Something had pulled him away far from pack lands. A call that he had been unable to ignore. So the Hellhound had followed. Ifrit and Vulcan had gone with him. The Trio had gone on a pilgrimage of sorts, to find answers he didn't know he was seeking and perhaps to discover more about himself that he didn't know needed to be discovered. He hadn't told anyone, and no doubt the pack had been glad for his absence. Perhaps even wished and thought him dead. But he was back, and as he saw the ship looming in the distance, his pace remained brisk as he walked alongside his two sons who were now bigger than when they left as they neared a year old. "We're back, boys...let's see if anyone's missed us, hm?" The smallest of smirks played on his lips as he surged ahead a little more. They crossed the pack borders, and though things seemed quiet, that would soon be changed. He wasted no time in making his way to the usual meeting spot on the ship and as soon as he reached his place, he threw his head back and sent out a powerful, demanding call for the pack. Everyone was required to attend. I'm back! OOC// Mandatory pack meeting, replies due by August 1st! Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

It had been quite the journey with his father and his brother, but now they were returning home after a couple of seasons gone at most. He wasn't sure what to expect upon their return, but his eyes had been opened to a lot. He had seen things. Terrible things. Good things. Things that he would not be naive to in the future. He had seen his father's true side, and Ifrit learned that he too, had a darker side to him as well...it ran in their blood. And honestly? He was proud of it. He wasn't going to be weak. He would strive to strengthen their bloodline and make his ancestors proud.

He glanced at Vulcan when his father spoke, a smirk similar to Ignis' playing on his own lips as he put on a bit more speed to follow after their sire. He followed behind Ignis up the ship, settling beside his father as he demanded the pack to gather. He and Vulcan were no doubt the stronger ones of the litter now, but he was sure that in time, they could help the others become strong, too. So he waited, eager to see his siblings and the reactions of the rest of the pack. He knew most of them disliked his father, but regardless...he was still their alpha.

Cináed had been spending more and more time outside of the pack's boundaries, exploring more, fighting more, hunting more. His father wasn't around to stop him so why wouldn't he? He had thought that his father and siblings had just been distant and busy or distracted for the first week or two, but as the weeks turned into months and months turned into seasons his doubt and resentment toward his missing father and siblings only grew more and more. He had held true to the pack as he was sure was expected of him, had gone to a tournament to fight in their name, was constantly trying to improve himself to live up to this name that he was told was important, but it didn't seem to really matter. He was still left behind, still abandoned.

When he heard his father's howl he had a very real moment of consideration where he thought about not attending. His father had abandoned him, why not abandon and ignore him in return? With a huff his sense of duty and loyalty finally won out and he pushed himself to his paws, carrying him up to the usual meeting spot on the ship. He was just a couple months shy of being a year old now. The last time he had seen his father he had towered over him, but that wouldn't be the case now. He was just a few inches shorter than his father, very nearly able to look him straight in the eye. He was clearly the largest of his siblings, only slightly lanky as he continued to fill out to his full height and build. He had put in the most work to build himself. So why was he one of the ones that had been left behind?

He was one of the first to arrive, finding his father flanked by Ifrit and Vulcan. The two siblings seemingly favored by their father. He didn't greet them, instead quietly taking his place near them and sitting back onto his haunches to wait for the others. Internally he was seething, but on the outside his expression was perfectly smooth, perfectly neutral. He carried himself with his usual grace, far more stoic and calm than he had probably been the last time his father saw him. Not a hair out of place, determined to make his father realize he had made a mistake in ignoring him.

Cináed Praetor

Casso hadn't seen much of his brother, but he also hadn't thought much of it. He had been keeping to himself, spending time with his mate and his children, focusing on his new family. Everything else around him had only brought him uncertainty and strife. Yurei and their children brought him so much joy and peace and he gravitated toward the relief they brought him from he demons that plagued his mind. However, when his brother called for a meeting he was quick to respond, gathering up his family to bring them with him. This would be the first time his brother had seen his children and a small part of him was actually excited. They were both fathers now, though his brother's children were from a different situation than his own.

