His wounds had long since healed from the fight with Hati, his anger towards his sister was slowly following in suite. But he had been doing a lot of thinking since then, and he was tired of his pack sitting around. He was at fault as well, but it was time that Abaven became what it was supposed to be from the start. There hadn't been a fight training for awhile now, the last hunt hadn't worked, and now they had so many pups running around. Young minds that held such potential, but they were not being put to use. Well, no longer. Things were about to change for his pack, they would no longer dwell in the shadows. Leaping atop his den he rose his head shot towards the sky as a howl rang out for his pack members, every last one of them. Young and old, newer members and ones who had been here from the start. It was a harder howl than normal, a command filled with strength. That fight was going to be the last that he was going to lose, and now his pack would be at full strength. Things were going to get a bit tougher in Abaven... OOC: First round due by March 27th! (My bday :D) "Speech"

AND I HAVE TO PROTECT YOU.

Limno was only just getting used to the lands here, never being in a pack before made her at a bit of a disadvantage. It was easy to tell what to do though when she heard Bass' howl. Her body seemed to instinctually know what to do, at least she knew it was a summoning howl. She would smile lightly, before trekking towards the call, even though it did seem Bass wasn't in the best of moods. Limno always tried her best to keep her spirits up though, and she was here to support them in anything they needed. She was willing to learn things she had never tried before, even if she knew she wouldn't entirely excel at them.

"Afternoon Bass." she would greet with a dip of her head. Finding her own cozy spot on one end of the small clearing where he had called the meeting it seemed. It was close enough to hear him, but she didn't want to intrude on the other members whom she hadn't met before. As her tail curled around her waist, her green eyes would lock on Bass. Oh dear, she hoped everything was alright with the man. If she had joined at a awkward time, she felt sort of bad, but would always be here to support.

MADE BY MINNIE of BTN

"It doesn't matter where I am, I know that I'm not perfect, and if I can't save people, what worth am I?" The call shook him to his very bridges, the large slate blue man would swivel his head around. A lot had happened since he last was here, things that he was unaware of. Yet perhaps it wasn't so bad, because now he could finally concentrate on being well off for his family. Abaven was his family and he could no longer deny that, he didn't want to leave this place any longer even if anyone tried to pry him from the lands. He would die trying to defend himself, and everyone else here. The large brute would walk towards the call, a serious look on his face as he spotted Bass. Although, a small kinder gaze was given as he dipped his head towards him. Man, was he glad to be back. The male would settle himself a little closer to Bass, though the unfamiliar face of the female caught his gaze for a moment. A newcomer he didn't know, though he was certain there was plenty. Specially since he had to meet all the young ones that were now running around. Patiently his black tail wagged on the floor for a few seconds before he became more comfortable. Speech,

Things were different now. She had killed the Pantheon bitch, she had relished in the blood that flooded freely over her paws. Something had snapped in her that day. It had been the first time in so long since she had taken a life. It felt good. After the fight she had not returned home, instead she had gone in search of Kylar. But so far she had failed, and forced her daughter to take the pack. It was not the way she wanted things to be, but it was the way things had to be. Shoulders rolled, paws absorbing the shock of her steps. Hungry coral gaze swept the land, in search of her next victim. She had been detached from the world she knew, her thirst for blood was out of control. Saliva pooled in her mouth, flashes of stealing the ebony bitches life consumed her thoughts. She needed more. A call would shake her from her thoughts. Bass. Her crown would lift, ears swiveling, how long had it been since she'd seen him? There was something different in his voice, something demanding. Altering her course she would move towards Abaven, crossing pack borders as soon as she got there. She would waltz in unwelcome, it always made Bass mad, but he had yet to tell her she was not allowed to. Nostrils flared, inhaling the foreign scent of his pack. The land was unfamiliar, but she would fall the direction in which his call came. She would not be the first there unfortunately. Others having already gathered. But a smirk would curl her dark lips as she tried to connect her coral gaze with his. She would seek to move through the crowd, wanting to come up directly before Bass. "Long time no see." She would purr, lyrics low, just for his ears. If he didn't move, she would take a step forward to invade his personal space before pressing her nose to his cheek. Immediately she would move to his left, plopping herself on the earth, totally relaxed as though she belonged there. "Speech"

