A year old, his babies were a year old today. He couldn't believe it, at all. A year had gone by like the blink of an eye, and his five puppies were getting so big. Lark was towering above all of his siblings, and even the lanky Starling had made his way up to be even to his own height. He couldn't be more proud of them, and he knew that they needed to celebrate this occasion.

Bass dragged the small deer that he had been able to hunt down for the kids to the center of the plains, licking his still stained lips. He wanted to open up this celebration to the rest of his family, so at first he tipped back his head and howled for his pack, for his pups and his wife. When that howl drew to an end he called for the pack Threar, for his Aunty Novella and Uncle Firth to come and join them, as well as any other member of their pack. And then, at last, he called for someone that he didn't think he was going to. But Bass knew that it was not fair to keep her from her nieces and nephews, not on a day like this. He could swallow his pride for them, and put his petty emotions aside. He knew that his children missed her, but he was unsure how Motif would feel. But he wanted both Rhythm and Chord here, so he called for both of them. Bass didn't know if Rhythm would come or not, but he knew that she would know that his pups were a year old. Hopefully, that would be enough to make her come.

There was no doubt that winter had reached the lands of Alacritis, and Motif would shiver not just from the cold but the realization that the coming of winter meant her baby was no longer a puppy, but reached adulthood with the changing of seasons. It would seem she wasn't the only to realize this as Bass let out a howl for a party, a celebration of the coming of age of his children. She let out her breath in wonder, of course, all her little niece and nephews well born after her own child, also became a year with the coming of winter and it seems Bass chose the day of winter to celebrate this. She tossed back her head and howled in joy for the world to hear, and also to call Shaye and Shai to join her as she made her way to Bass. When she reached her brother she would move to lean against him and nuzzle his side, she hadn't missed the call to Rhythm, and knew the sacrifice that was to him, and she was very very proud of her brother. She had made her own attempt to make peace with her sister, even if she didn't entirely forgive the other girl and knew nothing could be as it was between them. “Congratulations to us, Bass, we survived adulthood” she teased him. "Speech"

It was around a year ago that Bass and Motif had both become parents, perhaps the only thing that made that remotely easy to believe was the fact that her own children had grown incredibly swiftly, even Fate was catching up to her in size though it certainly seemed that Luck was always going to be a dainty, little thing. Time had still gone far too quickly though in her opinion and yet it had been far too long since she had seen many of her family. She had hoped they'd appear at the festival, though when things hadn't quite gone to plan she had worried a little, this little celebration would be a wonderful excuse to see them now though.

Encouraging the wolves of Threar to join her, she led the way across the borders away from Threar and into Abaven's lands. It'd been a while since she had visited them, being here once more had already lifted her spirits before she even reached the joyful point of party central. Well it was still very early stages of the party it seemed, many more had yet to arrive though she would take the moment of quiet to greet her niece and nephew. "Bass! Motif! It's good to see you both again."

Bass had given her permission to meet with her niece and sister on the edges of Abaven and as winter made its presence known the girl would not forget the birth season of her most previous nieces and nephews. She remembered the days like they might have been just yesterday. Crying over Motif's lost brood and making a quick getaway after Bass's children had been born. It might have seemed like yesterday but it could have been years for how much change she had gone through since then. She was much stronger now, having been through some incredible hurt. She could fend for herself and cry on her own. Not that there still weren't many different problems playing in her head. She chose not to think about these as she made her way to her brother's pack. She was almost there when she heard her brother's call, He was inside the territory calling for her as well as Threar and the rest of his pack. What did this mean? Finding butterflies fluttering within her stomach she would cross the border somewhat timidly. The usual trip to Imperium would have taken much longer, but as she had already been on her way she was one of the first few to show up. Putting on a rather submissive display for her brother she would walk up quietly, but with a small smile tugging at her lips as her blue and purple gaze sought out those of her family members. ""

Motif was the first to arrive, and he had heard her howl to her daughter and Shai as well. He grinned as his tail picked up and started to wag, reaching forward to nuzzle his sister. His big white coat was fluffed up against the cold, but with Motif at his side he hardly felt its chill. "Shaye is part of this celebration as well, I wouldn't leave her out of all of this. But yes... it seems like we have survived. Although there were some close calls." He said with a slight chuckle. Placing a soft kiss on her cheek, his ears flickered at the sound of falling paws. Bass looked around to see that Novella was trotting towards them, and he let out a sharp bark as he pranced over to her. Nuzzling into her soft fur he let out a quiet whine, his pale tail twirling behind him happily. "Aunty Novella! It has been far too long." He pulled back, meeting her bi-coloured gaze. "I am really sorry that I didn't make it to your festival, although I am glad to hear that Allen had come to meet you." He was about to ask how she had been when a familiar scent crossed his nose.

