She tried not to think about everything that happened, she couldn’t dwell on her sorrow because she would only fall into depression. Beat lingered on her mind a lot, everything he thought about loss and himself and how much she couldn’t help him. Twig squeezed her eyes shut as she tried not to dwell on the poor boy.

She did enjoy focusing on Corvus and how much fun she had with him on the beach the other day. He was sweet, and he helped her have fun instead of dwelling on her problems. Since the meeting Twig had been thinking more and more about what Theory had said. She wanted to take on more responsibility, she wanted to help support the pack.

Autumn didn’t want to disturb her Alpha in her den so she found her way to the plains and called out for Theory. She was always patrolling it seemed, so she likely wasn’t too far.

Now that she was used to patrolling she was able to get a cursory border loop done quickly. Their lands were strange now but they were slowly becoming more familiar. She'd grown intimately familiar with Ibis Islands since their residency there this past winter. Her memories of the place were bittersweet, laced with the loveliness of her childhood and the Firefly Festival but cut by the misery of the volcano and ensuing confusion. She was growing less and less confused but that didn't make the path forward any more clear.

Theo arrived shortly after Twig's call, her ears pricked. She was eager to hear what the white warrioress had called her for; she'd done such a good job, from what Theory could tell, of stepping in and raising the orphans of the pack. Truthfully, the alpha didn't know much about child-rearing... but Twig had helped make the children feel safe and loved. That was important. "Twig," she said warmly. "What can I do for you?"

Twig was thankful for Theory’s quick arrival, they had more than one topic to discuss. She didn’t know her alpha very well, but they had been on at least one hunt together. She seemed to take to her leadership role well, but then again she had to. They were forced to be strong. The yearling Destruction greeted her with warmth and asked why she was being summoned.

Autumn smiled, the motion bittersweet. It was still difficult to smile sometimes after all the tragedy that consumed Abaven and its members. ”Hello, Theory.” She replied softly as she made herself comfortable. Haunches coiled beneath her and her ivory tail wrapping around her paws. ”A couple of things, I”ll start with the easy part.” She began, her rank was the easy part. Talking about poor Beat and Tempo were the difficult part. ”During the meeting you asked for us to take on more responsibility. I would like to be given a higher rank, and more of those responsibilities.”

A pleased grin graced her face as Twig stated her purpose. More responsibility meant more help, which she desperately needed. Corvus has become one of her closest confidantes but it wasn't fair to let him shoulder all the burden. Rhyme was recovering slowly but steadily, for which she was thankful... but more help was exactly what she'd been looking for after she'd called the general meeting. "Thank you for continued commitment to our pack and family," Theo said seriously. She'd seen Twig hunt and fight now - what sort of responsibility was she after? "Where do you see your skills being put to the most use?" she inquired, settling down across from her subordinate. The idea was still strange. Twig was older and undoubtedly more experienced than her, but here they were, separated by rank.

There were times that she wished she could flee all this responsibility, find Thalia, and run away. To do that would tread on every tenet of her personality and Shaye's confidence in her ability. Abaven needed her. There was no going back. With more help from her pack mates she would persevere.

Theory thanked her sincerely to begin with, Twig shook her head. Really there wasn’t much effort put forth so far. She was only trying to do what she thought was right, and that was providing for her pack and helping her nephews grow. She wanted to give her help to Theory because so much was expected of the yearling. If she could help relieve some of her stress and take over some of her responsibilities.. Surely Theory would would grow into the leader she was meant to be.

”I’d like to continue hunting for you,” Twig began with. ”But I’d like a fighter’s rank.” She finished, head held high in her confidence. She was no brawler, but with her quick speed she could take on any opponent. ”I promise I’ll work on acquiring armor, and maybe find battle companions…” She blurted out with a tinge of nerves, she was suddenly contemplating if Theory said ‘no.’

Theo smiled, fondly remembering their spar on the island. Twig was an experienced fighter and would be a real asset to the pack. Knowing that she would be on patrol would certainly set Theory at ease and allow her to focus some of her attentions elsewhere. She badly needed to focus on other things, but patrolling took up so much of her time. Capable fighters like Corvus and Twig would be an excellent boon - for the pack and for her.

"Of course," she agreed. "I'd just like to spar with you one more time... make sure you're up to snuff," she laughed. It was a relief how easily that sound came from her now. There were a few weeks that stretched into months where she thought she'd never laugh again. Without waiting to see if Twig agreed or consented to the spar, Theo sprang forward. The fight was more or less half a joke, but she still wanted to make sure her finest warriors could think on their feet. Theo snapped close at Twig's right eye, trying to get the white female to flinch and leave herself open to other attacks.

Theory Cavaliere-Destruction vs Autumn Memoire for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Companion 1: Raven, Female - Flying
Skills: Expert Fighter & Beginner Healer
Specialty: N/A

Theory seemed to be appreciative of Twigs proposal. She was quick to offer her agreement as well. Twig felt herself smile, there was hope brewing. Despite the sorrow and troubles that settled over them she could still smile. They still had each other. ”Of course, Theory.” Twig offered her alpha with an amused smirk. She beat the young alpha a while ago, but she knew the yearling wasn’t slacking on her training.

Theory didn’t give her any more warning and the tall girl was suddenly going after her. Twig ducked as Theory aimed for her face. The Memoire girl Leapt to Theory’s left side, keeping her joints bent and her body liquid as she avoided Theo’s attack. Twig retaliated with open jaws as she aimed to bite at her alpha's elbow. The whole time she wore a smile, being in the young woman’s presence was easy. Sparring with her was fun.

Autumn Twig Memoire vs Theory for Rank
Round 1 of 2
Age: 1+
Size: Small
Build: Light
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Hunter

Theory ducked and rolled away from Twig's jaws, nimbly leaping up to her paws once she'd tumbled over herself. This was as close to a dance as she'd ever felt while fighting and it was more enjoyable than she'd expected. Fighting had always felt like a grim duty to her. Sparring was part of being an alpha, staying physically fit was a necessity. At least when she fought with Twig they kept it interesting. Theo would be bored out of her skull if it was the same old thing every time. Now that they were facing each other again, Theo leaned forward to nip at Twig's front legs and get her to fall backwards a few steps - or even stumble on to her behind. Things didn't always have to be serious. She trusted Twig implicitly. The Memoire had her rank, whatever the outcome of their spar.

Theory Cavaliere-Destruction vs Autumn Memoire for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Companion 1: Raven, Female - Flying
Skills: Expert Fighter & Beginner Healer
Specialty: N/A

Theory rolled away from her jaws as Twig aimed to clamp down on the alpha’s elbows. Both of them were smiling, evidence of their enjoyment in the dance. Twig followed after the tall she wolf and moved as she did to avoid her nip at her legs. Like it was practices each one pushed and pulled the other as they sparred. Twig had to always be on her toes, with her size she couldn’t afford even one hit from an opponent Theory’s size. Snow powdered tail wagged at her hips as she aimed to play keep away with herself. Still she gave her another quick attack and aimed a nip at Theo’s left knee as she swept in.

Autumn Twig Memoire vs Theory for Rank
Round 2 of 2
Age: 1+
Size: Small
Build: Light
Skills: Advanced Fighter

And the winner is...

Theory

Twig must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Theory: Adjusted rolls: 78.75 78.75 85 26.4 Theory's total: 322.68 Twig: Adjusted rolls: 48 78 38.5 42 Twig's total: 237.48

[Lazuli]