Secret Woodlands Godspeed

Early afternoon. Partly Cloudy, 74 ° F, 24 ° C ─ Mandatory pack meeting! All members must participate, first round ends in two weeks (at the next activity check). @Nina  @Miccah @Aideen @Hudson @Danica @Bane @Inali @Unitas @Pacem @Daniel @Lyanna

Mirren's auburn-stroked ears pressed forward as Nina's call bellowed through the forest, now lush and green as the days of summer filled the Lore with life. The matriarch beckoned the Woodlands wolves to gather at the iconic pack den (so he assumed, judging by the direction from which her voice sounded), for there were announcements to be made and he was aware that the time had come to officially introduce the little ones to the pack. Lifting his muzzle, his song complimented the leadess' perfectly ─ both confirming that he was on his way and reinforcing her message to all who heard. --- Having made the morning rounds, the swarthy Tainn now prowled deeper into the heart of the territory and nearer to where he'd left his daughter and Nina behind several hours earlier. Since his mate's disappearance, he'd submerged himself in fulfilling his duties to the pack ─ not only because they were part of the role, but because they were quite possible the only things keeping him grounded. Though he didn't let it show, not to a single soul, he was a mess. Not a day passed that he wasn't consumed by his grief and anger at Kite for leaving their child to die and abandoning him and the pack. Some mornings it took everything he had just to wake up. But, when the morning light turned the navy night skies to a sea of violet and orange, that was when he would lay his golden eyes on the only hope in the world ─ his Lyanna. Life as a single father was harder than he'd ever envisioned and had it not been for the woman who had been as much a mother to him as his own, he would have been lost to the darkness that Kite had left behind. But beneath the veil of the one-eyed leader's love and guidance (and invaluable babysitting), Lyanna had lived and...so had he. With the stony den finally in view and the voices of Nina and Lyanna within earshot, Mirren announced his return with a low woof. His gaze drifted over his daughter's form as she tuttled over to rub her side against his creamy legs before scampering over to her grandmother. It was something else, he thought, that the one thing he loved most in the world was a look-alike reminder of the one thing he thought he hated. Issuing his gratitude for her time by way of a lick to her rounded chin, he took his place at the queen's side and joined her in awaiting the arrivals of the other pack members.

(This post was last modified: Jun 29, 2015, 10:31 PM by Mirren.)

Having time to recover from his earlier exploits outside the lands, Pacem felt comfortable. He felt as if he would always be alright because he had a family to return to, including, according to his mother, a new brother named Mirren. It was all quite confusing for the young boy, learning everything that had happened in the time he was gone, but he did grasp major concepts. Silentium had abandoned them all with two traitors, Koda and Iopah. Mirren, his new old brother, had taken up leadership of the pack. They had even more enemies than before, declaring the traitors enemies. Sadness had filled him with most of this information. He loved having a new brother, an older brother, but he also happened to see Silentium as a traitor for leaving with Koda and Iopah, even if his mother didn’t.

Still, the black boy heard his mother’s call and instantly perked up. He would rise from his small and secluded den hidden within the territory and move towards the main den. That was a strange thing which had happened in his time away, he couldn’t stand sleeping with others close by. His sleek form would quickly wriggle his way through the thicket he knew like the back of his hand. When he did finally arrive at the main den, he would find his mother and Mirren standing, waiting for the rest of the pack to arrive. Dipping his head, the youngest yearling in the Hervok clan would speak. “Hello mum. Hello Mirren.” The boy dipped his head, his tail tucking appropriately before he took his seat.

