They had had their asses handed to them. Albeit not totally surprising, it was disappointing. Yet, he had seen them. Watched them. Noticed how they had given it their all to defend their new home. That he was proud of. He could see how they had tried. How much they were growing and learning and getting better. It was all that he could ask for, but he wasn't going to let them slack either. There was still work that needed to be done, and things to be discussed. As the days after the raid and after-party came to an end, Gil called for his pack.

Standing in the biggest room on the bottom floor of the Isle, he waited. Typically, they would meet outside, but as winter came to a head, the air outside was colder than expected. He rather they are warm and comfortable than freezing. Stoking the fire that was neatly built within the new fireplace they had built out of stones, Gil waited. Until everyone arrived, minus Modesty and the new brood, he would wait. Everyone needed to hear what he had to say.

"speech"

Flurry hadn't not tried to win her fight against the purple girl but she maybe hadn't tried as hard as others had. She'd been a little too busy flirting. Still better than ignoring her dad's instructions not to maim others in her estimation. Especially when you considered the already tenuous relationship they had with the attackers. If it was her choice she'd rather avoid an all out war, their track record wasn't exactly good enough to feel confident they'd survive that... She had already made a mental note to ask her father how he was planning to handle the whole thing, she knew her father trusted the red man so she simply wanted to know why... He hadn't exactly seemed stable to her in the time she'd been around him, which wasn't much because he didn't exactly seem stable... Self-fulfilling prophecy? Anyways she'd try to catch him after this meeting to try and finally understand. Flurry hadn't taken anything as seriously in her life as she was taking this thought of maybe one day taking over from her father, best to learn from the source right? These thoughts were swirling around her head as she moved towards her father. Trying not to puff up to much with pride at being the first to arrive. She approached her father, gave him a friendly playful bump with her shoulder before circling back around to sit close but not with him... Not yet. "Speech"

Art by Perencreste

If Ajax was bothered by how his fight in the raid went, he didn't show it. His eyes were as fishy and dead as ever, looking darker in the shadows of the crumbling building, like the sea on an overcast day. The crackling fire made his ears twitch, brows furrowing slightly as he settled atop the remains of what used to be a long-cushioned bench. The meeting room was now the remains of what used to be a foyer, a wide open space with a ceiling higher than the other rooms and corridors, the wall opposing wall had large windows that faced the sea. Or there used to be windows anyway, the shattered glass had been cleaned up so no one would cut their paws, wooden sheets and curtains were used to fill the gaps, so that the worst of the winter weather wouldn't blow in. A shame it ruined his view, honestly.

Rivin had made her decision to get better… and in doing so there was something important she needed to do. The problem was the courage to do it. The woman had never thought herself a coward, but the thought of speaking with her father again after the last time they gathered had been hard. But either things were going to get better, or they weren’t, right? Rivin teetered on the decision. The injury she’d gotten from the cat was covered with a fresh poultice and Lark kept close to her, keeping an eye that she didn’t have another episode. The bobcat was against the idea of the yearling going to speak to her father, but it would need to wait.

A meeting was called, and Rivin would move to the gathering area alongside her companion. She bore a reserved expression, gaze sweeping those gathered for Jack. Not seeing him she’d wander as far away from the fire and others as possible and lay down. She was here, but her mind was focused on what she wanted to do after. She hadn’t told Jack of her plan but she was sure, regardless of how her talk with Ignis went, she’d be seeking his comfort after the fact.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

