A wish upon a star, GMF Pack Meeting

[Rayen Saqui]

OOC Information

This is a very brief but official meeting taking place, time-wise, about a week after the behind the sidelines thread. The meeting is only to inform the pack IC'ly of Ravn's and Deadlock's death, afterthought of the coyote expedition, puppies and Roanik's promotion.

The meeting will only last two to three rounds and it's not compulsory but rather recommended. Also, since it's a short meeting, about two paragraphs is fine ^^;

You have until 21st of December to reply to the first round. After that, a posting order will be established and a time reference of 48 hours to reply when it's your turn :)

Posting Order : Rayen Saqui -> Midas -> Rain Takanami -> Kenzoku -> Siaqi -> Iora -> Roanik -> Radar -> Eleison -> Quicksilver -> Muse -> Indris

Timelimit: 6th of January

In Character

Rayen softly awoke from her slumber in the thicket Midas and she created. Within a month the special place would serve as a den for the puppies to come, as soon as spring would roll around. That, in her opinion, wouldn't be fast enough, seeing as she dreaded the dark and wintery month, bring cold and darkness to these shallow lands. Even the trees, it seemed, had lost their bright sparkle as there were no leaves dancing on their branches anymore. Jittery and still a bit asleep, Rayen stood up, slowly making her way towards the central area in Gold Moon Forest, where she had also been once, then as fresh member of the forest.

In just a few months' time, this place had changed so much. Ravn and Deadlock were no longer among them, or counted as members. It was an odd thought, never having the chance to say goodbye to close friends, never expecting them to say goodbye to life either. All gone. Despite that, Midas and herself had been crowned king and queen of the forest, a task that weighted heavy upon them, especially being in a lifestage where the world had looked so innocent and free. A hard lesson to be learned in these life stages, yet she was ready for whatever was thrown at her, or them. It was unfortunate how many new faces had recollected and she didn't have the time to meet them all, like she wanted to.

With time still twirling like a rollercoaster, Rayen decided now more than ever it was time to gather them all, to remember the faces and bring more older members a woeful story of what happened, seeing as they weren't there. Though undoubtly the missing presence of the Alpha and Beta would certainly bring up a lot of questions - the native American wolf was here to take them all away, as best as she could. As Ray arrived to the place, she jumped upon the rock Ravn had sat up once too. Lifting her muzzle high up in the sky, she emitted a powerful song of the wild, summoning all who wished to come.

[Midas]

Midas’s ears pushed forward on his head when a sweet, sonorous howl filtered through the Forest, and he whined ever so slightly. It was Rayen Saqui’s voice that stroked his ears, and she was summoning the pack. He knew what she was doing – they had discussed an official meeting in order to formally declare Ravn and Deadlock dead, as well as discuss the new organization of the pack, among other things – and Midas had given Rayen the honor of calling it. The young Alpha himself had gone out in the wee hours of morning to think, but now he knew he must attend – to the meeting, to the pack, to his mate, Rayen Saqui.

Picking up his reddish and cream paws, the Mexican gray trotted rather swiftly through the Forest, towards the place where all the pack’s previous meetings had been. Ravn had always presided, with Deadlock, Rayen, and Midas himself not far from her flanks. Now, it was just him and his mate, young as they were. It would be different – for them, for all of them – and perhaps difficult to accept. But that was the reason for calling everyone to together – to make all the transitioning easier, by doing it together.

Before anyone else arrived, Midas found himself emerging into the clearing where Rayen sat. Barking a clipped greeting to her, he padded towards the boulder upon which she sat. Until he was invited to hop up beside her, he contented himself to slip to his haunches next to it, rusty ears once more pricking forwards as he awaited the arrivals of the others – Siaqi, who had already been informed of what had happened, Roanik, who had been there and already knew and who was basically the Alphas’ second hand man, and all the others.

This post has been edited by Midas on 12.19.05, 3:42pm

[Rain Takanami]

She had been sleeping at last, ridding herself of the fretful memories that often plagued those of Motherhood. What was going to happen next? Would everyone be safe in the end? After a number of days she had been irritable, nothing short of crabby, and had run Inkjet along in one of those ‘no you go I sleep’ errands. She wasn’t holstering much anger at him however and had sent him along on mere chance that he wanted to get away from her instead, granting him freedom for the time being while she nested in her fitful dreams, at last settling in a spot near the original pack den.

There was no guessing on the period of time she’d been allowed to rest but for whatever amount of time she was grateful that (so it seemed) that she finally felt somewhat rejuvenated when her leader’s call beckoned against the flattened shapes of her ears. The she wolf’s head rose, questioning the origin of Rayen’s call. The tone hadn’t been of a demanding threat but still wavering thoughtfully in Rain’s thoughts, stirring the femme to all fours. Wearily she shook the snow from her pelt and stretched herself, yawning away her remaining fatigue as she began trotting toward the gathering that was soon to begin.

As she broke into the circled arena the she wolf paused and tipped her eyes away from Rayen and Midas, flourishing the alphas with a number of submissive dips and twists of the body, her tail wavering with the general excitement of what the couple may discuss today. Having been a secondary of the war she knew all too well the dismissal of their pack member’s lives, but despite even Inkjet’s gentle prodding she had remained vague about it, deciding that it was up to their new leaders to break the bad news.

“ Good evening, M’Lady and Sir.” Rain’s voice trembled slightly as she fell to her haunches, the bite of snow on her flanks finalizing the waking process. Now alert, she smiled politely while looking up to thw pair, ears pressing forward in expectance of the other’s arrivals.

Very soon, the new beginning for Gold Moon Forest would be taking place.

