Can't Say You Won't {MEETING}

Oblivious as always to the inner strife of his family and fellow pack members, Merlin had spent the majority of his time since the last meeting just goofing off while it seemed like his siblings and family spent theirs struggling with questions of philosophy or depression - though of course he didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. The oppressive heat of the summer had only slowed him a little, just enough for him to spend more time wallowing in the slower parts of their river when the sun was high. Now that autumn was here and with it cooler temperatures Merlin was looking forward to resuming a more normal daytime routine. Gathering together the falling leaves over in Redbud Nook would make a heck of a fun pile to jump into...

But before the young wolf could go galloping off across the border, his father's howl put a halt to it. He whipped his dark head around to listen. Oh, a meeting? His tongue lolled out in a grin before he changed course to gallumph back to the plains. "Hi Dad!" he caroled, skidding to a halt in front of the alpha's usual perch. He was completely unaware of any irritation that might have been leaking through in Bass' expression, in part because he was completely astonished to find that he was actually the first pack member to appear. "Wow! Where is everyone? Am I early?"