His father's call was far more demanding than usual. It was strange, and only made him move toward the meeting even more quickly. With ease the boy would head toward the center of the territory, wondering what his father might have in store for the pack today. He certainly sounded more serious than usual. He moved with purpose, his pawsteps audible from a distance, though he didn't bother to hide his movements. At hardly more than six months, Lark was already growing to an impressive height -- and though not fully grown, it was obvious he would eventually be a force to be reckoned with. Though he had arrived rather quickly, a few had already gathered. The three wolves here were unfamiliar to him, and instantly his gaze would fall to his father. A woman sat at his side. It was not his mother, and she most definitely didn't belong there. The boy's brows would furrow as he crept forward, feeling a surge of protectiveness over his father, instantly glaring at this woman that smelled nothing of Abaven or his family. His lips would curl in a display of annoyance as he faced her. "Umm.. who the fuck are you?" came the child's sudden furious question, feeling painfully irritated at this woman's presence, sitting at her father's side like she belonged there. Though he knew his father would likely scold him for his words, but he would take the punishment, for the outburst not only felt good, but it was inevitable. It felt terrible to see another woman at his father's side and he didn't want there -- whoever she was, unless she was Wren. "You don't belong here." He felt annoyance turn into a burning anger, a passion he hadn't known existed growing in his heart. Though he didn't know this stranger, this didn't feel right.. and he would face his father to see what he could discern from his reaction.

She knew that the smell of Arcanum would be faint on her pelt, if it even existed at all anymore. Not even 5 minutes would pass before a pup would storm up to her, thoroughly angry. But the words that rolled off his tongue would have her brows lifting. Bass let his children talk like this? A smirk would toy with her lips as she peered down at the children would was so evidently related to Bass. "My dear, I am a friend of your fathers." Eyes danced with amusement as the pups outrage at her presence. "Who are you?" She would counter, interested to know which of Bass's children this way. She had never met his children, but he had always spoken of them, and there was no denying the tan strip that ran up his snout that he was his fathers son. Peering over at Bass, a question rolled off her tongue. "You let your kids talk like that?" She sounded faintly surprised, though also amused. It didn't come as a surprise that his child was such a spitfire. "Speech"

Two of his newest members showed up first, making Bass' heart swell with pride. Ah, good. He nodded at Limno, and then to Quelt who arrived soon after. He was about to open his mouth to greet them both when someone's scent struck his nose. Cataleya. He had heard the call for her death match, but had not been able to make it. It would seem that she had won, although he had fought her himself and had yet to beat the Queen. The only thing that struck him as odd is that the smell of her pack was faint, even fainter than the night that she had come to his borders. But here she was, strolling in like she owned the place. His hackles rose as she walked right up to him, lips curling as she nuzzled into his cheek. "Do you have no respect for me or my borders?" he asked her, his voice more tired than angry. He needed to talk to his pack, and his howl had not been for her. She settled into his wife's place, and his golden eyes moved further. "That would be m-" his speech was cut off when Lark arrived, spitting out words to the silver woman. When he swore he growled at the boy, although he couldn't help but feel proud of his son. He was standing up for his father, protecting the pack from a strange wolf. Cataleya then told him that she was a friend, and he refrained from rolling his eyes. A friend who should howl at his borders. Lark was eying him, and the silver woman's gaze soon turned to him as well as she asked if he let his kids talk like that. Tail rose up and over his spine as she snarled at Cataleya, fire burning in his solar eyes. "Don't you darequestion my parenting skills. Lark is right to question your presence here, unless you have a will to join Abaven I do believe that I called for my pack. While I do not mind your visit, I do mind you crossing my borders once again without stating you are here. I have never once intruded on your land, Cataleya, and I would expect the same. Now," he turned to Lark then, his ears pinning back towards his head. "While I am proud of your actions son, that is not a language that we use, understand? I would have thought you to show a bit more respect, even if Cataleya is treading on thin ice, you shall not talk to strangers that way. What if she was a member, just sitting here to chat until the meeting started? I do not expect you to apologize, but I will not hear that word ever again. Got it?" His eyes softened a tad as he leaned forward, muzzle pressed right to the boy's brown ear. "But good on you, kid." He whispered for his ears only. Bass turned back to Cataleya, his shoulders rolling as he stood at his full height. "Step down from my wife's spot. I ask that you obey my pack laws while here and to at least have the desency to howl next time. You may sit in on the meeting if you wish, but only if you intend on joining my ranks." There was a dare in his words, if she even thought of joining them. That would mean that he would answer to him, and he doubted that would happen. A single brow rose as he waited, the rest of the pack forgotten for the moment. "Speech"

