Inali heard the howl as soon as she entered the far edges of the territory. No matter her speed, she was still going to be late. She hated being late to pack functions. Stretching her lithe limbs, the scarred woman was determined to heed Nina's call in a timely fashion. Unfortunately, she almost collided with Korrin in the process. Managing to turn just in time to avoid hurting herself against his massive form, Inali couldn't help but vocalize her frustrations to the boy. 'Late' was not meant to be in her vocabulary. As the scent of wolves became stronger, Inali quieted. Along with hating being late, she also hated feeling crabby.

Peace was an emotion she always strived for, not only within herself but within others as well. Strife was not really needed in life. But with spring on the rise, and the 'itch' that was bound to come with it, the woman felt just a wee bit annoyed at the world. But, there would be time to feel crabby later. Pushing the awful emotion away, Inali walked into the clearing and separated from Ash's child. She looked at her alphas with an apologetic gaze, licking Nina's chin in greeting and in further apology. Nodding at Miccah softly, she swiftly moved to Bane's side. Pressing against him comfortingly in greeting, she looked up at the dark man with warmth in her gaze. Turning her attention to Nina, Inali waited patiently for her to speak.

Her heart beat so loudly, she was afraid the others might hear it as they gathered in response to Nina's call. They were quick, as always, quietly greeting their leaders before taking their seats, waiting to hear why they had been summoned. For the most part Aideen went unnoticed, and she was thankful as she breathed deeply to try and settle her nerves. This was not such a big thing, over the past months she had already taken on more and more of Nina's duties, and she felt certain she could handle the responsibility. However today would show whether the rest of the pack agreed. Copper eyes watched each one as they paid Nina and Miccah their respects: Bane, a silent shadow as always; Belladonna and her son, a quiet boy who still seemed to be adjusting to life in the Woodlands; Ash's children, the bubbling Rose who of course came with a mouth full of questions, and stoic Korrin, both taking a seat at their father's side; Inali, less perky than normal, though no doubt annoyed by being late; And lastly Nios, still mostly a mystery to the new queen, as he seemed to keep to himself a lot, Mirren's brother, though not as close with Nina it seemed.

Once everyone had finished their greetings and taken seat, their queen straightened up, head held proudly as she thanked them for their speedy answer, and gave a short speech that, though it wasn't exactly what Aideen had imagined, still conveyed the change swiftly and smoothly. The younger woman took a moment to note everything about their, now former, leader, from her stance to her tone, and the light in her eye; It's a lot to aspire to. She mused, but she would so. Then that emerald gaze met hers, a smile on the matriarch's lips as she passed her crown. Aideen straightened her back, posture perking marginally to illustrate her new rank; It's done. What had essentially been a practical fact for some time now, had become official, and the new alphess' head turned to observe the reactions of her pack.

The men's faces were unreadable as their eyes shifted to her, all the attention that had lacked at their arrival now hitting her full force. A small shudder ran down the rusty lass' spine, but she forced herself to stay calm, allowing them time to take in the news. Bella was the first to show her favor, a broad smile on the sepia woman's face as she congratulated the new regent. Aideen smiled back, eternally grateful to the young mother, and happy that at least one member was taking the change so nicely. Ash soon followed though, a soft, rare, smile on his lips as he nodded, acceptant. Her heart clenched, the worst of the nerves wearing off as she saw there was no uproar; Of course. It was silly thinking otherwise, Nina had made the decision after all, and she had done so for both her own, and the packs best. Still smiling, Aideen looked at her mentor and friend, voice surprisingly steady as she said: "Thank you." She turned back to the other's, her thanks directed at them as well; "Nina has kept our family strong for many years, and Miccah and I will work to do the same. While I fully take on the responsibilities of leadership, please know that Nina will always be held in highest regard, and be able to help guide us all forwards as she has before. Her retirement will simply help ensure that she can do so with less strain."

When she paused to breath, reminding herself not to slip into that old habit of rushing her words, the new queen glanced at her mentor again, affection clear in her eyes. It would take the rest of her life to be able to handle herself and her pack as Nina had, but with the continued support of the matriarch, she was sure she'd get there. Her voice was lighter when she continued, again directed at all the gathered wolves; "Secret Woodlands will continue to grow, and with your help we will thrive. I'm so very happy, and honored, to stand before you all, and I hope you can trust me to guard our family in the future." She halted, a faint heat burning in her cheeks. But she'd managed to speak to them without tying her tongue in knots, even formulating her thoughts and feelings in a manner that wasn't entirely unintelligible. Now she would wait, to see if any of them had something to say or ask. Her eyes drifted to her mate, joy bright on her face, once everyone had absorbed the change, they would add what was needed; And then… The future.

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Nina wasted no time in jumping into things, and Inali couldn't say she was completely surprised at the news. Nina was getting on in age, and there always came a time when a king and queen needed to step down and let a new legacy begin. In this case, Nina was stepping down and giving her crown to Aideen. The woman's blue gaze turned towards the equally petite new queen. Smiling at the woman, her tail wagged slightly. But how would Bane take the news? She believed he would take it in good stride, but just in case, the woman looked up at the dark man beside her. Concern for him flashed briefly in her two orbs before she lightly pressed her muzzle against his side and turned her attention back on a speaking Aideen.  

The words that her new queen spoke encouraged Inali, and already the woman was eager to see what this change would bring to the pack. She had full faith that Aideen and Miccah would make a smooth transition for the pack, and all would be well in their paws. After all, Aideen herself had mentioned that Nina would aid in guiding them and Nina was one of the most powerful and wisest women Inali knew.