She took a deep breath as she gazed up at the falls. This was going to be her first official meeting after she took over for her sister. Regardless of how long she had it for, whether it be for a season, or for a year, she would keep her promise in keeping it safe until someone else decided to take up the mantle. Her heart pounded in her chest like a war drum, amber gaze lifting to the sky as she released that deep breath. She didn't know how many of the others knew of the temporary change of hands. But regardless, they would all learn of it today. Saga wanted to make a few things known, some small changes. She didn't want Ethne - or Polaris - to be seen as a weak pack that could be walked all over. While yes, the pack did well for themselves, she had noticed they weren't exactly a pack that outsiders saw as one that should be respected. The Raiders pack saw well and clear to that...the way they continued to belittle and demean her family was a slight on the pack as a whole. And it was not going to be something she would stand for. Marching dutifully toward the top of the falls, she made her way to the usual meeting spot. She was nervous, sure. But also excited, and hoped the others would be alright with the temporary changes. It was to the benefit of the pack, after all. How could they be expected to excel and do well if they didn't band together and do what needed to be done? She herself had been working tirelessly to better herself, but she wasn't the only one in the pack. They had to do it together, otherwise what was the point? Taking another deep breath, she then called for the pack. Unlike the howl of a wolf, she let loose the loudest bellowing roar she could to call the pack together. This was it. This would be the beginning of getting better, and putting an end to the recent troubles. OOC//Mandatory pack meeting! Replies due by 5/15 by all pack members! Failure to appear may result in removal from the pack. "Speak"

Since the meeting with the alphas where she had admitted that her sister would be taking over for her, Haydée had practically shut herself away from the world. Her appetite had fled along with the rest of her self-confidence and the young woman has not wised to show her face to her pack mates. In her mind, she has failed them and the fact that the Raiders kept belittling and demeaning her must mean that she is weak. Sleep is now her enemy and her once organized den has descended into chaos as she tries to help Saga take over Ethne.

They had talked and Haydée agreed that the pack needed to be separated from her horrible image and the idea of Polaris was born. Ever the faithful sister, she has encouraged, helped, and offered her services to Saga while she herself slowly slipped down into depression. The world has seemed less bright and things that might have normally made her smile no longer do. The bellowing call of her sister is not unexpected but she still winces at the fact that her failures will now be laid out for the entire pack to see.

With a sad sigh, the disgraced former leader gathers her sad sack of bones together and heads up toward the top of the falls. As she walks, Haydée erases the sadness and guilt, replacing them with a well cultivated mask of calm and love. Spying the huge form of her sibling in the meeting area, the small woman approaches her polar bear sibling and quickly sneaks in for a hug before the rest start to appear. Pressing her face into the crook of one arm, she offers her a reassuring hug before detaching herself to go and find a spot in the area where the rest of the pack gathers.

Settling herself lightly on the ground, Haydée tries to be the picture of a supportive, loving sibling all while she quietly cries inside.


"Haydée Kedieo"

Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

Bae had been busy lately, the patrols he did on a daily and working on trying to get his kids back to a more normal feeling family. There had been change but he had not been made awares, yet. When the call from Saga rang, a brow was lifted. Odd. Sounded like a demands for everyone, a pack meeting maybe. Even more so odd. Nevertheless, he shook water from his pelt as he exited the path he took daily in the creek. He had never been late when it was his own doing to meetings, and he wouldn't start now.

Rainbow pads ate up the ground fast and he arrived seemingly as Haydee did. He gave a rose brow glance to her before words caught his ear. It took nothing for his hackles to rise, and his eyes to narrow on the boy who spoke. The only thing keeping him from reprimanding him was respect for the family he faithfully served as their bruiser. He made his stance fully known though by purposefully walking in front of them and to Haydee's side. His hackles laying flat once he made it to her side. His body then doing a full about face and placing eyes on Saga as he took his seat next to Haydee, Keeping himself between her and any insults or demeaning looks that might be thrown her way. He was a protector and if he needed to shield her from their own pack he would. His sole ear pricked but hushed words were given to Haydee. "If you need to feel free to use me as your buffer from anyone, packmates included." His promise to protect the pack still stood as far as he was concerned right now.