He led Yuri and their pups up to the usual meeting place on the ship, keeping Yurei close to his side as usual and collecting his pups so that they sat around his feet. He offered Ignis a small smile and a nod of his head before placing little Aine between his front paws and dipping his head to nuzzle her. He wasn't sure what had kept Ignis distant for so long, but he had sworn his loyalty to his brother and he wasn't a man that would go back on his word.

"Casso" | "Boris" | thoughts

"Speech" Vulcan had returned from the tournament and the small trip he had along Ifrit and his father, both events worked well to make him learn more. To gain experience, and as he grew up he felt like all of that will have its use at some point. But now he just focused on gaining as much knowledge as he was able. A new day, and a new meeting was taking place. He was beside his family, father, Ifrit,Cinead and more. He couldn't help but feel pride, to feel his ego grow as he knew where he was. Being the son of the alpha, and because of that his head was high, chest puffed in pride. And like that he watched in silence.

Yurei loved her family, her children, and her mate, but sometimes she still couldnt believe she had them in her life. How someone like her was blessed with a family of her own? Her whole childhood, she has been alone, she was told no one would ever love her, that she would die alone. She thought no one would ever love someone like her, and yet here she was. With someone who loved her, and puppies. There were a lot of challenges to come, her feeling unsure about how well she would do to rise her pups, but with Casso around, she was learning and feeling more confident. Today though a meeting was called for, by Ignis. Someone who hasn't been around in a while, and that made her fear start to build on her chest. And now with young puppies, her fear grew even more. And like that, she followed Casso with her pups, sitting by his side. Keeping a close watch to her kids. She tried to hide her fear for her baby's sake, but it was a bit hard. "Speak"

Though Incendium had been quiet as of late, Kirsi hadn't thought much of it. She hadn't seen hide nor hair of Ignis but it wasn't like she spent much time with anyone besides her family. So much of her time was spend preoccupied with her children and Song. Both of them fully intended to raise their children to be strong and independent; they were given as much attention as they needed, from lessons to simply spending time together. Kirsi wanted nothing more than to ensure they turned into well-rounded adults, and that was her priority beyond anything else, especially pack duties. Though when things were quiet and wolves were keeping to themselves and taking care of their own there was little else to do.

She was surprised to hear Ignis's call, though equally as interested. She knew her children - wherever they were, since they were gradually going off on their own and she had so far managed to loosen her reigns, much to her displeasure - would come just as promptly as they could. She picked up her pace as she made her way through the pines and toward the ship, noting a few wolves had already gathered. Kirsi cast a glance over her shoulder, searching the horizon before her family, before loping to the gathering and settling down to wait.

A call that instructed them to gather surprised Bronze. He was just over two seasons old but couldn't remember ever gathering together as a pack. He was a mostly solitary child anyway, with a few wolves he'd really interacted with in the pack outside of his family. Though he wasn't sure what to expect he knew he ought to head to the gathering, knowing his parents would want him and his siblings to attend. Large paws carried him over the frozen ground, his pace increasing only when the ship came into view. Spotting his family was an easy feat with their mostly blue coats, save for his dad, but so far he only spotted his mom. Quietly he moved to stand beside her, attention focused toward Ignis and what he might have to say.

The summoning call came as a surprise to Celosia. After so long without any sign of her father, Ifrit, and Vulcan, the sound of Ignis’ voice was welcome, but still unexpected. She had assumed they would return at some point but even so she hadn’t expected the arrival to be so sudden. There was no denying the tinge of jealousy at the idea that two of her brothers had been given such close access to their father with little else to distract them. Her training had fallen behind and if they were ahead of her she would have a lot of catching up to do. After the meeting was done, she planned to try to steal her father’s attention for a while to get some one on one training. She abandoned the prey trail she’d been following to go to where others would already be gathering.

