This section focuses solely on the ALPHA in a mated circle, their expected duties, differences according to element and also explains how they are 'formed' as all Dragels are born Submissive.
ALPHA
The Alpha in a Dragel mated circle holds a position as head of the house. They possess an equal authority over all lesser dominant mates and override the Submissive's authority in moments of possible danger or experience.
An Alpha's duty is first and foremost to keep the circle together and to provide strength and stability for their submissive, first, before all other mates. Until a Pareya(Protector) is added to the mateship circle, the Alpha takes on most protective instincts and jealously guards their mate. As such, every Alpha has a specific crest bearing either hereditary(family lineage) or personal significance and it takes the form of a tattoo imprinted on a Submissive's mating mark.
An Alpha's possessiveness can be described as a "sudden inane urge to smother" said Submissive and or all other mates. Clinginess can be prevented by allowing the Alpha certain compromises to set their mind at ease. This can done through tolerate indulgence of Dragel instincts, such as the Alpha's need to scent their mates throughout the day (through physical touch and magic sharing). Displaying the mating marks, whether through a distinctive style of dress or simply baring the mark before entering a public setting, often quells instinctive urges for dominant Dragels, because it shows acceptance and admiration on behalf of the Submissive. Acceptance that they are pleased with their current mateship and admiration of the crest they wear.
In turn, the Alpha will allow the Submissive to mark them wherever they please and tend to hide their marks, as a Submissive's badge to their Alpha is a more private and personal symbol. The Alpha will always have a slightly varied version of the Submissive's mark, compared to all other mates in the circle. A visible mark on an Alpha, especially on their neck, shows a deep level of trust and bonding between Dominant and Submissive. An Alpha commonly bears their mark on a shoulder, bicep or forearm.
COURTING RITUAL (THE GIFT OF SCALES)
A common gift between mates is exchanging of the hair and wing scales, to form the bonding jewelry for all mates. The hair of the Submissive is spun into a flexible, soft cord and wing scales are threaded onto it either as single plates(beads) or fashioned into a pendant and then strung on the cord. The Submissive will always wear their bonded jewelry and it is always spun from the Alpha's hair. In most cases, the bonded jewelry is often in the form of a necklace, but it can also be worn as a bracelet, anklet, belly-chain, hair jewelry, headband or earrings, depending on the number of scales and the Submissive's personal preference.
Once a young Dragel is confirmed as an Alpha, they are known to grow a small portion of hair in a single, tiny braid, in anticipation of their bonding night and Dragel Courtship rituals. It is symbolic for the Submissive to sever the braid and pluck the desired scales from their mates.
Earth Dragels are known for strong, warm-hued scales with a faint tinge of sparkle to them. Wing scales also tend to be larger than other element and they often serve as the base, if the Submissive wishes their jewelry to be a pendanted necklace.
Fire Dragels are known for brightly-colored scales with shiny, variously textured surfaces. They vary by shape and size, though they are noticeably smaller than Earth Dragel scales. They are often the hints of color in a Submissive's gifted jewelry.
Air Dragels often have pale, glossy scales that may darken with age and exposure to the sun and other natural elements. They tend to be a near uniform oval shape with little to no texture on them. Some rare Dragels in this element have almost-glittery scales and most Submissives are pleased to wear them proudly as shiny badges of tribute.
Water Dragels—having no wing scales—have body scales, armored scales and fin scales they can offer for exchange. Water Dragels tend to shed their skin through a ritual scrubbing during a predetermined period throughout the year. As they mature, the scales on the lower-half of the body will darken and strengthen, becoming thicker and shimmery with age. Most Water Dragel scales take on an iridescent hue or metallic tinge. Royal families will bear only blue-hued scales. During the time of shedding, Water Dragels collect the prettiest scales and store them away for potential mates.
Shadow/Dark Dragels like to give their darkest, most perfect scales.
Storm Dragels prefer to 'charge' their scales before gifting them, which can leave a burnished tint of elegance behind.
Scales from their mates provides all Dragels within a mated circle as proof of their mating, their acceptance into a mated circle, while also helping to handle long separations and distances when it is unavoidable. The magical unity within a mated circle and the closeness of their bond can led to strengthened magic and sometimes a fully functioning empathy bond, allowing each mate to feel the emotions of their lovers.
The scales are usually exchanged during the first intercourse between mates. If the mateship is fragile while expanding, then scales may not be exchanged until the Submissive feels comfortable or the Alpha is present during a threesome or as an approving spectator.
As a head of the mated circle, an Alpha handles all the political and social interaction and drama. They are raised traditionally in the expected customs according to their respective elements and often hail from respected noble families or ancient bloodlines. As such, they bear political and social responsibilities and are expected to present their Submissives and mates in a dignified and elegant manner. Any public outbursts or social faux pas by the Submissive or any other mate is a negative reflection on the Alpha and must be neutralized either through an apology, monetary compensation or some other concession that is agreeable to the other party.
