Tides had changed and rather quickly. One moment they were returning from their raid, the next she was being crowned leader of Heidinn. In the spirit of not wanting to dwell on the past, Delphi decided to overhaul Heidinn to something that spoke more of her and her style of leadership.

She didn’t expected everyone to go along with it easily. Half expecting members to leave the ranks, she didn’t want to waste time gathering the pack. Hearing them out, their concerns, their worries, and hopefully some hope for the future, Delphi gathered supplies upon the Stone Steppe. A crackling bonfire in the center as winter was descending upon them and a chill was beginning to wrap itself over the territory.

With plenty of food and drink nestled in the snow to stay fresh, she takes a perch upon a rock so that all may see her from their position on the steppe. It is not for power over her members, but because she’s tiny compared to most of them and she wants to be heard. Tilting her muzzle to the cloudy sky, Delphi lets loose a call for all members to join before her. This would mark her yearly pack meeting for everyone to come together and chat about the next year. A meeting of the minds, if you will.

First round deadline is: May 13th
One post for each member is required to stay within the pack.
If you cannot join the meeting, please let me know via DM! <3

Of course Astraios would be prompt in arriving at the meeting. He knew that Delphi needed to mark her place as leader of this pack. A very unexpected change that he himself was still reeling from. But time moved on, and he wouldn’t let it escape him, not where DElphi was concerned.

So the young Thrall made his way to the meeting spot that the short leader had picked in the Stone Steppe. He spied her form immediately, perched on a rock where all could see her. Hiding a smile, he took a scent where the general masses would soon be situated. His own position in the pack was a little unsure to him now. Delphi still called him Thrall, after all.

"Speech"

Hallvarðr had been brooding a lot lately. With his mother sick and likely on her way to Valhalla and his father losing himself in his grief, the pups had been left to their own devices—which was to say, they'd mostly been tottering around just trying to figure out what was going on and what to do with themselves. He and Rúna had spend a lot of time playing and training together to pass the time, and with Erik having come back home, they were starting to spend time with their elder half-brother since their father had basically been swallowed whole by his depression. But even that only went so far...

Gnawing on a piece of elk antler to help strengthen his jaws and sharpen his fangs, Hal heard the call of Delphi summoning the pack together. He knew she'd taken over from Víðarr in his absence and had begun instituting a whole slew of changes, and he had mixed feelings on the whole lot. The boy did not do well with change, and as someone very beheld to tradition, this felt like a slap in his family's face. Still, he had not been raised to be disrespectful to his leaders, and Mother would have slapped some manners into him if he ignored the summons. So, with a sigh, Hal picked up his antler, the now almost adolescent wolf showing his size as he neared his sire's height in his growth. There was still a ways for him to go, but it was clear Hallvarðr would be a big boy.

He headed out of the family den and down the snow-covered mountain paths to the meeting spot, seeing only Delphi and Astraios there so far. He tipped his muzzle down in recognition to both of them, but remained taciturn as he found a spot away on his own and plopped down to continue gnawing on his antler while they waited for the rest of Heiðinn—sorry, Hemlock now—to show up.

At least he wasn't being forced to haul himself all the way up that damned mountain. When the call rang out, summoning the members, he recognized the pitch and tone of the voice as a young fae. Not much else. The old brute had been a bit of a hermit as he settled into pack life for what was likely the final time, and so he hadn't socialized with many of his comrades. No time like the present to try and rectify that, he supposed. The cosmic giant lumbered towards the steppe, navigating around the monoliths as he went until he happened upon the admittedly small gathering of wolves, whose numbers weren't quite what he expected. Nor was the fae he assumed to be the summoner- a tiny creature, barely older than his own children. He wouldn't dream of giving those little shits an ounce of power, but that was likely a personal failing- his kids were assholes. Admittedly, the tusked male was at a disadvantage. He had no clue who she was, and he had no clue what was going on. That stony expression and ineffable stare were the only defense he had against his packmates noticing that he was just a confused old man who'd wandered over when called, with little idea as to what he was being called over for. "Greetings," the celestial giant grunted to the young fae, casting his crimson stare to the giant male who lingered nearby, as though uncertain of how close he could be to her in the moment. Whatever that was about, it wasn't his problem. He dipped his head respectfully in their direction, and picked a sun-warmed stone to jump up onto. The heat was welcomed by his aching joints as his tenth winter arrived, and he let out a long sigh as he waited for what would come next. ""

