Come One, Come All
05-24-2014, 11:46 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-25-2014, 12:28 PM by Erani.)
| Erani Adravendi |
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First to arrive to her call was Valerius, and as the son of Cairo and Alice greeted her, Erani smiled warmly in response. ?Good morning, Valerius. My apologies for waking you so early.? Deep blue pools sparkled with gentle laughter as she spoke, and then her eyes fell upon the next to arrive. Alpine. Something was off. He arrived with Twig at his side, and Lyric was not there at his side. That, and he looked.. Guilty. Ashamed. Her eyes narrowed, and she began to move toward the male, but the appearance of none other than Azalea halted the chilling steps of a suspicious mother. She was glad to see Azalea back, no matter how prideful the young female could be, often acting before thinking. Sarak was a good match for her, if the two were still mated: he was the humbleness to Azalea?s prideful nature. He?d keep her out of the worst trouble, at least. As Azalea met her eyes and spoke, Erani smiled. ?And I am glad to see that you are alive and well. It?s good to see you home again.? She stepped forward, lowering her head to nose Azalea?s brow. ?I?ve some news that should put any worries you have for your sons safety to rest.? The tones were low, only for Azalea?s ears, before she rose to settle upon her haunches on the boulder once more, a glance flicking toward Alpine before she turned her attention to the arrival of Meili, whom she greeted with a warm smile in return of the nod. Cael was shortly after Meili, and Erani smiled at her youngest nephew. Perhaps someday, Claire would be back, and perhaps with a mate and children at her side. Odette arrived next, for once not attached to Chrysanthe?s hip, though Erani had no doubts that Odette would possibly deviate toward her mother upon her arrival to the meeting. Glancing over the small group, Erani noted Twigs slight nervousness, and the way she sat closer to Alpine. She knew the female would come out of her shell someday, and show them all what she was made of, so Erani didn?t mind the nerves. After all, it was the first meeting Twig must have ever been to, and there were a lot of strangers from Twigs point of view. Erani clearly remembered her own first pack meeting in Starlite. So many new faces. Her eyes lighted upon Emer?s small frame, a small smile pulling across her face as the Mother took a seat beside Valerius. Cormalin arrived, pausing to speak with Cael, before he came to her seat and hopped his front end up onto the stone of the boulder. His nose found her shoulder, and Erani bent her head to snug her nose into his neck, tail sweeping the stone gently. ?Oh have you? I can hardly wait, brother dearest.? She smiled at him as he pulled away and settled nearby. Surreal was next to arrive, and Erani noticed at once that her daughter was excited. And as Surreal took her place beside Erani as the Beta Primary,, and leaned in to speak to her, Erani grinned at her words. ?Oh have you, my little one? I look forward to meeting them.? She smiled gently, noting Alsander, who had arrived with Surreal and gone to greet Cael. Alsander had taken the seat of the Digamma Secondary, and was now staring hard at Alpine. So it wasn?t just herself who was noticing something off. Sarak arrived with some rabbits, dropping one in front of Emer, a second at her own paws, for which she smiled thankfully, aware that she hadn?t eaten since late yesterday. Lastly, he confirmed her hopes that he and Azalea were still mates be taking the third rabbit to Azalea, settling quite close to her and obviously entranced by her. A smile pulled at her muzzle, before her turned her attention to the arrival of Obsidian with Rikku. A smile was cast to the two equines, before she saw Vahva going to speak to Obsidian. It was good to see Night?s daughter smiling so much. Vahva went to see Azalea, and then a stranger arrived. By the way Surreal?s body began wriggling, Erani guessed that this young male was the wolf Surreal wanted to introduce. She grinned at the male with a knowing expression, eyes flicking with his to Surreal. ?Be welcome, young male. I?d like to get to know you.? Deep blue gaze followed the male for a moment as he found a spot at the back of the crowd, before they flicked to the movement of Gael?s arrival. Directly after him, came Ashtoreth, and Erani?s attention zeroed in on her Psi Primary, noting the mixture of anxiety, pleasure at seeing Meili back, and then the way she seemed to attempt to act casual as she spoke. The news brought a smile to Erani?s face. She could understand Ashtoreths nerves. Not every female sang their way through pregnancy as Erani