Scylla had allowed Kotori time to inform his pack of the loss that he'd taken. Of the deal that he'd made and lost. She had been on the winning end and, just like that, she was the leader of Valta. Ah, only they weren't Valta anymore, were they? Scylla didn't really like that name. What did it even mean? Obscura, now that was a name. It spoke volumes without giving anything away. So that was who they would be: Obscura.

Moving to a nice little pedestal of rock, the slate and cream leaped upon it and called for her new packmates. She was a no-nonsense woman and wouldn't beat around the bush. Many of them would likely not enjoy that she had displaced their alpha, but that was the way of the world. They didn't have to like it, but they had to accept it because she wasn't going anywhere.

"Scylla"

Change was happening fast! One moment Kotori was calling for everyone to report some news and the next he knew this Scylla lady was calling for them! He didn't even know this Scylla, but his fathers said that she was in charge of them now instead of Kotori. Since he didn't really know Kotori either, he wasn't sure if that was a good or a bad thing. Really, Bancha was kind of in his own little world and whoever came by would either stay or leave.

Either good or bad, Bancha was interested to meet their new leader. He wasn't quite sure what the whole pack business was about, but he listened to his fathers and they always said follow the rules so that's what he did. As soon as Scylla's howl called out, he skipped on over to where she lay upon a rock. Bancha's eyes widen for a moment because she's small. Smaller than him! Which isn't totally unusual because Mojito was shorter than him, but it was unexpected! She was pretty though with all those stripes and splotches!

Bancha smiles, his tail wagging between his legs as he comes to plop down on the ground right in front of her. "Hi! I'm Bancha!" He has a nice sort of voice, almost melodic, but its soft and chipper which is a nice change of pace compared to the stress and anxiety that he's felt pouring off of his fathers from recent events.

BANCHA

Mojito was starting to think he had been cosmically cursed. With Asla's health still refusing to bounce back the last thing he wanted was to have to deal with his family. Kotori's quick announcement of a leadership change had rocked him and it would have been an understatement to say he wasn't happy. Still he wasn't looking to uproot his family nor was he interested in rocking the boat. If he was going to be wronged he would make certain that he'd done nothing to provoke it. Though yes it probably did not reflect well that he simply expected his family to wrong him. On either himself or them. One saving grace did appear to be that far as he could tell the woman was not one of Deathbell's. Maybe some grandkid or some other. Last he'd been aware his cousin Venom had taken over Ashen prior to his leaving and it didn't seem likely she'd not have produced heirs. Though if that was true he didn't expect she'd have spoken fondly of her mutt cousins. Her mother had never approved of his mother's choice. Or maybe she'd neglected to mention them at all. That felt just as likely. One last little twist of the knife was that of his family he was not the first to arrive. Nor was it his husband or eldest daughter, but one of his sons. Though Bancha was unlikely to cause problems, especially when compared to one of his sisters in particular Mojito would have preferred to be the first to introduce himself and his family. Try to gauge the woman's reaction and use that to inform how they ought to proceed. Still, nothing to do about it now. Mojito sighed and trotted up beside Bancha, seeking to nose at the boy's cheek affectionately. It was no longer quite so easy to reach the top of his son's head, having been outgrown already. He realized with a pang his children would be a year old soon. Still he gave Bancha a smile and then turned his attention to the smaller woman who'd called them all here. She was smaller than himself, something Mojito was not used to, but bigger still than Tsuki who it seemed was determined to be quite short. Mojito stepped forward then, not quite in front of Bancha but still putting himself between the woman and his son. "I see you have met my son already." His tone was a little strained and his gaze searching. "I am Mojito, born a Klein though I now go by Satoru-Klein." Might as well make it upfront. He was the source of the dog blood in her family tree. He was the one who would not let them forget they were not at pure as they'd once cared to be. If they still cared he did not know, and had to admit he hoped they didn't. With a respectful if not awkward dip of his head Mojito returned to seat himself next to his son, gently brushing against the boy and trying to calm his pounding heart. "Speech"

