It was the tradition of her family to have a bl?t, a sacrificial festival for the gods, once a year on the first full moon of summer. This year she was going to do something different. She was surrounded by those who did not believe in her gods, did not care to and likely never would. There were a few here and there but for the most part the Aesir and Vanir were largely unknown. Yet the bl?t had done so much to bring her family together in peace and harmony even if only for that one night, for so many years, and if there was something this world needed it was one night of peace and harmony. But Katja wasn't going to let it rest there. It would be a whole season. Yes, she'd made the decision after long thought and weighing her options, to open one land of their territory to all wolves of Ala for feasting and games and communion, for the entirety of the spring season. It was, if nothing else, a dramatic way of Ebony coming out into the light, a declaration that despite all that had happened they were still there... and not going anywhere. She had spread the word as far as she was able, and today was the day. She'd taken a seat on the border of the lake-lands before dawn, head raised to the sky in silent preparation and communion with the gods as the darkness slowly brightened, Sk?ll chasing ?rvakr and Alsvi?r across the sky until finally beautiful S?l crested the horizon. It was time. The deaths-head mask lifted higher as the Ebony drottning sang out a welcome and greeting to the approaching wolves. OOC: Things will start off in here, feel free to post in this thread or to just hop into another. All festival-related threads should say [FESTIVAL] in the title somewhere to distinguish them from normal Ebony-related threads. Only Firefly Lake is open to outsiders, anyone found trespassing in one of the other lands will be punished accordingly. I will be setting up threads for round-robin tourneys in sparring and racing, the top winners in each category will receive both an IC and OOC prize if I can swing it. Feel free to set up your own feasting threads and gathers and just whatever! But any aggression or breaking of the peace will be responded to in kind - which is to say, if you maim someone expect to be maimed in response - and the offending wolf and/or pack will be asked to leave and not return for the duration of the festival. "

Her tall audits would perk to the sound of a call, as the woman lazed atop a massive boulder in the rock garden. She looked strangely like a large cat, sprawled languidly across the surface of the stone and soaking up all of the sun's delicious heat. Though she was very nearly asleep, her blood sang with the knowledge of what the howl signalled. The Festival, and all the celebrations it would bring, was now in full swing. A grin was already painted upon her face as her cerulean pools fluttered open. Long limbs stretched luxuriously in every direction, the toes on her immense paws splaying as she woke her muscles. A yawn would stretch wide her powerful jaws, long salmon tongue curling within it's cage of impressive teeth. All that breath would escape in a huff that sounded almost like a sneeze, and could very well have been with the pollen drifting about. The behemoth lumbered to her paws, shaking out her thick golden derma as she stretched even more, rump rising into the air and tail curling high above her as her chest touched the rock below her. With that, the woman leaped off of the massive stone, underneath which her den was dug. It was nice to have a home, she'd come to have forgotten what it was like to be among those who would reciprocate protection. The sharp swirls and wicked points of the mark around her left eye stood out against the broad planes of her face, and her fur shone in the midday sun. It was a lovely day, and all the better to meet some of the wolves from all over, and some of their allies as well. Even better, interesting wolves met even more interesting encounters. Crown would fall between broad shoulders as she trotted towards the lake, where the festivities would take place. She was quite excited, since there wouldn't be constant bloodshed like there was during festivals back home, and it would be a nice break. Soon the giantess came upon the lake, where the lush grass underfoot was like walking on clouds and the lake itself glittered. In the midst of it all, the ever lovely Drottning of Ebony, Katja Finnvi. Her smile turned flirtatious, and the Viking princess tossed out a casual wink to the smaller woman. She couldn't turn off her charm, but she had a feeling Katja put up with it at the very least, usually. Haunches would fall less than gracefully to the ground beside the granite pelted wolfess, large cranium turning to fix a cobalt gaze upon the regent. "Good day, Drottning. Any festivities you would like me to hold over the course of the season?" The beast would rumble, raising a brow as she looked to the moonstone eyed queen. She was rather excited to see what the turn out would be, and if she got to gather up a few wolves for a hunt or a race, even sparring, it would be even better. "Speech" Thanks to Chrono for making this sexier than Captain America art for me!

