Called To Order -open- (Runedar Pack Meeting)

[Erinland]

Silas sat looking into space. This was his position of deep thought. His stomach clenched in fear for his pack. Xeno was said to be coming. Silas didn't doubt it. There was no line the black savage would not cross. The big white alpha raised his lips in frustration.

"Father?"

It was Solex, still looking up anxiously into his father's face. Silas stared for a moment, looking at his son. The young wolf bore a striking resemblance to his mother, but still seemed to echo Silas at the same time. The alpha suddenly rose up full of purpose and determination.

"Solex, Run the border and back. Tell all you see to return to The Ronde. I am calling a meeting."

Almost before he'd finished, Solex had turned 180 degrees, making for the continuing border. There may be hope for that boy yet, Silas thought as he loped quickly back toward The Ronde. Thunder rolled above him, and although he begged it not to, a steady rain began to fall. The drops dripped calmly on the pine needles as though nothing threatening was even imaginable. It came a little harder and steadier, and by the time Silas reached The Ronde, he was soggy and dripping. Several mother's were tucked under some rock crannies, watching their pups enjoy rain puddles. A mid-ranking male looked up curiously and trotted over.

"Alpha Blanc?" He asked carefully, obviously seeing Silas' troubled expression. "Is everything alright?"
Silas sighed. He didn't want to lie and say yes, but he didn't want to cause panic and pandemonium either.

"I'll explain soon, I am calling a meeting."

Another mid-ranking male, darker and considerably older, had been near enough to hear and scoffed.

"Another one of his bloody 'meetings'. Soon enough we'll be having meetings about meetings."

A piercing yelp split the air around The Ronde, making every wolf and shifter present sit bolt upright. Silas had leapt upon the darker male, bowling him over and exposing his belly. Silas stood over him, his black lips peeling back to reveal yellow fangs. His teeth had clamped over the male's muzzle in a spilt second and left a bloody gash. All was silent for a few moments as the alpha asserted his position and stared down at the dark wolf. The male whimpered and licked the alpha's face, which was still grimaced in a snarl.

"Forgive me, Alpha." He squeaked. Silas let his face relax, and moved aside. The scolded male tucked his tail. His muzzle was cleanly cut, and would heal, leaving only a slight scar. Silas knew how to give punishment without inflicting long term damage. He turned his back on the dark male, a final reprimand. The mid-ranking wolf stalked off slowly, his tail still tucked. The rain would make calling difficult, but Silas would waste no more time. He raised his head, his black lips forming the familiar shape. A long, loud howl rang throughout Runedar territory, the call of the alpha. He called to bring his beloved pack to him, to gather them round. Surrounding members began joining in, and Silas took a place on a high rock, in order to see and be seen by the pack.

Soon, despite the rain, the meeting would commence.

[Grimwyck]

Kira's head popped out from the grass, smacking Vivian's jaw in the process. "Sorry," she muttered quickly, before turning toward the Runedar territory again. Ears swiveled forward, the blonde she-wolf searched for the sound again.

"What is it?" Vivian asked, nudging her girlfriend's side. "Ought I be worried?"

"I don't think so," Kira replied. "I have to go. That was Solex's voice." Vivian cocked her head, and Kira reminded herself- again- that Vivian didn't know everyone in the Runedar pack. Not that she needs to or anything; just Silas. "The alpha's son. I'm guessing it's another meeting."

The black she-wolf flopped back down in the grass. "He makes me wonder if I shouldn't call more meetings. Seems to work with his pack."

"You hate to speak," Kira reminded her. Licking Vivian's cheek, she began trotting off. "I'll see you next break I get!"

Vivian flicked her tail in response. "I'll miss you," the black she-wolf's voice followed Kira's loping steps. As she ran from Saltren territory, Kira began to think about everything going on right now. Vivian was foremost in her mind. She loved her, really, but sometimes feared the arrogant and silent she-wolf. The pack she led was so... She couldn't find a good word befitting the rouges. And, of course, there was the question of how Vivian got her title.

Kira had never thought of the past alpha; she just knew that when she had been cursed, Vivian was alpha. Not until later did she realize that the past alpha must have fought against her, and was possibly killed. Probably, to hear the snippets of conversation in passing.