hand grenade pins in every line

PACEM HERVOK

Like any other day, she had woke to find her father stirring with a snore and through the den mouth pale sunlight filtered in to dance upon the dirt floor. Without a care in the world except when her next meal would be, Lyanna had rolled over to press her face into the warmth of Mirren's side. Soon he would rise, which meant that she would have to, too. She didn't really like the walk to her Nana's, but spending the day with @Nina ─ or the morning, at least ─ was something she loved. It came to no surprise to her this morning that dad wasn't getting up right away. It happened this way when he didn't sleep well, after the nights when he tossed and turned and cried in his sleep. "Kite," she would hear him mumble in his dreams, whoever or whatever that was. Sometimes he even jumped and fidgeted and woke her up, and she would have to tell him he was dreaming or else just find a better spot to lay. Last night had been one of those nights, and so, feeling sorry for him, Lyanna had risen and peeked her head out of the den to watch the sun rise until he finally woke up. "We're late, bird," he'd said to her. And so they traversed the hills, covering the short distance between their home and grandma's house rather quickly. Lyanna had been delighted to see Nina's warm face, even more so to have breakfast. Then dad left to go do daddy things (we was a really important person, you know!) and the girl spent the morning with her Nina, who versed her on history and something to do with plants and why they were important. Grandma was alllllways talking about plants. Which is why Lyanna forgot about some of what she'd been told about them today. She was more interested in where @Daniel was and this big 'meeting' that was supposed to happen... "Nana, where's Danny at?" she'd managed to squeeze the question in impatiently somewhere in the middle her lecture. Having been told that she would get to see her cousin later on, Lyanna did her best to focus her attention on her lessons before lunch. Eventually the afternoon came and Nina called out for the others ─ something the tiny Tainn watched intently and with a hint of awe. Mimicking the matriarch's movements and overall regal stature, she swung her rear end around dramatically and waved her tail high. When Nina's gaze would fall upon her, she did it again if only to flaunt her own regal stance and to basically showcase that she was a queen too. Well, one day she would be, anyway. Mirren was the first to materialize from the depths of the forest and for a time she fluttered in and out underneath him and between his legs and basically anywhere she could get her father's attention as he made to take his place next to Nina. Then came Pacem, her sleek and dark-furred cousin. She watched him with wide eyes, having grown quiet now when it finally sunk in that she was going to be surrounded with wolves who were older and bigger and maybe even more important than her. Suddenly deflated, the girl with the silver-and-sand-touched fur nestled herself shyly between her father and grandmother.

(This post was last modified: Jun 29, 2015, 10:30 PM by Lyanna.)

There is a rabbit\'s nest nearby. +1 Health

Another day had come and gone of teaching her tiresome little blossom about the world. Today's subject, coincidentally, had been about the pack. How there were wolves, other than Hudson, who were ruled over by Grandma Nina. How they all worked together as a team to succeed and survive in the world. The young mother, however, ever so cautiously warned him not to stray from the Glade EVER. Not everyone knew he was apart of this family, she figured, and therefore Danica felt he was at risk. Weary, and exhausted from her motherly duties as usual, she roamed about the glade with her child. As he grew she was giving him more and more freedom, but still she never left him alone. Minus the times she, unaware, would sleep through his visiting of others.

"Oh, Daniel, look right there...that's a butterfly dear, wanna chase it?" She smiled at him, standing ever so close as if in utter fear harm would touch him. The pale wolf tensed from her mother's call as a sickening feeling nearly caused her to loose whatever food @Hudson had brought her recently. She looked at her boy worriedly, and with a dry voice said, "Son, it's time to meet grandma...and everyone. I'm not sure how the pack will respond to you. Please, please, stay by my side unless I say you may go." It was quite clear she was unaware of his little trip to meet Lyanna. A child Dani knew only the existence of and nothing more, boy, girl, name? She didn't care. Her only pup was her main concern. Anything else going about didn't matter. Though she still stooped to pick Danny up in her jaws gently, her legs moving without a single thought.

Nina's only daughter took her time to arrive upon the scene, eying Mirren cautiously. She did not trust him around her boy, for she knew nothing of the man, and therefore he was a potential threat being the lead. She skimmed over her little brother unconcerned, but offered the queen a small nod. Her fur was for the most part messy and uncleaned, being a single mom and all. As she strolled in with slouched posture she made it obvious didn't give two cares about her appearance. Setting her son down she told him firmly, "When Dadda Hudson arrives you must remain quiet. I expect you not to talk to anyone unless spoken to. This is a pack meeting, and very very important." Rolling her shoulders she lowered her head to give him an affection kiss. "Be good, I love you." It seemed every time the fur ball turned around she reminded him I love you. *Where is Hudson?* She thought taking a possessive seat close to her son, so that he was between her legs.