A few others had already arrived, but she moved past them with hardly a glance, moving to join her father and brothers. She moved with poise and grace, holding her head high. Had her horns begun growing in yet when her father last saw her? She couldn’t quite remember when they first began to poke through, but now they curved around her ears and ending in sharp points. Maybe it was vain, but she was excited to show them off to her brother’s who had been gone, and was glad to see they hadn’t developed any fancy mutations while they were away.

"Speech" || Thoughts

Onyx's parents taught her pack rules and expectations, so on her usual stroll around the pines, she heard that call and she immediately came forward to it. When she came from the edge of the pines, she spotted Bronze in the distance going towards the group of wolves that gathered around the ship and instantly picked up the pace. Loping to catch up, she sat down alongside her mother and brother and waited for the rest of the family and pack to join. She had been spending most of her days running around the pines, picking fights with the other kids or her siblings, training for her to be big and strong one day. It was her life goal at least. She wanted to be dangerous to others, even if she didn't need to be. Protecting her family meant everything to her, even if she was a little harsh to them sometimes.

"Onyx"

Mature! For foul language. Can be prone to violence.

Much like his other siblings, he had had the notions of proper pack life explained into him but little actual chance to put it into practice so when he'd been roused from his pondering by the call Haüyne too would head towards where he knew he was being summoned. He was not in a rush, missing his brother and sister on their trek and though he was not dragging his paws he did not have an urgency to him either. However he would still arrive before his father or Pyrite and settled himself on the unoccupied side of his mother, leaning into her for a moment before quietly settling in to wait for whatever a pack meeting even meant. "Speech"

Art by mariiaartwolf

The family he and Kirsi created was everything he had ever dreamed. He lived in the most beautiful lands on the earth, with his beautiful mate, and their beautiful children. There wasn’t a complaint to be had, he was left alone to care for them as he saw fit. Their children were already becoming independent, something he encouraged. However much they needed to work together in the harshness of the north, being able to care for yourself was also invaluable. They could learn everything he’d ever wanted to teach them but Song would still be eager and willing to step up for every one of them, he would give his life to see his progeny continue. He’d do anything to make sure they prospered here.

With those truths in mind Song made his way towards his leader’s call. He hadn’t really noticed his absence, but then again he was always busy with his young children. He beamed with pride as he led Pyrite to join the rest of their family. He gave his daughter a kiss on her cheek and tousled the boy’s heads before nuzzling Kirsi. Song sat protectively behind his family, proud of everything they built.

Pyrite followed her father, at his shoulder and a little behind him as they made way to her very first meeting. The girl had seemingly stopped growing. Height wise, at least. She was a thin, dainty, little thing. Much like the fox of the arctic, her little paws let her walk along top of the snow. Her massive father had learned to walk on the snow as well, but he could also trudge through like the mighty bison.

Her mind lingered on comparing her father to a bison when she saw her mom already sitting and waiting with her siblings. Pyrite surged forth, eagerly sidling up to her twin on the way to sit in between Kirsi’s paws. Her momma wasn’t near as big as her sire, and the girl still fit quite perfectly there.

Aine was a bit late and quick on her feet she rushed toward the meeting. Being easily distracted by everything, her mind has been quite focused on her mother's medicinal herbs. And as always, it had made her forget she was meant to join her family there. She just felt too interested and lost the notion of time. But in the end, her mind jumped out to reality and knowing she was alone she had to rush now! Upon arriving, she took a seat by her father's side, with a big smile on her lips. There she took the time to look at the other pups, and in the early stages of her judgemental trait, she began evaluating each one. "speak."| "You"

