Much had happened since the last time the pack had gathered together. They lost many members, but more importantly they had gained an ally. She had seen Chimera’s strength and she knew he would make his own pack worth carrying the Empire’s name. The others who left were hardly even worth her mental space now. Her family was torn asunder, there were not very many relics of the past that she had enjoyed. All hope of recreating her childhood was now destroyed. So Ashen would be forced to move onto the next phase of their evolution, her own children would step into the paw prints of the great wolves that came before them.

That went for the youth that remained as well. Hela’s children especially. Toxicity had long poisoned her own offspring and it was no mystery they had followed after their well named mother. When Hattori told her Calamity had left the tragedy had truly sunk in and made those loyal to her so much more precious. Venom clung to Plague more than ever now, their bond would be the one that stood the test of time. Her one full brother, beside her as she stood beside him. Chimera, for keeping his word and doing far more than Toxicity or Calamity had ever done for her. Despite all of his flaws his loyalty was unquestionable.

So as a pack they would stride forward. Take this first step into a better future, welcome the changes that were inevitable, and become stronger for it. Venom strode forward into the moonlight as it reflected off the brilliant white trees. The glowing water of the shrine illuminated her monochromatic frame. Venom lifted her head and summoned the core of her pack, the members that had shown and proved their loyalty to her as Empress. She called for her family and wolves she now saw as friends. Close allies.

Venom relaxed and awaited the true wolves of Ashen to surround her and her Shogun.

Mandatory meeting! I'd like to see everyone in by the 26th but if we can gather up faster i'll move things along! Gonna work on some promotions!

The hour was late as a howl echoed throughout the Ashen territories, drawing Hattori from his patrol route. He made his way through the pale trees, moving at a swift lope before slowing to a walk as the figure of his wife and Empress came into view. Much had changed in the past few weeks, and though Hattori could not say he approved of the nature of Chimera's new pack, he was glad to have them gone. There was much to be done to fill the gaps left behind and new strength to be fostered.

With a rumbling greeting in the back of his throat, Hattori settled by Venom's side. Ready to support her in all thing, as always.


"Speech"

Plague had always been close with Venom, but after how their sister had acted and how their other remaining sister had abandoned them he had stuck even closer to her side. It almost made him regret putting his home outside of Ashen's lands, but he knew it was necessary to allow him and Void to balance between their two families. It just meant he was away from their den more often than not while he tried to ease the wound that their siblings had created.

It was late, the moonlight lighting up the path in front of him as he began to make his way through the pale forest of Ashen to begin walking back toward the hot springs, but a howl from his dear sister stopped him in his tracks and he dutifully turned around to answer her call. It didn't matter what time of day she summoned them, he would always be there. When he arrived Hattori was understandably already at her side and he gave the pair a pair a small smile before settling back onto his haunches to wait for the rest of the pack to arrive.

Plague | Viridis | Procella

"Speech"

Hela was gone, his mother had left her children in Ashen to chase after their aggressive cousin. He'd been aware that she'd been chafing under feeling like she wasn't appreciated by her younger empress but as far as Chai felt that was her own fault, and frankly her leaving and running rubbed him the wrong way. Deep down, deeper than Malachai had the emotional intelligence to ever really understand he was feeling abandoned, but all that deep pain, well it manifested as anger. The young man stomped his way through the packlands, grumbling and growling. As far as he was concerned, his mother clearly hadn't deserved the rank she'd been so angry to lose if she was willing to abandon her only remaining children just for an easy ride. And that feeling turned into spite. If his mother hadn't been willing to work for her place then he'd work twice as hard to earn his.

So Malachai would not wait too long to responde to the call for the pack, his resolve redoubled. The young man would quickly scan for his sister, and without seeing her he would settle himself, grumbling to himself but turning his attention towards his cousin.