Scald was not exactly... pleased with his father. Being offered as a sacrifice to make his sister happy wasn't his idea of a good time. Not only that, he had gotten his ass handed to him. At least she had been pretty so his ego wasn't totally bruised. Still, Scald was feeling rather sour and crabby. It was obvious on his face when he heard his father call out for everyone. Great. His thoughts hissed unpleasantly rude names about his father the whole time he walked from the beach where he had been resting and into the large foyer of the Isle's main building. Already, he saw his other sister, Flurry, sitting near his father, Rivin sitting off in the shadows, and then Ajax lounging on a chaise lounge not far off. Out of those three options, Ajax was the best of them. Trotting over to the red-coated boy, Scald slipped down to the tile ground beneath him and stretched out his lanky legs. "Long time no see," he murmured as he tilted his chin up to look at Ajax who definitely appeared slightly different than last time. Curious about what was going on, Scald figured he could ask later. For now, he resorted to picking at his nails while he waited for his father to start the meeting. S C A L D

Since Rivin had nearly drowned on her swim back to the Isle, Calico Jack has been dealing with some… feelings. The girl has always been his friend and he knows that he would do anything to put a smile on her face. Yet, when he had dived into the cold ocean to try and help her there had been… more. A call from Gil signaling a meeting, has the boy pushing the confusing jumble of thoughts aside and he stands from where he had been sitting, watching the ocean waves rise and fall.

Winter has chilled the air considerably but the ocean has always been a calming influence for him so he had braved the weather to sit under the cloudy sky and brood. Jack quickly makes his way into the huge structure that the pack has been repairing, pausing inside to shake out the salty spray that the sea had left behind, before rapidly making his way to the meeting area. A warm fire crackles merrily in the fireplace by the tall King and the boy flashes him a happy grin before allowing his gaze to sweep over those who have gathered.

Icy blue eyes alight on Ajax for a moment and the boy’s brow furrows with worry. Something is wrong with his sibling and Calico Jack has been distracted by his own feelings to even notice. Vowing silently to find out what is wrong with Ajax soon, he allows his gaze to quickly finish sweeping the room and he spies Rivin on laying on the ground on the outskirts. The boy moves to where she is, seating himself right beside before sliding down to lay on his belly as well.

Jack leans gently into her frame, offering his supportive while letting her without words, that she does not have to face the world alone. Quickly, he scans the poltice packed wounds that the cat had given her before looking back to the doorway. Flying Dutchman is lingering in the entry way and he bobs his slightly to the cat, signaling for him to come and offer his support as well. Together, the small group wait to see what Gil has called them together for.

"Calico Jack"

"Talk" Walk The raid had gone as expected against the Armada. After all, beating them twice in a row would've been like trying to hold water, no? They had bested them once before on their turf, but the Armada had managed to best them on Raider turf this time. At least he had left a memento on the one bitch to remember him by, and in turn, her boyfriend or whatever he was to her (why else would he have been so riled to take a piece of him) had stripped his back like a potato and the Crimson Wrath was currently on heavy painkillers and his wound was tended to and healing. Though he knew it would scar heavily, and whether or not the fur would grow back if at all, was yet to be determined. When Gil called for the pack together, he sighed as he rose to his feet. The skin on his back made him wince as it pulled from the motion, and his muscles ached and protested when he started moving. He was getting on in years and had a feeling that sooner or later, he should probably chill on the whole trying to fuck everyone up aspect. But that day was not today, nor would it be soon. He arrived to find a handful of the pack gathered. Rivin was there lying around with Calico Jack. The slightest quirk of his brow had him curious about the two, but he dared not approach them right now. His kids hadn't exactly been happy with him, so he opted to move and sit near the opposite edge of the group where he carefully lied down so as not to further aggravate his new wound.

The call for a meeting was summoning the pack together. Diablo finished up setting the trap he had made in an effort to at least do somethingto pull his weight, but all in all, he wasn't too pressed. His father could kick rocks for all he cared, though the boy avoided him since he returned home after a certain incident outside of pack borders. He didn't yet know if it was something he should tell Ignis about...or even Gil for that matter. So he would keep it to himself in the meantime. Once he finished the trap, he dusted off his paws and made his way there to find quite a few had gathered already. Rivin was with Calico Jack, and he spotted his father at the other side of the group looking worse for wear. Now that Aresenn was gone, he huffed as he took a seat near the back, sulking as he waited for the meeting to begin. "Speak"

He had been spending time with his kids as of late and was glad they had chosen to remain with the Raiders. He never thought he'd be a father or even thought that he'd be any good at it, but he wasn't doing too bad of a job if he thought so himself. Maybe some of his methods were questionable at best, but honestly, that seemed to be pretty standard for his family line. Finishing up a training session with Phoenix, the pair headed toward the call and it wasn't long before they arrived at a crackling fire and most of the Raiders there already. With a grin and a tip of his head, Ares took a seat among the group and waited.

