Venom made her way to the meeting area on white gloved paws. It wasn’t used very often, the whole pack didn’t often gather as one. She liked to give her wolves freedom. However, the were a pack and there was strength in numbers and paws. The more paws at work the easier a task would be, and that included learning. It was past time for her youngest nieces and nephews to begin learning in earnest. They would be yearlings before they knew it and should be preparing to take their places within the pack.

Along with the youngsters there were new wolves in the pack, young blood that also needed to learn and prove themselves within Ashen’s borders. The two newest were already making themselves at home and showing off their skill. She needed to check in with Kuroki and the girls that he was helping to look after. Perhaps they needed the challenge she had given Pleione and Ciannait.

In whatever capacity, Venom would call together her pack. Lifting herself to the pedestal of stones that hoisted her to the air she tilted her head back and called for the wolves of Ashen.

"Venom"

He knew that getting mentors arranged for his children was going to happen sooner rather than later so when Venom called for the pack he had been expecting it. It baffled him to think that they were already past due to become apprentices. If felt like only yesterday that he was watching them be born. He put his feelings of wishing they would slow down and be pups for a while longer still out of his mind as he gathered them up, or at least the ones of them he could easily find, and then went out to meet with Venom at the pack's usual meeting spot. They were the first to arrive and Plague settled near his sister, giving her a smile. It was certainly a bitter sweet moment for him, but one that he was happy to witness all the same. He hoped that his children would have the same ravenous appetite for training and knowledge that he did at their age and that they learned all they could from the mentors they were assigned.

Plague | Viridis | Procella

Sitri just so happened to be near by when his aunt called for them so when he trotted through the thin, pale trees of the alabastrine forest he ended up arriving just a moment after his father and some of his other siblings. Usually he probably would have been with them at their home, but as he was starting to get a little bigger and more adventurous he had started staying away from the palace during the day—at least as far as the confines of the pack would allow him. He got in big trouble recently after getting lost in the near by swamp so Slate and Ruby were practically glued to his sides and watching him even more closely than usual thanks to orders from his father. He was very, very grounded for the time being and as much as he desperately wanted to go out and explore he didn't want to push his luck. He sat down in front of his aunt dutifully to wait for the meeting to start, eager to have something interesting to break up his day with.

"Sitri Abraxas-Destruction"

She would not miss a meeting if she could help it. Even as she lay lounging on Kuroki's bed, her ears perked at the faint call from the Empress. It was in her blood to follow directions and if she planned on staying here, she knew she had to earn her keep. Giving her dainty legs a good stretch, she slipped from the pile of furs that felt all too comfortable before making her way toward the shrine. Thankful that Venom wasn't a terribly commanding and needy leader, Celeste felt eager and a bit excited to see what she wanted. If she was given something to do to keep her busy, she wouldn't worry so much about trivial things. Like whether or not Kuroki actually liked her or just pitied her.

With her midnight horned cat entwined between her legs as she emerged from the pale trees, she let her teal gaze drift around to the group. Not terribly late, but not early either. Cyanide and Kuroki hadn't thought to show up either, their loss, she supposed. Taking a seat a comfortable distance from Venom, but not too close to the family either so they could sit together, she lifted her chin to nod in the Empress' direction.

Celeste Akizora

Kitsune wouldn’t miss the first meeting she would attend as one of the packs Chunin. Light on her dainty paws, she arrived at the stone meeting place. Bowing her head lightly to her Empress - her mother likely saw the excited gleam in her eyes. She didn’t let it show in her manner, however. She completed her bow, drew herself up, and seated herself demurely. Not far from the white warrior she had fought for her rank.

She spared a smile for her Uncle Plague as well, before shifting her attention across the others that attended the meeting. Seeing those that had already arrived, and looking out for those yet to come.

"Kitsune"

Pleione’s keen ears flicked to the direction of the call as if she’d been expecting it. She was still on edge every moment of every day until she was certain she’d proved herself useful enough to Venom to keep around, over-eager to please and desperate to find situations to make herself stand out in a good way. The summons, a vague call for all to gather, was hardly urgent sounding but all the same she was quick to abandon her fruitless circuit of the packlands for the day to veer toward the sound of her queen. It hurt her pride to be turned so easily into some other royal’s obedient pet, every bit the peasant she’d been proclaimed at the borders. All the same, hurt pride burned less than a hungry belly. When she arrived to see so many young wolves gathered around, her pride smarted again like a slap to the face. It made her feel like a pup, which was strange for her, having felt like an adult in a puppy’s body through all of her traditional puppy years. She felt like she’d be proving herself forever, always looked down upon literally and figuratively from the eyes of these towering beasts of her new home. Swallowing her bitterness, she settled among her packmates at just enough distance to visibly keep herself separate from the wolves younger than her.

