He had given enough time for things to calm down and settle as much as was able. If some pack members still felt rattled, then that was on them. They either dealt with the changes or they didn't, but at this point there wasn't much of a choice. Things changed all the time, and while this change had been sudden, it was already done and past. Incendium wouldn't be remain in the shadows. Invisible like other packs often ended up. They wouldn't remain weak and soft. He wanted the pack to rise to greatness, and that's where he would lead them. His tail was mostly healed after the witch had tended to his injury from his fight with his Uncle, though he didn't mind that his tail was docked now. He could live without a tail much like anyone else. He strode to the helm of the ship, pups in tow as he made his way to the usual meeting spot so he could call the pack together. Besides his dear cousin Tsunami, he was curious to know if anyone else still harbored ill feelings towards him. Standing at the front, he threw his head back and called for the presence of the pack.

Only having Casso by her side kept her away from losing her mind, from just giving herself an end to this living nightmare, yes what used to be a heaven, a home. Now took the shape of a prison, of a place of unfairness and with what she saw as a place where one could die without reason. Who used to be her friend, became a monster, a wolf she now feared more than anytime before. She feared not only her but Casso to be killed or cast away like Acere and winter were. This wasn't fun anymore, this wasn't safe anymore. And now she and Casso had to live here against their will. The call came to her ears, but she didn't want to go out. She was so afraid of being hurt by Ignis that she didn't see any safety going. The only safe place was here with her mate. But what if she would be attacked should she don't go? She knew by experience that Tyrannic leaders didn't mind being violent to those who wouldn't obey, just like her father was back in her birth place. And like that, shaking in an intense way she walked out, looking behind to see if Casso would come too. Her tail was tucked and ears pinned and in silence and with a quite rigid walk she went out and sat down but not daring to look at Ignis's eyes. "Hello" | 'Thoughts' | 'Your speech'

By now it was visibly obvious that Kirsi was carrying children. Song was well aware, though she wasn't sure if anyone else in the pack had noticed yet. It had only become apparent in the last week or so, but now it was unmistakable. She'd taken to keeping to herself more often than not, becoming uncharacteristically introverted as her pregnancy drew on. She knew of the general state of uneasy among the pack; many seemed deeply unhappy with the turn of events when Ignis had taken over. Others had left. The last thing Kirsi wanted was to jeopardize the lives of her unborn children, so she was content to keep to herself - and Song, of course. But a summons from Ignis was something she knew better than to ignore, even if her ongoing nap had been quite enjoyable.

Slowly she roused from sleep and made the short trip to the regular meeting spot, glad that among all the changes that had occurred, the meeting spot remained the same. Her movements were slow and deliberate as she trekked through the snow and toward Ignis's call. Only one wolf had arrived so far, Yurei, besides Ignis. Kirsi offered her a nod, noting her posture which was quite submissive and possibly fearful. She herself didn't move with the same wariness, as calm and controlled as ever, despite her growing belly that seemed to make her movements a bit more difficult. Settling down into a more comfortable position on her haunches, she directed her attention to Ignis and waited patiently for the meeting to begin.

Ever since Ignis' take over he had stuck close to Yurei, only really leaving their room to hunt. He was concerned about his brother's behavior though he didn't react to it with the terror that his mate did. He kept trying to reassure her, though he was also understanding of the fact that it was a dramatic, violent shift from what they were used to. He didn't approve of his brother's methods and he did feel the need to protect Yurei just in case, but that didn't stop him from worrying about his sibling and what would have driven him to act in such a way. He couldn't bring himself to try and leave just purely out of feeling like he needed to stay and support Ignis... even though he wished he could take Yurei away to make her more comfortable.

