "That was the strange part," she said softly. "Liam wasn't well... but his illness was entirely mental. Physically he'd been fine. Joshua," she named the reliable were who would most likely take control of the Canberra Pack in their absence, "was worried. He seemed to think there was more to it. He wanted me to come here, with the both of you."
She shook her own head. "That was the strange part," she said softly. "Liam wasn't well... but his illness was entirely mental. Physically he'd been fine. Joshua," she named the reliable were who would most likely take control of the Canberra Pack in their absence, "was worried. He seemed to think there was more to it. He wanted me to come here, with the both of you."
Xeph
17 years ago
Xeph's brow furrowed in thought as he considered his mother's careful words. She had spoken so as not to directly implicate anyone or anything, but that was Lily's way. Often, having a knack for reading between the lines was the only way to determine her true meaning.
"Joshua said this? So he thinks it was premeditated?"
Not only premeditated, but Joshua was a capable fighter in his own right, about the same skill level as Xeph himself, he guessed. If he felt his protection wasn't enough and had sent Lily here to Nachton, the only one more capable of offering physical protection was Hammer. Xeph turned to the Beta, seeking confirmation that Hammer would fall into his old routine, once more Lily's guardian.
"Who would want Liam dead?" Xeph began... and then gave a curt shake of his head. No. Liam had been a strong-willed Alpha, one with forceful opinions and one whose way of doing things had rubbed many people the wrong way. With a heavy heart, he realized there were many who would want his father dead. He tried again. "Who would want you dead with him?"
His father and his incendiary decisions, perhaps... but his mother? The gentle, peaceable Beta? It didn't make sense.
"Joshua said this? So he thinks it was premeditated?"
Not only premeditated, but Joshua was a capable fighter in his own right, about the same skill level as Xeph himself, he guessed. If he felt his protection wasn't enough and had sent Lily here to Nachton, the only one more capable of offering physical protection was Hammer. Xeph turned to the Beta, seeking confirmation that Hammer would fall into his old routine, once more Lily's guardian.
"Who would want Liam dead?" Xeph began... and then gave a curt shake of his head. No. Liam had been a strong-willed Alpha, one with forceful opinions and one whose way of doing things had rubbed many people the wrong way. With a heavy heart, he realized there were many who would want his father dead. He tried again. "Who would want you dead with him?"
His father and his incendiary decisions, perhaps... but his mother? The gentle, peaceable Beta? It didn't make sense.
Iov Hammerthynn
17 years ago
Hammer's hackles immediately rose as the mention of Lily's well being. In response to Xeph's look, Hammer stepped back into the conversation and narrowed his good eye at the unseen menace.
'That will not happen.' The usually unnerved and unfeeling tone Hammer spoke with was clearly gone as years of being Lily's protector rose up and betrayed him. Hammer would sooner die than see the Alpha's family harmed - Xeph knew it, anyone in the pack knew it, and Hammerthynns didn't die easy.
'Joshua was correct to send you to us. Your place is here with the core of the pack. With The Alpha's command, I will have Brig look into the incident immediately.'
A severe transgression would be met with an equally damaging reaction by the pack. Hammer had no doubt that Brig could assist the investigation back in Canberra and would send him with due haste. With his good eye, Hammer looked down at Lily, standing calm and quiet; she could very easily dispatch any attacker if need be, but with the pack protection, they would never get within 50 feet of her.
Although Liam was Xeph's father, he was not sure how the Alpha would mourn or if he'd even have to chance to now that a greater threat was beginning to take shape. Hammer could not advise the young man on the loss of a family member, that was not the Hammerthynn way. They were a vengeful family, unnatural death meeting a far worse retaliation, but Liam was Hammer's friend and not only loyalty kept him tied to him and his descendants. Guilt was much more powerful.
"Who would want you dead with him?"
'That will not happen.' The usually unnerved and unfeeling tone Hammer spoke with was clearly gone as years of being Lily's protector rose up and betrayed him. Hammer would sooner die than see the Alpha's family harmed - Xeph knew it, anyone in the pack knew it, and Hammerthynns didn't die easy.
