Black Thorn Downs everybody goes

This will be archived on the 28th, so please get your replies in by then

As her golden eyes settled onto Bane she knew that the attention of the pack would shortly follow and by the discomfort displayed on his maw it was something he wasn't used to. Minka heard his pleas and took it to heart, while her tawny ear flipped backwards to hear her mates response before she nodded herself. Waiting until the boy met her gaze again she spoke, "Well then I officially name you guardian of the Downs, and as such I formally assign you to guard the borders and when the time comes to be my personal guard throughout the move." She offered him a swift smile before returning her attention to the rest of the pack, she had offered him the best that she could do. The smile had dissolved by the time she turned and this time her answer to the boy's questions were directed to the whole pack, "Our goal is not to kill the Woodland wolves, though if it comes down to it we will defend ourselves, they will pay for what they have done when we drive them out of their home. This will not be an act of impulse and any formal plans will be well thought out and thorough, these plans will be made after we have all safely relocated. The search parties will resume then as well, it is just not safe to do so while we remain here." As the alpha spoke the last sentence her gaze settled first on her mate and then on her son who had voiced concern over his lost sister. She had not forgotten about Noble and would still be looking for her, but they couldn't risk the lives of the pack members.

While she had heard Inali speak amongst the commotion Minka had not addressed her words until now, waiting until the clamor died down. The gold eyes were serious as she looked upon her scout who she knew had friendship with Nina, surely she would be able to impartial. Nina was her friend but Minka was as good as her sister and Lugh a trusted founder and he had almost been killed, Inali would see that right? Raising her tail to silence the group as well as her friend, "I understand that this is a hard time and a serious decision that will have serious repercussions and do not think I haven't thought long and hard about it all. Whether Nina was there at the time of the attack means little to me, it was unmistakably Woodland wolves who attacked Lugh and almost cost him his life. These wolves are subordinates of Nina and therefore her responsibility, if any of you attacked and almost killed another pack's wolf we surely would be feeling the wrath of the whole group, it is the way of the pack wolf. They have more allies than us yes, but do not mistake that we are strong, as are our allies in Cut Rock River. If Nina truly had nothing to do with this then it is obvious their pack is in shambles to begin with and driving them out of their territory will be easy." Minka stopped then, looking around at her subordinates and taking in each of their appearances, she was lucky to have such a strong pack and she knew it.

Her next statement was begun by looking into each face but it ended with a long stare towards Inali who had long tried to be involved with enemy packs because of friendship. Clearing her throat she once more spoke, "The time has come for each and every one of you to pick a side, you're either with the Downs or you are against us." Minka stood long enough to hear what each of her subordinates would declare before announcing that she must prepare for her journey south to their allies and swiftly taking her leave. Her mind was troubled with Inali's words, why couldn't the scout stand up for the pack that she belonged to?

EXIT MINKA

click!

She waited for Minka's response with bated breath. Surely Minka would see reason. Her leader spoke and Inali could not withhold the flinch that made her cringe and press closer to Bane's side. The scent on Lugh had been unmistakenly of the Woodland wolves. But Nina's scent had not been among them, she was sure of it. What if these had been rogues? Nina would have taken care of them, for sure. But what if Nina had ordered the attack, and decided to not take part in it? It didn't fit with the picture of the woman in her mind, but alot could have changed in a few months. She knew Minka's words would hit Bane hard so she briefly pressed her muzzle against his before turning her attention back to Minka. She didn't want to embarrass him and make the others once again turn in his direction. He was not one who seeked or liked attention upon himself. Inali watched as Minka stared at each pack member and then turned her attention to the scout. Minka wanted to shrink beneath her gaze, but she didn't. As Minka ended the meeting with her statement, Inali bowed her head. They didn't have all the facts. If only Inali had all the facts, there would either be no need for war or there would be. If rogues had done this to Lugh, then there would be no need to attack the Woodland wolves and drive them from their home. If the Woodlands pack, Nina specifically, had spurred this, then Inali had no other choice then begrudingly accept the concept of war. She didn't wait for the other's response. Instead, Inali brushed against Bane's side and walked away. For the first time, Inali disagreed with her Leader. Minka was thinking with anger. Nina had been her friend, was Bane's mother. She shook her head slowly. War could not be the answer. They were wrong. {Inali exit} ”Speech”

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He could feel the King's glare burning holes in his fur. Tokino raised his black lined lips above his teeth, baring a silent, "Were having a talk after this". Aeus nodded, accepting his future punishment. He knew it was rude and completely unacceptable to arrive late to a pack meeting. He flashed the alpha an honest and apologetic glance. He then settled down to hear what Minka had to say. "The time has come for each and every one of you to pick a side, you're either with the Downs or you are against us." The abrupt statement send chills down his spine. It was so soon that this all began, it felt as if the man had a family again. He was surrounded by honest wolves that would offer themselves for the well being of another. He was ready. I cannot expect myself to love this pack as much as the rest of the pack for I am new. But, these are good wolves and I will lay myself on the line for them if this is what they choose. Aeus gave a curt nod, inaudibly honoring the Downs decision. "If this is what you really want, then I am at your service."”Speech”

