The first Birthday of the Warlords children had been an event that had slowly, and steadily approached them. The pack needed a little cheer, a chance to relax in good company, get fat on good food, and laugh for a while. A chance to push aside the worries and regrets of the year, and embrace the second year of their lives that was yet to come.

The Warlord himself had dragged the large buffalo in the cart down to the Armada, and placed it along the beach. An assortment of coats lay nearby for people to help themselves. Zee had outdone herself with the large, impressive bonfire that already sat roaring on the beachside.

Io had decorated the beach territory with lamps, bringing light and color to the sandy territory, and that was just to name some of the gifts and set up that had gone into place for this day. The true gift that the Warlord would give his children was yet to come. The gift of age and independence.
The Warlord raised his head, and called for the rest of the pack to join them, leaning lazily against his wife with a smug expression against his maw. As through to say ‘look what we made’

Summer had fallen upon them so swiftly with perfect precision to help ease the horned queen's jaded mindset of the last little while. Whatever else had happened in the past could be pushed aside for the day in honor of her children, the remainder of her issues and would need to be dealt with tomorrow. Still, a very large part of her hoped Deathbelle would not attend. She was not sure if she could resist facing off against the Empress and knew it would spoil the kids' special day.

She took it upon herself to build the fire, imagining her worries placed upon the logs that fueled the blaze. They could burn to ash if only for the day, or so she hoped. The rest of their family worked hard as well in the preparations, and by the time Sirius tipped his head to assemble the pack the beach had been entirely transformed. She leaned against him as he did her, her head shifting to lay her horns against him and not into him as they awaited any party-goers.

This, this was silly. The whole idea of the celebration was silly. Being here, surrounded by pack mates who had come to celebrate the alpha's litter - well, that was silly too. The whole thing sucked, and Az was willing to find many reasons to have that opinion.. as long as it kept his mind off of the two young women who had caught his eye, both of whom were invited to be here. Neither of whom would likely appreciate him hugging the other. Ugh. The near yearling looked appropriately sullen though did his best to put on a small fake smile of gratitude as he approached his parents. "How long do I need to be here for?" He muttered beneath his breath with a sigh. Long enough to smile, wave, watch his siblings enjoy their gifts, and leave before either lady could approach him for an individual conversation. Regardless of his intentions, Az found himself sneaking glances across the plains to see whether either Hanako or Venom would arrive. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Natha headed toward the beach, a deer hide bag with wrapped goodies inside. She'd half thought about getting each yearling a mouse as a gag gift but later abandoned the idea. Her little tail twitched as she leapt gracefully over a fallen log. She glanced at the bonfire and knew immediately where she'd be going though as it was the eve of summer the weather was still pleasantly warm. She dipped her head in greeting to Sirius, Zee and Azure, before setting down her bundle of gifts. "Where shall we put our gifts for the kids?" True, they were yearlings now but she wasn't ready to quit calling them kids just yet. Hopefully, they'd find her gifts passable. She wasn't super close to any of the kids but she had had a few ideas. She smirked at Azure. "Long enough to unwrap my gift I hope. What's the rush? Bears to slay?"

He was one today, he didn’t feel like it was the truth. The days had started to blur together, and it shocked him to realise the season had ended. This was a celebration of summer, of their Birthday. Today, they could be considered young adults, and all their training was supposed to amount to something.

All he could think was how much he missed Malalia. She would have loved this gathering, from what she had said of her previous pack, gatherings were more common. She would have loved the roaring fire, which sat, perfect for late night stories. She would have wanted to sing as one, with the pack. Sing as the sun descended, and the day ended. Her voice had always been startlingly beautiful. Was she becoming more perfect in his mind, now that she was gone? She had been one of the best fighters of his life. She had kicked his ass time and time again. She had even beaten Azure. She was steady, and reliable, but still able to laugh and have fun. He had loved her, or was it infatuation? He was young, he knew that. As the years passed - for he had many, many before him, would he forget her face?

