The preparations were one of the hardest things he had ever done. He left his companions on alert between the border of the beach and the rest of the Armada as he worked. It wasn’t the physical labour that he found difficult. It wasn’t even the secrecy, or the acknowledgment of what it represented. It was doing it alone, and knowing his Wife would never see the day their last litter became Yearlings. He wiped away at his cheeks, finding dampness there. Though a glance upwards showed only clear skies. It was a warm Spring day, and even the Northern beach was feeling the effects of the sun. It was falling into afternoon by the time he had dug the firepit, set out touches along the beachside, settled the coats on the sand and set up the presents carefully to one side. As he wrapped and stacked the last one, Isa arrived with Bear, who was pulling a cart with the foods she had made. “Thank you, Isa” He said, his voice a little rough. “If you set up over here, I’ll call everyone” as she did so, he moved over by the firepit and lifted his muzzle. Pointing it towards the sky as he released a howl that would summon the pack, his children, and any other of the family that wished to attend. "Sirius"

Having been recently returned from a grand kidnapping, Isa hadn't had time to prepare gifts for the children of Sirius. What she could do, however, was make sure that their birthday feast was delectable and perfect. Sirius had asked her to help with the meal, but he hadn't asked her to go all out, which was exactly what she did.

Isa spent days after her return, working morning til night, to prepare for the feast. The cerulean fae prepared meats of all different types and all different styles. She used spices and herbs from her homeland as well as spices from this new land. There would be a style of meat for everyone. Deer, boar, rabbit, grouse, elk, fish, eel... it was all there.

Aside from the meats, the woman worked her magic on a variety of fruits as well, coating some in honey and mashing others together to make a delicious spread that one might eat upon their meat. Isa had ground wheat with a rock to create a powder that she mixed with water. The batter was then placed upon a steaming hot stone until it came off thin and crispy. Yet another dish from her homeland. Meat and compote could be placed upon it so that one might eat without getting their paws dirty.

Isa was proud of her hard work and she hoped that the children and their father appreciated her efforts. Once Bear helped her lay everything out, Isa washed her paws and settled down to wait for the guests to arrive.

"Isa"

Gossamer held the antelope in her jaws, walking with the corpse next to her while Ásta and Kylfa brought up the rear, ensuring they were moving at an even pace while keeping an eye out for other predators. They'd already been harassed by a bear and a coyote on the way from the Knolls back to the Cove. Still, it was worth it for her younger siblings. She knew Isa was making a grand feast but Gossy still wanted to participate and in her opinion it was better to ask forgiveness than permission in this case. She learned some times that in order to participate she needed to just do and worry about the consequences later. Being more of a fighter and healer than a crafter she wasn't sure what to get for her siblings so she figured a pronghorn antelope would be a nice catch. They were difficult prey that didn't make their home in the north, hence the journey to bring the prey there.

Once she arrived she set the antelope aside and sent Kylfa to get the hides. She'd managed to trade her herbs for a number of hides and planned to gift one to each sibling, hoping they'd be able to make good use of them. Seizing the antelope back in her jaws she waddled over to where Isa and her father were before releasing it again. "Hello! Hope its ok that I chip in with the feast. Kylfa's getting my gifts now."

Basilisk was both nervous and excited about returning home. He missed Hazel, and wondered what his family had been up to while he had been gone. Venom escorted him to the border, and that was where they parted ways. Venom no doubt to fins his father, and Bas to head to the tree house. He dumped his bag just inside the door, and then trotted towards the beach. He had been warned ahead of time about the birthday for his uncles and aunties, and intended to surprise Hazel there.


Once he realised he had beaten her to the beach, he hid himself in one of the fishing storage huts. Placing himself where he could subtly see outside, lying in wait. The moment Hazel appeared, he would strike! He watched the food arrive with one of the slaves and Bear, and a few other wolves trickle in. But he was determined not to let boredom lull him.