This post has been edited by Rain Takanami on 12.14.05, 2:59pm

[Kenzoku]

Nice to meet you all, and sorry, I tried to keep it on the short side! I take it no tables^-^.

In the onset of morning, a delicate gust of wind managed to funnel through a small opening in the earth's core. This hole could be located on the lower side of a slope facing the rising sun so that warmth may be bestowed upon it. Independent from the sun's rays, the breeze continued into the hollowed dug out until it caressed leaf litter that lined its base and teased the bundle of fur that resided amount them. It took several chilling blows to rouse the youngster, but she finally blinked open those blue-green eyes and arched her skull to greet the rising sun. A little smile played on those fawn colored lips until the petite form unraveled and stretched long ways on her side. Those disproportionately large paws quivered far beyond the reach of an infantile maw as if they could reach the invisible stars before pulling back and tucking themselves beneath the lightweight. The cinnamon let out a faint squeak while she yawned and clicked her tongue to bid away the sleep from her eyes.

After a few moments, the pup rose on all fours and crept out of the den Radar had showed her a little clumsily as wakefulness had yet to reach her mind, regardless of her body. It took some time for her motor skills, or what few ones she had, to return to her. Unfortunately, it wasn't fast enough and a blur of scarlet was all that could be seen as she tumbled down the remainder of the hill, unable to sturdy her paws in all the right places. Kenzoku didn't fight the fall for more then a second when she realized what was happening with her instincts telling her to tuck her legs in so that's exactly what she did. At the foot of the slope, the pup yips in a playful manner with a smile twinkling in her ever truthful orbs and an ash covered plume speeding around fast from behind. She tensed one side and rolled over, inadvertently covering her entire body with little pellets of snow though night minding much either. It was then that her enormous headset picked up the melodic voice and she paused. Kenzoku was sure she had never heard that feminine tone before and yet, she didn't feel threatened by it either. It invoked her almost feline curiosity to seek and discover despite the fact that she was too young to realize exactly what message the howl carried.

The pup responded with joyous yaps at nothing, jumping up and down on her toes before she sped off in an arbitrary direction, assuming it was the right one. Lucky for her, the den in which she slept was very close to the center of the packlands or else she might have been lost for hours trying to find it. This time, the child only had to run in circles for several minutes with her tail spinning like a propeller upon her spine and her little form tripping three times here and there. By the time the small cluster of wolves came to view, the orangey one was mottled with white and panting in a playful, excited manner. Her eyes only took notice of the wolves when she was virtually upon them, seeing the one on the boulder before the other two and instantly she sank to the ground. Momentum took her a foot further as those large ears folded back and her tail resigned to wave at her ankles. She snorted and took a sharp breath in to recover from her excursion, though she perked up when she recognized the male of the bunch. Knowing this, she couldn't help but creep closer with her belly dragging along the forest floor in what the young considered 'stealth mode' even though she spoke not a word out of politeness.

[Siaqi]

out of character jess Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Integer at libero id nisi ultrices ultricies. in character siaqi The sweet sonorous call of Rayen twisted the silence cruelly, rising high upon the winter’s breezes with a summoning too poignant to ignore. And it was in consequence of this that Siaqi Phase’s lappets preened forward, head rising in acknowledgement of such. It wasn't entirely unexpected, she must admit, but it was with a heavy heart that she rose to her limber limbs – after all, there seemed a sort of finality about all of this. As quickly as the swelling of her stomach allowed her to cover ground the female worn and tired breached the thinning expanse of trees stepping as quietly as ever into the familiar meeting place of the Forest. However, seeing Rayen perched upon that rock so seemed to be yet another squeezing barb around a thundering heart. It wasn’t that the snowy Epsilon didn’t accept the new leadership, it more that the elusive fantasy she clung to didn’t make this seem right. She half expected Ravn to step from the cover of leaf and snow to chide the pair for being in her position. However, with the thinnest of smiles she felt she could manage, Siaqi lowered herself respectively to all four that had gathered and lowered herself to a comfortable sit a little away from the group. Her pale blues instantly moved to rest at a respectful level on the Alpha pair, as she paitently waited to find out if the rumours where really true, with a hopeful prayer screaming in her heart, that someone somewhere had been dreadfully mistaken.

This post has been edited by Siaqi on 12.14.05, 4:32pm

[Iora]

Snowflakes fell slowly, tiny woven pieces of frozen lace from the heavens, unnoticed upon Iora's soft yet thick pelt. She had her eyes closed, but she was indeed sitting up and awake. No, she was resting. She had no time for sleep. Her Guardianship and packship depended on her being alert, she intended to do so. The howl came, a harmonious song upon the layers of natural music. It would seem unexpected, but she had almost been expecting one. Or maybe she was expecting the unexpected. She had no more time to think on frivilous things, for she lifted herself, aquamarine eyes sliding open. There was work to be done.

She was off silently and swiftly, running along the snowcaped rocks, trunks of trees, bushes, all foilege of the forest as if it were all a practice. She had wandered, ran, jogged, and flew across these lands; she knew them almost by heart. It was vital, in her mind. She also had visited the place where the howl had issued from, the meeting glade that she had visited once or twice. This time it would be filling with Gold Moon Forest wolves.

It had happened to be Rayen's howl, from what she inferred. Midas was there too, and two other wolves that she had never met before. A small smile, not one of true happiness or joy but of greeting, flickered into her features. She bowed deeply, eyes pinned to the snow before her, ears pinned to her skull and her tail scraping the frozen flakes that sheeted the ground. "Nice to see you all," she said shortly in greeting. No one else had spoken much yet. But some didn't know her, that was to be addressed. "Iora Astrea, Tau and Guardian." she repeated, the phrase burned into her mind.