This gathering didn’t feel like a cause for celebration. He found himself heading to the campfire, collapsing on the corpse sand where he could watch the flames dancing. Close enough that the heat teared up his eyes. Or at least, if anybody ask, that's what he would tell them.

Dunkan has been preparing his gift for the kids the full morning, skinning the cougar he killed a few days ago.This took him quite some time as skinning was still pretty much a new skill he had yet to perfection but he hoped he had made it in the best way possible. This could be a good armor,so he hopped the gift would be fine soo far.He was doing this for mere obligation,not like he felt any empathy for anything of this sort. He just wanted to start being on Sirius favor as he someday he would have to ask him about something he wasnt sure if it would work. As the call came under the evening orange skies, with his gift completed he pulled it, placing it over his back and calling for Urasa both began their way to the gathering place. Finding more packmates as he arrived. Natha,Azure, and both alphas were already there. Saying no words he placed his own gift there before Sirius and Zee, then he just took a seat beside his jaguar.Eyes were blank as always,he was here again for mere obligation not like he wanted to partake in any event but if he must he would. "Speak"

Oh how Hanako loved a party! As soon as she heard the announcement she rushed on over with an almighty bounce in her step, with Toshi following close behind. By the time they arrived on the scene Hanako was fashionably late, the reflection of the bonfire danced and flickered in her eyes as she let out an impressed oooh! She didn't think the Armada was a place for frivolity but it was clear that they'd pulled out all the stops to make it an evening to remember. She then eyed up the lanterns that littered the sand, casting the beach in soft and pleasant glow as the sun inched beneath the horizon. As impressive as it all was Toshi had his sights set on one thing only. Hanako looked down at him, a little confused only to realise a moment later what was captivating him like a tanuki possessed. Toshi licked his lips for the fifth time as he stared wide eyed at the buffalo, as though it was the most beautiful and tempting thing he'd seen. With a soft huff of amusement Hanako nudged him forward and he was off, racing across the sand as he launched himself and began to tuck in, as though he hadn't just eaten a few fish before they'd left.

She couldn't help but notice that some of those who were already here hardly seemed to be in the party mood.  She stomped her paw, eager to put an end to that as soon as possible. With a gleam in her eye, the Wraith dropped down into a bow, extending an elegant paw as she slowly unfurled her tail like opening a folding fan. Her intent was obvious enough but she uttered the words just to make it extra clear.

"Someone come dance with me." She said, fluttering her eyelashes for extra effect. As if anyone could say no to her.

A few more wolves trickled in, and aside from giving the battle-cat a chuckle he hardly paid them notice, not until Hana arrived. He watched her, temptation bubbling up in his chest and his paws itching to accept the invitation before any other could possibly snag it from him. Then his gaze fell upon the lonely, sad Mortis beside the bonfire and he sighed. Standing and murmuring a short thanks to Duncan and Natha, he moved along the feast towards where Hana danced and Mortis moped - snagging a small morsel of buffalo swiftly with a claw as he passed by it. The new yearling gifted her his best smile. "Save a dance for me, please." He asked of her, tipping his head politely as he passed by. Hopefully before she could notice, he tossed the clawed paw towards Toshi and dislodged the meat in his direction. Continuing onward he made it to his brother, heaving a soft sigh as he sat beside him. "The lady wants a dance, brother." He gestured with a nod of his head and a faint smile. "Oblige her before someone else does." One oversized paw lifted to pat Mortis firmly upon the back, aiming to give him a boost away from the flames and towards the brightly marked girl. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Indigo loped easily along the beach, his massive form having reached his full height if not quite his full weight. Even so he still outweighed his brothers, and the thick fur down his neck didn’t help either. By now his chin fur was growing in length as well and his days of being mistaken for a puppy were over. Not that he’d been called a pup recently. Kid on the other hand… Despite towering over much of the pack he was only a year old.

The violet boy was the quiet sibling of the quartet, he remained in and around his garden and unless you came to visit him weren’t likely to catch sight of his hulking frame. So when he arrived and didn’t see Aslatiel he felt a little more than out of place. He glanced towards his brothers and the girl caught in their attention then turned his gaze to his parents as they held tightly to each other.