Slowly Bass turned and looked at Rhythm, his heart breaking at her cowering form. He slowly made his way towards her, nuzzling under her chin to raise her head up. "Don't be silly, this is still your home." He said softly, for her ears only. Even though she had been the one to walk away last time, after leaving a lovely pile of throw up at his borders, he still missed her. Trying to catch her two tone gaze, he offered a small smile. With Chord also ganging up on him on their last meeting, it hadn't gone exactly as planned. "Can we go talk? Or would you prefer to wait until your nieces and nephews get here?"

For the past few days, Wren had been out scavenging the beaches, fields, and mountains, searching for only the most beautiful of things for her five children. They were a year old already. It felt like only yesterday she was curled around their tiny bodies, singing gently to them as they slept. Now, they nearly stood to her height, ready to serve the pack in any way possible. Wren sighed gently and made her way through the few inches of snow, weaving through the roots and rocks that poked out of the ground dangerously. When suddenly, Bass' loud howl tore through the sky. The woman sighed gently. It was time to celebrate their growth...and she was so glad Bass had arranged this. Carrying a massive leaf, in which held all the gifts for her children, Wren bounded her way in Serpent Plains, her eyes shining with pride, but a crooked frown forming upon her face. She didn't want her little babies to grow up so fast...she still wanted to cuddle up with them in Bass' den, and continue to sing to them until they fell asleep or relaxed. Wren took a deep breath as she saw Bass and a few others, and she quickened her pace, smiling gently. "Hello Motif, Novella." She greeted through the leaf in her mouth, gently setting it down at her paws and sitting over it. Her eyes, though, moved over to Rhythm, who she hasn't seen in forever. She had heard she was forbidden to come onto Abaven...but it seemed Bass had changed his mind. Wren grinned to her and dipped her head.

Bass' call would reach his ears and Allen would heed the call with little hesitation. The other alpha was his friend, like a brother to him. There was also news to be told too, at a later date of course, but the aging gentleman couldn't be more excited. The first bit would be clear enough when the white man saw who was walking at Allen's side; Nona. The Vor had been gone too long. Far too long. But now that she was back the life was back in his eyes. He could walk with a pep in his step, his very essence seeming brighter. The two would approach the celebration together. There were already some members of Abaven and Threar present, including miss Novella. Allen would nuzzle Nona's cheek gently, even spying Rhythm among those present. He would lift his head, chuckling softly. "It looks like there is going to be a celebration of sorts, my love. Shall we join in the fun?" Allen would wink at her, almost feeling like a young pup again. She just had that sort of magic on him. "Hear Me Talk," 'Read My Thoughts.'

Table by:: Tealah

This day was something that he would hold a little bit of sadness into. Of course it was happy, but now it marked the one year missing of his unborn children. However, now was not the time to be filling it with sad memories. Quelt would look behind him to make sure Limno was at his hip or near it at least. She hadn't been feeling well the night after the pack hunt, but she was strong. After they had made a commitment to each other, he felt the need to make sure she was as comfortable as he could make her. He refused to lose his love life again, refused to let anyone steal her away as well. As they arrived, he spotted one of the destructions who had seemingly had a bit of a downfall with Abaven. He did not know the details so he wouldn't judge. Turning to Limno for a moment he'd give her a gentle nudge and approached Bass. "Congratulations Bass, I'm excited to see what Lark and Shrike make of this." he said with a wag of his tail. He then also turned to Limno, "I also need to tell you, that Limno and I are taking a chance with love. We're mates as of the other day." perhaps he would make some sort of announcement about it or not. Either way it was important to let the alpha know, and also Quelt always wanted to share his thoughts with Bass at times. Quelt would look at Rythm, and dip his head politely to the woman. Speech,