The boy had taken to the woods earlier that day to do some personal training of his own alongside Yorrick and Silveris. The concept was a simple one, to work on his agility and ability to encounter obstacles, think on his paws, and make changes on the fly. He kept pressing on, even when he started to feel tired. Agility… endurance. He was a Fatlis, was he not? Surely he could do a bit more. Hours slipped by, daylight beginning to dim. It had been a long day, and he was feeling tired, but just as he and his companions thought to head back to the Col to clean up and get some rest he heard his father’s howl come across the lands from the cove. Charlie frowned, surprised. It didn't sound like there was danger, and it seemed a bit late for some sort of training thread or regular meeting but… Sirius was summoning the pack, especially his children, and any family. Glancing towards Yorrick and then Silviris, Charlie set off.

He would be the first of his littermates to arrive, a bit of confusion on his face as he saw what was set up there. Food, a fire pit, his father, a woman he didn’t recognize, and Gossy already there… The yearling padded towards his father, a frown on his face as he tilted his head slightly to the side. “What’s this for, dad?” It hadn’t occurred to him that the pack might celebrate him as he and his siblings turned a year old. He went to look for Yorrick and Silveris for support, but his companions already had things figured out and, with smiles, left the yearling to his celebration with the rest of the Armada.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

As spring draws closer to summer, the young Andy finds herself preparing more and more for the trip down to Auster. It won’t be long before the plan Kite had cooked up will be set into motion pulling her down a path the girl is uncertain she really wants to tread. But she is loyal and refuses to break her sister’s trust by revealing any part of their plan. Still, as she wraps her armor in a plush fur for the upcoming journey, she cannot help but feel a gut-wrenching sense of betrayal.

Part of her is angry that Kite would do this to her, put her in a position where she is forced to lie so that the girl can run away with her friend. Will her father ever forgive her for lying to him? Bitterness is like acid, swirling, burning a hole into her stomach and, when the call rings out to gather in the cove, Andy almost ignores it. It is only because of Leo, her snow leopard companion, that she goes. He silently enters the room, moving swiftly to her side and rubbing gently against her.

Pale blue eyes snap to the cub, ready to scold him for interrupting her when she finds his gentle, loving gaze. All the anger that has been boiling underneath the surface disappears and the girl’s shoulders sags inward. No matter what happens, she has willingly gone along with it all. Setting aside her armor, she signals for the cub to follow and makes her way down to the floor of the cove. The sun is heading down toward the horizon as she beats a hasty path to the beach.

With a smile on her lips, she enters the area that is set up for a party, moving quickly to greet her father and Isa. Giving them both an affectionate bump of her head, she says, “Hey dad! Hey Isa! Man, what a spread of food! Can I start eating now?” Hunger gleams in her eye as the intoxicating aromas hit her nose and drool begins to well inside her mouth. Without waiting for an answer, she grabs a piece of fruit, tosses them both a wink and fleeing before she can be scolded.

Popping the tender, juicy piece of orange into her mouth, Andy chews the food while giving Gossamer a zealous wave of greeting. But it is Charlie that she sticks close to, orbiting around her brother while attempting to sneak more bites of food.


"Andromeda Fatalis"

Thorn had traveled with family to the armada.  With his love of exploring new places the trip itself had been a grand experience of new sights.  It was a shame they couldn’t take their time throughout the various lands they passed.  He’d come back this route another time to explore again all these places.  Heck, there would come a time he’d explore every spot of land and challenge any wolf to a duel who had an interest.  Strapped to his back he’d fashioned a bit of leather to act as a scabbard for his wooden training sword. Would anyone in the armada want to spar during their visit?  The young wolf was nearing a year old and had grown considerably over that time, feeling joy in how much easier it was to move farther and swifter as he aged.

Reaching the Armad lands they made their way to the coastline and Thorn grinned as he quickly saw a friendly face.  He was about to dash off when he thought better of it and instead continued to Sirius to dip his head in a respectful nod, “Thank you for letting us visit.”  His eyes flicked to Andy and once Sirius responded to the greeting Thorn would grin and bound off.

“Hey! Andy!” Thorn ran towards his friend, bright-eyed spotting the friend he’d had a few adventures with when they were younger.

"Thorn Carpathius"

Kyanite was in the woods when the call went out. She perked her ears, and listened. It sounded as if her father was calling for the whole of the pack. Was it a meeting? Boring. Or would it be? She had never attended a pack meeting before. Maybe there would be exciting adult stuff discussed! She just wished it wasn’t only afternoon. She wouldn’t get a chance to see everybody. Not unless the meeting went on till late.

