It wasn't time, but she felt it was a good chance to let them know what was going on. Wren called out the names of the wolves who pledged themselves to Menagerie. She didn't know what to do expect from this pseudo-meeting, but just hoped it wouldn't burn in her face. If they came, she greeted them one by one before they sat. This was not a call to create, but a call to get to know each other on a more personal basis.

Wren sat among them. She didn't separate herself from the Guild-to-be. Her eyes wandered over them, wondering who was missing and who had come. She said nothing to them right away, only greetings, allowing them to become comfortable around the others. Some of them had been loners. Some of them had secluded themselves from others. She wanted to make sure they knew what they were getting into.

"Speech"
ooc; non-mandatory meeting, but coming will show devotion to wren! next round is when everyone recruited posts OR july 13

_________________________________________________________________ Wren had called them north to the gorge. Just on the other side of the mountain from Soul Sand Cove, the trek had taken her a tad longer than expected. With her trusty Mack at her side, Audra approached the area where Wren sat. Surprisingly, no one else had made it yet. A range of emotions traveled across her face as she let it tilt to the side. "Wren," she greets the brunette girl with a smile before finding a seat. Glancing around, noting that Mack dutifully sat on her right side, she wondered where the others were. "Th-this is s-supposed to b-be a group m-meeting?" The petite girl asks quietly, her glittering golden eye landing finally back on Wren. Wrapping her tail around her haunches, she leans into Mack for some warmth. Though Spring was on its way, this far North, it was typically late. With a chilly breeze whipping through the gorge, she fought back a shiver as Mack leaned back into her. _________________________________________________________________ A  U  D  R  A

Merc had asked for a chance to meet those that had pledged themselves under his friends banner, and today he would get that wish. He knew she wasn’t ready to begin the pack in earnest, but it felt right to meet the wolves that would be his family in the years to come. He knew he would have a strong desire to protect them as he watched this pack grow.

As Wren called for the others, Mercury sat at her side. Seated beside the dainty, tawny wolf who would be his future Alpha. Perhaps his future so-much-more if fate was kind to them. After her call rang out he sat up straighter and watched to see who would pile in. The first wolf to arrive was a golden-eyed woman a little older than he was. He offered her a warm smile, hearing the shyness in her voice as she leaned against her companion. She was such a wee thing as well. He immediately found himself wishing he could put her at ease. He leaned over a little and spoke. “It’s good to meet you, I’m Mercury” He said, voice quiet and gentle.

"Speech"

Life never seemed to quite go as planned. Just as she was about ready to try for the rank of lieutenant her eyes were drawn outside the Armada. There were the practical reasons of course but on learning that one of the Armada's members was starting up a pack of their own Gossamer saw an opportunity to see how a pack was started and run from the ground up. Not that she had any intent of starting her own pack but as someone with the desire to lead warriors she needed a change to improve her leadership skills. Briar had learned at the Hallows. Kotori at Ashen. Maybe it was time for her to spread her wings a bit and get experience outside of the Armada.

She knew of Wren but hadn't really had a chance to meet and speak with the woman. But if she had Sirius' blessing Gossamer was sure the woman had what it took to be a leader. She journeyed to the gorge, where a few wolves she didn't recognize were gathered. Gossamer cleared her throat and approached. "Wren? I'm Gossamer Fatalis, one of Sirius' kids. He told me you're in the process of forming a pack? I'd be interested in joining, can you tell me a bit more about what you hope to accomplish and what you're looking for in pack members?"

Keahi makes her way to gale gorge where Wren is gathering her new pack members. While the tropical woman is not joining the gold and brown woman’s pack the red wolf wants to be there to show her support for her adopted sister. She moves through the land, gliding from on rocky ledge to another until she spies the meeting area. Quickly moving to join them, blue eyes spy Wren is in the middle and Keahi offers her sister a warm, affectionate smile while moving to gently bump shoulders with her in a silent gesture of encouragement.

With that, Keahi moves to sit on the outskirts of the group but first, she makes sure to greet each wolf. She has met Gossamer before, the Fatalis woman had been a part of the fight to clear the Armada’s newest territory and the red wolf offers the taller woman a friendly smile. Mercury is given a bright smile and friendly shoulder bump as she passes. The only wolf she does not know is given a kind smile and respectful dip of her red head. She takes a seat in the back, there to talk if others wish to but mostly just there as a support to Wren. Humming softly to herself, Keahi watches the others with a soft smile on her red lips.


