It ain't the speakers that bump hearts it's our hearts that make the beat

Bellamy · 04-02-2023, 02:33 PM

Ooc: First and foremost, everyone, apologies! I had hoped to give everyone plenty of time to respond to the meeting and then promptly respond with Bellamy… but it seems life had other plans. On an Ooc level, thank you to everyone who has attended! We had two exemptions with Corbin and Tanelan so everyone who was supposed to be here made it! Thank you! Without further ado, lets getting the fun underway, shall we?

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Even as small as Ethne was as a pack, Bellamy saw the promise for the pack’s future. She would not let their ember die out before it had the chance to become a roaring flame. As members began to arrive, Bellamy would first tip her head to Dagrún. She had been a little saddened at Dag turning her offer down when they met alone yet, at the same time, she was glad that woman felt comfortable enough to be honest with her and the path she wanted in life. It was something that Bells could wholeheartedly appreciated, and while she might not have known the viking as she had some of her more direct family, her respect for the woman had grown that day. She was someone the Leader wanted to get to know better… it seemed that their were more similarities lurking within the members of her pack than she realized. She offered Dag a small smile and let her gaze shift to the next to arrive: Dorian.

Divinities above her children were growing so fast now! Yearlings… She wasn’t ready… it felt like yesterday they were only just starting to leave the den. Bellamy would return her son’s affections, nosing his cheek in response to the kiss. All of them were growing into fine youngsters. Growing up faster than she would have liked. Dorian and Hay, after that tiger attack, had seen a side of her that she hoped none of her children would see. To her relief they did not seem to fear her for it. Bellamy might not have been the greatest role model as a parent, but to be hated by the children she loved with all her heart would crush her in a way no wound ever would. Her son took his place and, heartbeats later, there was her little Hay.

Despite the events you would have never known Haydée had ever been through such a terrifying experience. Bellamy’s gaze softened as she looked on her daughter, without hesitation returning the hug her daughter hoped to steal before the meeting started. Bellamy would never deny any of her children affection, in front of the pack or not. She sincerely doubted any member would have qualms with it, and if they did? Too bad! Bells didn’t care how old her children got. They were her babies, her precious little gems, and more valuable to her than anything else in this world. Her family, her pack, was everything Bellamy could have ever wanted. It was hard, being an alpha, sure, but if it meant securing those she cared for a place where they should be able to be safe? Happy? It was worth every struggle. Bellamy wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The next to arrive was Fenix, Ethne’s Deputy. She had known of the man’s ambitions and yet, so focused on trying to shoulder everything on her own, had yet to make good on her word to help give him insight and experience to what he might need should he decide to continue with his endeavors of becoming an alpha one day. Bellamy dipped her head in greeting to him. Once she had her few days of rest after this, it was going to be time to hit new expectations for the pack hard and heavy. Ethne had been… stagnant. Here, but not progressing. She would need all of them to help change that. They could do it, if they worked together.

The next pair to arrive together were Nessie and Saga. Her tiny daughter and adopted cub had been spending time together, but for the most part Lyonesse had been more interested in exploring the territories they had. Which, after what happened to Hay, worried Bellamy greatly. Seeing both of the girls arrive safely was reassuring though. Saga was shooting up like a weed. The cub was a healthy size of some wolves she’d seen in Boreas and Auster… and she was only going to get bigger. Bellamy’s eyes looked over them proudly. She loved all of them as her own. Saga, despite being another species, was as much her baby as the rest of the pups, and Bellamy would fight for her with the same motherly instinct. The kids seemed to already be trying to make plans to play and Bellamy’s expression softened again. Yes, give them a bit more time to play. Before long, the time for such pleasantries would become harder to find. It was best to let them enjoy being children while she could.

Rivaxsaurus was the next to come in and, though Bellamy hadn’t exactly announced it to her other kids, she had brought up her feelings of attachment to Gavroche. The boy had been adopted into the family just as Saga had, and the woman offered him a warm smile too, giving an encouraging gesture with her muzzle for him to draw closer to the other kids. Bonds were what would make Ethne strong. Not just bonds of blood, but any and all bonds that brought them together as friends, family, and packmates. She would be a bit surprised to see Bae-Syl arrive, and before Lucy, too. The woman arched a brow but gave a nod of welcome to the rainbow-marked male. She was sure her daughter would be along any moment. Bae-Syl was built more like she was, after all, whereas Luce was more like her own mate, Gavroche… and if she’d learned anything about that sort of size difference, well, it could be easy to accidentally leave their smaller counterpart lagging behind.