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She truly did not like having to send Daniel away but she knew that if Daniel was caught away from his mother, he very well may be in trouble. Nina, however, needed to prepare for the meeting she was about to call. Their members had been small but the Hervok had faith that they would continue to be a family. Many new announcements were to be made and Nina hoped that Mirren would not mind. It was also time for the pups to be introduced to the rest of the pack. The alpha knew that not many would have met Lyanna, as Mirren and Nina both kept a strict eye on her. As for Daniel, Nina did not know how many pack mates he had already met, but what mattered was that his presence was known. And so, once she felt she had given Daniel enough time to return to Danica, she instructed Lyanna to remain silent and still as she did what she needed to do. Once the child agreed, Nina was quick to tilt her head back to summon the pack, her high pitched voice traveling through the territory effortlessly.

She waited and it was no surprise that Mirren was the first to arrive. He was quick to pay attention to his daughter before greeting her. She gave him a motherly kiss on his crown before casting her single eye towards the clearing, awaiting the arrival of the pack. She felt the Tainn settle down next to her, no doubt exhausted from all the work he had been doing. Nina could understand the pain he was going through, the loss of a lover being one of the hardest tests the Fates threw at someone. He would be able to get through it, this test would only make him stronger. Lyanna’s small display of trying to mimic her warmed her heart, knowing full well that with Tainn blood in her system, she would one day rise to be a worthy Queen.

The second to arrive was her son, Pacem, his greeting polite and respectful. She returned his words with her own, greeting him and letting him know that his presence was greatly appreciated. Hopefully, his brother @Unitas would also be making an appearance. The next pair to arrive was Danica and @“Daniel” the mother obviously close to her son. Nina had already informed Mirren of Danica’s predicament and told him of her mental instability, insisting that the best place for her daughter was with her. Thankfully, there was no argument between the two and their time ruling together had gone smoothly, even smoother than her ruling with Koda. Surprisingly @Miccah  had yet to show up, as he was usually one of the first ones to always heed her call. She did not panic though, he would be there eventually.

Her mind, however, strayed when Danica’s voice spoke to Daniel. Her golden brown ears flicked forward in order to hear what she had to say. It seemed @Hudson knew more than he let on, especially if he knew her little girl. She would make a point to speak with him after the meeting, needing to know how her daughter seemed to be dealing with a child. The Hervok did not know where Danica had settled and while Nina respected her daughter’s boundaries, it also irked her, knowing it went against the very codes she had laid out for the pack. That part of her personality would never change and it was why Iopah and Koda had left her. Hopefully, @Bane and @Inali would be able to arrive soon, along with the others, so that they would finally be able to start the meeting.

(This post was last modified: Jul 03, 2015, 02:25 AM by Nina.)

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

Pped Inali's arrival :)

The dark second was irritated with himself. He wasn't one to show up late when his leaders called. In fact, he made it a point to always be one of the first that arrived when pack meetings were held. But time had not been on his side that morning, so as he silently appeared at Mirren's side, his gaze roamed over his fellow pack mates that had arrived before him. Danica, her child, along with his King and Queen, and the tiny princess. His gaze lingered on Pacem for a beat, glad to see the boy finally regaining some good health. He would always feel guilty for losing the boy that day, but at least the boy was fine and was back where he belonged. His gaze drifted toward the tiny bundle between Nina and Mirren. His daughter was the spitting image of her mother, and it pained him that his leader was going through raising his child without Kite by his side. He knew the pain of losing a woman he loved, of losing a mate, but never the mother of his children. Mirren was a strong man though, and he would get through this. After all, Nina and the pack were behind him fully. Not much of a talkative creature, a bit of warmth appeared in his gaze and a small smile appeared across his maw as he nodded a silent greeting toward the child before neutrality once again masked his features as he lifted his head to see a small woman enter the circle. He tensed slightly as she quickly made her way to Nina and greeted her with a lick to her chin and an exuberant wag of her tail. She nodded to Mirren and him with a smile and he watched as she proceeded to greet the two children with a warm smile and gentle mention of her name, which seemed to be Inali. Her warmth reminded him of Aideen. She took her place beside Danica and Miccah looked away from her and his attention went back to the thickets surrounding them, waiting for the others to arrive. ”Speech”

Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

(This post was last modified: Jul 31, 2015, 10:40 PM by Miccah.)

