The raid had been a bust. Her wolves had done well to defend their turf, but in the end, the Raiders had succeeded. She didn't harbor any ill feelings toward them, but she was miffed that some of her favorite things had been taken. She huffed as she shuffled through what hadn't been taken, but she knew she'd have to go out and restock and replace some of her favorite furs that she had saved. It was no more than a few days after they had been raided, and she figured now that they had breathed and tended to whatever wounds they had, it was time to call everyone to a meeting. They needed more fighters. Morticia and Cricket had joined in the raid to help, but she knew that wasn't something they had a strong interest in. They weren't fighters by nature, but they had still managed to hold their own against the bigger wolves they had gone up against. Medusa hadn't done too well herself, but she chalked it up to the young, spry boy she had gone up against as having better luck and probably had been actually trained, whereas all her experience was self-taught. There was a lot she had learned from him in their brief exchange in their tussle. After all, she hadn't expected Calico Jack to literally go head to head with her. In fact, he was probably the first to do that. Usually, they tried to avoid being bashed in the head! The Wraith made her way to the meeting spot in the center of the plains. A bounce in her step and her brain going a million miles a minute. There were a number of things she wanted to address, both raid-related and otherwise. It had been a good while since the last meeting, and this time, she would make sure things would get done or so help her! As she reached the meeting area that she had set up to be a little more...cozy (cozy for Medusa's standards, anyway), she took in the sight of what she had managed to set up and nodded with a grin. There was a number of furs spread out for the pack to sit on, a fire pit in the center of it all for those chilly days. A couple of logs that she had rolled in from the nearby woods for the others to use for the surprise feast! (and it had taken her...quite a few days to get them there since she wasn't the big and burly type, but also hadn't thought to ask for help, either). And her spot? A throne of bones that she had taken the time to build herself that stood at the head of it all. It was still a work in progress, but with the collection she had gathered, she had made the start of a masterpiece. The ribs of an elephant had been reconstructed to make up the back, the bones of other larger animals were pieced and tied together for the frame, and a chunk of a whalebone she had found on the nearby islands made up the seat. And on that, the skin of a black and silver wolf that had opted to take his chances at insulting and threatening her just outside the borders. Torches lined the perimeter of the meeting area, and while there was still some decorating she wanted to do, it would all come together in due time. She had dragged out a couple of fresh carcasses she had hunted that morning, a young colt and a stag that was probably bordering old age for his kind, but she had managed to catch both with the help of her companions and laid them out for the members of Insomnia to partake in. Umbra had bartered for a barrel of wine from a rogue band, and Medusa had rolled that out, too, and set it up on the end of one of the logs. Wooden bowls and drinking horns were spread atop the log for the others to use. Different types of eggs were laid out along with fruits, nuts, fish, berries, rabbits, mice, and other smaller bites were laid out as well. While this was her first time doing a feast, let alone participating in one, she had to admit, she felt she did a pretty swell job setting this up! By the time she was done, the day gave way to evening and the sky was painted with oranges, pinks, reds, golds, and shadowed by purple as the sun began to set. With a wide grin, she added the last touches by lighting the bonfire and the torches, adding a warm (or creepy) glow, before heading on over to her seat. Throwing her head back, she summoned the wolves of Insomnia with the note that this meeting needed everyone's attendance. OOC//Mandatory meeting! 1st round is due by October 13th! Those on absence are excused from the meeting, all others must attend!

Eraithus felt elated. While it was unfortunate they’d lost he had a hard time feeling down about it. He’d wiped the floor of the raid even if he didn’t quiet… remember it all. He’d spent the first day after polishing his bloodied antlers. Tending to his wounds but they felt like nothing compared to some he’d dealt with in the past. Before the night was upon them Kespie had come to him saying Medusa was up to something. What was the dear lady doing and perhaps there was something to look forward to. The man tidied his prized weapons and armor away in his den hiding them under brush. Stepping out he breathed in the cool winter air was this finally what peace felt like?

Her call rang out and he was ready. Kespie hitched a ride between his shoulders the snowy owl fluffing herself comfortably. He laughed giving a saunter as he arrived to stare in awe. The throne Medusa had made dear gods where did she find those bones and how did she polish those. He needed advice for his new hobby he swore. Eraithus smiled approaching Medusa casually. "Medusa this is amazing. Did you set it all up yourself?" he looked around, where would he sit. He didn’t really belong on the sidelines anymore. Not since his cruel side kicked in during the raid. He’d gone for blood and had gotten it.

"You are going to HAVE to show me how you polish your bones sometime. They’re so well stripped." his eyes sparkled a bit. He turned to a fur, closer to the front this time. What would he eat first, was there some fun plans ahead for them. He curled relaxing his paws as Kespie flew off of him landing near Medusa. I like your throne my lady. Kespie bowed with a wing before hopping back over to Eraithus side.

