Scyphus

Scyphus steps out onto the rock overlooking her pack's home. She gazes into the crowd of expecting faces, each pair of eyes more harsh than the last. Some lick their lips. Others shift uncomfortably. Many try to avoid thinking about the upcoming events by speaking to their peers. None of them know when the last time they do so may be. The newer members of the pack look around as if they do not understand why the air feels heavy and still. Pups of all ages are watched closely by their assigned sitters, as if keeping them still and unnoticeable would spare them from their fate. Yet all of them know what is happening today. 

Scyphus steps towards the edge, gaze lifting from the crowd to look out into the distance, seemingly for answers. But nothing is to be seen through the thick fog that rests over the mountains and slips through the shadows of their forest. After a few more moments, silence fell over the pack. At last, she glances back down and draws in a single deep breath.

"My friends," She begins, "I believe... Due to the expressions on each of your faces that you all know what today is." She would have fumbled over the words if she wasn't essentially on autopilot during this speech. It never gets easier to explain to the newer generations that they would have to kill and replace the very wolves who taught them. But that is how the skills are transferred. This is how the next generation picked up the torch left behind by the elders. 

"May our goddess Fortuna smile upon you today." She turns, nodding to the nearest pupsitter. Magi smiles and nudges the two adolescents up the rock at the Leader. Scyphus waves her tail, gesturing for them to stand by her on the rock. 

The current Fieret and Iustitia stand by the base of the rock, awaiting the order.

"Tonight, my friends, we give these two their names! We give them their roles! We accept them as one of our own and watch as they blossom!" The crowd roars. It's never very difficult to rile them up. Especially when it comes to a ritual. No matter how terribly afraid they may be, they will be distracted by the beauty of the show. She sits, closes her eyes, and faces the sky. Who will the gods request?

"Currus! Amantes! You have been chosen! Blessed by our gods!" She snaps her eyes open and watches the crowd disperse as Fieret and Iustitia hunt the pair down. Iustitia pinned Amantes down and Scyphus swept her gaze across the camp, spotting Currus. She speeds through the crowd, Fieret gaining on her. A sinister grin weaves its way over her lips as she watches the chase unfold. They rarely run. Usually they're shell shocked until they hit the ground. But it is always more fun -for Leader and for Fieret- when they run.

Right at the treeline, Fieret leaps at the female, rolling her into the dirt and placing his weight on her. A yelp echos through the clearing as Fieret heaves himself onto one of her rear legs, rendering it useless. One of his favorite methods of incapacitation. Scyphus licks her lips in excitement as she watches Fieret pick the crushed leg up in his jaws and drag the screaming, clawing she-wolf back over to the Leader's cave. He would not kill her, for it was the new members' duty to do so. However, until the execution, he could torture her in whatever means he sees fit.

At least Amantes was coming peacefully. Iustitia was simply guiding her, teeth bared, from behind. Amantes was the current herbalist. It's no surprise that she was reacting the way she did. It truly is a shame that she has to die. 

"Tonight," She turns to the pair of adolescents, expecting them to look shocked or afraid, but instead, they seemed excited, "We dine. Just the four of us." She grins and gestures towards her second in command, Fieret. 

These two orphans will make a perfect addition to her pack

Art from #7192  

The Cup (Lol)

Main lady!! 10/19/20