"Keahi Mogotsi"

Sybil heeded the call from Wren, intent on making a good impression on her guildmates to be. She emerged from the foliage, eyeing her company from under long white lashes, expression unreadable. A deliberate choice, as she realised more and more that she was the odd one out. Though she was only a couple more months away from adulthood, she was still a child, and the wolves around her were certainly not children. This wasn’t her first time in a crowd of older individuals, but one of the few times she was left without the support of family or friends. She held Wren in high regard, but they still didn’t know very much about each other. Most of their conversations had been blunt, to the point, nearly transactional in tone. A part of that was on herself, certainly. She’d linger away from others, feeling her age more than ever. ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Beauregard had started poking around the Gorge again with Trill as his eyes from above. The Blue Jay seemed a little better now that things were at least a bit warmer and, for Beau, he was growing a bit more comfortable with things here in Boreas. He was… still worried about Tanelan and his experience with "Mika". He didn't understand it but he had decided, at least for now, that the other was safe. He'd do some investigating about what had occurred later.

It was when the yearling heard Wren's call that he perked his ears. He was a bit further away than he'd like but he was going to make sure he got there. A bark to Trill, to announce they were changing course, and away the youth went.

By the time he arrived several others had already gathered. There was a woman speaking to Wren so the most Beau did was give a small, respectful nod towards her before spying another yearling. His tail wagging behind him, the boy seated himself near the same with a smile on his face. "Looks like we're the younglings of the group, huh? We'll have to show these guys what we're made of." His tone was gentle, kind, and supportive.

So these were the ones he'd call guildmates, hmm? He didn't see Tan anywhere which made him a bit worried once more. Maybe he was just overthinking things.

They came.

Maybe not everyone but it was enough they made the effort. Armada couldn't house them for eternity, so goodness knew they had to strike out on their own. Be it with Menagerie or not, Wren was there to make sure those adjusting would be seen and heard. "Audra!" Along with Mercury, she had been the first to come. Their most experienced healer and the most experienced pack member. Even Wren had been in a pack for exactly under a year before ka-boom. "yes, we're gonna try to make it one."

She resisted rolling her eyes - not at Audra but at herself for hoping. Mercury would greet Audra so Wren left them alone to talk. She turned her attention to a woman she didn't know, who was quick to introduce herself. One of Sirius' kids? "Nice to meet you, Gossamer" she inclined her head "honestly, I'm open to anyone joining who doesn't start problems, pulls their weight and values comradery" She lifted her head to stare at the young woman "Menagerie hopes to secure a place in Boreas but not step on toes. We're probably relaxed border-wise; as long as nobody hurts our members or steals from us they can cross freely."

She continued.

"We only accomplish as much as we want to; I'd never force anyone to do work they don't wanna do. That said; you gotta contribute something each season. Stands a better chance at promotions, right?" Wren flashed Gossamer an easy grin, joking with her. Noticing Keahi and Sybil arriving, she gave them each a nod. Her tail wagged as Beauregard went up to Sybil and started to speak to her. Good. They needed to stick together, not stray apart. Her attention turned back to Gossamer "we're just looking to belong among a sea of wolves already bonded with each other. By blood or friendship."

"Speech"
ooc; next round (wren's post) july 17! you can still join if you want!
note; there is NO POST ORDER. if anyone is around that wants to join the group thread, feel free to come in!
don't cause trouble, ask questions, etc. thanks!

Gossamer settled in to listen. It sounded like Wren's pack would be a bit more relaxed but that was fine with her. She believed in pulling her own weight and was eager to really dive into the roll of a warrior. She'd already gotten into trouble for defending Armada's borders and it appealed to her to be able to defend Menagerie's openly even if she'd have to learn to ask questions first. "Makes sense and sounds good to me. I'm a warrior and a healer though my focus is currently on battle. I'll happily patrol the borders and help chase off rival predators." She kept her ambitions tame for now. In the Armada she hoped to rise to the rank of Lieutenant and she very well would aim for something similar in Menagerie but she wanted to get a better feel for how the pack functioned before committing herself to a higher rank.

A warrior and a healer? Two in one was a great asset. She turns to Audra, beckoning the woman over with a friendly smile. "This is Audra, one of our healers" Wren introduced Gossamer "and" she turns to look at Mercury now, also egging him here too. He was the Seneschal "my old friend, Mercury, will be the lead defender. Beauregard is a warrior-in-training" she points out the yearling group, Sybil and Beauregard "and Tanelan is too, but I don't see him right now."

Introductions were important, right? "You'd be welcomed as a warrior or healer" Wren turns back to Gossamer "if it's okay, I'll talk to your father and let him know you intend to join us. I don't know what Sirius said about my pack, but you're free to bunk down at the Gorge or the Cove with the others." Now that the healers and fighters were all acquainted, she excused herself to talk to Sybil and Beauregard. True, the yearling lad was a warrior to be, but Wren didn't want him to be forced around older wolves.

