Avacyn had kept more and more to herself as of late–for good reason, in some ways–but as she sat on the slab of slate near the island's central lake she decided it was time to not only show her face to the whole of the pack again, but also see just who all was remaining after her reclusive hiatus. The harsh winter chill had mostly dissipated by now as spring swept in, but it had still been fairly dreary and today was no exception. The clouds were thick in the sky, casting the damp ground that was still patchy with snow in gray shadow. She gave herself a shake, straitening the necklace that sat around her neck before lifting her head to howl for the pack. Usually she would have Saracyn here with her for her initial call, but this was a far less planned and informal meeting than usual. It felt like one of those moments that she just needed to do it while she felt the inspiration to do so or it would just sit in the back of her mind forever. Once her howl tapered off into an echo that went out throughout Elysium's lands, she sat back with a soft sigh and waited to see who all would filter in from the surrounding trees. She had some hopes and ideas of how to move forward and maybe spark some life back into this pack she had inherited, but she wanted to get a pulse check, so to speak, before she got too ahead of herself.

"Avacyn Medacium"

The seasons changed, as did everything in life. Winter was slowly turning to spring, however gloomy things still seemed. The earth needed life giving water to bring forth the brilliant flowers and greenery that marked the season, and the gloom had the added benefit of reducing the sun’s intense glare. Albion could venture forth during the daylight hours and still avoid singing his tender pink skin.

His massive paws sunk into the sands of the island’s beaches when he heard Avacyn’s call for the pack. Though he had been slightly reluctant to return to Elysium he was far too dutiful and accepted his Matriarch’s offer. So he shifted his path now to make his way through the damp forests to the meeting stones.

To his surprise there were no other bodies here yet, not even Seracyn. Albion kept his features neutral as he took his place relatively close to Avacyn, saving space for his brother and sister to join him.


"The Murder Bunch"

Not too many grand and notable things have been happening in Ricin’s life and that is fine with the blue man since he has been content to keep his head down and work for the good of the pack. While the brothers have come such a long way from the scared, orphaned pups that Manea had found all those seasons ago, there are still moments when he cannot help but feel that his life is too good. After all, what had he done to deserve so much joy? Not that he is complaining, mind you, it just… feels amazing. A gentle, yet chilly breeze ruffles his light blue fur as he looks up at the clouds, the sight breathtaking from his perch atop one of the many tall peaks above the caves. The clouds boil, gray and thick, as if they are trying to throw the whole world into a depressed, dreary state. Yet, Ricin’s spirits can no longer can held down because he now soars, far above them where the sun always shines on his face. A call from down below pulls his attention away from the heavens, his ruby eyes turning to the area where the lake rests. With a smile, he quickly descends the treacherous mountain path, his paws as sure footed as a mountain goat so that the wet and snowy patches hardly slow him down. Finally, he once again touches the ground and he swiftly heads to the meeting area by the lake. There, Avacyn sits on the tall slab, presiding over the land and, with a bright, happy smile, the blue man dips his head in a bow, forever grateful to her and her family. With that, he picks a space where he and Chade will sit… when his decides to brother appear of course. Flashing Albion a smile, he settles in to wait. "Ricin Dauner"

Chade was fairly close but relatively busy when Ava called for the pack.  The large blue wolf was in the ocean where his feet touched the sand and yet move a bit forward and he was suddenly having to swim.  In his mouth was the fin of the largest fish he’d ever seen.  It was a monster, the body as long as Chade and that wasn’t including its tail or the absurdly long face.  Its face turned into a beakish blade not dissimilar from the swords he knew some wolves used.
 
Chade may have not known what a swordfish was but he did know this one wasn’t going to get away from him.  The battle had already been going on for 10 minutes and they weren’t really any closer to shore but the swordfish’s thrashing was starting to become more sluggish and inconsistent.  The fish was already injured before Chade got to it so this should have been easy!  Bite marks of some other fish had damaged parts of the body and Chade would have thought it weakened but it was as if the fish were pure muscle.

Chade rolled his eyes back as if he could see the meeting circle from his spot in the ocean.  He had to hurry!  Hey, he had lunch for everyone after!  Chade reassured himself that since he was close there should be time.  

After another 10 minutes shade had managed to pull the fish to shore where the sand was dry.  Its tail still slapped occasionally but its life was clearly fading.  Chade left his catch there, something to get back to after the meeting.  He was tired from the fight, soaked through and through with all that extra mane weighing him down but he was still grinning as he approached.  A respectful bow of his head was offered to Ava before sitting next to Ry and nudging him with that sloppy wet shoulder. “Wait till you see what I caught this time.  I have no idea what it is,” Chade added with a soft laugh in his breath.  This pack had not only given Chade and Ricin the ability to live but given them a joy with that life.