'Joshua was correct to send you to us. Your place is here with the core of the pack. With The Alpha's command, I will have Brig look into the incident immediately.'
A severe transgression would be met with an equally damaging reaction by the pack. Hammer had no doubt that Brig could assist the investigation back in Canberra and would send him with due haste. With his good eye, Hammer looked down at Lily, standing calm and quiet; she could very easily dispatch any attacker if need be, but with the pack protection, they would never get within 50 feet of her.
Although Liam was Xeph's father, he was not sure how the Alpha would mourn or if he'd even have to chance to now that a greater threat was beginning to take shape. Hammer could not advise the young man on the loss of a family member, that was not the Hammerthynn way. They were a vengeful family, unnatural death meeting a far worse retaliation, but Liam was Hammer's friend and not only loyalty kept him tied to him and his descendants. Guilt was much more powerful.
Xeph
17 years ago
Xeph nodded at Hammer, whose thoughts, as usual, had almost exactly mirrored his own. Brig was more than capable of tracking down any clues to be had. He turned his oddly-colored eyes to Hammer's cousin and said, "Find out what you can, but be careful."
The Canberra Kadzait, older wolves who considered themselves "traditional," had stayed with Liam largely because they disapproved of Xeph's politics. Like Liam, they had never thought Illamar should be treated as anything but inferiors. Those who sided with Xeph, which to be honest was most of the Kadzait, were considered traitors and sympathizers. Xeph didn't need to remind Brig that even in light of Liam's death, the Canberra Pack were hardly likely to go out of their way to be helpful. And if there were a murderer in their midst...
Brig could take care of it, Xeph reminded himself once more. It was impossible for Xeph to go, much as he wanted to. He turned to his mother; mourning could come later, if there was to be any.
"You need to stay close by," he said. It was a statement of the obvious. Even if he hadn't said it out loud, the looks on his and Hammer's faces were identical and they would not be swayed. "There are rooms here, close to ours."
He gathered Lily's bags. "Let's get you settled." Hardly that. His mother looked settled already; it was just like her to make home wherever she was. But for the time being there was nothing else to do. It was his unenviable task to stay here and run the Pack while others sought out the details of Liam's death.
The Canberra Kadzait, older wolves who considered themselves "traditional," had stayed with Liam largely because they disapproved of Xeph's politics. Like Liam, they had never thought Illamar should be treated as anything but inferiors. Those who sided with Xeph, which to be honest was most of the Kadzait, were considered traitors and sympathizers. Xeph didn't need to remind Brig that even in light of Liam's death, the Canberra Pack were hardly likely to go out of their way to be helpful. And if there were a murderer in their midst...
Brig could take care of it, Xeph reminded himself once more. It was impossible for Xeph to go, much as he wanted to. He turned to his mother; mourning could come later, if there was to be any.
"You need to stay close by," he said. It was a statement of the obvious. Even if he hadn't said it out loud, the looks on his and Hammer's faces were identical and they would not be swayed. "There are rooms here, close to ours."
He gathered Lily's bags. "Let's get you settled." Hardly that. His mother looked settled already; it was just like her to make home wherever she was. But for the time being there was nothing else to do. It was his unenviable task to stay here and run the Pack while others sought out the details of Liam's death.
Lily
17 years ago
Lily watched both Aidan and Iov quietly. She had expected no less of either one of them, and although inside she railed quietly at the idea that she couldn't defend herself, she knew they spoke of her protection because they cared. It was a good feeling, one she'd nearly forgotten about. With Liam, there was very little room for soft emotions.
She watched Brig carefully when it seemed that any preliminary sleuthing would be up to him. He was equal to the task; reliable, thorough, and trustworthy. It was to him that she turned.
"Joshua will help you as best he can," she said softly. "The Canberra Kadzait may not give you the warmest welcome. The idea that Liam was murdered has been kept quiet; only he and I know any details at all. I'm sure he'll have his hands full with everything, but you can expect him, at least, to help you out."