Indy avoided the fire, but sat under a lamp while he waited for his sister or aunties to arrive. Despite his size the social gathering made him uncomfortable. The last meeting had been easy as well as the fight lesson because he’d made a bee line for Aslatiel. Now he was suddenly so unsure of himself. Still, the big yearling held a faint smile on his features so he might not let on to his nerves.

Meadow hears the call for the start of the party and a smile tugs her lips up. Bouncing along to the area where everyone was gathering, she thinks of the gifts she has stored in her bag. Hopefully, Indigo and Mortis will like what she made them. Since Meadow doesn’t really know what Aslatiel or Azure like, she had decided to bring them each a small bundle of flowers from Indigo’s garden. It may seem like a small gesture but to Meadow the flowers mean a lot. She and Indigo have been tending them, caring for each one and pouring their love into them. These flowers are a part of her and she wants to give that to them.

Arriving quickly, she stops and pays her respects to Zee and Sirius, offering them each a deep bow and bright smile. Once done, she moves away while letting her eyes roam over the gathered wolves. She is quick to spot Hanako with Mortis and Azure. A chuckle spills out and she shakes her head, shooting her a smile and wink at her friend. Mortis and Azure appear busy so she will corner each one later and give them their gifts. Her gaze shifts past them as she continues the search, hoping to see her sister or niece. Instead, Meadow spies Dunkan and offers her fighting instructor a respectful dip of her head and smile.

Then she spies a big purple wolf sitting under a lamp. A bright smile appears on her face and Meadow marches up to the taller wolf. Stopping in front of him, she says, “Hello Indy! I have a very special surprise for you since it is your birthday and all.” Leaning toward him, she adds in a loud whisper, “Don’t tell your siblings but I made you the best present of the lot.” A playful wink is torn at him and she shrugs off her bag while instructing him, “I can’t wait any longer to give it to you. So, you have to close your eyes and lower your head. And no peaking!” She watches to see if he will follow her directions.



"Speech!"

TABLE & CODE © SKELLE 2020

There were he sat he just limited himself to watch in silence, just to be aware of his surroundings,but not wishing to take part on any of the interactions others were having.And even if he could,he didnt like to interrupt the chats of others,he just wasnt that type of wolf.He sighed as he started to feel bored there on his own,he would rather go train than being here but well he hoped this could be over soon.But meanwhile, he didn't know what he could do. But there he spotted the buffalo feast and a few lamps adorned the normally monochromic sand. He stood up and walked toward the buffalo, silently and accompanied by Urasa both would seat down away from others and take a slice each. But before they ate he saw a sort of liquid similar to water. Sniffing it he frowned his face. "What the fuck is this?" He said low, the curse came out from nowhere but he was just too focused on the nasty drink that he didnt notice. "Speak"

With a bum leg, it took the girl a while to make it to the beach so she was fashionably late. She was a little miffed that no one had thought to accompany her, but she tried to brush it off. This was a party for her and her brothers. It wouldn't do to ruin it.

With the help of Ashur, she finally arrived. Her left shoulder was stiff and bandaged, but she plastered a smile to her face. It was something that her brothers obviously couldn't do. Mort moped. AZ couldn't hide the displeasure in his eyes and Indigo sat apart looking nervous.

Asla had been getting lessons in diplomacy and etiquette from her grandma and aunt Io. She knew that appearances were important when you were in a position that put you in the spotlight. So, as she passed wolves and cats, she smiled and greeted each, eventually making it to her parents side. She gave them both kisses on the cheek before squeezing in between them.

Now, Asla loved attention, but she loved one-on-one attention. With everyone here and all eyes on her, she was feeling a little shy. "Thanks for the party," she told them both. She would mingle, but not just yet. With reaching her one year mark, a small part of her felt like it was dying. She wanted to be her parents baby girl for just a little while longer, so she stayed nestled between their comforting bodies.

