Hearthwood River spirits in the dark are waiting

Pack Meeting! I'll keep it to three rounds -- first round ends August 11, but second might start sooner if everyone replies (I'm away Aug 5-7)
Discussing Kisla's death, HR future, etc. etc. 

late morning | fog
@Lilya @Inna @Lorcan @Laike @Aytigin @Mace @Lavender @Matheo @Risaela @Oksana 
(feel free to pp @Lilliana, ok'd by becu!) 

leader dem 1/3

Since they had put Kisla to rest in the Ethos the ghost had steered clear of the meadow, the faint scent of lavender still clinging to his pelt, reminding him of the grisly scene. He wished for it to be a dream. That he would wake up and the river matriarch would be lounging at the river’s edge, her emerald pools watching her children tumble about. But it wasn’t a dream—no, it was much worse than that.

Sleep still evaded him, only grasping hold of his body for a few moments before he was jerked awake. The stench of blood would fill his nostrils as he woke; his throat dry and chest heavy. The loss of his comrade (and co-lead) had hit him as hard as the death of her mate—the reason behind his presence in the river, Maksim. The former river king had given Lachesis and his blue-eyed dove a home and during the years they spent together, a friendship had blossomed, one formed out of mutual respect. Although he and Kisla had not been close until he took over some of Maksim’s duties, they, too, had developed a friendship and had worked well together over the past year. He trusted her, perhaps more than any other river wolf, and valued her opinions.

He did not know how he was going to do this without her. How he was going to lead Hearthwood without her.

With his chartreuse gaze fixated on the lazy river before him Lachesis considered his options, a frown cutting deep into his pale features. He could not imagine calling any other place home, as the pack had done well in the north and forged valuable alliances with the neighbouring packs. However, it was a place filled with death and constant reminders of the unfortunate events that had taken place below the redwoods. He had hope that they could reclaim the land as their own; that they could move forward and preserver, just as they always did. But did the others feel the same?

Did Risaela and Mathéo want to live where their mother had suffered a horrific death? Or Inna?

A lump formed, heavy, in his throat. His tail curled tight against his hindquarters as his toes drummed idly on the rock he was perched upon. Although the forest was still heavy with grief Lachesis knew he had to get the pack together; to ensure that everyone was doing better (than him). To show them that despite the tragedies that continued to plague them they were still a family and would remain that way until Hearthwood dissolved.

Without hesitation the ghost threw his nose to the sky, his voice hoarse from lack of use as he called for the pack, urging them to come together. The fog swirled around his ankles, attempting to comfort him as he fell silent once more. It did not work. Instead his brows drew together with concern, his frown reappearing.

(This post was last modified: Aug 18, 2017, 02:09 AM by Lachesis.)

stick with those who stick with you

Aytigin was fairly certain that he had never felt as tired or as horrible as he did now. His own problems paled in comparison to the wolves around him, and he didn't know if he'd actually helped Risaela to feel better or not. It just seemed as though everything on earth was falling apart, and he couldn't help but sigh deeply when he heard Lachesis' call for the pack to gather. He supposed it had been inevitable - a pack meeting - because there was so much to discuss. But Ayti didn't really do well with emotions or the sharing and caring stuff - never had and likely never would. He preferred to keep things to himself.

But packs couldn't really do that, could they?

Painstakingly, he got to his feet. His shoulder protested harshly against his weight, because he hadn't given it near enough time to heal before patrolling all hours of the day and night. Perhaps he never should have gone after Cotton in the first place - it had always been a pipe dream, anyway. The vision of a sweet, white wolf beckoning him out of that philophobic shell of his.

'What is wrong with you?'

Shaking the memory from his mind, the dark wolf made his way toward the source of the howl, limping slightly. He wondered, idly, if his shoulder was swollen. He hadn't paid any attention to it lately; he hadn't had any time to. But, regardless of the limp he was carrying, he still arrived first, and gave Lachesis a halfhearted attempt at a smile as he sat before the wolf on the rock. Hazel eyes cast down to his feet, solemn and silent for the first time in quite a while.

Since she'd been keeping Oksana so close lately Inna decided that she would bring her out into the morning for some fresh air. She'd finally told her daughter about Kisla and as expected it had not gone well for mother or daughter. Inna couldn't be sure that the child understood everything that she'd been told but she felt that her daughter understood enough to know that she wouldn't see her grandmother again. The child trailed behind her as they took a slow pace through the large trees of their home. Oksana hadn't wanted to play since she'd told her the previous day and now as they walked her tail drooped and her head was down. Inna whimpered to the child in hopes of some response.

The call from Lachesis sounded around them, Inna knew what it was for she expected a pack meeting. How could they not have one after an event that could change everything. Dread bubbled up inside the Baranski, she didn't want to attend the meeting. Would they all be looking at her and Oksana, she was Kisla's daughter after all. She worried what Lachesis would say regarding Hearthwood and her mother, would it all just set her back, break what she had been building the past days. Would she break down in front of the whole pack? She could not let them see how badly she was hurting. With Oksana she moved at a quicker pace to where Lachesis had made the call from. When she arrived she found not only Lachesis but Ayti a well, she would have words for the chocolate man later but for now she had something she needed to say to Lachesis.

