Meeting Thrillkill This Wolf [Rita BEHEADING]

“Rita.”

The king and queen sit together on a high stone. Behind them looms the castle, mossy and wrapped in thorny blue roses. Shade falls over the gathering, the breeze knocking the tree canopy back and forth. It’s a decent day in the last grip of Gemini’s brutal winter. Grass is rising from between patches of snow—a promise of better times ahead, or so they all hope.

Akira swishes her tail, a gesture wholly unwolf-like, and peers down at the former captain with a hawkish glint in her eyes.

“First, I would like to apologize for the miscommunication. I understand you believed you were barred in the cave where your mate is recovering. That was… not our intention. We hope you will enjoy the length of your freedom beyond its walls. The fields are quite lovely.”

She clears her throat, not out of embarrassment but because she’s trying not to *laugh*. Maybe it was some sort of karmic retribution on the smallest scale that such a tyrant would be subjected to something so humiliating.

“I would never pass forgiveness onto you for the people you have hurt. If they seek justice for the pains you inflicted on them, that is their prerogative, especially beyond our borders.

Many of those sheltering in Gemini have done terrible things in their lives, and they are trying to better themselves. We support the idea of a second chance, if those around are also welcoming to the idea and no danger to our own people is present.

The queen and I offer you two choices.

One. You and your family may stay until your mate is recovered and your children are grown enough to travel safely. You will remain under supervision, but you will be granted additional freedoms if you prove yourself peaceful and helpful. Then, when you are prepared and healthy, you may leave without hinderance. We will not follow you.

Two. You and your family may stay and make this your home, provided you work to make amends. This will not be easy. We will work you hard, and any place among us will be earned. Prove you are a friend. Prove you want to be better. That is what we ask of you, should you choose to join us.

Tell us which you would prefer, and it shall be done.”

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The indignities that the infamous Pirate Queen had endured during her detainment here had been unspeakable. Psychological tormetn at its best, and cleverly too, making the beast become one of the sources of her own suffering. Led to believe false pretenses that brought about a rancid, unfathomable set of living circumstances. Even in the fiery pits of her mind she could not mention the structure. All she knew was that the runts had summoned her, and they were lucky she did not take their tongues for doing so! One does not simply call upon Rita.

With lungs now full of fresh air, a very welcomed change, the bitch walked with hella swagger as she made her way with a bouncing trot. Bones clinked against each other and trinkets dangled, swaying with each step. The air was brisk with the promise of spring, the snows of yester-season clinging with desperation. Change was imminent. Hmph, the Captain smirked, knowing that the first change would be her asserting her obvious dominance and putting things back the way they should be.

Shit-smeared cave walls were no quarters for the Pirate King and Queen.

She came to the clearing where the young King and the worn Queen stood, ignoring any audience that might gather for the time being. Words were spoken, apologies offered, and options laid bare. But who did these pipsqueaks think they were? Royalty? HAH. Rita was the only royalty here. Gold flowed through her veins, gold and sea salt and ambition. No quivering pups of young years could make her tremble, could make her think them gracious or herself humble. Oh no.

"Fuck if ye think I'ma go fer any o'that!" The Captain barked out in a hysterical laugh, fires smoldering in golden eyes as her hackles raised. Muscles tensed as she stood tall, lips peeling back as she slowly turned her attention to any others that had gathered to witness the spectacle, "Do ye know who I am? I'ma the biggest goddamn deal there is, ye twats! I fuckin' conquered what I felt like, when I felt like it! THe likes of ye ain't gonna get no fuckin' simperin' out of me. I fart in yer general direction." She was breathing heavily now, her words weighted, her tone dark.

"Ain't none of ya seen anythin' I can do, or the dangers I can bring, but rest fuckin' assured, I'll show you." Each syllable was coated in a degree of hatred so rarely seen, so carefully reserved for dramatic scenes. Ragged breaths hissed through clenched teeth, her anger boiling so hot she could feel flames licking her veins as she turned back to the 'King' and 'Queen', as a slow, wicked grin spread on that face.

"So take them second chances and shove 'em so far up yer asses that ye'll never be able to shit again! I'll accept no 'mercy' from the likes of you. I OPT FOR DEATH!" And with that, the Pirate Queen in all her glory and splendor, wearing years of an empire's glory on her shoulders, gracefully turned around and squatted. A lift of her tail and she left some building blocks for Gemini's next wall.

Rita carefully tended to Shark before departing, knowing he would not likely do well on the venture over. The days had been kinder to his sleep, ever since they'd been able to clear out there... unsightly wall. With the fresher air, he seemed to sleep through the nights more easily, and his aggressive fits were less frequent during the daylight hours. Still, she'd rather he get more rest and avoid any possible situation for an outburst. After a period of close embrace, Rita pressed her face into his scruff for what may be the last time.

And with a deep breath she departed.

The ex-Captain did not remember much for her walk to the scene, her mind had been rather occupied. But the jolt she felt when she approached Akira and Serrate left a burning pit in her stomach - one of uncertainty, panic. But there was almost something else, and the only word she could find to describe it was spite. In earlier years the pirate had not much to lose, not much to risk. Much time had passed since then and now, and she had accumulated much to lose. She would not go quiet into the night.

Holding her breath, the King spoke and offered what apologies could be had for her uh... situation... at the den. If not for her fur, her furious blush might have been noticeable. Such terribly embarrassing things were unbecoming for her, and the sooner no one ever fucking mentioned it again, the better. But he kept speaking, this time more seriously, and about more serious matters. Her heart raced, her skin flushed, and she had to work to keep her expressions in check. She hated feeling vulnerable, and she was tenfold more vulnerable with an ailing mate and a dozen children in tow.

But there it was. An offer. They seemed to be hiding some ulterior motives, too good to be true. Rita held her tongue for a minute, her glance shifting from Akira to Serrate and back, her ears swiveling to pick up any commentary around her. That... that couldn't possibly be it? Could it?

She would not pass up on it. Clearing her throat, she dipped her head lightly, "I uh... well my mate is in no state to travel... right now. And my pups." Her spirited, troublesome pups. Death would surely greet them if she tried to venture into unclaimed territories with them as reckless as they were at this age... "They would have more t'learn growin' up in a more... sound environment. If'n they grow up strong and want to, they can come with me an' their pa..." If he gets better...

No. Shark will recover.
There was no room for doubt here.

text speech: #4C7B80