It wasn't until the over-powering scent of so many of her packmates woke her from running into a pitiful-looking male that had obviously been punished for imprudence. "Have I missed anything?" She asked the nearest wolf. He shook his head and she huffed in relief.

"You smell like a Saltrenian," the wolf next to her commented, wrinkling his nose in disgust. Kira growled at him, something she rarely did, and stalked over to a fellow she-wolf, a friend of hers that had just had a litter of pups.

"He's right, you know," she chuckled as Kira settled herself down and looked up at the alpha. Self-consciously hoping he wouldn't call her out on smelling like Saltren territory again, she began grooming her ruff until the meeting began. One of the pups pounced on her tail, distracting her. Smiling, Kira began slowly wagging the new-found toy for the puppy. Happy yips came from behind her, followed by a second playful growl. She often forgot how much she loved this pack.

Alpha Blanc must love it, too, considering how often he calls us to meeting to make sure we know what's going on and can remain safe. Kira sometimes wondered if she was the only one appreciative of the meetings. Especially with whatever had set all the alphas she knew on edge... I wonder if he'll tell us what's so important this time.

[Erinland]

Silas gave his coat another shake, trying to be somewhat dry. He Watched as more members came trotting through the trees from different directions. Solex bounded into The Ronde, panting heavily, so much that his tongue was flapping. Silas looked around at the many faces, and decided most of the pack was present. There were a few he noticed were missing, most likely having left the territory, or Solex would've found them. His members were not prisoners, they came and went as they pleased, a right Silas would never take away. He would try to talk with them later. He saw the young female shifter, Kira, trot in and place herself accordingly. He had noticed her tendency to disappear and the looks she often received on returning. It was rumored that she visited Saltren territory. Silas believed she probably did. Most all shifters had some connection to the Saltren pack. It was not uncommon for them to visit. He noted the arrival of several others. The dark male he'd scolded sat in back, his head hung.

"Attention, Members of Runedar." He said. He was loud, but not yelling. The faces looked up.

"Thank you, for coming. I know you all must be very curious as to what this is all about. Unfortunately, Rumor has it that Xeno, the black savage of Astran, is coming to Runedar."

Several gasps ran through the crowd, from wolves and shifters who obviously knew of Xeno and his blood-thirsty nature. He was not a wolf anyone wished to be nearing their home. Silas waited a moment then continued.

"I do not know the reason for his actions, only that he wishes to see the new alpha. I also do not know whether he will be peaceful or vicious. We cannot know for sure. I will say, that since he is coming alone, there is little chance of an attack; but this is no guarantee. If any here be afraid or wary of Xeno's visit, you are free to leave until Xeno has gone. Inform me of your departure and destination, and when all is well, Solex will find and tell you."

He stopped for a moment, glancing into the crowd, letting the speech sink in.

"If any of you have questions, feel free to ask now."

He looked around eagerly, wanting to answer any questions within the meeting, allowing everyone to hear the answers. His white ears were perked, eyes intent, as the harsh rain lightened up; but only a little.

[TESLA]

The chirping of birds… the quiet rustling of the grass as it blew in the wind… the occasional buzz of a busy honey bee seeking nectar in the blossoming flowers… the choppy, muffled voice of the Runedar Alpha’s son…

Kierya’s bright, honey-gold eyes popped open as she instantly sat up, ears erect. She shook her head, dandelion fluff floating off of her fluffy cheeks. A smile parted her lips as she inhaled all the wonderful scents of spring, not yet ready to let go of her day-dreaming… As she exhaled, her lazy, inspired mood fell off of her cheery face when she heard small clips of a conversation nearby, involving a pack meeting, the Ronde, and ‘hurry’ again and again…
With a small sigh, Kierya pulled herself up and shook herself again, more white fluff wafting off her silvery fur. She exited the cheery scene she had been dozing in and out of for most of the day, and her favorite spot in the Runedar territory, a not-so-secret mix between a small field and a large meadow. Her joyful trot was charismatic, and the welcoming smile on her face was enough to greet her fellow pack-mates as she passed by, but she always added a little tail-wag and a nod regardless.

