Venom took in a deep breath of the foggy air, there were low hanging clouds filling the woods tonight. She wouldn’t postpone any longer though, and despite the weather would call together those remaining in Ashen. Many of her family were already missing, and more had failed to show their faces in defense of their pack in the raid. Venom would not forget that fact very quickly. Her forgiveness would be difficult to earn, much more so than her mother. Those thoughts filled her mind as she ascended the rock formation in the clearing.

She’d stand on her own for now, but she had lofty goals that she would see met out. Venom wasn’t yet sure who she could still depend on in these hallowed lands but as she looked up to the sky she kept her father in mind. He’d shaped her in the beginning and she still owed him so much. If he could see her standing here now what might he think?

The young Empress blinked back her emotions and looked back to the ivory barked trees. The sun would rise in a few short hours, and with it the dawn of a new Empire. The rise of Venom’s rule. The goddess tilted back her head and called for those who wished to remain under her rule. Those who would pledge their loyalty to the new Empress.

A big smile rested upon the lips of the Daimyo as she walked with the distinctive pride Hela was well known for, eyes of pink shined through the fog as with a clear and bold walk she headed toward the upcoming meeting. She was highly excited, but she decided to keep that hidden within the smirk, it was rare for her to show her true intentions. A wolf in a sheep’s cloth, evil in disguise. No one could know her intentions not until she was sure all would be fine enough to drop her mask. As she walked she found the sight of Venom within the smog that filled up the Shrine. And in silence she sat down close to her Niece, looking at her with her smile. ”Good to see ya Venom dear.” She expressed with sincerity and after that, she became silent to be ready to take whatever message Venom wished to give today. "Speech"

ADRIAN AURELIUS IMPERATORIA Meetings, he could recall how long it passed from his last one, one in which his destiny was written up, his destiny as the king somewhere out of his home. And here he was now, in the first step of his imminent ascension. He just needed to work his way up through example and trust. He was an expert strategist and manipulator of crowds he just needed to start fabricating his way here. But for now, he wanted to abide by this empire’s laws. As he made his way through the mist he sat down before the two females, and in silence, he just waited. "Talk here"

The Warlord’s presence had been requested, and so he appeared. Stepped into Ashen territory, ignoring the fog that cooled his fur and shrouded his vision. The Ashen wolves would receive a shake up today, and he would be there to see it. A silent support to the new Empress, who’s reign he had pledged his loyalty to.

The titan beast arrived at the meeting shortly after Venom’s call, and before many of her members. He had been forewarned, and that had led to him beating many here. He made his way towards Venom. And sat down near, but not beside her. Taking none of the glory of her announcement, but showing his clear support in what was to come. She could hold her own, but a little extra show of force could only help. Marshal landed heavily on the back of his shoulders, well Bast and bear loomed subtly in the distance.

"Speech"

Calamity had kept loose tabs on her sister's rise to power. Venom had been hellbent on ascending to the throne since they were children and it was no surprise that she had finally met her goals. Their talents had all been presupposed, after all. Destiny was a thing set in the stars by the gods long before you were born. What was the point in struggling against it? Deathbelle had clearly agreed, and even if their mother was mortal and thus fallible, she had been chosen by the gods once before. Cala was pleased that her sister was formally announcing the beginning of her reign. The lanky, deer-horned sorceress padded into the meeting, glad to have arrived early. Today would be a celebration.

Change was on the winds. Lucretia could feel it, she could taste it, it made her hair stand on end. Venom had always been an ambitious little thing, and now she had finally gotten the Big Prize: Ashen. Luce worried about Deathbelle and where the deposed Empress might find herself when she returned - and she would return. Luce didn't give a passing thought to any alternatives because there simply were none. The finicky healer answered the call simply not to stir the pot. She would watch and wait as she had been, her yellow eyes glowing from the shadows. When the shamyn arrived she hung at the edges of the gathering, waiting patiently for her family to trickle in after her.

Cognac sauntered in on the heels of his mother, scanning the crowd for any faces of interest. Eh. Nothing much. Luce had warned him to stay on the sidelines and simply observe for now. It was hard not get a word in edgewise, but he knew better than to stress his mother out - his dad would get after him real bad. He'd suffered one too many nipped heels to start anything at something as important as a pack meeting... even if they were being summoned by someone who wasn't Deathbelle. Cog tried to keep his face clean of emotion as he took a seat just a few strides away from his mother. Deathbelle had always been kind to them, but her brood? Not so much. The winds of change were, uh, maybe not in their favor.

