Autumn would be coming to a close soon, she could feel the subtle bite of winter approaching each day. Amber gaze slowly opened, the sun peeking through her den and waking her. With a massive yawn, stretched out her toes and limbs as she began to get up, back arching as she loosened her muscles. Lastly, she shook out her pelt and exited her den. It was morning, not too cold just yet, and seemed like a beautiful day. Ivalice was still new, and now that they had a few more members, it was time to have the first meeting. She lumbered over to a fallen tree that was leaning over another hollow log. Leaping up, she turned and settled herself as her head tilted back to call for the pack, as well as openly invite any others who wanted to join. OOC// Please post here by the 17th! Anyone who doesn't show won't get to choose their potential ranks, and Avalon will be very disappointed in you for missing the first meeting -eyes- "Talk" "You" Think

The call had been expected, but the wraith was just finishing getting back to her own den. Collecting herbs was important more then ever, seeing the winter would either kill or cause what herbs she could find to hibernate. Either way, it was none too good for the healer, not if she wanted to do her job. Thus, once setting aside the bundle, did she turn to Liar and softly attempted to brush the top of his head with her snout again. “Time to rise; we have a meeting to attend.” Once Abelinda was sure he was awake, did she leave the den - stopping mid way to stretch a bit. Before coming upon the meeting area, moving off to the right a bit did she take a seat. A nod was given to the alpha, as she awaited for the rest to appear. “And in the dark, I can hear your heart beat.”

Last night had made him feel more alive than ever. Back to where he supposedly wanted to be, he was content and ready to be at a task. As Abelinda notified him, his ears flicked to the sound of Avalon's voice. Liar stood up and followed next to Abelinda, once Avalon came into the unexpressive male's vision he dipped his head in respect of the woman. Hoping she didn't harbor any harsh feelings towards him. Though she wasn't aware of the same things surreal had when he had run into that dame. Quickly finding his seat, his muscles stretched. He was ready to prove himself and work his way quickly up the ranks. While they're stay here would probably not be more than a season or two depending on how things went - they were here and he himself would show at least any amount of effort to support the pack. "Talk"

Vereux was quick to show his face, he wouldn't miss this for the world of course. However, upon seeing Abelinda, much no less with another man. His expression was confused, though Avalon had extended the pack to her aunt. It was a bit haunting really to actually see her there. Ignoring it though, if she was here then she was here. Even if it sent a prickle in his skin. He remained calm, and the male would straight approach Avalon. Seeking to press his nose gently against he shoulder with a small smile. “Beautiful day for a meeting.” he greeted her as he took a seat. Hoping that this was welcome. Though knowing his aunt was watching, he felt the urge to simply impress her. He threw the thought quickly away. He was not here to impress his old family - his own decisions were in fact that. His own, and she couldn't judge him on that. “Vereux” “Avalon”

Avalon's howl pulled him quickly from his sleep, making him jump slightly as his green gaze blinked open. It took a moment for his brain to register what was going on, but once it did he was quick to pull himself to his paws and slip out of the den he had claimed for himself. A meeting! He gave his monochromatic fur a shake before he trotted off toward the meeting, feeling both excited and nervous. He wasn't sure why he was nervous, but he supposed it was good to be. It only meant he cared about how he was going to get along with everyone. He arrived, seeing a few wolves had already reached the meeting before him, but there weren't too many just yet. He smiled as he glanced around at them, coming over to find himself a seat. He didn't know anyone still... but perhaps that would change soon enough. He settled on his haunches and turned his head to look up at Avalon, giving her a quick grin before looking around and waiting for more wolves to arrive.