Speaking of… Bellamy turned her head to see Gavroche settling near her. What’s this? No affection? The Leader grinned, scooting over to her tiny mate and scooping him over to her. Oops. Gavroche gave a small squeak of surprise, looking up at her as the Leader gave a wag of her tail. “That’s better.” The woman rumbled. She had one foreleg still wrapped around him, her mate’s head pressed against her sitting form. He sighed happily, but there was no protest. Good, there was no reason they should have to delay the meeting. Ahh, and as she looked up she saw her pixie of a daughter coming to sit by Bae-Syl. Good, good. That was just about everyone. Corbin wouldn’t be attending, and she didn’t expect Tanelan or Beauregard to show since they would likely still be settling in… but… hmm, where was Alexander? Bellamy looked around with a small frown. Surely her son wouldn’t put off a meeting…? She was sure she had raised him to respond to such things… right?

She waited a moment and, to her surprise, saw Beau coming to join them. What a pleasant surprise! She shifted, preparing to begin once he took his seat, but… ahh there was Alex! Her son came running into the area like there had been a fire under his tail. Bellamy couldn’t help but give a small snort. Silly kids… she hoped they would never change and lose that youthful innocence. But, with his arrival, there was no reason to delay any longer. Bellamy looked out over the gathered creatures of Ethne and drew a breath.

“Members of Ethne, welcome to our first official meeting as a pack. This meeting is long overdue, and I apologize, as there is much to discuss… but I hope that you will all be as excited about up and coming things as I am. As a pack, we have settled, getting comfortable, but now it is time to grow, and flourish; Together.” There was a fair bit of ground to cover, so first and foremost, did her members know of each other? Their ranks? That seemed like a good place to start… and that could lead into expected duties as well as mentor and apprentice pairings. She would nod to each member as she spoke of them.

“First and foremost, I would like to go around announcing our members. Dagrún Finnvi, was the first to meet with me as I lay hold to Ethne as a pack. She is a combatant of Ethne. This small bundle of feathers at my paws is my mate and our Advisor, Gavroche Kedieo.” Bellamy’s grin widened. “That monochrome gentleman touched with tan is Fenix Isokan, Ethne’s Deputy. He has joined the pack with his own ambitions, and should he still choose to branch out one day from us, it is with the hope of preparing future allies for our pack and his. And, should he choose to stay, I’d like to see his leadership skills and knowledge passed on to our youth.” A fair enough statement, right? Her gaze flicked to Bae-Syl.

“The rainbow-marked young man there is Bae-Syl Agatsuma, another combatant of Ethne. He is handling some personal things and may not approach many of you at this time but he is a member of our pack as well, to be treated with respect. It may be best to leave him primarily to Lucette and my company for now. He will primarily be found within the territory of Cattail Creek and has taken up patrolling the territory to ensure our borders do not get breached.” Without wanting to alarm her members, she laid out what was to be expected with Bae-Syl. In doing so, she hoped that there would be no accidents between her members. It wasn’t like he chose to have these things happen… and Bellamy was grateful for his aid.

“On that note, Lucette Kedieo, my eldest daughter, has come far enough in her training for a rank promotion of her own. We welcome her as the first Shaman of Ethne.” The woman was proud of her daughter. Lucy had come a long way. “We also welcomed two other members into Ethne. Tanelan and Beauregard Ravenwood. The latter of the two is the ashen cream lad over here, and Tanelan can be identified by his purple fur. Both are combatants of Ethne.” Bellamy drew in a breath.

“Although, Tanelan is different. Unique. Something that our pack prides ourselves in celebrating.” The woman’s eyes lit up. “Within Tanelan there is not the spirit of one wolf, but four. All of them share the same body. They are not dangerous, and each an individual. I hope you can welcome them as one of us. I have only met Benson, but Henry and Mika are here as well. I believe it is okay to ask which you are speaking with, at least until you become familiar with identifying their different personalities.” Bellamy gave a small nod. That covered their older members. Now…

“We have younger members too, all of which are old enough to become Fledglings. First, I’d like to welcome young Rivaxsaurus Walker. After unfortunate circumstance with his own family, and separation from his siblings, I brought him here to Ethne. After some further talk with Gav, we have decided to officially adopt him as one of our own. Never to replace any of our other children, but to continue to expand our family. I would like to ask if any adults of the pack come across children around his age with odd tails – those of other animals – to see if they are Walkers. Ideally, I would like to reunite them. Reaching the rank of Fledgling, it is time to assign a mentor to be the primary one responsible for Riv’s training. Beauregard, I will ask that that wolf be you.” One down. Her gaze flicked to Saga.