He happened to be out in the pines, practicing tracking small prey with Boris when he heard his brother's howl. His ears flicked at the sound, his head popping up and turning back toward the ship behind him. He heard Boris screech over head and a moment later he saw the owl's snow white form circle back toward the ship, flying on ahead of him. He frowned because he knew Yurei was still back at home without him and was certain having to go to the meeting on her own would stress her. He took off running toward the ship and hurried up through the various levels till he reached the deck of the ship, not slowing till he stepped out onto the deck itself. He went to his mate's side first, settling beside her and gently nuzzling her cheek. "It's alright," he whispered to her reassuringly, giving her a small smile.

He turned his two toned gaze up to his brother then, spotting the children he had with him and giving them a curious glance. He honestly hadn't crossed paths with his brother much since his take over and hadn't yet seen these pups or where they came from. He hoped that perhaps his brother would explain more once the meeting got started so he held back his questions for now, instead just giving Ignis a nod and waiting for him to begin speaking.

"Casso" | "Boris" | thoughts

The uneasiness around the pack since the last time they were called together certainly hadn't gone unnoticed by her and had caused her to withdraw from the others more than she already had. The violence and fighting that had taken place when Ignis took over the pack didn't sit well with the healer and she had slipped away from the group before it had all settled out. She hadn't thought about trying to leave simply because she didn't know where else she would go. Besides, even if she had wanted to leave, the idea of fighting for her freedom seemed preposterous for her. She was a healer through and through that was only just now beginning to rebuild her physique that had been so ravaged by the sickness she had as a child.

The call for a pack meeting pulled out of the room she had claimed for herself within the ship. It felt like she had sorted and resorted her collection of dried herbs again and again, but it kept her entertained for the most part and made her feel like she was keeping herself busy. She hoped that perhaps as long as she looked busy if someone walked by her room then they wouldn't bother her so that they wouldn't interfere with her work. She climbed up to the deck of the ship and made her way to the bow where some of the others had begun to gather, her amber eyes scanning over them as she settled by herself off to the side of the group. Finally she looked up to Ignis and sat while she waited for him to begin the meeting. She didn't know him very well - not that she really knew anyone in the pack well outside of her siblings - though she supposed that she had to admire how he went for what he wanted... even if she couldn't agree with the violence he had used to get it.

Walk | "Talk" | think

Their efforts were fruitful sooner rather than later and when he’d realized Kirsi was pregnant Song’s whole life changed. He was at war with wanting to hover and keep all and any harm from Kirsi’s path and leaving her to show her strength without his presence. She was an incredible woman and proved that more and more each day. He made sure she knew that all she need do was ask and he would provide her with the world.

He was in his workshop at the hull of the ship when he heard Ignis’s call. The future was clouded but far from bleak. He looked forward to raising his children here. There was much turmoil in the pack, but his focus was entirely on Kirsi’s swelling middle. Which his icy blue gaze was swift to find as he made his way to the gathering. Massive paws carried him to her side where he sat beside her proudly.

The call for a meeting had not fallen on deaf ears. Tyto had been tracking some prey, especially since they'd been scarce these days. But when he heard Ignis' call, he abandoned the old trail and headed towards the ship. He had come to terms with what had happened. And honestly, he didn't feel any one way about it. He didn't agree nor disagree with the way things had been done, he just simply felt indifferent. As he reached the ship, companion perched on his shoulders, he quietly made his way up and so far...had not detected his sister's scent. He knew how she felt about the whole thing. But to ignore the call of the alpha? He hoped that wouldn't get her into even more trouble... He sighed as he continued towards the meeting. And so far, there was just a small gathering. He supposed that was to be expected, but what would happen to those who decided not to show up? So far, the new alpha had allowed his sister to roam the pack lands freely without a guard, but what would happen if boundaries were tested? He had a feeling by now that the crimson alpha was unstable...but he wasn't sure to what extent. For now, he pushed the thought from his mind and sat down near the back, offering a nod to any who looked his way as he settled in and waited for the meeting to start. "Speak"

Ignis had called for the pack, and though she was still unsure on how to feel with the change in leadership and the way it had been attained, she couldn't deny that she felt a twinge of admiration and envy that the crimson male had the guts to go for what he wanted. Unlike her. Truth be told, she didn't know what she wanted. She had been training with Greed, but when they weren't training, she was kinda off doing her own thing. She wasn't sure how to stop grieving...her father, her mother...the lack of closeness with her siblings. It wasn't their fault. She knew they were grieving too.

