Mortimer

Fontaine (Brother, NPC)

Mortimer was a turkey vulture who served as the familiar and companion to Gale of Fellfang. His story continues alongside the wolf's. Mortimer was created and RP'd by Weasele.

## Personality

* ***Dedicated, Eloquent, and Methodical.*** Mortimer may not be the most upstanding of avian citizens, but he is a devoted and stalwart creature. Once he finds purpose or a task to dedicate himself to, he puts his entire soul and being into accomplishing it. His resolution and zealousness have made him a valuable ally to many over the course of his life. Mortimer has spent a good portion of his life imbued in the politics of those that roam the skies, and because of this he has had to learn how to be articulate with his words. Despite his looks he has a certain persuasiveness about him that is effective in getting this bird what he wants. Well-spoken and careful with his words, Morty is well aware that a carrion feeder such as himself has to be convincing. Creating and maintaining order is quite important to this aging bird and in his eyes it is imperative to survival. Organization skills and the ability to be efficient have been drilled into him since he first broke through his eggshell. Constantly calculating his next move, Morty almost always has a plan of some kind.
* ***Droll, Enigmatic, and Proud.*** Despite his austere appearance, Mortimer is a bird who enjoys his humor and sarcasm. His humor is quite dark and very much dry, it's purely for himself that he cracks jokes and he could care less if you actually find him funny. Though he finds himself to be hilarious, others may find his humor to be a bit too sardonic or just plain mean-spirited at times. Somewhat secretive and very much a bird who likes to put up smoke and mirrors, Mortimer keeps an air of mystery about himself as much as he can. Due to his less than innocent past, he does his best to keep things vague and answers short when asked of his prior life. This wall of ambiguity he puts between himself and others protects him just as much as it hinders his ability to forge meaningful relationships with others, and as far as he is concerned that makes it worth it- even if it means he's alone in the world. Despite being in exile and his life winding up the way it has, Mortimer still has a fair bit of ego and pride that he is unable to let go of. He has lived a long and exciting life and he isn't ready to face the facts that all he has achieved over the course of his life has been ripped away. Though his prideful nature has helped him have the confidence to survive, coming to terms with all he has managed to undo might be both the death of his ego and his physical being.
* ***Bitter, Dogmatic, and Ruthless.*** Mortimer was once a mighty and revered leader of a flock and army willing to obey his every whim...but now...he is little more than an echo of his former glory. Ever since his exile, Mortimer has become far more angry and cynical towards everyone and everything. Though he knows deep down his life has turned out the way it has due to his own actions, his pride will not allow him to come to terms with this and he struggles each day with his resentment towards all. Stubborn and inflexible, Mortimer is an opinionated and headstrong creature. He is so caught up in doing things in a traditional way that he rarely, if ever, tries to look outside himself and his worldview. Morty finds himself to be uncomfortable in unconventional situations and has a hard time going outside his comfort zone and making moves that may be risky in terms of producing results. Both competitive and jaded, Mortimer is rather cut-throat and willing to do what he must in order to accomplish his goals. His insensitive nature and lack of compassion make it difficult for him to sympathize with others. Unforgiving and bordering on vindictive, Morty is a bird who will not only hold a grudge- but carry it out until he feels some sense of relief.

## Pre-Group History

Their flock had called the valley Mortimer and his brother Fontaine were born in home for many generations. Gautier, their father, was a wise and powerful leader who did what many of the vulture folk of his generation thought to be the impossible...he befriended the wolves of the valley. The Pack of Somnus was a wild and ruthless group of wolves who were constantly at war with the neighboring Alto Pack. Gautier struck up a deal with one of the leader of Somnus, who promised untold glory should Gautier and his following join their side in the war. Though Gautier didn't know it at the time, this deal he made would not only be the death of him...but for most within the valley. This ambitious and unscrupulous wolf whom the alliance was created with was known as Reginia. She was a ruthless and cunning she-wolf who hungered for something not even power could fill. Gautier simply watched as the pieces fell into place and the betrayal and carnage unfolded. He cared little for the affairs of wolves truth be told, but the trail of death and destruction left in the Pack of Somnus' wake was sure to feed his flock for generations to come.