She let Lioness lead her to the Beach. Walking carefully once shifting sands were under her paws. She could already scent interesting foods around here, and here the sounds of wolves. She nudged Lioness, and the cat led her towards her sister. She reached Andy and reached out a paw, touching the other wolf. Her nose twitched in the air, and she turned it in Charlie’s direction. “Hey Charlie, hey Andy. How many wolves are here so far? What’s going on, what can you see?” She bombarded them with questions. As a voice sounded, she turned, did she recognise that voice? He sounded kind of familiar


"Speech"

The Empress intended to invite Sirius and his pack to the wedding of her daughter, and escort Basilisk back home. She hoped he had learned something from living in Ashen for a time. The timing worked out quite well. She would be able to invite the Warlord as well as assure him that her disability had disappeared completely. She could see almost better than when her sight had been taken. She had no gifts, but she brought the support of Ashen with her.

White gloved paws carried her across the dark sands to make her way to where Sirius sat and gathered his family. She could see the subtle emotions in his features, and she understood them far more than she wanted to. "You chose the perfect day for an event like this.” She told him as she leaned back onto her haunches, sunset gaze scanning the gathering thus far. While she had been close to Sirius and the Armada as a child there were much fewer familiar faces these days. A fact that no doubt weighed heavily on the aging Warlord.

"Venom"

Despite the distance they had to travel to visit their far northern family, the Carpathius brood had arrived just in time for the festivities to begin. Sirius' invitation had been welcomingly received by Artorias and Briar, both anxious to see how the Fatalis family was getting along, and how the pups had grown into yearlings after half a year. The Carpathian patriarch had passed on the invite to each of his near-yearlings and brought whoever wished to attend along with them. There was no need to lay out any ground rules; Artorias trusted his children to be well behaved while they were guests in the Armada. Approaching the borders, Artorias gave a call to Seer to let the Warlord know they had arrived, but being family he walked right past the pack's boundaries and headed for the cove where the party was set up. He let his children go free to mingle with the yearlings while he sought out Sirius, greeting his father-in-law with a smile and a nudge of his head to the fellow dire's shoulder. "Thank you for having us, Seer. We wouldn't miss it for the world," he said and stepped aside to allow Briar to make her own greeting with her father while he observed the other partygoers. Gosh, the little ones got big so fast!

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

The journey to Armadan territory had been exciting one. It gave plenty of time to allow the anticipation to build for the entirety of the lengthy trip- and after her discussion with her mother on the various values of her maternal family, she had been stoked to make a visit for herself. When they finally arrived, her father’s announcing call sent chills down her spine. They had finally made it!

They were encouraged to go and visit with the other yearlings present, and Talyssa would in due time. However, she couldn’t help but linger in earshot of her parents as they approached her grandfather. The Carpathius girl couldn’t imagine a birthday party being the place to exchange important information, but she couldn’t help but strain to listen just in case. But before her parents had arrived to interact with Sirius, a different source of movement caught her attention. Her pale blue gaze settled on a beautifully monochromatic fae as she managed to approach the warlord first. Out of all of those who had already gathered, she recognized most of them. This woman was entirely foreign to her, harboring a pack scent she did not recognize. It piqued her interest, but she was making her best attempt at trying to conceal just how much it had.

Talyssa watched as her brother went and found Andy and Charlton- who were only moments later joined by Kite. More Armadan wolves were slowly trickling in, some cutting straight to social opportunities, others raiding the magnificent spread of food. Such an event made her chest flutter but in a good way. It made her feel like there was so much to accomplish, and she had no idea where to start.

