Secret Woodlands Godspeed

Moving onto the next round. Sorry for taking so long everyone, life has been hectic. We will try to get this done in the most timely matter possible. Remember, no posting order, so post when you have the opportunity to! <3

Nina was being quite patient in regards to the members that had not yet arrived. She pinned the reason on them doing their duties to the pack, which made sense when she tallied who had not yet arrived. While she certainly appreciated others coming to her call right away, she could also acknowledge and appreciate that the others were finishing their duties before arriving to the meeting. Miccah seemed to be practically sprinting towards the scene, only proving her point further. Surprising herself, and perhaps even the young guardian, Nina greeted him with a warm smile, nodding her head towards him. Both he and Aideen had returned in the time frame that Nina had given them, ensuring her that they still believed that Secret Woodlands was their home. Not long after Miccah arrived, did Inali come on the scene, seeming much happier than she was when she first joined the pack. While the creamy woman was originally just here for sanctuary, Nina had come to enjoy the other woman’s company. She had proved to be loyal and went out of her way to do things for the pack. When she came up to greet her, Nina lightly ran her tongue along the other woman’s forehead as she went to take her position among the pack. Now, she was only waiting on a few more members before they could start the meeting.

Aideen was next, her familiar coat easily recognizable to Nina. She nodded her head towards the other woman in greeting. Her single emerald orb followed Aideen as she made her way towards Miccah. It did not surprise her that the two of them seemed to be a bit more than cozy but she could not stop her soft snort of amusement as she watched the couple. Miccah was more of a brooding type while Aideen was much more social. The phrase that opposites attract was not lost on Nina. None the less, she was happy for them…as long as an incident related to Iopah and Koda did not happen again. Before she could say anything a flash of white caught Nina’s eye, and she was instantly tracking Hudson, a relatively new member. Her single eye narrowed as he took his seat and finally got the courage to look towards her. She would definitely be speaking to him after she spoke to her daughter. Her tail flicked behind her irritably, making it clear that she was not pleased with the knowledge that she had gained from her daughter, perhaps unknowingly from both of them. Nina could not stay that way for long because before she knew it Bane, her adopted son, came onto the scene. A smile graced the golden queen’s features as he approached her. As usual, her muzzle pressed against her blind eye, while her other one closed, soaking in the love of her child. A pleased growl rumbled deep within Nina’s chest, letting Bane know how incredibly happy she was that he was here. She watched him as he took his place and Nina looked towards Mirren, making sure it was fine that it was time to start.

Turning back towards the pack, the woman allowed her graceful smile to remain on her face. Perhaps, it was not as warm as the one she had given to her children, but regardless, it was kind. Clearing her throat gently, Nina allowed her voice to resonated through the clearing, "Thank you all for getting here in such a timely manner. We have some good new to share with all of you." She paused then, looking down towards Lyanna and encouraging her to step forward, "As you may or may not know, Mirren has a beautiful child. Everyone, meet Lyanna Tainn…" Nina allowed her tail to bat against Mirren in a comforting manner as she spoke, knowing that now was not the time for her to mention Kite to the rest of the pack. It was quite obvious that the pack knew, but it was not time for her to mention such things in front of the children. Opening her jaws again, Nina began to speak, "We also have another child in our midst. His name is Daniel Thorben, child of Danica and Titan. As some of you may know, Titan is a longtime friend of mine’s son and the bonding of our families could not bring me more joy. Through this bond, the alliance between Whisper Caverns and Secret Woodlands has only grown stronger!" As she said this, her single eye trailed back to Hudson, making her point clear to him. Nina knew how to weave things that did not make sense to others into the right place. They did not need to know that Danica was ill and that was the only true reason she had been allowed to stay. But, in truth, their alliance had only grown stronger as the days passed. Ash and Nina were successful alphas in both packs and on better terms than ever. It only made sense that the breeding between the princess and prince of both packs would make sense.