"Chade"

(OoC: Left vague for Nirvana and Avacyn’s talk.)

Nirvana had spoken with Avacyn, and since then she had dipped into the lands neighboring Elysium for a couple days. She was busy exploring, traveling by dusk and cover of night. She was still hesitant to wander far from the pack, from her kin, her heart drawing her back to Elysium’s lands. She loves her kin, and she wants to make sure that it will be alright, truly alright, that she steps away from her home for a time. It was by chance that she was back home in the Rock Garden, resting in her den, when the call of her cousin rose up to summon the pack. Ears perked curiously before the albino woman rose to her paws. Thankfully the clouds were thick as she emerged from the den with a yawn. She was tired, but there was no way she would miss the meeting.

Thomas would join her, bouncing alongside Nirvana as she took to a brisk trot to the island. She would not be the first to arrive, not that she thought she would be. Her ears were perked forward, deep eyes turned towards Avacyn with a gentle smile. She was here to support, and to show that she was in fact part of their pack. She settled on the ground near two blue gentlemen, gaze shifting over toward them curiously. Right… the one had led the scouting mission when they did the practice raid, right? Ricin, and the other, one she did not know the name of, was that his brother? For now she kept quiet, studying the pair as she curled her tail around her toes. Her genet companion settled at her side, his gaze dutifully focused on Ava.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

The call from Ava came when Iki was surprisingly not busy. She'd finished mixing a few batches of fat and herbs and had just gone back to her den when she heard the howl. Seeing that Deimos wasn't inside, the pale woman turned and made her way back to the main pack area where the meeting would take place.

Ikigai gave a nod to those present, then settled in an empty space. Eventually others would filter in. Not everyone was glued to the island when there were other territories to attend to. Iki didn't know where her husband was, but she had no doubt that he would soon show and take his place beside her.

"Ikigai"

It had been a long night for the little minx that was Scylla. She'd been off gallivanting and her body was sore, but in the best way. When Avacyn's voice cut through the blessed silence, Scylla had been curled up in a thick nest of furs, her small frame almost disappearing down into the depths of the plush skins. A grumble sounded before a dark grey eye opened. Perfect fucking timing, Ava... Was she plagued to forever be inconvenienced by the Mendacium woman?

Scylla, slightly hungover, shambled to the meeting place. There were still flecks of blood sticking to her cream and blue coat, but she didn't care. If the pack wasn't used to this by now, they never would be. Scylla leaned heavily against Albions side then dropped down in front of his big paws, using one as a pillow. The world swam a bit, but she was able to keep one eye open to watch Avacyn talk.

"Scylla"

Deimos looked up from washing off his paws and forelegs in the cold ocean water when he heard his niece calling the pack for a meeting. Well, at the very least he wouldn't have the blood from his most recent hunt on him when he arrived. He shook off as much of the water as he could before turning back toward the center of the island to go join in on the gathering. It had been quite a while since the pack had been called together, but based on what she had heard from his sister he could certainly understand why. It didn't take him all that long to cross to the central part of the island where the pack tended to hold its meetings, but by the time he arrived several others had already gathered–including his mate. He, of course, went right to Ikigai's side, giving her a little smile as he settled in beside her and dipped his head to nuzzle affectionately between the small horns at the top of her head. He curled his tail around her hips and then lifted his aqua gaze to focus on his niece, waiting to see what she had to say.

"Deimos Medacium"

When she heard her daughter's howl for a pack meeting, she lifted her head with surprise from where it was currently resting on top of Alastor's forelegs. She had brought him out to the lounge area that had been built out on the shore of firefly lake for a bit of relaxation before they went on their usual patrols, but she was more than happy to pause their little outing to go sit in on their daughter's meeting. Honestly, she was just glad to see that their little girl was getting back into the swing of things at long last after such a tragedy and wouldn't dream of not showing up to support her children. "Come on, dear, we better hurry. Don't want to be late," she said with a chuckle, nosing his cheek before turning toward the island and trotting toward the land bridge along side him. They arrived quickly enough and joined in on the gathering crowd. She spotted her niece and smiled as she went over to sit near Nirvana. It had been a while since she had seen the pale young woman and greeted her with an affectionate nuzzle before she took a seat beside her. She glanced around and noticed that Saracyn was not yet here, but she had no doubt that he would be right behind them.