The Alpha handles all financial responsibility for their entire circle and mates, unless a mate explicitly desires other arrangements, which is sometimes done during merging circles. Most Alphas will refuse proposals and propositions until they feel they can adequately provide for a complete circle.
An Alpha is expected to know social history and hierarchy, as well as formal tradition and custom in addition to current trends in Dragel society. It is their duty to present and represent their circle and mates properly. For political issues, an Alpha may calmly or vigorously debate any manner of subject and topic within the political forum, however, any insults or wagers made are solely at the Alphas' discretion and falls under 'Alpha's Rights' when they require physical compensation for the injury, whether physical, verbal or magical. In a mated circle with a Gheyo(fighter), both circle's will elected their Gheyos to handle the matter and agree to accept whatever term is given.
A wager between Alpha's is sometimes considered a game and done for the gain of political power or magical increase, as the terms and contracts are similar in binding to an Unbreakable Vow. The wagers can be monetary, magical or an exchange of favors either political, social or sexual, between circles. A binding wager can be completely dissolved if the Submissive from either circle agrees to accept the full contract terms without complaint and serves their 'sentence' without any difficulty. Most wagers do not include the direction of a Submissive in their terms as it is considered a rude, dirty and despicable thing to require. This does not mean that the Alpha is exempt though and a Submissive will often agree to terms, no matter how degrading or disparaging to spare an Alpha's pride. To avoid such situations however, the addition of a Gheyo(fighter) to a circle provides a traditionally acceptable form of settlement via a duel. The duels can be specified in terms of fighting style, time, physical form, weapons allowed, audience admitted, etc.
An Alpha's pride is considered to be the pride of the entire circle and it is often the image presented to the public, meant to represent their respective bloodline or magical heritage. Reputation and honor are still considered as valuable assets and when an Alpha gives their word, in such understanding, it is fully binding and contracting in every way, shape and form.
If an Alpha is born of two elements, whichever side is more dominant will be given precedence, training and grooming to accept whatever responsibilities belong to that elemental side.
THE ALPHA BONDS
The Alpha-Submissive bond nearly always begins on the level of friendship. Whether the pair has been best friends since birth, inseparable during schooling or simply there for each other during a time of need. This friendship allows the first connection for the Alpha and Sub as true soulmates, allowing for a deeper, intimate connection and familiarity around each other. It often holds truth for deep, blind trust and powerful magic when combined. A base of friendship allows better understanding during the Hunting and patience when confronted by controversial habits or quirks.
The Alpha-Beta bond is built on a near reverse of the Alpha-Sub bond. The Sub will choose a Beta based on an individual who has always been fair and strong—a similar Alpha-make-up, but without the intimacy of friendship. The Alpha and Beta will fight to establish dominance and once claimed, they will accept their positions when reinforced by the Sub. The Beta is usually the first mate to challenge the Alpha when added to a circle; they may refuse the option to yield peacefully or instigate a fight to determine the Alpha's worthiness. The Alpha often relies on the Beta as a second opinion concerning the Sub and will often take the Beta under their wing. An Alpha and Beta will never separate after they have bonded. Even in a circle merging, the Beta will still instinctually respond to the first(bonded) Alpha, which is where the position of Rheyo(elected Beta) becomes necessary. It is a relationship that functions purely on trust and physical necessity, as Betas may sometimes be larger than the Alpha dominant, but will only act on their Alpha's word, often filling in for the Alpha in a place where it would be difficult.
For example, in the original version, when Harry has tired himself after the Healer's visit, Theo acknowledges that Harry is tired, but directs Charlie to carry him, as Charlie is older and physically better structured to do so.
If the Submissive should die or be punished through banishment or exile, then the circle may continue to function—awkwardly—but still function and this due to the Alpha-Beta dynamic and the willingness of the other mates to work through the difficult time. In the rare moment of a mated circle disbanding, the Alpha and Beta will always remain together and will build a new circle when mutually agreeable to both and hold their same positions once more.
HIGH ALPHA
When a circle merges and the two Alphas have not agreed on a shared or rotating authority, then they must fight for dominance. Whichever Alpha wins is known as the 'High Alpha' or Top Alpha, depending. By mutual agreement afterwards, they will share certain duties and include the lesser Alpha beneath them in addition to their respective Sub and the adopted Sub(from the merged circle) forming a smaller, inner-circle, more tightly knit center to anchor their circle.
The former Alpha and the High Alpha often form a bond similar to the Alpha-Beta bond.
An Alpha's ranking depends on political, social, magical and financial clout. Blood purity is generally only an issue among the Royal families as royal blood carries stronger magic and more rare talents according to their element.
