Step Up Or Get Out [Pack Meeting]

The first to arrive was his Uncle Castiel, and that brought a slight smile to the Crimson Archangel’s lips. His uncle had been a bit… well, he wouldn’t say outright absent, but Castiel had been less than bounding with activity. To see him arriving promptly helped to bolster Regulus’ mood a bit, especially when Cas approached to speak to him. He listened, head tipped slightly below his shoulders to bring himself a bit more to his Uncle’s level from his seat up on the boulder.

“Of course. I hope this meeting bolsters the activity. I don’t like it, but I mayhave to bring demotions as well as good news, and we already have particularly bad news… But yes. For the spar, whenever you’re ready, let me know when.” He nodded, straightening as another arrived. His browpoints lifted as he saw it was Acapella.

This prompt arrival, after nearly half a season of mediocre attendance and presence, was surprising, but he listened as she too approached, though his eyes only softened slightly as he answered, in a voice of soft thunder in a summer evening, “You have done far worse than neglect to come to me, after both mother and I stated that it was us the pack needed to come to in order to announce their intentions, Acapella. Not only that, but you have spent nearly half a season doing nothing. I have hardly smelled you in that time. You are verging on being demoted to the Punished, and I do not enjoy having to be the bearer of that news.

“Family you may be, but I cannot lower my standards, and in fact, they are even higher for those in the family. You need to show that you intend to pull your weight in this pack, because the pack is an extended family. An apology is only a word until you show that you can improve.”

He never raised his voice, and in fact kept it at a level at which only she could hear him fully as he lowered his head, not making it a public chastisement, though as yet Castiel was the only other wolf present. He may not have been pleased with her, but he wasn’t going to shame her before the others, for all to hear. He added, as a final note, “You may meet with me afterward, when I’ve finished with Uncle Castiel. But I would like for you to voice your intention to the entire pack as well as to me. Perhaps it will help them be more forward about what they intend to do in the pack. I’m interested to hear what it is.

He straightened, the action a gesture of dismissal, a silent request that she take a seat, just as his littlest brother arrived. Lais was all gangly legs, half way to being a yearling, and clearly, the big paws were a detriment to his stability, the young male tripping, and Regulus hid a wince, eyes innocently shifting away as Lais took a full introduction to the ground with his face, allowing the boy the short lived illusion of having not been seen, ruined by Rasiel as the girl joined the gathering, clearly having seen the spill.

Regulus watched as, in sisterly fashion, she grinned and flopped beside their brother, winking as she turned her eyes to him and lifting a great red paw in a little wave. A small amount of time passed, and then Creed arrived, Faite shortly following. Creed took his place beside Regulus, for possibly the second to last time, and Regulus grinned sidelong at him, nudging his shoulder gently into the older male before he bent to receive Faite’s nosing, suddenly twisting his head to swipe a particularly drooly lick over her face with a grin. “Hello, Faite.”

He could imagine she’d been thinking a lot since they’d spoken, what with his offer for her to take Creed’s place when the old man stepped down to enjoy retired life. It was a big step up from being just a Legionary. He was content with his choice. It felt right, and he felt sure about it. Only her refusal would shift his decision.

Dagger was next to arrive – a surprise, though a welcome one – and Regulus grinned at the male. Dagger was two, now. While his training as an Apprentice had been dismal, simply due to lack of the mentors assigned keeping up their end of the deal, he was still of an age to choose his path. Regulus had little doubt that he’d choose a warrior path. The man was all fighter in build. As Dagger took a seat off to himself, clearly unsure if he wasn’t contagious, despite Kavdaya’s assurances, Regulus smiled at him, nodding in thanks for his attendance.

The smile widened as Luck arrived, and he gave the tiny Destruction a welcoming grin as she nervously took a seat. Speaking of Destructions, where was Varda? And where was Solveiga? A twinge of worry niggled at his mind as he looked for the tiny cream and beige healer. No, she hadn’t slipped in under his nose… Where was Baine? And Zuriel? A snowy figure arrived, Kavdaya making her way to the meeting, and it didn’t look like the news was good. His heart dropped in his chest as she gave him a minute shake of her head before taking a seat beside Creed. As if that wasn’t enough, her murmur to Creed confirmed the gesture. No improvement in Surreal’s health.