Vulcan was recovering from both the wounds and the shock of seizing his very own father in the raid that not only took him by surprise but also gave him insight into what his father had been like, whom he had not seen in years. It was good he was fine, but he had a lot of grudges and some sort of resentment towards him, and thanks to him, he lost his chance to be king of the pack he wanted to inherit. But well, he knew complaining now wouldn't change the past.

He heard the call from Medusa and quickly made his way towards the meeting place. He noticed how well elaborated the place was, with torches and bones. He took a seat and waited for the meeting to begin.

""

He heard the call for a meeting. Though he wasn't immediately rushing to his feet. He sighed heavily as he lay at the entrance of the den, the stench of the tar pits and rot heavy in the air. When he was first put here, he couldn't bear the stench. But after some time, he had gotten used to it. He had yet to seek out Enki...even though his brother was the sole reason he had come to this place, he was...ashamed...of the way he had gone about it and landed himself in the very position that Enki had gotten them out of. "I'm such an idiot..." he muttered before finally rising to his feet. He was sure to find Enki at the meeting...and he couldn't hide here forever. He wasn't sure if Enki saw him at the raid, or noticed that he was there. There was a lot going on, so he wouldn't blame him if he had gone unnoticed.

Crossing the boundary from Tar Pits to the Plains, he made his way to where he heard the call come from. When he finally arrived, he was disappointed to see that Enki was not yet there, but surprised to see his dad was! His dad had decided to stay here? Or was he a prisoner, too? Confusion settled over him, but it was no more than a lingering thought as his eyes fell on all the food, the decor, the laid-out furs and the fire, and the bone throne that Medusa sat upon. His belly rumbled when he realized he hadn't yet eaten today. Not because he was being starved, but because he had forgotten to eat. Heading to the table, he grabbed a rabbit and then made his way toward Eraithus. He sat beside his dad and settled in. "Didn't know you were here, dad." He murmured before taking a bite of his food.

Morticia was disappointed by the raid and what losing had meant. Experiencing injury for the first time as well had been unpleasant, and the girl had gotten the wind knocked out of her. Then, when no more Insomnia wolves could fight, the invaders came taking furs, food… Morticia was upset about that. She was sometimes willing to share with her packmates but that was because she liked them. She didn't like the strangers. And when her mother called for Insomnia, Morticia figured it would just be a report of what they had lost.

She was pleasantly surprised, energy and eagerness filling her once she saw the food and furs laid out. Her tail swayed back and forth eagerly as she looked at her mother, a wide grin on her face. "Medusa did all this!?" There weren't too many wolves there yet but that was okay. She made her way over to some furs and laid down. This was going to be a nice pick me up!

Something was... off about Ghoul lately. Especially after the raid, he couldn't ignore the ache in his heart. He missed his mother more than he cared to admit. He wanted to avenge her. To find her killer and see that they meet a worse fate. How would he go about doing that though? He had responsibilities here in Insomnia. Between Mac, Cricket, and Medusa, he found himself busy. Though he attempted to hide the sour expression on his face most days, he knew they could tell he was off. That something was bothering him. Not that he wanted to talk about it because he didn't. All he wanted was blood and one day, he would get it. As usual, he was spending time with Mac and Cricket, stewing over the hatred in his heart, when the evening call rang out from Medusa. Ghoul didn't waste much time before scooping Cricket onto his back and nudging Mac along to make their way out toward the area lit by the large bonfire, following the sweet scent of meat. The image of the feast and Medusa sitting upon her throne brought a smirk to his lips as he approached with his brother and uh... Cricket. He wasn't sure what to call the girl but he knew that if anyone dared touch her, they would have to answer to him. "Looks lovely, Medusa," Ghoul says in his gruff tones as he moves to sit near the queen of Insomnia. Stepping aside to drag a carcass toward them, Ghoul places himself so that the warmth of the fire is pressed against his coat while also having enough room for Cricket and Mac so they aren't burning themselves. Stretching himself out, he looks around to who else had gathered before turning his attention to Medusa. Ghoul Klein

Triss was yet to regain her voice after her stint in the Armada. There didn’t seem to be anything wrong with her otherwise, except the occasional bit of pain in her throat. She had started off certain her voice would come back after a few days rest, but that certainly was slowly leaving her. She was worried, but she didn’t want to show it. When Medusa called for the pack, she made her way to the meeting point. She found the feast the Alpha had set up, and she grinned with delight. It was a shame her first pack meeting since her kidnapping was one where she couldn’t speak, but she would make do. She would mingle as best she could, and hope no one was offended by her responses being nods and smiles. "Speech"

Since the raid, Enki had retreated into himself. The anger and fear he felt while fighting the Raider girl had shocked him and, after his defeat, he had slunk back to the Tar Pits to tend to his wounds. Time passed and he did not leave his den, taking comfort in the familiarity of his own place while trying to piece together exactly what he had felt. Another day was drawing to a close when a call rings through the lands. The boy had been lounging in his small cave, huddled against the worries that he bore, teetering on the edge between waking and asleep when the summons reaches him.