Narrowly makes it within the deadline - Sorry, Aideen's here! ^^; Sorry for length.

It seemed she could not leave the thicket for a single minute without ground shaking changes running through her home. Her and Miccah had been gone for a while sure, but no longer than the allowed three weeks - Miccah in particular had made sure of that - yet upon their return, they had learned that Kite was gone, disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only her newborn daughter. Thanks to Nina, it seemed the pup would survive though, and that at least was good news, but without her mother, the little girl was sure to have a hard time ahead of her. Aideen was eager to meet the new child and help in any way she could, but she didn't want to impose on Mirren, though she understood the pain he was going through to a large extend, she didn't know him very well, and she wasn't sure how to approach him; Though I'll have to... Besides, Nina was sure to have everything under control, she had raised plenty pups of her own, and it looked like the new responsibility was good for her, she appeared much healthier than when the two seconds had left.

Their days home had been hectic, with summer at its highest, the pack was full of buzz, and the two had a lot to catch up on. Aideen wanted desperately to reconnect with the Woodlands, and the wolves who shared it with her, but her duty as a medic had come first, and she needed to restock the stores while the herbs were in bloom. So today, like all the other days before, she had been up early and out in the thicket, harvesting and filling the emergency stores. She was just on her way back from the border with a large bundle of plants that needed to be dried, when Nina's voice sounded through the land, ringing between the trees. The russet healer stopped in her tracks, lifting her head to listen; A meeting! Her tail began wagging excitedly, a gathering of the pack was the perfect opportunity to meet everyone and begin getting to know them.

With movements even more hurried than her usual, energetic trot, the vixen lass made her way to the wide den that was her infirmary, quickly lying out the herbs to dry in a spot of sun, before turning to move in direction of her queens call. On her way, she heard Mirren join in the summons, reaffirming his position by Nina's side. Aideen's brows furrowed slightly, during her life in Secret Woodlands, the position of male lead had shifted constantly, many a wolf stepping up to aid Nina in her rule, but she had thought of all of them as nothing but a support, an advisor and enforcer for their queen. Yet something in Mirren's character made her feel odd, like he was claiming a spot equal to the golden alphess; Which he is in his good right to... Yet something didn't sit right with her.

She shook her head and quickened her pace into a lope, she was gonna be late already, no time to think of such things. When she arrived, most of the pack was already gathered. She paused at the edge of the circle, letting her copper eyes slide over the gathered. At the front was Nina, standing regally, waiting for her family to heed her call. By her side was Mirren, and between them a small, pale cub, watching the arriving wolves with wide eyes. Aideen smiled lightly at the girl, knowing that she would surely be overwhelmed by all these new faces. In front of the leaders where a black yearling, sitting patiently, and the healer's gaze softened further as she studied Pacem; he was healing well, but there was still evidence of his long absence on his lanky body. The cream colored girl next to him drew Aideen's attention though, her fur disheveled and body looking a little thin. A fresh wrinkle formed between the medic's eyes, Danica looked better than when Iopah had brought her back that day, several months ago, but she still didn't look quite healthy. Something stirred between the young girl's legs, and Aideen looked down, eyes widening. A small, ebony pup sat in front of Danica, dark fur contrasting clearly with his mother's pale hairs; Her son! Aideen was curious and eager to meet the boy, and examine him, but this was not the time. Approaching Danica and her son would take care and good timing; Later.

Then finally, the petite woman's eyes fell on the last figure of the little gathering. A burly, dark man, sitting at the edge of the circle. A broad, warm smile spread on her face, and she felt a tickling warmth spread through her chest. Before going to him, she shifted her attention back to her leaders, moving to greet them respectfully. Nina received a small nib at her jaw and a low, friendly whine. To Mirren, Aideen gave a formal nod and lowered her tail submissively. The beige pup got a quick, soft smile, then the tri-colored lass turned and walked over to her dark knight with bouncy steps. She sat down close to Miccah, lifting her head to smile up at him. Her body was pressed tightly against his and she could feel her fur prickle every where his warmth touched it. She could hardly contain her happiness; I made the right choice!