Adelaide was curled around the willow tree grave when a call sounded across the territory. It was surprisingly close, waking her from her sleep with a wild jolt. After calming her heart rate, the healer stood and shook herself off, still hiding beneath the cover of the massive tree. She glanced down at the site where her children were buried and sighed. She had heard talk of a festival that would be held here. Here, where her two sons had been laid to rest. It was something out of her control, at least they were buried near the edge of the area. She just prayed to her own gods that no outsiders would tamper with them. After pausing for long enough, the white maiden let herself get excited and left the tree behind to meet Katja. Other than the location, this festival sounded like a wonderful idea. Maybe the woman could even participate in some games. Races, probably, as her body was still too fragile for fighting after her pregnancy. Or she could host a gathering with some healers from other packs. The possibilities were endless. Adelaide grinned brightly as she trotted past the lake, bowing to her alpha from where she stood atop a high boulder. Legs would be stretched and a quick yawn would be uttered as she also addressed the other female there. Her coat was incredibly bright in the morning sun. "Good morning, my lady, I don't believe we've met?" Her blue eyes gave away a friendly aura as she overheard what this woman was saying to Katja. "Yes, Drottning," the healer agreed. "Do you wish for me to hold a gathering for healers? Tell me what you wish and it shall be done." Her voice was bright and cheerful for the first time in ages. All worries of her children and their grave would be forgotten. Graves were always respected, and so she had no need to fear. This season would be an enjoyable one. Let the festival begin! "SPEECH"

It had come time for the festival that the Queen of Ebony had come to tell him about. A giddy and excited Bass led his pack towards Ebony, a rather short walk from where Abaven rested. When he reached her land he stopped, pausing just outside of his border as he turned around to address the wolves who had followed him. "You are all to be on your best behavoir during this time, understand? We have a strong alliance with Ebony and I do not wish to see it ruined by someone being foolish. I expect you all to follow the rules that Katja may set, and this is a peace meeting. No fighting, unless there are spars of course. If that is the case, please do not go for any major wounds." Nodding his head, he then lifted it and let out a howl to signal that Abaven was coming in. Katja may have said that all were welcome, but Bass was always a gentleman and let the female know that they were entering.

Following the strongest scent trail of the leader of Ebony, he soon saw the black Queen and flashed her a grin. "Greetings Queen Katja, I am rather excited about all of this." He woofed happily, his tail wagging as he dipped his head to the lady in charge. Bass was sure to lower his dominant stance that he was used to, this was her land after all and she would have the final say over everyone here tonight.

idk where this is in the sense of the family thread so im keeping things general for both schon and svan <3

A familiar call hand rang through her ears. That of family. Katja Finnvi. Her little niece. A creature of ebony colors but the most important thing was that she was a Finnvi. The Queen perked at the sound of her kin's call. Instantly getting up. Svanerna had barely even thought of bl?t. The elder lady had hosted many of the spring time festivals but within her new pack things were to crazy. It was not like old times when she ruled over family. No one really believed in their Gods. She had yet to meet anyone to understand her beliefs. So Svanerna loved meeting up with her family. Yet, the lady was not so religious. Her sons and daughters were. Though, they were strong sinners. Svanerna had participated in taboo acts with her son. Her two sons participated in acts the same as well, she could sense it. But, her daughter was the worst. The skinny fae believed in cannibalism and killing. It was a twisted faith due to her time a stray. But, Svanerna did not comment. Her heir had her shit together, no daughter of hers would be a savage. Ever. Soon she would give her throne to the skinny babe. But, for now the eldest of the Finnvi's would raise her head in leadership, calling her members to her. The ebony, white, and crimson girl would beckon them. To gather them outside the borders as she arrived there. If anyone showed her voice would lift into the air much more softer. "Behave, the leader of this pack is of Finnvi blood. Do not act idiotic and begin wars. Play nice. Settle feuds after this sacred event." The Viking slithered into the borders of the Firefly Lake with a little smile upon her inky lips. Her rather old bodice moved with elegance, hoping for Hades to join her. The babe would look around. Various Wolves she had yet to meet were gathered, but the only one she knew was her kin. Katja. The odler lady let her head dip slightly before moving closer. "Hello, Drottning" Svanerna looked around for a few moments, making sure everything was calm cool and collect. The lady was much more observant then people thought she was. Her elegant voice slipped into the air again. "I am glad someone is keeping the traditions alive. I look forward to this. Maybe next year I shall host it?" Her metallic eyes slipped to her bloods, attempting to spot her daughter before looking back to Katja. "The Gods bless you for this, darling Katja Finnvi." The woman paused for a few moments. Her paws flexed, waiting for answers. The woman wondered what sort of events Kat had planned. Every blot was different.