Eyelids slowly drag open, the heaviness of almost sleep weighing his body down. Sleeping seems to be all he does these days as he battles with himself and the boy has even been avoiding Tazzy lately. The wall between his emotions and memories seems to be growing thinner and he has begun to feel the stirrings of the rather unpleasant emotion; sadness. Sighing, the pink boy lifts his head from his legs and slowly stands, taking a moment to stretch his cramped muscles and shake out his coat. If this meeting is mandatory then that means that Tazzy will be there too. Not wishing to worry the other boy, Enki does his best to appear not so… ragged.

Paws carefully pull him to the meeting area where he is greeted by torches. The sky is awash with brilliant colors as the bonfire beckons him in and, to his immense surprise, he spies his brother Akuma already here. Quietly, the sad boy joins his sibling and father, seating himself beside the without a word. There has been a lot going through his mind lately and now he is left to wonder why his brother is here. After all, Enki had traded his freedom for those of his siblings so he should not be here but out there, enjoying the world. He does not meet his family’s gazes and, instead, looks to Medusa with a small but warm smile. Life is certainly strange for the boy.


"Enki Klein"

Though he'd rather be anywhere but around the entire pack right now, he knew better than to ignore Medusa's call. Insomnia hadn't fared very well against the raiders and Veigar didn't doubt that his performance was among the worst. He'd hardly been able to hold his ground for even a moment after his opponent. He just hoped his packmates had been too engaged in their own fights to notice how terribly he'd done. Though at the same time he wondered if it was time to confide in someone about his sight and maybe receive some related fight training. He was determined not to let his lack of sight get in his way next time he found himself in a fight. It almost, barely, outweighed his desire to stay away from everyone at all costs.

As he headed toward the gathering, the smell of smoke and food reached his nose. Intrigued but cautiously so, he moved and found a spot on his own to settle down. He'd wait for the others to partake in the food and festivities before he made a fool of himself trying to do so. Maybe if he kept his head down and low to the ground, no one would pay any mind to him.

Cricket had been reluctant to leave when the call came, she was quite snug and cozy just where she was, and she still kinda hurt from being yeeted across the battlefield. She scowled and squirmed when Ghoul scooped her up to throw her on his back, but as soon as she was situated between his shoulder blades and she realised how thick his fur was up here, she happily melted into his back, reaching down with her paws to hug the big lug and bury her face in the dense fur on the back of his neck as he quickly covered the distance to Medusa's new bone chair... thing. A black dotted brow lifted in question as she took the whole scene in. The meat Ghoul dragged over wasn't guts, so Cricket wasn't lunging at it immediately, truth be told she was quite comfortable right where she was.

Still sprawled across Ghoul's shoulders like a short cape, she allowed her tail to thump in a wave to show, yeah she was alive, and she was listening, despite the yawn that escaped her as she adjusted her chin in the soft ruff fur that was better than any pile of weeds she'd ever curled up in before.

”Speech”  ’Thought’

It's time to raise the curtain

idk about timing, im just assuming widow knew about tris' accident before she spent a few nights with ravage

This season had been rough so far. Thrown into her heat, she would be lying if she said she wasn't lowkey afraid of what happened last time to happen again. She couldn't even remember Cryptis' birth beyond the mangled mess of the stillborn conjoined mutant-pups that she certainly believed had everything to do the the Long Night. She hadn't meant to spend many days away from Insomnia and her daughter, and it certainly wasn't her initial intention, but she had felt oddly safe in Ravage's company throughout the beginning of her heat, safe enough to convince him to join her should Medusa see nothing wrong with another able-bodied member. She was already on her way back with the blue man when she heard the woman call for them all to gather.

Introducing Ravage to her would have to wait, it would probably be rude to bring him along and it probably wasn't exactly wise to show up with a stranger. With a sigh and a frown, she left the man and hurried off to the meeting to find that she wasn't late, but she certainly wasn't early either. Mercurial eyes scanned the crowd before finding her daughter amongst everyone and she quickly hurried over. "Sorry I'm late," she purred as she kissed the top of her daughters head before sitting beside her. Glancing over towards Medusa then, she offered a smile and a nod before looking around and noticing all the preparation that had been done for this very meeting.

