Whisper Caverns The Mighty Have Fallen

@Kieth @Tokino @Simaea @Inali @Yuka @Malia
Mandatory pack meeting to discuss the change in leadership, pack responsibilities and that Narime and Titan are both missing, lets try to not let this drag on :)

November 19th 2013 Evening -22 F/ -30C Entrance of the cave

It was time. The woman had been debating this for a few days and finally had come to a decision, but now she must tell the rest of the pack. Tawny paws trailed a line in the snow as she paced, it had been a month now since anyone had seen a sign of Narimé, much longer than anyone anticipated. At first Minka had patrolled the borders frantically when the leader had first left, until Inali had told her it was a planned trip and she shouldn't be gone for much longer. That had been two weeks ago, and there was still no sign, no word, not a vague scent, and the pack needed a female leader, even if it was only temporary. The huntress had fret her decision, what if she made it too soon and Nari came back and felt betrayed? What if the pack rejected her as a leader? None of that mattered now.

Winter was upon them, and though the sky today had been clear flurries were a typical sight. The snow was above the ankles of the adults now, almost closer to the knees, and prey was scarce. Sloane was a honest and capable leader, but he couldn't lead them alone, not through the winter if it kept this up. Pack numbers had dwindled, and while this meant less mouths to feed it also meant less paws to guard the borders, less teeth to bring in prey. Minka would be the first to admit that when Asterion had left she had not handled it well, hiding away in the caves to feed her depression with loneliness. That time in the caves had changed her, she had come out stronger, more sensible, less likely to make a fools mistake because of 'love' again. Whisper Caverns was her family, and it was her only concern now, the woman refused to believe that these events would break them.

It was time. Golden eyes shone with determination in what was left of the quickly vanishing murky daylight, this could wait no more. Lifting her muzzle to the sky the woman called for the rest of the pack, it was now or never.

fate hasn't finished

MINKA LEIGH

with you yet

by Sarah

(This post was last modified: Dec 08, 2013, 09:20 PM by Minka.)

click!

what you don't know, won't hurt you

Tokino Lagina

what you can't see, won't blind you

Tokino was very close by. The gray male was enjoying the snow covered landscape alone. The Lagina wolfs thoughts had been on those of his niece and grand nephew who had both been missing for some time. He had heard from Inali that Narimé had left on a mission which put his nervous heart at ease. However when Titan had gone missing the male became very distraught. He'd ranged around the lands around Whisper Caverns territory looking for any sign of the pup. However the falling snow had covered up any trace of the boy. After searching for a week the gray man stopped allowing his heart to dwell in sadness. He could still be alive, but chances are that he was killed by some predator...There's nothing else that I can do for now. Spare for caring for Malia and Yuka. The hardened males stoic appearance masked the pain that he felt in his heart. It was one thing for an adult member of the pack to go missing or die, but something completely different for such a young life. A precious life that never got the chance to live fully. Kino wept on the inside all the same.

Minka's voice chimed up through the chill air. It was summoning howl that Kino knew he would have to answer. Throwing up his gray crown the older male sent his own howl into the air. His was a message of his heading to her location. Then the Lagina wolf jumped forward racing towards the innermostpart of the packs white coated territory.

When he arrived Kino slowed to a trot stopping only when he reached a large willow near Minka. The man lowered his head respectively knowing that he was still considered the lowest of the pack. His tail arched under his belly while his legs strained to lower his body under that of Minka's height. With a quick lick to her chin and cheek Kino greeted the higher ranking lady and awaited the rest of his comrades.

Inali could not believe that she had been so careless, so mindless. How had she not noticed that on those many patrols she had done around the borders, that little Titan's scent was slowly fading away? How could she have the guts to tell both her alphas, that their eldest son was missing?

Maybe Sloane already knew, since he was within the pack borders, but how would Narimé take the news? And that was another thing to worry about, besides the missing pup--Nari's disappearance.

Well, not exactly disappearance. That was not the correct term. She was supposed to be back a fortnight ago, but her trip was taking too long for Inali's taste. The scout was afraid that somehow, her alpha was in danger, or had injured herself in her travels.

Inali had half a mind to go look for her, but she knew that was something that the pack didn't need right now. Another person leaving their rank--no matter how temporary. In truth, their numbers had long since started dwindling. Only the same, few faithful had stayed.

A call drove the fae from her running thoughts. Minka was calling for the pack, no doubt for a very much needed pack meeting. Taking a breath of the cold, crisp air, the woman padded towards the direction of the call. She had been close, so the girl need not have run.

