We'll Go Up In Flames, And Down In History

"Talk" Walk

His children all settled around him and he glanced down at each one of them, offering a proud smile to each and everyone before turning his attention to the wolves who started to arrive. Yurei was first, and he could see the terror in her eyes and body language despite her refusing to look at him. He pursed his lips together but paid her no mind. He knew why she was afraid. But he was sure that anything he said to try and reassure her would only fall on deaf ears, so he said nothing for the moment. Kirsi was next, and though Ignis wasn't wholly familiar with pregnant wolves, he knew enough to know that she was expecting. Her belly had been growing round and she smelled different than she normally did. A small smile split his lips as he offered her a nod, "Kirsi, good to see you." He said with a hint of amusement. He liked Kirsi. Not romantically, per se, considering those sorts of feelings were all but dead to him these days. But he would never feel opposed to her if the opportunity ever came up. Those thoughts aside, he was content with having her as a friend and ally. And her mate, Song, as well. He did beautiful work and was the best crafter the pack had. No doubt the blacksmith and his wife were eager to meet their children. As was he.

Casso arrived next, taking his place next to Yurei while curiously looking at his offspring. A small smirk played on his lips as these children were no doubt a surprise to the pack and some were likely curious about them. He would, of course, explain them later. But for now, he'd wait until the rest arrived so they could get the meeting underway.  Chrystelle and Song arrived shortly after his brother, and he gave the pair of them a nod. While he didn't know Avalon's children very well, he looked forward to doing that soon. He had the mind to get to know all of his packmates, to gauge where they perhaps wanted to grow into and so they could see the real him and not the part of him that had shown itself the day he took over. That wasn't him...or at least, he tried not to let it be...

A couple more of Avalon's children arrived, along with Tyto, Greed, and his cousin Snow. He offered all of them a nod each before waiting to see if anyone else might show, but it seemed they would not. He expected Tsunami not to show, though his other two cousins he was on the fence with. More than likely, Acere's other children had gone to follow him. Likely slipped out during the night. No matter. He'd probably find them later, but for now, it wasn't important. Without wishing to wait any further, he cleared his throat and began.

"Thank you to those who came. I am aware tensions are still high after my actions, but despite that, I wasn't the first and I won't be the last. Although peace is often the preferred approach, it's not always going to happen. Sorry to say, but I am the alpha now. And until someone decides to challenge for the position or I step down, it will remain that way. So you might as well get used to it." Not the best way to start, but he wanted to get that out of the way. If they didn't want to live under his rule, they were welcome to challenge to leave or even challenge for the title. But until then, life would go on as is. "That being said, we will no longer be living complacent. Simply growing fat and lazy, and in the shadows like my Uncle did. What we will be doing, is growing as a pack, and growing our skills. We will be raiding for what we do not have, and for what we want. I will not be making the same mistake as Acere, no. We will not be giving ourselves into the debt of others, nor helping ungrateful outsiders. What we do, is for ourselves. For our children. For our pack. Trading for goods is something we can do, yes. But if that's all we're doing, what's the fun in that? Incendium will build a reputation, whatever it may be. Though I suppose that reputation depends on what we do. Though hear me now, we will not be living a soft and cozy life. I am not Acere, or Winter. I will not be as complacent as they were, and I will not turn a blind eye to those who do not do their part."

He quieted for a moment to let his words sink in, crimson gaze looking across the group before speaking again. "I am not the tyrannical leader that you think I am, or might be. I merely have rules and a way of life that I expect the pack to live by, much like many other packs in the world. I do not want the pack to simply live in the shadows as nothing, but rather as a force to be reckoned with and to earn a name for itself. I will strive to lead the pack to greatness, protect what and who we are, and wherever we may call home. This I wish to do not just for myself, but for each and every one of you, as well as our children. But we must all be on the same page, and work together to achieve what we want. I will not be doing it alone."

He glanced down at his pups for a moment, "I have five new faces to introduce to everyone today. I know they may be...a surprise to everyone, but they are my own flesh and blood. My sons Ifrit, Vulcan, and Cináed. And my daughters, Cinder, and Celosia." He smiled proudly at them before raising his head and finding Kirsi and Song. "Which by the way, I would like to offer my congratulations to the pair of you. I see you are expecting," He offered the two of them a smile, "Children are the future. They always have been, and they always will be. We must protect and teach them, guide them and urge them into finding their paths and who they are meant to be."

He fell silent for a moment as he thought about how to proceed. He was just now realizing he had never held a formal meeting himself before, but so far...he supposed he wasn't doing too bad. He explained some of the new rules and ranks (refer to those Ranks here & rules here, still a work in progress). He stopped again for a moment, letting the information sink in a bit. Alright, he had said enough for the moment...he was curious to know what they thought if anything. Or if there was anything anyone wanted to say. He still had a few things he wanted to touch on, but he needed a quick break to collect his thoughts first. "I've said quite a bit now, so I'm going to turn the floor over to the pack for the time being. If anyone has anything they'd like to voice, please do so. Even if it's to say that you hate me. There are still some things I want to touch on, but I'm open for questions or concerns, opinions or...whatever, really." He shrugged. He was still getting the hang of this alpha thing, but honestly, he didn't care a whole lot for formalities even now.