Art by Shirohoru

Panic wasnt far behind her brother's steps. Since her mother's departure she had grown closer to Malachai, being sometimes his shadow but not in a obsessive way. And as Venom called for them to join her, Panic was on the way without wasting time. They were Hela's legacy in Ashen and she wanted to make everyone proud of who she and Chai were. Arriving she nudged Chai's shoulder affectionally before taking a seat beside her brother. Fear her snake resting around her neck. She was anxious to see what Venom had for them stored today, but in her face she'd not show that. Instead a calm expression remained in her grey features, hiding inside the excitement she was suffering. "Speech"

Iki was still on an emotional high from her concert. The young fae walked on clouds as she moved towards the meeting that her mother had called. Iki wasn't sure what the meeting was about, but it didn't really matter. She would always answer the call of her family. Coming into the clearing, the pale princess seated herself delicately beside her uncle Plague, long tail curling around both hips and paws as she sat. Mercuric eyes focused on her parents and she offered them both a small smile and a reverent dip of her crown. The girl wondered what the meeting would be about and gave her parents her full, rapt attention.

Okiku Ikigai Ōritsu Abraxas

The little princess Kiyohime had been rather quiet since her sister’s concert. She tried not to reveal her emotions even to her companions; she was so ashamed of how she felt. The shame built up within her, but she tried so hard to ignore it all and tell herself she was wrong for feeling like this. So she bottled it away and tried so hard to pretend it didn’t exist. Whenever she wasn’t occupied though her mind would find those buried emotions and bring them to teh forefront of her mind, so she had thrown herself hard into training. No matter how much she worked the worse she seemed to get.

Ike was picking herself off the yellowing moss blanket where she was working on her footing when her mother’s call rang out over Ashen lands. Things were a little quieter without so many wolves around, but Ike had been training hard. For her own sanity because she couldn’t let herself think about those terrible things she felt towards her perfect sister.

She timidly entered the clearing around the shrine, her dual toned eyes shifting from one family member to the next before she moved to sit beside Iki. Maybe having a little time together would help her warring spirit. The tall girl smiled, making her way to her seat without tripping once. She tried to attribute it to how much better she was with her sister beside her.

"Speech"

And It's The Stars That Shine For You

Stjarna padded through the frost laden ground, thankful that their winter coat had grown in so well. Star wasn't sure how cold it would get in the heart of winter here in southern Boreas but they wanted to be prepared for the worst and so their focus had been turned to hunting and preserving food as well as tanning hides. Star examined a stretched hide, leaning up against a pillar at the shrine and deciding it was finished they prepared to take it down. That was when the call of the alphess rang out summoning the wolves of Ashen together. Stjarna quickly put away the various glues and sinews they'd been organizing and headed toward the meeting. A number of wolves were already there and Star slipped to the back to take a seat.

Many unfortunate events had transpired in the past few weeks that had left Ashen with many less wolves than before. Kiyo had a forgiving heart, but after Venom had told her what had happened over tea she couldn’t help but feel a bit of malice toward the former priestess, Toxicity. The pale woman understood having faith and the importance of it to many wolves, but in her mind not everyone needed to constantly be at a shrine boasting reverence to be faithful to their deity. One could do little things throughout the day to prove to their God that they were still a believer, because at the end of the day faith was between the God and their follower. The fact that Toxicity had stared down their Empress and spit such insults at her when she’d done nothing but be a good mother was unforgivable, and the ghostly goddess thought perhaps they were better off without.

Kiyo had been giving her grandson, Take, a routine checkup when Venom’s call had rang into the air. She paused in her poking and prodding, a soft smile being given to the boy before she rose to her paws. Together, the pair moved at a swift pace to the meeting place, a stark contrast to each other. Kiyo was like the moon, and Take was like the night that surrounded it. He towered over her already, despite not even being a year of age yet, but this was something she was used to after growing up in a land of giants.

They arrived quickly and Kiyo offered her son and daughter-in-law a respectful bow before going to take a seat next to her granddaughters, placing a kiss to each of their crowns.

