After thinking everything over privately and with Corvus, she'd come to the conclusion that all they could do was their very best to be prepared in the coming raid. First, she needed to tell everyone... and paint it as positively as possible. Acere himself had sent a messenger to assuage her worries, but the man himself still hadn't shown his face. Was he embarrassed? He should be, she thought grumpily as she made her way towards an area of new growth in the plains. After the grass had been razed to the ground, the snakes had all found different places to hide. Everything was green and new. She hoped the cheery surroundings would bolster general morale. Who could be upset at the height of summertime? Theo sent up a call to gather her warriors and any pups who were interested in training. Even if they didn't participate in the raid, they could always pick up some pointers. She wouldn't keep the raid a secret; they would present a united front against any obstacle.

ooc Replies for all warriors due 2/22/20 or you will be stripped of your warrior rank. You can always DM me/initiate reclamation of your rank IC at any time.

Poem felt good spending time with her grandmother, but she tried to keep herself at Theory’s side as much as possible. She knew her alpha sister was busy, but Poem had trained to do that role and wanted desperately to help her shoulder some of the responsibility. She owed it to Theo and she owed it to the pack. Poem had missed so much, she felt guilty and did her best to hide the emotion.

She was quick to make it to her sister’s side when she heard the call. With her mother’s armor fit perfectly to her limbs Poem made her way to the plains with her raven Edgar and caracal Allen. The piebald raven searched out his sister and the kitten turning into cat lounged behind his mistress as the Destruction yearling settled close by her sibling. ”Hey Theo.” She offered a quiet greeting with a genuine smile on her face. Her grief was easier to deal with now that she had returned home and could embrace those she loved once again.

Rhyme’s movements were more comfortable these days, the warmth of the sun seeped into his heart that was softened by Samara’s presence. Making his way to his daughter’s call was nearly second nature now, and he padded easily to the plains. His eyes were starting to look brighter and he held himself more confidently. His sadness was still present, but he was functioning as a real member of the pack again. He’d returned to the light and couldn’t help feel proud of the young women his daughters were turning into. They were stronger and wiser than their years. Silently he took a seat, but offered both Theory and Poem a small grin in greeting.

Corvus promised that they would find the boys. She didn’t know what state they’d find them in but if she could get them back alive.. Twig would do anything to try and turn their lives around. They couldn’t live like lepers their whole lives. They deserved so much more from her. They always seemed to be on her mind, even now. The sound of Theory’s call caught her attention, and quickly the Memoire girl made her way to the plains. She’d give a quick nod to the family gathered before here. Twig had to be strong for her nephews, so shed hold her head high and do her best for Theo and the pack.

Rhyme didn’t know it but Void followed after him. The young Destruction boy hadn’t told anyone but hed felt connected to his uncle’s disassociation. It was an odd feeling, but Void felt comfortable with it because he felt the same all too often. Like it was so easy to just not exist in reality. To just live in the stars. He kept it to himself though, he didn’t feel like anyone would understand especially with how they acted around uncle Rhyme.

Still, he looked up to the man and followed him dutifully to the meeting. He was beginning to get the hang of the whole fighting thing even if he hadn’t had anymore training than practising with his brother and fighting that cat. Blank faced as always Void got comfortable beside his uncle and waited for his cousin to speak.

Brandr had just woken from a nap after a successful hunt when he heard the call for the warriors to gather. He was not a warrior himself but he still rose to his feet, calling for both his companions to accompany him. The pack had suffered greatly due to the volcanic eruption and many of their members were still young. When he was a yearling he had trained as a fighter before turning his focus to hunting. While he was terribly rusty perhaps he could be of some use. He could serve as a sparring partner for one of the younger ones if Theory desired it. He arrived to the gathering and nodded a greeting to Theory. "Is it alright if I join in? If the numbers are uneven I can certainly sit out." "Talk" "You" Think

Corvus was feeling a bit uneasy about the raid, regardless of the conversation he'd had with Theory over it. The truth was that they didn't have many fighters, likely not as many as Winterfell did, and that winning might be tricky for them. But maybe losing was a better option? It would allow them to fulfill the plan that Winterfell had, but would surely deal a brutal blow to Abaven's already damaged ego. They were still in the process of rebuilding, of recovering from... enough trauma to last them all a lifetime. Some had been dealing with more than others. He was one of the luckier ones, he knew that, but he was still dealing with things in his own way.

He heaved a sigh as he pulled himself upright and headed toward Theory's call. He knew exactly why she was calling them together, and hoped the rest of the pack took the news well. Engaging in some fight training was always a positive thing, but under these circumstances he wasn't so sure it would be well-received. He picked up his pace as he drew closer - his gaze landing on Twig almost immediately as he moved to stand beside her, leaning lightly against her. He'd had no luck thus far in finding her nephews but he was going to keep searching for their scent whenever he could; he just hoped this little training meeting was a good distraction for her, rather than an upsetting one.

"Hello," she greeted everyone, trying to force some warmth into her voice. Theory wanted them to feel at ease before she had to explain the situation at hand. "I have some news. Please make of it what you will. Acere, alpha of Winterfell, has sent word that they are indebted to a raiding band on behalf of one of their packmates. Winterfell will be arriving at our doorstep soon to raid us, but I have been assured that he sees it as a training exercise... of sorts. We have been guaranteed our safety and repayment with interest on anything they seize from us in victory, be it herbs, food, materials. I have gathered you here today to ask that we practice some more niche styles of fighting that you may not have otherwise had a reason to practice." She took a deep breath. Abaven was a tightly woven fabric of friends and family, and she knew many of them had relationships that were independent of their allegiance to the pack. Many of them also had friends and family in the north. "We will not be severing our ties with Winterfell as allies, but I will tell you that I am wary. My final decision will be shaped by the raid itself and the aftermath."

Theory looked out over the assembled wolves. There was no need to rely on words alone. Time to get to the demonstration portion of their event. "Let's pair up in groups of three. I will referee and tend to any accidental injuries alongside Rhyme. Corvus, Twig, and Void, please prepare yourselves to practice some melee fighting. You will all skirmish together equally, one versus one versus one. Brandr, Poem, and Rhyme, form the second group. Begin whenever you are ready." She offered them another smile, this one stronger than the first, and sat back to watch the spars unfold.