It came as no surprise that Bass turned on her rather angrily. He would question her respect for him, though he sounded weary rather than mad at her. When questioned his sons language, she would once again turn to her, snarling angrily. She would listen as he spoke, though she couldnt bring herself to care. After all, he had betrayed her. He extended the invitation for her stay, but only if she was interested in joining. A scoff would roll off her tongue as she rose to her paws, not bothering to stand dominantly over him. No, instead she would seek to take a step closer. ”Don’t you dare talk to me about respect. When you, my friend sent warriors to my door to try and bring me down.” Her voice was low, a mere whisper. Though soft words dripped with toxicity that dared him to question. Anger, hurt and indescribable rage bled into her tones, along with the promise of retribution. She had been to far to hear the sound of war, but Kylar had found her, and explained what was going on. She had first demanded to know why he was not there helping defend their children. But it had been to no avail. Her children had been attacked, even her little Aster. Rage had spread like fire through her veins. And when Kylar had mentioned Abaven standing at her borders with this Ebony king, betrayal flooded her. She knew the sort of pack that Abaven was, but she had never expected that Bass, her friend would aid in bring her down. ”So it is you who treads on very thin ice.” She would throw his words back in his face before leaning back, her look seeming to be cool and collected, though her eyes burned with a newfound hatred. He would never be able to fix the damage he had done. He would never be able to change the fact that he had made her a permanent enemy. Perhaps things could have been different. But he reacted with such hostility, and though his paws were clean. Her children would possibly severely injured because of him, because of his help. The rage that grew in her chest caused her to tremble ever so slightly, eyes burning into his soul. ”My childrens injuries are on your paws.” She would still not raise her voice even as she spit her words at him. Whether or not she actually believed that, she couldnt decided. She knew exactly who to go after for this crime, but her own friend, he was held to an entirely different standard. ”I will see you later.”She promised, plastering a sickeningly sweet smile on her face before turning away from him, weaving a path through the growing crowd and finally heading home. And by now he should know that she never made an empty promise, even unspoken promises. -exit- "Speech"

Wren had arrived just as an unknown woman, at least to her, had crawled up beside Bass and greeted him. She smelt foreign, obviously not from his family or this pack, so she decided to observe from afar. At least for now. Sliding to her stomach, Wren rested her gaze onto the scene, her ears falling back against her head as the woman nuzzled him. At this point, she was tempted to up and claim her place beside her husband...but things had practically just begun. Lark arrived soon afterward, and spit words that made her head spin. "Who the fuck are you?" She, even as a young, reckless rogue, had never said such a word. Whining quietly, she lowered her chin to her paws and continued to watch, her ears still flattened her to skull as the commotion progressed. To her relief, Bass seemed obviously angry with this woman crossing onto their territory without even thinking to howl first. Better yet, pretty annoyed that she had just taken his wife's spot. Why...hadn't Bass told her about this random woman? After a long conclusion, she turned and left, disappearing into the bushes. Just as she did, Wren huffed and stood to her paws, trotting over to the group of wolves and sitting near Quelt, her eyes glued to the ground. She curled her tail in close to her body and inhaled deeply. Really, who was she? "Burn Baby Burn"