She tore her attention away from him, turning her eyes to Nina and Mirren, waiting to hear what they had to say.

Word count: 929

"Speech" Thoughts

PLOT WITH ME!

Wilted eyes wore great exhaustion. There was nothing more demanding than living the life of both a pack figure and a father - though Hudson kept his later title in ironclad secret. He nailed Danica's promise to that pulsing between his lungs as he grew to love @Daniel each day as if he was his own son. The risk was like none other, but he vowed it true in every step he took through Woodlands in the direction of Mirren's appointing howl. Earlier in the morning, he'd taken the time to mask the lingering scents of Danica's den in the glade and any traces of her son. He appeared thinner than usual, one could guess it was from the heat of the long days if they noticed. But you couldn't say the same for his weary, hollow eyes which looked as though they'd collapse at any given minute. These were truly the eyes of a new parent. Hudson's stomach churned as he realized he was arriving late, but he was ready to vomit with fear as his eyes caught Danica. He held her gaze across the gathering for just a slight moment before he removed them to his paws. They would need to make this as unnoticeable as they could. The white wolf remembered back to the day @Danica slipped the secret to him, hopeless and dire. The first thing that entered his mind was what @Mirren would do if he knew. Huck figured the consequences would be more severe the later their leader knew, but he truly felt that any kindhearted parent would know the meaning of Daniel's life to his mother. The Sawyer already forecasted his own consequences, and they were nonexistent until both mother and son were ensured their safety. He was prepared to take the heat if Mirren brought on the flames. With old regalia, Hudson curled his tail around his paws as he remained glaring at the ground, submerged in the thicket of anxious thoughts. Unknowingly, he'd positioned himself near @Nina who's red blur came quickly apparent in the corner of his eye. Slowly, he lifted his gaze to all-knowing eye and felt she knew all about his burden. Somehow he felt she knew just about everything that happened in the lore. Politely he dipped his chin to her and then - after swallowing - to Mirren. It seemed that everyone was present, though he could never be certain as it was the last thing on his mind. HUDSON SAWYER

(This post was last modified: Jul 20, 2015, 08:47 PM by Hudson.)

It was so surreal, being here. Had it been so long ago that he had been birthed in this very forest? Since his arrival, he had done his usual manner of keeping mostly to himself. He spent time learning the land all over again. Different bits here and there that had changed. He had trudged through the pathways he had once long ago did when he had been on border patrol, the same routes in which Hollow had taught him as a child when his mother had long since abandoned him due to ether her own unwillingness of insanity. Bane Aranna had even dared to visit the place in which he had been born and had spent many lonely, cold nights. Bane also took notice to the two children that were created this spring and that none of them belonged to Nina, though one belonged to her fellow Leader. Nina had not found another since Hollow and after that second attempt at love gone wrong, he could not blame her from staying clear and focusing more on a love for herself and her children. At least, this is what Bane hoped she was doing...

Now moving in upon a later arrival, he took note to Pacem. He, unlike his other two brothers, Bane took a bit more of an eye too when they were children. After all, it was Bane himself which thought up the name Pacem when he was but a squirming creature, tossing about within his mother's stomach. Aideen was here too, a woman he remembered from when he had been here before. As well as Miccah, a supposed lover of his birth mother which had come here to be with her, though that ended sourly. Though he had previously been Bane's Leader, Bane barely knew the male and rather preferred it that way. Mirren had returned and with it, rose into the ranks, this much was obvious and Danica had also returned home. She, along with her two brothers, stirred both curiosity and jealousy within Bane growing up. For they had their father, one another to play with, and a mother who very obviously loved them. It was Ashton which, after some rough times as children, grew to become closer to Bane, though even he was long gone now.

Shifting closer to the group with his tail limp and his head leveled along with his spine, Bane's final attention pressed to Nina. His smile is ever so delicate, but his eyes are filled with an overwhelming love and compassion. He moves into her direction, his tail waving low behind him and he touches at her cheek, touches the soft skin at her missing eye as always he did. Knowing his placement further down the ranks in the pack, after his greeting he shifts away and takes a placement to his own. Had Inali had been here he would have quickly shifted to her slender side where if not with Nina, he felt most at ease.