Limno would try to keep up with Quelt as much as she could, any normal day she could have been bounding at his side. Today was just not her day, but she refused to stay back in the den. She smiled regardless of her slightly weak condition, no doubt with a little rest she would be better by tomorrow. Staying closer to Quelt's hind quarters seeing as she would stop a little every time he went to check up on her. It made her giggle every time, how funny a man he was. Yet she enjoyed the attention she couldn't lie, as they moved up to Bass. She watched and listened for a moment and nodded her head. "I want to congratulate you and your children Bass. I thank you as well for letting me be in the pack. I apologize that I couldn't do better with the last pack hunt." she hoped Allen would have already told Bass about how Allen and only one other youngster had shown up. Being unable to take down a large prey item as she had wanted, but none the less it had still been a fun experience for her. Limno tried to breath easy, leaning a little against Quelt to not over exert herself. ""

They were together when they came to the gathering which was beginning to slowly look more and more like a party than a normal meeting when she spotted a unfamiliar face there and another that she knew well enough and understood that she was no longer in Abaven but even then Nona would nod towards the woman out of respect. Nona couldn't help but chuckle when she listened to Allen as she would press herself up against him a little before swiftly responding to Allen's question, "Indeed we should join the fun" Nona chuckled once more before returning the loving gesture and nuzzled his cheek. The closer they got to the gathered group she let out a playful sort of bark towards Bass to let him know that she had returned and was well. Today seemed that Nona and Allen would be in good spirits like they usually were together but Nona felt even more than that getting to be with Allen again. She would nod her head towards Motif and the woman she didn't know. The dark brown fae would listen and wait to see what Bass might say now that she was back and hopefully she could steal only but a moment of his time to let him know about her recent disappearance but even if he said no to her doing so now she'd still find a time to tell him. After all Bass was her friend and deserved to know why Nona went missing a second time however today seemed to be a day of celebration so there was a smile dancing across the fae's maw as she followed Allen's lead. ""

Tinaro definitely couldn't recall any celebration when he became a yearling back in the fall, which brought a rather disappointed mood upon his thoughts. To be honest, he didn't see what was so different between him and the five siblings, but at the sight of all their family that had gathered from neighbouring packs, it was then he remembered that they were the Azat's children. He attempted to think positively. Positive, positive, positive. Once he clearly got his thoughts straight, it didn't matter at all. It wasn't like he was excluded from the celebration itself, in fact, the rest of Abaven (who definitely weren't a part of this large family) had arrived for this memorable time. Festivals and celebratory events were becoming more popular ever since Threar had organised something similar recently. Indeed, they were exhausting but no less thrilling.

As the youth strolled into the crowd, he forced a smile upon his intrigued mood that soon relaxed into a natural expression. The siblings were yet to arrive, and it was their birthday! How could they be late? He shuffled closer to Bass, although he was wary not to disturb the other wolves around the Abaven leader. As a greeting, his head dipped silently yet with distinct eagerness while also giving a quick wink. A silver tipped tail wagged with anticipation as he hopped between his paws, trying to hold in the eager excitement bursting from within him. When they arrived, he planned to shout out the loudest "happy birthday" ever to be shouted. It seemed so ingenious, and so he continued to smugly grin as he awaited their arrival.

Calypsei was more than elated to have a home with the coming of her first birthday, although she dreaded adulthood. She would answer the call, arriving to find a celebration for the youngest Destruction litter who happened to share a birth season with her although she would not be one until halfway through the season. She would grin at them, her eyes sparkling as she dipped her head to Bass. It was so strange to feel a sense of belonging, let alone to start thinking of these wolves as her family or... as close as she had to a family. Her family had turned their backs on her and so she had moved on. It was expected of her. She would remain silent, her eyes catching familiar frames such as Tinaro and Bass. She sat there contently.

What was going on now? Ears would perk, and Shrike would lift his head as he pondered for just a moment at the reason behind his father’s call. So it seemed that there was a meeting of sorts for Threar and Abaven, huh? It intrigued him and, finding his old sort of energy, Shrike would bounce up to his feet, tail wagging. Alright, here was the time to do things anew. His spar at the festival had given him hope again. Hope to keep trying and keep working at becoming better. So he wasn’t perfect... But he just wasn’t perfect yet. He was still going to be the best!

Shrike would come barreling into the area at a thunderous pace. He would look around at all those gathered. His father, his mother... Uncle Allen and... So many others! He was interested in the female who was at his uncle’s side. He had never before seen her. Was she his... Mate? Shrike would approach her with a gentle smile on his face. “Hello ma’am. Who’re you?”