Seere is out exploring the island that is just the past the one she and her family call home when her aunt’s call reaches the monochrome pup’s ears. Turning her attention away from the large crevice that looks like an open wound splitting the island in half, she quickly turns back toward the land bridge that will lead her back to where the shrine is. Short legs race across one land bridge after another as the eager Seere happily runs to the meeting.

As she nears, the pup slows to a trot and enters the area with a joyful smile on her lips and her tongue lolling out of the side of her mouth. Spying her father and aunt, the monochrome pup gives them both a wave before moving to join Sitri near the front. As she passes by Celeste, the pup gives her friend a gentle nudge and happy giggle before trotting the rest of the distance to her brother.

Plopping down next to Sitri, Seere allows her mismatched eyes to look over the other wolves that are here. She offers Kitsune and Pleione both happy smiles before turning her attention back to the front. Leaning into her brother, the monochrome girl waits for the meeting to start.

"Seere Abraxas-Destruction"

Better late than never, right? Kuroki swanned onto the scene, tail wagging in a laid back greeting as he passed family and friends alike. Things had settled here, somewhat, like they were truly getting back into the swing of things. Blowing his Mother a kiss, since she was perched atop her pedestal, he moved onto his uncle next and shot him a wink. Naturally he had to go and annoy Kit next, as he threw a front limb over her shoulder and dragged her close into a big brotherly hug. He knew she'd taken Hattori's departure hard, and though he wasn't always about it was his duty to check in and make sure she was okay every now and then. "Heard uncle Plague whooped your ass. Too bad sis." He nipped her ear, tugging a little before he unglued himself from her side and near flopped down atop of Celeste. "Beloved family, fret not. Your favourite son, brother, nephew, cousin is here." And then with a shit eating grin. "How's it going?"

The young princess heard her mother’s call bringing the pack together. She knew there was something going on about helping the younger wolves to find mentors. Part of her wanted to find her own mentor, but then she realized her mother would be looking to her to help her younger cousins. The thought terrified her. Still, she was the crown princess, there was no obstacle that could stop her, or maybe the one that was supposed to hold that position. Maybe this would be the test to decide if she was really right for the position she was in.

The thoughts were pushed from her mind as she swallowed hard and emerged from the forest to join her family and the pack. She gave her uncle and his children a big grin and pushed on her brother’s shoulder as she gave her sister’s cheek a kiss. If Kit and Oki could do it so could she. Ike sat on the other side of Kitsune and brought her attention up, pretending she was ready to take this nest step in responsibility.

"Kiyohime Shuriken Ōritsu Abraxas"

Unbreakable Survivor

The youth had been busy wandering the only part of the territory that was part of the mainland. She had attempted what she had overheard others call a ‘patrol’, carrying herself along the borders she had crossed to get to the river a couple days before. Though the yearling didn’t quite understand what the purpose of a patrol was, Cian continued along the edge of Ashen’s land scoping out what was going on beyond. Perhaps they moved about patrols such as these due to possible intruders, or visitors. Lenses flashed with the realization her own intrusion of these lands and how Venom had found her upon one of her shores. Perhaps the shadowed woman wasn’t just going for a stroll, and was in fact going on one of these patrols. But why on an island? Who else would be stupid enough to swim to the islands? She could only wonder.

A call from her Empress then rose into the sky. It wasn’t urgent, but it was a summons nonetheless. It was interesting to know how relaxed her leadership was, and it did settle her nerves quite a bit. Demands didn’t go well with the youth. With one last sweep of her surroundings the striped she-wolf turned on slender limbs. She wanted to know what this meeting was about, perhaps it could benefit her in some way, help her assimilate into the pack a bit more. With this in mind, Ciannait quickened her pace, heading towards the call of her Empress.

Upon her arrival, turquoise optics took in all those who were present. Though she didn’t know everyone here, she knew a couple. The russet woman from their hunt was here off to one side for whatever reason. Though her stature was smaller than the rest of the giants here, she still stuck out to Cian. Head dipped towards her, a silent greeting to the blush-eyed woman before continuing her scan over the rest. There were two others she recognized in the crowd. One was that pest of a boy she had met on the river, and it seemed he was up to what appeared to be his usual antics. A grin spread on her lips at that. Though he was annoying that day, she didn’t mind it. It was just something she had to get used to Cian supposed. Finally, she recognized Shuriken, or Iki, as the speckled woman had said. She had sat next to the boy from earlier along with a fiery colored youth not much older than herself. Well, now that she paid attention, all three were about the same age as her. They also looked similar in some ways. Perhaps they were siblings.