Speak up, Speak up

Of course he wasn't too privvy on the packs affairs. Seven was happy whoever was around for him to serve. The slave wagged his tail to the call stumbling a bit as he continued on. He was a year older now! Something about it felt exciting nothing else in the world really mattered to him other than living to serve others. Seven had even been practicing his talking! When he showed up to the meeting though Deathbelle was nowhere to be seen. One of her daughters was standing there instead. Seven's wagging tail stopped, he lowered his stance in an instance. Dragging himself to sit outside of the social circle. Though when he saw Sirius he was a bit happy. Then again slaves were not to speak unless spoken to. Even IF he wanted to show off his new simple words he'd learned he would refrain. The slave obediently sat and waited to see what was going on.

MADE BY MINNIE of BTN

Azure had been feeling bad about the way things had gone between him and Venom, and when the pack was called together to - what he assumed to be - witness her rise to the throne, he knew he had to attend if there was any hope for them left. No formal announcement had been made yet nor had Venom explained her intentions to him, but he'd heard the rumors about Deathbelle. Venom had a temporary crown, and seeing as the Empress was still absent he assumed the ambitious yearling intended to keep it.

His father was already present when Azure arrived and he forced his eyes off of the crown princess to spare him a small nod of greeting. This was not a meeting for the Armada, though as citizens of the Empire he knew Venom would not be opposed to their attendance. He was here not out of obligation to any pack but for his friend - if he could still call her that - and he sat quietly in the back of the audience to watch over her from afar. Some selfish part of him wondered if he'd be ascending on this day too, had he accepted her offer to rule at his side. It was a silly train of thought and he banished it with a sigh.

Recluse had been aware of the shifting tide, it paid to be aware even with her own promotion nipping at her heels. So it wasn't a total surprise when her cousin called for the pack. Recluse hadn't exactly sussed out her own opinions of the change, but perhaps it didn't matter. She would need the backing of the empire in the coming weeks and so she'd play the part of a dutiful follower. Ashen would help to make Habari strong, and then once they were established... then she'd judge her cousin's leadership for herself. So it was that the albino would slink her way towards the meeting, Lilith in her usual spot around the girl's neck and she'g give her cousin a confident nod as she approached, seating herself comfortably among the assembled group, though she noted those that kept to the sidelines, her aunt and her half-dog brood among them. Interesting. "Speech"

Honestly Mojito didn't love this. He didn't say that though, not when he could see the stress his mother was already under. If truth be told some part of Mojito had decided to give up on Ashen months ago. The empress' children had never exactly been kind to him or his siblings and he'd found himself feeling more and more at home with the armada's wolves more than his own family. It was his parents and siblings that had kept him tethered here... and now... well he was a year old, old enough to strike out on his own if he wanted... but he was still loath to leave his family behind. But maybe, just maybe this would be the change he needed?

Those hopes only strengthened as he trotted after his mother and brother, noting how they settled away from the main group, a bold statement without needing to say anything. Mojito settled himself with his family, saying nothing and knowing better by now than to raise any objections. Instead he'd listen and watch closely, wondering idly if this would the last push he needed to finally pursue the small dream he'd been thinking up since that day with Asla on the beach.


Speech

Art by Honrin

Bourbon quietly followed after Luce as always, ever loyal and dutiful mate that he was. He smiled, because he couldn’t help it. Having his woman and their children at his side would forever keep him happy. Though it seemed their stable home was not as rock solid as they’d thought. Venom called the pack together, and likely everyone had already guessed the reason why. He wondered for a brief moment if they would still be welcomed here, he knew his union with Luce wasn’t completely accepted. He leaned against her heavily on the opposite side of Cog in offered comfort as he looked up to the princess and waited.

Moonshine’s happy little trot carried her towards the sound of her cousin’s voice. She’d never truly realized the animosity shown towards her. The young girl was much too happy for that. Moon almost wore her mask to the meeting, but thought better of it. No one would recognize her and she might get thrown out of the pack for being a stranger. She couldn’t reveal her identity if she got into trouble. Certain it would be nothing but a mess Moon just brought herself. Ash tipped tail wagged at her hips as she bounced over to sit beside her brothers and parents. Grinning like the little fool she was. Moon didn’t know why she was being summoned, nor had she missed the presence of her aunt. It was nice to be together as a family though.