ROYAL ALPHA
There is one exception to the mateship circle amongst Royal Dragels. If their sub is not a Royal Dragel, then their offspring is not considered for the crown unless they hold a rare talent. To preserve some essence of blood purity amongst the royal line, there are specific marriage contracts drawn up at birth and rewritten when the children are of age. As such, when a crown Royal is throned, they accept a Royal Husband or Royal Wife, in the capacity of a Royal Advisor with more power. As such, the title belonging to the Royal Spouse is not bestowed on the Submissive or Alpha and thus allows them to avoid Royal Politics and court, reliving a significant amount of pressure and responsibility.
It does mean, however, that the Royal (be it Submissive or otherwise) will still have to appear in public or at formal occasions with their Royal Spouse. Unless there is a significant mutual attraction on both sides, the Royal Spouse is never sexually involved with their wedded Royal. Qualifications for a Royal Spouse are extremely strict and they are only allowed a single consort, that must be approved by the entire Royal house.
To provide a united front to their people, however, the Crown Royal and Royal Spouse may be seen with public displays of affection and often have trained physically with each other to allow the trust between them.
THE ALPHA'S RIGHTS
The Alpha's Rights are a specific set of understandings between an Alpha and their mated circle.
It allows the Alpha to have separate quarters away from the resting room and the right to request nights alone if they feel crowded, exhausted or simply want a change. This also provides the Submissive with a safe haven to return to if they wish for time away from their mates for various reasons, such as smothering Pareya(protectors) during pregnancy, arguing Gheyos(fighters) or simply wishing to spend time thinking, etc. When the Submissive claims their Rights, the Alpha must see to it that they are enforced according to the Submissive's wishes. The Alpha will even forgo any sort of physical contact, if requested and will often make time to accompany their Submissive or stay close on hand during such times.
When the Submissive selects a potential mate, it allows the Alpha to challenge the addition of said new and potential mates without repercussion. It also allows them to proposition potential mates without seeking the Submissive's approval if they are expanding the circle to fulfill a specific duty or vacancy within their circle. If the Alpha is merely choosing a new mate based on attraction of any sort, then the Submissive may challenge that addition according to their Submissive Rights.
When Pareya enter the circle, based on their first interactions, the Alpha is allowed to accept or refuse their protecting until they feel the position is duly earned. As it is a transitioning of duty and power as the rank settles, the Alpha may reserve or invoke this right accordingly.
When the Gheyo requests an override of authority, whether over the Pareya, Beta or Healer, it is the Alpha's decision that grants permission. (for instance, if the Submissive misbehaves in a setting where the Beta has already granted leniency, then the Alpha may stand down and allow the Gheyo to deliver suitable punishment, without having to bear that responsibility). Also, during a fight, if it is a Death Duel, then the Alpha claims rights to the loss of the 'soul' and therefore excuses the Gheyo from blame when they participate at the Alpha's request.
The Alpha may also request for the Gheyo to limit their fighting or assign them to a post such as Dahlia's current stint as Quinn's hired fighter in the original version. She belongs to a military circle under the Air Royal family, but instead of holding her official military position, she works in the health clinic as a bodyguard for Quinn.
An Alpha also has a limited number of accepted 'kill-strikes' that reset on a yearly basis, allowing them to retaliate in lethal form if their circle is threatened, abused or wronged. They may shoulder the blame and stigma associated with an unsanctioned death when they order the Gheyo to retaliate.
For the Healer, the Alpha may choose to share their life energy with the Healer (usually reserved for the Submissive alone) and can grant them a similar boon as the Submissive's rights, to allow them privacy in their quarters if requested. All mates have this ability, but it is often only the Healer or the Submissive that will accept it. The Alpha also retains authority when the Healer is in need of a healing, they channel the energy needed for the healing or choose a suitable healer to tend to their mate. This is considered a very delicate situation and is quite an honor, as it shows complete trust on behalf of the Healer, toward their Alpha.
FORMING THE RANK OF ALPHA
All Dragels are born as Submissives, there are specific situations or events that can trigger the natural responses that shape them into other positions. A Submissive showing taking charge without some sort of assistance or a high-voltage magical power surge, in addition to a trying solo experience, usually produces an Alpha—due to obvious self-sufficiency. A Dragel is no longer a Submissive once the wings lose the Silvery-Peach-Pearlescent hue.
For a Submissive to remain Submissive until their seventeenth year, they must retain their original temperament and beware of censoring their actions when alone.
For instance, Theo developed his Alpha tendency when he discovered his father's enemies tried to poison him and he forced his body to find his magic and demanded that it heal him. He subconsciously struggled through discovering his creature side and drawing it to the forefront to fight the poison in his veins, when it was over, his self-sufficiency decided for him, even though he was underage.