The next generation did eventually arrive. His brother, Fontaine, was the first to hatch and was quickly followed by Mortimer. Both Gautier and his partner, Esme, were elated that both of the eggs within their nest hatched. Fontaine and Mortimer would be the first of many clutches the pair would have together. Though Gautier was often distant and busy with his duties maintaining the alliance with the wolves, their mother Esme rarely left the brothers unattended. Mortimer's fondest memories were that of his mother, and even to this day he is grateful for her and her loving nature.

Early on, Mortimer had quite a competitive nature when it came to his older brother. Everything from food to their mother's attention was fair game for him. Though his efforts tended to win over their mother, his father was an entirely different story. Due to Fontaine being the first son, what little time his father had was usually spent on him- much to Mortimer's chagrin. Still, he had his mother's love at least...and for now that was enough.

Fontaine, being the firstborn son of Gautier, was primed from an early age to take over the flock once his father was no longer able to lead. Still, Gautier made it clear to both of his sons early on that maintaining an alliance with the pack of Somnus was the key to their continued prosperity. Because of this outlook, even as a chick Mortimer was surrounded by wolves. A large bulk of his childhood and juvenile memories he could recall besides his parents and brother were that of wolves. His father maintained a close relationship with Regina, though his father made it clear to Mortimer to never put his full trust within a single wolf- especially ones as ruthless as her.

It seemed that Fontaine was better than Mortimer at more than just getting their father's attention. As the brothers attempted to learn to fly, Fontaine took to it naturally while Mortimer continued to lag behind. Though he eventually did get the hang of it as time passed, Mortimer could tell his father had less and less interest in him in any capacity. Mortimer watched from the sidelines as his brother soaked up all of their father's time and attention, envious of his place as leader. While Gautier and Fontaine were mostly dealing with Regina and her daughter, Octavia, Mortimer tried his best to get to know the other wolves of Somnus and show his father that he too could be of use.

It was through this that Mortimer befriended a pair of siblings, Ares and Hera...more so Hera than her brother, but they were a double deal it seemed. The twins were half-siblings to Regina, making them technically blood royalty by Somnus standards. Hera was very much different from the rest of her violent comrades and focused more on the art of healing and trying to find peaceful solutions for conflicts. Compared to her warmth, Ares was rather stony and unapproachable unless he was around her...and even then the difference was marginal. Hera took a great interest in Mortimer, giving him the nickname Morty and asking questions to the young bird any chance she got as she was quite fascinated by his kind. Mortimer, elated to have relationships and attention outside of his mother's. was more than happy to answer all of her questions.

The wolf siblings helped Mortimer forget for a while that his father saw him as no more than an after-thought...which helped him immensely as he grew. Even his mother grew preoccupied as she began rearing her later clutches of eggs, which left Mortimer with a bit of a hole in his heart. Mortimer and Hera would often scout together for potential herbs while he and Ares would often go on hunting and raiding missions together at night. It was through helping both siblings that Mortimer learned more and more about the ways of the wolves and grew closer to both Hera and Ares during their time together. However...everything would soon change in the course of a single afternoon.

While Mortimer and the siblings bonded, Gautier and Fontaine both struggled with assuaging Regina's growing paranoia. The alpha was convinced that a traitor of Somnus was in their midst and leading the war against the Alto to claim the valley for her pack alone was finally taking its toll. Regina was growing mad with power and desperation to keep a hold of it as Somnus grew closer and closer to victory in their fight. Her sights eventually set onto Hera, convinced that her peacekeeping ways not only made her a liability, but a traitor as well. She enlisted her daughter and heir to her throne, Octavia, to carry out a deed most nefarious. Laced meat was all it took to steal the warmth and life that Hera once possessed and leave her body cold. Ares and some of their packmates found Hera limp on the ground by her den the next morning. They were too late. Many blamed their opposition, the Alto Pack, for this injustice.

Not all were certain of this though, Mortimer included. Eventually he did manage to overhear his brother and father discussing what had really happened. Beyond devastated, Mortimer went to a grieving Ares in the night and confessed what he had overheard. Though Mortimer didn't realize it at that moment, but he set off a series of events that would eventually turn the valley into ash by telling Ares the truth. After Hera's death, Mortimer stuck by Ares side as often as he could. The young bird was worried for his distant friend who seemed to grow colder and more deceptive as time passed.