had, greeting every new change and development with bated breaths of excitement. While Erani knew Ashtoreth to be a strong wolf, with a steady head on her shoulders when it came to hunting, she also knew the shy side of the Psi Primary. She dipped her head, offering a reassuring nuzzle to Ashtoreth?s forehead. ?Congratulations. Savor every moment while you can. Before you know it, years will have passed, and your children will be grown.? Her head cocked toward Surreal for reference. Her eyes flicked up, noting the arrival of Crucifix, Twig and Jinxx?s younger brother. Speaking of the Black family, where was the father? Her eyes flicked about to see if Deviant had snuck in, but instead caught the furtive movement of the tawny body belonging to Laila, the cougar Erani had given territory to in the gorge. For now, she allowed the big cat to be unacknowledged, as she was sure Laila wanted so far. Arwel?s arrival brought the small smile to a fuller stretch upon her maw as he settled in, greeting his sister and soon to be official Brother in law, Gael. And to you, Arwel. I hear you attended the pack hunt of late. Thank you for your attendance.? A rewarding acknowledgement of his services, and a thinly veiled rebuke to those who had not attended the pack hunt. Some had good reason, like her brother and his sons, out doing other things to assure the packs welfare, but Valhalla needed its attendances at these sorts of things. A wiry, scarred, and tailless black frame caught her eye, and a grin cracked her jaws wide as she recognized Conall, a rogue she?d met in the Orchard, a southern territory that lay near Seracia?s territory. Of course, she was completely unaware of the changed going on for Valhalla?s sister pack. ?Conall. Welcome.? It was then that Chrysanthe and Lyric arrived. Erani smiled faintly, as Chrysanthe went straight to Odette. The smile vanished at once as Erani saw her youngest daughter. Erani was a master at reading body language. It was part of her training both in healing, and the mentoring her first Alpha had given her. Lyric was in pain. And it wasn?t physical. The way she refused to even look at Alpine settled Erani?s mind. Something had gone wrong. And Lyric had suffered because of it. Erani felt the rage slide through her veins, and felt Surreal tense beside her, both Alpha Primary and Beta Primary zeroing in on Alpine?s face. Tyr?s arrival saved Alpine a great deal of pain and public shaming, the young male stumbling into Thor, and Thor?s reaction, catching Erani?s attention. The icy deep blue gaze flicked to the large brown male, a warning of hell to come if he caused trouble. Erani?s mood had soured with the realization of her daughters pain, and she would not brook violence upon someone who would be unable to fight for himself. Deviant arrived and Erani removed the stare from Thor to give Deviant a nod, pulling a smile onto her face. Isis? arrival thawed the ice in Erani?s eyes as the young pup crept up toward Obsidian, holding a stick, her intentions clear. Isis? mother, Eria saved Obsidian from a ?surprise, but Erani had seen the black mare?s ear turn backward, Isis clearly within her range of sight. Imena and Amia?s arrival nearly coincided with Erias, and Amia scolded Thor for his behavior toward Tyr. Erani turned her attention away, calling out to Eria. ?Friction is staying with Erion this meeting?? Leon arrived with Caerul and Sephiroth; they seemed to work well as a patrol group, often working the borders together. Three strong fighters who were loyal to Valhalla. She supposed the three, or at least two of them, could use a promotion of sorts. There wasn?t much to go up from where they were. Not at the moment, of course. This meeting would change that. As Leon approached her, Erani smiled at his words. ?Yes, Ashtoreth just told me. Congratulations, both of you.? Her anger of a few moments before was set aside in preference for greeting her pack warmly. She noticed Jinxxs reaction as he saw his father, a soft smile crossing her maw. It was always good to see happy reunions. Ravine arrived, saw Obsidian, and found a place near the boulder Erani and Surreal sat upon. A soft chuckle left the Alpha Primary?s muzzle. ?She won?t hurt you, Ravine. She helped nanny my pups when they were small. Her name is Obsidian. You should get to know her.? Baldur arrived, and Erani noticed the hostile looks he directed at Tyr. She moved quietly, descending from her perch and approaching the two brothers, reaching them in time to hear Baldur?s remark. ?Tyr is here, because he is a member of my pack. And I suggest you put whatever reasons from the past you have to hate him in the past. He was here first, and I will not allow you to harm him. Valhalla is a place of new