"Speech!"

art © eightysichs & code © rex 2023

"Speech!"
He was hard at work when he heard his mothers call for the pack to assemble, a frown creasing his features as he hurried to finish the last few steps. He'd certainly be a little bit late, but hopefully he'd arrive before the meeting would get too on and maybe no one would notice! He was tiny, at least, but he was hardly camouflaged with his bright rainbow coat and skeleton face. He could only hope that he would get lucky, because he wasn't going to go without finishing his gift for Enki first! He hadn't seen much of the other boy lately and that made him quite sad, but he knew something was up with him and that's why he was so keen on finishing this gift.

As he finished, he studied the stuffed rabbit for anything he needed to fix - loose threads, lumps, anything that would make this anything less than perfect. Filled with various herbs for some aromatherapy, the stuffed rabbit would hopefully help Enki in some way. He'd learned a few things from Widow about the plants he'd gathered to pack in this bad-taxidermy rabbit, so he hoped the lavender and chamomile stuffed toy would bring him some good dreams or at least a restful night without whatever plagued him haunting him. Even he slept with it the night before to test its effectiveness, though doing so before it was ready had of course left parts needed fixed.

He was certain the meeting had already started, so with a panic he grabbed the toy and hurried off towards the call... though he was pleasantly surprised to see that it had in fact not started yet. Food and members gathered around, though he was only in search of one in particular. Once his purple eyes had spotted the familiar pink boy, a smile crept over his face around the stuffed rabbit he carried in his mouth. He hurried over, weaving in between the legs of the other members until he approached Enki with his tail wagging and smile wide.

"Enfki! 'm made you sumfin!" he said around the rabbit, clearly too excited to consider putting it down before speaking.

She was royally late. Oops. She hadn't been in Pack lands when her mother called, and she'd been running for a few minutes from a couple of lands over after hearing the call. She was hurrying, but considering how far she'd been at the start, she wouldn't be surprised if her mother had already started the meeting. When she finally did reach Insomnia's meeting place, she was panting hard and she swore her paws were practically freezing by the time she made it. Insomnia's lands were cold, but not as cold as it was beyond them. She attributed it to the fact that the tar pits were warm, so that probably helped stave off the full grip of winter. As she caught her breath, she looked around to find that Medusa had a whole set up for the pack. Interested and suddenly hungry, she made her way to the set up that had an assortment of goodies and she grabbed a whole wooden bowl full of rodents, fruits, and nuts and took it for herself. She sought out her siblings, though quickly found that Tazzy was with Enki, but Morticia was on a fur by herself, so she headed over to her and flopped down beside her and placed the bowl between them before popping a mouse into her mouth and slurping it up. "I brought snacks, Morty!" "Speak"

