Cold North Winds

Others would arrive, including Andy and Crux, though Vanta’s absence was felt. As large as their litter was, it was hard not to miss his other sister. Charlie would glance around with a small frown. He could see that there was a lack of bodies compared to the number of scents in the Armada. Where were the others? He would frown, head tilting slightly with a look of concern. He did not consider those present weak, but surely those not here had a reason to be absent? Or… His gaze flickered back to his father as he sighed. Azure and Vanta had both been missing… maybe some of them had gone too. He hoped that they were safe, but that just hammered in how important prioritizing his growth was now. He wasn’t a puppy anymore, and if he wanted this responsibility, he would need to put forth the effort to show it.

The first thing his father addressed was Azure’s absence, and the possibility of opening the rank of Champion to those in the pack. Immediately Charlie’s gaze flickered toward Andy. He didn’t know if she had the ambitions for leadership, but he knew how hard his sister worked. He was sure she would be a wolf he could follow. But it also opened his eyes to just how little he knew about some of his packmates. Perhaps some of them could be a worthy contender too. After letting his gaze sweep the crowd it would return to Sirius.

There was talk about the Pirates changing names… Well, regardless of what they called themselves now, they were nothing but trouble. “My fangs and claws are yours, wherever you feel they are needed most.” He knew there were others with more experience that could go with the raiding party, but if his father needed volunteers, he would go. And if not now, he would surely step in the rotations for another time. Even if he didn’t attend the raid he could ensure the borders of the pack were kept safe while a group of their wolves were away. He could, and would, do his part.

"Speech," 'Thought.'