A call would be let forth. Which would perk the darling babe quickly. A call of invitation, to everyone. Such an illustrious call was horribly rare. The heir would soon attempt to find her much smaller and older mother. Schon was but a yearling, she would gain power at an early age. Which would be a good thing. Her reign would be full and wonderful. To rule at your prime was always the best. Yet, as she met her mother. She was already on the move to the other territory. Others may have been following as well but they would not stop until they halted at the borders of the Firefly Lake. The Kaiser would turn to look at any who had gathered and the heir listened to the demanding words. "Behave, the leader of this pack is of Finnvi blood. Do not act idiotic and begin wars. Play nice. Settle feuds after this sacred event." Her mother had every right to request such. Schon had heard little of Blot but she knew it was not a place for battle except spars of course. Yet, the fact that her mother mentioned a Finnvi perked her interest much more. She wondered who the Finnvi was. It struck her that there were two vikings in power at once. "Very well, let us continue, Kaiser." The woman slithered on with her mother, into the temporarily open boundaries. As she sauntered into the gathering the yearling had her narrow bodice in tact. The vain woman was properly groomed to the tee. Her head was high and her thick tail was slightly erect in dominance. But, it was not a sign of threat. The youngest of the Finnvi, that she knew of, slithered with her mother to the host of the event. Her ears perked as her mother offered a greeting. "Hello, Drottning." The woman nodded as well, "Hello there. I am Schon Finnvi, daughter of Svanerna." The woman rolled her shoulders, looking at the ebony babe before her. Her mother would speak some more, it all being a blur as her attention was taken by the gathering of Wolves. But, she would lastly add in her two cents. "It is indeed a great respect for you to host this blot. Thank you, cousin. The Gods will bless us all." Schon dipped her head once more before turning around to observe the others. The heir was wildly curious to watch all the other packs swarm in. ""

Azalea made her way to the eastern lands of Ebony, going off of what she told. She had never been to Ebony nor did she believe she knew of any Ebony wolves, but when talk of festival came around Azalea thought it worth her while to show up. She needed to socialize, to get back out there. She craved the distraction to put her past where it belonged, in the past. The Adravendi wolf moved slowly, carefully. Though it was said to be a friendly event open to everyone, Azalea didn't quite trust it not to be a sham. Her life was full of lies so why would she expect different now? As she saw the gathering wolves she picked up the pace a bit. She could tell by scent that there were already several packs here, not just Ebony. It was plain to see which wolf was running the show, a dark colored female with an even darker masked face. She must be the ruler of this land. Azalea dipped her head politely. "You will have to excuse me, but I don't know the name which I should greet you by. I am Azalea Adravendi." After greeting the woman her eyes wandered around, automatically spotting a Destruction wolf, they were so easy to tell by their markings and coloration. She smiled lightly and went over to him. "Hello there, I'm Azalea. You are a Destruction wolf right? You don't smell like Ludicael?" The last bit was tacked on as she took in his scent and realized that no, he didn't smell like his Ludicael family at all. Azalea felt terribly out of time with the news and needed to get caught up.