Manea

Life had been... difficult for Alastor lately. The loss of their grandchildren and his children's first babies, Relm's suicide, it was a lot to come crashing down on the brute's fragile psyche all at once. He was surviving, getting better with every day, and Manea was helping him through it so he didn't completely lose himself. He no longer felt the pull of depression or self-loathing the way he had some months ago, and he no longer felt those suicidal urges, all thanks to his mate. The pair of wolves were lounged out around the Firefly Lake for a midday nap when the call of their daughter from across the channel perked Alastor's ears up. Avacyn was calling a pack meeting. Grumbling in a half-awake sleepy daze, Alastor slowly peeked his eyes open to see Manea lifting her head off of his legs and urging him up with an affectionate nudge of her nose to his cheek.

"Nooooo... Five more minutes..." the ebony brute playfully griped as he yawned and stretched out his legs, getting up at his own pace. Although he wasn't a senior wolf yet, Alastor was beginning to feel the effects of age on his body. His joints popped with a groan, and there were strands of silvery fur beginning to pop up in his jet black coat, notably around his chin and jaw almost like a beard. Once up, he shook out his flowing coat and followed Manea back across the bridge to join the group gathering at the lake. He followed Manea as she went to go sit beside her niece, Alastor lying down on his belly while he waited for the rest of their family to show up. Saracyn, Mariah, and Malico were still absent. Quietly, the dire brute settled in to be a passive observer, watching everyone and everything with keen, sharp eyes.

"Manea & Alastor Mendacium"

Despite being a hunting guru, Saracyn was equally as talented at fishing as he was at hunting. No prey on land or in the water could escape his grasp! The Commander had headed out to the Boreal shores off of the Rock Garden to try and catch some ocean-dwelling fish for their larders now that spring had returned and was in the middle of pulling another large cod out of the water when Avacyn's call from Alias carried to him on the wind. Sara glanced up, the fish still flopping and struggling in his jaws and smacking him in the face with its tail, almost earning its freedom until Sara ended its struggling with a strong bite. Oh no you don't! Carrying the cod up to the pile he had on a small travois, the dire brute pulled his haul back towards Alias, not wanting to leave it unguarded for any gulls to scavenge on.

Sara made his way to their food stores and tossed the fish in a salt brine to preserve before making his way towards the lake, pausing at a stream to wash his fur of the smell of fish first. His antics had made him later than he would have preferred, but eventually Saracyn slid up alongside his mate, giving Avacyn a little smile and settled in to listen to what she had to say. Many wolves had turned up so far, and he was glad to see such a loyal showing from their family and pack mates.

"Saracyn Mendacium"

Warning: Saracyn is an explicitly mature character for violent and sexual content. Read his threads with caution.
Saracyn's designated wolf to protect as a Bodyguard is Avacyn. She may enter his threads not marked as Private.
____________________

Carefully... Carefully... Irilyth's internal thoughts mirrored her slowly moving paws as she proceeded to delicately add a small amount of a yellowish powder into a jar filled with a liquid concoction she had been mixing up. As the powder was sprinkled across the liquid's surface, tiny bubbles began to fizzle and sputter in the jar, the fluid reacting to the addition of the powder. While not dangerous, if she wasn't careful in her measuring, Iri risked ruining her entire batch of medicine. And so, with careful precision, she sprinkled the powder into the jar—until Avacyn's howl made the hyper focused fae give a little jump and a start. All of the powder in her paw fell into the jar, the mixture fizzling violently now and beginning to foam. Like a soda bottle that had been shaken up, the mixture began to rush to the mouth of the jar, threatening to explode everywhere.

"Oh no no no no!" Irilyth scrambled to grab the lid of the jar and slammed it down on top of the glass vessel just as the mixture was about to seep over the top. She held the lid down in place while the foaming inside began to consume the entire interior of the jar until nothing could be seen inside but a hazy yellowish foam. After waiting a few minutes to make sure the reaction had settled, Irilyth released the lid and breathed a dejected sigh. Well, so much for that batch... Heaving another defeated breath, the small healer rose to her paws and headed out to go join the meeting, already planning on starting over once whatever this was was done. She arrived just after Manea and Alastor, and not wanting to put herself near the brute in question, found a spot by herself off to the far side of the group, where she lay down to quietly listen to what their Matriarch had to say.

