Set Apart this Dream

Walk | Talk | Think

Others arrived after she did, each acknowledged with a polite smile by the slim grey hunter. It felt good to arrive on time for once, to not be one of the last stragglers to enter onto the scene and barely find a seat amongst those gathered before the one who had called the meeting could get things underway. Still impressed with her own recovery and her legs progress, Ashtoreth shifted where she sat, moving her leg in minute ways that she hoped was not completely noticeable. It was just a small test, to reassure herself that her leg had indeed mostly healed and that she now had more mobility than she had prior. It was near impossible to keep the smile off of her face as she waited on the last of those to show up before Chrysanthe would speak, and it still remained even as the newly instated Alpha began to conduct the meeting in full.

It didn't surprise her when the clay-faced Alpha addressed the circumstances that had shaped the last meeting they had had. Of them all, she had thought Chrysanthe to have been one who had been most shaken up by the events though she had done a marvelous job in keeping her cool even when things were crumbling around them. Ash admired her ability to recover from it and bring them all together again now, refusing to let those past events influence where she saw their future headed. It was encouraging, as was the news that Cairo was being carefully watched. She had been worried about his health after his collapse, had not quite gotten to remain long enough to see him come back around, but any news was good news at this point so long as it leaned toward the fact the elder wolf still lived. That was really all that was important at this time.

As mentioned during their last meeting, Epiphron was be betrothed to the Seracian Prince in Chrysanthe's place, a fact both girls seemed quite happy about though Ashtoreth could only equate the fact to Epiphron looking out for the happiness of her sibling and understanding when her skills were outdone by someone else. Whatever the case, she was happy for them and was grateful for the alliance as well. Getting in good with their neighbors was never a bad thing, and with a mix of children from both packs - down the road, she assumed, when Epiphron and her future husband decided that it was time for them to begin their family - would only further those ties and ensure that, at least on that front, relationships between the packs would stay friendly. One less thing to worry about was a good thing.

The topic changed to that of ranks, and quietly Ashtoreth listened. Content with her lot, she glanced about at those who Chrysanthe addressed first; Aislyn, Thane, Erani. Erani! The news that the once Lead Healer was going to receive her position again was great news as far as the odd-eyed wolf was concerned. The healer had proven her worth so many times over, hadn't even shirked her pack when she had been demoted from her well earned position, and even now had been one of the first to arrive to show that her dedication remained strong to these wolves who were her family.

Unexpectedly, however, her own name was mentioned, and as her attention returned fully to her Alpha she realized that she had also been granted a promotion as well. I'm...I'm Lead Hunter? It had never been a position that she would have actively sought; she had always been content to follow those guidelines set by others and let them worry about figuring out all the details. And now it would be her turn. Easily she had mixed feelings on the subject, nervous about holding such a title and not proving herself inadequate for it. But under it all she was flattered. "Thank you," she spoke to Chrysanthe with a respectful nod, though by her tone and expression it was easy to tell she was still surprised by the news.

Healers, warriors, and a young heir were next assigned, and the suddenly surprised wolf was only half attentive to everything that followed. Lead Hunter! She never would have thought! It should have dawned on her that something was coming when Thane had been given his promotion, but somehow it had slipped her mind. But the news that she would now be leading her own section of the pack in Thane's place brought to light a new worry: she needed wolves to lead. So far their hunters were numbered to herself alone, no new ones assigned. As the ground was left open for those who lacked a specific rank to come forward and choose theirs, Ashtoreth glanced around expectantly, hopeful that another wolf or two might choose to follow her path and assist as a hunter.