Kierya stopped abruptly as Solex passed by. She stopped to lower her head in subtle but mutual respect, wagging her unnecessarily fluffy tail (a result of endless grooming), though to her dismay, he seemed to be looking the other way. But taking no offence, she continued towards the Ronde, seating herself in the best environment she could. Despite the worrisome look on the alpha’s face, Kier couldn’t keep herself from smiling. She looked around her and watched her pack converse, taking a moment to appreciate the fact that she could truly call it her family.

”Attention, Members of Runedar,” Kierya snapped to attention as Silas spoke, her eyes glued to the rather dashing white wolf. ”Thank you, for coming. I know you all must be very curious as to what this is all about. Unfortunately, rumor has it that Xeno, the savage of Astran, is coming to Runedar,” the alpha continued, a very serious expression on his face. Kierya’s features became rigid with confusion, worry and… another unidentifiable feeling. Were the Astrans coming to attack?

”I do not know the reason for his actions, only that he wishes to see the new alpha. I also do not know whether he will be peaceful or vicious. We cannot know for sure. I will say, that since he is coming alone, there is little chance of an attack; but this is no guarantee. If any here be afraid or wary of Xeno’s visit, you are free to leave until Xeno has gone. Inform me of your departure and destination, and when all is well, Solex will find and tell you.”

Kierya’s brow furrowed. What could she do? She certainly did not want to leave her pack, but if the Astrans did attack she was incapable of fighting… A terrible dread washed over her, and for once, a smile was completely absent from her face. It had been a long time since she’d felt so… afraid.

[Erinland]

Solex's brow was rumpled worriedly as he took in his father's words along with the rest of the pack. It was suddenly very clear to him how serious this was. Xeno could be planning some surprise ambush, or be planning to take down the new alpha of Runedar in order to weaken or even destroy the pack. It was well known how much the Astran disapproved and hated the alliance with shifters. His father's life was in danger. Yet, the alpha was thinking only of the safety and comfort of his pack, even giving them the choice to leave until things were normal; if after Xeno's visit things could return to normal.

He looked around at the members. A female named Venus had her ears pinned back. A brown male, one of Solex's Shifter friends named Brom, did not look so worried as he did angry. His white teeth were slightly bared. Sitting about three feet away was a pretty female he knew as Kierya, who looked conflicted. On his other side he saw more worried faces, including a blond shifter named Kira. He wondered what these members would decide. Leave until the threat was gone? Or stand with the alpha and face it head on? He wasn't particularly sure what to do himself; but after a moment he knew he would never leave Silas. He loved his father too much to abandon him, even if that meant death. It was surprising to him how dedicated he felt.

Silas suddenly called for questions. Solex knew his father liked to have facts and opinions discussed out in the open. He believed that it benefited everyone involved. No one spoke up. Solex figured probably mostly out of shock, but the member's could be unused to being asked for their input. He took it upon himself to help his father's attempt at an open, town-hall type meeting by asking something he was truly curious about.

"Alpha?" He called out, asking permission to speak.

"Yes, Solex, go ahead."

Solex stood up to signal that he was speaking.

"If Xeno does intend to attack you . . . will you fight him?"

Silas looked down from his rock, his face very serious, almost eerie looking with his unblinking eyes.

"Yes."

Solex sat back down, almost ashamed that he'd even asked. Of course he would fight. His father was no coward. Silas showed no anger toward him though, and looked through the crowd again.


"Anyone else?" He asked softly, almost as if he were speaking to a frightened pup. His voice was full of reassurance as he spoke again.

"Please, ask anything you'd like, and I will do my best to answer."

[Grimwyck]

Kira shook uncontrollably from where she sat beside the pups, which had all gone silent when they heard the note of fear and the undulating certainty in their alpha's voice. Kira tried to avoid conflict, as much as was possible in the world of the wolves. Yet... I love my pack, and I won't let my alpha fight alone. She steeled her resolve with that predicament, but still continued in her worrying.

Alpha Blanc had said that Xeno was coming to see the new alpha. She had heard horror stories of Xeno's savagery before, and knew that if he felt it necessary (for whatever reasons he came up with), Xeno would attack them.