The call from his mom hadn't gone unheard, so abandoning his meal, the young male stood and trotted towards her. It was their first meeting! He was excited because he'd get to meet everyone else right? He wondered if Lykos would show up, and if any of his brothers had gotten there before him. When he got there though, he found that none of his siblings were there yet. But there were new members! How exciting! With a wagging tail, he went to sit in the front, green eyes looking first at Vereux and then at the other male sitting next to his mom. Who was that? Another friend? Maybe she would introduce him. Either way, maybe he could talk to him after the meeting. "Speech"

A meeting was being called, the first one out of the new pack. Never had Amachi felt so freeform, as her body raised from the snow. Her paws stretched and she let out a yawn before huffing. She stood out like a sore thumb among the snow, but it didn't matter much to her. Where she had grown up it almost snowed all the time. Easily she made her way to the gathering, and it seemed she wasn't the first. Liar was here, whom she had seen at her time with Sin - it seemed he had a new brood with him. Ignoring that she gave a short greeting to them and looked towards Avalon and Vereux. Her eyes glancing over him for a moment, wondering how he was doing. She took a seat and waited to be addressed. She'd be lying if she didn't say this was exciting though. A chance to get back into the groove of things. She would be able to prove herself, and this would be her home for generations to come if she wished to protect it. That much was what she wanted for Ivalice. ""

This new territory was rather interesting and Kharnage had wasted no time in trying to explore it all at once. It was strange to think that their mother had lived here at one point forever ago with an old pack. He was excited about this new pack though, despite the fact Lykos hadn't joined them yet, it was hard to get his mood down. Now that he wasn't sick he'd be able to learn stuff like Dragon and Lykos had in Imperium! So when the call from their mother rang out calling the pack together Kharnage raced to it as fast as he could, but when he arrived others had already beaten him. There was that impressively tall woman with the weird markings there, and then the male that had joined Avalon at the first gathering, Dragon was also there as well as three wolves he'd never seen before, yet one of them looked strangely familiar to their mother. He eyed them curiously before he averted his gaze back to Dragon. He padded over to his sibling with a grin before settling down next to him. Walk, "Talk" Think

They hadn't remained in the south where Gryphon and the others had grown up, instead moving immediately to the north where his mother felt more comfortable. His siblings too, who had both gotten their mother's thick fur, though Gryphon had inherited the thinner desert-coat of his sire and found himself shivering more often than not. Still, he stubbornly continued to spend time outside in the snow to force himself to get used to the cold, and as long as he kept moving it was a little better. Besides, he wanted to patrol the borders anyway and make sure his family stayed safe, and he still couldn't bring himself to trust the strangers who had joined up with them so it was better to keep an eye on them rather than curling up somewhere warm. He still didn't have the knack for hunting since he'd missed out on training, but he was - just as stubbornly - persisting in his attempts. He'd just completely missed one of those white hares again, managing to slam into a pine tree when the hare jagged away from him and he didn't manage to turn fast enough and was still shaking off the haze when his mother's howl reached him. He flailed back to his paws, squinting in the direction of the call to make sure he wasn't going to run into another pine before he drunkenly wove his way towards the meeting.

By the time he reached the group his brain had cleared and he was able to trot into the meeting with his head and tail high as he glanced around in a suspicion that was quickly becoming habitual, before he lowered himself to his haunches at the back of the group where he'd be able to keep his eyes on everyone at once.

His first order of business after joining was securing a place to sleep. He spent the rest of that day digging himself a den against one of the small, sparse banks; the south had been so much better for decent dens - large trees with large roots to dig; there were also rocks that would make good dens. Here... it was crap. Very much crap. Still, he managed to sleep that night, albeit a bit restlessly. He was awoken, only a day after, by his mother's call - why...? It took him a minute to realize she was calling the pack, and blearily he wiggled out of the den he dug, rising and shaking himself. Well, a meeting would be one way to announce to his brothers that he came to Ivalice.

He trotted rather slowly towards the call, and found himself rather surprised with the number of wolves. Eight, and he only recognized half of that number. Eyeing the strangers warily, he dipped his head to his mother, showing her respect. His gaze then swept across his siblings, half-smiling even as he approached Gryphon, silently next to his brother. "Could you look any more suspicious, brother?" he asked lightly, an amused tone lacing his words. He glanced sidelong at Gryphon, a lopsided grin appearing as he wondered his siblings' reaction to his sudden appearance.