[Roanik]

Of course, it was what everybody had been waiting for. The howl that permeated the air, expressing the desire for all members to join the Alphess, Rayen Saqui for a meeting. Surprisingly, the call wasn't an urgent mandatory one, but rather a request. Roanik would never think to not answer a request from one of his closest friends. Rayen . He hadn't had the chance to just spend time with her much anymore, everything had been hectic. Then again, her life was probably much more absorbed than his at the moment.

As the bruting young male began his gentle walk to the meeting, he felt his stomache flip-flop. It was still an odd thing, would he ever be used to it. Rayen was an Alpha, she was calling, not Ravn. Ravn had always seemed a legend to him, the color of her name with piercing golden eyes. She was magnificent, and held the appearance of power, settling pack issues with ease. Well, accept for the last one. Rayen, although roanik had the deepest respect and affection for her, was not the legend. She was... Well, a friend. How would Ray and Midas do as Alpha's was yet to be seen. It would be a struggle for them all.

As he came into view, he went directly to his Alpha's. Iora had just finished her introduction, interesting, she didn't seem to know much of what happened in the war. Then again, he hadn't known what was up during the last meeting. He felt a connection with Iora, but turned his attention towards his best friend. First licking Midas chin and then turning to do the same for Rayen; It was his greeting to them, with a slight wag of the tail- although his glee had been lost recently. Turning, he viewed the rest of the group. A pup, a new one? Hmm. Sad time to show up, but perhaps she could bring some joy. Rain, he nodded to, remembering her from the expedition, perhaps he ought to know her better. Then there was Siaqi. Roanik bowed his head down, and went over to the white wolf, pressing his nose against her cheek in a greeting as well as a sign of care before coming closer into the group. It was apparant that Siaqi did not want to be in the middle of everything, and Roanik respected her distance.

[Radar]

The night past had been one of the most peaceful and relaxing the strange looking male had experienced in far too many months. At least a year had passed since he had known such comfort. Pups tended to have that effect on the soft hearted wolf. Radar had woken early and snuck out of the den to find some breakfast that would suit the young pup that had claimed his heart. So when he heard Rayen’s beckon, he first went to retrieve his new charge. Seeing her prints leading away from the den nearly made his heart stop. Forgetting entirely about Rayen’s hail, the flopped eared male cantered quickly along Kenzoku’s trail.

Although Radar had met Rayen and had enjoyed her company tremendously, it became near impossible to focus on her call when fears of what might have happened to the charming pup tormented his mind. Sometimes an overactive imagination was not the best of things. As it turned out, little Kenzoku had beaten him to the gathering. Relief washed over him, returning him to his normal, upbeat self. Free of worries now that he saw Kenzoku safe and sound, he bounded merrily up to the little gathering. With his tail fanning in great circles, his ears twitching forwards and backwards, and his entire body quivering from respect and suppressed excitement, he danced up to Midas first. Radar’s head was already lower because of his smaller size but he dipped it yet lower and kept from making eye contact.

Midas had given him a home. Midas had given him a family and a chance to live life again. If that wasn’t enough to make Radar respect him, Midas had also given Kenzoku that same chance. Radar had gotten a chance to meet both Rayen and Midas who both were very nice to the goofy jester. And to top things off, he had met with wolves outside of the pack that spoke of them in high regards. It felt good to know the pack was in such good paws but Radar was careful not to be too vocal about his opinion. Rumour was that the previous alpha had recently died along with other pack mates that Radar had never met. Out of respect for those fallen and for those close to the fallen, he kept his tongue in check.

Growling and grumbling very softly but ever so playfully, Radar first dipped under and licked up at Midas’ chin, ‘acidentally’ shoving him slightly. Moving on so that no one was ignore –everyone in a family deserved attention and recognition- Radar licked at the snowy boulder just a few inches beneath Rayen’s paws since that was all he could reach without rearing up. Next was a respectful bow to Roanik but as respectful as the bow was meant to be, Radar somehow managed to make it still scream ‘play with me.’ Rain happened to be the next familiar face. For some reason he still felt uneasy around her as if he were intruding. To her, he gave a polite nod in greeting as he got up from the bow.

Radar, feeling still fairly new to the family, gazed with uncertainty at Siaqi. That first mass meeting of pack mates had left him overloaded with names, ranks, co-ranks and other information. Although he could not say with certainty, he thought she had been the one to offer him kind words when others had looked at him like he was a madman. Acting upon his suspicion that it was indeed the same wolf, Radar gave her a deep bow and warm smile. Even if he was mistaken, what would it hurt to show his family a bit of kindness? Lastly, but with no less of a smile, he bounded up to Iora, nipped at her shoulder lightly and gave a soft sneeze as if he had just eaten a feather.

With all his rounds completed, he trotted, stepping so high that he looked like a deer that didn’t like getting its ankles wet in wet morning grasses. Here was a full grown wolf whom looked like he could be part fox and part deer and he actually went ahead and purposely acted silly. Radar never minded making a spectacle of himself. If he could laugh at himself, maybe he could encourage others not to take things to seriously. And now Radar had an excuse to be such a goofy. He simply adored his job and wondered why on earth he had ever been worried about taken on the jester co-rank.

Reaching Kenzoku, Radar sniffed her over and nibbled playfully at her fur before nudging her. With no warning at all, Radar just dropped into the snow. Smiling like nothing unusual had just happened, he gave Kenzoku quick nuzzle and softly tried to help fill her in on who everyone was.