Though she didn’t know the trio all that well yet, Ciannait decided to join them. She smiled at the the younger pups as she passed them before she sat near the three other yearlings. ”Hope you guys don’t mind my joining you,” Cian said, nodding to each one, nerves causing her heart to hammer in her narrow chest. Maybe she could get to know them a bit more, if they would let her. Attention then shifted to the Empress, waiting for what Venom had summoned them here for.

OOC || —
”Speaking”
Thinking

Kotori was the new wolf in town, having just started his seasonal visit in the pack.  The horned wolf strode with a confident demeanor.  He had no official rank in the pack to show off but he was still a prince of his own right and would hold himself to high expectations of showing well.  Kotori moved to one side of most the wolves so that he could watch both Venom and the rest of the Pack easily with only a slight turn of his head one way or the other.  This was an excellent way to get a feel for all of the pack at once.  Kotori would not fail Venom and he would make the most of the season.

Once he’d taken good stock of the rest of the wolves, a particular bit of interest in the youngest Kotori would focus the majority of his attention on Venom.  Kotori had learned how his father ran his pack and now it would be interesting to see how Venom ran hers.  What were the differences and similarities in their forms of leadership?

"Kotori Fatalis"

Saia as usual was nestled in with Rava when the call came out from Venom and Plague came by to collect her. She would have came regardless even if she was much more a homebody. Her Aunt's call was of an upmost importance to her. Maybe she had been raised right to think so. All of her parents did their own parts in keeping their family together and whole, and Saia wouldn't trade any of them or her siblings for anything. Even as much as it may not have seemed so. At least in the ways she kept to herself most of the time.

She came to the meeting spot where Venom had taken the pedestal, taking a seat beside her father where her siblings joined as well. She was quiet, subtle in the way she glanced over the crowd that had gathered. And she would just sit there and wait to see what would come next for her life in Ashen.

"Saia Klein-Destruction"

Stolas had, ashamedly, been very withdrawn as a pup. He didn't boast the exploratory nature his sister Seere had, and as such mostly remained around the palace and the beaches, learning the world from quiet observations of everything happening around him. He realized he needed to be more present with his pack, and with his family. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy being around them, after all; they were his family and he loved them dearly. So, with a new commitment to doing better to be an active part of his family and pack, young Stolas headed to answer his aunt's call for the younglings.

The near-yearling had almost reached his adult height by now, just a few inches shy of matching his sire in terms of tallness. He dwarfed his other siblings by a good margin, and he retained a lanky and long-legged form as he approached his adolescence. Dark coat of swirling gradients of black and crimson shifted as he approached the meeting, spotting a number of other wolves gathered, including his siblings and cousins. "Hello, everyone," he greeted them politely and with a chipper yet reserved smile, bowing his head respectfully to their Empress and his aunt before finding a place near his family so he could be present with them, dark graphite eyes focused on Venom to give her his rapt attention.

"Stolas Abraxas-Destruction"

Greetings:

Plague was the first to arrive, ever the dutiful brother, father, and her Daimyo. One of the few wolves that she could give her complete trust to. He had held together all of the pieces for her when her life fell apart, and for that there was not enough thanks. She hoped he knew how much he was appreciated, but the thought would have to be put aside for now. Venom could show him later. The Empress returned her brother’s grin, but could feel his nerves. This was a big step for his babies, and something that Venom had struggled with her own as well. He had Sitri along with him and she gave her nephew a proud grin as well.

Venom gave a welcoming nod to Celeste as she made herself comfortable, the Empress happy to see her volunteer for the event. After the horned girl arrived the Empress’ own children started to arrive. Not that they could be considered children anymore. They were very nearly full grown adults, a fact that struck her as Kitsune arrived. The girl had become a woman before Venom’s very eyes. Even from the moment she had challenged Plague she looked older, more experienced, more accomplished… Venom could hardly contain the pride she had for her young.

The Empress offered Pleione a nod of greeting as she swiftly arrived and took her place a little further away from the near yearlings. Little Seere followed after, and Venom smiled and waved a white gloved paw as she passed by and went to sit with her father and brother. Kuroki was next, Venom was always reminded of how opposite the young man was to his father. She gave him a grin as he blew her a kiss and turned his attention to his siblings.