beginnings. If you can?t let go of old grudges, Baldur, then you are free to leave. Thor as well. We need warriors, but we don?t need wolves who will attack their own pack mates. That was a condition of your acceptance into my family, and I expect you to uphold that, or get out.? Her words were stated in a chilling undertone to the two males, deep blue meeting blue and green pairs of gazes evenly, her posture showing all Queen. ?If you have any concerns about him being a danger to Valhalla, then you are welcome to discuss it with me in my den.? She turned in a fluid movement, padding toward her boulder, but pausing before Alpine. The fury in her eyes as they pierced the lighter blue gaze of the pale male was far more frigid that he would have ever experienced, and it promised retribution for the broken heart of her daughter. A cold stare so deep that it would have crackled. ?I don?t know what happened between you and my daughter, but I can guess, and you are warned now. As much as she is hurting right now, so you will hurt for every tear she sheds.? It was issued in a malevolent hiss, for his ears only. Then she continued on her way to her seat, leaping in one fluid bound to her place on the boulder and turned to face her pack, leaning her head toward Sephiroth as he spoke to her. Her face was devoid of the fury, the icy rage leashed tightly and well hidden. ?Of course, Sephiroth. I will be interested to see how many actually attend, and who slacks out of it.? Her voice was low, and she smiled slightly at her Beta Secondary. ?I have a great deal to announce for the pack, including a great deal to do with ranks. I?m sure Surreal has let you in on some of the upcoming changes. Unless of course she?s been too distracted by young love to remember?? She spoke just loud enough for Surreal to hear, a gently teasing note in her voice. The sheepish look on her daughters face said that was a possibility, and Erani chuckled. ?Don?t worry, daughter, I have news for you, too.? Her deep blue gaze left her daughter to sweep the crowd, noting the extended absence of Newol, as well as Guinevere not being there. Themisto was gone as well. Shilah she had seen off to continue the tradition of his birth pack, his allegiance remaining with Valhalla. Friction and Erion were excused, as Erion was down with a broken leg, and Friction would be caring for him. There were new faces, and old faces returned. Her head lifted high, addressing her pack with a warm, loving smile, and a voice that carried, with no need to shout. ?Valhallans, friends. Firstly, and as always, I thank those who have come today, so early in the morning, to hear what I have to say. It is always a great boon to my heart to see you standing here so strongly before me. I am proud of you. As you know, there was an earthquake that shook Alacritia. It opened a rift near the center of the continent. During the quake, there were many who were injured, not just in our pack, but likely in many others, and many rogues as well. May they have survived and may they heal swiftly. And within Valhalla, we encountered injuries. And acts of courage. Erion, son of Friction and Eria. Surreal, daughter of myself and my late mate Nova. Alpine.? Her eyes turned to the male, her eyes reserved. ?A Warrior of the pack. Duing the earthquake, young Erion had wandered away, and as the rift opened, he fell into what I hear is now called Decensum. In the fall, he broke one of his legs. ?Alpine, to whom I granted mentorship of the pup, happened to be nearby leapt in after Erion, as so happened, my Daughter and Beta Primary, Surreal, was and did likewise. Yet, from what I hear, it was Erion, a pup, who showed the greatest courage of all. He urged both adults to go and get out of danger, rather than get hurt worse than they already had. Alpine Stayed with Erion, and Surreal left to get help. For these acts, I will commend all three of you. Alpine, I promote you to a new rank; Digamma Tertiary.? How long he would keep that rank would depend on his actions, and how much her daughter hurt from whatever he had done. ?Surreal wishes to train Erion to follow in her place as Beta Primary. I grant this wish. As for Surreal? It is high time I chose an Heir. That wolf will be Surreal.? Surreal?s jerk of surprise was followed by a pressure of her weight into Erani?s side. A silent acceptance. Surreal would do her best to lead Valhalla when Erani died, or stepped down. ?Now, on to the next subject. A few days ago Jinxx Black and I journeyed to the Rift left by the earthquake. There, we encountered many interesting things. Thankfully, thus far, we have found no secret ways into Valhalla. However, I intend to have wolves continue searching for ways in, just in case.? Erani