die and rise again and again [ASHEN MEETING]

The wolves who remained in the pack began to filter in, her husband swiftly finding his way to her side. They waited the smaller number of wolves to gather and show themselves. Venom wasn’t disappointed, she gave Plague a small nod. She knew she had Malachai’s attention along with his sister Panic’s. Her children filed in as gracefully as was normal for each individual. Ikigai having a special presence that was unmistakable. Venom offered a nod of greeting to Stjarna and Kiyo as Lament made the last of the wolves to arrive.

"Welcome, family and friends. Thank you all for coming today.” She knew the full ack gathered before her now. A much less impressive group than their last gathering. "As you’ve noticed, our numbers are not as strong as they once were, but I believe that Ashen will be better for that fact. Dead weight has been lifted, and Ashen now has a strong ally with Fenmyre in Auster.” She announced easily enough, not feeling she needed to expand on what deadweight had been lost.

"Unfortunately that has left our ranks wide open.” Venom’s sunset gaze shifted to the youth of the pack. The royal children were more than ready to begin apprenticeships and the older apprentices were more than ready to take their true rank. "Malachai and Panic, you may step forward and take your well deserved place as Ashigaru, or you may challenge for a Samurai by sparring with Lament, Plague, Hattori, or I. Should you prove victorious.” She added with a smirk, "You may skip your soldier rank altogether.” Venom’s attention shifted to her own brood and the eager excited faces that looked up at their parents.

"I will offer the same to the princes and princesses. If you wish to challenge for a Samurai or Chunin position you may challenge for that rank.” She was not quite as confident in the younger pups in making it to the lofty rank she wished to see them try. Venom also knew a fighting rank was not in the cards for all of her children. "If that is not the path you wish, you may step into an apprentice rank, or make your case for something more lofty.” She added with a grin, her gaze catching Ikigai.

"Stjarna,” she began again, rounding out the ranking portion of her meeting. "If you’ll accept I would like to see you in the lead hunting position, our Renja.” She had seen the wolf’s efforts in the pack and sought to reward those actions.

"And to wrap up what I have to say today, begin thinking about potential recruitment. With our shrunken numbers we need to think about welcoming a few new faces. If you meet a talented loner I encourage you to bring them to the border for vetting.” She wasn’t prepared to just allow every random wolf into the pack, but they could do with a couple more skilled members.

"If Hattori, or anyone, has something to add speak now.” Questions, comments or concerns could be introduced now. "As well I’d like to know who will be challenging for their rank.” After everyone said their peace the pack would be dismissed.

"Hattori & Venom"