A light powder sifted through the branches of the thicket, dusting the brambles and their small, incipient buds. To the untrained eye, it might seem that spring was far off yet, but the medic knew the subtle signs, having already spotted the first shoots of the hardiest plants, breaking up underneath the snow. And even if she hadn't seen it, she felt the evidence clear in her womb. She had known for quite a while now, that she was expectant again, the subsidence of her heat and change in her scent making it evident. Now it was plain for anyone to see, her flanks lightly swollen, slowing her movements around the territory. Soon she would be fully waddling around, unable to keep up with border patrols at any measure, already she could feel the growing fetuses pressing on her other organs, leaving her stomach rather beat up; Oh the joys..!

But she shouldn't complain, in the end it would be worth it tenfold and more. She just needed to power through this part. And in the interest of doing as much, as well as moving things along while she was still somewhat mobile, the Woodland queen had decided to call a meeting. It was long overdue, with new members to formally introduce and preparations to be made for the coming puppies, as well as officially pronouncing the yearlings as such. She'd spoken at length with @Miccah about it the night before, and this morning, after a shared patrol, they moved together to the center of the pack, taking seat side by side on a small rise in the clearing in front of the pack den. Smiling up at her mate, Aideen took a moment to relish in his closeness, so happy to once again have his strength leading alongside her, then she tilted back her head, as he did his, and they both howled for the pack to gather; A joyous song, for this time it would not be for bad news.

Word count: 332

Even the slush underneath his paws couldn't deter his good mood. The king was not a man that usually expressed his emotions so freely, however this morning his blue gaze was light and a small smile tugged at his maw. They had talked it over the night before, and Miccah had agreed with his wife that it was definitely time for a pack meeting. However, that wasn't the reason for his unsually light mood. As he walked beside his wife, he could already see the slight changes to her body. It was a strange mixture of emotion, knowing he was going to be a father again. A strange mixture of joy, peace, and paralyzing fear. He returned his attention to his wife, careful to keep an eye on her slower movement. She had gotten on him for being overprotective over her first pregnancy, and she would be dissapointed to know he wasn't going to change this time around either. Her health and saftey would always be his first priority.

As they neared the clearing and called for the rest of their family, he was glad to see that his eldest was the first to arrive. His son had watched over him well, and he was proud that Cináed heeded to his lessons that family was of all importance. His son's words almost made him snort in amusement. Ever the curious one. Maybe after this meeting he needed to give his son the 'birds and the bee's' talk. "You will find out soon enough son why your mother smells 'funny,'" he rumbled lightly. He had no doubt the others would show soon.

Wasn't that always the way? Just when she was in the middle of something truly fun, duty would call her away. She hated that word. With a loud grumble of dismay, the fiery wolf rose from her crouched position behind a particularly dense knot of bramble, spooking the pine marten she had been stalking, sending it into the nearest tree with a loud shriek of alarm. "Oh shut it!" She snarled, turning on her paws to heed the call of her leaders.

She certainly didn't hurry, there was only so much she could do to act good subordinate, she would get there; And can they really ask more? When she finally did get there she wasn't even the last to arrive either, surprisingly her sister was nowhere to be seen, and neither were several of the adults. She couldn't help but smirk to herself, her parents could hardly scold her then, for her tardiness. Cinaéd, of course, was present already, and she just managed to catch his question as she entered the clearing, a low 'tsk' leaving her lips. Their mother had been smelling weird for a while now, acting it too, but Flair honestly hadn't wondered at the cause. For all she knew, it was some plant thing, there had been green sprouts all over the place and both Aideen and Enia had been eagerly gathering them.

The mere thought made Flair roll her eyes, sticking out her tongue briefly at her brother as their eyes met, then she moved to take her own seat, some distance away from everyone else. Surprisingly their father spoke up then, making red ears perk and amber eyes focus – nothing could make her stand to attention quite like that deep, authoritative voice – but the words were surprisingly soft, sounding almost amused, and the promise too, to explain the smell, made her brows knit together; THAT'S why they called us? Then hopefully it wasn't about plants, or she was about to get bored to death!

One by one they came to answer, her son first, dutiful as ever, with a bright smile and an eager question; Some things never change! Aideen chuckled and shook her head at his remark, exchanging glances with Miccah as he handled the question. Meanwhile her gaze turned to Zilas, who was the next to arrive, a more tentative smile on her lips as she nodded back at him. The ghost took his seat silently, following the interplay between father and son with a knowing expression, though it quickly shifted to something more indecipherable. The alphess was left no more time to ponder though, as her fiery daughter arrived on the scene, greeting them all with characteristic insolence. Aideen's brows wrinkled at the girl, but she refused to let her spoil the mood of this meeting, and instead filed away the incident for later, in the ever increasing pile at the back of her mind.

Nia was the last to join them, within what the queen considered reasonable time, quietly taking a seat next to her brother and turning her attention to her parents. Aideen smiled softly at her youngest daughter, knowing well where she had been and nodding her appreciation. Then quiet settled and she sighed to herself, both Inali and Rayne were yet missing, but they were also both scents that had become fainter around the territory. Once again the leader exchanged glances with her husband, shaking her head lightly. They would have to begin, hopefully the stragglers would show up soon.

With a bright smile she turned to her gathered family, waving her tail in happiness. "We've called you together with good news," she assured brightly, looking from face to face, settling at last on her curios son; "It is clear now, as you've smelled, that I am expecting. Meaning that there will be new pups in the Woodlands this summer." Nerves and joy were intermingled in her mind as she waited for her children's' response, hoping they would be happy at the prospect of younger siblings. It would be quite the change for them, stepping into their new role as adults, to help take care of the little ones; But they'll love it… Surely! Otherwise, she didn't know what to do.

Word count: 374