Art by Honrin

Tsuki was still somehow oblivious to the less than stellar vibes her parents were giving off. Far as she was aware everything was hunkey dory and that meant she was going about her days with the same up beat attitude her naivete and echoey skull allowed. She wasn't completely unaware of recent events. She'd been at the meeting when Kotori had said they'd have a new leader lady or something so a new voice calling for them wasn't totally a surprise though for personal reasons she was a little surprised to realize it wasn't Asla. The last time someone had taken over it had been her! Well no one could fault Tsuki for trying  to understand at least. Tsuki was only the third to arrive, her family potentially a little more scattered today, but when she did push her way towards the meeting her tail began to wag so hard she nearly didn't make it to her dad and brother. It had nearly knocked her off her paws it was so strong. Tsuki pushed her way between her papa and Bancha, just catching her father's last words when she'd arrived. "An' I'm Tsuki." She chirped happily, trying to roll herself onto Bancha's paws. One of the benefits of still being so small. "Speech"

Art by Fewtish

He still had yet to really form an opinion on how he felt about Kotori losing Valta. He had come to like the Fatalis man over the time that he had lived here, but in all fairness he was truly only here because of Tira. He would stay wherever she was. She was bound to have a stronger opinion over the whole ordeal given that Kotori was her uncle, but she didn't immediately demand to get out of here before their new alpha showed up so here they were. He had been expecting a meeting of some sort from this woman Kotori had spoken of any day now and sure enough an unfamiliar voice called for them. He looked to Tira and nodded toward the noise before walking toward where some of the others had begun to gather, including Tira's father and a couple of his younger kids. They seemed to be introducing themselves so as he settled onto his haunches he gave Scylla a nod and told her simply, "I'm Cináed."

Cináed

When the stranger's voice called out for the pack he knew exactly who it must be–the woman that had taken Valta from Kotori. It was really just a matter of time before she came looking for them so he supposed now was the time. There was a heavy bit of hesitation as he stood outside of his den before he finally began to make his way out toward the call. He hadn't been sure about staying here under a new alpha, but he also wasn't sure where else to go. He no longer had a relationship to tie him anywhere so at this point he was just staying where the last few scraps of his family were. As long as Tira and his mom wanted to stay he would too. He walked up to where some of the others had begun to gather and he settled in next to Tira. He would have been surprised by the fact that the woman that sat in front of them was so much smaller than he had expected if it wasn't for the fact that he had seen Tira kick other wolves' asses more times than he could count. "Hello, I'm Arcturus," he decided to say, introducing himself to the woman that he supposed would be his new alpha.

"Arcturus Indarra"

The news of a shift in leadership in Valta had reached the small Klein man’s ears and he was thrilled that his half-sister is now in charge. Not that he got to spend a ton of time with her over the years but having a Klein back in a leadership position just feels right.

When she summons the pack together, Strix of course makes his way to where she stands atop a pedestal of rock, lingering near the back until there is space for him to move forward and greet her.

With a dip of his head, Strix says, “Scylla. Congratulations on your victory.” A grin splits his maw as he steps back, finding a seat on the ground and settling in to hear what she has to say. Yes, it is wonderful to have a Klein back in a seat of power.


"Strix Klein"

When Kotori had told them of his loss of leadership to Scylla, Athena had perked her ears. The earthen woman had been with the Klein family, especially Chimera’s children, since the time when they resided in Fenmyre. The slate and cream woman who now calls the pack together had once been a small yearling that had helped her kill a gharial when it invaded their territory.

With a bounce in her step she makes her way to the meeting, allowing others to offer up their names while she approaches. Once Strix is done offering his congratulations, Athena steps forward and bows in respect as she says, “Congratulations on your victory, Scylla. It is well earned.” A small smile is given before she steps back and settles in near Strix, waiting to hear what their alpha’s has planned.


"Athena Nocturna"

Indigo still hadn’t completely wrapped his head around losing Aslatiel. She had been a constant since before their birth. They had practically been born together and were near inseparable for most of their lives. They had both their arguments and transgressions but the last few years had been a dream come true. Now it was turning into a nightmare as he was watching her simply fade into non existence. He tried to remain strong for his niece and nephew, and even Asla herself, but every day that went by he could feel himself losing control. Losing the bindings of himself in reality and his emotions.

He could hardly believe that Ko had lost Valta either, but with his sister’s impending doom weighing heavily on his mind these meetings seemed like small beans despite the gravity of the events. He walked in as a giant wraith, his skin looking gray from his sleepless nights and bags hanging heavily under his eyes. His mane looked thinner from the toll that was being taken on him. A heavy sigh left his lipsas he dropped his weight into a low seat as he awaited what would be said. There wasn’t many other places he wished to go, not when he knew Asla wouldn’t make them.