She approached them now, tail wagging. "Hey guys" she chirped "glad you could make it!"

"Speech"

Mercury’s grin brightened as the unexpected appearance of Keahi in their midst. For a moment, he wondered if she was there to join. He was surprised when she bumped shoulders with Wren. Had the two also formed a friendship? He returned the bright smile that was turned his way, nodding his head subtly towards her.

He eyes the Fatalis wolf with curiosity. Daughter to the wolf that was housing the Menagerie. Though he knew little of Sirius and his kin, he had heard they were good fighters. He was interested in determining where Gossy’s strengths lay, if she was to be one of his warriors.

When Wren introduced him to the group, he dipped his head politely, before letting his eyes move across those that had assembled there. Beauregard was introduced to them, and he took note of the wolf that would be one of his warriors. It seemed he wouldn’t be meeting Tanelan just yet, but there was time still. “I look forward to working with you all. Beauregard, Gossamer, I would love a chance to catch up with you both after this, and talk a little about your fighting skills” He said, glancing at the two he spoke to. He would be happy to offer his expertise, and also to learn from them. If they were to work together, it would be good to have an idea of each others fighting styles.

"Speech"

_________________________________________________________________ Her attention turns to the dire wolf who introduced himself as Mercury. "P-pleasure, I'm Audra," she speaks back quietly, happy that he was kind enough to get on her level in a way. Not many wolves cared to notice her shy and inward personality so it brought a smile to her lips. It was then that other wolves began to join. A slightly familiar Armada wolf cloaked in black and white. She noticed the dark red girl approach as well and sit on the outskirts, also smelling of Armada. After that, it was two other loners that she didn't recognize. Continuing to watch everyone's reaction, her attention turned back to Wren as she was introduced to Gossamer. Politely nodding her head with a kind smile, she continued to listen to Wren speak while the rest were introduced. Putting to memory the rest of the group's names, Audra stayed quiet. Even as Mercury said his piece, she began to really think that this new pack might be a good fit for her. Everyone appeared eager and nice. Wolves like herself that wanted a place in life where they felt important. _________________________________________________________________ A  U  D  R  A

As she watched the congregation, a pale ear swiveled to hear another set of approaching paw steps. She glanced at the wolf that settled next to her, a boy her age, his coat a darkly brindled cream with eyes of cobalt. He spoke kindly to her, remarking on their youth. Yes, it would be good to have a friend her age. Another friend, as she remembered Ricin. She gave the boy a smile in return, grateful for the support but unable to add much to the conversation. Wren approached them now, tailed by a large man Sybil had not met yet. “You’d be pleased to know the journey was swift.” She purred, assuming a more confident mask. Her attention was largely on Wren’s companion. Had the fisherwoman netted herself a bodyguard already? She watched as he talked to the other yearling, Beauregard, about his fighting skills. Her stomach sunk a little, in realisation that they wouldn’t be working together. In this disappointment, she realised that Wren had not yet introduced her, and her newly teenage mind spun tragedies from this fact. Maybe she just was of less importance, or Wren had forgotten her because she held so little weight in her alpha’s mind. She refused to show this conflict on her face, not wanting to prove her theories correct. She would remain the observer until addressed, she would speak when spoken to. If she was spoken to. ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Sigh. It would seem Sybil's natural calmness and seclusion would have to be poked a bit. Wren tried to wait for her to introduce herself, as a future Diplomat - this was important. Sybil did not need Wren to do it for her, because Wren assumed she was mature and also confident enough. And she was smart. This still stuck in her mind though. It seemed the pale girl didn't already give her name to Beauregard. With all the wolves around her, she didn't think to before Sybil did.

"Mercury used to be a trader" she informed the girl "this is Sybil, one of our more intellectual wolves" Guess she had to introduce Sybil after all, not that she minded "I'm sure she'd like to pick your brain from time to time" she added to Mercury before her attention went back to the girl "I'm glad you and Beauregard are getting friendly, but make no mistake."

She paused before an easy smile.

"Just because you two are young, doesn't mean you're useless. You're Menagerie's core - like everyone else. But... you should meet my friend" she addressed the non-Menagerie in the group "I think she's a Diplomat for Armada now. Keahi!" Wren lifted a paw to wave her down "this is Sybil, one of ours smart enough to stay out of trouble" she shot the girl a wink "pretty sure she'll be our lead diplomat one day."