She didn't know how familiar Brig and Joshua were. Joshua was much younger than most of the Canberra weres, younger even than Xeph, and Xeph had been young to take on the mantle of Alpha. The grandson of one of the diehard elder weres, Joshua had grown up in Canberra and had already been a part of the existing Kadzait there when she and Liam went back. Whether because of his age or his own independence, Joshua had never fallen under the sway of Liam's beliefs, although he kept his opinions to himself as part of the minority.
"I don't know yet if he will be the next Alpha," she said with honesty, "but he knows what's going on."
Lily turned back to Aidan, aware that he would rather be the one heading to Australia. Her son knew his place and his duty though. It didn't surprise her a bit when his next step was to see her settled in here at the Den. All things in their time, she thought. She had taught him that herself, after all.
She watched Brig carefully when it seemed that any preliminary sleuthing would be up to him. He was equal to the task; reliable, thorough, and trustworthy. It was to him that she turned.
"Joshua will help you as best he can," she said softly. "The Canberra Kadzait may not give you the warmest welcome. The idea that Liam was murdered has been kept quiet; only he and I know any details at all. I'm sure he'll have his hands full with everything, but you can expect him, at least, to help you out."
She didn't know how familiar Brig and Joshua were. Joshua was much younger than most of the Canberra weres, younger even than Xeph, and Xeph had been young to take on the mantle of Alpha. The grandson of one of the diehard elder weres, Joshua had grown up in Canberra and had already been a part of the existing Kadzait there when she and Liam went back. Whether because of his age or his own independence, Joshua had never fallen under the sway of Liam's beliefs, although he kept his opinions to himself as part of the minority.
"I don't know yet if he will be the next Alpha," she said with honesty, "but he knows what's going on."
Lily turned back to Aidan, aware that he would rather be the one heading to Australia. Her son knew his place and his duty though. It didn't surprise her a bit when his next step was to see her settled in here at the Den. All things in their time, she thought. She had taught him that herself, after all.
Brig Jameson
17 years ago
Brig's mamma didn't raise no igit. Not that he ever thought like that in his head, Brig just enjoyed annoying Hammer with his American pop culture tid bits. In any case, it was true which is why he did not stray far and stayed within view of Hammerthynn. The second Hammer turned and look over his shoulder, not even completely at him, Brig took two long steps forward and waited for orders.
The old Alpha's was dead. Brig was not surprised that there was treachery in the air tainting his death. Liam would not go out peacefully or without some sort of bitter fan faire. No, Hammer and Brig were bred for this type of situation and, although sadly but alertly, were prepared for the worst case scenario.
It had been many years since he had seen Lily and she was just as beautiful as when he first met her with Hammerthynn; the young bride of the sour Alpha. How many years did Hammer stand by her side as her protector, with Liam's permission of course. Brig was now standing next to Hammer, his eyes flicking back and forth between the two. His eyebrows crinkled up in surprise and confusion when he looked into Hammer's face.
Hammer was worried.
Blinking slowly Brig looked back at Lily who spoke quietly with her son. One thought occured to him, as it had so many years ago seeing Hammer with Lily. So many years he was with her. The thought was chased away as Hammer turned and looked at him fully with his one good eye. As Hammer spoke, his curious wonderings were completely forgotten.
((ooc Brig out))
The old Alpha's was dead. Brig was not surprised that there was treachery in the air tainting his death. Liam would not go out peacefully or without some sort of bitter fan faire. No, Hammer and Brig were bred for this type of situation and, although sadly but alertly, were prepared for the worst case scenario.
It had been many years since he had seen Lily and she was just as beautiful as when he first met her with Hammerthynn; the young bride of the sour Alpha. How many years did Hammer stand by her side as her protector, with Liam's permission of course. Brig was now standing next to Hammer, his eyes flicking back and forth between the two. His eyebrows crinkled up in surprise and confusion when he looked into Hammer's face.
Hammer was worried.
Blinking slowly Brig looked back at Lily who spoke quietly with her son. One thought occured to him, as it had so many years ago seeing Hammer with Lily. So many years he was with her. The thought was chased away as Hammer turned and looked at him fully with his one good eye. As Hammer spoke, his curious wonderings were completely forgotten.
((ooc Brig out))
Iov Hammerthynn
17 years ago
Brig had stepped up and was now by his side as Lily and Xeph continued their talk. His Piper Commander was thinking exactly what he had been thinking - that something was rotten in the state of Denmark.