Lark hadn't known such passion, such fire, until this very moment. He'd always been irritable at the presence of strangers in his home, but they'd always been explained to be family members, and as he grew older he'd been able to pick out their familiar scents -- even those that did not live in Abaven -- and he knew that many shared similar markings and features. He'd even grown slightly panicked when his father had returned home, battered and bloody from a fight. Now, seeing a completely unfamiliar woman sitting where his father belonged, it sent him into a sudden rage. Typically a subdued boy, perhaps his family would be surprised by his sudden flare of temper, but something about this felt deeply wrong. The woman he'd snapped at spoke to him in return, asking his name and claiming she was a friend of his father's. Bass was quick to step in, something that didn't surprise him one bit. His words certainly made it seem like she'd been lying, that it wasn't one of his friends, as he seemed quite angry at her presence. He felt his lip curling into a sneer, a low rumble echoing from his chest, though the sound was barely audible. He knew his father would scold him, and though he did -- he swore he heard a hint of pride in his voice. His fur still bristled along the ridge of his back, though he nodded slowly. "Yes, sir," he'd reply begrudgingly, knowing he shouldn't have used that word, but it'd come out without him meaning to say it. A slight smile would pull up the corners of his lips, despite the fact that he'd spoken out of line and that his father wasn't entirely impressed with him. He realized his mother had joined, though she stood a good distance away, seeming bewildered and confused. Finally Bass convinced the dark-pelted woman to leave, much to his pleasure. Her words sounded threatening, though he didn't fully understand what she was talking about. His curl curled low near his hindpaws as he moved toward his mother. 'Sorry, mama," he'd whisper to her softly. He hadn't wanted to upset anyone, but seeing someone sitting next to Bass as though they belonged there had been deeply unsettling for him. "I didn't mean to upset you."

When the woman showed up, it made his skin crawl. The huge male pulled back his lips silently, not wanting to cause commotion although he shows obvious discomfort. Watching the boy he deducted it was another one of bass boys, shrikes brother. Quelts tail thumped against the ground, the conversation pulled on and finally the woman would leave. His muscles relaxed fur standing down but his eyes caught wren. While he didn't know what happened while he was gone, his heart sunk for her. "Dont let the lass bother you wren. Bass loves you and you're an important member to abaven as well as a fit mother." He would attempt to reassure her softly. As he looked at lark, the forty one inch tall male would dip his head to the little one as quelt turned to bass.

Quelt went to open his jaws to ask what that was about but there was a sound of clampdown on his jaw. Now was not the time, he had to address his pack and he was certain it would be explained in due time. His blood was still boiling however, body hot. He didn't like seeing them hurt and that woman had no right to say bass had turned on her. She was simply complaining by his terms, he settled down hoping that his words had reached wren as he took a glance at her again.

The young girl had taken a large amount of time to settle in to the home that had been graciously granted to her by the man in charge. Her cyan and blue pelt did not really fit in with the others that she had seen from afar. She had remained her introverted self as she kept to her own path and caught herself food while wandering around the lands. That was, of course, until the call rose above the trees and caught her attention. It was Bass, the only voice she really knew of, and he called for her and the others. The large girl ran towards the call in full speed. Her fur bellowed slightly in the warm summer breeze that she had created from it. She arrived in no time, keeping her head down and glancing at the others. Her fur was bright and it stood out. Her insecurities started to kick in as she spoke, her medium alto voice reaching out across the group. She had just missed the interaction between the stranger and the other strangers. "Hello Bass." It was customary for a lower ranked wolf to address her superior... at least where she was from She was understanding that this place was oh so different from where she used to call home.

[dohtml]

Motif and Shaye it seemed had been long overdue for a long chat, after their yelling match a couple days before, and the pair where together when Bass's howl summoned the wolves of Abaven. She fondly nudged her daughter with her muzzle and looked at the brilliant blue eyes of her child. “Come on” she encouraged Shaye, and together the two made their way to the pack meeting. Things perhaps weren't as they had been, but Motif knew she couldn't keep a reign on her child forever – especially if her reasons for doing so where selfish. They arrived at the meeting, it seemed, just as the drama was leaving it. She glanced at the disappearing wolf, before her eyes moved to the rest of the wolves in the group. Wren and Bass both looked pissed and she moved to make her way towards them, Kissing Shaye on the head before her daughter moved to sit with the other members, and the last thing she would notice was the girl glancing about – looking for her father perhaps? Before her attention was upon Bass and Wren, she gave her brother a quick kiss below his ear before moving towards Wren, she spoke quietly, her words only for the couple. “Is everything alright?” she was cautious, her stance protective before her brother and his wife. Speech Thought