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ITS NOT LIKE I WANTED US TO HAPPEN

It was certainly interesting to hear Tokino suddenly speak. Minka hadn't consulted with him, her co-leader and mate, in deciding all of this? Gent's mind went to work, a whir of branching thoughts trying to explain why this could be. Did Minka consider herself the only true leader in this pack? Was a habit of hers that would be carried out regardless of who stood at her side as lead male? Was it the pressure, the stress of such an immense decision that drove her to counsel the pack first? No, that wasn't even a good word for it--she was not asking for opinions, that was decisive enough as she gave her response to all those who raised their voices. Perhaps their relationship was strained, something behind the scenes or even perhaps the disappearance of their children. For all Gent could know, maybe it was Tokino who dropped the ball and allowed them to disappear into that blizzard. Even still, Minka did not consider Tokino capable of being involved in such decision making. Whatever the case, it mattered to Gent. If he wanted that position, if Tokino proved to be a man who should be overthrown, Minka would be either Gent's greatest ally or adversary.

As of now, however, things were finished. Minka's final words did not leave much room for more opinions to voice themselves. Anyways, Gent wasn't entirely sure of his own and would neither speak before the group of strangers nor voice his concerns to Minka before thinking them thoroughly through. So instead, his jaws remained shut, and he turned his head away, not caring to watch the others meander off but waiting for them to part so that he may talk to Lugh.

/Technical exit from Gent.

He could feel his body tensing, his heart thumping hard against the side of his chest, a heat rising in his with an unvisible reddness to his cheeks as various members turned to his direction, others keeping their gaze averted by the sheer understanding of how he felt by just the look of him. Inali's tail was comforting, a further touch to try and calm his nerves and even Kova's little display as he wallowed around before their paws was enough to distract him from the rest of the pack a bit. However, he could not be swayed from both his Leader's words. Minka names him the official Guardian of the Downs, the only one present as far as he understood. Tokino stressed that he was most trusted by him and it would be Bane personally which would be protecting not only his mate but their children, to which Minka named him her personal guard. All of this was very lovely, a beautiful oppertunity for the grown boy... however....

This did not shake away the rest of what was going on. Inali did her best to stress that Nina was no killer and would not have moved to violance so easily.... Though these members were under her guard and it was her responsibiliy to control their actions. Bane's eyes moved between her Leaders and Inali and his head fell lower at Tokino's words that he would kill all of Secret Woodlands wolves (including Nina) if the need be and although he would not kill the near yearling children, they would be as good as dead living out on her own. This, of course, if it came down to it would not happen, for Bane knew in every being of him that if somerthing ever happened to Nina he would protect and care for her children until they could on their own.

His throat tightened, his breathing becoming uneasy. He found himself unable to speak, simply listening to the last bits of what Minka had to say and the responses from the other members thus followed.... He dipped his head silently, allowing his Leaders to know that he was with them... but for how long? He wanted so much to be a good member, a good man and they trusted them enough for him to be... but could he stand back, knowing his family was being murdered? Could he live with himself for not doing anything? He lifted, stepping over Kova and moving to quickly follow Inali away from this gathering.

Aeus' appearance was such a relief, however late he was. Her eyes caught the tail end of Tokino's warning glare, and the girl tucked her tail closer as a sign of sympathy for him. Everything her pack mates said was perfectly reasonable – perhaps all out war could be avoided after all? Her male Alpha's words visibly hurt the dark yearling, Bane. It seemed he was easily willing to kill the woodlands wolves. Raela had no idea of their histories, but she hoped that he had reason to be so vicious. She didn't think she could kill, and definitely not so easily. Her spine tingled,  fur rising and falling with her tumultuous nerves as everyone kept speaking. Kova's question tugged at her heartstrings, and a compassionate glance would find his eyes if he happened to look. The poor boy was still missing his sister among all of this. Then, Minka's well-spoken language landed squarely in their midst. She would not have them kill unless she had to. Her plan seemed solid enough as well. The Alphess spoke of their strength, causing Rae to shift uneasily on her feet. She was glad to be living in such a tight-knit group, but were they really all that powerful? It seemed most of the pack barely knew each other at all when you got right down to it. Raela froze under the tawny leader's gaze, finally thinking to give a respectful but awkward nod. She was with them. Aeus confirmed these thoughts of hers with his own statement. She would do what she could for the group. They had done so much for her already, it was only right.  As the others began to splinter away, Raela turned to the dark man at her side. She looked up at him with sad eyes and slanted ears; was he worried too? As she got up to leave, the girl hoped Aeus would accompany her. Much had taken place here that they could talk about as they left. It was a good excuse as any to have someone to walk with. {Raela EXIT} Image © Chris Smith Photography Manipulation © Jenandra

            

Cessair turned to look at the subject of Minka's next announcement.  So Bane would be an official pack guardian -- positive progress for the pack even in the midst of all of this turmoil.  The dark man was young, in good health, and certainly tall, and while Cessair didn't know exactly what features made a wolf a good guardian, she couldn't help but think that Bane would be a good man for the job.  If he could overcome his confliction, that is. Whatever was wrong, Cessair sincerely hoped that he would have the support and courage to make whatever decision was right.  Then, realizing it was rude of her to watch him in so obviously tense a moment, she gazed at her leaders instead.