“See that female up on the rock beside Midas? That’s Rayen. She’s really nice like Midas. That over there is Iora and Rain Takanami. Over there is Siaqi. They’re all really nice too. And that’s Roanik over there. He’s fun too. Maybe we could ask him to help us make slides later. What do you think?”

[Eleison]

the wheel keeps spinning round Dark paws flicked in and out of a small hole, whose occupant's species was unknown. If it was inside, her paw would be like a giant moon eclipsing the small circle of light of the entrance over and over again. It must be terrified of fright. Ele' was getting a little bored with this activity, so when she heard the call beckoning strong through the forests of golden moon, she was pleased that there would be a distraction. The large girl whipped around and began to struggle through the icy snow that greased the forest paths and slopes. She rather expected that she would be late, but not too late. By the time she arrived, there were already a good half dozen in attendance, their faces markedly changed from the melancholy that had pervaded the night before the expedition. Ele' optimistically brushed her long tail through the empty space far behind her rump. There were many excuses to hold a meeting; Ele' knew some, and others she could guess. But she didn't actually care what it was for. The opportunity to analyze the other members of the pack, to learn through role models the trades of diplomacy and intimidation, and, of course, to present herself as a model child. She already basically knew that. Ele' settled herself where there was a gap in the loose formation of the gathered. Her eyes sparkled, punctuated by a few knowing winks, toward the subordinate members she knew. She didn't react beyond normal, don't-look-at-me submissive postures and happy comradely smiles toward Midas and Rayen. She knew both of them, as they knew her, but this was a different situation for all parties involved and she would let them take the lead. They had, after all, ordered this meeting. the wheel keeps spinning round

[Quicksilver]

Quicksilver
A webbed labyrinthine of tangled branches, interwoven beneath and above, sprawled in an endless, constantly reforming pattern, moaning under frigid burdens, coarse bark slick with fulgent ice. From their tips danced gypsy light, reflecting off smooth, crystallized surfaces, scintillating radiantly in rogue rays of incandescence. Plump, wet drops of melted liquid dripped steadily from sun-kissed boughs, dappling the downy forest floor with shallow, acorn sized dents. Slush heaved and lapped against mammoth trunks, freezing humped roots and discarded rubble. Occasionally, the tranquil silence would be momentarily disrupted by a gun-shot of snapping branches, fragile things unable to shoulder the extra weight of solidified water.

Underneath the knit canopy slunk a slender, sterling form, roped muscles churning under taunt coat, individual fibers heavy with moisture. Ultramarine optics peered out beneath misted lids, obsidian maw tilted, nostrils expanding and drinking in the sights, sounds, and messages carried to her on the deft hands of the chilled wind. Pointed domes rotated, leaning back, opening to the slashed firmament above; a clear, lilting howl had rolled over the Gold Moon terrain…a summoning.

Picking up ashen paws, Quicksilver bounded in the direction of the call; supersensitive nose leading her directly to its source. With agile surety, the swift femme dodged looming obstacles, blurred pistons chewing the snow beneath, leaving a trail of muddied gore. In no time, the fae found the furry forms of her new family dotting the landscape in front of her. Elevated above them sat the Alpha Female; regale, proud, and beautiful, with Midas situated by her. Hastily, Quicksilver took her place among the rest; eyes and ears lowered in respect and submission, voluptuous plume curled tight about ropey haunches.

It appeared that things had not started yet, so the slender female took to letting her eyes roam, exploring the faces of her new pack.

[Indris]

all the wounds that are ever gonna scar me
My apologies to the delay. Hello to those few I haven’t seen before. =)

all the ghosts that are never gonna catch me
A shame, that such a beautiful song could hold such dark meaning, Indris mused as he rose, ears pricked toward the echoes of his new queen’s voice. The sense of finality Indris had been fighting to ignore for days settled over his shoulders like it belonged there and he swallowed a heavy sigh. Snap out of it, he told himself inwardly; bitterly. He had just recently entered the adult ranks and he had been promoted already, but all pride was disconnected from the occurance. He didn't deserve it. Strange that the loss of two wolves he had cared so much about had earned him prestige, as if in apology for the piece of his heart they had taken, but the young man would not allow himself to think about it that way. This was hope yet, wasn’t there? There was always hope. Hope – that stubborn thing with feathers that flies when it should just lie down and die like a sensible creature.

It did not take the charred child long to reach the meeting place of old, having been there at least twice in his travels. A brief nod of his narrow skull was given as the others came into eyeshot, forming the timeless circle that had become tradition. At the head of it were Midas and Rayen, stately but somehow subdued. Theirs were might pawprints to fill, and somehow he would always think of Ravn as his leader. A ghost of her presence seemed to hover over the ring of wolves as he approached it with mincing steps, head lowered despondently. Shaking snow from his coat he noted the fresh face of whom he smelled to be the new Beta Pup and a blue-eyed femme he did not recognize and trotted toward his leaders. Touching his nose to their chins, Indris turned respectfully and moved through the circle, tapping Iora’s shoulder with his muzzle and always keeping his attention half-trained on his expecting mother. Her distance was understandable and he left her to it for now.

After briefly resting his head on Roanik’s shoulder and breathing in the male’s reassuring scent – he was as much a father-figure now as Lonán could expect after… He could not bring himself to think it. Half-convincing himself that his father and original queen would step from the bushes any moment now (in spite of the fact that he had seen the grave with his own too-blue orbs) he nodded to Radar as he had to Rain and moved to lick Eleison’s ear almost unthinkingly, as if he were her brother just doing what was expected of him. The young man then went to Siaqi at last and nuzzle her neck, planting a swift lick across her cheek before sitting down with his eyes sweeping over the others. Quietly, automatically he said: Indris, Omicron. Medic of Gold Moon Forest.