She kept trying to find signs that things were going to turn around or that there was something she was supposed to be focusing on, but truly it was a struggle. Hanging out with her brother kept her occupied for the most part so it wasn't like she was bored, but she felt so directionless since there didn't seem to be anything she could do to help her parents. Their mother was so sick and their father was inconsolable... At this point all she could hope was that she liked this girl that her dad had decided to give the pack to and that one day he might figure out a way to be with them again. If she thought about it too much it would just sour her mood so she put it out of her mind as much as she could and kept her paws busy.

The howl from their new alpha wasn't all that surprising, but it didn't mean she was excited to hear it. It was nothing against Delphi, she probably would have the same reaction to anyone who tried to pick up where her dad left off right now. It just didn't feel right no matter how she spun it in her head. Regardless, she knew this was what her dad wanted so she'd be respectful and attend the meeting–and promptly at that. When she got there it was just Delphi, Astraios, Deion, and Hall. The tall and lanky young woman went over to where her brother was currently gnawing on an antler and plopped down beside him, nudging him in his ribs. "Don't you think you should at least sit up for the meeting?" she muttered quietly to him. Sure, he obviously wasn't happy about this either, but they still had to be on their best behavior.

"Rúna"

With everything being... the way it was, Steig had gravitated towards his aunt. They had been scouting, looking for her damn donkey when he took off, only to find he had rounded up yet another lady donkey to add to their herd. He had been keeping busy, trying to forget his mother's illness, the way his father clung to her side, withdrew and seemed to become something else. If he refused to acknowledge it, it wasn't really happening, right?

The only surprise when Delphi called was that it wasn't Erik who was summoning them. He tugged on his aunt's ear, smirking at her grunt, for appearances sake, before his face dropped to something uncharacteristically serious. He bit back a sigh as he joined the meeting, making an effort to sit and be attentive. He did hate stuffy occasions like this one, but he knew Róta would kick his ass to the sea and back if he clowned around during a meeting.

“Speech”

although outwardly he seems his usual stoic self, Styrmir has been slowly collapsing inward since his mother’s illness. it’s like all his worst nightmares come to life, breathed into being just to taunt him. all he’s ever wanted is his family safe and whole, and now his father won’t look him in the eyes and his siblings spend every day in misery. as Styrmir lopes into the meeting, he locates his littermates immediately, eyes locked on each pelt as he scans them for injuries. as he reaches Runa’s side, he aims to press up against her and rest his chin on her forehead for a brief moment, before attempting the same with Hall. it calms him somewhat, to have his siblings right before his eyes. settles some of the disjointed panic flooding his veins. as his gaze lifts to their new alpha, Styrmir makes a promise to himself - a vow. whatever it takes, he’ll keep his family safe. whatever he has to do, he’ll do it tenfold.

Oops, Maki was late. She'd just been busy lately, trying to get out there more, you know? And she had met some really nice and interesting people, so much inspiration for her stories, but if her sister called then Maki would always come home. Family meant a lot to her, always had and though Delphi could be kinda mean sometimes it was never enough to put Maki off of her. Even after Mum had died they'd curled up together, like they were tiny little pups again who needed to share body heat.