After the birth of her newest litter it really wasn't the time for Novel to go attending festivals and Dutiron certainly wasn't ready to leave his mate's side either. They hadn't let that detail halt the rest of the pack's joy however and had instead encouraged the others to attend, even Novella and Frith of course whose punishments had ended. To show their faith in the pair, a decision likely encouraged almost entirely by Novel, they were in fact to two that would lead the members of Ludicael to the festival. To be honest with so much to think about the lifting of her punishment hadn't actually been on the girl's mind though she certainly wouldn't question it now, it would surely be quite interesting to see what this festival was about, perhaps meet some other members from the different packs as well. For that reason it was certainly a shame that her parents were unable to come along though Sonnet, Envoi and Limerick were far too young to travel. Truth be told she was a little nervous about the journey herself, the signs of pregnancy now starting to show a little more, her growing stomach reminding her and making her ever so concious of the lives within her. Still she felt very uncertain about this mother stuff and certainly longed for the guidance of Novel whenever she required it. They were here now though and she ought to put such worries aside and enjoy herself. "Everyone else is speaking to her first it seems, perhaps we should do the same." She would comment quietly to her mate, mismatched gaze looking over towards Katja, the woman certainly seemed to be the one in charge here. "Hello, I'm Novella Destruction. My parents, the Authors of Ludicael, are couldn't make it. I'd like to thank you on behalf of them." With formalities out of the way, she would move away from Katja once more, allowing others to speak with the Drottning. She would see her nephew amongst the gathering crowd, though he had apparently caught the attention of another she couldn't say she knew. She would leave them in peace though, and allow Frith to decide what they ought to do. Chances were she wouldn't stray far from his side throughout the entire festival.

The leggy male dutifully followed his leader the short distance to Ebony. Though lately Xae had been feeling a little snappy and irritable, he couldn't deny the excitement coursing through his veins. This... This was exactly what he needed. An opportunity to forget about Harmony, forget the confusing feelings he felt every time he was around her. He listened to Bass as the Azat spoke, demanding that his pack treat others respectfully, that no one is to start any fighting - aside from sparring. Xae made a mental note to keep away from the sparring, remembering what Mirabelle had taught him. He didn't feel he was quite ready to start showing his stuff. Especially when he didn't really have much 'stuff' to show. Chances were, he never would turn into a fighter like Motif. His muscles were more lean, more exercised in running. Even now, as the russet boy trotted faithfully just behind Bass, to his left, he felt his paws itch to carry him off, racing over the terrain. But Xae didn't. He had chosen Abaven, and no matter what had happened, his heart had already grown loyal to the pack, to Bass, even if the Azat had been upset with him in the beginning - and likely still was. Bass a good leader, one that Xae was more than happy to follow. But he hesitated, only for a second, at the border, even after Bass had already announced their presence and carried on. He naturally wanted to avoid crossing the border, but, stepping into Ebony's territory faithfully behind Bass, Xae reminded himself that the leader - Drottning, the boy remembered - Katja had been the one to call them. She wanted to throw a festival for all members of Alacritis. It was strange, in a way, but at the same time... Xae needed this. And, looking at the other wolves already gathered, he doubted he was the only one in need of a celebration. Taking a breath, he turned his gaze upon the dark she-wolf. Katja Finnvi. He was positive that was her surname. Xae nodded to the charcoal fae in respect. He waited until others had spoken until finally breaking away from Bass, coming up to stand in front of the Drottning. Xae lowered his head respectfully. "Drottning Katja. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He lifted his head, looking into her pale eyes. "If you don't mind me asking, Drottning, what was it that caused you to decide to throw a festival?" His dark head cocked to the right, curiosity lighting up his dull grey eyes. "Speech" Thought

The news of this festival seemed a bit odd to her, but the young girl was interested in participating and supporting their new leader how she could. She didn?t know Katja personally, but the girl had no reason to dislike her home of Ebony... And perhaps all of this would help her get to know her pack members better. Meeting their allies as well would be beneficial as well. She would approach Katja, dipping her head to the leader of Ebony. Her term for it, Drottning, along with many of the other terms for the ranks were strange to her.