A shame, that he could do nothing for the wounds soon to open here.


This post has been edited by Indris on 12.19.05, 3:31pm

[Muse]

Sorry for the delay. Homework, school and such monsters. Muse had smelt them a way off, and was lope-trotting carefully across the snowy ground to find the meeting. Mixed smeels came to her nares. Some from those she knew, but the others were knew and daunting. Each pillar was moving in double quick time, and nothing was audible excpet the quiet yet frequent crunch as her little paws hit the snow. Her breathing was silent and calm, even though her pulse was racing. The light and dark grey femme finally appeared once she had wound between some dense trees, still only the 'crunch' was audible, but they would be able to smell her by now. As soon as Muse appeared, she immediately bowed to Midas and Rayen Saqui - the new Alphas - then sat down onto a cold spot of snow, shivering slightly before lowring her cranium and tail in submission. Sweeping her azure optics over the gathering, Muse smiled warmly as she saw some recognisable faces. Her good friends Rain Takanami and Radar. Shooting them a smile, Muse sighted Iora and remembered ehr frrom a discussion a while back, during the Expedition. Muse smiled briefly at her, also. Then keeping her smile, directed it toward the alphas, averting her optics. It suddenly came to her attention that she had not introduced herself. "Greetings. Muse, Iota and Peacekeeper of Gold Moon Forest."

[Rayen Saqui]

All that was left to do, was to wait. Though she expected members to arrive from far and wide soon, hence the seconds ticked by extra fast. Especially as she noted Midas arriving first to the meeting. It was always now that she was reminded of how luck she was. Though as he didn't jump immediately on the rock right next to her, her brow was lifted as she gave a few strange glares to him. However before any members arrived, it still gave her the time to pounce in a few ideas for then. However first her guy had to get up here, so she licked the top of his ear, once, twice and then softly her fangs pulled it once, as if she tried to lift him up here by his ear alone. Hence, it didn't work but hopefully it got the message across. Soon, though, she hoped to spend some more private time within, especially since the puppies would come soon and vacation time was over.

The second had been Rain Takanami, a special member who had been around "long time", although Rayen didn't know her well yet, she was willingly to change that soon. After that, the entrace of the others went pretty steady, like a flow of waves, each time new members had been dropped off. Third and fourth had been Kenzoku and Siaqi, then Iora and the newly promoted Delta and long-time friend, Roanik. Then three more promising members Radar, Eleison and Quicksilver, all fairly new but Ray had been impressed by how well they did inside the pack. Last but not least, Indris who was growing up rather fast, and Muse, the one Ray wasn't so pleased about due to screwing up at Nova Mountain. Then again, Ray would ignore it for now, not wanting to spoil an entire meeting.

"Thank you all for coming, guys." Ray said with a smile and a lifted mood, happy that faces new and old could find some time to join the meeting. Though meeting? It was rather about the current news, and change of the old. "I summoned you here, because as we all know, some of the members are missing. A great loss has hit Gold Moon Forest again, thanks to due coyotes both Ravn and Deadlock are ..no longer with us." Ray said, then allowing a silence to concentrate among the members, like a minute of silence for those who remembered the previous Alpha and Beta. It was obvious to hear in her voice that even nowadays it was still something Ray didn't not fully adjust too. She siged once more, then looked at her mate, knowing that he'd probably going to add something more promising and hopeful - for this spring.

This post has been edited by Rayen Saqui on 12.22.05, 3:08pm

[Midas]

Midas growled playfully when Rayen glared at him, and these sounds grew in frequency and volume when she began to tug on his ear. For a good minute, he resisted her, until he finally succumbed to her will. Offering her an obedient whine, he rose to his feet and leapt atop the perch beside her, and the young Mexican was sure to jostle her just a bit as he made himself comfortable. Eventually, he settled down at her immediate flank, his head just an inch or so above hers as he took up a regal posture. This was their throne now, it seemed, and Midas’s eyes glowed palely as he sat there, waiting for their “subjects” to arrive.

In a steady flow, the others responded to Rayen Saqui’s call, and the Alpha pair watched them silently. Despite the hierarchical demands against eye contact, Midas met the gazes of a few of them as they filtered in and took seats, namely Siaqi, Indris, and Roanik. Though the fallen leaders of the Forest were the main feature of this get together, these three had important announcements of their own, and the new prince of the Forest would be sure to give the meeting a positive note by including their several happy announcements.

When everybody had arrived and seated themselves in a rough semicircle around the Alphas, Midas’s ears cocked forwards. Rayen’s voice picked up, and she softly informed the pack about Ravn’s and Deadlock’s passing. The mood had already been somber, but the silence after she had finished was thick with melancholy. Midas, for his part, bowed his head and offered an almost silent whine, before righting himself again. The pack had generally known of their losses, and he did not want to concentrate on them. Although the former Alpha and Beta deserved all the time in the world dedicated to their memory, Gold Moon Forest had to move on.

“May they rest in peace,” Midas added after the heavy moment of silence. He then plunged on, his sonorous voice mildly jocund as he prepared to bear some good news for his pack mates. “In lighter news, we have several wonderful announcements to make. First of all, Siaqi is expecting puppies soon, as is Rayen. I expect everybody – regardless of co-rank – to do their best in assisting both of them. I want the caches full by the time each gives birth, and I want the medics to have all their supplies at the ready in case of an emergency,” he spoke, briefly glancing at Indris with a small smile. “Speaking of puppies, we have just lost one – but in a good way. Indris has recently joined us in the adult ranks. And speaking of ranks, Roanik, too, deserves a pat on the back, for his promotion to Delta male.”