Familiar faces gathered and Maki, plopped herself as close as she could reasonably manage to Delphi- without it looking like she was trying to be her equal. She was the boss now-though had always been a boss bitch.

table coding by bunni ♥

Oki was doing better, mostly. Sleeping alone was...rough, but he was getting used to the cold nights, the darkness that seemed to linger forever this far up north. It helped to see that his kids were doing well, doing their own things that made them happy, living life the way they wanted.And Delphi seemed to be taking the weight of responsibility pretty well too, her pretty little head would suit a crown, and he'd told her as much before.

Moving into the designated meeting area, he saw Maki trying to not so subtly scooch up to Delphi. He doubted Hemlock would be such an uptight pack, a stickler for rules and the like, they were all friends and family here, no? Oki plonked himself down, splaying himself out like he was laying on a throne of pelts and furs, not cold stone.

"Cold as bals today." Oki commented, like that was a normal thing to say.

Víðarr's absence was not something that worried Kiela - not yet. With Tenshi's illness and his own grief it would've been more surprising if he'd been more present this days. Him taking a step back from leadership was also not surprising, though she couldn't help but worry for her closest friend. She'd have to make sure to check in with him sooner rather than later. Her thoughts lingered around him as Delphi called them to gather, though she was far too level-headed to let those worries consume her. Her demeanor was attentive and quiet as she arrived, noting just how many wolves had gathered already. Was she the least bit surprised by the wolf he'd chosen to lead in his absence? Not at all. Delphi's mind was sharp, no doubt making up for whatever she might lack physically. Kiela had no reservations about the small yearling's rule. She would do a fine job and Kiela was eager to see what she had in store for them.

Winter has once again returned to the towering reaches of Fenrir’s Maw and Unagi finds herself feeling… lost. So much heartbreak has followed her grandfather and the young woman feels completely at a loss about how to help him. Up in the snowy pathways of their home, the heavy girl lays buried in the snow, contemplating life’s injustices when a summons from down in the stone steppes pulls her from her silent musing.

Curiosity paints her features as she lifts herself out from underneath her blanket of snow, the soft powder cascading off her form as she remembers why Delphi has issued the summons. Quickly and as carefully as she can manage, Unagi traces the route down the mountain side and joins the meeting with clumps of snow still stuck in errant places on her fur.

Flashing her small sibling a warm, supportive grin, she trots over to where her father is sprawled out across the ground and manages to catch his comment. Stopping next to him, she takes a moment to dramatically stretch before plopping down unceremoniously against him, making sure that the wet and frozen bits of her fur press into his side.

A cheeky smile is on her lips as she looks to her father, mismatched eyes batting innocently at him as Unagi greets, “Hey dad! Isn’t this weather, wonderful?” Oh yeah, she was definitely Oki’s kid.


"Hattori-Klein Unagi"

She didn't know what she was doing wrong or maybe she was far too confident and not skilled enough. She had lost yet another fight in yet another raid! It was starting to disturb her confidence, and she was beginning to wonder if she was even cut out to be a warrior...was she putting shame to her family name? What would her grandfather think? She snorted at the thought. Maybe if he'd been around to teach her, she'd be better, but they weren't, so as far as she was concerned, their opinions would never matter at this point. Gimli had practically taken her in as his own and did his best to train her, but the old dwarf could only do so much with her when she was as stubborn as she was. When the howl for the pack to gather was called, Brida cocked her head to the side when she realized it wasn't Vidarr, but Delphi. Curious, Brida left her huffing and puffing behind and went to find out what was going on, coming to find a few others gathered already, with Delphi sitting at the forefront. Sliding down onto her belly and looking up, she wondered what the news would be. She was far too self involved, so she wasn't really aware of the goings on with other members, or even quite frankly, what appeared to be a potential change in leadership.. "Common Tongue"||"Dwarvish (ancient tongue)"

