I let the violet gold of my gaze rest upon those three boys before me, my age, though one at least, the darkest one, was big all the same. He didn’t seem all that talkative either, my gaze find his own momentarily. If he didn’t want to talk that was fine, there was something respectable in that, after all- one couldn’t listen if they were talking now could they? Maybe he just likes to listen, I will find out later. My attention returned to one of the other boys as he spoke, a rush of wind ruffling my fur once more as I braced myself against it, teeth biting down against each other as I attempted to shoulder the blasted cold with a grimace of sorts. Maybe I was artic wolf by blood- but that didn’t mean I had to like it.

“No, no one in particular- I just wanted to see the mountain though I believe I’d have a better view of it if my eyes weren’t being assaulted by wind and snowflakes.”

I grinned all the same, letting them see the words were meant as a playful gesture more than an actual insult to their homeland. It was different after all, different to my own but that didn’t mean it was bad. I preferred less wind in my life but otherwise it made for a striking view- like a giant iron throne that looked across the other lands. Was it as powerful as my own homeland? Maybe, maybe not- it didn’t matter. I already knew I liked these three, that maybe one day I would have a land to match their own even if I don’t stand to inherit it as they surely do- or one of them. How did they decide who was going to be King? Hmm, that should be amusing, although if I had to pick I suppose I would pick the dark one, only because he seems more dominant then his brothers. I’ll have to work on him some more, he seems the least…let’s say….forthcoming. I let my gaze flicker once more to the brother who spoke, smile fading slightly as I inclined may gaze upward. This wasn’t the top? Well- why the hell had I wasted half my life climbing just to get to here?! How very disappointing. If this is the way disappointment feels I am entirely inclined never to feel it again. I was oblivious in that moment as to how much of my life was being shaped, as to how much of who and what I would be had already begun to emerge in fine shades within my personality and my decisions- that my first ever moment of disappointment would be my inability to fully climb Spirane’s mountain and that this feeling would mark a desire, a determination- to never feel that way again. I was determined I suppose, or would be, in everything I did. A trait I suppose, that would both hinder and help me later- if only I had known what was coming.

“I will be back then- in the spring, Rhaegal.”

I met his gaze once more as I spoke his name, repeating it, committing it to memory before letting my eyes flicker to each in turn, Viserion and Drogon- whom seemed unhappy about his name being spoken as I frowned ever so slightly, wondering again why he seemed so bothered.

“I’m Hyrule.”

I offered my name in turn before the lighter one, Viserion, spoke again, talking of the long held truce between our packs, our families even though I knew truly little about such a thing, only what Grandfather had told me off and he was often given to very long stories I did not always hear the end of. I would regret that, one day, not listening more and yet I suppose that is the punishment of youth- to believe you know it all until you get old enough to know you don’t. Then again, maybe I would grow to believe otherwise. Ego is a…taint on our blood, or so I am told- though why anyone should apologise for being better I hardly know. I had nothing to be egotistical about just yet, but one day I would, one day- I was sure. I nodded at his words, my own tail waving lightly as I spoke once more, pleased to offer some contribution to this conversation.

“I know of this truce, Heyel of Trenus organised it with Boneclaw of Solevion many years ago. Heyel told me himself, he is my grandfather and this is his twenty fourth year.”

I allowed that little bit of awe to taint my voice as I told them of perhaps my proudest claim. It was not that I bore the blood of Heyel or even of any Angels before me- but that I knew him, that I spoke to him often and that he was twenty four. Many, in time, would say they held the blood of such a legend….but how many would ever say they knew him? Besides, twenty four is about as ancient as it gets, almost as high as I can count and really I think that is rather impressive, chest puffed out ever so slightly at this offered information and the assurance of a friendship perhaps already secured. Maybe they would help me chase of those girls from Asteraia when I went back later on. We would be a good crew, I was sure, assuring them I had two brothers of my own to add. I liked this mountain and I wanted them…on my side. I am hardly foolish. I know power when I see it- but no need to mention that to them, not today. My silver tainted tail waved ever so slightly once more at Rhaegal’s mention of a force to be reckoned with, grin seeing my lip quirk upward.