Her young Crown Princess was next and Venom very nearly gestured for the girl to join her atop her perch, but as she made a beeline to Kit and Oki she would not. The young Ciannait appeared as Ike got comfortable and Venom didn’t miss the girl meandered over to her heirs. Kotori slipped in and Venom gave him a nod as the last two puppies rounded out what would complete their meeting. Not everyone was here, but she hadn’t required attendance either. She did take note of the missing faces. She really hadn’t expected to see Rava, and she had sent Void to scout while the rest of them gathered here.

~~~~~~~~~
Meeting:

She waited a beat longer before drawing in a breath and beginning. "Thank you all for coming today. I will get right to the point, all of you are here because you have taken interest in your own or our youth’s education.” Her gaze glanced over the crowd before her, especially lingering on her young nieces and nephews. "Most importantly is my desire to pair the four puppies with their official mentors. If there are any of you that have a preference who you are teaching or who you would like to be taught by, please speak up now.” She let the pack organically arrange partnerships instead of assigning roles in hopes the relationship would form naturally and further strengthen bonds within her pack.

"Along with mentors, I would like to assign roles of teachers and students for the less experienced wolves of the pack. Especially my higher ranked wolves.” She looked to her children, as well as Plague. They would be the teachers she needed for the newer and younger members. "I have high hopes for all of you.” Venom let herself settle into silence as she opened up the floor to those gathered.

"Venom"

Seere watches her Aunt, giving the Empress a huge, bright smile when she receives a smile and wave. A giggle escapes as she trots happily to her brother, sitting and leaning into Sitri’s taller form as they wait for Stolas and Saia to join them. Saia appeared after some of their cousins show up, along with a couple unfamiliar faces. She smiles at them all, her small tail happily thumping the group behind her. When her sister appears, Seere shifts and scoots closer to her sister, offering her a warm smile before leaning gently into her side. Saia seems to take after their mother, preferring to stay inside their den instead of playing with her siblings outside.

Stolas finally appears and the monochrome girl releases a short sigh of relief. Seere had been worried her brother wouldn’t make it but, as he settles in with them, she feels the butterflies that had taken flight in her stomach, finally settle down. Offering her brother a relieved grin, the smallest of their family group fully turns her attention to what her aunt has to say. The meeting kicks off and it is announced that they would be getting mentors. Eyes widen slightly as her eyes move to look over the gathered wolves as new wave of nervous excitement fills the girl. Venom finishes, stating that she has high hopes for all of them and Seere waits for the first wolf to step up and ask for or volunteer to be a mentor.

A couple beats pass and, when no seems to be jumping at the chance, the small monochrome girl stands and takes a couple steps forward before facing the gathered wolves to introduce herself. Tail wags and a smile is on her lips as she says, “Hi! My name is Seere and Plague is my dad. He’s a really great warrior.” She turns to give her father a wink before turning back to the group, as she continues on, “I would like a mentor that will help me be an amazing fighter and a master healer. I am motived, happy, and I like to talk… like a lot.” A giggle bubbles out before she adds, “But I can be quiet when I need to be! Anyway, thanks for listening! I’m going to go sit with my family now.”

Another slightly nervous giggle escapes as the monochrome girl moves back the couple steps it takes to sit with her siblings. Mismatches eyes watch to see if anyone shows interest in being in her mentor.


"Seere  Abraxas-Destruction"

Plague waited as the others began to gather, each of his children appearing and gathering around him as well as a fair number of Venom's children. He wasn't completely familiar with some of the newer members of the pack, only knowing their faces from seeing them in passing, but he still gave them a nod as they joined the crowd all the same. Eventually, once Venom seemed satisfied with the turnout, she began the meeting and presented the purpose of it with the mention of students and mentors—very specifically his children. He looked down to them with a little smile before scanning the crowd, just to imagine who each of them might want as their mentors. Really there were no bad choices, but he of course would love to see his dear Ike and his other niece and nephew as mentors. He had seen them grow into the talented young adults they currently were and it was certainly time for them to begin coming into their own as teachers as well.

There was also the mention of teachers for the less skilled members of the pack which was where he felt like he would come in. He couldn't exactly be his own children's mentors, but he could of course give lessons for anyone willing to take them. Before he could stay anything though, his sweet Seere spoke up first and introduced her self and what she was looking for in a mentor in her usual bright, chipper way. He grinned a little and chuckled softly as she gave him a wink at her compliment. With her piece said she settled down again and Plague lifted a paw and ruffled the fur on her head, looking to his other children to see if they would want to say anything or if they would just wait to have their mentors assigned to them. "I'm more than happy to offer training and lessons to anyone that might need a teacher in fighting or crafting," he offered, looking to some of the newer faces he wasn't as familiar with.