She stretched herself across the Bone Throne, nails clicking and clacking on the solid surface as she inspected it. She wasn't done with it. It still needed some polishing up and some things needed to be shifted around and tied down a little better, but it would do for now. Ears perked and eyes rose to find Eraithus arrived first. Her grin widened as he praised her for how amazing it was. "Yes! Medusa put it all together for all of you! And Medusa has been working on this for a few days, too, but collecting bones for longer!" She proudly tapped her paw on her throne, tail wagging as his companion came over to compliment her piece. "Medusa will show Eraithus how she does it!" She nodded. If he was interested in learning, who was she to stop him? Her gaze turned to Vulcan when he arrived,"Hmmmmm..." She nodded to him as he took a seat. She didn't see much of him. He was pretty quiet. Didn't like to show his face much. Maybe he just didn't like others? Why would he be in a pack if he didn't like to be around others? He did show up to the raid, so that was something at least. Still, he was one of the few she wanted to see more of in the pack. Especially since his dad the Red Man was so dang interesting! Next to arrive was Enki's brother, uh...she couldn't remember his name. Did she even get his name when he trespassed!? Heck. She couldn't remember. Oh well! He was here, and she eyed him as he went to sit with Eraithus. He too, had shown up to the raid. Which honestly, surprised her. Her lovely little gremlin came next, and although Medusa greatly appreciated and was very proud of Morticia's effort in the raid, Medusa knew she wasn't much of a fighter. But still, she tried! A for effort, right!? She nodded proudly after Morticia's question, her grin growing bigger, proud of her setup. Hopefully, this would be a good pick-me-up for them! Something for them to know that she appreciated them. Ghoul showed up next with a Cricket on his back and his brother at his side. She was pleased to see them, and even more so as they sat nearby. Ghoul at this point, was one of her greatest friends. Or at least she considered him one, and of course, she absolutely adored Cricket! Mac she had been growing a soft spot for, he was cool. "Thanks, Ghoul! Medusa is proud of it!" She beamed. Shortly after them, her goddaughter arrived. Medusa smiled at her, of course. For whatever reason, Triss couldn't speak. Though she still had feelings about her being at Armada at the time, she still wasn't sure what to think of the situation. Enki and Veigar came next, both quiet and going in their own directions. Enki with his brother and father, and Veigar on his own. She watched the two respectively as she thought about what she wanted to do with them. They both did well in the raid and honestly, she'd been surprised when Veigar had shown up to fight. Last to arrive were Widow, Taz, and Rue. Though Rue was the latest of them all, she tsked as her daughter grabbed some food and went over to sit with Morticia. Well, late was better than never! **Meeting start** Promotions She waited a few moments for everyone to settle in, and once she felt they were, she began. "Medusa wants to thank everyone for coming! And to thank you all for your uh, hard work! Medusa has set up a feast for you all to share today! Medusa is proud of the ones who went to fight to protect Insomnia, and even though Insomnia lost, she is still proud!" She nodded firmly before continuing. "So, first, Medusa will start with promotiiiing...Vulcan!" Her gaze found the broody red male who looked very similar to the Red Man she had encountered several times before. "Medusa appreciated the prompt showing up to fight! And it was also good to see your face," She winked and giggled, "Medusa is promoting Vulcan to Howler! Congrats!" She breathed in, and then out, and in a more serious tone, stated "Medusa wants to see you around more. Vulcan will be training with Medusa for a while." She left no room for negotiations on that. Her gaze shifted over to the little family trio, and then "Eraithus," She turned her gaze to the Blue Man, beaming at him as she sat up, "Eraithus, Medusa saw how you fought against the raiders, and she has seen how much you train! Medusa will admit, she did not trust you for a while, but he has proven that he can be trusted. Medusa is promoting Eraithus to Heartless! He will also help to train others to be better Insomnia warriors, so he will have an apprentice." She nodded, beaming proudly at him. Sure, it had taken her some time to start trusting him, but the more she talked to him and interacted with him, the more he proved she probably could trust him. Next up! Her gaze dropped to Enki, and she ho'd and hummed as she considered him for a few moments. "Enki...Medusa is thankful that he showed up to fight, too. So Enki is also getting promoted, and will now be a Fear." While she knows that Enki is here for his own reasons, Medusa doesn't want to treat him any differently from anyone else in the pack. He was hers to protect and lead for as long as he was here, and she'd make it known that she appreciated him regardless of his feelings about her or the situation as a whole. Her gaze briefly switched to his horned brother, but she was not yet ready to discuss ranks or much else with him just yet. He had trespassed and forced Medusa to Curse him, and put himself in a position that Enki had so desperately given himself to keep him out of. She was upset with Enki's brother, but she'd address that later and in private. Dual-toned gaze then turned to Veigar, and knowing he couldn't see, she gently spoke his name so that he knew she was speaking to him directly. "Shiny man Veigar!" Her tone was lighthearted. She didn't know if anyone else knew of his blindness, but she did, and her companions had advised her not to out his blindness without his permission, and that it was something personal. He might not like it if she openly said something to the others. "Veigar, Medusa wants to promote you to the rank of Fear. She thought you fought courage, and Medusa is happy to have you on her side." Though he couldn't see it, she smiled at him. She barely knew him, sure, but she felt like he was someone worth keeping around. Someone worth trying to make friends with, perhaps. Turning her attention then to Morticia & Cricket, she wagged her tail as she beamed widely at them. "Medusa saw both of you fight, even though she knows neither of you are warriors. But you are both very good hunters! So Medusa is promoting both of you to Shriek! Hunting is just as important as fighting, no? Other wolves are not the only dangerous creatures around, you are both