"Irilyth"

The world. Not too long along, Terra had been pulled from the dank cave that had been her home and told of all the strange and wonderful things the world had to offer. Lotus had saved her, offered a glimpse at a better life and the earthen-hued girl had excitedly followed along. There had been a hiccup when she had fallen, her broken leg forcing them to stay close to Elysium for some months. However, almost as soon are her cast came off, she had begged Lotus to show her the world.

Which he willing did.

They had been gone for some time, the young couple discovering the world while exploring their feelings for each other. The months flew by, the youth growing into adults with hardly the blink of an eye and all the while, their relationship deepened. Only when their paws had touched every land did they turn back for Elysium since their debt to Manea has not yet been repaid. Paw pads roughed with travel trace the familiar paths back until the pack land is in sight.

Just they get ready to enter the pack once more, a call heralding a meeting reaches the couple’s ears. Looking to Lotus, the leggy woman offers him a smile and says, “Well! Looks like we made it home just in time.” Eyes dance with laughter as she walks alongside the taller male, her frame fitting perfectly into his large side. Where the timid girl had once been now stands a more confident, proud woman and she is so grateful for everything Lotus has done for her.

They arrive slightly late to the meeting but it does not appear to have to started yet, so Terra counts her lucky stars. Picking a spot toward the back so they don’t interrupt everyone, the couple seat themselves, with the earthen woman leaning into Lotus’s larger frame, as they wait for the meeting to get underway.


"Terra Qilaq"

Seeing the world with Terra, well… he could pretend he was showing her the sights. Really, he was taking them in for himself, too. He was seeing what was out there, and just how vast it was. They were old enough and well enough now to explore without fear, and they relished every moment of it. Since the day Terra found him, he wasn’t alone. alone like the day his family abandoned him.

They returned to Elysium, because this pack had offered them a home and stability, because they had helped Terra without thinking twice of it. That was a debt he wasn’t likely to forget. With Terra at this side, they arrived in time to hear a meeting called, and rushed in to the gathering.

They take a seat, and when Terra leaned against him, he wraps a paw around her. His Terra. His Girlfriend.


"Speech"

She waited for everyone to gather and slowly, one by one, they all began to appear–though most surprisingly was Albion. Not only had he kept to his word and returned to Elysium, but he was the very first to arrive. She offered him a small smile, but was quick to turn her attention to the others as they approached. The blue brothers, Ricin and Chade, followed by her cousin Nirvana, Ikigai and her Uncle Deimos... Already the turnout was better than she had anticipated and her worry over whether or absence had left the pack fractured began to wane. Even Scylla–who looked a bit worse for wear–appeared in the crowd. Just as she was giving her parents a smile she felt the familiar presence of Saracyn at her side and she glanced over to him as she leaned her shoulder into his. Irilyth was the last wolf that she was certain would show and she was just about to start the meeting when she spotted Terra and Lotus bringing up the rear, clearly just having arrived from the border. She hadn't seen either of them in some time so it was good to see them back within the borders once more.

She wasn't surprised to not see her younger siblings among the crowd, though it did make her think to send out her ravens to check in on Fia, Malico, and Mariah in the coming days. Letting them go on their own for a time hadn't necessarily been a difficult decision, but she did hope that they would return soon enough. The only other truly notable absence was Desponia, but the woman was always distant at best and she made a mental note to track down her half-aunt at some point soon to check in on her as well. After waiting another moment just to ensure that no one else would turn up, she cleared her throat and sat up a little taller as she began to address the crowd.

"Thank you for coming, everyone," she said with a gentle smile. "It's been far too long since we have all been in the same space. I want to thank all of you for remaining here and remaining loyal to our pack through my absence. My hope is to be a stronger presence here now that I am feeling more like myself again." She glanced across the crowd as she added, "This meeting was mostly for me to see which of your still called Elysium home, but while you're all here I do have a couple promotions to announce. First, Scylla has earned her place as our Master Warrior, filling the last vacancy in our Master ranks. Second, Albion has graciously accepted the rank of Advisor, filling the last spot in my Council." She nodded to each of them as they were named, before adding, "I have always believed that a leader is nothing without the right individuals around them so I hope that these two will help me in making Elysium the best it has ever been."

"Now... unless anyone else has anything they would like to bring up or mention to the group while we are all here you are free to go. Thank you again for your time," she told everyone after a brief pause, leaving the floor open for anyone that wished to speak. It was a short meeting, but she got the census she had been hoping for out of it and it gave her a better idea of how to handle things moving forward.

"Avacyn Medacium"