The Elder's Mate

Seven - Clan Leader & Firsts

"This is Artemis, my chosen mate. As you see she carries my pup. You will treat her with the same respect you give me. Insubordination will result in immediate punishment."

Rhage surveyed the room as he let his words sink in. He would not stand for any slights towards his mate, either, something he voiced. There were the nods of heads as he waited but one voice spoke up, much to the surprise of the room. A Young Blood with yellow-green skin and dull grey armor stepped forward, his blue gaze narrowed towards Artemis in disdain; disgust even.

The Elder Yautja already saw what was coming and he didn't appreciate it.

"Why do you mate with such a weak species? Why not leave her on Earth? She brings nothing for the advancement of the clan, Leader Rhage." The Young Blood crossed his arms across his armored chest.

Rhage remembered when he was once a Young Blood. So full of aggression and a desire to prove himself. This one before him, one he had trained many years before, had that same look in his eyes as he once had; so ready to prove himself and to question all that could potentially harm the clan.

Instead of reacting with cruelty, Rhage chose empathy. "Young Blood, I understand your concerns. Her species is not as weak as you speak. Listen to me now, pup." Rhage leaned forward in his seat, being careful to keep Artemis secure while he moved. "In time you will learn that her species is cunning and quick witted. We are stronger and faster, yes, but do not let this deceive you. Concerning Artemis, my chosen mate, she shows a bravery that is very rarely seen.

"She was locked in my holding cell and chose bravery over cowering in a corner, knowing our species is greatly feared by her own. She was forcibly made to carry my pup and chose to accept it. You may think she is weak but she is not. Do not let looks deceive you, Young Blood. Let this be a lesson," he swept his gaze around the room, "to all of you. Remember you are never seasoned enough to no longer need a lesson."

The Young Blood cast his eyes to the floor as he pounded his fist upon his chest, a sign of respect. "Forgive me, Leader Rhage."

Rhage nodded, "You are forgiven. Next time I will not be so forgiving." His voice dropped several octaves to drive home his point as the authoritative figure in the situation.

Artemis shifted on his thigh, her face changing in color ever so slightly. She seemed to be in pain but was trying to hide it. He wanted to ask what was wrong but was interrupted by another voice speaking up. It was his first born, Dhare.

"She is a wonderful addition to the clan. May Paya bless her and the clan." Others joined him voicing their support, their fists thumping against their chest in a silent approval.

The room filled with the roars of the Yautja, their growls mixing together in a violent cacophony that had Artemis holding onto his arm as he held her close. When the noise finally died down he continued to speak. He told of where he had been the past few months and what came of it. There was also the job of hearing from those who wished to speak with him, the rest of the clan leaving silently.

One by one they approached the dais and he listened to each and every one. He had missed interacting with his people, making sure to meet their individual needs and weigh their more difficult requests, such as reassignment or his blessing for a hunt. There was one request of a mated couple, the last in line, that made Artemis lean forward slightly.

One of her hands had been rubbing her swell gently but she went to cradling it as the couple walked forward.

"Leader Rhage, Kova and I have been blessed with a male pup. Enoch is his name." A tall slender female stepped forward, her grey and white body contrasting with her mate's green and brown. Both stood side by side, the female holding a bundled pup in her arms. She brought the pup closer for both Rhage and Artemis to see.