As she approached the meeting, she spotted her sister Chrystelle. Her other siblings weren't there, and she wondered if they were coming or if they decided to ignore the new alpha's call. Ears pressed to her head at the thought of them not showing up, she headed over to her sister and sat quietly beside her. She offered a smalls mile and a glance to her, making a mental note to spend more time with her sister before turning her attention to Ignis as she waited for the meeting to start.

The day so far had been rather uneventful. He kept an eye on Avalon's children like he promised he would. Or at least for as long as they stuck around. So far, three of them seemed to have escaped his ever-watchful eye, but Claire and Chrystelle at least were still around. He often guided Claire, or tried to, anyway. He owed a lot to Avalon for taking him in as one of her own since his own entire family had left him behind. Though he was often quiet, he was quite experienced and had taken on the role of mentoring the children of Avalon and Felicien whenever he could. Though he knew the children grieved for their lost parents, he too, grieved for them. Though he heard Ignis' call, he took his time getting there. He was now the most senior member in the pack, and although he had his misgivings about the new leadership, he figured he ought to stick around to see how things went. He didn't care one way or another how the pack was run, as long as Avalon's children weren't harmed by the new rule. Raiding was one thing, but if they were harmed under Ignis' guide, Greed would feel inclined to tear the boy a new one if he had to. Approaching the small gathering of wolves on the ship, he moved to sit behind Claire and Chrystelle, hard blue gaze turning from them to the alpha as he waited for the meeting to start. "Talk"

The young boy followed dutifully behind his father, the boy curious about what his first pack meeting would hold. He sat beside his father's left foreleg, head held high as he watched other wolves slowly trickle in. He had yet to meet any of them, but as they each chose a place to sit, Ifrit couldn't help but to crane his neck to check out each wolf that sat down. Especially the blue one! He thought his father and siblings had wild colors, but her coat was a very pretty blue! His tail wagged a bit as more showed up, but he quickly settled himself and sat up straight and quickly smoothed the fur on his chest to make himself appear more presentable. After all, a potential future prince had to make himself look his best, right? He nearly trembled with anticipation as he waited for the meeting to start.

He still couldn't believe was his cousin had done. Then again, he didn't know Ignis too well. He was upset at what had happened to his dad and sister...they had both been exiled, and his father had lost more than anything. His pride, dignity...half his sight, he was sure. Although Ignis had seemingly gone against his own kin, Snow sort of admired the ambition that his cousin had. He went for what he wanted by any means necessary, and Winter had folded under the pressure like a rabbit between his own teeth. Maybe it was for the best...though it was still too early to tell. He wasn't exactly the most talkative out of Acere's litter. He often sat back and observed and the more time went on, he couldn't help but feel indifferent to the whole situation. He was curious to see where the pack would go when Ignis took over, and he wondered if he'd get answers during today's meeting. He quietly arrived to find none of his other siblings were there. With the exception of Winter, had the others decided to try and abandon the pack? Would Ignis go after them? He felt a little nervous at the thought of what might happen, so when he sat among the group, he nervously glanced around in the hopes they might show up.

"Vulcan speaks" Prideful he felt as he with promptness followed after both his father and brother, with his silver eyes painted in a cold expression. Young yet conscious already of the position he was in. And thus he always tried to show who was the boss. even though he wasn't one at all, but it didn't stop him from wanting to show it either way. His walk was confident but youthful thoughts made him get distracted by whatever came around his visual range. But soon as he was getting to the meeting place he rushed to sit beside his father. Silent mouth and with a calm glance to those gathered.