Art by Cloudy, Code by Cloudy

It had been some time since Greed had caught wind of Ignis, and now that the alpha was suddenly back he couldn't help but be surprised. He had noticed at some point that Ignis' scent had faded, along with a couple of the children, but Greed continued his duties as a pack wolf and didn't think much of it. It wasn't uncommon for members to disappear for lengths at a time, though he thought it odd that the alpha would leave without a word. But he appeared to be back now, and Greed wondered what Ignis would think, say, or do when he found out that some of the members had deserted the pack...or so he figured, anyway. Ocean and Chrystelle's scents were scarce and stale, as was that of Tsunami. He made his way towards the ship where most of the pack had already gathered. He wasn't sure how many of them had mixed feelings about Ignis returning let alone if they still felt animosity towards him, but that wasn't Greed's problem, no. He didn't care one way or another who led. He was an indifferent man himself, even with Avalon's influence, he was his own man. Besides her, he had never had a constant in his life...but now that she was gone? He supposed he didn't have many ties anymore. So he'd do what he had to in order to survive. He sat towards the back of the group, quietly observing Ignis and his demeanor. The way he and the two boys at his side were holding themselves. What had happened during their absence? What had they seen? He could tell their auras had changed...they were different than before.. "Talk"

Things had been quiet for a while, and he hadn't realized Ignis had been absent until a couple of weeks after the alpha had disappeared. But now it seemed he was back, and Tyto couldn't help but wonder where he had gone and why he had left. His sister had wasted no time in deserting the pack, and he wondered if Ignis had realized that. The male hadn't bothered to try to go after her. Why should he? She didn't want to be here, and he didn't care one way or another what happened anymore. He had tried to reach out and ultimately felt like it didn't matter. Everyone wanted to stew in anger or some other feeling, and him? He just felt indifferent to it all. He didn't care where he was or who he followed anymore. He was used to family abandonment. Mother. Father. Siblings. And now his last remaining sister had up and left without saying a word to him. He apparently wasn't even worth a goodbye. So fuck it right? He had kept to himself, honing his skills until Ignis' call rang across the lands and he started to make his way there. Most of the others were there already, though he noticed some were still absent. He had seen a couple of others making their way...his sister of course, not among them. That was to be expected, but he supposed a tiny part of him still expected her to show up, that maybe she was hiding out somewhere. But that didn't seem to be the case. Whatever. He was over them all. Why the hell should he care anymore? At this point, none of them meant anything to him anymore. He sat at the edge of the group, magenta gaze observing the crimson male and wondered what he might do or say. Plenty had changed during his absence, he was sure. Though it was likely plenty had happened with Ignis while he was gone, too... "Speak"

She had been outside pack lands for some time, exploring and trying to challenge herself. She had been tired of feeling the way she had been since her parents died, and what better way to get out her head than to go see the world for once? She had never really left the pack lands until the last couple of seasons, and now that her world had opened up, she felt more confident and she felt like she had been able to mend some of her soul. But when she returned, she noticed the scents of her two remaining siblings were sort of stale...and she wondered if they had chosen to desert the pack. They had said nothing to her, however. And though she had tried to be around them, she supposed the three of them had just kinda drifted too far apart. Then again, she had noticed her brother and sister spent more time together then they tried to with her. It left her feeling bitter and a bit angry...couldn't they have found her and told her? Or called for her or something? She supposed she wasn't worth that trouble to them. Maybe she just wasn't worth it to them. Whatever the case, she decided to focus on herself and what she wanted now. Besides, if they chose to desert and leave without permission, then it was their problem, not hers. She had no problem fighting for her freedom if she had to, but...she doubted she'd even try it. There was really no reason for her to leave Incendium at this moment in time, so she was content with her life here and she'd leave it to fate to decide if she should stay or go. The young Ancora arrived at the meeting and sat next to Greed. She carefully watched Ignis and the others, wondering much the same as the others. Where had he gone and why? What drew him away? Was reasons similar to her own? She hadn't meant to leave, but she had been called away to try to heal her spirit and she was glad she did, even if it sucked coming back to nothing, at least she still had a home. And Greed, who in her mind, was the only family she had left here as far as she was concerned. "Speak

When he heard an unfamiliar call, he wasn't sure what to make of it. But the young lad followed his father and the rest of the family. It must be something important, right? If everyone was gathering together? He was curious to know what was going on so without hesitation he bounded along at his fathers side and when they arrived at the meeting place, he couldn't help but gawk at the crimson male who he assumed was the alpha and the two crimson boys nearby. Of course, there were many odd colored pups and adults here, but he had been sick for a while and had only just gotten better a week or so ago. Since then, he'd been gathering his strength but staying near the den, but now he wanted to prove he was fine and stronger than ever. He took a seat with his family and waited to see what all this was about.