"Speech"

Takeshi had been migraine free for almost 3 months and he felt himself growing stronger each day. The gap between he and his siblings was growing smaller and smaller every day due to his diligence and his mental health was getting better as well. He was finally beginning to feel worthy of his name and lineage, something that he couldn’t have said for sure would ever happen several weeks prior. Each day was a gift, he felt, and he chose not to squander it.

The boy was in the middle of getting one of his routine check-ups when his mother’s call rang into the air, bouncing off of the stone hallways before settling in their ears. His grandmother paused, offering her comforting, soft smile before rising to her paws. He did so as well, immediately towering over her and he waited for her to lead the way before trailing after her just behind her right hip, acting as her shadow as he did with nearly everyone else. The traversed the snow laden Ashen territory, arriving swiftly at the scene of the meeting. He dipped his head in a bow to his mother and father alongside his grandmother, his breath puffing out clouds of red tinged fog in the cold, before he settled alongside her and his sisters, a small grin on his lips as the pale woman gave kisses to each of their heads before his attention was pulled forward once more.

"Thoughts/expression intention"

Kuroki wasn't sure what the fuss was about, but it sounded important enough that he figured he ought to attend. Even if only to ward off the scoldings he'd no doubt receive if he didn't. Though a little late to the scene-though not later than Kit, it seemed- no one gave him the stink eye as he settled amongst his siblings.  Deliberately stepping on the length of Iki's tail, he slouched down onto the floor in a petty juxtaposition to all his sibling's attempts at poise and grace. He'd decided a while ago he wasn't gonna be a try hard. It didn't matter how much Hattori stared at him or pulled him aside for lengthy lectures, this was just how he was now. And if they didn't like it then what were they gonna do about it? The whole family was here-minus those who'd gotten themselves kicked out. Kuroki had mixed feelings on the matter, he hadn't hated any of Tox's lot, nor did he find her all that intolerable. But if his Mother wanted them gone then that was that, he supposed. If he had to guess, that's what this meeting was about. To reaffirm the pack and let everyone know how things would be from here on out. Interesting...not! "Speech"

Kitsune raced to the meeting with her spirits high, her eyes sliding over the wolves that had assembled, before settling on the familiar faces of her sisters , of her grandmother behind them, and Take behind her. She shuffled in until she was by the white wolf and her mute brother, leaning on Take’s coat. She felt closer to him after dealing with the stress of being told they weren’t good enough by Toxicity together.

Seated then as she was, she let her eyes move to her mother, and offered the other woman a wide grin. She had expected her mother to side with Toxicity, to punish her. Instead, she had stood up for her kids, and made Kitsune feel important and whole.


"Speech"

The call brought lament away from his fishing near the edges of the pack territory. Teaching himself to fish was a slow learning curve, but the glamping wolf had no doubt he would get the hang of it. He had plenty of space to learn in a pack by the sea, after all.

Shaking out his damp fur, he fell into a light trot that brought him towards the Shrine and the meeting that was being called there. He first paid his respects to the Alphas, coming closer to bow to them, before finding his seat in the crowd. He nodded to Plague, the pack Daimyo as his eyes fell on the light coated wolf.


"Speech"

The wolves who remained in the pack began to filter in, her husband swiftly finding his way to her side. They waited the smaller number of wolves to gather and show themselves. Venom wasn’t disappointed, she gave Plague a small nod. She knew she had Malachai’s attention along with his sister Panic’s. Her children filed in as gracefully as was normal for each individual. Ikigai having a special presence that was unmistakable. Venom offered a nod of greeting to Stjarna and Kiyo as Lament made the last of the wolves to arrive.

"Welcome, family and friends. Thank you all for coming today.” She knew the full ack gathered before her now. A much less impressive group than their last gathering. "As you’ve noticed, our numbers are not as strong as they once were, but I believe that Ashen will be better for that fact. Dead weight has been lifted, and Ashen now has a strong ally with Fenmyre in Auster.” She announced easily enough, not feeling she needed to expand on what deadweight had been lost.

