"Secret Woodlands... it makes me proud after this past year to be able to say that name still. I am proud that we have survived the year, some packs have been scattered before they reach this milestone, but we are strong!" He nearly howled the last words, he was momentarily stunned by his own conviction and fire before he could press on. "Much has changed, I never would have thought one year ago that I would be here, leading you all. Head of the most loyal pack in the land! So I say to you all, my friends. My family, thank you for letting me lead you." His face turned to address Nina, his very best friend, and a beautiful she wolf. "And thank you Nina, for offering me a place here so long ago." He turned back to the gathered wolves yet again."Now down to business. I have scented two new packs over the winter, if anyone knows who they might be, please do not hesitate to tell. Also I am sad to say that Ashanti Aranna has gone missing in a fit, if anyone see's her, treat as though she were a pack mate, I do not believe she left in her right mind, as well I've not seen Danica in a few weeks so if anyone see's her please bring her home. Lastly everyone knows with the approach of spring comes breeding season. If Nina agrees, then I stand by the rules first set by her and Sloane Thorben last year, only the pack leaders may breed." Wondering if he left anything off the dark male looked to Nina.

Padding slowly along the border – at a slow, stretched out trot to be precise – Anouke looked around, seeing nothing but a white thicket surrounding him; branches and bushes on either side – covered with snow, and sharp thorns littered everywhere that stung as he stepped on them. His pads were not used to them yet, and it would take a bit before he could walk freely without feeling any pain. Pain meant one was weak, and when one was weak, they were not fit to survive in the cruel world. Only those that were strong willed and minded could endure on without worrying about what lay ahead, or what happened in the past. Those that did, would have a hard time living life freely, and lucky for the Young Hellion, he could and would survive.

But what once was an uneventful border patrol – or at the moment, wandering around – a prevailing howl echoed through the thickets, calling for the wolves of Secret Woodlands. His ears pricked as he turned his bulky form around and started swiftly padding in the direction. It sounded far away, as he was at the edge of the territory, and he didn’t want to be late, but sometimes misfortune fell upon those that did not deserve it.

Breathing heavily, the Young Hellion slowed down to an almost complete stop just meters from the clearing, attempting to get his breath back before showing himself. He had gotten lost, stuck and confused as how to bypass the thicket many times, and he just knew he was late as a loud voice rang out, all the words easily heard. Shaking his head, Anouke neutralized his facial expression and stepped out of the thicket to where all the wolves were gathering, trying to make himself unseen by the others so they wouldn’t notice he was late to the meeting.

Passing by a lone silver and cream male that hung by the fringes, he himself stood on the outside of the wolves, not too far to be secluding himself, but not close enough that he was forced to mingle with them. He was not like the others, and when in large groups it was harder to use his charm and wit to bewitch wolves and gleam information from them. Sitting down, Anouke turned his full attention to the dark male who was currently speaking.

Anouke made an internal face as the male spoke of his past with the pack, leading them, being with friends and family and being able to join. Meetings were supposed to be about letting the others know what had happened recently, not recounting time with the pack. Though he supposed all other wolves did exactly that, being the welcoming and social wolves they were, ignorant to the forces that they could use to further themselves more efficiently.

Eyebrows raising infinitesimally at the mention of a wolf not right in the head missing, as well as a pup not seen for weeks. Packs were supposed to look after their members, especially the new generation, any wolf could do that, but apparently the pack had lower standards than the Young Hellion had first suspected. Though maybe if he found the child, he could attempt to get information about the pack from her. They were the easiest to fool.

What didn’t surprise him though was the announcement that only pack leaders could breed, which was the usual customary for packs. Good thing there was no one alive who touched his soul that way, if there ever would be. Glancing around at the other wolves to see their reactions, he saw a tiny, rust-coloured fae looking at a much larger copper, cream and grey male beside her, almost impulsively. Barely hiding a smirk, Anouke quickly returned his bright amber gaze to the two alphas, internally exultant at someone else’s misfortune, which for a change wasn’t caused by him.

It surprisingly didn't take long for people to come straggling in. Some faces were new to him, others were a friendly face. As mostly everyone arrived, Hollow wasted no time in beginning. By the tone of his voice, you could tell the alpha was proud of his pack. And who wouldn't be? The Woodlands had not only become a respite from this horrid winter, but it had also become his home. But as Hollow continued, a soft pang hit his heart. That name hadn't been spoken in a while, but the pain hadn't taken him by surprise. He still missed her, for she had basically been his mate. Or, that's the path they were headed on. The Fates had given him too short a time with her, and he would be lying if he said he didn't still hold a faint hope that one day she would come back home. To him.

Through his inner monologue, he gave no outer expression of how he was really feeling. He didn't need pity nor did he want it. Keeping a neutral look as best he could, he made his attention turn once again to his alphas. Breeding season would soon be upon them, and the rule was set that only alphas could breed. When Nina gave her input, the rule would either be set in stone or cast away all together. Patiently awaiting the verdict, his tail swished softly behind him. Almost instinctively, his eyes moved across the terrain, where they were all currently gathered. It would be foolish for someone to attack them all at once, but one could never tell what was going on in a wolf's mind. Satisfied that nothing was out of the ordinary, at least not yet, Miccah eyed his leaders, intent on giving them his full attention.