"Speech"

Serenity wasn't ever something that could be associated with Aslatiel, but here she was. She was knocking on death's door and she'd come to terms with it. Her life had been good. She had beautiful children, she had Indigo, she'd made a name for herself, she'd taken a stint as alpha. What more was there to do in life? The rickety woman, more bone than meat and muscle, settled herself beside Indigo, leaning into his side for support and warmth. With winter still clinging to the land, she became cold quite easily. The blonde fae made no move to greet the woman that had displaced Kotori. At first she'd been angry, but hearing the manner in which he'd lost control, Asla could feel no animosity towards the Klein woman. Her brother shouldn't have made such a bet. As everyone gathered, Asla curled into a little ball, resting between Indigo's forelegs. Her galactic gaze was still bright and vibrant, her mind sharp. She watched and listened. "Asla" -- "Indy"

Hanataro had been struggling, although the young pup wasn’t sure quite why. He trailed quietly behind his family, unsure of what even was going on. He didn’t pay attention to politics and the like and all he’d been doing was playing around with a few plants here and there. Though without even asking his fathers, he wasn’t really getting anywhere other than the few plants he knew about. Specially so that he could treat wounds since he didn’t heal properly like the others. Sometimes he felt lacking in energy too, it heavily depended on the day. Hell he hadn’t even chosen to tell his family yet about him being a boy of all things. Not that it changed much with their siblings. Hanataro sighed flopping down on his belly to feel the cool earth underneath him. Wondering quietly what all the adults were thinking. Who was that there at the top? He huffed for a moment simply waiting to see what would happen and if he’d be addressed at all.

The wraith had taken his daughter on a fishing trip, much to her chagrin. She was not old enough to be patient, and so she wandered off before he'd managed to properly secure the nets in the water. When he heard an unfamiliar voice ringing out from inland, summoning him back to the central pack territories, he sighed aloud. Glancing to his paws, where the last weight had been sunk into the silt below the water, he couldn't help frowning. It would be fine to leave it for a few hours, and likely gather more fish than if he lingered nearby. He lifted his head, let out a sharp bark to call the peach dappled wolfdog pup back from her foray down the beach. She hurried back to to him shamelessly, tail waving and tongue lolling. By the time the pair returned to Valta lands, he was certain their absence had been noticed. The pale form of his husband was already visible among the crowds, those soft ears and ivory horns easy to pick out amidst the brightly hued titans and striking coat patterns that seemed to gather in growing number every year. His daughter stayed close without being instructed to do so, and so the pair picked through the assembled wolves to join up with Mojito and the other pups. As he drew close, the dark male stooped to press a swipe of his tongue atop Hanataro's head, and then Bancha's. His fondness showed as a subtle gleam in his eyes, a gentle curve of his dark lips. Once his gaze turned to the unfamiliar fae who was settled at the head of the meeting, a dainty creature clad in slate and cream. This must be Scylla, the woman who'd taken leadership from Kotori. He dipped his head respectfully to her, his expression turning stoic as soon as he laid eyes on her. "Satoru-Klein Nao," he uttered simply, and took his seat at his husband's side. Were they related to this woman? Closely? The lineage of the massive family that he'd unwittingly married into was convoluted, and he wasn't keen to spend much energy on tracing the link between his family and the new leader. The man stooped again, alighting a gentle kiss upon Tsuki's head, completing the trifecta of kisses for his children. Finally, he looked to his husband and his nervous eyes, and leaned over to press their shoulders together. Unspoken solidarity and comfort, as most of his interactions tended to be in a public setting. Old habits die hard. Nao & Mojito

Art by MarkLix

Fishing was boring. There was so much sitting around and waiting. None of the fun of hunting on land, where there was plenty of chasing and blood. A growing girl needed the stimulation of a hunt, not the patience of waiting for fish to wander into a really obvious trap. So when the opportunity to abandon fishing came up, she happily wandered back to her Outou-san and trailed after him back home. The girl was largely oblivious to the politics and family troubles, and so when given the opportunity to meet the new leader of the pack, she was simply going along with everyone else. Her parents seemed a little bit nervous, but she wasn't certain why. While she'd been lectured constantly about the trouble that came with being part dog, especially with papa's side of the family. Were they nervous that this lady, who was apparently part of the Klein family (just like them? They were family? Why would they treat their family like this?), would kick them out for being part dog? Following her Outou-san's lead, she carefully dipped her head to the unfamiliar lady. "I'm Satoru-Klein Chūhai." she used her full name, and sat down with her ivory dappled tail curled neatly over her tiny paws. For all intents and purposes, the perfect daughter.