very brave!" And she was damn proud of her daughter and Cricket, especially considering how tiny she was! She supposed good things came in small packages. To Widow & Ghoul, she looked between the two of them. These were the two wolves that she trusted the most in the pack. Even though they were the kids of her late enemy, Medusa had come to see them as family. Both had decided to willingly follow her despite the history between her and Recluse. Ghoul had been the first to show her kindness and, in some form, friendship, during her time as a Habari slave. And Widow she felt she understood in some way. Not only did they have their first litter just a few hours apart, but Medusa felt...connected to her. They helped raise each other's pups, Medusa had helped care for her during her recovery, and Widow had made Medusa a special gift that she treasured. She truly did care about and greatly appreciated both of their friendship "Medusa is promoting Ghoul to Nightmare. And also Widow will be a Dream. Medusa loves and appreciates both of you very much, and she thinks you deserve recognition for your work." She felt everyone deserved recognition for the work she'd seen them do, so of course, she wanted to acknowledge that. Mentors/Apprentices "Medusa is proud of all of you! And she is glad you are all working hard, but there is still a lot Insomnia can do. Especially if Insomnia is to beat the next attack, hm?" She took in a deep breath and let the wolves who had earned a promotion celebrate for a few moments if they so chose before she continued. "As she said before, Vulcan will train with Medusa, mostly. She will also help Morticia and Enki." She nodded at her choices. "Ghoul will help Mac, Veigar, and Cricket. Eraithus will help train Akuma and Tazzy. Widow with Rue and Cryptis." There. That settled that part. She trusted the mentors to train their students and ensure their readiness for the next time someone decided to raid Insomnia, or worse. She really hoped they'd take her a little more seriously this time. She didn't wanna be the bad guy, or take away any fun. Hell, she figured she'd been doing a decent job so far all things considered. Misc. (Spring festival mention, raiding, request board reveal) Now that that was out of the way, fun stuff! "Medusa wants to throw a festival soon, she thinks it is time for Insomnia to have some...fun. Right now, it is too cold to have one, but when Spring comes and it warms up, Insomnia will have a festival! Racing, spars, food, fun! Medusa has special plans...planned for it!" It was decidedly a little too early to go into further detail as she was still thinking on some things. Perhaps she could discuss some ideas with her newly promoted betas! "Also...Insomnia needs a few more paws. Medusa has put a request on the new board she set up by her den! Anyone here can go to the board to see what things need doing, and even ask for help! A raven named Snatcher will help you there!" She beamed with pride and was hopeful that her new idea would work. "Anyone who recruits someone who is good for Insomnia, or helps with things on Medusa's shiny new board, gets special Medusa rewards! Also, she wants to do what just happened to us. Medusa wants to try a raid, and she wants everyone to train and get ready for that, too." She scanned the group, letting them absorb all that she'd said up to this point. She really hadn't anticipated talking so much, but there was a lot she wanted to get out there, a lot of information to process, and she wanted Insomnia to be on board and do well. She didn't know how other packs did it, but she figured the more information the better so that everyone was on the same page. "Medusa is almost done, then everyone can go eat and celebrate!" Breathe in, breathe out. Now it was time to get a little more serious. She glanced at her companions, then back to the others. Her gaze lingered on Cryptis for a heartbeat or two, and then Akuma and Enki, Rue and Morticia and Taz, and then back to everyone as a whole. "Medusa wants us to train with another pack. Corbie is nice, and her pack has good wolves that can help us train. Rue is going to train with a healer there, so she wants to give uh..." She clicked her tongue as she tried to remember the word. "Opportunity." Umbra murmured, "Oh, yes! Opportunity! For others to train with them, too! Insomnia was also going to go to a festival with Valhalla, buuuutt Valhalla is not there anymore. Sad." She frowned for a moment before continuing. "If Insomnia wolves find Valhalla wolves, then offer them to come to Insomnia if they want until they can go back home. Valhalla and Avalon are friends. They are always welcome." Now to approach the other side of the coin. "Medusa also knows that other packs are not friends. Those are mostly the ones who were mad when Medusa won Habari from Recluse. The pack with the big stripey guys are not our friends. Eemm...Armani? Armando?" She shrugged, "Medusa does not want her wolves around them unless it is to spy, or if Insomnia is raiding them. Big alpha guy came here once and was rude, so they are not welcome. Medusa will not be happy if she finds her wolves are going to them, and then she will have to do things she does not want to do." Her gaze flicked over to Triss for a moment. She didn't know what all happened with her situation there, but she did not trust that the armada boy was telling the whole truth. And with her being unable to speak, made Medusa even more suspicious and wary. They gave her absolutely no reason to trust them. Clearing her throat, she continued. "Insomnia is also not friends with the Recluse family pack, and maybe won't be, she dunno. And also, definitely not Castle Pack. He said so when Medusa won Habari. Other packs that Medusa has not yet talked to we will see, but those three are on not Insomnia friends list." She really hoped that the message was loud and clear. She loved her wolves, they were family to her, and she hoped they respected her enough to follow the rules and requests she set. "Okay, Medusa is mostly done. Does Insomnia have anything they want to say or ask before we eat?" She had spoken enough by this point, but there had been a lot to unpack, and she wanted to make sure they were all on the same page, or address any concerns that came up, etc etc etc. OOC// mandatory 2nd rounds due by Nov. 5th! No post order! Mandatory responses for promoted wolves to acknowledge, deny, or request a different rank! Any other comments/questions/concerns may also be addressed, others who have nothing to really say are free to post for feast stuff and/or make separate threads to mingle with their packmates for the feast! "Speech"