It was a relief to hear Minka say that it wouldn't be the pack's goal to kill the Woodlands wolves.  If it was necessary for the defense of her pack, then Cessair would kill, assuming she had the strength and fighting ability to do so, but it would not be easy on her conscience.  Were all of the Secret Woodlands wolves necessarily worthy of death?  Such matters were not for her to judge, Cessair decided.  Killing was not the object anyway; Minka said she intended to drive them out instead.  Such a goal was infinitely preferable to obliterating the Woodlands wolves, but why did Black Thorn Downs need to drive them out if they themselves were moving further away?  Then Minka's statement came down like lightning. "The time has come for each and every one of you to pick a side, you're either with the Downs or you are against us."   Cessair immediately let her question slip away as she nodded her response.  "Anything for the good of the pack."  She stayed to hear her packmates' remaining comments, then slipped away as quietly as she had come to think about all that had transpired.

(This post was last modified: Apr 25, 2015, 02:28 PM by Cessair.)

The alpha male would rightfully assert his dominance over Loki. The man's tail lowered to a respectful level as he bowed to the leader. "My name is Gabriel." He would introduce himself to Tokino.

It appeared that the meeting had been called to talk of grim subjects as the like of war, and attack, and family separation. Loki did not know many in the pack as he had kept more to himself, but what he pulled from conversation was astonishing. It appeared that one of the other males, presumably above him in rank and about his age, was the son to the alpha of the pack that war had just been declared war. To make one fight against their own family was a little harsh, and to talk about it in front of them (since it appeared he was close to his family unlike Gabriel and his own blood) but it was also the name of the pack. One had to chose between family ties and pack loyalty. He found that the young man placed his words well so as to agree to both parties. Gabriel was there only to observe how this would all work out.

When the time came, Gabriel would speak aloud his own opinions on the fight by a pledge of loyalty. "Always, I will fight for the pack." With those words, he dipped his head in a farewell-type of manner before turning on his heels and slowly walking away from the meeting that he had presumed to have seen concluded. The mind of the dark timber man wrapped around the idea of war. He was not yet ready for it. He needed more time and the war, it was not supposed to happen like this. The Trickster plotted his havoc to work this war between two packs into the plan he had laid out in his mind.

-éxodos

(This post was last modified: Apr 25, 2015, 04:06 PM by Loki.)

The last time everybody gets to see him.  ;-:  @Astraeus do you wanna post an exit or do you want me to fade this thread with Kova's exit?

Tokino wouldn't take back anything he had said. He knew he was being harsh, but that was the way of the wolf. The sooner the others got it through their thick skulls the sooner the pack would be able to stabilize itself once more. Only the those who proved themselves as strong would gain the higher positions in the pack making it stronger. Anyone who was not pack or family was considered an enemy to Kino. He might act nicely as long as they didn't threaten his pack, but once they did he would be ruthless in his own right. The only thing keeping Tokino from all out war now was his missing daughter.

Family... then pack... They came first to him. Memoria et lux was his family's motto, and Tokino would uphold that to the end. One day... Sometime in the future they will understand. When they are older. He thought quietly while watching his pack mates closely. A pained look crossed his face as Kova and Inali voiced their worries. He hoped to the spirits that she wouldn't go and do something stupid, but Kino knew in the end that she had too much fire in her. It was the very thing that he loved about her. As the Wayha she wolf turned to leave quickly he sighed softly. The other wolves all sided with them, but Bane was very silent. Tokino couldn't blame the boy for being so torn. Just like him, Bane valued family highly. In the end Tokino would watch to see where the youths loyalties lie.

When Bane, Gent, Loki, Minka, and Cessair left the area Tokino looked to Kova as he sat there brooding. Astraeus was the only wolf left along with his son, and it was then that the older wolf allowed his shoulders to sag. He was tired of all this tension and trouble. Why couldn't they just be left alone? But that's not the way of the world... He reminded himself before looking towards Kova.

You'll be a good boy right? Keep and eye on Bane and your mother.. They'll need your help in the coming months. Tokino spoke gruffly to the Lagina child. Then he looked to Astraeus. I hope this depressing meeting hasn't put you off about living here. Heh... Unfortunately I can confidently say that most packs have their own set of troubles. You won't be able to find one that doesn't have issues of some kind.. Tokino chuckled a little before standing up and looking towards the north. He only had one last chance to look for Noble before the whole pack had to move. Tokino would be damned if he didn't try finding her one last time even if that meant to disobey Minka's new rule.

Family then pack... Memoria et lux. He repeated before padding slowly off towards the eastern border. The meeting was finished.. Now he could keep his worries to himself again.

EXIT TOKINO

Like a mystery without a clue

Minka & Tokino

There is no me if I cannot have you