Another thought startled her. Perhaps the matters of the Shifters did not interest Xeno, but the Saltrens also had a new alpha. What would happen should he choose to travel to the Saltrens as well? Kira knew Vivian was a good fighter, even if she rarely fought, and that her pack was known for their abilities as warriors. That, however, was what worried her. Vivian was stubborn and protective and undoubtedly a hothead when riled; if Xeno, who had been alpha much longer than the Shifter she-alpha, felt threatened or insulted, it could mean war.

And which pack was stronger? Whoever was would be allied with, obviously, even though the Saltren and the Runedar had been allies since forever.

It's useless worrying, just ask, Kira thought. "Alpha Blanc. Is there... any possibility at all that the Saltren's new alpha would be of interest to Xeno?" Several wolves turned to gape at her, and even more added a glare. The wolves beside her slowly inched away.

Well, looks like my relationship's in the open. "I can explain why it interests me- later. And... is there any possibility that Xeno's movement could result in a war? Should an attack be launched or anything. We'd need allies, right?" Panic slowly rose in Kira's voice. All of this thinking had dredged up horrid memories. The worst of which being the image of Vivian, the night she attacked her. Kira had never wished to see that image again, and at times couldn't erase it from her view of Vivian. If war came, no doubt that side would resurface. Please say there's no chance of war, please!

[Erinland]

Silas' attention was turned as he heard his name in a different voice.

"Alpha Blanc. Is there... any possibility at all that the Saltren's new alpha would be of interest to Xeno?"

It was Kira, the blond shifter. He was surprised at her question, and noticed the reactions of several members. It was quite clear she had ties to Saltren. The rumors had been accurate.


"I can explain why it interests me- later." She added as he was thinking of an answer. "And... is there any possibility that Xeno's movement could result in a war? Should an attack be launched or anything, We'd need allies, right?"

Silas looked down at her, his eyes unblinking. He did not do it on purpose, but when in serious thought, his eyes would not shut much. He took a deep sigh.

"The only thing you can know for sure about Xeno, is that there is nothing you can be sure of. There is the possibility he will continue on to visit the other new alpha's. I do not know Xeno's mind, so I'm sorry to say I cannot tell you for sure. If Xeno's plan's are to instigate war, we will firstly call on Sukri, and then on the shifter pack of Saltren."

He openly acknowledged her dealings with Saltren, and did not condemn them. He could see in her face that it was not an action of treachery. Silas did not intend to punish a member for having innocent dealings with another pack. The Saltren were not enemies and unlikely to be plotting against him, as Runedar was the only other pack around with shifter members. She could in fact be very useful. The Saltren's were excellent fighters, bold and fierce. If a better, more open relationship were to be created, Runedar would have a much better chance of not only surviving one of Xeno's attacks, but of fighting back and make him think twice before trying again.Silas knew the pack's slight aversion to Saltren, because of their more human-ish natures. The old alpha had pushed the 'trust no one' state of mind. And while Silas certainly did not trust everyone, he did know trusting no one only led to fear and loneliness.


"As I understand, in the past the Saltren have seemed to keep out of wolf affairs, but I am at the moment eager to speak with their new alpha and see if a friendlier rapport can be created. I am hopeful she will embrace new policies. Perhaps when that time comes, you will be of assistance, young Kira?"

He raised his brows, hoping she would not object.

[Grimwyck]

Kira tried to ignore the glowers being cast her way and the way some she-wolves pushed the pups away from her. Really, she was simply trying to help her pack. Didn't they want that?

"he only thing you can know for sure about Xeno, is that there is nothing you can be sure of." Kira flattened her ears and resisted the urge to whine. If that were the case, all the packs could be doomed. The Astran were not a pack to thumb your nose at.

Nor were the Saltren, however.

"If Xeno's plan's are to instigate war, we will firstly call on Sukri, and then on the shifter pack of Saltren." Kira flattened her ears further, if possible. If Xeno wanted to launch an attack, shouldn't they speak with the pack closest first? But she wouldn't speak out against the alpha. He must have had his reasons for telling her that, and the tone he used didn't seem punishing. She nodded slowly.