“Next up is my dearest Saga. I met Saga in the North, and while Auster is not the most ideal as far as conditions for her, I believe she is doing very well adjusting. She is older than the remaining kids and I hope she can be a good role model and big sister for them. Fenix, it will be your duty to pass on your knowledge and skill to Saga so that she can achieve this.” Her cub might not have been destined to become heir, but Bellamy felt she was capable of great things. All of her children had that potential, if it could be nurtured and nosed in the right direction.

“My son Corbin, the only of my children who was not able to join us, is best identified by his dark coat and orange ember-like markings. He has a sheep companion, Rocky, who is not prey of Ethne, but an ally. Under the suggestion of his father, Cor is back at the den and resting. Lucette, I believe you are more than capable of helping guide your brother as a mentor. I will leave his main training to you.

Alexander, my sweet Alex, has already shown promise as a hunter. I need someone with a lot of energy for such a spirited boy, and so, after consideration I have decided that your mentor will be Tanelan and those who are with him. Heed their wisdom and the different lessons they’ve to offer, my son.” Goodness, they really did have quite the number of pups. There were still more to go through! Her gaze flicked to Nessie next.

“My little Lyonesse is next. One of my smallest children, but with a heart and ferocity to rival those far, far large than herself. Your distance has been noticed, my sweet child, but is not to be punished. I feel a mentor that can guide you in discipline and your inner strength would be most ideal. That is why I would like to ask that Dagrún take charge of that training. I know she will set you on the right path and build you into a better version of yourself. Speaking of a better you...” Bellamy grinned.

“My son Dorian is a bit of a unique one compared to the rest of his siblings. He has dipped a paw into both my world and that of his father, interested in both healing and fighting alike. I would like to encourage his training as a healer and, as such, his primary mentor will be Gavroche. To gain experience in fighting, however, I encourage him to join the lessons taught by any of our combatants and myself.” Bellamy’s gaze flicked to Hay. Her daughter didn’t know what was coming. None of them did. Not even Gavroche.

“As some of you know, a tiger crossed Ethne’s borders not that long ago. It attempted to take off with one of our own, my daughter, Haydée. While the beast was felled, and Hay rescued, it… really opened up my eyes to some problems that were going on within how the pack was being run. An alpha should always be the face of a pack, the most active of its members, but… an an alpha should also know when to ask their members for help, and be okay with delegating tasks. That’s why these ranks exist after all… As such, before I continue with promotions and mentors, I have some additional announcements.

First… I will be taking a few days for myself effective immediately after this meeting. I’m sure you can all clearly see my condition. I have been trying to shoulder as much as I could regarding the duties of the pack and running myself ragged. To prevent further issues, I will take this time to recover and regain my strength. As I mentioned previously, Cattail Creek is being patrolled and guarded by Bae-Syl. All combatants should be taking time to patrol our lands. You are welcome to discuss among yourselves preferred shifts, but in doing this, we will keep Ethne’s borders safer, and prevent incidents where predators get deep in our territory. If you find yourself face to face with a large predator, I strongly encourage you calling for back up. We have strong members here, but together, we are stronger. Do well to remember that. Fenix, as our Deputy, you will share those duties too. I know you also dabble in healing, so I strongly encourage you to meet with Gavroche and Lucette to discuss the state of our herb stores and figure out herb gathering patrols. We should be ready for the worst, and hope for the best.” Bellamy drew a breath.

“Ethne has no Woodsmen, Fanciers, nor Tradesmen at this time. It will fall on all of the adults to help each other hunt, and pass that knowledge on to the younger ones as well. We will help each other. Gathering crafting materials for Ethne’s use and for trade will also be encouraged, when you have time or wish to change up your normal routines. Unless a member volunteers to visit another pack for the moment pack relations will be on my shoulders alone.” Bellamy flicked her gaze back to Hay, and her grin widened.