"Unfortunately that has left our ranks wide open.” Venom’s sunset gaze shifted to the youth of the pack. The royal children were more than ready to begin apprenticeships and the older apprentices were more than ready to take their true rank. "Malachai and Panic, you may step forward and take your well deserved place as Ashigaru, or you may challenge for a Samurai by sparring with Lament, Plague, Hattori, or I. Should you prove victorious.” She added with a smirk, "You may skip your soldier rank altogether.” Venom’s attention shifted to her own brood and the eager excited faces that looked up at their parents.

"I will offer the same to the princes and princesses. If you wish to challenge for a Samurai or Chunin position you may challenge for that rank.” She was not quite as confident in the younger pups in making it to the lofty rank she wished to see them try. Venom also knew a fighting rank was not in the cards for all of her children. "If that is not the path you wish, you may step into an apprentice rank, or make your case for something more lofty.” She added with a grin, her gaze catching Ikigai.

"Stjarna,” she began again, rounding out the ranking portion of her meeting. "If you’ll accept I would like to see you in the lead hunting position, our Renja.” She had seen the wolf’s efforts in the pack and sought to reward those actions.

"And to wrap up what I have to say today, begin thinking about potential recruitment. With our shrunken numbers we need to think about welcoming a few new faces. If you meet a talented loner I encourage you to bring them to the border for vetting.” She wasn’t prepared to just allow every random wolf into the pack, but they could do with a couple more skilled members.

"If Hattori, or anyone, has something to add speak now.” Questions, comments or concerns could be introduced now. "As well I’d like to know who will be challenging for their rank.” After everyone said their peace the pack would be dismissed.

"Hattori & Venom"

Kuroki half listened to his Mother speak, more interested in leaving rake marks in the snow via his talons. The meeting went about how he expected, boring political stuff till the Empress went and brought up the shiny prospect of promotions. The Prince's dark ears perked and his eyes shone with new-found interest. Oh, now things were getting good! Venom had only just asked for the interested parties to say their piece before Kuroki spoke up and leapt to his paws. There was no time like the present and for the longest time he'd been itching for an excuse to pick a fight with his sire, one he could get away with. Besides, the nature of the rank suited Kuroki well. The less time he had to be around his stuffy family, the better. He wasn't a little kid any more, it was time he stretched his wings. "Me. I wanna be a Chunin. I'll fight the Shogun for it." He shot Hattori a side glance, knowing full well he couldn't refuse. He'd look like a coward if he did.

Hattori agreed with his wife and made a show of it by nodding his head. Silent and steadfast in his support of her. He felt as though there was nothing he needed to say-until Kuroki spoke up, demanding a fight to earn his place as Chunin. Hattori glanced at Venom, wondering whether she saw this coming before he eyed the prince once more. He shouldn't have been surprised, it was so very like Kuroki to try and put his sire on the spot but he was right in thinking Hattori had no choice but to say yes. That denying the request would set a negative precedent.

He would handle this here and now, and return to the former matters once done.

"Kuroki, get your things and find me in the ring." He offered his Empress a gracious nod before stepping aside to gather his things as well.

Kitsune managed to still her tail with some effort. Holding her head high as she waited for her Mother to finish speaking - for her father and brother to step away. Then she stepped delicately towards her mother, the Empress. Bowing low in front of the lofty woman in a gesture of respect. When she raised her head again, she spoke not to her mother, but to the Empress of Ashen.

“My Empress, I would like to have my chance to challenge for the rank of Chunin, but I would like the time first to gain for myself a weapon and armour, if you will allow me this chance to prepare myself.” She said speaking carefully and formally as she looked at her mother.


"Speech"

Takeshi’s auds pulled forward as his mother began speaking, glowing red gaze fixed on her with the rapt attention she deserved as their matriarch. Venom began with addressing their ranks, brushing over the betrayal that had transpired and moving elegantly to promotions. Their cousins were promoted first and offered the chance to challenge for higher standing. Their family was an ambitious bunch, so he was sure they would likely both challenge up, especially to prove themselves after their mother, Hela, had abandoned them.