[/dohtml]

Shaye still wan't convinced that Motif got it but at least they where no longer at odds with eachother. The girl was headstrong, and determined in her course of action – one could only wonder where she got that from - and neither side was really willing to back down. But they had reached some sort of truce, she wouldn't leave Abaven territory without at least one adult wolf accompanying her until she was a year old (she intended to use her dad for that job) she would howl to let Valentine know when she crossed into his territory, and would not spent the night in Imperium. She chafed at the restrictions, but at Motif was happy now and she was still allowed to go. They where just settling all these terms when Bass howled, and Motif nuzzled her and told her to come on. She obediently padded along beside her mother until they reached the meeting, where Motif went on ahead to speak to Bass and she made her way into the crows, looking about for her dad as she did so, through he clearly was not yet present. "Speech"

When Shaye and Motif were together the tall brute had taken to hunting, he was pretty much as far away from Bass as he could get when he'd heard the call. He'd feel a flutter of nervousness in the pit of his stomach. Would today be the day? Totally losing the goat he'd been tracking the brute would let himself veer closer towards the Alpha's den. The rock had turned into the meeting place of the pack, had he been at his den he might have been the first there but as it was he arrived quite a bit behind Motif and Shaye. Not finding himself immersed in the rest of the pack his decorated form shifted through to his daughter's side. His grin was unmistakable, and his love for her visible as he nuzzled her scruff. She was getting so big. Every time he looked at her it seemed like she'd sprouted again. She was going to be really close to his own height when she reached adulthood. He'd set himself close beside her as his eyes sought Motif's frame, a different grin taking over his features as he watched her greet the alpha. Finding he was staring the dark man reached down to nuzzle Shaye again before Bass started the meeting for real. "Speech"

One more season to go, just one more. Sharing Darrah's den with his brothers wasn't exactly the most enjoyable of experiences, not that he didn't like his family and guardian. He was caught in an awkward phase between puppyhood and adulthood. Adult activities like hunts and fight training seemed exciting, yet he was excluded from such things because of his age. Why couldn't autumn hurry up? He yearned to not be treated as a child, but he highly doubted the senior wolves of the pack would heed to his wish.

His hopes for it all to change were held as high as they could reach as he carried himself to the meeting without the dependence on his brothers. The drama had well and truly passed before his arrival. An emerald gaze scanned across the seated pack, trying to mimic his own actions with the mature-looking adults. They were all greeting the Abaven leader, and so he would do the same after everyone else had finished doing so.
"Hi Bass!" The chestnut boy confidently addressed the Azat with dip of his head and an energetic wag of his tail. Apparently his brother was friends with the alpha and so he sought the same positive relationship as well. Did Bass know who he was? He had never talked to him before. Now he has, and feeling quite content with his deed, he trotted off to seat himself in the centre of the half-unknown crowd.

Starling was a little late...but that wasn't anything new. He liked to spend his time within his mind or out in the field scavanging whatever plant life he can. Today was no exception. With the lovely summer heat at his back, he had decided that he would go out, yet again, to seek out some more flowers that he was slowly beginning to know the name and purpose of. But even little loner Starling needed company sometimes, and he loved spending time with his littlest sister, so more often than not he would drag her from the den to accompany him when he could. Today was such a day, when he wanted to bring home some more flowers for his stores, but he wanted her attention aswell. So he had asked, or rather, dragged her along with him, ignoring her protests (if there were any). She was probably the only one that he wasn't so shy around, and his stuttering wasn't quite so bad when he spoke to her. He loved spending time with her, because out of the two of them, he seemed the more brave. But it seemed their fun would come to a halt only shortly after he managed to get her out of the den, by the booming demanding call of their attendance. With wide blue eyes he quickly gathered up his plants, spun around finch and herded her towards meeting. It seemed that they had missed the drama, he stood at the edge watching the retreated form of a woman he didn't know, and Lark seemed rather upset. With a tilt of his head he would glance to his sister, surely staying close to his side or perhaps having already bolted to their mother's paws. Ears pulled back as he trotted slowly towards Lark, dropping his flowers at his paws. "W...what happened? I...W-what'd I m..miss?" He asked softly, giving his brother a small smile before looking up at his father. "Padre, s-sorry I was..was late. I was in cerca di fiori...with Finch" He said with a small shy smile before he moved to sit close to his brother, ears folded back and shy at all the strangers around.