"Speech"

He was settling in pretty quickly and getting accustomed to life within the Raiders Hollow. After living in Valhalla during his pup hood, this was a whole new way of life but definitely one that suited the rambunctious boy a lot better. He and his father were finishing up a training session when he heard the alpha's call for the pack to gather, so once they were done, he followed his father to the abandoned building and was pleased to find a nice fire set up and made for them. He took a seat with his father, glancing around to see if Sorra was around but he had yet to see him. What was his brother up to? "Talk," 'Think.'

First arrives Flurry and as she approaches and bumps his shoulder with hers, he smiles. Returning the shoulder bump, he watches her circle around and takes a seat nearby. His own inner pride swells now with the thought that finally one of his pups wanted to take after him. Next is Ajax who hardly gives glances at him before lounging across an old chair. Gil chooses to ignore it. The Harbinger had proven himself thus far and he would take what he could get. After is Rivin who sulks to a dark corner and Gil is not surprised. His eyes linger on her for a moment, wishing to tell her to come closer, but he holds back. His son, Scald, arrives before he has a chance to say much to the three already present. Scald's disinterest in him is also not surprising and Gil chooses not to address the lanky teenager just yet.

Moments later, Calico Jack enters, shooting him a bright grin before going to lay beside Rivin. This development also leaves Gil slightly surprised, but again, he isn't surprised. Then came Ignis who still tended to his back wound with care. Gil merely looks over to the Provoker with mild interest, knowing he has to speak with the man at some point, but again, maintains his spot near the fire as he waits for the rest. In comes Diablo who also resolves to sulk in the back. Why was everyone sulking around the edges? It is then that Gil finally lets out a rather disappointed snort from his nostrils, but still chooses to remain silent. Not everyone was there yet. It is then that Ares and Pheonix join them and he politely returns the smile thrown his way. At least those two appeared better than they had lately.

Gil waits a few more minutes to see if any of the other members would show. So far, he knows Modesty will not attend as she is caring for their pups. He notices Sakana is missing as well and chalks it up to Modesty probably needing help with all seven of the puppies. Next, he notices Deluge missing which does surprise him because she doesn't normally let him down, but after recent events, he assumes she's off lolligagging with that ex-Armada boy. Disappointed but not allowing it to let him down, he sees that Sparrow is also not here. Probably going to be fashionably late, which he doesn't mind. If she wanted anything, she knew where to find him. Lastly, he notices that Ares' other boy is not here and he lets his gaze linger on Ares for a moment to question if he knew where the boy was. It was important that all of the youth attend...

--- TLDR: Gil noticing everyone arriving, meeting starts here ---

The Raid King turns to address the pack. They know he does not care for words, but it was needed. Armada had successfully raided the archipelago and he wouldn't stand for them to keep losing. There was too much to be done and if they wanted to be a pack that everyone else respected or feared, everyone needed to put in some work. Inhaling a deep breath, he exhales slowly while turning to stoke the fire in hopes it will warm up the chilly room. Smoke tumbles above and seeps from the hole in the ceiling. They were merely wolves after all, not construction workers. As he turns back to the group, he begins his speech.