"SPEAK"

Art by Evelyn

The pack would not take long to arrive at all, and for that she was pleased and thankful that they all showed. Abelinda and Liar were the first to arrive, and she nodded to the pair in greeting as she studied them. They seemed more or less unpredictable, unsure of what their motives for being here were, but she didn't want to keep feeling like she should keep an eye on them. Instead, she would test them with trust, and see how far their loyalties lied. Vereux arrived next, eagerly greeting her. "It is." She responded, allowing his touch to her shoulder. Next, she watched as her brother came to sit in front. Her smile widened, tail wagging when she saw him, and she felt ecstatic that her long lost brother (one of them at least) was here with her. Next came Dragon, his energy surprise her, though he always seemed to be more energetic and outgoing then the others. She didn't know if it was good or bad, but at least he was better off then she had been in the past. Amachi arrived next, Avalon dipped her head in greeting to her before turning her attention to Kharnage and Gryphon. She was proud of them, all of them growing into fine young men. And last came Lykos. She had kept his arrival a secret from her other children, no doubt a surprise to them as much as it had been for her. She waited a few moments for everyone to settle before she cleared her throat and surveyed the pack. "Thank you for coming everyone. It's nice to see everyone gathered! I must admit, I'm a little nervous about this, but as this is our first meeting as an official pack, we've much to discuss." Her smile widened as she looked at her brother, a feeling of happiness and excitement mingling together. "I would like to start with welcoming my brother, Galahad. We've not seen each other since we were children, and I am very happy he is here. Galahad, meet your nephews; Dragon, Kharnage, Gryphon, and Lykos." She pointed out each one in turn, a feeling of pride welling up in her chest. Now, onto the official business! She flicked her ears, wondering where to start. After a moment of thinking, she figured she would start with the pack laws and ranks. (See pack page for rules, etc.) "Now, onto the important business. There are several things you should know about the rules, and why certain ones are in place. The one I would like to address, is the no names law. It is not in place because we are hiding, but it is in place for the protection of all members. We all know there are others out there who will use certain information to use against, or harm any one of us. We are a family now, so protect each other as you would your own blood." Her gaze swept across the pack, making it a point that it was one of the many important laws that served to protect the pack. "Now, about the ranks. Most of you are ranked as Natives, and my children are ranked as Generations. I give you the opportunity to request what field you would like to choose. Warrior, hunter, scout, and Herbalist fields among others are available. I know we are small now, so I'm looking into finding mentors to train our yearlings in their field. If you would like to be a mentor, please state it and I will begin pairing. If we are short, then suggestions for potential mentor programs with another pack may be an option." At this, she looked to Abelinda, wondering if the woman would be interested in mentoring someone should they choose a path of healing. As far as she knew, Abelinda had been the only one to voice that it was her field upon joining. The others? Most likely warriors and hunters. With that said, her voice took a more excited tone as the next announcements were ones that, hopefully, would have the pack sharing the excitement with her. "I'd also like to put out there, that our first bi-annual festival will start in the winter. The caribou run will be an event that will give us the opportunity to work together and bond us further as a pack. We will hunt the herd before they leave for the winter, and celebrate our successful hunt with a feast. It's a time to get to know each other better, as well as our allies who I will also invite." Wow. She couldn't remember the last time she'd talked this much, but as an alpha it had to be done and to keep the pack informed. She knew they would learn it all in short time, but the first meeting was usually the most important right? As her gaze swept across them, she would stop to look at Lykos. It was a hard decision, really. But so far, he seemed most capable. He had been faced with many hard decisions, his loyalty to his pack had been admirable, and she hoped his loyalty would be just as strong here. If not, well...at least she'd given him the chance. "One other important thing, I've decided to name Lykos Ancora as the Heir of Ivalice. Alot will be expected of you should you choose to accept, and you'll still have a choice in your field as well. It's your decision, however." She smiled at him, pausing to allow him an answer before continuing. "If anyone has comments, questions, concerns, ideas, or anything else. Please, now is the time to speak up, or you may talk to me privately after." With that, she gave the floor to the pack so they could say their parts. OOC// Please have second round posts in by 5/27! I know it's alot of information I'm sorry xD "Talk" "You" Think