One by one they filtered in, though the first to arrive was Cináed. He missed his other children terribly, so when his son sat away from them, he motioned for the boy to sit near him if he so desired. He hadn't meant to leave them behind and would have taken all of them with him, but his journey had been so sudden and unplanned that he hadn't even intended on taking Vulcan and Ifrit with him, but the two boys had tracked him down shortly after taking off. At that point, he had no choice but to take them with him. It wasn't personal, though he doubted his other pups knew that. He'd have to let them know after the meeting that it hadn't been intentional, but for now, there were matters at hand he needed to tend to. Looking up, he watched as his brother and Yurei arrived, crimson gaze noting the shift in his brother's demeanor, and Yurei's of course, who to him, seemed unchanged. She still appeared as the same, timid, fearful creature she had always been. And despite the times they had talked and the encouragement she had been given even during the Winterfell days, he had to assume at this point that maybe she just didn't want to change her mindset. The children with them were a bit of a surprise, though he should have expected as much. After all, the two had been spending a considerable amount of time together and he knew they were close. He grinned at his brother, and he was eager to meet the pups after the meeting. Next to arrive was Kirsi and one of her kids, and honestly, he couldn't remember if they were born before he left or if she was still pregnant. Whatever the case, he was glad to see her and the rest of her brood as they each showed up to the meeting. They all seemed to carry her features more than they did Song's, but he could still see a bit of Song in their markings as well. They were all beautiful pups, but not as much as his own dear Celosia. Gaze turned to his daughter as she strode in, noting the set of horns that had grown in and he couldn't help the grin as she moved to sit near him. He moved to nuzzle her, whispering an apology into her ear. He'd explain to his other children later the best he could, but sometimes, not everything had an explanation. Greed, Tyto, and Claire were the last to arrive and although Ignis waited a few more minutes for any remaining stragglers, it seemed there wouldn't be anymore. He had noticed a few scents had grown stale and came to the conclusion that those few had opted to desert the pack. To think that his absence meant they were free was a joke. They didn't have his permission to go, so no matter what they thought, they were still members of Incendium regardless. No matter, he'd deal with that issue later. For now, he had many other things to address and so he wasted no time in skipping formalities and diving right into it. "Well I must say, it feels good to be back home. I'm sure things have changed here, much like I have changed while I was away, and while normally I'd apologize for something like this, is it really necessary at this point? Since I claimed the pack from my family, I didn't get so much as a shred of anything from half of those who stayed. Instead, I got fear, and anger, and contempt from the majority. And for what? Because I chose a less traditional route? Because things were too soft and my violent overtaking was too much? What I find amusing, is that there is so much more violence out there. Creatures who have done much worse than what I have done, and yet...some of you make me out to be a monster. And no doubt those who have chosen to try and desert the pack are out there spreading stories, twisting things to fit their narrative, and telling lies to any ear who will listen." He scoffed at the thought before a small grin started to show itself. "I say let them. Whether others see me as a coward, a villain, or whatever they want to think is none of my concern. They don't know me or the pack much the same as I don't know them. I'm not the first and I won't be the last to take a pack by force, but with that said, I don't care anymore. I've opened my eyes to the truth of the world during my time away, and things aren't as pretty or as soft as some like to think. Casso and I know that better than anyone." His gaze drifted to his brother for a moment, his thoughts briefly flashing to his childhood and the memory of Elias and all the things his father had done. The demons whispered in his father's ear much the same way they whispered in his. Did his brother still hear them? Did his children? It ran in their blood, after all. Turning his gaze to the rest of the pack then, he decided it was time to get serious about leading and getting things organized. "That aside, it's high time for us to better organize ourselves and train more for any future opposition or what have you. Most of you have been in the common rank for too long, and though I've not been approached for ranks, I've seen who does what and will rank you all myself. Starting with Casso." His gaze settled on his brother for a moment before continuing. Whether or not this came as a surprise, his brother was far more level-headed than he was, and he figured the position was a good fit. "Casso, I'm promoting you to Praefectus. My primary beta. You've been a great asset to me, and no doubt you won't disappoint." He needed his brother and what better way to emphasize that than to place him in a well-deserved rank? "Yurei, I am placing you as Medico. You've excelled in your studies as a medic, and I believe the rank will suit you. You've worked hard and have come far despite what you may think of yourself, you're the best healer I know and I have no doubts you'll continue to excel and pass the knowledge to those interested in the field." She was an experienced healer despite her lack of faith in her own abilities, but it was his last attempt at urging her to see her worth and that she wasn't as useless and broken as she always thought she was. "Kirsi, Song...I'm promoting the two of you to Dux and Aedifex respectively. You're both skilled warriors, I respect you both, and I don't doubt your abilities as fighters, nor your skill in crafting, Song." That left three other adult members, and then the kids. "Claire, you're promoted to Bellator. I've seen you training with Greed, and with a little more training I'm sure you'll be a great warrior yet. As for Tyto and Greed...Tyto, I'm promoting you to Praedator, and Greed to Dux as well." That was all the adults for now, and as for the kids...he needed to see what they might want to excel in or where their ambitions wanted to take them. "All pups will be promoted to Discipulus. Essentially apprentices, and will all be assigned mentors. I'm aware we don't have enough mentors for everyone, so some of us will have to double up on apprentices, and likely cross-train. So all pups that are present, what are your fields of interest? I will put out there that if there is a rank not currently in place that you're interested in, I have no problem adding specialized ranks to fit you. That goes for adults as well. Once we have that figured out, I will speak more on pack matters." He fell quiet to allow the pups to speak up on what they wanted, and the adults to chime in as well if they so chose. OOC// Round 2 of replies is due ASAP - preferably no later than 9/1! Round 3 will begin once all the apprentices have replied. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