He was returning from a trip beyond the mountains when he heard the young caller summoning the pack together. It was strange to not hear Vidarr himself calling the pack, and he wondered what had changed during his brief absence. At best, he'd been gone a few weeks, traveling, trapping, hunting down exotic animals and fruits for his mead and for trade. And it appeared that during that time, something had happened. What that was, he wasn't sure yet but he supposed he'd find out. Leaving Knut to watch over his cargo as he left it near the bottom of the Maw, he made his way toward the Stone Steppe to find Brida and a few others with Delphi at the helm. Hmm? Interesting. The small shaggy dwarf slipped in, piercing amber gaze settling on the young wolf to see what all the fuss was about. "Gimli"||"Knut"

Bitter were the arguments between brothers, and Erik would have been a dumbass to expect Björn⁢ to come quietly. Or willingly. The transition had been difficult for the pups, and perhaps the little beast most of all. It had been a rather physical altercation, and both boys were bloody and panting by the time they arrived to the meeting. Erik with a gash across his muzzle, splattered with blood sprayed from Björn⁢'s eyes. The little grey pup being dragged by the ear by the larger boy... brother things.

Erik carefully takes a seat toward the back, begrudgingly licking the wound at the back of Björn⁢'s neck. An apologetic dip of his muzzle toward Delphi, and a little grimace to follow. Taking things too far was the name of the game, and it had taken a physical altercation to get his younger brother here. At least he's sorry that they're late.

"Speech"

It had been a scuffle of epic proportions, and Björn⁢ would have won it too if he was just a little taller. Nah, he swears, Erik won't have him beaten for long. See, as long as he avoids the meeting, then he avoids coming to terms with everything that's been going on. He shouldn't have to go. He should be allowed to bury his head in the sand, tell everyone else to fuck off, and get by in the way he has... poorly. Of course, that's not how things work, and the wound on the back of his neck stung like a reminder. Sulking as he sits beside Erik and allows the larger boy to clean the wound, Björn⁢ would rather be anywhere else. BJÖRN Ragnarök awaits.

She shouldn't have gone looking for the stupid ass, the bastard had wandered so far, and her attempts to stop him dragging home yet another unneeded braying mouth to feed had been for naught. At least she could use the beasts to clear land, but their upkeep and the shrill noises they made were so tedious. At least the search had served as a distraction. A distraction from her sister in law wasting away before their eyes, the way her brother desperately clung...

Róta shook her head to chase the thoughts away, nipping at Steig's heels to chase the boy along. They shouldn't be late, and yet somehow she was. She'd put it down to old bones. When had that happened?

"speech"

Lumine would rather be anywhere but there. The call that rings out from Delphi hurt her ears, forcing them to fall backward. Not from pitch, but from what it means. Begrudgingly she lets out a sigh and makes her way to the Steppe. Slow, dragging steps that leave sliding ruts through the snow and mud. 

Once there, with an obviously disgruntled expression upon her face, she moves over to Hall, Runa, and Styrmir. A side glance at the injured Bjorn entices a stuck out tongue in his direction before she sidles in beside her other siblings, rest her chin on the ground.

Delphi waits patiently as the pack arrives. She smiles to those that give her acknowledgment and respectfully avoids those that are clearly displeased with the changes. It is all overwhelming, sudden, and honestly unavoidable. Much has been kept silent so far and Delphi isn’t sure that’s been the best decision. Yet, if word were to spread too far, too quick, they would become targets. 

Waiting a few minutes once the last of the group had settled into their seat, she addresses them all with a pleasant, but sad smile. “I know some of you here today are not going to accept what I have to say, but that knowledge comes with being a leader,” her expression slips into a more serious tone as she swallows hard, eyes scanning the crowd carefully.

“Tenshi most likely will not return from her sickness. Because of this stress, Vidarr has decided to spend her remaining days with her so that they don’t miss a single moment together. I consider it retirement, but you may call it what you want,” Delphi lets out a sigh before moving onto the next topic. “We are no longer called Heidinn, but Hemlock. I know many of you come from a similar background as Vidarr and that is the reason you probably decided to follow him. From here forward, Hemlock will pride ourselves in specialty crafting, trading, and training. Our numbers are weak, and I believe if we have something to strive for, we will attract more members and be happier all around,” she tries to smile, but it’s difficult when she feels like it might be her against the world.