His single eye scanned the area as wolves gathered. Mark glistening proudly within the snowy terrain. As Avalon answered him he nodded his head and relaxed a bit, this wasn't the first time he sat in front of a crowd of wolves. Though he highly doubted this meeting would end as heated as the one he had attended when he defended his father from verbal abuse. What caught his eye though, was mainly Avalon's children. He had only met Dragon so the others were simply by ear and scent. Of course they were family just as much as Avalon was, however he knew perfectly well he was not their father and he wouldn't treat them as such. Being a year old as well they were their own men. As Avalon spoke, Lykos was named as heir, his green eye moved over the young lad. Then back to Avalon once she was done speaking, he was mostly positive about the rank he wanted if she allowed him to. “Avalon I'd like to stand by your side as Ivalice's second in command. If not any rank as a healer is fine. But I believe I can do Ivalice a service through experience and loyalty.” he said to her loud and clear as his ears flicked forward. His paws shuffled a bit in the snow. These lands where Glaciem once stood, where once upon a time he was a king. He may not have had good use of the position then, but he did believe that he could live and learn from such mistakes. “Vereux” “Avalon”

Amachi easily listened to what Avalon had to say. The woman would remain silent otherwise as she usually was. In a large group of wolves, she didn't usually want to express her emotions or otherwise feelings. The end of her tail twitched, as she thought about her rank. Of course she'd want to be a warrior, she was a bit rusty but that was what she was born and raised to do. The gray eyed beast would take a moment to look towards the heir. Who would be assigned as his mentor she wondered. "I'd like any rank of a warrior you can give me Avalon - and I also could be a mentor." Amachi spoke easily, and it was every hint of confidence. She didn't normally speak with uncertainty anyway. The only times she did that, was when she had spoken with Avalon one on one. ""

He wouldn't have to wait long for more wolves to arrive and he would glance to each one curiously as they came to join the group. There were so many new faces to meet. He wondered how well they all knew each other. He couldn't help but get the feeling that most of them were acquainted while he was the stranger here. He hadn't expected much else though. He had plenty of time to meet everyone and integrate himself into the pack. Soon enough his sister began to speak and he would give her a grateful smile when she introduced him first as well as naming each of her children. His brows raised with surprise and his emerald eyes glanced at the boys as she named them so he could put a face with the name. He had nephews?! He had no idea! He grinned happily at his nephews. He had so much more family here than he had even realized.

He'd focus back in on Avalon when she went on to explain the ways and the whys of the pack. Nothing she listed sounded unreasonable and he could certainly appreciate the family-like feel she was trying to create here. He was interested to see how this festival she spoke of would play out. It sounded like it would be a good time anyway! He'd glance to Lykos when she named him the heir, smiling a little before he paused to listen to a few of the others listing what position in the pack they would have. He'd look to the slate-blue male curiously for a moment, wondering what kind of relationship he and his sister had. Perhaps he'd have to speak with him soon. "I'd like to be a warrior as well. I'm probably a bit rusty, but I wouldn't mind being a mentor if you'll allow me."

