When the Hammer Falls

Others filed in with all but one of the King’s children coming to sit up near him. Orca found Lumi, but said nothing, only offered a small smile. Patiently she waited for her father to speak and tell them why they were called to a meeting. When he did begin speaking, her attention turned to him raptly. Those not there would not be part of Winterfell anymore, it made her sad, but then again, she didn’t know all of the members and those that she did know had all shown up. Acere chose to formally introduce his children to the pack, long overdue, but late was better than never. When her name was called, she dipped her head slightly as she glanced across the wolves gathered before turning back to her father, recognizing the grim line as the one he’d used when he’d spoken to her about her mom and brother. Jaws clenched as he told them that she had left to tend to important matters in her homeland with Whittaker. She chose not to say anything though, perhaps he was just trying to give something concrete to the pack, but she knew from their talk that he didn’t know where they were. It was all speculation.

At the mention of being mentored, her torso perked up, eyes scanning the crowd to find Song with a grin. In her mind, she had already found a mentor…whether he agreed or not…well… he didn’t really have a choice now (as far as she was concerned). Again Acere would draw her attention, allowing the restriction to packlands to be lifted, but not too far. His insistence on not going any farther made her huff softly, feeling that that part was meant specifically for her. Had anyone else caused as much trouble as she had in that regard? Did he even know of the other times she hadn’t been caught sneaking out? Well…not caught by him…She did take his word of caution in regards to other prey and predators returning to the area to heart, she’d already stumbled upon snow leopards and a family of fox, but she’d had an adult present both times.

Again mentors and activity was addressed and once more the girls mix matched gaze found Song. He would teach her more, she was sure of it. Acere’s offer to teach was also noted, perhaps she would ask for him to teach her to fight better.

After a pause to let the information settle in, Acere began speaking about the raids she had heard whispers of. Ears perked as she listened intently. When he named the targets the youth growled, ears falling back in a show of disagreement. The youth was about to speak, but Acere seemed to know exactly what she was upset about and spoke about Abaven’s part in the raid. Orca’s jaws snapped shut as she listened with an angry expression. Orca listened, letting him finish his speech, she knew well enough not to interrupt him but she was furious. How could they be expected to fight and harm their friends, even mildly? What did that say about their relationship?

After addressing Kai, her father would open the conversation to questions and concerns and she stood abruptly. “Do our friends know we are coming to fight them?” She asked, angry, but more so concerned for the simple fact that even a mild injury could cause more harm than intended and she could not help but think of Beat and his ‘curse’. How would this affect Beat? “Why does…Valkyrie want us to fight our friends?” She’d ask, knowing her father enough to know that he would not just leave out that they were friends.