"Speech"
'thoughts'
"Italian"

((eevee gave me permission to Powerplay Finch))

She had been dragged out of the den by her brother, her little squeaks of protest had fallen on deaf ears. The little girl let out a loud huff but trudged after him, after all she had been left alone at the den again. She was about to skip over to a pretty purple flower when their fathers howl cut though the landscape. Her head snapped up just as her brothers did, there was something very different about the sound of his call... As much as she liked being out with Starling, she knew that that howl meant business. Clinging to the brown and white male on their way home, her wide blue eyes found the strange silver woman as she left, her fur standing on end. There was something very evil about that lady, very dark and icky. It made her skin crawl, so as soon as she saw Wren she was off. Letting out a loud yip she dashed under her Aunty Motif before she sat, trying to shove herself between Wren's legs before her access was cut off by her aunty. There was a strange man sitting with her momma, and Finch quickly looked up at him. Way up! He was sooooo big! And... blue? Shaking her head she turned her attention to Starling as he told their father why they were late. Daddy seemed to be mad, and why was Lark upset? She whined again, lifting a paw and gently pressing it against Lark's own. Was this why they were all called here? Did something bad happen? Trying to find Lark's gaze, the girl searched to see if he held the answer.

Again, Sparrow was on the hunt for little bugs, and even little critters like mice. After all, she was getting older! The year had been going by so fast...she couldn't even keep track of the seasons that went by. One minute, it was winter. Now it was summer already! But...this more hunting time for her! More of the little animals and bugs came out during this warm time of the year! Breathing quietly, the young dame stood crouched into the tall grass of the serpent plains, her dark emerald eyes glued to a small field mouse, nibbling on some scraps. With her ears flattened to her head and her stance widened equally, she prepared to grab it, when the sudden howl of her father tore through the air. The mice's attention drew to the air, and almost to her. But before it could catch a glance of her, she propelled forward and snapped her jaws around it's plump little stomach, easily bringing it's struggles to a stop. Mmm...her father had nearly ruined her success. All because of a dumb meeting! The girl snorted stubbornly and grabbed the mouse by the tail, sprinting toward the family den, where Bass usually held meetings with her mother. There, many wolves were gathered, and then she discovered that she was late. Eh...didn't matter much to her. Besides, how important could this meeting really be? Sparrow slowly made her way over to her siblings and her father, who stood, a concerned look on his face. Lark and many of the others looked pretty concerned as well! What did she miss? The young dame dropped her lunch and sat near her father, nuzzling his shoulder lovingly. "Buon padre pomeriggio." She articulated to him, her Italian a bit foreign on her tongue, but she tried her best. Then, she glanced over at her mother, frowning. She looked distressed...and plus, she wasn't sitting by her husband! "Did I miss something?" She asked quietly, her eyes filtering with the utter concern that she felt for both her mother and father, What had happened?!

Something was amiss, and the man would look at those gathered in the meeting as he arrived with a questioning gaze. Bass' call had been harder than usual, and the man had started to hurry here, up until he tripped over a certain young man. The boy was Bass and Wren's son, coming in with the calico gentleman. The man would eye his leader with confusion, sensing tension in the air. Something had truly happened, and something within his gut stirred uneasily. He had been the only wolf that was of Abaven to head to Aracanum to aid Ebony in their war. It had felt the right thing to do, yet, at the same time, it left a sour taste in his mouth. He would move closer to Bass, scenting the stranger's presence though she was no longer here. There was... something familiar about the scent as well. Something that left the man unsettled. He would breathe in, a light, questioning tone leaving his maw. "Bass?" Was this his fault that this woman was here? He had worried about repercussions but... The man felt a twinge of worry. Nona had yet to show up either... were her wounds still bothering her? The man worried for her so much... perhaps he had made the wrong choice in all of this. "Hear Me Talk," 'Read My Thoughts.'

Table by:: Tealah