Naiche made his way to the party, feeling somewhat awkward about the hole thing.  His tail appeared to have a slight kink in it, where it went down more sharply just a bit after it started and then rose back up to a more normal position, however currently the tail was down low.  It was more of a dull pain now, but he felt it when he moved the way it was connected to the spine.  All her damn fault, and she was the only one he’d known what to do in regard to presents.  He’d love to give Az something, but nothing appropriate.  The idea of giving him some new scars was enticing though to add to his ‘to-do’ list.  Someday.  The time was passed and no reason to fight on it now, and better to fight when he’d had a bit more practice against giants if he could help it.  Unless the guy ticked him off in the meantime.  Naiche intended to avoid the monster if he could tonight.

Naiche had no talent making anything, but he had managed to get a small item crafted for Astlatiel, the darling pain-in-the-tail princess.  He had at least sort of wrapped it himself, that had been tricky enough.  Wrapping it basically included two large leaves with a stick stuck through them to hold the makeshift baggy together.  He had to balance it just right to keep the object from coming out.  Inside it was hair from a lions mane, tightly bound together to make a trinket.  He imagined it as a badge of honor but she could do with it whatever the hell she wanted too.  She could throw it away, break it, put it on armor, wear it, or hole it up somewhere.  The point was sat least giving one of the kids something.  Naiche had wanted to get Mort something but had no clue in the world what to offer him.

The bonfire and lights were a surprise to Naiche.  That was a pretty impressive feat!  The buffalo practically had him drooling on the stick carrying the little bundle.  With careful self-control he avoiding scenting the wonderful meat overly, and avoiding looking directly at it.  He could drool after he got rid of the present.  He wanted to get this part over with fast, she was going to enjoy it too much Naiche just knew it.

He spotted Mort looking less than happy, but Az was near him so that was out for now.  And there was the charming princess, right between the warlord and he assumed his mate.  This should be a ton of fun, well once he was done with Asla he could go be join in on the food and maybe meet another new wolf or two.  With that idea in mind he made his way to the leaders and their charming princess.  Gotta sound proper around the rulers of the pack but to Asla?  

Stepping up in front of them he placed the little package down in front of Asla, “Here you are princess,” the title was used almost more like a nickname than a sign of acknowledged status.  It just came out so easily and somehow simpler than her name, less personal.  A respectful lower nod to Sirius then and to his presumed mate. “good evening.” And in general to all three, “biggest celebration I’ve ever seen, its amazing.”
"Speech"

Mortis started in surprise when he caught the scent and shape of his brother beside him. He opened his maw to explain the stray spark that hit his face and watered his eyes, but then he realised it wasnt scorn on Azures face. It was almost kindness.

He looked across at Hana, and wondered what it would have been like to dance with Malalia. The urge to cry threatened to overwhelm him. He fought it back. Strengthened by the unexpected support of his brother.

It was a party. It was a time of joy and celebration. Slowly, carefully, using Azures body to shield his face, he patched up the facade of a smile in his maw. Whispering softly under his breath "Thanks, brother." Knowing Azure had brought him out from the wallowing he would have indulged in if he had been allow. Better to smile for the pack. Pretend he was okay. Hjs problems were his own, and the Fatalis family had to give a showing of strength.

He returned the shoulder pat to Azures steady body, and made his way to the girl. He held out a paw, his smile brighter now. More believable. "I believe the lady asked for a dance?" Unconciously mimicking his brothers words.

His brother was surprisingly easy to sway, and Azure found himself both glad for it and a little disappointed. While it may have been the day that marked their journey into young adult-hood, he realized he was still not yet mature enough to be happy for his brother as he watched him reach for Hana's paw. Exhaling briefly he manuevered away from the fire, seating himself nearby enough to watch the festivities but not near enough to any wolf in particular to force a conversation. Instead the yearling intently watched the dance, trying desperately to keep the jealousy out of his eyes and the frown from his muzzle. Being grown sucked.

Venom heard the call from Sirius and Zee, she’d just finished her first patrol of the day. Her attention was easily grabbed but she made a detour to gather up supplies. She had trinkets for each of the new yearlings. They weren’t anything spectacular but at least they’d let the young princes and princess know she was thinking about them. Poison helped her cart the items towards the beach as the soon to be Empress appeared from the shadows.