Ocean had searched desperately for the wolf he called friend, but as his heart accepted that she was gone he settled lower into desperation and sorrow. The boy was quiet and reserved, keeping his head down as much as possible as he sought out and spent his time with Chrystelle as she tried to return him to health. The young man slipped into the meeting and made his way towards her and Claire. He glanced at the fiery yellow eyes of Chrys before he settled down, lowering himself to his elbows as he lay at her paws. He felt like he had already lost so much in his short life, he felt like he was clinging onto the last bits of light that were left in his life. They were dim, as his sisters were grieving just as heavily and their foundation remained so eroded. Ocean didn’t know what the future looked like, or even if there was one. Sometimes it felt like he had come to the end of a very long road despite his briefness of years.

Ciná trotted into the meeting alongside his father and siblings, sitting on the opposite side of Ignis from Infrit. His keen golden gaze followed each of the wolves that came to answer their father’s summons and put a friendly grin on his face while he studied them. Some of them didn’t look too happy to be there and he kind of wanted to go up to them and convince them otherwise, but he refrained. It didn’t really matter what they thought, after all. They weren’t important here - his father and siblings were. This was their meeting and all these wolves had to sit and listen. He didn’t know why they had to take all this time to have a meeting and talk to these uninteresting looking wolves yet, but he wasn’t going to disobey his father either so he sat dutifully by Ignis’ right leg and waited for something to happen.

The vibrant girl trailed after her father and brothers as Ignis led the way to the helm of the ship. She had gleaned that they were having a meeting of sorts, but as to what she hadn't a clue. As she settled next to her siblings and Ignis pale gold eyes surveyed the wolves laid out in front of them and she held her head high with her tiny chest puffed out. Even as young as she was, the vixen felt the need to feel important and put on a good show for these wolves. She was the daughter of Ignis. She deserved all the respect they could give her and she'd prove that she was worthy of it. It started now of course. She remained quiet as she took in the silent group of wolves and in turn she memorized each and every one of their faces for future use. She was sure she'd be seeing a lot of them around after all. Walk, "Talk" Think

Celosia trailed along after her father and siblings, her gaze sweeping over the scene around them as they moved. This was her domain. Or her fathers, really, but that was a distinction that seemed unimportant to the child. She was his blood, so what was his was technically hers as well, right? At least, that was how she chose to see things, and anyone who tried to tell her differently might have a difficult time shaking her conviction in that belief. For someone so young, she already possessed more arrogance than she had any right to, but that was something she didn’t see as a problem. She sat beside her siblings, watching each wolf arrive and waited patiently for her father to speak.