Triss’s ears flicked up, curious and excited as promotions were mentioned. Would she be getting a real rank? Her tail slowly lowered a little more with each name mentioned, until it was clear that a rank wasn’t for her. Not yet, at least. She was however given a mentor - her own mother, so nothing new there. She loved her mother of course, but working with someone new might have been exciting. She was set to attention, listening to Medusa speak as she continued on - but she was still caught by surprise when the older woman mentioned Armada. Armada seemed to get a very special mention in fact, above and beyond any other pack. Was that because of her? Her ears flattened to her skull as Medusa told them they were not to associate with anyone in that pack. So far, her only friends outside Insomnia had come from Armada. She thought of Spider, and, Warden… and Crux. She liked her friends. As she sat there, listening, a little trickly of rebellion sunk in for the first time. She was starting to think this was some punishment for saving Crux. For being saved by him. No, she wouldn’t cut contact with her friends. If that put her at odds with Medusa… well, it would hurt. But it hurt her what Medusa was saying and doing right now. Did her own feelings not matter to her Godmother? "Speech"

Enki sits with his father and is brother, part of him wishing to speak and ask how they doing but he does not trusting his voice right now. Instead, he sits quietly, waiting for the others to filter in so that the meeting may begin. Suddenly, a flash of color catches his attention and the boy slowly turns his head to find Tazzy rushing toward him. Excitement paints the other boy’s face and his tail wags happily as he shows off something in his mouth that he made… for Enki. Surprise flickers across his features as he takes it all, the emotions that have been slowly chipping away at the dam sudden slam against it with surprising force, breaking through and shattering the barricade.

The blank and empty expression that has been normal for Enki since he had heard the news of his mother’s death breaks to reveal genuine gratitude and heartfelt joy. Without warning, the pink boy leans down and reaches one long, slender arm toward Tazzy as he wraps it effortlessly around the smaller boy and pulls him toward his taller frame. His movements are fluid and precise, the opposite of how he has been acting for so long. Carefully, he envelopes the thoughtful boy in a warm, loving embrace, folding his body over the smaller boy as he squeezes his eyes shut and just enjoys the hug.

It means the world to the broken boy that someone actually thought of him and took the time to make something just for him. As the last wolf appears and it becomes evident that the meeting is about to start, Enki releases his hold on Tazzy and pulls away, ghosting a kiss across the colorful boy’s crown as he softly murmurs, “Thank you so much Tazzy.” A smile, huge and bright lights up the pink boy’s features as he gratefully takes the offered rabbit, pulling the object close to his chest with one leg as he wraps the other around Tazzy and anchors the boy to his side.

Happy tears shine in the corners of his eyes as Medusa begins to speak and his chest puffs out in pride as she names him a Fear. While Enki had come here as part of a bargain to release his littermates, the boy is quickly finding more reasons to be alive here than he ever found alone out in the world. He will protect Tazzy and Medusa and all the other inhabits of Insomnia not because he has to but because he wants to. Yes, Insomnia has quickly become the boy’s home.

The dam that had blocked his emotions is slowly disappearing and a warm smile is given to Medusa as she talks about helping him train to fight. Yes, the world is certainly becoming a brighter place for Enki. Talk of a festival has him grinning down at Tazzy with excitement, hoping that the boy will accompany him when it starts. Medusa winds down, opening the floor for the Insomniacs to ask questions and he speaks up, his voice, for once infused with life as he says, “Thank you, Medusa. I won’t let you down!"

Giving Tazzy a gentle squeeze, he releases the smaller boy from his embrace but not without an affectionate nuzzle against his cheek. Nodding to the food, he softly asks, “Want to join me for some food?” Head cocks to the side as he offers a gentle smile, the stuffed rabbit still clutched lovingly against to his chest.


"Tazzy" & "Enki"

code © skelle 2023

Veigar's attention was zeroed in on Medusa when she started to speak, listening for anything relevant to him. He didn't expect much of anything. He'd pulled his weight during the raid, he'd done as best as he was able but he'd been caught off-guard in his second fight and he'd been quickly overpowered. He hadn't stopped to consider what anyone else thought of his performance, not when he was so deeply disappointed in himself.

He listened attentively, though still was caught off-guard when he was addressed directly. His head lifted slightly, though it remained tilted down toward the ground, sightless eyes downcast. "Thank you, Medusa. I accept," he said simply, glumly - he truly was not sure he deserved it but he wouldn't argue, instead vowing to do better than he had before. Maybe he'd do well in finding someone to train him, maybe not someone who had experience with fighting without sight but someone he could confide in nonetheless who could help him work around his disability.

Even thinking the word left a foul taste in his mouth. Like he was damaged, like he was less - and that was exactly how he felt. He fell silent as the rest of the meeting went on, listening to the promotions given out and the rest of the news given. He had nothing further to add, and instead waited for the meeting to end so he could crawl back to solitude.