Firelight flickered over her ebon and ivory frame as purple pink eyes flashed in interest at the display before her. The bonfire caught her attention first as she aimed to place her gifts where the lynx deposited her items. She offered Sirius and Zee a grin and quick nod, afterwards her attention was swift to be caught up by Azure’s tall form.

She looked before she leapt, not missing the sight of Mortis and Hanako in the firelight as they started their dance. A mischievous smirk playing on her features as slender legs brought her quietly beside him on the sand. ”Looks like you’re missing a dance partner, Prince Azure.” She lifted her brows suggestively as she wore a mischievous expression. She wasn’t sure what she was reading in his expression, but she didn’t hide the subtle bump of her shoulder against his.

Seconds passed and Hanako's offer lingered in the air, unacknowledged. It wasn't her party so she had no right or reason to kick up a fuss but she couldn't help but feel a little offended. The last time she'd danced she'd had plenty of suitors vying for her attention, why wasn't the same happening here? Gracefully she lowered her front leg and raised the other and idly wondered if she'd chosen the wrong stage, that maybe the warriors of the Armada were a little too...uncouth, to put it bluntly. That line of thought was soon halted in it's tracks when she noticed that Prince Azure was on the move, despite her best efforts to keep it in check her tail began to wag in earnest at the thought of dancing with him. She didn't think he knew or cared much about dancing but she still wanted to try, to go along with the flow and just enjoy his presence. And maybe if he was lucky she'd teach him a few moves or two, if he was willing to let her take the lead that is.

At his request Hanako nodded, seamlessly incorporating it into her dance as she offered Azure a wide and beaming smile that in no uncertain terms said: I'd love to! If he was too busy to dance now she'd be more than happy to wait, the party had only just gotten started and she could be patient, for him. Despite that the Wraith watched him go, her brows furrowing extra hard when she noticed Venom approach him with one of her strange and worrying smiles, the sort Hanako just couldn't decipher. Before she could even wonder what the Ashen Princess was doing here Mortis was by her side, vying for her attention with a gentlemanly request. With a chirpy mm hm!, Hanako stepped in close and parallel to his bulky form, her eyes shining with mirth and excitement. She was well and truly in her element, her mind already prancing through the steps with ease as she gently nudged Mortis' back paw into the proper starting position.

"Let's see what you're made of." She beamed.

And then they were off, circling and twirling, tails reaching out like leaves dancing in the breeze. Mortis lacked experience, that much was clear, but he had a keen set of eyes and was a fast learner, following Hanako's lead as she moved and swayed, the pair casting beautiful shadows upon the sandy beach. There was no music and thus no beat to follow, but using the hissing of the waves and the crackling of the fire as her guide Hanako kept them on course, unwavering and fluid, as though it was only natural for wolves to dance. Only when she thought that Mortis had well and truly gotten the feel for the dance did she mix it up. Brushing her side against Mortis' she twirled out of place, laughter spilling from her lips as she forced him to swap places and take the lead. How would he handle being in charge?

At first it was nothing but awkward and embarrassing. He fought not to trip on her toes as he let her guide them. He fought to make his stumbling look intended, and more than once had to fight back tears. Hana deserved better than this, better to dance then someone with lead in their heart. He didn’t know why it was hitting him so much harder today. Perhaps it was the idea that today was a large step into their future, and more evidence of leaving his first friend behind.

When she tried to place him in charge, he managed a soft laugh, and shook his head. Kissing her cheek. “Thanks for the dance, Hana, but I think someone else was promised the next one”

Seeing that Azure was accosted by the Princess - and being utterly unaware and blind to any undercurrents or knowledge of the two’s relation - he sought to buy his brother his freedom. It was only fair, after all. Grabbing an especially tender piece of meat, be bounded over towards Venom and Azure, “Hey brother, mind if I steal the Princess for a moment?” he winked at Azure, trying to be subtle as he nodded towards Hana, and plonked himself down besides Venom.