Kharnage sat quietly as the rest of the pack filtered in. It wasn't until he spotted a familiar dark coat that his attention turned to the other semi-late arrivals. A dumbfounded look slid over his features as he stared at Lykos for a solid thirty seconds as he tried to figure out if he was hallucinating or not. By then Lykos had sat down next to Gryphon and Kharnage had finally came to the conclusion that it wasn't some figment of his imagination. Lykos was actually here. What had made him change his mind? He didn't get the opportunity to go ask him though as their mother began speaking. Ears and eyes flicked to her direction as he listened. She first introduced the stranger that looked similar to the rest of their family as Galahad and he gawked at the male for a moment. They had an uncle! How cool! He grinned at the older male in welcome before his attention returned to Avalon. He'd have to go bug Galahad later. The rest of it wasn't exciting as she touched on the rules (boring) and what each member wanted to be ranked as. Now that part wasn't so boring! Now that he wasn't sick it meant he could have a mentor. He was excited that he was going to get to train to be a fighter maybe, but before he could blurt out what he wanted to train for Avalon announced that Lykos would be the heir to Ivalice. Browns knit into hurt confusion as he glanced back and forth between his sibling and their mother. How was she going to name him heir if he hadn't even been here up until today. He hadn't even known if he'd wanted to come with them or not when she'd invited them to come with her and now she was giving him the title of heir?! Was she sick too? That must have been it. While he was happy his brother was back none of it made any sense. He bit his tongue deciding it was best if he kept his mouth shut. Well he was biting his tongue all the way up until the point that strange male that had been all buddy buddy with their mom spoke that he wanted to be a Chieftain and rule at their mother's side. Welp, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Not one to ever fully keep his mouth shut, unless you were family, he brazenly spoke with a fury in his gaze. "Who the hell do you think you are?" He spat. "No one here, except my mother clearly, knows jack shit about you and here you go requesting a rank you haven't even earned." He was fuming now up on his paws in an instant. "For fuck's sake I don't even know your own name! What's your game, huh? Gonna woo my mother over and then snatch the pack from under her nose?" Walk, "Talk" Think

A few more would arrive after him. The big odd looking giant woman, and his brother Kharnage. He grinned at his brother as he sat next to him, Dragon's tail set to wagging as he leaned to playfully press his shoulder against his brother. When he looked around, he saw Gryphon sitting in the back eyeballing all the new people. He giggled a bit, rolling his eyes in a playful manner before noticing that Lykos had come. What? When did he decide to show up? He was glad though, now the family was together again! With that, his mom began to speak and he turned his attention to her. Occasionally though, green gaze would keep flicking between her and the male. Yeah, he was suspicious of the guy, but dragon loved his mom and wanted her all to himself. She started by introducing a guy named Galahad, who was her brother. Wait what? They had an uncle? His excitement shot up as he grinned at the man. He would definitely have to go talk to him! She then talked about the festival, ranks, rules etc. And then a shocker. Lykos was going to be an Heir? But he didn't even want to come with them! His jaw dropped as he looked at Kharnage, his brother practically reflecting the same thing that he was feeling. Why Lykos He and his brothers had been the ones to follow without really any indecisiveness. But lykos had stayed with the old pack! He sputtered, as if wanting to say something but the words didn't come. Even as the others spoke, dragon practically ignored them. Except of course, when Vereux asked to be second in command, and then Kharnage's rant. His ears pinned to his head. Yeah, the others didn't know the guy and he had only met him once, but he wasn't too happy about him stepping up thinking he could do that without proving himself like everyone else. In a way, he agreed with his brother. But he refrained from speaking as harsh as his brother had. Yeah, he was beyond pissed already, so his voice was a cold monotonous sound. "I don't think anyone should be asking for that. It's the alphas choice, and frankly I don't think anyone has earned that. Kharnage is right, you need to prove yourself and we need to be able to trust you. I only met you once, that doesn't mean a damn thing!" Green gaze flashed to his mother for a second, his heart sinking in his chest when he saw the hurt in her eyes, most likely due to all that was going on, the yelling, the upset vibe about lykos being named Heir and the attacks on her friend. But still, they couldn't help it. As to what he wanted to train for? He wasn't even in the mood to decide right now. He just wanted to leave, but he knew they couldn't without permission, or risk punishment later. And he did not want to be grounded like he had been last winter. "Speech"