“But you know… I didn’t mention one of our new Fledglings, earlier. That is for a very special reason. She is not to be a Fledgling… I have decided that my daughter, Haydée Kedieo is to be the heir of Ethne, and as a result will be trained by myself as my chosen successor. Hay is a survivor, supportive, trustworthy, and level headed. I speak with confidence in my choice that she will become a great leader for Ethne.” The woman’s tail wagged behind her. “Gavroche and I are getting older, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to step down just yet. I intend to step down between ages nine and ten, to enjoy the last of my years with Gavroche and offer advice to my children as they continued to grow, and take on the pack. Hope you all won’t get too sick of my old mug.” The woman chuckled. That was one type of announcement handled.

“Next, I wish to touch base on current pack relations. There are a great many packs in Boreas and Auster, and knowing who it is safe to talk to and who to be wary around is crucial to your safety. First and foremost, are the packs Ethne has no official standing with. Ashen, a pack of the Empire, is one of them. While I’ve yet to meet with their alpha, it is fair to say we as a pack will have no intentions of making an enemy of them. At best, we would hope for a friendly stance between our packs and another possibility for trade. Valta, another pack lead by Kotori Fatalis, is a branch of the packs in the Empire. I met with him briefly during my endeavors to found Ethne. Valta is to be viewed as Ashen, just with a bit more knowledge in the regard I know the alpha. There is also a new pack that rose in place of Celeste’s pack in the desert. I was there at the challenge, and know of the victor, but do not know where she’ll stand when it comes to Ethne. When stances with these packs change, I will pass word around.” Two down.

“Next up is our relationship with the Armada. I would not call us friendly, but nor does either pack intend to make enemies of the other. We are not to be a burden to them, not that has ever been the intention of Ethne. We are self succinct, and what we lack we will trade for. On that note, however, the Armada has expressed interest in trading with us, and, with any luck, this can improve our relations slightly. That said, there is a pack I am uncertain of our relations on, and due to events I would like to urge our members to avoid confrontation. I don’t know the name of the pack, one in Western Boreas with a wall… I had initially intended to challenge its alpha during my endeavors to rise Ethne. I’m sure the alpha and his members remember and won’t take kindly. We do not desire to cause further conflict with them. Avoidance is encouraged.” The woman spoke of Valhalla.

“...Unfortunately, there are other packs that we are to consider enemies and dangerous. Insomnia, lead by a woman named Medusa, is one of them. While I sympathize with her in the sense of her being a former slave, and seeking retribution for time spent as such, I do not agree with her actions of enslaving the vast majority of the pack she was taken by. I sincerely doubt all of those wolves had anything to do with her imprisonment. The wolves of Insomnia are to be regarded with caution and assumed dangerous. Do not engage them unless they come at you first. And if Medusa shows at our borders, you are to call for me immediately and are not to allow her to leave.” The woman spoke firmly.

“The Pirates are also our enemies. Ignis Praetor took my daughter, Saga, and lead her away from Gavroche and the other pups when they were too young to have him step away from them while I was initiating the pack challenge. While Saga was not harmed, I have personal dealings with Ignis both in his time of Ethne and have heard tale of what he did to a dear friend, a merciful alpha by the name of Acere who once ruled Winterfell. Acere showed me compassion many would not have, and Ignis betraying him, his own flesh and blood, did not and still does not sit right with me. As much as I wish I could honor Acere and try to help Ignis… I believe he is beyond redemption. Those he runs with, according to other alphas I have spoken with, are not much better. They raid other packs, even those that are deemed peaceful, and are known troublemakers. I do not expect Ethne to escape their eyes. They are our enemies. When they come knocking, it will not be for a visit of peace. I want all of you to be ready and understand that danger.” Her heart gave a pang. She just prayed Saga would understand… what she saw, and what the pirates did, what they were capable of, were different things…

“But, on that note, we do have some friendly relations between packs as well and the three of them are potential trading partners. Avalon, Elysium, and a pack close enough to be our neighbors, The Hallows.” Some good news! “They are packs that I encourage you to mingle with should you meet their members. Furthermore, both Elysium and the Hallows have expressed interest in gathering our children together for training and meetings in the near future. We can also expect a visit from Artorias and his daughter to our lands as well. They are to be welcomed. Of all the alphas I have spoken with, I feel the most kinship and likeness to Artorias and his views and hopes of the Hallows. Goodness forbid, but if there is ever a time Ethne falls to ruin, I urge you all to seek the castle and the Hallows as safety. If you can make it to Boreas, seek out Corbie in Avalon. They are good wolves and would treat you well.” Okay, that was pack relations down. Bellamy drew a breath. This was getting… long.

