Winter is Coming

They followed him. Strangers and those he knew alike. He watched them arrive as he stood there tall and proud, crimson gaze watching each one. "Congratulations on your victory, your grace." The first to arrive and speak was a stranger, a male he had never met before, but he had noticed him at the battlefield. He nodded, and couldn't help the small smile that showed. Your Grace... It had a nice ring to it, he had to admit. Perhaps something he'd have to get used to now. Ignis arrived next along with Actaea, his enthusiastic nephew commenting on what the stranger said and he chuckled. "Perhaps," He winked before his niece and nephew took their own seats. Actaea's expression, he noticed, was unreadable. He figured she was likely trying to process and get used to their new life here, especially among strangers. He hoped that they wouldn't all be strangers for long. He wanted the pack to build and grow together, after all. Gaze rose to find Avalon approaching, a warm smile on her face as she congratulated him as well. He had met her before and had a nice conversation with her, and he knew some other members of her family as well. He had fought beside her blind son against a tiger, and had met her granddaughter as well. "Thank you, Avalon. I hope I don't disappoint." He respected her as an elder, and even more so for her wisdom. He was sure that she had a lot to give to the younger generations.

A familiar scent carried on the northern winds alerted him to the approach of someone he hadn't expected to see here. Gaze quickly turned up to find Tyranis approaching, a young pup in his jaws and his expression grew serious. He had heard someone challenged for his position, but last he had been aware...Tyranis had won. If that were the case, why was he here? He watched as his eldest nephew lied down with the pup, “Acere.” Ears perked forward as he tore his gaze away from the child to look at his nephew instead. “I come here on my knees, asking that me and my family be allowed to stay in your pack.” He stared at Tyranis, his expression unreadable as he stared at him. He wasn't sure what his motives were...or if he even had one. He knew Tyranis' record. The way he thought. Yes, he respected him for successfully defending his pack not once, but twice. He had witnessed his ferocity and tenacity in battle during the fight against Hannibal, and though he didn't get the chance to witness it a second time, he was sure he had done the same then, too. He knew Tyranis might be a valuable asset to the pack, but the conflict he had was...could he trust him? He was thinking long and hard about it. And during that time, several more figures arrived and placed themselves beside Tyranis. His brother, and a woman both carrying two more pups. Not only them, but most of his nephew's other children were with them. He looked them all over, and though he didn't lose the seriousness in his gaze, he quietly sighed and nodded. "You and your family will be allowed to stay." While he wanted to say more to Tyranis on the subject, he would not speak it in front of everyone, no. Those words were better left private. He just hoped he was making the right decision...

Another Male arrived, sitting beside Avalon and judging by scent and sight, it seemed to be another son of hers. Interesting...it seemed that family was close. At least, from what he saw. But he couldn't be sure. It wouldn't take long for Wyvern, a girl he'd met before show up along with another who also seemed to be related. He was pleased to hear that they both wanted to join, along with their father, the blind armored wolf with the Jaguars. Of course, he hadn't missed thr exotically colored blue wolf...a wolf he determined had been in Fyri before this. He nodded to each of them and let a few more minutes pass before Elara showed. He gently wagged his tail at the sight of her, She approached him and congratulated him, unable to help the smile as she drew close. Her personality was contagious, and he looked forward to getting to know her more in the near future, and perhaps they'd even get to fight alongside each other once again. When he was sure nobody else was coming, he cleared his throat and stepped forward.

"I welcome you all to Winterfell. I must admit, I did not expect such a large turnout. I am glad you're all here, and I hope I get the opportunity to work alongside you and learn from you." There were a couple faces he realized, that had not yet shown. Tana for one, but he couldn't wait anymore. "For those who don't know me, my name is Acere Praetor. I was a member of Abaven until recently, before I challenged for alphaship of Fyri. For those of you wondering, I had hoped that Ignatius would show...but unfortunately, he did not." He paused for a moment, his gaze falling for a moment on the blue wolf. His condolences were with the stranger, and he hoped that Ignatius was alright. Wherever he was.

"This is a time for new beginnings. A new life. No matter where you came from, or what brought you here, you're all here for a reason. Whatever the reason may be, I trust it'll be figured out. Winterfell will be a pack for those of strong will. Strong mind. Strong instincts. Loyalty. Ties that bind. The determination to persevere against all adversity. Serving justice where it is due. We claim our home in the North, this forest and the ship belong to us now. Protect your home, and protect each other." His gaze moved over those gathered as he spoke, "Everyone will be given time to adjust and learn the ways of the pack, laws, structure, and so on. We are only as strong as our weakest link. Help one another out. Train hard, work hard, and I promise you, we will thrive and survive." He went on to explain the laws and ranks and everything else he could to the best of his ability. When he was done, he quieted for a few moments to let it all sink in. "Now, before we all get settled and get to finding a place to rest, I'd like to find out where your strengths lie and rank you accordingly. If you don't have a particular area of interest yet, or don't know which rank you'd prefer, that's fine. You can let me know later."

He took a deep breath and gazed proudly upon his new pack. It was his job to lead them now. But he wouldn't just be a king. He'd strive to be a teacher, a warrior, to help them find their potential and get them on the right track if they felt lost. And he hoped they'd do the same for him when he needed it.

OOC// Assume Ace talked about the laws and ranks. They will be up on the pack page very soon. If there's any questions feel free to dm me! Second rounds are required, pups don't have to unless they want to. Please try and have them in by 6/23! Until then, feel free to start posting in pack lands! There's no posting order for this round. Ace's next post will place each member in their respective rank, etc etc.

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