And of course, as usual, Nina would make another point clear before ending the meeting on a high note, "However, there has been some recently established enemies. On the other side of the mountain, Broken Timber Pines had formed. This is the pack that Koda and Iopah formed and we will not be sharing anything with them. If they ask for your help, you must decline and I do not want to hear of any of you having anything to do with them," she looked across the pack, to make her point clear and to make sure that everyone understood her. She glanced at Miccah, giving him a nod to acknowledge his part in this knowledge. He had always been loyal, no matter how horrible she had treated him and it was long past due that she repay him for it. Opening her jaws again, she spoke, "You will not, however, attack them or anything of the sort unless it is self-defense… We do NOT want another war upon us…" she paused again, a smile gracing her features once more,  "On that note, we have avoided a war, which could have been the end of Secret Woodlands if not for Inali." Nina’s gaze turns towards the creamy woman who helped clear up the misunderstanding between the two packs.

With one last thing to hit, Nina turns back towards the pack, "I am also pleased to announce that not only are we allies with Willow Ridge and Whisper Caverns, but we have also established connections with the other side of the mountain, in Oak Tree Bend. Triell Tainn, an uncle of Mirren and a friend of mine, leads the pack." Her gaze then seeks out Iopah, before her heart sinks and she once again has to remember that she was no longer with them. At this, Nina’s eyebrows crease, and an almost faraway look come to them before she forces herself to come back to the present, her throat clearing again before she speaks, "Inali…Hudson, I would like to two of you to get together and scout out to find something worthy of a pack hunt. The two of you will be leading it together." She looks towards the white man and the creamy woman, making sure that they understood her before she turns back to look at @Mirren , silently asking if he had anything to add.

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

Aideen was not long in her arrival after his. His gaze connected with her familiar fiery orbs and an odd warmth spread within him at the sight of his mate. The thought was as odd as the warmth in his chest. The guardian was not used to such...feelings. His countenance was as neutral as ever, but his gaze softened slightly as he watched the petite medic head to their leaders, and not only greet them, but the child between them. Then, the beaming force that was Aideen bounded to him, pressing close. The dark man tensed ever so slightly. He was not used to such closeness in public so he looked down at her, and his gaze softened even further for a brief moment before his body shifted slightly so space was created between their forms. Focusing his attention back on the pack, his dark blue gaze became unreadable as Hudson appeared, then Bane. His gaze briefly flickered toward the dark, tall man at Nina's side. He was his namesake, and Miccah had made little effort to become close to the young man when he was younger. At first, because he hadn't known how to act around him. He had never been too cozy with children. And then when Ashanti had lost her mind, he had been too much of a painful reminder of the woman he had once loved. He was guilty of it all now, but what had been done was done. So he just nodded to the leggy man and then turned his attention to Hudson. There was something...off about the man that he rarely, if ever,  encountered. But there was no time to watch and figure the white male out now, for Nina was beginning to speak. He had been surprised at her warm greeting, but returned it with a respectful nod of his own. The muscled man listened attentively as she introduced the pups to the pack and went on to speak how the alliance between them and the Caverns was stronger because of Danica and Titan's union. Nina informed the rest of the pack of Broken Timber Pines, Iopah and Koda's pack, and the guardian listened to Nina's words with open ears. His gaze flickered to Aideen, concerned on how Aideen would react to Nina's words. Unlike him, his mate didn't hold hate for the traitors of the Woodlands. He turned his attention back to Nina as she nodded to him, and he nodded back to the regal woman. He marveled at his queen. After so many up's and down's she managed to still ooze a certain aura of power and authority that seemed effortless. It made him incredibly proud to serve the Woodlands. She finished speaking, and his focus turned to Mirren. What did his king have to add? ”Speech”