“Alright… so we have what we’d expect of our ranks, mentors and apprentices, pack relations… so, where does Ethne go from here, right? Well, as I mentioned before, I’d like us to be self sufficient. So… I plan to take a page out of Avalon’s book and set up a farm of sorts. Whereas Avalon seems to specialize in sheep, and the Hallows in alpaca, I’d like us to focus on flightless fowl and, if we can find a way to prevent others from flying away without bringing them too much pain, other birds as well. Lucette has told me about chickens roaming southern Boreas, and I’ve seen wild turkey near Ethne lands… we’ll need to focus on enclosures and shelters for them first, but I think it can be manageable. We’d definitely have more than enough feathers for crafting and eggs at that point. With any luck we might even be able to figure out wrangling dik-dik as well for an additional supply of meat and hide. I intend to visit Corbie again soon and seek advice on how to go about this. I’d also like to attempt negotiations for another sheep or two, as companions for Rocky. Sheep are herd animals, after all, and I’m sure Corbin’s sheep is lonely… If anyone would like to accompany me and help me scout the chickens while we’re there, let me know.”

Bellamy held back a yawn. Yeah, there was that level of tired hitting again… “I’d like to see us all trying to do what we can around Ethne. We can’t move forward if we all don’t try. But, as a little incentive… I plan to get you each something special to help aid you. A companion, a weapon, armor… or even another accessory that might help you in your tasks or make you feel better about yourselves. You are my pack, my family, and I want to help give you the tools to succeed. I open the floor to you all, to request the gift you will, and speak what is on your minds.”

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Ooc: Hi, yes, I quit meeting posts now.

TL;DR Highlights

-Character Introductions, Rank Promotions
-Heir announcement – Congrats, Haydée!!
-Mentor and Apprentice pairings – will be added to pack page
-Pack Relations IC, future training with Elysium and The Hallows, pending visit from Artorias and his daughter
-Future plans for Ethne – Raising fowl (Chickens, Turkey), maybe Dik-Dik
-Planned visit to Avalon to see about how to raise prey animals, attempt to get a sheep or two, and scope out chickens for once pens are up
-IC mention of activity ; See below for OOC expecations
-Gifts! Each member can choose one large companion, weapon, or armor piece to be paid for by me as a gift from Bellamy. If your character is fully tacked, choose another accessory that could benefit them or a cosmetic one for the character or their companion. I insist! Send via DM or in Ethne pack chat.
-Also, if you are a newer member or a fledgling it is time to update your den location. Please send me a description of your chosen den. Bellamy and Gavroche’s kids are welcome to choose little section of the cave behind the falls for their dens or find their own spot. Dens can be made in Lazuli Falls or Cattail Creek.

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Pack Activity Checks

Very simple, very basic. Post three times with your character per season, preferably doing something in Ethne lands or a pack member. Other than that, I just want to see you’re alive. Mandatory meetings won’t count for this but any other type of pack activity like festivals, hunts, or training will. Checked every season. Because I adore you all, and am late myself, this will actually start in Summer, Year 19. You all got into the meeting on time, so I figure its the least I can do, right?

Fail an activity check, get a small IC punishment. Oops, guess you gotta clean out some dens or something! Not a huge a deal. This is to both add IC flavor and help you get activity for the next check.

Fail three activity checks in a row and uh… we’re going to have to have a talk. Very likely chance you’ll be kicked from the pack. I’m definitely not asking for much, so being that inactive is not really fair to any pack members. It is nothing personal. Your wolf will not be marked as a Defector or enemy, but may be frowned upon as being unreliable.

Exceptions: I get it, life can be a jerk. If I notice you fail multiple activity checks but are struggling to post your other characters I’m not going to be a dick. I take things like this, or multiple absences, into consideration. I can not and will not fault you for putting real life things before Ardent. I may reach out to see if we can come up with an IC reason for the inactivity, but you will not be penalized for it.

Activity checks will be checked manually by me per month. I will keep a private note of member activity and reach out to DMs about it rather than pack chat.

….and that’s everything! Thank you all so much for being awesome. Next round is due by the end of 4/17 and should be your last posts in the meeting. I believe I’ll only need one more Bells post to wrap things up. Thank you!!

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It ain't the speakers that bump hearts it's our hearts that make the beat

Pack Meeting

Bellamy