"Talyssa Carpathius"

Anxiety permeated the air all around Stratum, who had been struggling to come up with any kind of gifts for his siblings. They had turned a year old, and he still couldn't think of something that was good enough to present the rest of his litter. After all of the trauma that had struck them in their first year, what kind of gift would... would show how much love was constantly thrumming through his veins? he cared for his siblings deeply, and he worried about them every day, but how could he show that with an object? With a gesture? He certainly couldn't use his words, he wasn't the best at expressing himself. He sighed in frustration, staring at the collection of leather scraps and wire and polished metal. Most of his siblings were well equipped with beautifully constructed armours and weapons, nothing he could make would serve them nearly as well as what they already had.. A deep, booming howl rang out from the further reaches of the Armada's territory. His father was summoning his siblings, as well as the rest of their immense clan and pack. He'd have to come back to this internal struggle later. Off he went, trundling along with Pebble clinging to the thick fur of his ruff. Peabody was slung lazily across his broad hips, the pangolin preferring to soak up the sun and let his companion do all the legwork. Call it endurance training. The gilded prince plodded up to the party a bit late, and a crowd was already gathering. A massive spread of food was already laid out, and the boy had to swallow harshly to keep the drool contained in his maw. He hadn't gotten lean and muscular in the same way his siblings had, there was still a roundness to his form. Partly due to his appreciation for fine cuisine (and regular cuisine). He stood on the bluff that overlooked the beach party, knees locked up and toes digging into the dirt. "Do I have to?" he uttered softly, glancing back over his shoulder to see if anyone else could see him weighing his options. In response, the pangolin on his back dug a paw of sharp front claws into the thick skin of his ass, shocking the boy into an awkward downward skid from the bluff and onto the beach. He couldn't think to snap at his companion, because he was suddenly right in the midst of the party. He could hear the undercurrents of chatter and see the individual figures milling about. Lowering his blocky skull between his shoulders, he pulled his ears back warily and padded cautiously around the fringes. All of the faces were familiar, and most of them were family. But.. there were so many of them. More than he liked to see all at once. Mercurial gaze flicked anxiously from face to face, searching for one of his littermates. They were all huddled near their sire, and so Stratum slunk through the growing crowd to join them. Safety in numbers, and he could use Charlie's similar colouring and larger build to hide behind if more wolves showed up. "Hey, guys." he rumbled, ever deepening vocals coming out quiet and a little shaky. "How's everyone doing?" he asked next, checking in on them to avoid confronting his own anxiety. Andy looked... some type of way. Something in her eyes that he couldn't pin down, but her body language seemed entirely at ease. Maybe he was just trying to find something that resembled his own inner turmoil at the prospect of a gathering. Attention flitted to Kite, blind to the intricacies of the spread. He cleared his throat, drifted closer with a few small steps to lean against her shoulder. Keeping his voice low, he used a few nudges against her flank and foreleg to indicate directions as he pointed out the layout- "Dad has got a feast laid out just behind him, lots of cooked meats with spices set up around a big ass fire pit. There are a few other snacks made of plants and fruits that look pretty good. Goss just brought in a pronghorn, and there are a few wrapped packages set aside. Briar and the Aegis of the Hallows are here with their kids, and Empress Venom got here just before I did. The sun is out, there aren't that many clouds out- you should keep your blindfold on unless something really important comes up. The tide is out, I think it just finished receding, so there's a few hours before we'll need to leave the beach." he explained, leaning close enough that only another interested party would be able to tune into their conversation. "That's all I can think of, but I can keep you posted on who else shows up if you want. I'll bring you a snack, be right back." the offer was extended with a gentle pat of his paw over hers, and then he found himself shrinking back into that nervous young man as he meandered past their sire. He loved his dad, but so often lately he caught an odd look in his eyes when they were together. With the cold shoulder he didn't see his other siblings receive... well. It made him want to impress the man, but it also made his skin itch with nerves when he was close by. Near the feast, there was that blue lady that always seemed to be lingering around the family lately. A slave, but one who didn't get in trouble for mouthing off to their sire. One who spent a lot of time trying to replace their mom. The boy wasn't one for dark feelings or a bad attitude, but it sparked some strange sensation in his chest that he didn't like feeling. So when he found himself getting too close, he skirted around her with his eyes glued to his own paws until he was safely out of her way. And then, the holy grail. A whole sage grouse, spiced and cooked to perfection. Oh yeah, that was the ticket. Without much thought, he grabbed the entire steaming carcass in his massive jaws and carried it over to where he'd left Kite. It was fine to take the whole thing if he was planning to share, right? It was a relocation, not a theft. The blond yearling deposited it on a small hide between the small gathering of his siblings, and looked around at them. "Want some?" he asked with a tiny smile.