Plague | Viridis | Procella

He very quickly discovered the not so fun side of meetings that required sitting and paying attention, but he of course did it as he sat beside his father and listened while his aunt talked about mentors and teachers and pointed him and his siblings out specifically. He didn't know why they needed another teacher besides his parents, but he wasn't opposed to it either. He looked around at all the wolves, some he recognized more than others. His cousins he knew well enough of course since they all lived in the same palace, but the ones that he wasn't related to were more of a wild card to him. After Seere made the first move introducing herself and their father offered his services to the older wolves who needed lessons he spoke up next while trying to decide who he'd even want to learn from. "I'm Sitri," he said simply for those wolves that he didn't already know. "I'm interested in fighting and exploring and races so... whoever can help me out with those things I guess." He looked to Ike, Kuroki, and Kitsune, wondering if maybe one of his cousins might volunteer. At least he'd know they had learned from good wolves so they could teach him good things too.

"Sitri Abraxas-Destruction"

This was the first time Pleione had seen so many of her fellow pack wolves in one place, and now she was finally starting to get a sense of the real scale of the Ashen Empire. So many wolves just among the core packs, and from what little she knew of their allies, they were many and strong. At least she’d thrown her lot in with the right crowd. Still, she felt isolated from the familiar dynamic of the wolves gathered here. They didn’t just know each other, so many of them were clearly blood relatives. It made her ache for her family in a way she rarely gave the time to these days. She listened pensively to her leader’s announcement, feeling the itching need to prove herself burning in her paws all the while. While she had no expertise or experience in mentoring, the opportunity to find a teacher of her own was one she couldn’t pass by no matter how it stung her pride to need one, and she was certain she could be of at least some use in guiding the pack’s young, even if it was only as a warm body to travel with or spar against. Pleione turned her attention to the male she’d gathered was Venom’s brother, Plague she believed he was called. She rose to her feet and stepped forward, head bowed in respect. "My name is Pleione,” she offered. “I would be honored to be your pupil, and to assist with the tutelage of those younger than me in any way you see fit.”

It wasn't long until Seere showed up and Celeste couldn't help but smile. Returning the girl's nudge with her own giggle, she was glad to have made a friend in the pack. Not feeling so alone was always nice. Moments later, a parading of paws swept onto the scene and her aquamarine eyes swooped over to the beast she so happened to share a bed with. The entrance of Kuroki always made her heart flutter slightly. Trying not to stare too much as the prince made his rounds, she could hardly move out of the way when his much larger body nearly flopped on top of her. Quick to slide her newly lengthened tail out from under his weight, Celeste pressed into his shoulder gently while the rest of the members got settled.

Turning her attention back to Venom, Celeste listened in earnest. Once the announcement was over, she waited for others to go forward before she did. Sliding her petite frame from quite literally beneath Oki, she stepped forward. "Hello, I am Celeste," her accent was growing fainter the longer she stayed. "I am a hunter and crafter who is willing to help teach and learn depending on what role needs to be filled," dipping her chin respectfully, Celeste stepped back and took a seat leaning up against Oki's shoulder.

Celeste Akizora

When Venom announces that they will be assigning mentors today, Saia honestly felt a little nervous. Maybe it was the amount of time she stayed in the den but she didn't really like the idea of meeting others or working with an adult she didn't really know. She was a little relieved as Venom had asked them to speak up if they had any preferences on who they wanted to teach them, but still she was a little anxious at the thought of... growing up maybe. She wanted to make her parents proud of her, but she was struggling to find true ambition in her young life in these times. Maybe that would change when she was older.

As Seere and Sitri both stepped forward to introduce themselves and say a little bit about what they were looking for, Saia had something different in mind. Still she was very even and cool toned as she stepped forward but maybe that nervousness showed through a little bit. "I'm Saia." She spoke quietly as she glanced over her cousins before turning her attention over to Venom as if asking permission, "I'd like Ike to be my mentor." It was very simply put that she was most comfortable with Ike. They had fended off a sea lion before but honestly she'd be contented by having any of her cousins as mentors. As for the others in the pack she didn't know at all... She figured she'd still overcome had she needed to be assigned to anyone else. But she hoped her request would be accepted.

"Saia Klein-Destruction"