He waited for what felt like an eternity, and as the tenth minute passed, and no others arrived, he sighed. Varda, Crucible Baine, and Zuriel, and Solveiga. All absent… but then, he spotted Solveiga’s miniature frame making her way to the meeting. A sigh of relief brushed from his jaws as at least one knot of worry eased. Although, oh dear. She was moving like her feet hurt, and he thought she was going to whimper when she sat down. Nevertheless, he gave her a grin of thanks before his eyes scanned the distance for any other last second comers… But none came.

Surely the others would make it in time to catch his announcements… right? There’d be penalties, though nothing severe for those who had been active prior, if they were that late, but it would be better than not arriving at all. Nevertheless, he raised his chin and addressed the pack, letting his deep voice carry.

“Thank you for attending, those of you who have made it. Your attendance is muchly appreciated. That being said, first, I must express my deepest displeasure at the continued lack of activity in the pack. You all should know better.” Here, a sharp look was thrown to each individual, even those who had been more active than most, because even then, that activity had been sparse enough to have the lands feeling quiet.

He went on, deep baritone thundering, though he barely raised his voice above a speechmaker’s tone, “Spars have not been called, hunts have not been made, and the only good I can say for our activity troubles, is that Kavdaya’s open healing lesson was, at least, moderately well attended; thank you to those who came. There are those who have not been present at all. I regret to say that those are Varda Destruction, and Crucible Ancora,” here he cast an apologetic glance to Creed before he continued.

“And that demotions will be as follows. Crucible will be demoted to the rank of Punished. Varda will be demoted from the role of Master Hunter, and will be a Hunter until she can re-earn the rank she was given last meeting. Let this be a warning. If Crucible and Varda do not work hard to redeem themselves, Crucible will be banished, and Varda will be demoted to Punished. We cannot have wolves who will not work to keep the pack healthy, active, and fed. Understand that I do not make these changes in rank lightly, nor do I take pleasure in them.

“That said, Baine will also be demoted if she misses another meeting, or doesn’t step up to involve herself more… or both. The inactivity in this pack has gone on far too long. And my leniency is at an end.” His fathomless gaze bore into each and every wolf present, save for Luck, who had only just become a part of the pack. He just wished she didn’t have to have this be her first meeting.

He gazed over the wolves, then continued his speech. “I would like to say that this is the end of the bad news I have to announce, but, I’m afraid there is more. We have illness in the pack. My mother, Surreal, is the worst, and… It may be that she won’t improve. One of our Progeny, Kieryn, is also ill; however, she is not as seriously ill as our mother, and should improve in time. Dagger has also been ill, but, as you see, he is up and about, and ready to contribute soon, I hope.” A fleeting smile was thrown to the young male as he went on.

“And now, while it isn’t dire news, it is still sad, but one of our first healers, my littermate Zuriel, is leaving Celestial to explore the world and expand her knowledge. Let us all wish her well on her endeavor, though she isn’t present. And should you see her on her travels, she is to be treated as family and a friend.” He cast a quick, searching look, hoping to see the rest of his adult sisters, but still, neither arrived.

Finally, finally he straightened his posture and cast a warm grin to Solveiga and Luck as he announced, “As one leaves us, two more have joined Celestial. I would like to introduce you to Solveiga Derus, who joined late last Winter, and is a healer. She’s been living with us in the communal den, for those who do not know, or have not met her yet. I would also like to introduce you to Luck Destruction. She joined just a few hours ago, and will also be tested with the hope of being a healer. Welcome, officially, both of you.” He gestured gently to each in turn as he introduced them, then turned to the next announcement.

“This season also brings the celebration of Dagger’s second year, and Acapella’s third. As such, Dagger, you are expected to choose a path to follow within the pack; if you already know what you wish to pursue, you are welcome to announce it here. Whichever you choose, training will begin – and it had better be adhered to and dedicatedly trained for- for that path, as well as the usual lessons for the other skills.” He winked at Dagger, then turned his attention to his youngest present siblings.

“As you know, last meeting, mother was pregnant with a litter. These two scamps are part of the three survivors. It is time – past time – to assign them mentors for early basic training in the three main skills they will require. Castiel, you will handle Kieryn’s training in fighting, even though you haven’t officially become a Legionary. I will be handling Rasiel’s fight training personally. Kavdaya will handle training in healing for all three until the rest of the healers have progressed in knowledge – or I learn enough about how much knowledge they have – enough to teach as well. Faite, I would like you to handle Laisren’s training in fighting.” He paused, gazing around at the gathered wolves.

