Igor's steps had faltered a few times along the way. If he wasn't so driven to find his family and be by their side again, he wouldn't have reached this land. He had been separated from the Savante for months, and it made his heart ache. His red eyes were heavy and his face dark until his nose twitched with the fresh scent of @Alexander ♔. His head shot up, and he looked around in every direction. His paws were swollen and cut from the walking that seemed to go on forever. Ears twitched and lips parted as Igor let out a loud chuff. He couldn't contain the excitement that rose in his body. The exhaustion, though, kept him less active than he would've been if he was at full strength.

A few more steps forward, and he finally halted and waited. Eyes glimmering with hope as the sun was beginning to hide behind the horizon, making his eyes redder than they were and his emotions more visible.

"SPEECH"

code by scorpixia♡︎

He'd been patrolling when the scent came upon him. Marking the territory to ensure that it didn't dwindle or die, he didn't want anyone to mistake this place as abandoned. Not like he had. Nostrils flare, that familiar scent causing his heart to flutter, elation building within him. Pace quickened as the beast moved over the lands of the Hollows, blue eyes landing on the form of @Igor as he stood along the lines of the border. Ears perk up, his limbs kicking into a run before he comes to a sudden stop. "A testvérem!" My brother! The beast exclaims, moving to pull him into a gentle hug. The Savante had noticed the other was in a unhealthy state, he did not wish to make it worse.

his patience paid off. After awhile of standing under the disappearing rays of the sun red eyes focused on a silhouette. Ears perked and he fixed his posture as he took a few steps forward, a smile curling his lips. Tail flicked behind him and when he was absolutely sure it was Alex, the red and white man was already hurrying toward him. Eyes warmed and chest filled with anticipation and comfort as his brother neared and stopped in front of him before embracing him. The man couldn't help but checked as he returned the hug and aimed to rub his head against his older brother's.

The familiar tongue that met his ears caused a purr to emit from his chest. His brother's warm words were something he was always used to. "Brother." His words were soft and quiet as if @Alexander ♔ would disappear and this would be another trick of his mind due to the exhaustion. But Alex was there in all his glory. Shoulders rolled and Igor took a step back to admire his older brother before speaking. "Tell me, what have I missed are everyone else with you? Are they safe?"

"SPEECH"

code by scorpixia♡︎

Alexander felt an affectionate purr resonate in his chest as their heads rubbed together. During their travels they had been separated and it was a relief to see @Igor alive. The others would be as well, especially Neculai. "There has been much going on, but you have stumbled upon our new home. I am freshly crowned within this territory. It is...small compared to our homeland, but I have plans to expand." He murmurs, a vibrant smile curving his dark lips as he ushers his sibling in, further into the territory of the Hollows, "I plan to call a gathering for our kin soon, you can reunite with them as well." Alexander was reluctant to talk about the loss that they had endured since arriving to Amaryllis, such as their dear Levana - lost to her own ignorance.

He still couldn't quite grasp this reunion. It all seemed so unreal. But the fact that he could feel his brother close and exchange comforting words with him, was proof enough. With a soft toothy grin, Igor reclined on his haunches and took in Alex. He was looking well. Healthy. He hoped his other kin would look just as good. The thought faded into his mind as Alex spoke. The mention of home caused the man's smile to broaden.

"I had no doubt in my mind you'd make our dream come true." Igor stated with a proud nod and aimed to lift a paw and place it on @Alexander ♔'s shoulder. "King suits you, my dear brother." His grin turned into a soft smile before his paw lowered to the ground. Seriousness coated his voice as the Savante spoke again. "I will help you with anything I can to achieve happiness for our kin." Another nod to show the certainty in his words before Alex continued and explained that there will soon be a gathering.

"I can't wait to see everyone again. It's been too long." He mused and shook his head in disappointment to his own stupid decisions that lead to his separation. Never again, will he allow it to happen. He needed his family and he was sure, his family needed him.

html by castlegraphics; image by eightysichs

Alexander felt proud, but also humbled - to know that his family believed in him so fiercely. The failure of his first challenge seemed so far in the past now, a distant memory that didn't matter at all. As @Igor continued to speak, ears dance upon his skull as the Savante beast contemplates how his brother can assist. He knew that Igor was quite capable. Perhaps something small for now, however, while he recovered.

"I would like for you to assume the position of Gentry, a testvérem. I think it will suit you well until you have fully regained your strength." If he wished for something more later on down the line, he was more than welcome to chase after it. Blue eyes look over his form, noting the swell of his paws, "Camellia will wish to see to you." He scolds gently, a light laugh escaping his lips. Their sister would be in a fuss about his current condition.

@Alexander ♔ was as kind as ever. Concerned and happy to see him. He expected just that. A little part from him was thinking his family might be unhappy he had strayed and fallen behind. But he saw nothing of that. His red eyes met soft blue ones and the smile that was on his lips was replaced by a cheeky grin as his. brother offered him a rank.

"I will be whatever you need me to be." He nods with determination. His grin turns into a soft smile as his brother scolds him in a soft manner, his eyes lowering to his feet. He had almost forgotten about the ache in them. Ears twitched at the sound of their sister's name, the man was definitely eager to see her and everyone else as well. "I am sure she would. I would appreciate that." He offered and switched his weight to his other side, his tail swaying gently behind him. "Whenever you're ready, I'll follow you to her." Another nod of acknowledgement, before he waited for his brother's decision. They definitely had much to talk about, he didn't mind if Alex wanted to do that here or on their way into their home.

html by castlegraphics; image by eightysichs

There was no judgement from him. @Igor had taken his own path, but had ultimately returned to the place he belonged - with his family. Alexander could be nothing but grateful for his return and this reunion. It had been long overdue. He was happy to hear of his brother's eagerness to help. Head nods slowly, the gesture one of approval. Gentry would fit him well, and he would be able to be productive.

"Let us head there now. I may disappear once we arrive, I have dodged her lately as well." He muses, offering his sibling a crooked, almost boyish grin. It was decidedly new, this side of him. Amaryllis had war and conflict, but there was an air about this land that allowed the Savante patriarch to be kinder, more at ease and the stress of supporting his family was momentarily dissolved.

He turns and quietly leads Igor toward Camellia's den.

/exit Alexander

The man gave a chuckle as his brother spoke. Red eyes following his form as he turn d and led him towards the den. With no hesitation and much expectations and excitement, Igor followed his brother, now king into their new home, where his family waited.

exit w/@Alexander ♔