"Speech!"

Art & Code by Rex 2023
"Speech!"
Iki was doing what he did best, Being friendly, sweet and well a fatty. Currently he had his little basket with a few eggs in it, A wag to his tail and a grin on his ever happy face. Aunt Haydee he hadn't seen lately but he was so happy still. These eggs were gonna taste amazing! His broad shoulders and paws were pushing out of the coop as the sound sounded. Oop! He should definitely go there!

So without further adieu he moved as fast as he could to push the coop door closed and made for the meeting place with his basket of eggs. He wasn't exactly fast but he definitely was gonna be there! He had a very important job and position in Ethne! He couldn't disappoint his aunt or momma!

He made it in record time if he said so. His green gaze scanned those here already and his tail wagged as they settled on the other kids then his aunt and dad. Oh good! He was here early! He moved to take a seat placing his basket in front of him. Then a good stretch and he was laying with the basket between his paws. His huge grin turned up to miss Saga, before he reached for an egg and started to eat it shell and all. Definitely his favorite part was the yolky bits though. He swallowed fast before turning his egg yolk dripping chin to Haydee and giving her a massive grin. He had no idea why miss Saga was calling but he would listen for sure. Miss Saga was like his dad a big bruiser! so it had to be important!

Sorting herbs, collecting herbs, treating patients and keeping her family from flipping their shit, her job was never done it felt like. The call came as little surprise to the girl. With as much drama and stupidity going on between their pack and the raider she couldn't blame anyone for needing something more public. She had kind of detached herself some since Baecette's death but that didn't mean she was stupid. Nope being stupid was Ikuchi's job.

She stood after shoving her herbs back into the crevice of her own den, having left her parents for her own reasons. She stood and shook the likely clinging herbs from her fur and moved towards the call. Jack was at her side easily, not really needing to lead the way around the falls as much anymore. He was still there should she need him though. She was well on the path to become a shaman.

She arrived and moved to a spot she figured from the scents already here would be empty and towards the center. She wasn't going to seat herself next to anyone but if it happened it happened. An ear flick was given to a whisper she heard in her ear but she knew the voice wasn't of anyone here. Her spirit guides, as she had come to call the voices, were easy to recognize by now. She would talk more to them later though. Right now she needed to listen she figured to the bear that called them. Saga wasn't it? She had hardly "seen" the woman about so had no opinions here nor there for the bear. Though she figured the same could be said for her.

"Speech!"
Art & Code by Rex 2023

Her sibling's death had been desvatating to notjust her but her entire family, and adding the issues with the Raiders alot was on stake. This all made the young wolf feel responsible of things and she was ready to fight and grow up sooner. She wanted to be her family's support. Their tooth and claws if needed. Eyes of purple rested in a calm expression as she arrived to the meeting seeing her other aunt where Haydeen had been. What was going on? What happened to Haydee? Many questions lingered on her brain as she sat down by her sibling's side wanting to offer them her strenght in these hard times.

""  

code by Cloudy - manip by Alo

The roar of his ursine sister pulled him away from his den by the creek and steadily he made his way to the pack's usual meeting spot at the falls. For so long with all of the trials, grief, and hardships they had encountered he had felt overwhelmed and even angry, but now he just felt numb. He didn't really know what was going on any more as he kept himself more and more removed from the rest of the pack so the fact that Saga was calling for them instead of Haydée or even their mother didn't really register until after he arrived. He simply went through the motions more than anything else. 

Once he reached where the others had begun to gather, he looked up to where Saga was sitting at the head of the group and began to put the pieces together. Part of him felt bad for Haydée and how it all had gone since she had to take over their mother's pack, but he knew that now they were yet again just picking up what scattered pieces were left. He took a seat near enough that it was clear he was attending this meeting and plenty close enough to hear clearly, but there was still a bit of distance between himself and everyone else that was convening around Saga. He had nothing against Saga, of course, and wanted to be here to support her the same way he supported all of his family, but he still struggled to keep the strands of his emotional well being wound together with all of this constant change and tribulations.

"Dorian"

The call from the Great Saga sounded across the sky. He knew it would be coming, but still, it made his heart heavy. Closing his ice blue eyes for a moment, he stole himself a steadying breath and made his way up to the meeting place. The colorful pack gathered but his eyes were only for one.