Those ears flicked forth, listening as their alpha began to speak. Abelinda knew, easily how things could go. For now, she listened. Taking in what was said and yet rising a brow briefly at the words upon a no name law. That was an odd one, but supposed this alpha had enemies - what Alpha didn't? One could not befriend all, nor could they not have peace - they were bound to have something another pack desired in some shape or form. Then again, her half-brother was a good example of this. “As stated before; I'll take the mantle of a healer.” As for mentoring a youngster here; it depended if they took a interest in healing. It was unlikely for they likely would seek to be a warrior or hunter yo make their pack proud. Youthful exuberance at it's best. However, it seemed her nephew proved to shoot high, then again he had stated if she recalled correctly that he loved this she-wolf and they intended on becoming mates. In turn as he spoke of becoming second in-command, he proved to earn the ire of two brothers; that glacial gaze blinked and Abelinda uttered a sigh. “Steel you tongues, youngsters.” The serpentine women choose to speak out, not harshly but it was uttered as a command never the less. “Your mother and my nephew, if I recall are rather smitten.” That gaze shifted to the pair; it was obvious in how they acted. “I've little doubt, you'll have little reason not to trust Vereux.” Supporting him, of course; why wouldn't she after all? “He has much to prove, yes; but if you do not give him the chance, how can he do so when you're both so quick to judge?” Once more speaking her piece, though her voice was calm and level - betraying no true emotion as always.

Kids throwing a fit, Liar sort of felt bad for the lad. After all, he seemed to be a nice enough gentleman. Being Abelinda's nephew, it would make sense after all. Avalon's children seemed to not know what it meant for an alpha to make their own decisions. His mate seemed to have covered it pretty well though. If they snapped at her he would gladly defend Abelinda, hopefully not getting into bad terms with Avalon. After all this would be his future children's home. "I'll take any warrior rank you can throw at me. I'll prove myself in time." his green eyes flickered. "And if you wish, I can mentor one of your young." the monotoned man stayed calm. Unreadable as he usually did. No doubt they would fight with him as a stranger. Liar's tail flicked slightly. Perhaps it would be amusing. "Talk"

He was the last to arrive, it seemed, but only for the moment as a surprise appeared to take up the last spot. He stared in consternation as Lykos seated himself next to him and spoke jokingly. For a moment Gryphon's muzzle parted in a grin of welcome, but it faded quickly as the implications of his brother's presence here sunk in. Lykos had made it clear he wouldn't abandon his loyalty to Imperium, so if he was here... "Imperium's gone?" he asked with grim sympathy, his voice kept low to keep from disturbing those around them.

His mother's voice drew his attention back to the meeting. She started by introducing one of the wolves who'd sat near her, who was apparently her brother, making him Gryphon's uncle. Gryphon regarded him with interest. Wary interest, but not unfriendly. He dipped his head in solemn greeting towards the black and white male, who resembled Avalon about as much as Gryphon himself did - which was to say, not particularly, though Galahad did have the thick fluffy coat that Avalon and all of her sons did that Gryphon lacked.

Avalon went on to detail the rules, which Gryphon took careful note of though he made no guarantees even in his own head that he'd definitely always follow them. He was not, after all, Lykos. She went on to explain one particular rule in depth, and he blinked in faint confusion. Why the need to clarify that particular rule? Why the need to state outright that they weren't hiding? Did someone think they were? All it served to do was confuse him more than the rule itself had.

He shook his head, not willing to ask and interrupt the meeting, and she was moving on anyway. Ranks. He perked up a bit at that - he did want to be able to actually help his family, which was something he'd been unable to do so far in his life. He did not envy Lykos, who was apparently to be given the position of heir. Who would want that thankless sort of job anyway? He'd seen, from a distance, all that was expected of Angelus as Imperium's heir, and he wanted no part of that. Though undoubtedly the responsibility would make his wet-blanket of a brother more insufferable than he already was. Oh well.

So what did he want to do? Well, he wanted to be able to protect his family, but anyone could learn to bite someone. He could learn to fight too, but he didn't think they would need him to do it as a rank. There were other more important things he could do for his pack. But what? Scout? Hunter? He had no interest in plants or healing - the very idea of being around sick wolves and dealing with that sort of thing made his skin crawl. He wasn't sure what being a scout would entail, though the word interested him. It was the idea of hunting that drew him more than any other path. Providing food for his family, learning the ways of prey and tracking them, being the best at bringing in sustenance...