Since their talks, Toxicity had prepared for this day with Obi. They found the most delicate flowers and vines and twisted them into a tight crown that stood taller and with much more grandeur than the crown Deathbelle often donned. It hosted many sharp thorns which encircled the carefully dyed and dried flowers Obi had curated. From the back, a detachable cape of thin, woven vines hung long enough to drape over the base of the new empress's tail and sweep about the length of her knees and elbows on the sides. The cape held tinier adornments of flowers and was meant only for ceremonies. Whether Venom chose to keep the piece was up to her, but for today, it was a gift from the both of them. Toxicity herself had groomed for this day. Obi trimmed the fur over her scar sleeve and pressed a temporary paint over the delicate and detailed lines to coat them a deep red for this event. The rest of her fur was brushed and groomed with a mix of wax and florals to keep everything in place. Atop her head was a simpler crown of woven bamboo from the thin stalks cut for the hut Toxicity and Obi were building. It was a nod to her status, but something clean and easy enough that Venom would still outshine her in her moment of ascension. Toxicity left with Obi at her side. The man had also groomed and prepared himself for this day. As they entered the clearing, they made their way to Venom to place the crown and cape at her feet, "For your ascension, Empress." Toxicity and Obi offered a bow before stepping away to allow her the stage. "Speech"

Obi had been so proud that Venom and Toxicity kept close. By habit, he stuck by Toxicity since she seemed to hold the innate ability to channel and talk to Archon from beyond his death. He swore loyalty and brotherhood to Archon and he hoped to continue that through Toxicity. Today, however, was about Venom. The young girl had grown into a deserving crown empress and Obi knew Archon would be proud of who she had become. Toxicity had been more excited over this day than anything he had seen in the past. Even from puphood, Toxicity was serious and rarely got her hopes up for anything, but after Venom had spoken to her, Toxicity had been buzzing around their campsite, collecting things and working harder than ever to be a suitable candidate for her sister. It was good, in Obi's opinion, for her to have something to work towards that wasn't the far-off goal of becoming a mortal god. Finally the day came and Toxicity could barely sit still as Obi waxed and set her fur. He tried his best not to comment because it was refreshing to see the girl so worked up and he knew if he said something, she'd snap back into her poised apathy. When they were ready, they set off, gift in hand. When they approached Venom, they presented the caped crown to her with a steep bow. "It may not be my place, but I can feel Archon smiling today," he said to the young girl.

Deathbelle slipped through the white trees, perhaps not on the best side with many of the gathered wolves but she wouldn’t let anything stand between her and seeing her daughter crowned. Already Toxicity looked to be in charge of any ceremony they chose to follow through with. The once Empress tried not to be noticed, loath to pull any attention from Venom who deserved every bit of it. She could only hope and pray that the girl took her training well and led Ashen through a time of prosperity and expansion. She took in a deep breath and settled down by one of the trees, part of the group but also secluding herself. Her appearance a silent approval to the direction events had taken.

Time tamed his madness, cooling the anger and pain that had seized his mind and drove him to act only on impulse. He had planned to return to Ashen sooner but his actions had had consequences. Terrible, wonderful consequences. Harbringr worked his way toward the Ashen territory dragging a travois behind him that held two little pups, just barely old enough to start eating meat. They were nestled tightly in, wrapped in stitched together rabbit hides. They had been an accident. An accident brought to fruition by the mother's heat and his drunkenness. She didn't want them so he convinced her he would take them as soon as they could be weaned. He woke one morning to find the mother gone and the pups crying. He packed them up and now they were on their way to Ashen, hopefully, on their way to home.

Harbringr slowed as he reached the border. He didn't know if he would be welcome. After all, he had abandoned his duties. Either way he intended to step down from the rank of Daimyo. A call rang out summoning the wolves together for a meeting. He was surprised to hear it was Venom. Hari let loose an answering howl, to alert her that he was coming. He worked his way to the meeting and soon joined the edge of the pack when he spied Deathbelle. He quickly trotted toward her. "Deathbelle? Sister, I apologize for my absence I… I was unwell."