paused, eyes flicking to the wolves before her, before she continued. ?While exploring, we encountered Sendoa Armada, Queen of Glaciem. She had been injured by a splash of lava from what is now known as Hells River. So I took advantage of the situation. Valhallans, I have settled a Peace Treaty between Valhalla and Glaciem. It will last two years, and Luna help any wolf that disobeys the terms. Because I will be the wolf who deals with that antagonist..? Her voice chilled to frigid ice, leaving no doubt that the punishment would be severe. ?I have also arranged the return of Soren and Kismet Adravendi to Valhalla.? As she spoke on, her voice returned to its normal ?temperature?, and she smiled toward Sarak and Azalea. ?I will be sending Sarak to collect them directly after this meeting. Azalea, if you wish to go with him, you most certainly may.? Her eyes lifted and she addressed the pack at large once more. ?Valhallans, just because we are under a peace treaty, does not mean that we will slack in any of our training. We lost the last war because we were not ready, and were caught off guard. We had many injured, and two wolves died for our war, one of them an innocent bystander. I don?t want this happening again. While we will be an outwardly peaceful pack, we will train every day for battle. Whatever Sendoa promises, I do not have the stupidity to trust that Isardis won?t attempt some sort of backstabbing maneuvers. Be on guard. ?Patrols will continue as normal, three to four wolves a group on the borders, and sentries on the caves, though you will have assistance. Valhallans, The Mountain Lion, Laila, is our ally, and I have granted her territory in the Whisperers Gorge. She had promised not to attack us, or harm us, so long as we do her the same. We also have an ally in Obsidian, the horse you see standing here. She fought in the war beside our warriors. Get to know her and befriend her. Her young counterpart is Rikku, her adoptive daughter. Protect that foal with your lives if need be.? It wasn?t a suggestion. It was an order. She caught Obsidian?s eye and the mare gave her a relieved smile of gratitude.. Erani smiled back, then addressed her pack. ?As you might have noticed, There are some new ranks. To each high rank, I have added two more positions. These will be the second pairs, who will be the relief for the Primary pairs. They are Tertiary and Quaternary. I have also added to positions for Advisors. They will be just as the name suggests, and they will also be the heads of messengers, and messengers themselves. They will be the history keepers, so our legacies may continue on to newer generations. There are new ranks, such a Mothers, for our females who are either pregnant, or nursing pups. If you wish for a more in depth explanation for any of the new ranks, by the way, feel free to ask me, and I will explain anything you need to be explained. I have divided our Gamma, Eta, and Sigma ranks into several different categories for each rank. And a Messengers rank. We now have Apprentice ranks for each vocation, and for the lowest ranking, we have four: Omegas being the least severe of punishments, and Death Row being the worst. I hope I may never see any of you needing to be subjected to this punishment. The list is as follows. Omega, The Exiled, Prisoners, and Death Row.? She waited until she felt the pack had absorbed her flood of information, before continuing. ?I have many new faces to introduce you to, and a few old faces returned. I wish to welcome Deviant Black, and Twig Black, father and sister to Jinxx Black. Baldur and Thor, I welcome you to Valhalla. Emer, and her newborn children, Cecily, Taddeo, and Signy. Quintus, my grandson through Epiphron Adravendi. I would like to welcome home Azalea Adravendi, Meili and Gael Adravendi,. There are also a few faces who have departed, or gone missing. Please, keep your eyes open for the wolf, Flamesong. He has been missing for quite some time, and I worry for him. Shilah, one of our healers, has continued on his way to continue his Nomadic traditions.? Her eyes flicked across the allied rogues, a smile cast toward Conall. ?I would also like to introduce a few allied rogues. Conall, Crucifix Black, brother to Twig and Jinxx Black. And the young male you see back there?? Surreal supplied the name, and Erani nodded. ?Falk. Feel free to come and go, and help with anything you wish in the pack. ?There are also wolves living beyond our borders. They are to be protected by Valhalla and shown kindness.? She paused, considering all that she had said, then nodded to Sephiroth. ?Sephiroth has an announcement to make.? She stepped back, giving the Beta Secondary the floor. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think |