Eventually this coldness of his friend would manifest itself into something darker as Ares expressed his desire for vengeance to both his father, Atlas, and Mortimer as well. Atlas, much like his daughter Hera, was not the confrontational wolf and refused to indulge his son's fantasies...however Mortimer felt the same burning anger within himself that Ares did and was more than happy to let his friend vent. Eventually these angry rants of Ares became something...more substantial when plotting became involved. Though young Mortimer was concerned for his friend, he was powerless at this point to do much to stop this...and truth be told after a certain point he struggled to even want to stop what Ares was planning. Though Mortimer had the knowledge and ability to warn his fellow flockmates on what was to come, he refused to. It seemed he was too attached to Ares to betray him at this point.

Eventually Ares' plan came into fruition. It was during a battle between the Alto and Somnus wolves that his opportunistic nature shone through. He betrayed Regina with the help of the alpha's consort, Gideon, and the pair of males willingly handed her over to the Alto wolves. Despite Gautier, Fontaine, and the rest of the flock's best efforts...it was too late for Regina as she was taken away by her sworn enemies. Ares took this opportunity to declare himself the new leader of Somnus, with Gideon as his beta. He declared that those that opposed his rule would be taken care of without mercy, it seemed that Ares was able to convince a good portion of Somnus that things were going to be better under his leadership...

However, two individuals did oppose him...both Octavia, the true heir, and Ares' own father, Atlas. However...their opposition to Ares' takeover did little to sway the opinions of Ares and a majority of the Somnus wolves who were growing weary of the war and subsequently Regina's leadership. Octavia, Atlas, and those that supported Regina were run out by Ares and his wolves. A new alliance between the Alto wolves and Somnus were forged on this day as well. With no war and no opposition, Ares ascended the throne unchallenged and ready to reign in a new era. While all of this went down Mortimer simply sat silent, watching his fellow vultures bicker and fret over what would happen next.

This sudden change of leadership caught all of the flock off-guard, Gautier and Fontaine struggled on their next steps after being blindsided. This created a debate of sorts within their community, some were convinced that Ares was not to be trusted while others insisted it didn't matter who the leader of the wolves was- their alliance was too beneficial to give up. Though Mortimer remained silent in most of these debates, he eventually managed to talk one on one with his brother- convincing him that working with Ares would be within their best benefits- especially now that the war was over and there would be less carrion for them to scavenge without the constant battles.

Eventually it was decided that the flock would remain allied to Somnus, though Mortimer could tell his father trusted Ares even less than he did Regina. Ares and Mortimer's friendship was finally noticed and acknowledged by his father however, and Mortimer started to accompany Gautier and Fontaine during their meetings with the new Somnus alpha- at the request of Ares. Mortimer watched as Ares rose to power, making deals with the Alto wolves to extend territory lines and training the remaining members of Somnus to grow stronger and stronger. Mortimer was proud of his friend and stood proudly by his side. Though the two usually saw eye to eye, there was one issue that managed to get between them time and time again.

That issue? A she wolf by the name of Crystal.

Mortimer hated her. She had no interest in Ares until after he rose to power, it was clear to him that she simply wanted a slice for herself as well. However, when he approached Ares about his suspicions, he was surprised to hear that his friend was well-aware of this already. Ares desired a she wolf that would bring him strong heirs to continue his legacy, and one as ambitious as Crystal was perfect in his eyes. Ares cared little for her as a mate, just so as long as she brought him healthy and strong pups. Little did any of them know it would take a while before she could give him what he wanted.

As Mortimer aged into adulthood, he grew more and more confident with his place within the flock over the years. His father grew more and more interested in him as Ares trusted Mortimer more than any of the others within their flock. Fontaine soon felt the same pangs of jealousy that Mortimer once had during their childhood as the focus shifted from him to his younger brother. Peace was finally settling on the valley both bird and wolf called home after over a decade's worth of warfare. Still, that peace could only last but so long.

