The dark man had remained quiet, a silent shadow before the pack as he let the women take the lead. Nina wasted no time jumping into things, addressing her retirement with her usual grace. His blue gaze moved to his wife, as all attention turned towards her. He could tell she was nervous, but Miccah knew she would push through the nerves and speak clearly to their pack. It was an odd thought, that the Woodlands was theirs now to protect and keep strong. But Aideen had spoken truth. They would work on making the pack remain strong and continue to thrive. The stoic man looked at all the wolves that surrounded them, reading their expressions. Most were good, and for that Miccah was thankful. It seemed all had taken the news well, but he had expected this. Nina had personally chosen Aideen as her successor, and had aided her in reaching this moment with confidence.

The dark king stepped forward, effectively turning the attention from his wife to himself. It was not often that Miccah spoke, but there was important news that the pack needed to know of. "I am glad you are all taking the news well," he began in his rumbling baritone. Following his words a rare, slight smile tugged at his muzzle before he continued. "But there is other news. Before Nina's retirement, she befriended a fellow alpha named Gent. His pack, Round Stone Crest, is settled in the mountains. We are on neutral terms with them. I advise to act warmly, but still remain cautious. We are not to seek trouble with them." If things continued to run smoothly between the two packs, then the Woodlands would hopefully have another ally in their midst. But if not, Miccah wouldn't tear up about it. Nodding, he stepped back. It was clear he would speak no more. Unlike his wife, Miccah would never be considered a social wolf. He looked at Nina and Aideen, and as the two women made it clear all had been said, Miccah turned his gaze back to the pack. "This meeting is finished," he stated, officially dismissing them. Turning his gaze to Nina, he smiled slightly before heading towards his wife. He bent his head to briefly touch his muzzle with hers before disappearing into the thickets, knowing his wife would understand his hasty departure.

It didnt take long for the meeting to wrap up. Others too had given their congratulations to the newly crowned queen, and then Miccah stepped forward and began to speak. Inali's brows shot up in surprise. She didnt think she would hear that name again. Not wanting to feel the emotions his name brought up, what he represented, Inali forced herself to listen to the rest of Miccah's words. His speech was short and to the point. Inali knew that her king wasn't the warmest of men. He preferred to keep to himself and only spoke when he deemed necessary. Nonetheless, Inali put his advice to memory and watched as he wasted no time in dismissing them. Clearly, this meeting was over.

Overall, it had been a pleasant one and Inali sagged in relief into Bane's side. It  felt wonderful not to be around tension and anger. One by one, members began to leave the clearing. Inali turned her attention towards @Bane. Her blue gaze warmed as she glanced up at him. Moving to press her head against his chest, Inali stood quiet for a few moments, soaking in his presence. It had been a while since they had shared more than a brief smile or conversation, and Inali pulled away from him with a thought. In her soft tone, she questioned him if he would like to join her for a while. It would be nice to catch up with one of her favorite people. Waiting on his response, Inali then disappeared into the thickets.

{Inali exit}