Midas took a breath after his long winded announcement, and peered over the gathering of wolves. Hopefully, these things would brighten their days a little, and give everybody something happier to focus on than the tragedies that had struck all their hearts.

[Rain Takanami]

A fringe of doubt swept the she wolf’s features as the other wolven gathered about, regarding them in a simple manner than reflected their simple tastes. In this land they desired power, bodily needs, and security. But she knew that pretty soon those qualifications would be wavered…distracted in light of new events. The Society’s old rule had been disheveled somehow and while some knew of it’s source others did not. Now it was the new leaders’ turn to show them just how much had changed since the expedition.

Rain’s head lifted proudly at the bravado shared between Midas and Rayen, the flirt of her ears catching various phrases thrown into the quiet from new arrivals. She wasn’t sure why they were announcing rank and wondered for a moment if perhaps she too should join but a moment passed and she decided that it just wasn’t worth the effort. This was a time of silent grief; a mourning period of sorts. Roanik’s polite manners did not go unreturned as she flipped her muzzle gracefully in his direction, restraining from calling out her usual ‘hello’s and instead shutting her gaze momentarily in a gesture of respect. He was no longer an underling…as far as she was concerned he had now become a God of sorts. Should he command her to a task she would gladly complete it. It was her will to do so. Patiently she gazed upon Radar and noted once more than he displayed faint weariness in her company, dismissing his odd Jester-like behavior with a kind smile. Someday soon he would learn that the cripple had no more bark than she did bite.

Muse was attended to in the typical manner: a chuff and well intending quiver of the tail. She was fond of the femme and had no reason to appear aloof. For a short while she focused on the Iota and studied the other’s physique, recalling that their last meeting had left Rain with a sense of worry. The little female seemed fine though and Rain’s attention moved elsewhere, gliding serenely from face to face.

Rayen’s voice coaxed the she wolf’s gaze toward the gathering’s center where the alpha pair stood, each ear folding backward in the wake of the soft tone. It was painful to face the facts again really but it was required…she shifted uncomfortably and then lowered her head, modeling the poise of one who prayed. She had no such prayer; these deities were beyond her primitive thoughts. It was Midas who distracted her, the mention of puppies making her ears flick oddly. Babies on the agenda? She had never mothered. Never helped birthed. But since it was demanded of her she felt the need to try.

Her lips slid gently over her teeth and bared them in an enthusiastic smile, wishing to congratulate the couple but unable to find words. Instead she fell back on canine illustration, her tail waving in earnest now unlike her dutiful greetings of before. “ I will do what I can. I will not let you down.”

Just like her to make such claims. It was all in good will though.

Huzzah!

[Kenzoku]

sorry about the quality of this post, I'm not feeling very well lately but I didn't want to hold up the thread.

The youngster crept a few more feet forward until she was only a short distance away from the dark, sooty colored female while other members arrived. Her brilliant bicolor eyes scanned the clearing with joyful intrigue as she managed to see the pack, her pack for the first time. Though she glanced about, her form remained in a stretched position upon her belly with her tail curled about her left heel and those extra large ears pressed back snugly against cinnamon shoulder blades. For several moments all was a blur as the small bundle watched the party grow in size and realized it must be a meeting of sorts. Small lips curved back at the cheeks to pucker into an adorable smile while a black tipped paintbrush thumped against a blank canvas several times over, yet never leaving a drop of ebony in its mists.

Then the forth wolf came and Kenzoku's entire demeanor changed. She recognized the goofy red as Radar and his presence made her simply glow with bright, innocent cheer. Dual orbs observe closely while the lanky one made his rounds throughout all of the other adult present, the smile never fading from her maw as the rest of the world was obsolete. Without knowing it, Radar seemed to command her attention and the pup grew blind to the new arrivals as she giggled softly at his childish antics. A part of her longed to go play or greet him as he struck the cord in her heart but she did not move, not even an inch. Almost as soon as Kenzie thought this, she felt the warm breath of orangey brown wolf's running along her spine followed by little tugs and a slightly stronger nudge.

The ginger puppy gasped shortly after as Radar fell to the ground with a thud and her nose thrust forward to nuzzle his chin and throat softly. As his words resonated into the cold winter air, those massive hearing devices rose ever so slightly to hear everything her informant had to say. She giggled a little, nudging his shoulder as she whispered back in a soft, sweet voice like she was trying to be 'secretive' though it didn't really work out for the three and a half month old. Midas told me 'bout his mate, Ray 'n the delta male, Rowinoak, 'n the o'fer puppies like me. Kenzoku's announcement was the most adorable thing ever as she leaned into the nuzzles instinctively. She couldn't say anymore though as said Ray started to speak and a little head tilted to listen to the words attentively.

The same treatment was given to Midas in turn. She flicked her ears back strongly and let out a delicate whine that hardly held any sound at all as her form leaned against the nearest elder to her, which happened to be Radar. It was an instinctive reaction for comfort and protection and if she were closer to another pack member, she probably would have done the same thing. Though she knew not of the two wolves that had past, it still set a brief sorrow in her heart. Slowly, the infant's eyes travel through the bunch to see the reactions of all those near her, to remember their faces and to offer soft, nervous puppy smiles. It was then that she saw another youth like herself and smiled sweetly. It didn't matter that this female was twice her age, she still took comfort in the fact that she was not alone. It made her even more joyful when she heard the announcement of more fellow pups, marked by a rapid wag of her tail from heel to heel.