Eventually, it was discovered through a patrol by some of the flock that Atlas and Octavia were still in the area in neutral territory between the Alto and Somnus packs. Mortimer did his best to keep the flock's eyes on them, though Fontaine often sabotaged these measures out of spite. However one day the pair of deserters were sighted by Mortimer himself with a third wolf in tow as they fled Alto territory late into the night. Fearing they freed Regina, who as far as they know was still imprisoned by the Alto wolves, Mortimer immediately reported back to Ares.

Ares, growing paranoid that his position of power would soon be challenged, did what he had to in order to get ahead. He dispatched wolves and vultures to hunt down his father and half-niece- they were too dangerous to be left alive. Eventually, Atlas, Octavia, and a young male wolf were found and cornered by Ares and Gideon. Atlas and Octavia both fought valiantly to protect the unknown wolf who was told by them to flee. They managed to protect and distract Ares and his followers long enough for the pale gray wolf to get away. Octavia fought viciously, however after Atlas whispered something to her, she too took off- albeit reluctantly. Gideon took off after his daughter and all that was left was Ares' aging father and Ares himself. Mortimer circled up above, ready to do his friend's bidding if need be. Atlas was finally pinned down and questioned about who this wolf was...he eventually confessed that this wolf too was his son, Lykos. Ares, skeptical of this, held his own father down demanding answers. They never came though, as Atlas refused to elaborate any further.

Ares, in a fit of frustrated rage, ended his father on the spot with little mercy.

Eventually they returned back to the heart of Somnus territory, Ares and Mortimer both covered in his father's blood. Gideon too made it back, but unfortunately without Octavia. Ares, furious at his beta and finally losing what little patience he had left, attacked him in front of a majority of the pack. He made it clear that day to not only the wolves of Somnus, but the flock as well, if he was to be disappointed...he would make sure whoever was responsible payed. It was at that moment Mortimer realized that perhaps his friend was truly dangerous and though he didn't want to admit it... Mortimer feared him.

An aging Gautier was growing more and more convinced that perhaps it would be better for the flock to move on from this alliance and Fontaine also agreed with this. However Mortimer was unable to let go, too attached to the life he had built alongside his wolf friend to give it up so easily. Many had grown used to the comfy lifestyle that aiding the Somnus wolves had brought them, while others were convinced that Ares would too turn on them should they slip up. This infighting created a schism within the flock as they argued in secret on what to do.

After witnessing the carnage Ares was willing to cause in order to keep his power, Mortimer and many others within the flock did all they could to try and appease the vindictive alpha. However, in the midst of this darkness there was good news...at least for Ares. Crystal was finally pregnant with their first litter after almost two years of attempts. Ares was elated to be a father and hoping for strong sons that would continue his legacy for generations to come. Though Mortimer was happy for his friend, fear for Ares' future offspring still lurked in the back of his mind. He saw what Ares was willing to do to both allies and even his own father...what would this mean for his pups?

There was little time to reflect on this however as everyone's fates within the valley changed in the course of a day. After quite a dry season for the valley, a lightning storm approached on the horizon...and a wildfire soon followed after. The fire was massive and all-consuming. Mortimer was scavenging with Fontaine when the fire swept through the area... and for many the first instinct would have been to take off into the skies. However both brothers struggled as they were full from the meal they just devoured. It dawned on Mortimer as he watched his brother once again try to take off that...perhaps this was his chance to get rid of his competition once and for all. So...despite all his judgments towards Ares for his familial betrayal, Mortimer too turned on his own flesh and blood. He went for his brother's wings, attempting to seal his fate once and for all. Though Fontaine was strong, Mortimer won in the end, taking off and leaving his brother for dead as he managed to escape the fire just in the nick of time it seemed.

The fire continued to blaze throughout the valley as Mortimer attempted to try and find Ares or Crystal...however he couldn't find either wolf as the flames decimated the place they all once called home. Eventually he did find his father, who asked him of Fontaine's whereabouts with an uncharacteristic look of panic and exhaustion on his face. Mortimer lied to his father, claiming to be alone when the fire struck. Gautier and Mortimer spent hours trying to find and gather up the members of their flock who managed to escape the blaze. Fontaine was never found, much to Mortimer's relief.