"Speech"

Keahi sits in the back, blue eyes watching as the gathered wolves mix and mingle. She does not step up, feeling like right now it be more of an intrusion then helpful and instead allows the pack mates time to get to know each other. Wren moves from wolf to wolf, introducing them to one another and a soft smile finds its onto her red lips as she watches the way the soon-to-be leader does the diplomatic dance with seeming ease. Yes, she will make a great Alpha. Ears swivel as she listens to everything Wren says and, when names are exchanged, the tropical wolf carefully files them away in her memory with the corresponding wolf’s face. To the red wolf’s surprise, her sister soon calls for her and she swiftly stands, moving to where Wren waits.

Tail wags loosely at her hips as Wren introduces Sybil and Keahi bows her head in respect to the white lady. A chuckle escapes as Wren speaks of Sybil the only one being smart enough to stay out of trouble and her red eyebrows lift as it is proposed that the white lady might be the lead diplomat one day. A kind smile is offered to Sybil as she says, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Sybil. I am still new to my position as diplomat for the Armada but I will happily answer any questions you might have.” Blue eyes turn to Wren as the red woman offers her sister a happy grin and small dip of head. Keahi wants to help Wren build a successful pack and she is willing to help in any way she can.


"Keahi Mogotsi"

Wren's introduction had him looking at the young pale wolf next. It sounded as if Wren was angling for her to enter a rank of diplomacy. He eyed the silver wolf with interest, and perhaps just a dash of wistfulness as well. Another time, another world, and that would have been his rank. He still held an interest in the duty, and he wondered if she wouldn't be opposed to him tagging along every now and then. Another set of fangs in the predator-riddled world, or company on the long treks across the continent.

Once Wren had finished introducing him to her, he dipped his head towards her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sybil" he said, offering her a warm smile. He tilted his paw in the direction of his head then. “If you're open to the idea, perhaps we could pick each other's brains later?" He suggested, since Wren had already spoken of his experience. It would be a good chance to get to know his pack mate, and swap what they knew of the packs in this world.

Keahi ambled over, and joined the conversation, bringing to the table her own shiny new position as diplomat. His grin widened, and he leaned over to pat a paw to her shoulder. “Congratulations, Keahi. I’ll bring you over a drink later” he promised, so they could celebrate her success.


"Speech"

A smile was about all he received in return, well-meaning of course, but Wren had also moved over, addressing them. Beau dipped his head to the woman and offered her a smile; he was grateful for their alpha and trying to store away all the names as she introduced the other wolves around them. His gaze slid toward Mercury, the male she had stated would be their lead defender. So he’d be answering to him, huh? That was fine! While young, and willing to work hard, Beau had no further aspirations in the pack other than working as hard as he could and proving his worth to himself. If he ever got a promotion that was great, and if not, well, no big deal, really. He wasn’t joining to get some fancy rank after all. When Mercury addressed him directly, however, Beau piped up and spoke. “For sure! I’m not that great yet, but I will be!” His ears twitched happily. It was a thought that seemed to be echoed in Wren’s next words. They weren’t useless, and they were going to be strong and helpful just like the rest. Her attention shifted to another topic, addressing Sybil and an Armada wolf, Keahi. Curiosity crossed Beauregard’s face as he tilted his head to the side. “Forgive me if this is a rude question but… what’s a diplomat? What do they do?” It wasn’t a term he was familiar with, nor a rank that had been considered necessary in the pack where he was from. He felt a little sad… did that mean the only wolf his age wouldn’t be able to train with him…? "Speech," 'Thought.'

Keahi moves to join the conversation with the Menagerie wolves, offering to answer any questions that they may have. From the corner of her eyes, the red woman sees Mercury’s smile widened and looks up to him as he leans over and pats her shoulder. A bright smile flashes across her face as he congratulates her, promising to bring a drink later and she softly says, “I’ll hold you too that.” A cheerful wink is tossed to the stormy male before her attention is pulled back to the tall, cream and black wolf as he asks what a diplomat is. Keahi offers the younger male a reassuring smile as she happily says, “That is a great question Beauregard! I think it is important to know the different positions in a pack.”

Ocean blue eyes give the taller, younger male a wink before Keahi begins to explain, “A diplomat is the ‘face’ of the pack. I carry important messages that my Alpha, Sirius, wants delivered to others packs. I help build and keep relations with packs when the alpha cannot be there. At times, I may be the first impression a new pack gets of the Armada.” A chuckle bubbles past her red lips as the tropical woman waves a red paw through the air, as if to dispel all the words she had just said, explaining, “Ah, sorry for all the technical talk. Basically, I get to travel the lands, going from pack to pack and carrying important messages from my Alpha.” A warm smile is given to Beauregard and Sybil as the red wolf finishes speaking.


"Keahi Mogotsi"