"Speech!"
'Thoughts!'

Table by:: Eve

He didn't really know why his dad was calling them together to celebrate turning a year old, but it didn't strike him as all that surprising. Of course they were celebrating it. Now that he and his litter mates had grown the size of their parents, if not bigger, they were basically adults.. it was definitely worth partying over even if Lark wasn't exactly the type to celebrate.

As he approached the group, he wasn't surprised that his parents and his aunt Motif were there. He didn't know the white-pelted woman with the orange stripes beneath her eyes (Novella), though it was easy enough to assume she was family. He spotted his aunt Rhythm too, though visibly bristled at her presence. It was because of her that his dad had come home so hurt and upset. Why was she allowed back here after betraying her family? His mind was still a bit closed, and his stubborn nature made him quite unimpressed with her presence, so much so that he nearly sneered as he walked past her. Family meant everything to him, but this was different. He acknowledged the presence of the other members of Abaven with silent stares as he glanced about the group. His attention would linger a bit longer on Tinaro and then Calypsei, two wolves he almost considered friends, having spent some time with them before. Finally he would spot Shrike, who was eagerly talking to someone he didn't know, and he'd quickly turn to pad to his side and offer him a quick nudge with his nose in silent greeting.

Others would come to gather at the meeting as well. Tinaro, the youth who had showed up at the pack hunt. Allen held the youngster with a bit of respect in his eyes. He showed duty to his pack, that was for certain. The little blue girl would show up as well... Calypsi he believed? She had showed up at his pera and paluni training... Though sadly that had fallen through. The man had hoped for more from it but alas sometimes things were not meant to be. Not that he would get discouraged however. Ahhh and there was young Shrike. He still had some words for the youngster about not showing up for the pack hunt, but that could come later. He would chuckle softly as the boy spoke to Nona. Oh boy... So that was beginning already was it? Another would come up to Shrike’s side too -- Lark. The other boy was rather quiet but seemed like he’d be a strong individual. Allen would wink at Nona. “This Shrike, is my beloved Nona. Nona, this is young Shrike and his brother Lark.” "Hear Me Talk," 'Read My Thoughts.'

Table by:: Tealah

Nerves had filled her, just as they did with any social situation, but quickly her eyes caught Lark. She would slowly make her way towards him in order to wish him well on this ever so joyous occasion. She would stand a few feet away, giving him a curious look as she spoke. "Happy Birthday, Lark." She would dip her slightly out of a growing respect for the young boy who had braved jumping onto a rapids rock for the first time when they had last spoke. Quickly she would leave, heading over towards Tinaro. "Tinaro, how are you?" She would ask with a small smile on her lips as her blue fur shook slightly. Part of her wished her father could see her now just to know that she had thrived without him. She was growing fast and towered over some other wolves because, in a few short days, she would be turning one as well.

As he made his way back with Rhythm, he saw that a few more wolves had gathered. His tail wagged as his excitement grew. He still knew that there were a few wolves yet to join, some of his own children were late for their own party. He snorted at the irony. Looking back to the small deer that lay untouched, he let out a loud woof to get everyone's attention, to those who have gathered so far. He noticed Wren's little bundle she carried, and smiled at her before his eyes roamed the small gathering. "Welcome everyone! Thank you so much for showing up for the celebration of our pups. Not only are Wren and my children a year old, but as is Motif and Shai's daughter. It is also a late celebration of Chrono and Esperanza's children, who turned a year old last season. Calypsei shares the birth season of my children as well. Abaven's pups are no longer that, but adults now." Pride shone in his eyes, his tail and head held high. "Now, I didn't really didn't think this through as much as I would have liked, so I am going to take suggestions of different things we can do to celebrate. Games and such. Any ideas?" He asked, eagerly eying the crowd.