Finally, the fire subsided after the storm clouds above burst and rained down from the heavens above. As the flock attempted to recuperate, Mortimer went out alone to search for Ares under the guise of looking for his brother. Eventually he did find Ares...or what remained of him at least. Mortimer felt a strange mixture of both relief and devastation all at once upon discovering his friend's body. Unable to stomach the thought of feeding on his former friend, Mortimer returned to the flock.

Since Fontaine was nowhere to be found, Mortimer took his place at his father's side once and for all. Though for a short while Mortimer was elated with the chance to finally prove himself a worthy heir, the grief on his father's face and the newfound gravel in Gautier's throat stole that fleeting feeling away. Was this really worth it? Mortimer was no longer sure if it mattered much after his near death experience with the fire...but still he was a stubborn creature who refused to admit he had made a terrible choice.

His father's passing was sudden, but not terribly unexpected. The aging vulture's condition only went downhill after the fire and his respiratory issues became more and more evident with each passing day. Mortimer took over in his father's wake, finally getting the praise and recognition he so desperately craved since his youth. Still...it was a hollow victory. The valley they called home for many years now was a wasteland and so Mortimer lead his flock to safer and more bountiful lands towards the north.

As the years passed, Mortimer grew into his role as leader of the flock. Taking his own mate and having his own chicks as well and unlike his own father he decided naming an heir would be something better left to adulthood. Despite his once deep friendship with Ares and the other wolves of Somnus, Mortimer and his followers agreed that perhaps those kind of alliances were better left as ashes. Mortimer did all he could to lead his flock into better and more prosperous times, despite his dishonesty when it came to what happened with his brother, he cared deeply for the flock and its wellbeing. However, there was one page out of the wolf's culture he did wish to emulate...giving the flock a proper name. They came to be known as the Flock of Rising Cinders...a testament to all they collectively survived.

However this prosperity he brought forth would eventually be turned on its head one cloudy day. Another vulture flock entered their territory with no warning. As Mortimer readied his following to defend what was theirs, there were collective gasps from many within Rising Cinders as they saw who lead the opposing flock. It was Fontaine. His face and parts of his body were gnarled and scarred with burns, but he was still alive and able to lead.

Seemingly back from the dead, most of Mortimer's following were frozen with fear, awe, or confusion. It was through this opportunity Fontaine confronted his brother in front of everyone that day. Mortimer, shaken by the miracle of his brother's return, did all he could to deny his brother's accusations...but to little avail. His brother's presence was proof enough and that was when the Flock of Rising Cinders turned on Mortimer. A leader who was willing to let his own brother burn was no leader of theirs and so Mortimer was chased out in exile, losing all that he had worked so hard to build in the course of a day.

Though deep down Mortimer knew he had no one to blame but himself for what had happened, he struggled to come to terms with the great loss he felt and for the first time in his life he had no one to turn to. So...Mortimer did what he could to survive on his own and grew progressively more hermit-like due to his festering bitterness. He was too proud to admit he had made a grave error in turning on his brother during the fire...blinded by ambition and envy he gambled and finally lost after all the years he spent thinking his past would never come back to haunt him.

Perhaps it was better this way, maybe Mortimer was better off alone. It seemed that whoever he got close to either distanced themselves or were lost in some way time and time again. So...the aging bird finally resigned himself to his lonely life. Mortimer didn't believe in second chances...that was a fool's gambit in his eyes. However it seemed fate had something rather curious in store for the traitorous bird.

One stormy night as he slept within a nook of an old tree, Mortimer was awakened by a sickening crack. Before he knew it, the tree fell to the ground with a mighty crash, and though Mortimer attempted to escape- his wing got caught beneath one of the larger limbs as the tree fell to the ground. The pain was beyond unbearable as Mortimer faded in and out of consciousness the last thing he remembered was hearing someone gasp and a dark figure approaching his prone body swiftly. Though Mortimer didn't realize it yet, but this figure would soon enough be his savior...and perhaps even his destiny.

## External Links

* Official Application Sheet
* Weasele's deviantART Gallery