"Speech" || Thoughts

"Talk" Walk His children all settled around him and he glanced down at each one of them, offering a proud smile to each and everyone before turning his attention to the wolves who started to arrive. Yurei was first, and he could see the terror in her eyes and body language despite her refusing to look at him. He pursed his lips together but paid her no mind. He knew why she was afraid. But he was sure that anything he said to try and reassure her would only fall on deaf ears, so he said nothing for the moment. Kirsi was next, and though Ignis wasn't wholly familiar with pregnant wolves, he knew enough to know that she was expecting. Her belly had been growing round and she smelled different than she normally did. A small smile split his lips as he offered her a nod, "Kirsi, good to see you." He said with a hint of amusement. He liked Kirsi. Not romantically, per se, considering those sorts of feelings were all but dead to him these days. But he would never feel opposed to her if the opportunity ever came up. Those thoughts aside, he was content with having her as a friend and ally. And her mate, Song, as well. He did beautiful work and was the best crafter the pack had. No doubt the blacksmith and his wife were eager to meet their children. As was he. Casso arrived next, taking his place next to Yurei while curiously looking at his offspring. A small smirk played on his lips as these children were no doubt a surprise to the pack and some were likely curious about them. He would, of course, explain them later. But for now, he'd wait until the rest arrived so they could get the meeting underway.  Chrystelle and Song arrived shortly after his brother, and he gave the pair of them a nod. While he didn't know Avalon's children very well, he looked forward to doing that soon. He had the mind to get to know all of his packmates, to gauge where they perhaps wanted to grow into and so they could see the real him and not the part of him that had shown itself the day he took over. That wasn't him...or at least, he tried not to let it be... A couple more of Avalon's children arrived, along with Tyto, Greed, and his cousin Snow. He offered all of them a nod each before waiting to see if anyone else might show, but it seemed they would not. He expected Tsunami not to show, though his other two cousins he was on the fence with. More than likely, Acere's other children had gone to follow him. Likely slipped out during the night. No matter. He'd probably find them later, but for now, it wasn't important. Without wishing to wait any further, he cleared his throat and began. "Thank you to those who came. I am aware tensions are still high after my actions, but despite that, I wasn't the first and I won't be the last. Although peace is often the preferred approach, it's not always going to happen. Sorry to say, but I am the alpha now. And until someone decides to challenge for the position or I step down, it will remain that way. So you might as well get used to it." Not the best way to start, but he wanted to get that out of the way. If they didn't want to live under his rule, they were welcome to challenge to leave or even challenge for the title. But until then, life would go on as is. "That being said, we will no longer be living complacent. Simply growing fat and lazy, and in the shadows like my Uncle did. What we will be doing, is growing as a pack, and growing our skills. We will be raiding for what we do not have, and for what we want. I will not be making the same mistake as Acere, no. We will not be giving ourselves into the debt of others, nor helping ungrateful outsiders. What we do, is for ourselves. For our children. For our pack. Trading for goods is something we can do, yes. But if that's all we're doing, what's the fun in that? Incendium will build a reputation, whatever it may be. Though I suppose that reputation depends on what we do. Though hear me now, we will not be living a soft and cozy life. I am not Acere, or Winter. I will not be as complacent as they were, and I will not turn a blind eye to those who do not do their part." He quieted for a moment to let his words sink in, crimson gaze looking across the group before speaking again. "I am not the tyrannical leader that you think I am, or might be. I merely have rules and a way of life that I expect the pack to live by, much like many other packs in the world. I do not want the pack to simply live in the shadows as nothing, but rather as a force to be reckoned with and to earn a name for itself. I will strive to lead the pack to greatness, protect what and who we are, and wherever we may call home. This I wish to do not just for myself, but for each and every one of you, as well as our children. But we must all be on the same page, and work together to achieve what we want. I will not be doing it alone." He glanced down at his pups for a moment, "I have five new faces to introduce to everyone today. I know they may be...a surprise to everyone, but they are my own flesh and blood. My sons Ifrit, Vulcan, and Cináed. And my daughters, Cinder, and Celosia." He smiled proudly at them before raising his head and finding Kirsi and Song. "Which by the way, I would like to offer my congratulations to the pair of you. I see you are expecting," He offered the two of them a smile, "Children are the future. They always have been, and they always will be. We must protect and teach them, guide them and urge them into finding their paths and who they are meant to be." He fell silent for a moment as he thought about how to proceed. He was just now realizing he had never held a formal meeting himself before, but so far...he supposed he wasn't doing too bad. He explained some of the new rules and ranks (refer to those Ranks here & rules here, still a work in progress). He stopped again for a moment, letting the information sink in a bit. Alright, he had said enough for the moment...he was curious to know what they thought if anything. Or if there was anything anyone wanted to say. He still had a few things he wanted to touch on, but he needed a quick break to collect his thoughts first. "I've said quite a bit now, so I'm going to turn the floor over to the pack for the time being. If anyone has anything they'd like to voice, please do so. Even if it's to say that you hate me. There are still some things I want to touch on, but I'm open for questions or concerns, opinions or...whatever, really." He shrugged. He was still getting the hang of this alpha thing, but honestly, he didn't care a whole lot for formalities even now.