Approaching the pale leader she whispered into his ear, “I don't want to worry everyone but Risaela was supposed to stay with me and Oksana and she didn't show. I looked for her a little this morning but I couldn't find her. I'm hoping she decided not to stay with us and stayed somewhere else.” She then pulled away and met his gaze for a brief moment before taking her place right up front with Oksana at her side.

~Table by Jacqueline

Heavy pp of Oksana

(This post was last modified: Jul 30, 2017, 05:21 AM by Inna.)

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There is a family of deer nearby. Hunt Opportunity

Lorcan moved with purpose through the fog which hung hauntingly above the dirt and leaf litter of the forest. His body ached in protest against the many hours he had spent that morning searching along the worn dirt trail which ran along the territorial borders. The subordinate had hoped to find a clue, anything, which pointed towards Lekalta’s possible whereabouts. The male was well aware that she had been present at her mother’s attack, her scent and blood had said as much, and although he was not close to the women he worried deeply for her.

The sound of his leader’s howl echoed through the forest, causing his movements to abruptly cease as he listened. It was a call for gathering, and as Lorcan gave one last sniff towards the beaten path he had been trailing, he suspected that it would not be a joyous one.

Abandoning his failed mission, Lorcan turned on his heels and jogged towards the river bank where the call summoned him. It took him a little longer to make his journey through the heart of territory, the aching of his limbs working to tame his usual swiftness. Arriving at the clearing, the sombre mood of those already congregated hit him like a biting wind. Golden eyes fell to Inna and his daughter first, trying to read their body language, before his attention then drifted to Aytigin and lastly to Lachesis as the healer made his way slowly through the gathering towards the single leader present.

Despite his anxiousness Lorcan made sure to offer a respectful nod towards Lachesis, briefly wondering where Lilya was, before joining the others. He opted to settle down alongside Oksana, offering the pup a comforting nuzzle before his golden eyes lifted to search Inna’s gaze, wondering how their conversation had gone the previous night.

# P O R C A N

sometimes, two people have to fall apart to realise

how much they need to fall back together

LAIKE ARTEMIEVA

He tried to be brisk in his trip from the borders to Lachesis's call. The stocky male knew this would be coming. Sure the members had been talking in their own small groups or one-on-one regarding the current events but it was time for them to all talk as a collective whole. So he didn't waste any time in using what speed he had in order to arrive. The sooner he could arrive the better. He hated large gatherings.

Laike's pace slowed as he entered the scene. Offering a gentle nod to the ghastly leader before he settled off to the side, away from most of the others. A handful of the River wolves were already here but there were still a few absent. Had he truly been so fast or were the others simply slow? Regardless it wasn't truly his problem. A soft sigh escaped him as his pale tawny rump met the damp earth below him. The fog still lingered through the woods giving a more eerie feeling than the one that was already present. He wondered when the damn thing would lift from the forest floor and go back to wherever it came from.

Slipping from his thoughts back into reality, Laike's fiery gaze looked over at Inna and Lorcan (only with Oksana who seemed snug in between the two). It seemed that if there had been any rough feelings between the two over his brother's absence, they were fixed. "Good." He thought silently before returning his gaze up front.

art by kydnt

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Leader Dem 1/3

Lilya was late – she’d been busy rearing Lilliana back closer to the den and had almost missed the call. She howled back to Lachesis that she was going to be a little late, but that she was working on it. She’d opted to make sure the girl didn’t wander too far again with her strange vernacular by taking her to the meeting despite the grim subject she knew was about to be approached. Where had the girl gotten all this spunk from? It haunted her a little, trying to figure it out. She arrived seemingly last, a soft frown on her features as she took a seat next to the father of her children.

This was her throne now, but it felt tainted with a legacy she could never hope to live up to, and it was a weight that bore down on her… still, it was one she would carry and uphold until someone else proved themselves to be worthy of it. “Sorry. Lil was being a bit of a handful.” She murmured to Lachesis apologetically for holding things up with her lack of presence. Lavender wasn’t present, but she wasn’t nearly as adventurous as the daughter Lilya had taken to the meeting, and resembled her parents sometimes hermit-like tendencies to match the nervousness she seemed to inherit from both of them. The mother was confident that she was fine, and after the meeting she’d find her and check on her to be sure.

(This post was last modified: Aug 18, 2017, 02:07 AM by Lilya.)

The dark furred pup couldn't stop thinking about what her mother had told her about her grandmother. She still didn't understand all of it but what she did know is she could never see her again. Oksana had found it hard to play or do any of the things she normally did because she missed her grandmother so much already. Her mother brought her out of the den for a walk she supposed to cheer her up but she didn't feel very cheery. Now her mother didn't even hide how she was feeling and that only made Oksana even more sad because she didn't want her mum to be sad. Even Lorc had been different since she had found out and it made it all the more confusing.