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Nina's greeting was a warm one, and the petite she wolf leaned into her leader's touch. Taking her place beside Danica and her dark child, she watched as other members trickled in. A woman even smaller than she bounded in, a warm smile gracing her maw. She seemed like the friendly sort, and Inali made a mental note to seek out the woman when the meeting was over. Now that she had made the decision to stay permanently with the Woodlands, it was time to not only focus on her duties but on making lasting friendships as well. Inali watched as the woman greeted Nina and the king, who she believed was called Mirren, before heading towards the large, dark man that she had seen among the borders. She ripped her gaze away from the couple as another member came in, this time a white male and finally, Bane was the last to arrive. Her smile grew brighter and her tail wagged happily as she saw the dark young man greet Nina. She was so glad he had come home, and that Nina and him were reunited. Ever since her meeting with Naia, the woman had wandered in a heartbroken fog, until she realized, for now she had to focus on her new pack. Really, her duty to Nina and her love for Bane was the only thing keeping her together. She always kept herself busy, for she didnt want to seem like she was taking Nina's kindness for granted. Nina's voice brought her out of her thoughts, and the she wolf listened attentively to her news. Her head bowed slightly in an unusual show of shyness as Nina mentioned her in her speal, for surely the other wolves would now stare at the newcomer even more now. As Nina continued, she lifted her head and nodded with a warm, eager smile as she gave her a duty to accomplish and Inali glanced at the white male. So Hudson was his name. She gave him a brief smile before turning her attention back to her leaders, wondering if the meeting had already come to a close or if there was more information to put to memory. ”Speech”

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She smiled up at her dark knight, baking in the love in his sapphire eyes, it was impossible to be unhappy with him by her side. Then he pulled away, returning his attention to their leaders, and she followed his example, sighing lightly. Nina was smiling at her pack, and the vixen medic couldn't help but smile back, ears perked as she began to speak. The meeting started with an introduction of the new pups, a warm smile and friendly nod offered from Aideen, when first Lyanna stepped forwards, and then attention was turned to Daniel, who sat beside his mother, wide eyed and nervous. The words about Titan made on rusty ear flick, the healer knew enough to realize that her queen wasn't being entirely truthful, but she couldn't blame Nina for wanting to reassure her pack, and it was true that the alliance with Whisper Caverns was only strengthened by this.

Next Nina spoke of Broken Timber Pines, and Aideen's smile vanished, ears falling to the sides; Enemies... It was the horrible reality. The alphess reiterated how no contact was allowed between their two packs, and the vixen lass cringed, head lowering, she knew quite well who these words per particularly intended for. Nina went on to underline that no acts of aggression should be made either, and this made Aideen's ears lift in relief; At least that's good... She would not have to fight her old friend. Attention was then turned to a lithe, reddish female whom Aideen had not noticed before, a woman whom, by Nina's word, had been pivotal in smoothing out the situation with Black Thorne Downs. A smile was flashed in direction of the new member, another wolf who she would have to introduce herself to when time came.

Finally, a new alliance had been established, with a pack somewhere beyond the mountain. The medic committed the name 'Oak Tree Bend' to mind along with the Caverns and Willow Ridge, nodding lightly as sign of her understanding. Alliances were important, and hearing of them made Aidden much happier than talk of enemies; At some point, she would have to visit these packs and get to know them better. Nina also instructed Inali and Hudson to seek out suitable prey for a pack hunt, which made Aideen's tail wag excitedly, it had been a long time since they had hunted together, and it would be a great experience for the pups too; Another thing to look forwards to! With all this, mostly good news, she felt a little nervous as her copper eyes turned to Mirren, hopefully, anything he had to add would not spoil the mood; I guess we'll see...