[Siaqi]

out of character jess Please excuse the quality of the post – I’ve just got back and I’m not in a great mood. But didn’t want to keep anyone waiting. in character siaqi The arrival of the others after her where noted with appropriate nods of her cranium here and there, the ghost of a smile tracing across her lips as a mere formality rather than anything else. Here attention was most trained on the newly crowned Alpha pair – and although deserving in every right – Siaqi wished it had been under lighter and better circumstances a she suspected most did, including the pair. Nevertheless the gestures of her pack mates –Roanik with a bow and a touch to the cheek and Radar with his deep bow and warm smile surprised her pleasantly, and she returned them in kind with similar motions. Then, she watched Indris move toward her and gently she nuzzled him and when he sat beside her, the weight of her body shifted a little to brush pelt against pelt to sit like they had near the Lake. And then pale blues rose attentively to listen to the alphess’ announcement – her ears only twisting a reluctant degree to flatten at the nature of the announcement itself, which was perhaps understandable. Moments later Midas’ voice rang clear over the pack wolves with cheerier news, the nibbling’s of red flushing across her cheek’s curve in embarrassment of being mentioned. Nevertheless she indulged in the emotion for a moment or so, before turning toward Indris and nibbling his cheek gently, uttering softly… "Congratulations." Before turning back to the alpha pair, a cheerier tone ringing clear in her lyrical voice. "Congratulations to you both. It seems we both got our wish." (in reference to the pups growing up together. :]) And finally, she turned her attention toward the new delta male, a dip of her head in congratulatory respect.. "Congratulations, too Roanik."

[Roanik]

Upon the announcement of Ravn and Deadlock’s deaths, Roanik dropped his head, closing his eyes as he tried to picture the two faces of his late leaders. The group was emersed in silence as the rest of the packmates, too, tried to give them a respectful silence. Midas was the one to break it, speaking of lighter news. Yes, this was what they needed, some positivity in an otherwise dreary world. Puppies! Roanik could only hope for the day of the puppies brith to come as soon as possible. What else? Indris was now an adult, well now, good for him. Roanik nodded in agreement to such a thing, totally supporting hs young friend in reaching adult ranks. He gave a grin, trying to ease back into hapy thoughts again. Then he himself found a surprise. Delta male. He dropped the grin for a moment, but brought up a smile- although, he wasn’t sure if he meant the smile.

He had been made a leader, but did he really yet deserve such a position. Honestly, though, if Ravn and Deadlock were alive, nobody would even consider giving Roanik a leadership position. However, he knew that Midas and Rayen needed help, and he would never leave them to fend by themselves. If they thought him fit, and needed a fellow leader, well, he was their’s. He would always be for Gold Moon.

Siaqi congratulated them both, and Roanik nodded. “Thank you, Siaqi. And much congrats to you, Indris!” He added, with a grin once again. Indris would be firm within this pack as an adult if Roanik could help it. He meant to do anything in his power to keep the young one firm and strong within the pack, help this one to grow. Well, he was already and adult, and Roanik wasn’t much older himself, but he still felt there was much he could offer Indris, and fully meant to give it.

[Radar]

::OOC::

Sorry for the delay :( We got flooded. Hotwater tank busted and there was water deeper than our shoes. What a mess and what a job.



::IC::

Radar quietly whispered to Kenzoku the names of those he knew as more wolves slowly trickled in. He wished he knew all of their names. Fortunately, most wolves supplied some sort of introduction. The puppy nuzzles melted him and he began grooming her as if she were his own pup. She had won his heart and he was ready to adopt her if she’d take him.

For such a large pack, Radar was impressed at how quickly everyone had gathered. It also struck him how young the pack was. Most appeared to be his age or younger. It was a twist from being one of the youngest. He returned Muse’s smile warmly. He watched how she walked and wondered if her paws were doing better. One of the younger wolves had introduced himself as the pack’s medic. Perhaps Radar could convince Muse later to let the medic have a look at her paws.

As the tone hushed and the clearing became more serious, Radar nudged Kenzoku in closer and nibbled playfully at Kenzoku, trying to keep her spirits light. The rumors were soon confirmed and though it pained him deeply to hear it, he did not react. He had not personally known the lost and felt it would, in a way, be disrespecting those who had known them. It seemed too complicated for him to comprehend. Thankfully, joyous news immediately followed. New life; something to celebrate was on the way. It surprised him to find out that there were two litters on the way. Although he was a pleasant surprise, it confused him slightly. Somewhere along the line he had got it in his head that Ravn had been one of the expecting mothers.

Radar’s tail started thumping merrily against the snow upon hearing of Indris and Roanik’s moving up the ranks. It was a big jump to leave behind the puppy world and join the adult one. Radar could still remember how proud and terrified he was when he had slid up into the adult ranks. Roanik’s promotion pleased Radar just as much as the pup’s, er, adult’s. Radar enjoyed what he had seen of Roanik so far. Then again, the most of what he had seen of anyone was while playing games. It was his job as jester after all.

“Yes, congratulation all around; for the mothers, the newest adult, and the newest leader.”

Although he wanted to congratulate the new alphas as well, it seemed improper to do so at that moment considering the circumstances. It would not do well to bring the focus back upon sad things. In fact, it was his responsibility to keep things on a lighter note. He wasn’t about to draw their focuses back on the more depressing announcements. An old idea resurfaced in his mind and he whispered to Kenzoku. “Want to help me with a surprise later?”