When she heard her uncle Lach’s voice she looked to her mother to see what she should do. In her short life she'd only heard one other do that and it was Lorc. The way her mother reacted wasn't the same as it had been last time so she waited. Inna started moving much more quickly than they had been before making the pup happy she had grown a little or she would have never been able to keep up with her mother. When they finally slowed down she saw her uncle Lach and Ayti. Oksana followed her mother and waited as she spoke to the pale man and then she followed her and sat down with her body pressed against her mother's flank. When Lorc came her tail gave a small wave in the dirt a whine escaping her at his nuzzle.

Please see Sharlee's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you

thanks for being so speedy everyone! <3 second round will end August 14 
@Matheo @Lavender feel free to pop in still if you'd like!
leader dem 2/3

He had not seen or heard much of the ebony Delaney since the matriarch’s untimely passing. The ghost had busied himself with his sorrows and, for the most part, had isolated himself from the rest of the pack. He assumed that the large male had been tending to the children, just as he always had. His feelings toward the self-proclaimed casanova were shifting and he was slowly accepting the male’s mannerisms. Aytigin was trying to make a name for himself in Hearthwood, doing whatever was necessary without complaint. He commended the male on his selflessness, for he frequently put the needs of his packmates (especially Inna’s) above himself.

The raven was not far behind, little Oksana trailing behind her. Upon her arrival she announced that Risaela was missing and Lachesis frowned with concern, his brows pinching together. The last time he had seen the little Tainn she had been distraught—and rightfully so. She had witnessed her mother’s death and did not know how to face the world without her. Truthfully, XIX did not expect the silver-eyed girl to show, but was still worried about her whereabouts. “I’m sure she’s alright,” Lachesis assured his sidekick, his chartreuse gaze softening despite the worry that still pounded in his chest.  

The Artemieva brothers followed behind the remaining Baranski, both acknowledging the leader silently. He nodded to both of them in greeting, his features softening as he, too, remained silent. The blue-eyed sparrow had announced she was going to be late with a distant howl and Lachesis was not surprised to learn that Lilliana was the cause when Lilya finally arrived. He smiled knowingly and touched her cheek in greeting before eying the group. Both Lavender and Mathéo were not present either, which did not bother him. Perhaps Risaela and her brother were together, seeking comfort in each other. And Lavender? There was a chance she had caught some of Lil’s itchy paws and wandered away from the river (temporarily).

Mace’s absence was unsettling. His frown deepened as he shifted his paws, his tail tight around his hindquarters. He had not seen much of the inky Attaya and he was beginning to wonder if he had disappeared like Otter. The pack’s numbers were dwindling and after losing two wolves with the death of his co-lead Lachesis could not help but worry. Was Hearthwood still the right place for them?

“Thank you for arriving so quickly,” he greeted with a small smile, his forehead smooth as he studied the small group before him. “This loss has been devastating, I know, but Hearthwood has always persevered. Unfortunately loss it not new to us,” he continued, the corners of his mouth dipping. “I have toyed around with the idea of moving Hearthwood, to start fresh, but I don't know if that would help. I don’t know if that’s what you would want,” he added, motioning to his packmates with a flick of his nose, “as Hearthwood has been our home for over two years now.”

(This post was last modified: Aug 18, 2017, 02:09 AM by Lachesis.)

stick with those who stick with you

Aytigin believed that he never would understand pack wolves. Territory and family and loyalty were all so important to them - and, to be fair, now that he was a part of Hearthwood, at least two of those things were important to him, as well. Territory he could stand to be without, because he'd never longed for it before. He more or less patrolled the borders to keep everyone safe and sound and make sure that there was no danger rather than to make a point of this place being theirs. For all he cared, Hearthwood could be in the mountains.

But there was something about hearing Lachesis mention moving them to a new place, in order to start fresh after Kisla's death. He knew that there had been more losses in the past - Maksim had ruled the River for a while, though Ayti had never met him. Lach and Lil had a son that died. Wolves left all the time. He did not like the idea of leaving - not even a little bit.

"So you'd move the entire pack just because of some superstitious bullshit like that?" he questioned, his tone resigned but not angry. More skeptical and sad than anything else. "I'm sorry for speaking so bluntly, but I don't think that moving the pack would accomplish anything more than turning away and refusing to acknowledge the losses and working toward fixing part of what might be wrong in the pack." Now, Aytigin didn't know quite what was wrong in the pack, but death and desertion after death and desertion could only spell out that there was a problem somewhere.

He took a deep breath and let it out. "I mean, I'd go wherever you decided to take us, because this pack is my family now, and I care about each and every one of you. But I don't think that moving will help a single thing." Hazel eyes looked up toward Lachesis, brows knitted together with equal parts attention, concentration, and concern. He probably deserved a muzzle grab for speaking out of line or whatever, but his opinion had been asked, and Ayti was nothing if not honest.