But before he'd finished his ruminations others were already speaking up, namely the stranger cozied up with Avalon. His answer brought Gryphon's head up sharply, and his thoughtful expression morphed into outrage. He bit back any words he might have spoken against him though, not because he didn't want to say anything but because his brothers had already said what needed to be said. This... this stranger, this male who had had no place in their lives before Avalon had made the pack such a short time before, was seeking to take the highest position in the pack with no proof of his capability? Gryphon was incredulous.

But where the male's outrageous words hadn't drawn a peep from Gryphon, the sudden cold tone of the female stranger directed at his brothers brought an ominous growl reverberating deep in the young male's chest. He cut a hard, hot glare at the woman, and drew himself up to his full height. Not in an attempt to be intimidating, because he did not feel the need to intimidate anyone, but because her snide remarks about his mother and this stranger being... smitten... stiffened his back. "You do not give someone a chance to prove themselves by giving them a high rank just because they ask for it," he growled, forcing himself to modulate his words to something semi-reasonable. "You make them prove themselves first and earn it. That is purely common sense. Regardless of how... smitten someone is. I don't care who he is or who you are. You don't get to tell my brothers not to speak their minds - they are full members of this pack, not pups. Not children that you can bully because of your age. They have the right. Mother," he added, emphasizing that he spoke to her alone now, "I would like to train as a hunter."

The fur on his back twitched as he reined in the impulse for his hackles to raise, and he sought to share an irritated glance with Lykos. The whole situation was so ridiculous as to be almost laughable, if it weren't so annoying. "I think we need to talk when the meeting is over," he muttered almost soundlessly to the larger sibling, his head turned to keep the words from the rest of the pack.

His brother's responce didn't disappoint him in the least.First a grin, which Lykos met willingly and even tried bumping shoulders with his smaller brother, and then a realization. Lykos' own smile dropped as he nodded slowly. "Yes." He left it at that; choosing instead to start focusing on their mother. He felt no anger towards Gryphon in the least for his question; it was, after all, quite reasonable. It did, however, cause a peculiar sadness to well up inside of him. Truly, he wished Imperium's fall had not happened.

Avalon started simply; she introduced a black and white male to them as an uncle, and Lykos eyed the male curiously. An uncle, eh? That was quite interesting. He followed his brother's suite, dipping his head in a wordless greeting, though a lopsided grin formed on his face as shock appeared on his other siblings' faces. Ah yes, let them be surprised. Lykos resisted chuckling, instead grinning at them. Avalon had done quite well at keeping his presence a secret, though it was scarce a day since he joined.

It was then Avalon went on to elaborate on the rules she briefly touched on - and one in particular. His brow furrowed - what? Why was there a rule stating that no names were to be spoken? Why was she emphasizing repeatedly that they weren't hiding. His thoughts ran along the same lines as Gryphon's: did someone think they were? why was she elaborating on it? A deep suspicion took root. Was someone after someone in the pack? Was that why? Was someone hiding, and his mother protecting them? If so, why were they hiding? And just who were they, if it was indeed the case, to his mother that she would protect the other wolf instead of demanding to know why?

He huffed softly, and turned his attention back to his mother, for she started speaking again, this time about ranks. Here he listened avidly - so many paths! But he already knew what he wanted to be; he wanted to be a warrior, of course. Not that... he really wanted anyone but Mercy to train him. But Imperium was gone, as well as Mercy, and all the other competant wolves of Imperium whom he knew without a doubt he could rely on. All the wolves here - all the adults, anyways - he did not know if he could rely on them. That made him deeply uneasy as well.

Either way, he'd not have a choice. Better to think on it later, and consider it then as opposed to now, for Avalon was alreayd moving on - a festival! Ooh, interesting. Lykos could see the dangers - unknown wolves, wolves of other packs, in their lands - but he could also see the advantages. One could learn of the other packs, how they opperated and functioned. One can also learn the strength of their numbers and the skill of their wolves. It was quite the opportunity, and Lykos could quite look forward to it. The goals of the celebration were indeed admirable as well. One thought did prick his mind: if she was having a celebration that was also open to other packs, albeit allies, then why the no-speaking rule?