Word count: 447

"Speech" Thoughts

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It was in silence that he watched as the other filed in, and when it seemed as though all had arrived he found himself pleased. Secret Woodlands had been in ruin just months before, weakened and withering and seemingly forgotten. Now, it was plain to see that the pack was well on its way to restoration. Those who had gone missing ─ namely Aideen and Pacem ─ were back, Bane had returned, and Hudson had proved to be a worthy addition as well. The care and raising of the cubs gave each member that much more purpose, and for the first time in a long time, the Tainn felt a sense of unity as his golden eyes swept over them all. Seeping up the feeling of satisfaction while it lasted, he glanced over at Nina. The emerald-eyed queen was well, starkly different than the trainwreck he'd come home to find not long ago. His ears pressed forward thoughtfully as he watched the way the afternoon sunlight made the length of her fur glow. As she called the meeting into session, he was proud to stand tall at her side. The first topic on the agenda was the introduction of the children and as his daughter's name was spoken to the pack, Mirren's chest swelled with pride. At his feet and nestled between he and Nina she sat, as regal as he and with all of the elegance of her mother...Lyanna looked just like Kite, really. He swallowed down the bubble of emotion that tried to rise in his gut. The golden child looked up to her father at the mention of her name, her big, blue-grey doe eyes wide with curiosity and what he could see to be only wonderment at the fact that she was, for a short time, the focus of so many. Mirren winked his daughter reassuringly, and watched as her attention drifted to Daniel as he, too, was announced. He was largely unaware of the relationship between Danica and Hudson, but was aware that the dark child's father was not one of them and was, in fact, a prince of another pack to whom Secret Woodlands was allied. He held no opinion of this, only agreement that the pack's bond with Whisper Caverns was strengthened  through Daniel's birth. Still, as his eyes roved over Nina's grandson and his mother, Mirren was reminded of Danica's instability and the way it left him uneasy. The mention of Broken Timber Pines should have left him equally as uneasy, but the Leader was less concerned by the pack of traitors than he was about when the next rain would fall from the sky. If anything, Secret Woodlands had benefited from the cleaving of those unwilling to behold loyalty, and there was no denying that Koda had always been weak. Weak of conviction, weak of character, weak of willpower. He'd done nothing but suck the life from Nina since the first time he'd abandoned her and their children long ago. Better he take his loose morals and the results of them over the mountain and far from here; Mirren knew without a doubt that any of the Reinier clan would be foolish to return or come close to the Thicket and that the likelihood of that happening was negligible. His own biases aside, however, he'd agreed with Nina a time ago that the Woodlands wolves would have nothing to do with making trouble between the two packs. The tawny regal's eyes fell warmly upon Inali at the queen's mention of her efforts to avert the war that had brewed between their ranks and those of Minka Lagina's ─ a war that could have likely been their destruction. But that wasn't the last of better news, and following its delivery was the announcement of the Woodland's wolves newfound alliance with Oak Tree Bend. The last matter announced was news of an upcoming pack hunt, which was long overdue. Inali and Hudson were more than capable of seeking out a proper location, and prey was likely to be bountiful with summer now in full swing. With Nina having said her piece, he rose to give his own.  "Additionally, Nina and I would like to encourage any of you who seek a pack role to make your wishes known, now or in the near future." He looks to Bane and Pacem. "I'm looking to extend guardianship to any of you who hold an interest and can prove your strength, and am willing to take a number of apprentices under my own wing...It is also important that we remain open to recruitment. The addition of a few worthy wolves to our ranks would do us good before the seasons change. If any of you are interested in scouting, recruiting would be an important task to fulfill. Also, with the cubs coming of age, we would like to encourage anyone with an interest to pursue a role as the pack's first official 'Teacher.'" He was unsure of which of them could potentially fill the prestigious role, but surely there was someone interested in the undertaking. It was important to him that Lyanna be exposed to not only his and Nina's own views and histories, but to the views and histories of someone who'd experienced life outside Relic Lore. All the same, perhaps Danica felt similarly about Daniel's education. "With the threat of war now behind us all, I want to reassure you all that Secret Woodlands is growing stronger every day. Our borders are reinforced, our caches are full, and thanks to the efforts that each one of you have continued to put forward, we all have a future to look forward to. But..." his gaze moved from one set of eyes to the next, unwavering, "...let us not forget that we have enemies out there, still, and how important it is to remain vigilant now, more than ever. There will always be those waiting to see us fall ─ let us show them just how tall we stand."