"I am proud of everyone that showed up to defend the archipelago," he starts and allows his gaze to settle on each wolf before moving on. "While Armada bested us, we made a good attempt. I would like us to keep trying to win. Train, practice, get new members, and widen your skill sets. It is important that we do not get lazy. I did not move us out to the Isle for a vacation. We needed a change, privacy, and a place to grow and learn so we could be a formidable force," there is another pause as his gaze turns toward the center of the room. "That being said, there is some news I need to share. As some may have noticed, Modesty was pregnant and has since given birth to a healthy litter of seven puppies which is why she is not in attendance today. Sakana has been staying with her and due to his efforts, he is being promoted to Sawbone, a lead medic for the pack. Next, I'm shifting Rivin to Regent instead of Raider," his eyes move to her so she knows how serious he is. "If anyone needs herbs, medicines, or plants, or would like to help Rivin set up a garden, please see me first," he adds before moving his gaze to Calico Jack. "Next, I am promoting Calico Jack to Advocate. He is in training to be my advisor and as such, he will be leading the next raid. He will call our next raid meeting once he is ready for us to go," Gil smiles briefly at Jack before moving on. "Last but not least for promotions, Flurry is officially being titled the Scion, which means she is the heir to Raider's Hollow. While she cannot make official decisions, I do expect everyone to treat her with the same respect as you would myself or Modesty," he turns to look at Flurry before looking back to the group.

"If you would like to do more for the pack, to rise in the ranks, please see me in the next coming days or weeks. It will be up to you to see to your promotions. I am no babysitter, but I am here to help. If you need training, we will get you it. If you need to talk," his eyes then turn to Ignis, becoming more a hard, stern stare for only a moment, "find me," his voice is terse before he fluidly shifts back. "Otherwise, keep doing what you are doing. The Isle is looking good. We need to finish the bridge toward the mangroves quickly as winter sets in. Then we can move the raft over toward the side that faces the archipelago so we have a way to maneuver in the water without swimming. If you have found a room that you would like to make your permanent residence, please inform me so I don't move anyone into it. Oh, and I'm putting out rewards. First to recruit a new member that is not family, will get a prize," he smiles a cheeky grin as he finishes up his speech. "The floor is open for anyone to speak," Gil finally sits himself back down upon the stone floor with the warm and blazing fire to his back.

"speech"

He couldnt believe it. He was late. Sorra had stayed up so late the night previous hed been sleeping in. The small yearling scrambled up from his sleeping spot. His heart ppunding against his chest. Shit. He ran as fast as he could, but when he got there the boss man was already nearly done.

"Im so sorry I had trouble getting up." shame shot through him. Heating up his pelt. What would his father or brother think of him. Well he wouldnt let this set him back. "I need training to be a scout or something." he settled his eyes off to the side. He was small and fast, his body hadnt filled out like hed imagined.

Deluge hadn't meant to be late to the meeting, she'd been half way back to the mainland when her fathers call came so she turned about and paddled as fast as her long legs would allow. She barely stopped to shake the dripping water from her coat as she approached the building and entered with such speed that her feet scrabbled against the smooth flooring, her hip hitting the ground but not shaking the apologetic but not really grin from her face. She tried to pad respectfully towards Scald, her nails tapping loudly against the hard floor as she flopped the upper half of her body across her brother's shoulders, reaching out to gently bite at his ear. It wouldn't be long now, and there wouldn't be anymore annoying meetings to sit through.

“Speech”

The pups had finally settled and Modesty had been given something to help her sleep while the pups did. Gil's poorly timed howl had set them back a few minutes, several of the kids setting off a chorus to echo their father and Sakana had given the wife an apologetic look and worked to settle them down again, lots of muttering about oo-woos later, sleep now, or they'd all end up small like him instead of big and strong like their parents.

With everyone comfortably settled he padded down the hallways and staircases, joining the meeting just in time to hear about his promotion, his tail waved easily moving to sit on the side of Flurry away from her father. He side-eyed Deluge after her dramatic entry and tried to ignore the sibling squabble that he had already broken up 50 times today that looked about ready to break out in the middle of their meeting. When Sorra spoke of needing someone to take him scouting, Sakana was quick to offer, “You can come along the next time I head out,” After all, his herb collecting took him all over the place.