“I’d like that, when I come back next time I will bring them with me- I have a sister to, but…girl’s are boring, I won’t bring her.”

I scowled slightly at the thought of Ninevah. I loved my sister, but she was odd and…girly. I liked girls, mostly, at least, I liked when they paid attention to me- but not my sister so much. She was boring. Although most girls had begun to throw themselves at me lately, literally, I’m not sure what that’s about. Women are…confusing. Even the little ones.

“I haven’t been to the ocean yet, I think their Alpha might be my cousin though, I’m not sure. I have a lot of cousins. Did you like the ocean? I thought about going but I’m not sure sand and me go together.”

I shrugged lightly, unashamed to admit that I really am not entirely sure I was designed for salt and sand. I might frizz. I don’t do frizz. At his mention of Prince I refocused my attention once more, my earlier assumption assured on their own royal blood, their scents so similar to the markings upon the border that it was easy enough to gaze as my own form shifted slightly…uncomfortable, such a title something of a sore point I suppose.

“I am- sort of I suppose. Isola, the Alpha of our pack is my Mother’s sister. I am of the royal family but not directly in line so I don’t have that title- officially, I’ll get it though.”

My voice was strong, assured, grin tracing my lips once more as I nodded- before my name being spoken saw my silver and white form pivot in place to find the girl from Diveen coming towards me, the girl I had met on the border with the less then impressed sister.

“Semele.”

I spoke her name back in return, flashing a grin in her direction, one for her alone- pleased to see her once more. Maybe…not all girls were boring.

“I’m alright, it’s just a little snow.”

That had nearly blown me off a mountainside. I didn’t want her knowing that though, I didn’t want a girl thinking I was….unmanly, that snow and wind bothered me. I wasn’t sure why exactly I felt that way, but I did, girls…..well, they didn’t mean a whole lot to me just yet but they would, one day, one day I would look back on my childish flirtation and laugh at how naive I was to myself. All casanova’s have to begin somewhere though, right? I snorted, one shoulder pressed against her own in a teasing manner, flashing another easy grin in her direction as she spoke. Of course it was good to see me again. I’d love to see me again, who wouldn’t want to?

“Oh don’t worry, I’ll be back to guard the gate again soon, who else could they possibly trust to do it? Enemies just see me and they turn tail- it’s my look. If got this whole thing happening.”

I chuckled softly once more, gesturing briefly to myself in jest before scowling slightly. I’ve got a ‘thing’ going on? What did that even mean? Why was I still talking? Better I don’t think about it. Semele asked to be taken to some shelter, my own white and silver form lifting readily to my paws now, red ears pricked forward to follow the Princes where they lead, moving to lope beside Viserion, head turning back to look for Semele- scowling slightly as Drogon moved to walk beside her and block the wind like a boulder. I suppose he did make a good rock- he had the personality of one. Very...sturdy. I chuckled softly to myself once more, snicker hissing between my teeth before stepping down and into the shelter of the cave, shaking the snow from myself before speaking.

“Iromar was damp and they have these plants that grow their- mushrooms they call them. Very odd. I didn’t see an alligator but there was a girl there she…fell on me and started shouting about trespassing, we sort of became friends. She was much nicer then the other girl who jumped at me in Asteraia. We got into a bit of a fight with them, my brother and I and Ame. You and your brothers should come next time we go back to take on those Asteraia puppies- we’d win then, I’m sure, we wold have won last time but the adults got involved. Girls jump on me a lot- I don’t really know why but she started it when she did. Do they jump on you too?”

I huffed slightly. The last part at least was spoken softly, just to Viserion alone, a slight question within my voice as if to ask if he too had experienced this phenomenon of excitable females- maybe it was just me.


h y r u l e
The Once and Future King