One by one and in pairs they filed in, a number of faces she'd never seen before and some that she had. It was easy to let her eyes wander as she sat nestled between Nina and Mirren, and she was curious as to who everyone was and how they could all live in the same place and be strangers all the same. "Dad─" she whispered loudly, leaning into her father's trunk-like leg and craning her neck to look up at him. He looked so serious, the dark brows that hovered over his sunlight-hued eyes seeming to her to hold a hundred different emotions. In a way, the man was a more grown up version of the dad who played with her and cuddled around her at night. "Daaaad!" she tried again in an even louder whisper, only to be met with a stern look she knew well and a 'Shhhh.' Deflated once again but with a spirit unscathed, she settled, tight-lipped, in her place. Whatever was going on was probably going to take a while anyway, it seemed. Quickly wrought with boredom, she began memorizing the faces around her. When it seemed all of Relic Lore had amassed before her father and grandmother, Nina spoke. Lyanna was delighted to be one of the first matters discussed and was pleasantly surprised by her short-lived moment in the spotlight. For a moment it felt like all eyes were on her, and she straightened up in an attempt to emulate her father's regal stance for all to see, looking up to him for his approval ─ affirmed by a Mirren-like wink. But just as quickly as she'd been announced, so was her friend and agemate, Daniel, and as the pack's attention shifted away from her she felt a most curious desire to once again feel important. She watched the dark furred boy intently, trying to make sense of Nina's mention of his birth bringing two packs together but unable to piece it all together. There were other packs around, why hadn't she seen them? Were there other pups her age? Could they be friends? Maybe Nana would take her to meet them. When the subject matter of the meeting shifted to topics no longer concerning her or Daniel, the little princess quickly lost interest, finding the fluttering of a nearby butterfly far more intriguing. Her innocent eyes tracked it as it bobbed along the crowns of colorful wildflowers, which seemed few and far between this deep in the forest.

(Logitech post, sorry if short or lots of mispells...it's harder to tell when using this. Currently we have no internet so this is my last resort.)

Cream hairs rose, muscles tensing at the approach of another woman. The wolf took a seat by Danica causing her to momentarily threat over the situation, her breathing becoming short and heavy. Thankfully realization crossed over her face sending a wave of calm over her, "Daniel, this is Inali." She whispered with a smile and nudged the other gently, not questiong her presence amongst the Woodlands wolves. It was the least of her worries.

Hudson came and sat far away, Dani's Emerarld gaze momentrily sweeping over the crowd to spot him. She could only assume his choice of seating was to better Danny, to hide that the two both knew the densite. No one else could no...it risked her baby's very being!The thought made the protective mother nervous, and to soothe her rush of emotions she curled her tail in front of him, one paw pulling the boy closer to her underside.

When attention was suddenly turned to her little blossom embaressment and shame played on her face. Nina knew his name? She hadn't taken him to meet her yet, and Hudson was faithful...She looked down on the black fluf as her belly did sumersaults. This ust of meant he was disobeying her orders to stay in the Glade. He must have been taking advantage of her daily naps, but...he was supposded to take them too. The worn out mother let out a sound of frustrtion. How was she suppoed to do all of this on her own?! Sure, Hudson helped when he could, but obviously she needed more help! Anger towards Titan boiled within her, causing the woman to rise up. 

She staid long enough for her ears to perk at the mention of a teacher, her face lighting up shortly. While she wasn't ready for the respobsibilty herself, perhaps the lucky wolf could take her up as an apraintance. Nodding her depature respectfully she said to Inali, "If Nina asks, I didn't leave to be rude, my son has  humilated me today by sneaking behind my back..." With that she left carrying her child firmly within her loving grasp. No matter what he did, she cared deeply, and that was why the two needed to share a most serious talk to ensure his safety. 