“If you feel that Hemlock is not a good fit for you, I will not stop you from leaving. Our rank system will be easy. Hone the skill you find yourself connecting with the most and work to better it than the day before. I want us all to be able to teach the younger generations how to be great pack wolves who support each other and the world around us. So, Rota, Keila, Brida, Deion, Maki, and Unagi, please let me know if you would like be a Paladin (fighter), Stalker (hunter), Reviver (healer), Conceptual (intellect), or Wayfinder (navigator). Audr has been moved to Conceptual, Ulfr to Stalker, and Gimli to Paladin. Erik and Strai are my Menders; they are what I consider my advisors and wolves who may make decisions if I am not around,” Delphi takes a moment to smile both at Strai and Erik before the next piece.

“I do have a secondary option that may appeal to some of you. I have decided to try out a traveling trader group that will take our specialty crafts around the continents and bring back other specialty wares we cannot acquire normally. Kuroki will lead this group of Vagabonds and be known as our Sundowner. Only our most trusted wolves will be considered for this group as they will need to wear the Hemlock name proudly and be on good behavior,” she turns to her father, a knowing smile on her lips and her eyes growing misty for just a moment. “If this interests you more than one of the other ranks, please meet with Kuroki and I to decide. Oh and Bjorn, Lumine, Hall, Runa, Steig, and Styrmir, I expect by summer time for all of you to decide what sort of path you’ll be taking!” Delphi knew some might not stay, but she hoped they’d at least try. “Now that I have ranks out of the way, I will try not to keep droning on, I promise,” an insert of attempted humor was goood, right?

“Our numbers are low and with a friendly raid on our horizon, I would like us to try and recruit some members,” Delphi smirks now, eyes roving across the group once more. “Anyone who successfully recruits lone wolves will receive a reward, but the wolf must stay for at least a year. Outside of that task, I want everyone to think about whether we should stay on the mountain or move. It is not a decision or suggestion that must be made now as we would wait for other things to happen, but change is not bad. Next season, I hope to get us all into better coordination and much more fun! If anyone has questions, concerns, or anything they’d like to say, I leave the floor open.” She lets out a breath, her mouth feeling dry and heart pattering faster than she’d like. Her eyes still flicker across the crowd, wondering if any would speak up.

Shortly after the raid on the Hallows, Úlfr had fallen ill. It started with a fever and moments later his mind was lost to darkness. When he awoke he was greeted with winter's icy breath but the chill invigorated him. He had done battle with some dark force and emerged the victor even if his body had been worn down in the process. Thin and shabby, he hadn't been able to go hunting in some time but as his coordination came back to him he spent his time crafting traps and snares.

Settled down on his furs near the fire he worked away, stopping when he heard Delphi calling the pack together for a meeting. His head tilted to the side. He hadn't expected her to be the one calling. Slowly he got to his feet and made his way to the meeting site. Frail as he was it was no surprise he arrived late, just as Delphi began to address the pack. Úlfr settled down at the back so as not to disturb the others.

He listened calmly as Delphi spoke, explaining that Tenshi was soon to leave them and that she'd be stepping up as leader and taking them in a new direction. While always a viking, he wasn't opposed to a new direction, in fact he embraced it. Clearly this was the will of the gods that a change be made. The raid against the Hallows had been a terrible failure. Úlfr had been the only viking to claim victory only to be felled by a mysterious illness shortly after. What could be a clearer sign that a change was needed?

Úlfr was given the rank of stalker and his ears perked up at the mention of a friendly raid. He was too weak to participate just yet but he hoped to work his body back into fighting shape soon. For now though he'd wait and see where he was needed. He kept quiet in relation to moving. The Maw seemed like the best place to commune with the gods but perhaps it would be fitting to move since so much was being spurred into a new beginning.