Song sat back, leaning against his pregnant mate affectionately. He looked comfortable there beside her, but he his the tension in his limbs well. Since they realized that they’d conceived he hadn’t really relaxed. Hyper alert to every threat that might try to harm the one he loved. More so, as they both vowed, the life within her. Song would do absolutely anything to protect the puppies they were expecting, but the pair of them were privileged to have a pack behind them to back them up. The children would learn and grow here, under their supervision and that of the wolves around them.

Ignis did speak, and however many words it felt like the man was putting in his mouth Song appreciated his thorough explanation. The man was full of passion and high target dreams. The older Destruction couldn’t really care about greatness or show of force anymore. He’d found something much more precious than prestige from a bunch of wolves that he didn’t care about. Song wanted strength and stability, a place where he could raise his children to be independent and capable adults.

”Thank you, Ignis.” He nodded his head gratefully as the alpha congratulated them on their expectant children. Song was the picture perfect proud father. He hadn’t missed Ignis say the words ‘wherever we may call home’ and they didn’t sit very well in Song’s belly. First and foremost the soon to be father was a northern man, and would be very unwilling to raise his children anywhere other than their northern home. In the den that he had chosen and built up with the love of his life. Song looked down to his beautiful woman as Ignis opened up the floor to those who wished to speak.

”My family and I are as loyal to the land as we are its leader, whoever that may be.” Song had zero issue with Acere, Winter, and none with Ignis. Strength ruled, and that was no different today or tomorrow. ”I fight for survival, and prosperity for my children though,” He continued, but he glanced back at Kirsi and her swollen belly again. ”Not glory or fame.” There was no animosity in his tone or words, Song wanted Ignis to know who he was and what he stood for.

Despite how big he was Ocean curled in on himself as he clung to Chrys and hid himself against her side. He lost sight of his goals and directions when he realized Motif was gone. He felt devastated and wished he could curl up into his den and be forgotten. Like he never existed. That would have been a preferable fate to the sickly feeling in his heart, that not even his sister’s healing skills could begin to touch.

He listened to the speech given by Ingnis, but clung to Chrys the whole time, wondering if he had any right to say anything. He felt so alone despite being surrounded by the pack. He felt empty save for the bright flame of Chrystelle as she held him to life. Maybe there was hope, maybe Ignis would lead them on some kind of great crusade to prove themselves, but what would it matter if he wouldn’t have the chance to make Motif proud?

Ocean said nothing, he kept his gaze to the ground and his form glued to Chry’s gray and black body.

"And same to you," she greeted Ignis with a small smile. She was content to sit back against Song and relax as the rest of the pack filed in, one by one. Though her pregnancy wasn't quite over yet she was beginning to feel a peculiar sense of exhaustion that she longed to leave behind, though she was sure it'd remain until she gave birth to however many children she was carrying. She let out a sigh as Ignis began to speak, letting her attention shift to him and his words. She appreciated his straight-forward approach; he did not apologize for how he'd done things, inviting those who didn't want to be here to take control and challenge him for freedom. Kirsi understood this - sitting by and idly letting life pass you by was a dangerous way to live life. Taking charge was a much better alternative. She listened to the rest of his speech, which mostly centered on needing to work on their ambitions and sustaining themselves, no one else. Another philosophy she agreed with. Though once he was done speaking, introducing his children as well as making public her own pregnancy, Song spoke up.

He voiced a concern she had as well, even if she hadn't fully realized it yet. Her attention was largely focused on the growing weight in her belly and ensuring she was healthy and well her entire pregnancy. But he was right. The north had always been her home, no matter in what lands she'd lived in, and she wouldn't trade that for anything - not for Incendium, not for anyone. These harsh lands would help mold their children into the capable wolves they'd grow to be. Lands too far south would make them soft and incapable, she was sure of it. "And I stand beside Song and his convictions. The north breeds strength and this is where my children will be raised," she added resolutely. Self-preservation was a value she'd always held high above others, even loyalty and respect, and that would not change. It mattered little who ruled, and if they'd taken the position by force than all the better for it.