It wasn't so much that Starling was always late. Infact, he sometimes managed to get there on time if he so happened to be close by. Most often it was because he found himself face deep in new herbs, trying to refill his stores before they died through the seasons. It wasn't exactly what he was doing now, but he was still doing something healer related. The winter was cold and rather dead, it was something that he hadn't noticed before. Well, perhaps thats because he hadn't spent much time outside in the winter before. His first memory was stepping out from the den into the white white field, but that wasn't his most favorite memory. He loved it so much more when the sun melted the snow and all the flowers came out. Perhaps in his naivety he hadn't realized that they would all die again when the snow turned white. Sure there were still some turning to mush in the heart of forests where snow and sun didn't reach, but that made his stores limited. Plus, he didn't quite have the skill set enough yet to know how to properly preserve his stock so it could last through the winter. So, that's what he was doing on his birthday, sorting through the herbs in his store, searching for anything that could still be used and worrying about his quantity and how long this season was. He heard his father's call, but he was so deep in his store he managed to get covered in leaves, and had a hard time extracting himself without accidentally stepping on something he could use. With a shake of his fur he moved on towards his father's call. In his single year of life he had learned so much about the world. He learned the basics and then some when it came to healing, he was nearly fluent in Italian, and he had finally managed to almost appear like he belonged in the body he had. His legs were still long and he was still as scrawny as ever. He didn't trip nearly as much as he used to, but he still couldn't possibly be called the most graceful of the bunch. He still had many of his anxieties, but ever since he had finally and fully settled into his role as healer he had managed to shake them all. It's what kept him so busy. He walked quickly towards the call, seeing so many wolves already assembled in the distance. With a quick intake of breath and a shudder of his heart he bolted, running towards them at full speed so he wouldn't be too late. He beelined for his brothers and, as expected, at the last minute trying to slow he managed to trip so elegantly over his paws. With his full height and weight he landed with a plump beside Shrike. "Sono in ritardo?" He asked with a groan, looking up at his brothers before he managed to pull himself to his paws. Shaking out his long fur he looked sheepishly up at his father, ears pulled back. "Siamo spiacenti , sarò più veloce la prossima volta" He didn't seem to stutter with his Italian, which is why he reverted to it around his father and siblings. Slowly he'd look around to everyone, smiling and dipping his head to Allen before he spotted Rhythm. With a blink over blue eyes he quickly moved to maneuver over towards her, a gentle grin on his lips. "A-aunt Rhythm!" He said happily, moving to touch his nose to her neck if she'd let him. He liked her, especially since it seemed she could connect with his over healing. There was a bright grin on his lips as he looked to his aunt motif before he looked up at his father and mother. "Madre, padre, cos'è tutto questo?" He had missed the explanation... "Burn Baby Burn" "Italian"

Rhythm made her way back to the party behind Bass, her eyes landing swiftly on those that had appeared while they had stepped away. She'd catch Wren's quick dip of her head as Shrike and Lark rushed past her. The boy was going to have to be a bit more vocal with his feelings toward her if he wanted Rhythm to know how he felt about her. She'd not linger on their faces as Starling drew more near to her. The girl's face would light up as he pushed his nose to her neck. Rhythm couldn't help the grin that played on her features as she nuzzled him back softly in greeting. "Hello, Starling." She'd add as he turned back to his parents. Rhythm would find her way to Motif's side, wanting nothing more than to take her place back up beside her sister. Hopefully Shaye would get here soon too, she wanted to know how the girl's studies were going and she knew she would be ecstatic that Rhythm was allowed back into their home. ""

"Speech"

More of Abaven began to pour into the gathering, the sight reminding him of how large the pack had grown since his birth. Only three of the Destruction siblings had arrived, two of whom he personally knew. There was Lark, who he had met a season ago by the rapids and Starling, his very first sparring partner and healer acquaintance. The other two hadn't shown up. It would have to do, after all, he still planned to go along with his surprise. "Happy birthday!" a cheerful shouted barked from his throat as soon as he noticed the three siblings enter the crowd. He contently grinned in satisfaction, not bothering to care if he had attracted too much attention to himself. As he was given eye contact from Lark, he politely dipped his head before shrinking deeper into the crowd in search for Calypsei. They both happened to approach each other at the same time, which brought a glowing smile to his features. The oceanic female was a closer friend, and he felt relieved to have found her. Who else was he to sit and chat with? "Great, thanks," the boy chirped in response to her greeting-like question, giving an excited wag of his tail before seating himself next to her. He listened in to Bass' quick announcement; not only did he announce his children's birthday but he also acknowledged other birthdays including his own and Calypsei's. So, he hadn't been forgotten after all. This celebration was shaping out to be better than expected. Unfortunately, he couldn't think of any games or activities to suggest because of the excitement that had swallowed his mind. He was certain someone else would think of better ideas than his, and so he craned his head and observed the gathered wolves curiously.