His thoughts were interupted as something akin to shock froze him in place. Wait. What did he just hear? His eyes widened as he tried not to let his jaw drop. Him? Heir? Why? He only just arrived! He didn't even arrive with the others! His eyes flew to each of his brothers; Gryphon looked neutral, as if thankful it wasn't him... but his other two brothers looked distinctly angry and jealous. Lykos winced slightly. Why had she chosen him? He had not proved his loyalty in any way, and his brothers knew that. Why would she make a new member... this?

He stayed quiet, though, for almost the second Avalon finished speaking, an eyeless male rose... and demanded to be equal with his mother? Lykos stared hard at the stranger, eyes narrowing in a glare and a growl starting to rise in his throat. He was about to rise and say something when Kharnage obviously had the same thought, bouncing up and snapping quite loudly and violently at the stranger. While... his brother's outburst was the opposite of controlled, Lykos completely agreed with it. So did, it appeared, Dragon, who quickly rose after Kharnage to defend the pack and their mothers. Lykos himself was about to rise, again, when a cold, cool, female voice cut through.

Who was this creature to command them as if she was their mother? And... smitten? His fur bristled at the suggestion, and through his periphreal vision he could see the biting comment also had Gryphon up in arms about it. Gryphon rose then, and his words had Lykos nodding along. His brother was quite eloquent with words, even if he was growling them. Lykos didn't blame him in the least, and when Gryphon finished speaking, Lykos rose as well, glancing at his brother, his own annoyance and frustration reflected in his brown brother's eyes. He nodded imperceptably to his words, and then turned to face the gathering.

"If I may," he bagan, tone quite mild. "Mother. If that is truly what you desire, then I will accept your wishes. Now. For the rest of you." His gaze swept hthe gathering and included everyone in it. "My brother Gryphon is right. However, you," here he glanced at Abelinda, "are also right... to a degree. It is quite true that you cannot prove the loyalty and trustworthiness of a wolf without giving him a chance. However... You do not give a wolf who has not proven him or herself one of the highest positions of authority. That is not being given a 'chance'. You start small, and work your way up. You don't start at the top... well, not usually, anyways." Because he apparently was? It was confusing to him as well. "In addition to that... all of you. Respect will be had. We are all members of the pack, and currently, I'm pretty sure only my Mother and I are the only two wolves of any rank at this point. That means that you have no authority to order around someone of an equal rank to you, regardless of age. Mind that. It also means that you refer to us by our names, as opposed to 'the alpha's young'. I do believe my mother so kindly introduced us. I also do not care how 'smitten' they are. I know plenty of proof that just because you are 'smitten' with someone does not mean they are loyal... or trustworthy. Nor, for that matter, is family a good judge of that. The only way this man can prove himself is through his own deeds. Not through the words of others. You would do well to remember that. None of you have earned trust. It will not, at least in my eyes, be handed out without action proving yourself worthy. I do not care who you are. I care for what you've done, and how you act. For those and what is said can be two entirely different things."

With that, he sighed, falling silent. He regarded the pack with a heavy heart, a heavy mind. Was this what his mother's pack was? An arrogant man, thinking himself worthy of the highest of honors without proving himself? A woman who believes herself superior simply because of her age? Another, who would deliver a biting comment in such a way that others would not notice? These wolves... these wolves were not respectable. These wolves made him uneasy, and he trusted his instincts. He did not trust any of them - and he would keep an eye on all of them, as well as figure out where they came from and what they've done in the past. Starting with that damned man who thought himself worthy of secondary alpha, whom apparently was 'smitten' with his mother. Besides, once he found out about that man, he should be able to find out about his accursed aunt... and then he would know truly whether or not to trust either of them.

"Lykos"