The trip up to her family's home in the mountains never seemed to feel any shorter, but when they received the invitation to attend her youngest sibling's birthday party she knew they had to go. Even if the celebration of her own first birthday had been tumultuous at best, she couldn't hold that against her baby brothers and sisters and was simply glad that they were getting a timely celebration. After everything that had gone on in the last year they certainly deserved it. Besides, she had grown quite attached to some of her siblings during their stay in the hallows so that alone made her want to make a much overdue visit. She and Artorias gathered up any of their children that wished to visit their cousins and attend the party and then made their way up to northern Boreas, arriving just in time for the party to begin.

As they approached the dark sands of the cove, she spotted several of her siblings–including one of her littermates–as well as the Ashen Empress and a blue-marked woman that she wasn't familiar with that was working on the food. Of course their first stop was to greet her father, Artorias greeting his father-in-law first and once he stepped back Briar leaned in with a smile to press an affectionate kiss to her father's cheek. "Hello, dad. It's good to see you." She didn't linger long, knowing that her father had a party to host and there would be other's she'd want to see–as well as pups of their own to keep an eye on. They hadn't given them the usual warning to behave themselves, trusting that their near yearlings would know to be on their best behavior, but that didn't stop her from being her usual protective self.

"Briar Carpathius"

It would hardly be a surprise that Crux was one of the later arrivals, he didn't exactly move quickly even when he tried to he was barely faster than most wolves walking at a brisk pace. It didn't help he'd been deep in the woods trying to go over what stores he needed to replenish and which he could do from there when he'd heard the call go up, so of course he would take a while to get there, didn't look like he was late to start of the festivities though, thankfully. Dread and Vanta were also still missing so honestly he'd take what victories he could. Riya trotted along beside him but when he arrived at the shores, steely gaze roaming over the already growing gathering the big cat gave him a friendly hip bump and wandered off, the message clear, spend time with his family without her hovering over his shoulder. He hoped she'd stick around at least, looked like it was going to be a celebration of some sort but he wasn't going to beg her either, he wasn't exactly shy, even if the grief that had marked his early life had mellowed him some.

The boy took a deep breath, trying to map the easiest map to the gathering of his litter mates and a few of his nieces and nephews but he wasn't sure there would ever be ground solid enough that he wouldn't feel like he was sliding around on the beach. One more breath and he made his slow, awkward and stumbling way over to the group, arriving only a moment after Stratum returned with food. He hoped no one had watched what was undoubtedly a very unbecoming display but well, it wasn't his fault that the strange rock sand of the beach refused to stay still under his paws! He settled himself on his haunches, giving the group a genuine if small smile before reaching forward to snag some of the food. "Thanks." He said to Stratum as he started to snack a bit, he took a moment to take a look around the group, noting who was helping Ky right now and the emotions that were playing through the group. Though he read Stratum's anxiety more than anyone else... Maybe he should talk to his brother and see if there was anything he could do, he'd heard that Lavender could help with anxiety, and he made a mental note to ask Halo where he might find some.

"Speech"

Art by MarkLix

Andy sticks close to Charlie, moving to steal food from the spread but never straying too far from him. Just as she pops a rather flavorful piece of meat into her mouth and melts, Thorn calls out to her. Surprise paints her features as she turns to catch his gaze, waving the boy over as she quickly chews and swallows her piece of food. He has gotten tall and her keen pale gaze finds a wooden sword buckled to his back in a makeshift scabbard. With a bright laugh she ushers him over and happily greets him, “Thorn! Holy moly, you are getting tall! How goes the sword training?”

As she listens to Thorn, Kite appears and touches her gently. Looking to her blindfolded sibling, a gentle smile tugs at her lips as she offers, “There is a huge spread of food and dad is standing near it. Isa is also near the food which, by the way, is phenomenal. Charlie is standing on your right and Thorn, our nephew from the Hallows, is standing in front of me. There are torches lining the sand and it seems like there are presents waiting for us over there.” Lightly she taps the part of her sister’s paw where the presents are.