He heard Bae-Syl whisper hushed words to Haydee just as Eltrys himself sat close to her. And he nodded his dark head in agreement with the prismatic male.

"I'll support you whatever your decisions." He hushed in her other ear. He would wait for her however long. But by the gods if he didn't want to follow her to the edge of the earth.

The coming of fall had slowed his process of healing. While Fenix unlike before wore a rather enlightened expression on his face. This of course by the two apparent bundles following him to the meeting. Though it was his hope that his son didn't cause a scene. He still hadn't broken to the boy yet and it almost felt like the wedge got heavier whenever he got closer to his daughter. For now he was happy to look after them and begin retraining his healing craft.



He was not quiet confused by Saga roar. While Fenix hadn't seen her much, he knew of her through Bellamy and Riv. So for now Haydee was stepping down? A lot of changes were happening. As Fenix took his seat he gestured for Copper and Alexa to follow him while he nodded to Saga. Fenix was still underweight, but at least his fur didn't look like a mess anymore.

This was stupid, but he was interested in the giant thing that had called this meeting. Fenix had told him to be quiet and for once try to be nice to his sister. Copper had scowled the whole way here, almost fumbling over his paws but he didn't care. To him he looked and felt fabulous taking a seat next to his father.

Thats when he leaned closer to his sister. "Looks like the little woof couldn't take it, I knew it!" He referred to the lady whom first came to see them at the border. Haydee was it? Then that lady Bellamy had shown up, ugh he was just putting himself in a bad mood again.

Alexa clung to her father's heel as they walked, warily looking around her. She hadn't met much of anyone else yet. She was very nervous of the giant white thing that called them. Wasn't the nice Haydee supposed to call them? And the nice Bellamy? Where was she?

She sat next to her father and brother, scowling at the latter for being so rude.
"You don't halfta to be so nasty Cop!" She hissed quietly. They had other options now! He didn't have Mama backing him up anymore either.


Speech/Thoughts

Admittedly. He’d been broken. At least he thought he was broken. No motivation to do much with so much going on. Riv felt like an outside observer, like he could just blend into the back despite his odd tail and never be spoken of again. One thing he wasn’t good at though was hiding his emotion. The boy practically crawled into the meeting, looking bedraggled and tired. His long tail slopped behind him while he stayed on the outskirts of the group. Rivs ears dropped man he needed to get out of this funk. He did see that Saga was the one that had called them though. Quietly he sat down, trying very hard to shrink back as if he would just disappear. Though he also was begging for someone to talk to him should they want. Riv sighed, when did he become such a hopeless case?

With all that had happened Lucette had been feeling stressed. She knew Bae-Syl didn't want her and the kids here, to be where they could be hurt and in harm's way… but Lucette could never abandon her family. She loved them, understood the stress of it all, and had been doing her best to be supportive. There was… a lot. Gilgamesh had been hurt on their lands and Lucette had a gut feeling they had not seen the last of the raiders… even if they had come and taken Gilgamesh back. Not that the pack would have stopped them, but still it was stressful all the same. It felt like every move they were making was the wrong one… though even Lucy was wondering why the last raid had needed to continue after the chickens were confirmed dead. There had been nothing to gain from that… and the pack had lost anyway. A bloody battle… even she had been met with such ferocity that she responded to her opponent the same way… it felt wrong. Lucette had never been much of a fighter but the battle had left her questioning if she should have gone to the battlefield at all. Especially since it only seemed to make Bae-Syl worry more.

And since their return and Gilgamesh’s visit she hadn't seen much of Haydee… her sister had been trying her best with what she was given and it was all falling apart. Their mother had been made leader alongside Hay but she appeared hesitant to do more than support… had there really been a point to it? Bellamy had felt incapable of leading… had been since her mate’s death. But what else could the pack do? There would be consequences to their actions… from both raids. They never should have come with such violence to the raiders… it wasn't as if the Raiders had willy nilly maimed all of them the first time. Haydee had been maimed when she had gone to apologize… but it had been right after the raid. Maybe the pack felt threatened? She didn't know anymore.