The girl would look out, waiting to see who arrive, as she spoke a soft word of greeting. ?It is good to see you, Drottning Katja.? She could feel excitement rising within her. She wanted to prove her worth... And become a useful member of the pack. Training with Max, at least for her, would not be enough. She?d have to do more.... and when summer came, or it warmed up more, she wanted to ask her mother about a swimming lesson and learning to fish. Not to mention so many others were here already! Gaze would turn to the strangers, wondering who to speak to.

Frith would happily take the trip to Ebony with his new wife, it seemed they had been the best choice to send to the festival, and with the added responsibility he'd feel a bit more accepted by Dutiron and Novel. Of course he was immensely happy that their punishments were officially over, Novel didn't have to worry about crossing the borders and he didn't have to feed the inept members of their pack. It would be a great experience for the newlywed couple, Frith felt excitement within him as well as a nervousness for the children that were beginning to grow within Novella's womb. It was still rather unnoticeable from one who did not have untrained eye, but he knew her condition would become more blatantly obvious as time went on. As they found themselves within Katja's kingdom he would hear Novella's soft words, his own nod would accompany as he let himself walk with her to the sovereign's side. Novella would introduce herself, and before she walked away he too would introduce himself. "I am Novella's husband Frith, I'd also like to thank you for this opportunity." He'd smile and bow slightly before he melded into the crowd with Novella, wondering what kind of festivities would start the day off. "Speech"

The small brute had been walking through the lands nearby when a call was heard from Ebony. Was this the spring festival he had heard about? Was it about to begin? Dayton stood for a moment, a smile spreading on his face. Perhaps it would be fun to attend. Meet new wolves. Maybe Pacifica would be there. Unlikely, but not impossible. So the russet man leapt into a run, heading to the territory on which the festivities would be held. He followed the other trails and arrived at the border, where he paused and howled to announce his entry. Their pack may have opened this land to outsiders, but it was only polite to warn the Ebony members before marching in. Dayton would jog easily past the lake, looking to where the other wolves were gathering. Many of them were unfamiliar, but he smelled the scent of Tortuga on one individual. He wasn't sure if he remembered her name, but the bold red coloring on her head was unmistakable. Dayton approached the lady known as Azalea (but unknown to him) and brushed lightly against her in the crowd. "Good morning, friend. You belong to Tortuga as well, do you not?" he gave an open and friendly smile as he spoke. "My name is Dayton. What is yours?" After giving a polite pause to let the maiden introduce herself, amber eyes would scan the crowd. It seemed that many of them were approaching Ebony's queen, greeting her and thanking her for opening her lands. Why wouldn't they? It was to be expected, given what she was doing for them. Dayton nodded at the Tortugan woman before leaving her side, approaching the boulder on which Katja Finnvi stood. On the way, he heard another wolf address her as "Drottning"... that must have been her term for a queen. Dayton smiled as he grew near, lowering his head as he saluted the royal woman. "Let me thank you as well, Drottning, for opening your lands to us. We shall make this a joyous season." The boy lifted his head to grin at Katja before returning to the crowd. On his way, he bumped into the man who had arrived just before him. The dark chocolate brute was solidly built, with mismatched eyes and what seemed to be a likable personality. The grin never left Dayton's lips as he greeted him. "My apologies, sir. It's a lovely day, isn't it?" Then Dayton suggested something that was quite unlike him. "Would you... perhaps... be interested in sparring with me later?" ""

She had known of the festival, but she didn't know that it would be held practically outside her den! Voices filtered into the den and she knew there was no choice. She would rise, nudging her kids and then her mate. "Come, its time for you guys to meet the pack, and other wolves." She kept a smile on her face for their sake, not wanting to make them nervous, but she was a little hesitant. She had no idea who be showing up, but she trusted the Katja would keep the peace. She would slip from the den, leading them towards the crown, herding her children while walking beside Ares. Approaching Katja she would speak pleasantly, "Its a pleasure to see you again, my Lady. This is Phim and Daitaro." She would gesture to each of her children, smiling down at them, encouraging them to say hello. After introductions she would move away, dual toned eyes scanning unfamiliar faces. She didn't know a single wolf here. She would move amongst the crowd, smiling to those she passed, keeping her two kids close. She would press against Ares, looking at him with a nervous smile. It was the first time her kids would be introduced to others, and she didn't want anything to go wrong, she didn't want anything to happen to them.