He and his siblings were addressed next, placing them as apprentices, but offering them the opportunity to challenge for Chunin or Samurai. Stjarna was placed as their Renja and they were instructed to look for new faces to join their ranks. Once their mother finished, Kuroki and Kitsune were quick to jump for the chance to challenge for Chunin. It suited them and their need to look beyond their borders, and they were the more sociable of the litter anyhow. Takeshi, on the other hand, was happy to stick close to their borders to defend those he loved, making him the perfect Samurai. A little voice in the back of his head told him he wasn’t ready yet, but he’d been training so hard and his siblings were going for it, so surely he had to as well. The massive, glowing boy rose to his dark paws, looking to his grandmother pointedly and writing a message in the snow at their paws before dipping his horned head low in a deep bow. He would challenge for Samurai.

"Thoughts/expression intention"

Kiyo sat next to her grandchildren with a smile on her lips, ghostly grey eyes fixed on her son and daughter-in-law. Ever the elegant woman with words, Venom did all the speaking for both her and her husband. Hattori, of course, being trained in diplomacy, was well versed in public speaking, but there was no need for him to say anything at that moment anyhow. His wife was perfectly capable, something the Apothaker admired about her greatly. When she finished her speech, Kuroki and Kitsune were quick to ask to challenge. It suited them both, she mused, though when Takeshi stood as well and wrote his request in the snow, she had to admit she was a bit surprised.

She looked at him, trying to hide the worry from her face. The boy had had it rough for several months, being plagued near constantly with migraines, so he’d fallen behind in training. Since the migraines had dissipated, he’d been exhausting himself to the point of near collapse, visiting her often to treat his scratches and bruises. He’d instructed her not to tell his parents or siblings of his plight, but he was running himself ragged and it pulled at her heart. She’d told him time and time again that he was good enough, that he was loved and cherished, but she could see in his eyes that he didn’t believe her. He wouldn’t. She worried that if he challenged and lost, it would just knock him down even further. But, he’d already made his show and she couldn’t embarrass him by refusing.

Kiyo turned forward, looking to her Empress. “My Empress, Takeshi wishes to challenge for the rank of Samurai against Lament,” she instructed, bowing her head antlered head gracefully. “If I may, I would also like to remind our members that sickness runs rampant in the winter months, due to members’ close proximity to each other. Please, be sure that you are keeping warm, drinking plenty of water, and resting. None of us are immune to mother nature and her woos. Do not hesitate to see me if you are feeling under the weather, your health is my utmost priority,” she spoke, scanning her gaze around the circle to the wolves present and offering her characteristic gentle smile.

"Speech"

Willa, the antlered white feline growled low as Oki tromped over her lady's long inkbrush tail. The cat's fur bristled and she swiped at the leg of the large boy, claws fully extended. Iki merely winced and curled her long tail around her body so that it couldn't be stepped on again. She was getting pretty tired of Oki's ways. Ikigai loved her family, but she firmly believed that someone was going to have to put her brother in his place sooner or later.

Venom soon began speaking and her attention was all for her mother as the quilled woman told the pack of new plans. Iki's obsidian ears perked as she listened to her mother speak of promotions. The others of the pack were eager to pipe up and say what ranks they wanted. Oki went so far as to challenge her father. Her grandmother spoke for Take. Everyone seemed to know exactly what they wanted. Ikigai did not. Ashen was a fighting pack. Most of the ranks were geared towards battle. The pallid princess did not possess such physical prowess. She did know that she wanted more than her current station, however.

Once the rest of the wolves had spoken and were silent, the midnight and snow fae stood, bowing her head to her mother since her father had already gone away with Oki. "I will accept whatever you deem fitting, mother." Again, the princess bowed low, showing reverence to the Empress. Her mother would know which direction to point her in. Venom knew Iki's skill set and Iki had no doubt that her mother would choose wisely for her.

"X"