Settling in with Cricket and Mac, Ghoul felt content. Though that pit in his chest still felt like indigestion, he would ignore it for now. No use allowing his emotions to overcome him while Medusa was trying to speak to the pack. Rolling slightly so that he could stretch out his legs, he made sure that Cricket was still seated firmly in his scruff before he laid his chin upon his paws. His eyes begin to move over all that came to call Insomnia home.

Medusa, Eraithus, Vulcan, Akuma, Morticia, Cryptis, Enki, Veigar, Cricket, Macabre, Widow, Phantasm, and Rougarou. When his gaze turns back to Medusa, he wonders if anyone is missing. Had more of his siblings been able to leave? Or had something happened to them as well? Before the concern can bubble to the surface, Medusa begins. She starts the meeting by promoting. He even turns to nudge Cricket when she gets a promotion! Ghoul stays quiet as she moves through her list until she reaches his name. Turning his ruby eyes up to her, he returns the promotion with a smirk that is both proud and eager.

Next then she mentions that he will Mentor Mac, Cricket, and Veiger. It is then that Ghoul's gaze turns to Veigar. There is a soft spot for the man that Ghoul wouldn't verbalize. He hopes that this new proposition will help strengthen their friendship - if they could even call it that. Medusa then continues on to talk about more things such as festivals and recruiting. He takes note that she wants to work with a nearby pack by the name of Avalon because they could be friends. Next came a stern word about who not to be friends with. His ears perk up slightly as Medusa mentions Armada and the other aligned packs.

Finally, her speech comes to a close and he glances around once more. There is nothing Ghoul has to say. He is pleased with Insomnia's growth and is exited to see where the future took them.

G H O U L

Vulcan waited quietly, eyeing the interactions between his packmates yet not making attempts to interact himself. He was not that expressive; he was always more into doing his own things but still pulling his weight for the pack. And in the raid that took place not long ago, he proved he was not afraid do draw blood and get hurt for them, for Medusa even if sometimes his behavior didn't appear caring towards those he lives with now.

Finally, Medusa being to speak, mentioning wolves as individuals with promotions and other comments following the raid. And when it was his turn, he looked at Medusa's eyes. Taking each word she had saved for him. He was glad she admitted his devotion shown in the raid, his wish to work his ass for her pack. "I accept, and I accept learning under your teachings Medusa." He said calmly as he eyed the feast waiting for them.

"Speech"

Her mother was amazing! Morticia knew her mother worked hard, and the fact that she had done all of this for her pack was phenomenal. Setting in with some food, Morticia began to munch as her mother started to speak. She had no idea how long the meeting would be, but if her mother was comfortable on her throne of bones then she would be too! Her mother recognized the effort that the pack had put in though, and for that she was happy. Morticia didn’t want their stuff taken, but the pack had done their best to defend what was theirs from the wolves that came to take it. Her mother was proud of them for that, and Morticia was too. Her tail wagged behind her and a grin appeared on her face as she continued to pull off bits of meat and slurp them down. First up were promotions, for the ranks that Morticia really hadn’t paid a bunch of attention to. In Morticia’s eyes the fancy names weren’t too important, she just wanted to do what she could and hoped that everyone else would do the same. In time her mothers attention flickered to her and Cricket, and Morticia paused eating as Medusa addressed them. She definitely wasn’t a fighter by any means, but she had done her best. The way her mother presented the fact that hunting was important too, and could be just as dangerous as fighting made Morticia’s chest swell with pride. “Insomnia will do better next time, and be better at what Insomnia is best at!” No matter their ranks, they would all grow and develop their skills, right? And lots of them were being promoted, so she could only assume they did their best. There were mentors given, and of course her mentor was her mother. Her mother knew the most about hunting, at least in Morticia’s opinion, and she was happy to get to learn from her! There were also mentions of things to come, like a festival when it got warm. Morticia’s eyes lit up, and eagerly she would chime in. “Morticia will help Medusa with food next time!” And also check out the weird board by her mother’s den. She wasn’t sure what she would find there, but she’d try to do what she could. There was also talk of raiding, and Morticia’s ears lowered at that. If they were fighting again, she wanted to learn how to fight better. The big man’s legs had something on it that had really hurt her stomach! Medusa would continue and Morticia realized by her words she shouldn’t have grabbed some food and started eating already. Whoopsies! Her head tilted to the side, a thoughtful look on her face. There were other packs, those who were friends… and those who weren’t. “Can Medusa show Morticia later what packs Medusa means? Morticia isn’t sure which packs are good or bad.” She didn’t really know what packs she was talking about. She didn’t really get out of the packlands much, and she didn’t want to talk with those that weren’t their friends and make her mom upset. There were those from the castle pack, Arma… something pack, and Recluse’s family pack… but where were they? What did they smell like? She hadn’t even been born when they made their stances against her mother. "Speech" 'Thought.'