Áskell snuggled deeper into the rabbit skins, seeking to wrap around his skinnier brother. He still kept his head out of the bundle, seeking to take in the sights as they went by. It was exciting that they were going on a journey! He'd never been outside the den before. His ears perked up as his father howled before continuing. Moments later they were approaching a large group of wolves and Áskell scooted deeper into the pelts, eyeing the other wolves warily. He wasn't sure he liked this. He peeked out a little bit more as his father started talking to a black and white woman who was apparently his dad's sister? "Hi." He chirped, wanting to get a little bit of attention, but hopefully not too much.

The movement of his father's travois was almost relaxing as resting against his mother's rising and falling chest, and Jigsaw's curiosity to watch the world go by was very early in their journey overcome by the draw of sleep. It wasn't until his big brother wrapped around him that the sleepy pup awoke, wrestling a paw out from beneath himself to flop it upon whatever part of Áskell he could manage. His brother had no doubt gotten used to Jigsaw's odd fascination with touch - if he could have, he would have learned to walk with his paw atop his littermate's.

Jigsaw was preparing to grumpily beckon Áskell back to bed when his voice came through the furs. It awoke his curiosity once more with a start, and he aimed to wiggle his way through to the opening of the skins so his head might come up and out alongside Áskell's. The stranger - no, many many strangers - were immediately in view as he poked into the light, and almost as quickly as he had popped up, Jigsaw was shimmying right back into the fur with intention to wriggle himself underneath Áskell for protection.

Hela was quick to appear after she called out, one of the few Kleins that Venom could count on to be there for the Empire. She grinned at her aunt as she sat close by. ”Excited. She answered softly as Adrian stalked forward and sat before them silently. Venom gave him a quick nod as her attention was drawn to Sirius. She grinned at her Warlord and his silent and foreboding presence.

Surprise played on her features as she spotted Calamity, but it was quickly replaced with disappointment. Venom wouldn’t forget Cala’s obvious missing presence during the last raid. Her presence now helped to sway Venom on her future position, but she would be under scrutiny.

Lucretia and her band of half breeds followed, though she wasn’t sure what to think of them it seemed more that they were a perfect embodiment of the Klein name. Royal dogs. She kept the thoughts to herself as she watched her mother’s slave slip in before she would focus on Azure for a long moment. She swallowed her pride when it came to the young Fatalis, and she wondered how different things might be if he had accepted the empty place beside her.

She shoved the feelings away to smile at Recluse before Tox made her entrance. She led Obi with her and they carried a painstakingly crafted coronation crown and cape. Venom felt the strong emotions rush through her chest as she struggled to hide them from her features, but she was touched by her sister’s efforts. Toxicity looked like a true priestess, and Venom felt honored by them.

”Thank you,” She offered softly, looking at each one with an appreciatie grin before they stepped away. ”I think you’re right, Obi.” Venom snuck one more glance into the sky and wished Archon could see her now. She lowered her gaze and looked to Sirius, who she considered her mortal father. With him overseeing she could feel almost complete. While she was distracted she hadn’t noticed Deathbelle and Hari settle down to the side. It seemed that for the most part, the weeds had done away with themselves. The Kleins that remained had either already proved their worth, or their presence would be reconsidered.

Venom adorned the crown her sister had made for her and looked over the crowd one more time. This was the first step in moving forward. ”You’ve been gathered to witness the rise of a new Empress. I Venom Klein Abraxas take my birthright now” For a swift moment her gaze shifted to her mother as she awaited any dissenting voices. ”I’m going to usher in a new era, where you won’t be judged on your last name, but your ability to contribute and show your devotion.” She looked around again, noting the missing faces, but not being surprised by it.

”I expect all who wish to stay to swear an oath of loyalty to me, and my rule of the Empire.” She stood a little taller, finding her gaze shifting to Azure. She felt his strength despite the distance between them, and sent a silent prayer for clarity. Magenta gaze shifted to Sirius, Toxicity, and Hela. They were so far the pillars she had to rely on. ”Those who wish to go may leave now, but know that the Empire is expanding again soon, and you may find you fit better under another’s paw.” She looked to Recluse and opened the door for her to say what she wanted about taking Lirim.

”If you have a question, or question your place, speak up now.”