"Speech"

She'd been meaning to venture to the eastern territory, actually seeking to be alone- when a familiar call rang through the land- Katja, The Ebony ruler. The call was open to all, and curiously, she followed it- her nose picking up a variety of scents as she approached. Leaving behind her northern comforts- she would follow the scents into the depths of the east lands- noting a few familiar wolves. As she arrived, she scented several wolves she knew and many she didn't. Regally, it would seem she would emerge, her gaze alight and curious, leaving the shadows of the trees and wandering towards the lake- a lake very familiar to her. Pushing those negative thoughts aside, she approached Katja, a smile on her jaws. This had to be the festival she had been hearing murmurs about. "Katja Finnivi- or Drottning, what an honor it is to be here." She says lightly with a respectful dip of her head. This was the other queen's territory and she would be respectful. Curiously she would glance around, seeing Bass Destrcution and two other Tortugan wolves. "Alright there, Bass?" She greeted warmly, glancing around her at the growing gathering. She glanced around at the strangers, surprised at the sheer number of them and actually unsure where to start. Greek Speak -- Roman Speak

The woman had heard the call of festivites. It was an odd call, not one you heard on the daily. A call for everyone to come. It beckoned her. She wondered who of her family would attend? If any at all? Cerb and Art did not seem to be the festival types. But, Nephele wanted to scope it out. Depending on the atmosphere she would stay of leave. Hopefully it had events. Like sparring perhaps. Games maybe. The girl would love to flaunt her sparring skills off for she had been working quite hard to be a good fighter. The lady would slither her way to the pack lands. She tried to guess which pack it was. Though, as she arrived at the border it smelled odd. Nephele would take a moment but she could smell all the other Wolves who had freely entered the territory. The Elysium woman moved across the borders with ease, but she would still remain hesitant. She did not smell any of her pack mates scents as she moved closer to the lake. Yet, her cyan and purple orbs feasted upon the a gathering of colorful Wolves. Many were bunched up around the possible host therefore her small bodice would move to the ebony fae. She would listen, her suspicions growing true. SHe was the host. Nephele would smile softly, the vixen allowing her head to dip in formalities. "Greetings, I am Nephele Elysius of Elysium. Thank you for hosting such an event, I am quite excited to see what is in store." The delightful fae would nod before turning to meet others. She was not shy but she did not wish to bug anyone. The golden marked beauty would move to sit off to the side. She was not awkward, she was just observing until something happened.

Guinevere didn't want to miss the opportunity to gather with the packs, the possibility of seeing her family was too great to pass up. As she traveled the distance between Ludicael and Ebony her tail would wag slowly behind her. She'd follow the newlyweds, Novella and Frith as the Authors had sent them on the pack's behalf. Guinevere had followed along, hopefully with Dhiren at her side. As they enter though her golden eyes would lay lazily upon the form of her sister, the pure tail behind her would wag more excitedly. It felt like forever since she'd had a good look at Azalea. Fearing a rude entrance though her paws would not send her flying off to meet with the other Adravendi born. She'd slowly wade behind the chocolate and cream wolves, wanting to give her greeting to the reigning monarch. "Good day Lady Katja, I am Guinevere Adravendi sister of Azalea." She'd seen the gorgeous woman introduce her own calling. She would nod politely, and as she was dismissed would find herself rushing to Azalea's side. Tail would flash behind her ever more excitedly as she made her way to the other's form, she'd found herself speaking to Dhiren's cousin Bass. "Don't smell Ludicael.." A smile would dance on her features as she giggled a bit, nudging her shoulder against the similarly marked woman's shoulder. "I'll bet I smell a bit like Ludicael though." It was hard to hide the enthusiasm, she was obviously doing ten times better than the last time she'd seen her sister. At the birth.. "How are those new little nieces and nephews of mine?" talking to you