The last time a meeting was called, Onyx and her siblings were still in the womb. So this was her first time ever being called together as a pack like this. It had been over six months, and honestly she could barely recall ever seeing the alpha at all. If she ever had, it was just a distant memory now merging with the red kids she knew. Otherwise he was almost completely non-existent to her.

He started almost too prideful and arrogant than she cared to witness. Acting like those of the wolves that were his pack were here trash talking him and thinking so poorly of him. Surely he wasn't that great of an Alpha while he just up and left, abandoning his kids, choosing ones that were what, more important to him? Some of the facts were not at all facts, only assumptions in her mind from what she had witnessed. What his remaining kids had witnessed and felt. But either way, she held nearly no respect of him at heart. But still, she somehow understood her younger and lower place in the pack as a pup, even if she felt differently about wanting to beat him to hell. She was starting to get some sense in her while she aged and listened to what her parents had taught her.

She stepped forward, still within reach of her family but she stood tall before she spoke, "You act like the pack has come together like they don't want to be here. I have never met you but I never once gave you a wrong thought. Not any wolf here that I have met has talked badly about you." But now she was starting to believe otherwise. Maybe those who were forcefully claimed under his rule did feel some kind of way, but she wasn't here then, and she hadn't heard from a soul that they thought so poorly of their Alpha. Onyx wouldn't have known any better, not knowing Ignis at all.

He went on to talk about promotions, saying that the pack members needed to start training more and striving for higher ranks, mentors and apprentices. And even though she was young, she wouldn't go on like she had been helpless this entire time of his absence, and not only her at that. "My parents have taught me and my siblings well just on their own. I have trained with my family and Cina and Celosia have trained with me too, and without you at that. What they want is what they want but I am completely fine with what I've been learning with my family and my peers and don't need that to change."

"Onyx"

Mature! For foul language. Can be prone to violence.