Satira probably should have cared more about her uncle losing Valta in some stupid drunken wager, but in all honesty it hardly surprised her. Kotori was always a half-hearted leader, feeling more like he had one foot out the door at all times. Besides, Tira still had her home (for now) amongst this new pack, and as long as she was left to her devices to practice medicine, fuck her boyfriend, and care for her sick mother then she didn’t give a damn who held the crown. Tira didn’t know anything about this new woman who had taken over, but she supposed she’d make her assessment at this meeting. Ciná said she was the daughter of Chimera, who he had lived under on Fenmyre, so surely she couldn’t be all that bad, right?

Arriving at the meeting with Cináed, Satira took stock of everyone in attendance. Her family was all here, her mother included, which made the little wolf-dog frown. She should be resting and trying to eat instead of exerting herself to attend a meeting. Her father was introducing himself to their new alphess and all her half siblings were somewhere around their dads. That was still super weird for her to consider, so she just didn’t. Taking a seat comfortably between her giant boyfriend’s paws and leaned back into his chest, Satira regarded Scylla with steel blue eyes. "Satira Indarra-Klein." Everyone else had introduced themselves, she figured she might as well too.

"Satira"

yeahh, Ume pays this meeting about as much attention as the last. and speaking of meetings, why did they have to have so many? it feels like overkill, at this point. like, you might as well keep bashing these meetings over the head until the cranium splinters into tiny shards of bone marrow. Ume’s gaze takes on a curious glint as he meanders over to his family, picturing the resulting carnage with an intrigued little hum. ooo, bone marrow, now that’s something he hasn’t experimented with yet. could he find something nearby to satiate this curiosity? maybe a rabbit?

hm, what’s going on? ah, introductions. “Satoru-Klein Umeshu,” the boy announces, though the words are directed more to the left of their new leader than directly to her face. hey, eye contact is hard!

Thankfully, the wolves of what was formerly Valta filed in fairly quickly. Most came to greet her, giving their names. Others simply sat and waited. She didn't mind either choice. It was surely a tense time for them. Most of them, anyway. Turns out she had some family here. Quite a bit, actually.

Little Bancha came to greet her first and Scylla grinned down at him. His father came next, introducing himself as Mojito, a fellow Klein. The cobalt fae gave him a nod and a warm smile. "Cousin," she purred, "Good to see family here." She then greeted the rest of the pups that came forward as well as Mojito's mate.

Cinaed introduced himself and again Scylla nodded. "We met briefly in Fenmyre before I left for Elysium." A big brute with a golden mohawk came right after and Scylla made no effort to hide the once-over that she gave him. Arcturus, was his name. Perhaps she'd ask him to show her around later.

A younger brother and a former Fenmyre wolf came to the forefront, greeting her and congratulating her. She graced them with a smile. "Brother," she said to Strix in greeting. "Thank you," she replied to Athena.

A few of the pups were late to the show and introduced themselves quickly. Lastly was a small, blonde fae that was quite attractive. Scylla gave her a once-over as well and introductions were made. Another Klein, but when had that stopped her from taking someone to her bed before?

Now that it seemed everyone was gathered, the striped fae stood, looking out over the group. "For those of you that don't know, I am Scylla Klein. I am the new alpha of this pack. We will leave Valta and it's history behind and will now be known as Obscura." One brow lifted and she couldn't help but smirk a bit. "It just sounds mysterious, so why not?" Ah yes, she was charming and playful.

"Over the coming days I hope to speak with each of you individually so that I can not only get to know you, but also get to know what you're capable of." The small but powerful fae did her best to meet the gaze of each wolf as she spoke. "As your leader, I promise to do my best to protect you, your families and our lands. No problem is too small and I assure you that I'm very approachable. Despite my size, I am a seasoned, tried and true fighter as well as a very skilled healer. I am willing to train with anyone on those two areas if they wish it."

Haunches folded and the small fae sat on her stone dais once more. "It would never cross my mind to remove anyone from their home, but if anyone wishes to leave, you are free to do so now. Everyone that stays will have the opportunity to be a part of a pack that I intend will have a focus on science, creativity and exploration." The cobalt fae lifted one nimble paw and swept it casually out towards the group. "If anyone has any questions, I'm willing to answer them now. If you've heard enough of my dulcet tones," she joked with a flash of white teeth and a chuckle, "You may go."

"Scylla"