The masses drew Jupiter, baiting her curiosity and enticing her to the grouping of wolves like a moth to light. Well-placed steps landed gently as she picked her way down to the lakeside and the murmur of the gathering. Mercury slunk along beside her, his fur bristling with discomfort. Celestial eyes swept over the wolves here, searching for anyone she might recognize, but at first glance, there were none of interest. Features contorted lightly in disgust for a moment but the grimace was short-lived as a mask of affability once again slid across her visage. Standing at the head of the congregation was a dark she-wolf that Jupiter didn't recognize. The wraith paused several yards away from the main mass, distanced enough to ensure that she was not confused for being here with anybody except for Mercury. She offered a nod to the leading woman, the courtesy necessary, and then settled down on her haunches, chin minutely and habitually raised as she surveyed the group more carefully. Speakings of Ludicael caught her ears and her gaze swept with interest to those talking. Her path of sight fell upon the only familiar face she had seen so far--that of Novella. Fiery pelt began to bristle ever-so-slightly at the sight of the Destruction kin, but she swallowed the agitation. "You'll be seen here," Mercury growled softly to her, his words reaching only her ears in their low, guttural tone. A haughty grin tugged at her lips. "Mhm," she acknowledged briefly. Let them see her. Let them crawl back to Ludicael and infect them with paranoia. A breath cycled evenly through her lungs and she rose, meandering casually along the edge of the congregation, examining those present and committing their faces and scents to her memory through peripherals and unnoticeable inhales. When satisfied, she once again put thorough distance between herself and the group, sitting and waiting for something to happen.

Vereux wasn't one for social gatherings much, in all honesty he hadn't had much social interaction outside of Glaciem since he was born. Which was a rather sad fact when he really looked at it now. The one eyed king would look about, and see the face of Guinevere that was someone he knew, but would make no comment. The last time he saw her he was but a pup lost and trying to find a way home. Paws would pull forward for his emerald eye to look at the rest of the wolves gathering. Giving a little bit of a sigh, it all seemed to be just a big heap of trouble to go through this. His attention turned to katja who had called the meeting. ?Greetings, Vereux king of Glaciem.? he introduced himself before settling down. The events that would happen he might participate in a few, but he wasn't entirely keen on these things. Being social just wasn't as easy as it used to be. ?I speak?

ooc: the voice at the beginning is Linne?, Baldur's hallucination of his murdered girlfriend. There's only one actual wolf in this post

"Hurry up Baldur we're going to be late! Oh for goodness sake your fur looks fine? oh wait behind your shoulder? a little to the left? there!" Ivory fangs quickly nipped a bur from silky white fur as the male shook out his coat. His limbs were alive with nervous energy and an excitement he hadn't felt in awhile at the prospect of the festival. It would be his last hurrah of sorts. He'd come to the conclusion it was time for him to return home, especially after his talk with Sigmarr though it still worried him to learn the boy planned to leave as well. But what could he say? He'd made Sigmarr promise to enjoy himself as he would. They would try once more to bury the past and be happy in this moment. And the then winds of fate could carry them where it would. He arrived into an already impressive throng of wolves. The energy was palatable and also a little bit alarming, it dawned on him how difficult it would be to manage such a throng. But all the same, Katja had confidence in this endeavor so he would as well. "I apologize for my tardiness Lady Katja." Linne? snorted. "I'll say you're late, way to go finding every burr patch in Ebony before such a celebration." Baldur laughed lighty, shooting a playful glance at the apparition.

Darkness had marked itself across the spirit of the young man as he slipped quietly through the crowd to sit near Katja, though still aside enough as to clearly denote her superior rank. He'd vented to Baldur and the cathartic act had helped him significantly. Though he still felt a numb determination to remove his families legacy from these lands. Ebony no longer belonged to the Xanilov's. It was Katja's pack and her's alone. Relics like him needn't tarry here. Perhaps being on his own for awhile would help regain some of his lost self-respect though he had no plans to join his sister Valeriya. She'd only rub his decision in his face and make him feel worse for his failures. No he'd stay til the end of the festival then speak with Katja about his decision and secretly he feared what his teacher's reaction would be. "Speech"