Hammerthynn rolled his shoulders slowly thinking of what he could find out while Brig was travelling back to Canberra, but he had other things interrupting his train of thought. The familiar powdery scent wafting from Lily and his dealings with Marthinus and his family. He could not help but worry as he looked at Lily and her small frame.
Suddenly he realized Brig was staring at him and he turned his good eye at his Commander. Brig had a confused look on his face and was now looking between him and Lily. Hammer's hackles rose but he tempered them down with grunted commands.
'You, LT and the Pipers will go first thing tomorrow. Briefing at 4am. You know what to do.'
Brig's expression fell and it was replaced with the jovial steely look again. Hammer knew he could trust Brig with almost anything in the Beta's life. He was family, blood and otherwise...but some things just aren't meant to be shared.
Hammerthynn rolled his shoulders slowly thinking of what he could find out while Brig was travelling back to Canberra, but he had other things interrupting his train of thought. The familiar powdery scent wafting from Lily and his dealings with Marthinus and his family. He could not help but worry as he looked at Lily and her small frame.
Suddenly he realized Brig was staring at him and he turned his good eye at his Commander. Brig had a confused look on his face and was now looking between him and Lily. Hammer's hackles rose but he tempered them down with grunted commands.
'You, LT and the Pipers will go first thing tomorrow. Briefing at 4am. You know what to do.'
Brig's expression fell and it was replaced with the jovial steely look again. Hammer knew he could trust Brig with almost anything in the Beta's life. He was family, blood and otherwise...but some things just aren't meant to be shared.
Xeph
17 years ago
Xeph's keen ears picked up the low conversation between Hammer and Brig. He wondered briefly about the wisdom of sending all the Pipers to Canberra, but Hammer was right. Besides, the Pipers as a group were experienced with this kind of thing. Xeph was certain Brig would be the only one out and about asking questions. LT and the rest of the clan would most likely be backup and support. They would understand the folly of going to Canberra so obviously en masse; the Pack there was still so volatile in nature. Any show of force would be taken the wrong way. No, Brig was sure to do his job well; go in, ask tactful questions, dig up what facts he could, get out just as quietly.
He nodded at Brig once again, in thanks. "I'll see you tomorrow."
There was no question; although Xeph didn't often inquire as to the means and methods of Hammer's kin, they were still his Pack and he planned to be involved every step of the way. He gritted his teeth, half-irritated, half-relieved to not be able to travel himself.
Lily was watching him, and he forced a smile as he readjusted his mother's bags in his big hands.
"Shall we?"
He nodded at Brig once again, in thanks. "I'll see you tomorrow."
There was no question; although Xeph didn't often inquire as to the means and methods of Hammer's kin, they were still his Pack and he planned to be involved every step of the way. He gritted his teeth, half-irritated, half-relieved to not be able to travel himself.
Lily was watching him, and he forced a smile as he readjusted his mother's bags in his big hands.
"Shall we?"
Lily
17 years ago
Lily did nothing but look on; she was the newcomer here, regardless of her role in the Pack's past. She refused to have any say inthe proceedings. What little remaining information she had, she would see Brig received tomorrow morning.
Of course, quiet was one thing. Looking at her son and her longtime guardian and friend, she raised one delicate eyebrow in contemplation. Knowing the two of them, they were going to keep her under lock and key, but Lily Xephier had her own ideas.
It was dawning on her that for the first time in a very long time, she was free to make choices that didn't consider the safety of her entire Pack and her family. She planned to do so, even if she had to start small.
((ooc: Lily, Hammer, and Xeph out. All with permission.))
Of course, quiet was one thing. Looking at her son and her longtime guardian and friend, she raised one delicate eyebrow in contemplation. Knowing the two of them, they were going to keep her under lock and key, but Lily Xephier had her own ideas.
It was dawning on her that for the first time in a very long time, she was free to make choices that didn't consider the safety of her entire Pack and her family. She planned to do so, even if she had to start small.
((ooc: Lily, Hammer, and Xeph out. All with permission.))