A monochrome woman appears and Andy remembers her from their visit to Ashen. Leaning toward Kite she supplies the name and location while keeping up the conversation with the small group. At Artorias’s arrival, she again offers the name and location before whispering for only Kite to hear, “I wonder if they are talking about our visit.” A soft gust of air that may be considered a laugh is expelled as Taly appears and she passes off the information to Kite before calling out, “Hey Taly! Come over here and say hi!” Another bubble of laughter, this time louder, is offered and Stratum appears, moving to join the growing group.

The boy takes over informing Kite of where things are and, for a brief moment, Andy bulks at allowing him to take over. However, the protective part of her lets go as she realizes, this may be one of the last times Stratum gets to be Kite for a while. Offering him a wink, she whispers low so that only Kite can hear, “I’m right here if you need anything.” Finally, Briar appears and Andy’s face lights up as she waves enthusiastically at her sibling. Later, she will seek her out.

Crux joins the ever-growing group and she flashes him a huge grin before posing a question to all of her littermates, “So… anyone thought of what den they want to take?” Now that they are a year old, surely, they will get their own space!... not that she will be quick to find claim her own. Her observation post will do just fine for now.


"Andromeda Fatalis"

On the journey up north, Bramble did nothing but enjoy herself. An excuse to adventure and leave the pack lands was an instant yes to her! She vibrated with excitement as she entered along the beach with her two companions, Bristle and Berry, in tow. The small weasel clung tightly to her neck fur as he poked his head up above hers. Berry was a lot more curious about these wolves rather than Bristle who preferred to fly around with the other avian companions. Bramble’s attention first went to the group of youngsters as she got closer. Having gotten somewhat distracted when they’d reached Armadan lands, she was almost the last of her siblings to show up. First though she had to greet her grandpa! Rushing past Artorias and Briar with swift nudges of her nose, Bramble approached Sirius with a wagging tail and a floppy tongued grin. “Hi grandpa Sirius! It’s nice seeing you!” She nearly chirped as she shifted on her weight and then glanced over to Venom. “Hello! I’m Bramble Carpathius, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” her voice is an attempt at being regal and put together, but her youthful energy is hard to hide. Once the adult greetings were over, Bramble excuses herself politely and makes her way over to the group of yearlings. “Hi guys!” Bramble looks at each one as she moves to stand wherever there is room. As she looks around, she notices one of them who is blindfolded. “Oh, I’m Bramble, by the way!” She greets Kite, hoping to help the girl feel included. Bramble Carpathius

Hazel would arrive, but she would be fashionably late. She'd gotten caught up on patrol, having to ward off another round of coyotes from the borders. They'd been getting awfully fucking bold lately, if she did say so herself. Still bleeding from a small wound on her ear, she made her way onto the beach, finding the celebration already in full swing. Scanning the crowd briefly, it seemed like only one of them was missing. Scanning, but apparently not well enough--

From seemingly out of nowhere (even if it was just from inside the shed), Bas struck. "Oof-- hey!" Her eyes went wide, turning to tackle him right back. "Oh my god you're home," the words came all at once, holding tightly to him. Her best friend in the whole world, and he'd been gone for too long. "Holy shit you're home." The words muffled against his chest, clinging like she'd never let go again. Hazel had missed him more than words could even begin to say. It was the yearlings' birthday party, but she'd gotten the best gift of them all.

"Speech"

Note: Deluge is arriving with Dread, pp approved by Nacho <33

Dread knew that he wasn't going to be able to get out of this one. Something this big, something with that many attendees... shit. "I don't know why it's such a big deal," Dread's words were admittedly a bit bitter, talking with Deluge as they walked. If he really thought about it, he'd probably know. Still, thinking about it too hard would be dangerous, for other reasons. "Our family from the Hallows even came up, and they're great it's just... it's so loud when everyone is together." The words are quiet as they walk together, confidential. He's never liked the hustle, the noise. That, and he hasn't seen them since... well, since mom... you know. Dread didn't talk about Zee, instead bottling the feelings up in his chest and keeping them stored away. Some day that would bite him in the ass, probably. Instead he's micro dosing his desire to act out... like showing up to his birthday party with the nice pirate girl he wanted to call his girlfriend.