Watching them dance was difficult, and Az found himself inwardly critiquing his brother's bumbling steps. Hana seemed unphased and happy as she always was, gracious with leading Mortis through his inexperience and only proving further to Az that she was just, too good. It was probably a mistake matching the pair together, he'd expected to see them slip away as soon as their dance was to conclude. Probably somewhere to do yearling things or whatever. His lip twitched, the skin upon his snout beginning to wrinkle into a possessive snarl when suddenly the voice beside him broke his obsessive trance.

It was like a switch had flipped in Az's head when his eyes were upon her, a genuine smile breaking through the frown. "Little serpent." He greeted easily, leaning his muscled shoulder against her. With his head he gave her a gentle teasing nudge. "Actually, I prefer our dances to stay private." Bright eyes twinkled mischieveously, remembering the last time they'd shared a 'dance' and he'd wrangled her to the ground beneath him.

It wasn't long that Az had Venom's attention to himself, for soon enough Mortis was trotting on into their conversation and seating himself down beside Venom. A flame of anger ignited as he realized what that meant, and immediately his gaze searched for the abandoned Hanako. Fucking. Idiot. His paw then lifted and fell upon the bridge of his muzzle, his shoulders slumping as he rubbed at his face. "I mind, brother." The stressed word was nearly a growl, though he'd said it all so far under his breath that he wasn't sure if either prince nor princess had heard it. The scale of loyalty in his mind tipped one way then the other, the idea of disappointing either woman an obvious terrible one.

As he paw dragged down his snout to free his face he gave a heavy sigh, his head finally lifting and staring out at the crowd once more. Neither. That was the choice to make. "I'm sorry Venom, I'll leave you two to your privacy." And then to Mortis. "Behave." One single claw tipped towards his brother threateningly, his tone serious. If Mortis told Venom about Hana, Az might throw him into the fire after all.

Rather then approach the lovely waiting Hanako, Azure bee-lined towards his little sister who was nestled in between their parents and looking rather shy. "Asla, dance with me?" He suggested, giving her a playful grin as he lowered his shoulder towards her. The cat had done a hell of a job upon her shoulder and so he was not so stupid as to expect her to play on the injured limb. Rather she could climb upon his back and he could do the dancing for both of them.

Sirius Fatalis @azure @Natha He greeted the wolves as they appeared. “As long as it takes, dear son” he teased with a smile, reaching over to ruffle the boys forehead as he walked past. Damn, but the boy was big, equal size to the Warlord, easily. Natha’s own teasing words adding to his own. “Just on the coat over there Natha,” he said, pointing to the one laid out. Close to the fire, but not close enough for their to be any risk of presents going up in flames. @Dunkan Another of his sons appeared - and what was it with his boys not being in the mood to party today? Mortis he had expected more enthusiasm from, but he knew the source of his boys woes, so he left him be. When Dunkan appeared, he nodded to the warrior. “Thank you Dunkan, do you want to place them over there also?” he asked, pointing once more to the pile. At least once the first few were placed, the rest would see where they were going. @Asla Hana appeared, much more in the spirit of things, and began to dance, he watched with great amusement the minor drama that began to unfold between Azure, Hana, Mortis and Venom. Conclusions: yearlings were just as much idiots as pups. He nodded his head towards Indigo as his last son arrived, and was quickly joined by Meadow. Then his favourite daughter, of course. The kiss to the cheek earned her one back and he grinned, tweaking her nose. This day was for them, even if the boys seemed too caught up to appreciate it. “Anything for my girl” he agreed @Naiche “The gift pile is over there” he said for the first time, as Naiche appeared and tried to unhand his gift immediately. Laughing, he clapped the tawny wolf on the shoulder, brushing past him @Hana Hana, now abandoned by both his sons, would find the Warlord before her. As he gave a courtly bow, hiding his grin. “It appears my sons learned the ‘shoo’ method too well. Alas for them, the next dance is mine. ” he promised her, holding out his paw.