“Speech”

Despite the worry gnawing in her gut, Rivin could only perk up as Calico Jack came and laid next to her. Her head would come up and a slight smile appeared on her lips. She was glad he was here, comforted by his presence. “I’m glad you’re here.” For the moment she might be able to forget about the talk she needed to have with her father. She didn’t want to approach Ignis about her feelings, but there was still that part of the yearling that loved her father. Wanted him to be okay with who she was. She would cast a glance over at him, frowning as she saw the state of his back. What had happened during the raid? Would he even show up if she called for him later? Her smile wavered and she pressed into Jack, turning her gaze instead to Gil as he started the pack meeting.

He was proud of them, despite their loss, for attempting to defend their home. He wanted them to keep getting better, and Rivin’s ears flicked back slightly. Her last attempt at “getting good” damn near killed her. But maybe that was her fault for trying to do it on her own. Hell, she probably could have asked the boy beside her to help train and he would have done so without hesitation. Her mind would wander, at least until Gilgamesh spoke her name. She would freeze, her gaze flicking to him. Yes she had spoken of wanting to improve her skills with plants but that wasn’t going to be easy in winter. But who was she to balk at a challenge? She had told Gil if they were short on bodies she would still raid, that she still enjoyed fighting, but she wanted to enjoy both walks of life.

Calico Jack would be the one to lead the next raid. Her gaze flicked over to him. He was becoming pretty important, wasn’t he? A small smile returned. “Consider me there to support you.” Whether as a raider or someone to tend to the hurts after, she would show up for the meeting to support him. Maybe she could even bring him something for good luck. The gloom she felt seems to have shifted, a weight off her as Gil gives the girl her new rank. If her father had issues with it, it wouldn’t just be her he’d be arguing against, but their Raid King. And… with hope, maybe their relationship could still be mended by talking it out. It would be a problem to address later.

The seriousness of the meeting would be interrupted as Deluge came in to greet her brother, and Rivin’s gaze would slide to Sakana. She’d need to reach out to the other yearling to see what knowledge she might have to share.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

Sparrow dragged her sorry ass to the meeting in record lateness. Even she was beginning to get sick of being a drag, but the majority of herself still wanted to fade into oblivion, so it wasn't a big deal. She made it in time to hear Gil's speech and wondered if hers were always just as long. There were lots of promotions and new pups and everyone seemed to be getting along just great and dandy without her. While she initially brought everyone together, she wasn't needed to keep their momentum going. She wasn't sure if she should feel upset or relieved, but even if she knew how to feel, everything still felt flat. She sat in the back and waited to see if anything was needed from her.

As he finishes his speech and goes quiet to allow anyone to say their piece, he watches as Sorra comes sliding in. One ears flick backward and a brow raises as the yearling confesses apologies and the want to be a scout. A thoughtful noise leaves Gil before he nods softly. "See me within the next few days. We will go over some training," he says to the boy before moving on. His attention then moves to his daughter who had unceremoniously slid on in to sit beside her brother. He only gives her a mild look of disappointment before moving on once more. They had had their conversation and there was nothing to say. Gil is glad, though, when he overhears Sakana offering to take out Sorra. Seeing the pack grow to be friends or at least companionable was a nice feeling.

Gil hears the whispers and low voice of others talking amongst themselves, but nothing else happens. No one else wishes to speak or so it seems. At the last moment, he notices Sparrow off in a dark corner looking more sullen than ever. He offers her a brotherly smile and a raise of the brow. "Sparrow, if you are bored, I can find something for you to do," Gil offers over to her so that practically everyone can hear. He'll leave it at that before turning to the pack.

"If no one else has anything to say, be on your way. Don't start too much trouble without my knowing," his smile turns into a smirk as he lifts a paw to shoo everyone out the door.

"speech"