With a heavy heart and mind Lucette trudged into the meeting and sat, wondering what would come of it.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

"What the fuck- run that by me again. Wait! No, you know what I don't give a fuck. I'll worry about it later." Dagrún brought a paw up to her weary brow after silencing Sperla who tried to catch her up on the mess that had happened after Gilgamesh showed up at Ethne's borders. Dag had gone back to her den to retrieve supplies for the journey to the Hallows when a sudden wave of dizziness struck her as well as a splitting headache. When she awoke spring had given way to summer and apparently all hell had broken loose. She was getting too old for this.

Dag rolled onto her stomach, flinching as she felt her ribs pressing into stone. Apparently between Sperla and Gunnar the duo had managed to force feed her enough to keep her alive but her warrior's frame was now gaunt and hardly recognizable. She looked like some withered old biddy. Dagrún scowled. It had been a slow process to get back to eating normal amounts of food and her physical activity still remained low. Being high up on the mountain it was not an easy task to descend down to the waterfall's base so she remained where she was. At least until Saga let out a roar summoning the pack. Oh great, what now?

Dagrún pushed herself to her feet before wandering down the rocky pathway to the base of the falls. It was slow going and most of the pack had gathered by the time she reached the group. "Boo!" She croaked with a wry smile as she sauntered in amongst the group and took her seat.

The days had been spent in simple routine as Alexander focused on catching as much small game as he could to keep himself busy. While he could have joined Eltrys for hunting, Alexander’s mind was buzzing with worry over what had happened within their borders. A messy situation was getting even messier… and Alexander had noticed the absence of both his sister and mother. Haydee had been scented in her den and Bellamy seemed absent from pack lands all together. Alex trusted his mom… he didn't want to worry anyone with bringing up her absence. Bad as things were with the Raiders he didn't want to believe they would kidnap an old woman… A call from Saga broke Alexander away from tracking a rabbit to attend. By the time he arrived however he was among the last to appear and he noticed that his mother still wasn't among them. His brow furrowed. Okay… now he really was worried...

"Speech," 'Thought.'

Gavroche had been focused on spending time with Bellatrix lately. His friend was attempting to get her own pack to give her family a home after they had been displaced. Gav wanted to support her, even if he’d spent some time as a hairless mess. His mom had been fussing over him here and there, and at last it seemed like some fur was showing signs of beginning to come in again at last… but the color of his coat and the feathers that were coming in were completely different from before. Gavroche didn't understand it, but he wasn't going to fight it. For now, to avoid burns from the summer sun he was still wearing the cloak, but soon he wouldn't need to. He’d be among the last to arrive to Saga's call, curious gaze flicking to his aunt as he seated himself. "Speech," 'Thought.'

table coding by bunni ♥

There has been so much that has happened to Ethne and his aunt in what feels like a relatively short amount of time and Jericho often feels as if his world is continuously shaking. Maybe the roar of the polar bear from the top of the falls would have been shocking to some but, to the boy who doesn’t know what is up or down most days, it is just another thing.

Not wanting to disappoint his parents, the boy abandons his place by the creek where he had been lounging, lost in his thoughts and makes his way to the top of the falls. By the time that Jericho makes it to the meeting area, he realizes that most of the pack have already gathered and he quickly ducks into the gathered bodies and moves to where Gavroche sits o he can glue himself to his sibling’s side.

With a weak smile, he then turns his attention to Saga and waits to hear what she has to say.


"Jericho Agatsuma-Kedieo"

m é l i s a n d e
 

she was out foraging when the call of saga roared about the humid air- sending birds to the left as she peered up and darted at the direction they came from. she is obedient, heeding the call without second thought as she marches swiftly, making her way to see the bear and many others gather, including haydee. she found a seat, her rump meeting the terrain as she looks at the others around for a moment before giving her attention to saga. with all that happened, she wouldn't be surprised is a shift happened for the pack. it had to.