"That makes... sense. Fellow wolves will be easier to ally with." The Saltren never had let her down, but ti was also true they considered themselves above full wolves most of the time. Vivian seemed to be the one exception, but probably only because she needed to maintain kindly relations with the other packs. "And of course I will be willing to instigate a meeting. Viv- Alpha Harkness has been meaning to speak with you as well." Kira would have blushed if not for her fur. It wouldn't take a mastermind to figure out she had relationships with the alpha of the Slatren.

Eager to get the air cleared and not have to decieve her alpha any longer, Kira stood. "With permission, may I run across the border and tell her of the summons?"

[Erinland]

Silas slowly nodded his big head toward Kira.

"She is welcome to come here, or if she would be more comfortable, I will go there. If she is busy, we can meet another time."

Silas inhaled deeply looking over his pack.

"Feel free to speak with me privately if you have any concerns," He stated. "The meeting is ajourned."

He climbed carefully down from his rock, watching the placement of his feet. The crowd began to drift apart a bit, some wolves talking among themselves. Suddenly Solex pushed through a rump and into his father's view.

"Father, I-" He stopped for a moment, looking at the ground as if thinking of what to say. Silas raised his brow.

"Father, allow me to accompany the shifter, Kira. I know you are . . . trusting, but allow me to go along. As a precaution."

Silas knew his son doubted the loyalty of several members, and Blanc constantly scolded him for it. It was wrong to doubt your pack.


"If you were to go, Solex, it may send the wrong message to Alpha Harkness. It may seem we are suspicious."

"No Father," Solex said, "I would make it quite clear to her that I only wish to help, and came in good faith."

Silas watched as his son looked up at him, pleading. The alpha sighed. He side stepped one or two wolves until he came upon the face of Kira.

"Before you leave, young Kira, would it be suitable for Solex to accompany you? He wishes to visit and show support."

Silas smiled quietly as Solex plodded to his side. He hoped she would not be offended or put off by the suggestion. He did not want to cause any rifts in his already un-settled pack.

[Grimwyck]

Kira startled at Alpha Blanc's question. "O-of course it's fine with me," she said quickly. "I'm certain Alpha Harkness" goodness that sounds weird to me "will not mind at all." At least, Kira really hoped not. It could be hard to tell with Vivian, at times. She turned to Solex and dipped her head respectfully. "Shall we head out, then?

Not really waiting for an answer (oh the imprudence) Kira turned and began walking toward the edge of the Ronde, motioning Solex to follow. She figured, judging by the rain, that Vivian's pack would be mostly hiding out, probably as humans. That meant they wouldn't have to watch too much for an unfriendly patrol, even though the Saltren were fairly well acquainted with Kira. She just hoped if they did run into someone, they would be one of the few that didn't go 'Hey Kira! Alpha Harkness is at [enter section of packlands here]'. She liked how nice they were to her (well, most of them) but it would probably not help her image with Solex if they sounded too familiar.

Kira's mind wandered as she walked along, occasionally checking behind her to see if Solex was still there. She doubted he'd leave, considering how he'd beem just about begging Alpha Blanc to allow him to accompany her. The journey wasn't far, not for wolves anyway, so it wasn't long before Kira could smell the diluted Saltrenian scent. It wasn't terribly fresh, though, so there didn't seem to be any patrols out. Breathing with relief, Kira sped up a bit. The border was coming up. Scenting the air again, she let out a quiet, heralding howl. There was a silence before another voice answered.

"We're in the clear," she told Solex. "Alpha Harkness is coming to meet us." Her voice warmed. It was always sweet when Vivian came out to meet her. Carefully stopping at the border, she waited for the black bullet of Vivian to come to the border and invite them in.

"Kira! Please, come over. You're always welcome," Vivian turned her green gaze to Solex. "You as well." Stepping back, the alpha nodded her head to both toward the territory. Turning back to Solex, she continued. "Hello to you, my name is Vivian Harkness. If you don't know I am the alpha here. I'm afraid I don't know your name, would you be willing to tell me?"

Kira figured that she ought to let Solex speak. After all, Solex was the alpha's son. Unless he was not willing to speak with the Saltren alpha, she'd remain quiet until the pack politics finished.