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It is with absolute silence that Bane listens to the meeting as it unfolds, his eyes of fiery orange dancing over each member, including that daughter of Secret Woodlands that had arrived in spring as well as finally touching attention to Inali. The alliance with Whisper Caverns and Willow Ridge remained strong, as it had since Bane could ever remember, a bond in which he had known since he began understanding the concept of other packs in the land. Then Nina mentioned a not so friendly pack, one that resided over the mountains which the group should consider an enemy. After how many times Koda had broken his trust, Bane had no problems with this decision and knowing they were so far away only made matters easier. Hopefully they were a problem they would never had to truly deal with.

After a mentioning of another alliance over the mountains to a pack Bane knew nothing of, Mirren spoke up, talking of the different roles that were open in the pack, as well as recruiting before the winter season began. "I would like to take up Guardian..." He had mentioned before to Nina (and perhaps Mirren knew) that he had been a Guardian when he was in the Black Thorn Downs pack. He knew that he would have to prove himself all over again, though also knew that Nina was fully aware of the practices he had done under both Hollow and Koda when he had been in this pack previously. Still, Bane had no problem with showing that he was willing to do this task and do it correctly. Already he made a point to do border patrol, though he would need to step up his game when visitors came around if he was going to really get somewhere.

(This post was last modified: Sep 30, 2015, 08:38 PM by Bane.)

She cared deeply for Mirren. He had always been a smart child and as he grew older, he also grew wiser. She trusted him. Things had been running smoothly ever since he came to her side. Nina was so grateful to him and was blessed to have been able to watch him grow up strong. She listened to his words, pleased with how well he weaved them into the meeting. With mention of Guardianship, Nina stole a glance towards Bane, knowing full well how much he wanted to be a guardian. The single-eyed woman was sure that he had known since he was a babe and she would be wicked to deny him. At the mention of a teacher, Nina’s single eye scanned towards Inali. While the woman was a capable Scout and would never be denied her rights as such, the Hervok had noticed that Inali got along well with the children. Perhaps at a later time, Nina would be able to bring her idea into focus.

Nina’s concentration broke with the movement of her daughter. Even though the nod was respectful and curt, it still made Nina’s blood boil. Danica had not been dismissed from the meeting just as everyone else hadn’t. Her single eye glared in the location that the creamy woman had been standing and Nina couldn’t help the hiss of frustration that slipped past her lips. Mirren’s words were strong and clear. It would be in everyone’s best interests to leave the meeting on a high note. Nina dismissed everyone quickly and pressed a motherly kiss on Mirren’s cheek, quietly informing him that she was going after her daughter. Moving without hesitance, Nina quickly followed her daughter’s trail, determined to find out where her daughter was staying and why she seemed to be losing her mind.

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

She listened carefully as Mirren spoke, eyes respectfully turned on the male alpha. Seeing him stand so regally, speaking to the pack with such strength, she once again wished that she knew him better, but it seemed that any possibility was thwarted; In time... But she found herself growing dethatched from his words. Unlike Nina whom she knew, trusted and respected, Mirren was still a stranger, and only the queen's word and clear trust, made Aideen follow him. However as he spoke on, and the subject turned to roles, guardians, scouts, teachers, the medic's thoughts began to drift, and she started worrying about her own tasks and all she had to get done before the end of the day. Her head nodded along with the leader's words strength and loyalty, and a smile spread on her lips as she swelled with pride for her pack. But she was already half gone from the meeting, and focusing on what route she should take once they were dismissed. As Mirren finished, Aideen's eyes turned to Nina, waiting to see if she had anything to add. But the queen too seemed to have turned her attention to other matters, dismissing the meeting swiftly and with no further ceremony. The medic's brow furrowed slightly, but the determination in Nina's eye as she quickly trotted off, made her hold back; Clearly she has something to attend to. And so did her second. Turning quickly to the dark man by her side, she gave him a small kiss at the base of his ear, then nodded a respectful farewell to Mirren, before setting off herself, mind spinning with the news from the meeting, while her paws and nose let her along familiar paths through the thicket. Word count: 290 Thoughts ”Speech”

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