For a Dragel to have Alpha tendencies following a natural course (instead of forced from a young age due to some sort of trauma), they often show a balanced aptitude for fighting and social dominance during their younger years. They may take charge of their siblings and tend to spend more time with their mentor and/or the circle's Alpha. The Alpha tendency is usually solidified when the young Dragel sets their sights on a specific Dragel (Submissive or otherwise) and begins preparing to propose, accept and care for said potential mate. Most Male Alphas will spend a significant amount of time preening their wings, trimming their claws and rubbing oils on their scales. Most Female Alphas will spend extra time with their hair, claws and settling on a Halfling form they admire.
While they may take to physical training and combat, they are rarely ever as dedicated, graceful or well-developed as a Dragel with born Gheyo instincts. As such, the Alpha is more than pleased to relinquish the fighting responsibilities to their Gheyo mate when added to the circle.
ADDING TO THE CIRCLE
A Submissive must initiate the first call for a mated circle. This is not to say, however, than an Alpha cannot associate with other Dragels while single, regardless of elements, forms, classes, ranks and age. An Alpha may plan their entire circle to the point where they have potential mates conversing and forging relationships with another, before they decide on a Submissive and they can all agree to the arrangement. With such precise planning, the Submissive needs only to whisper their heartcry into the ears of each proposed mate and accept what follows to begin and complete the circle—officially.
An Alpha may proposition a Submissive as well, if they are comfortable enough with each other. Then through a display of physical, magical or intellectual dominance, they will endeavor to entice the prospective Submissive into accepting the idea of a circle, then coax either a heartcry or a soulcry to initiate the bonding on the required terms(namely, the Sub taking the first step).
If an Alpha is rejected, it can be painful if they are attached to a particular Submissive on an emotional and magical level, but they will rarely retaliate in any physical way. Instead, they will want the Submissive to be happy and content and most likely will keep an eye out for a way to merge their circles in the future, if possible.
The Dragel Alpha will not die from rejection and if they do not reciprocate to the heartcry and initial bite with some form of physical intimacy, then they are under no obligation to follow through. As such, a heartcry can be more of a marriage proposal where both parties are open and possibly interested, but must make the life-changing decision according to their own reasoning.
DICIPLINARY ACTIONS
An Alpha is often tasked with handling disruptive and disobedient behavior in every mate. They may have the same warning signal—such as a pinch or a twist of the ear or nose—to warn of an impending punishment, but they will handle each mate differently.
Alphas may work themselves up to a fight of temper, but will never punish a mate in anger or an emotional high. They will postpone the punishment until they have calmed down or are in more suitable surroundings. They also have the ability to weight their voice with the inherent musical tinge that most Dragels are born with. The musical and magical weight demands that their mates listen and obey, especially in the face of potential danger. As such, there are typical signs an Alpha would display to show their growing displeasure. Every element employs the use of a steadily warming mating mark to the point of near scorching before an Alpha will react physically. Most mates would react before then.
In Earth Dragels, the characteristic golden eyes will steadily turn darker to an almost black. At that point, said mate(s) had better run, hide and pray. An Alpha's fury—particularly from the forever patient earth element—is not a pretty sight.
In Fire Dragels, the spontaneous combustion of nearly any body part converting to flames—mostly the hair—is a very visible and obvious warning that they are displeased about something, on many levels.
In Air Dragels, their manipulations of the air element by alter the atmosphere by making it appear stifling or difficult to breathe, because they are subconsciously drawing on the nearest 'living air' which includes that which their mates are currently breathing. To restore normal breaths, the Air Alpha would have to physically touch said mate(s) to ease the physical sensations and burdens due to the loss of air.
In Water Dragels, prefer a good 'dunking' when in their natural shores and habitat. While on land, they may morph one hand and use their icy fingers to restrain their mate, either a hand on their arm, shoulder, waist, back or neck. The hand will often be cold and produce the sensation of being drenched in water, regardless of whether there is any water present anywhere. Underwater, an Alpha Dragel would employ their natural talents to forcibly restrain and escort said mate away from the situation, usually by drawing said mate directly to their side and employing a restraining hold either physical or magical.
In Storm Dragels, the usual darkening of the sky, a possible light drizzle or flickering lights (electrical or magical) is quite common. A hissed verbal warning is generally given and the Storm Alpha would physically take hold of said mate(s) and employ a slightly unpleasant tingling sensation until they were in a more private setting to address the misbehavior.
In Shadow/Dark Dragels, the air will simply turn quite chilly or potentially frost over, while shadows will disengage from every shadowed corner and surface to float along the ground, producing an eerie grey fog. A Shadow Dragel can influence the misbehaving mate by stealing said mate(s) shadow and manipulating it via their respective element, such as covering the mouth, restraining the arms, etc. They are generally the most subtle, besides the Earth element, to show their anger as it would be so gradual, by the time it was recognized it would be too late for anyone to interfere and said Alpha and mate would be transported to a private location for the duration of their 'discussion'.
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