His gaze on the gathered crowd, Dread prefers to hang back a bit. Gaze on all of them, but particularly seeking out Kite and Crux. They looked like they were getting on okay, at least. "You hungry?" He cast a glance at Deluge, taking a single step in the direction of the massive meal they'd managed to pull together. "Isa's a great cook, and Halo makes the best snacks." He recognized some of each of their handiwork within the spread. Honestly, he's glad that he's not showing up alone, that she's here. The whole thing is overwhelming.

"Dread Fatalis"

The young pirate held her head high, bumping shoulders with Dread and offering him a lopsided smile. He wouldn't have to worry too much about anyone staring at him if she was there to be glared at instead, right? “Any 'scuse fer a party is a good one.” She quipped back playfully. The crowds and noise didn't bother her to the extent that they clearly bothered her companion, but she was more than happy to take on the brunt of the socialising for the both of them. She lowered her voice and leaned in closer, “Lemme know if yer need somethin' ter take the edge off.” Apparently not all packs were as liberal with their yearlings as the Pirates were, but if she wasn't here to be a bad influence, who was?

She kept half an eye on her seagull circling overhead. He was on the lookout for an opportunity to liven this party up properly, she just had to get Dread on side once a target was acquired. With all these bodies, it'd be tricky to pull off solo. Checking out the food would be a good excuse to scope the place a bit more. “Sure!” She responded with a wave of her shortened tail, pressing her shoulder closer to Dread to make sure she wouldn't lose track of him in the crowds. “Oh I got yer a present too, but I'll have ter give it to yer once things quieten down.” her tone was light and teasing as her eyes zeroed in on the smorgasbord laid out before them. “You guys really know how to throw a spread huh?”

He let his call ring out, before closing his muzzle and taking a few steps back towards the campfire. He placed a few more bits of wood into the flames, so they sparked anew. Gossy was the first to arrive and he smiled at his daughter. “That’s very thoughtful Gossy, thank you” He said to her as she brought her own contribution with her. He turned to Isa then “Would you mind helping her set up?” He asked, before the first of his youngest litter arrived. He greeted Charlie with a smile and kissed nis nose. “You’ll see” He said, winking at his son. Andy appeared next and he playfully swiped at her paw as she grabbed for the food. But it was no real attempt to stop her, and she made off with her prize. “Were you raised in a hole?” He teased her retreating back. Thorn was the first of Art’s to greet him, and his manners were exquisite. He winked at Art before nodding towards the blue wolf. “It’s a pleasure to have you, thank you for coming” Kite arrived then, and she did not greet him - but her blindness rendered some things more difficult, so he gave her a smile she couldn’t see as her siblings rallied around her. He watched as Stratum appeared, and seemed to immediately fall into conversation with Kite, Crux appeared as well, but he was distracted from watching his youngest by Venom. He greeted the Ashen Empress with a smile and leaned into a quick hug. “Thank you, and thank you for coming” He said. Art had made his way over on the heels of his kids, and Sirius smiled at his son-in-law. “I know it’s a long trip, and I appreciate your coming” He said, keeping it brief as Art was immediately distracted with wrangling his children. Briar stepped into the gap he left and Sirius smiled, kissing her cheek. “You look radiant, Briar” He said in warm greeting. “Thank you for coming” than Bramble was before him and he grinned in delight at being called ‘Grandpa’ “I believe the kids are already stealing bites of food, go help yourself” He invited her, and she scampered off to join the other younglings. Dread appeared then, and the Warlord was rather surprised to see his guest. He raised a brow, and realised Dread had already guessed what this was about - and invited a friend. The relations of his friend were dubious, but the Warlord would not send her away. He gave a nod in her direction, accepting her presence. Bear however moved towards the food. Crossing her paws across her chest and eyeing the Pirate with scepticism. Kite was before him than, stumbling on blind paws. “Dad, dad, can I invite a guest too?” He kissed her brow. “You may, but send a companion, things are about to begin” He warned her. He gave her a moment to do so before making his way over to the presents. “Thank you everyone for coming. Today marks the day my youngest become Yearlings. To mark the occasion, I have prepared some presents for each and every one of you. I know your--” He paused, and cleared his throat. “--mother could not be here for this, but you will see her paw in the making of this as well. Charlie, Crux, Dread, Stratum, Andy, Vanta - and Isa, will you help Kite with hers, please - It’s time to open your presents” "Sirius"