[Eleison]

the wheel keeps spinning round The black puppy had heard tell of the Alpha from the mouth of the male who now held the position. The other name was unknown. If she had been here longer, she might be able to deduce from which long-term scents were fading from the borders who the wolf had been. Maybe in that case, being here longer, she would care, but she would look to the present. The wolves present all seemed resolute to deal with their grief and attend to the yet-unborn puppies. The political situation was rather boring, really, no wolves attempting to overthrow the Alpha, no puppies cowering under the bellies of their mommas. It would be interesting to see that. Of course, she would be no use; though big for her age, she was still a female puppy, and any adult who wasn't missing three legs and a tail could take her down. "I can catch something." Eleison volunteered because she had to. Everyone else was volunteering. By the time puppies were old enough to toddle out of the den, she would be an adult. She would be able to spare something from her catch, Ele' figured, and then she might return to Midas' good side. She wasn't sure whether the male actually had a bad side or whether she was on it. But could the relationship between them be better? Probably. Eleison wrapped her tail neatly around her haunches and flipped the end over her front paws. The tip batted and teased them like a feather. She was thinking and also appearing very much grieved, with the right proportion of happy for the adult Indris and promoted male who she didn't yet know. the wheel keeps spinning round

[Quicksilver]

Out of Character
---

In Character
A familiar voice silenced the small conversations bubbling about around her, and Quicksilver turned her attention away from her new pack-mates, focusing cobalt gaze upon the regale forms of Rayen and Midas. Sterling ears twitched forward towards the Alpha Female, smooth head cocked slightly to the side, listening. Although the slender female had known something about the loss Gold Moon Forest had suffered, she did not recognize the names spoken, nor was she familiar with any details beyond their death. She sympathized for the pack, but she felt little of the emotion that the other wolves were experiencing. A moment of silence followed, and Quicksilver bowed her head respectfully, giving her own blessing to the faceless names.

When Midas spoke, it helped to lift the grim atmosphere that had descended upon the large aggregation. Eyes brightened and silvered tail began to thump a rhythmic cadence against the ground at the mention of puppies, for she was extremely fond of the little things and eagerly looked forward to helping provide for their growth. As a hunter, she knew it was her responsibility to maintain fullness in the caches, and she was determined to perform the task at the highest of her ability. With a toothy grin slathered across attractive features, the multihued hunter gave Roanik a yip of congratulations for his promotion; she had met the new Delta earlier, forming a friendship, and, although she had never known prior to the advancement, she was still happy for him nonetheless. She then brought her steely gaze back up to Midas, muscled form low in respect.

”I will do my best to keep enough food in the caches.” She said earnestly, motley plume sweeping a trail in the snow as it wagged viciously..

This post has been edited by Quicksilver on 01.06.06, 6:42pm

[Indris]

OOC:
Here’s a quick reply because I’ve made you all wait too long as it is. ‘Bye to the table for now.

IC:
Before the newly-appointed Forest leaders could speak, a last latecomer to the meeting made her presence known, her gray-flecked pelt a nice contrast among the other colors of the cadre. The she-wolf’s blue eyes matched his own and it was with a flicker of pleased surprise that Indris caught her pretty name – Muse – and stored it away for later. Then the youth’s attention flew to Rayen. Lonan watched with some amusement as she attempted to claim her mate’s notice, but as her greeting resounded among them, part of him flinched away from her voice, because he knew what was to come. Regardless he mirrored her smile, putting on a brave face for his mother. His mask probably didn’t make a difference to the white angel, though. She had seen him at his saddest and respected him all the more for it. He noted the resignation in his queen’s tones and the boy’s head lowered unconsciously, a lump rising in his throat as he thought of Ravn, who should stand in the place of this young couple. His thoughts strayed to Deadlock’s memory but only briefly. In that direction laid a pain he was loath to face again, no matter what Roanik had said to him in the Darklands, or how joyous the next spring promised to be.

When mention of better things to come was brought into the oration, Indris lifted his shadowy maw and dared to meet Midas’ eyes, recalled their hunt with the ill-tempted Stripes. A bit of his sorrow departed then, and at the mention of puppies it fled entirely, blocked by the instinctive excitement and joy that floods a wolf and his pack when at last it is known that the future is coming. He nodded at his leader’s words, but paused when those pale golden eyes fell upon him significantly and word of his promotion was pronounced. Ears pricked, he inclined his head gratefully toward the Mexican gray and his mate before a grin curled over his face and he shyly looked to his paws. Behind him, his tail made slow, proud circles. In the moment that Ro’s upgrade was mentioned, though, he met the eyes of his dear friend and gave a low bark of congratulations. “Well done,” the youth purled, gladder than ever to know his pack’s new Delta.

As Siaqi’s muzzle touched the line of his jaw Indris smiled, tail thumping harder against the earth. “To you, too,” he said, referring to the life stirring within her. A pang of sadness welled in him, to think that those at-yet unborn children would not know their father, but he remembered his thoughts in the Grotto and felt better. He grinned at Roanik’s words, his eyes sincere as he added, “You deserve it, Ro.” When the Jester of the Forest spoke up, Indris gave him his attention without qualm; he was a bit embarrassed, like his mother, to be in the center of all these well-wishes, but they seemed especially well-backed coming from Radar’s mouth. The Omikron considered meeting up with this likable fellow sometime, and might have said something about it just then had it not been for the quiet statement voiced by Eleison. He nodded to her, brother-like once more, proud of her thoughts on contributing to her pack. She certainly was an Alpha Pup, and he felt good knowing she had inherited his position.

It was almost, how they were growing so fast, with such good marks. Perhaps he could take it as a sign that the long winter (and all its pain and hardship) would come to a gentle, sunlit end.