Feel the Thunder [Urgent meeting]

He gazed at the group, half hoping that those who were missing would show up. "There are a few pack members not present...if you see them, let me know right away. I don't know if they were close to the mountain or not, and I'd like to know if they are safe. On that note, anyone leaving pack lands must go in pairs if possible, but if you can't, then inform me or someone else where you will be going and for how long so that we know when to expect you back. And... pups are not to leave pack lands unaccompanied. If a pup is caught outside the borders without an adult present, then there will be a lockdown on all pups during this time. These are only temporary safety measures and will only be in place until it's safe." He didn't care whether they thought it was a stupid rule. He wanted to make sure the pack he was meant to protect would be safe. He took a deep breath as he thought about how to bring up the possible raids. By default, the members knew about that detail already. Raiding was to be part of Winterfell's culture and it was mentioned in the rules and whatnot upon joining. They didn't need to know that the raids would be in Hjarrandi's name until mid-spring, nor about the trade agreement between him and the band. It didn't affect them much. He and the others he called together about it were already adding back to their stocks, and he was sure the other members were adding to it anyway.

Perhaps it was just bad luck that the mountain happened to erupt at the same time they'd be raiding, whenever Hjarrandi called for it...but Winter was generally going to be the main time they would raid anyway, considering they lived in the North and there were likely resources the other packs had that they'd need to survive. Winterfell was his priority first and foremost, as it should be with the rest of the members. If he felt bad about every little thing that was done, he would be a ghost of who he was. Well, he might as well get out with it. "This...may be coming at a bad time, but we need to discuss raiding. As you all learned upon joining, raiding would be part of the pack's culture. I know we have friends and possibly family in other packs, but we won't be going in hostile as if they are enemies. All fights on our end will strictly be dominance unless of course, the opposing party decides to try to take an ear or the like, then retaliation, in the same manner, is your call." He paused for a moment, gauging reactions after he said that. He figured some might disagree. Some might be for it. Whatever the case, it was common knowledge that raids were far more common than they thought. They were different than sieges. If they beat the opposing side then they got the resources they needed. If they didn't, there was no loss to either party. "We can use these opportunities to prove the strength of the Northern wolves. For the younger ones to use as experience and determine if they're ready for the future, and...to test ourselves. To use them as opportunities for higher ambitions both within or outside of the pack. We are a family, after all. No one wolf is alone here, and if anyone feels that way...don't hesitate to approach me or anyone else. I want to see you all rise in rank. In life. In your future."

Crimson gaze found Kai then. He wasn't sure whether or not to include him in it. He had bought the males freedom, in a way. The only one he had been able to free from that damned market. He would be staying with them for a while. Until he felt the debt was paid. Sure, Kai hadn't asked to be freed...but he did it more for his nephew than for Kai. He just hoped the tusked male wouldn't cause trouble while here and respect the pack. Turning his attention away, he added "We will not be moving territories at this time. The Eastern mountain is far enough away that we won't have to move. We may get some tremors and ash and I'm not sure what else...but if things get worse then we will move." He cleared his throat then. "If anyone has anything to say, feel free to speak."