"talk" "think"

table by scarlet/art by nelsa

One by one they arrived. Her dear sister would be the first to show, offering the giant white bear a hug that she would lovingly return. She even added in a gentle nuzzle and nudge to her tiny sister before Hay went to find a spot to sit. She watched and thought as the rest of the pack arrived, some visibly confused, upset, and a plethora of other things she was sure they were feeling. Things had been tough recently. Not so good things consistently happening and all of stressing everyone out. She nodded and remained quiet until the last member arrived, though she noticed there were a couple of them missing still. Their mother, she knew, would not be attending. After recent events, her mother had said she'd be going up North for a while. Saga understood, after all, it would be best for her to go and clear her mind and take the time she needed. In the meantime, the rest of them would hold down the fort. After waiting a few more minutes for any potential stragglers, she made note of who was here and who had opted not to attend. She hadn't seen that dog that Haydee had accepted into the pack for quite some time...had he abandoned them? She supposed she'd address that if she ever saw him again. But for now, she'd focus on those present. "Thank you everyone, for coming. I know this may come as a surprise that I am calling the pack together instead of my sister, but there has been a...change of leadership. It is abrupt, and we do apologize, but we feel it is in the best interest for the pack for the time being. This change, however, is not permanent. I am merely seeking to help my family and the pack that I love so dearly during these trying times." She took a deep breath as she did her best to calm her racing mind. "I am sure that everyone is aware, we have had some trouble with the Raider wolves. Things have gotten far too out of hand between both packs despite attempts of mediation and reconciliation. I am fully aware that we are not completely without blame, but on that same coin, they too, are not without blame. That being said, considering the hostility between both packs until further notice, there shall be no engagement with the Raiders Hollow. Should they attempt more transgressions against us, however, feel free to match their energy. We will be pushed around, belittled, slighted, and bullied no longer. Just because we lean more towards peace and neutrality, does not mean we will be pushed over and walked on. We will not be the ones to escalate any matters concerning them. Use caution should you come across them beyond our borders, and as I said before, match their energy if you must. But from here on out, Raiders Hollow are not considered friends." She let them consider that for a few moments before moving on. "Now, there are going to be some...changes...coming about. The first, Ethne will no longer be named as such. Instead, I have decided that the pack will now be named Polaris. Again, these changes are temporary, but it is also in the hopes that it can start the pack on a clean slate after all that's happened. With that, there will also be some rank changes and restructuring. My mother and sister will no longer hold leadership positions, but are now betas." There were several rank changes that needed to be done still, but with so much now on her plate and trying to figure out this whole leading a pack thing, she knew she had things to sort out still. "I have also decided, that Eltrys will also be receiving a promotion today, to a sort of beta rank as well," She turned to find the male, an apologetic look on her face, "Forgive me, I do not yet have an official name for it, but consider the position yours regardless. I have very much appreciated your initiative as of late, and I believe you are best suited for it." Turning to the rest, she added, "As for everyone else, I would like to speak with everyone privately to discuss where you'd like to find yourselves within the ranks. I will admit, I imagine I am the first Ice bear in history to lead a pack of wolves, and although I've lived among you and have considered you all my blood since I was young, bear with me while I figure things out." Indeed, she had never heard of a polar bear leading a pack of wolves before. It was unheard of for another species to lead a whole pack like this, wasn't it? She tapped her claws in thought on the stone beneath her feet for a moment before adding, "A couple of more things before we end this meeting. I want the pack to start training sessions. I want us all to be prepared no matter what. Train as a group, in pairs, whatever you choose, just keep yourselves sharp and at the ready. Polaris will not be considered weak, and we will not be considered easy targets. I will be holding sessions of my own as well in the coming days. Help your packmates learn what they most wish to learn, even if it doesn't involve fighting." She hoped they would...they could really use more skilled fighters and whatnot. "Oh! And that reminds me, Polaris is looking to recruit. If you come across any good candidates, please, send them my way. We could use fresh insight and new minds among us." That was about all she could think of to say, though perhaps one last thing before she ended the meeting. "I want to make it known as well that if any of these changes are not to your liking, you are free to leave the pack. I will not stop anyone from going, though I hope you will give me a chance. Should anyone have any issues, or would even just like to talk, don't hesitate to seek me out. I've known most of you since I was a young child, I promise I won't bite." She offered a smile, "If nobody has anything to say or add now, then you are dismissed. If you would like to speak later in private, I'm not hard to miss." "Speak"