This was the hard part. There were no hunters. And Varda was noticeably not here. Finally, he lifted his chin slightly, finishing with “Due to our lack of trained hunters, I suggest the entire pack pitches in to teach the children what they know, and I expect it of you all to do so. They are our future, and they need to know all they can to survive. Laisren, Rasiel, I expect it of you to keep up with every lesson, and practice; it’ll only get tougher when you’re Apprentices. Make mother proud. I’ll pass it on to Kieryn.” Especially since I don’t know if Mother will make it to see you three turn one…

He didn’t voice that painful thought aloud, and forced it aside as he addressed the pack again. “I have yet more good news to share. Abaven is to be an ally. I traveled to the east to meet with Bass Destruction, and he agreed that Celestial and Abaven will continue to be allies. This means any Abaven wolf you meet is to be treated with the same respect you would give one of your own packmates.

“As well, I have a bit of important news to share regarding our leadership. I have chosen a new Right Wing to take Creed’s place when he retires. Faite, come up, if you please.” He grinned at his sister, nodding to the bare spot on his other side, continuing whether she too the place or not.

“I have chosen her, because she is the same age, dedicated to Celestial, and trustworthy. She has tried her best to put her best paw forward for the benefit of the pack, and I could not imagine a better wolf for the job. Come Summer, She will take Creed’s place as our new Right Wing.” He winked at Faite, then shifted his attention back to the pack.

“I have added two new laws, and reworded a few of the old ones. The new laws are as follows: “Defend Yourself; Learn to Tend Your Own Hurts.” Healers are expected to learn at least the basics of fighting, and train regularly. Remember, it may not just be you that you're defending, but an injured patient, or a helpless pup. On the other side of the stone, all members of the pack are expected to learn basic healing, in the event of an emergency when beyond pack borders and beyond reach of help.

“The next, is: Legionaries - and other members - who go to the Battlefield to spar are expected to bring a fellow pack member along to Witness the fight. This is to keep a record of fights won and lost, and if you are seeking to rise in the ranks of the fighters, this is important.’ Not only that, but it is a good idea to have someone along to back you up in case of someone unfriendly trying to pick more than a friendly spar.”

He gave the pack a long, hard look, before he grinned. “I have also added – at last – a few new customs. First, and coming up soon, hopefully, is the Summer Solstice Festival; Each year, at the Summer Solstice, Celestial will hold a Festival, open to Allies and Loners alike, to share in the celebration of life and the longest day of the year, with a hunt, spars, games, healer’s meetings, and gatherings for young pups to get to know one another and make friends.

“Second, Mating Ceremonies; When love blossoms, those wishing to become mates have the option to be married, or ‘Bonded’ by the Archangel at a wedding. All that are invited may bring gifts, whether it be a pretty rock, or a juicy duck, but are expected to attend the happy occasion to give their congratulations to the happy couple; and as a gift from the Archangel, the newly mated pair may leave for a week on a honeymoon for quality time with just the two of them before returning to the daily life in Celestial.

His voice grew less jovial as he reached the third, because he worried, that they may be taking part in this custom sooner than he could ever have expected. “And finally, burials; Deaths in the pack will be given a proper send-off, whether it be a burial, or some other means of seeing the deceased into the afterlife, but the pack is expected to attend the funeral to pay their respects to the fallen wolf.” He waited a moment for everyone to absorb these bits of news, before moving on, his voice rolling thunder over their ears as he leaned forward, fathomless sapphire gaze intent.

“Now. All of you. I expect to hear calls for sparring, and I expect to hear from your Witnesses. If I do not hear either within the next week, I am going to be giving out demotions, and if the inactivity continues, there will be wolves being banished. My leniency is over. Those who wish to hold fighting lessons for the pack, please step it up and do so. I will be calling a pack hunt myself soon. I expect you all to involve yourself in some way, or have your own hunts. The same goes for healing lessons. If Kavdaya calls one, I expect attendance. Step Up, or Get Out. Unit members, you will make yourselves useful wherever possible; or work toward a promotion to a higher rank. Progeny, you are of an age where play will soon be left behind for tougher training; attend to your studies and lessons with aplomb.”

He leveled them all with a long, hard stare before he cast his thoughts about, trying to recall if there were any more tidbits of news he could share, then straightened. “Now, would any of you like to make announcements, if so, please do so.” He sat back, tail flicking to curl about his hips as he looked around, ears perked to catch any voices that might call out.