Within a few yards, her eyes passed between Tokino and Minka. A grim smile graced her features, for she had a small inkling of what this meeting would be about. Raising herself to her full height, which wasn't much, her tail swished softly behind her. A small, warm smile was sent Tokino's way, and she walked towards Minka.

They all had to gather strength from eachother, and Inali did just that as she stared at the determination in Minka's steady gaze.

Licking the second-in-command's chin in a submissive gesture, she walked and sat a few feet away from Minka, for she was not third and could not sit beside her.

Look Out!

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

Though he was young, he was not foolish. As the days went by his older brother’s scent had disappeared from their borders along with the scent of Narimé. Never had he expected such a thing to happen with his family and it was that which reminded him of how young his mind could sometimes be. The facts were right in front of him, and as his larger body stared out across the borders, his mind blanking and his amber eyes with teal flecks clouding over slightly. That was until the voice of Minka broke him from his thoughts, his head snapping in the direction of her call. She wanted the pack for a pack meeting; a meeting that Narimé should have called, if she would have been there. Snorting in the darkest way possible, the gray boy, with russet hues on his face, started towards where Minka had called out to them. After their fishing experience Yuka had not spoken to the young woman much, but he knew enough about his pack now to know that when she had called for them, there had been a certain shift in authority. Being further away then some of the other had been, he got there a little bit later than them. There was an unfamiliar male that he had never met, but he looked much older than the other wolves that he had met in the pack. Letting his ears flicker towards Minka in a brief greeting, he let his eyes travel towards Inali, the only wolf present he felt he could tolerate for the time being. Letting his paws carry him towards the other woman, he let his head butt against her shoulder. He was about the same size as her now and steadily growing, which didn’t surprise him, considering how small Inali was. Growling softly in greeting to her, he let his eyes float up to where the second in command was, waiting for this meeting to begin.

Thank you TABs

Disappointment and frustration filled Minka as time went on, it seemed that the only ones who listened to her call were @Tokino, @Inali and @Yuka who the sight of left her with an odd feeling. She found the pup oddly non relatable which brought an ache to her heart as she loved pups above all others. Sighing she began, "Hopefully @Kieth, @Simaea and @Malia will join us soon, for the meantime though let's get started." Standing there the golden eyes swept across the other three who had joined her, this was her family and she knew that she needed these wolves support if this was ever going to work. Clearing her throat she continued, "I'm sure you've all noticed that it's been almost twice as long as expected since anyone has seen Narimé, not only that but Titan has wandered off somewhere, I can only assume looking for his mother. In addition Sloane has abandoned us." The fae stopped talking, sadness filling her as she looked upon Yuka whose family seemed to be disappearing all around him.

The sadness was replaced by a cold determination in her eyes, once she might have let this break her, would have let the whatever happens happen. Not anymore, this time she wouldn't just lie down and let fate walk all over her, this time there was more at stake and she wasn't about to let her family disband with the coming winter. Raising her head proudly her golden eyes locked with each and every member before she continued, "In light of these events I am stepping up into leadership until the time when Narimé returns." Minka went silent now, allowing each member to process the information and make any comments they wished to make, she would wait for their input before continuing on with what else she had to say.

fate hasn't finished

MINKA LEIGH

with you yet

by Sarah

(This post was last modified: Dec 13, 2013, 09:01 PM by Minka.)

click!

what you don't know, won't hurt you

Tokino Lagina

what you can't see, won't blind you

They had waited for quite some time for the other members of the pack to come. Kino noticed Kieth's absence in particular. Even if you're older like me that doesn't mean you have the right to be late to pack meetings. He scoffed silently at the second within the confines of the males mind. What good are you doing being late eh?

Now Simaea was on wolf Tokino wouldn't mind not showing her face. Ever since his first impression and meeting of the healer the Lagina male had taken a disliking to her. The brownish gal had been snappy and rude with him, but mostly her disruption of the male's conversation had ticked him off the most. She had no right...

As for Malia's absence well, that could be explained. She was young and curious. Probably off making trouble as usual. Kino commented though a warm smile lay upon his maw. Back in his old pack the Lagina curiosity got the best of many teens and youngsters alike. It was almost like being back in Mountain Rose pack.

Then Minka began speaking. The gray man had a relatively good view of her since the womans first impression had been that of saving his ass while a bull elk almost trampled it. So of course the male was going to like the girl.

So Minka started the meeting even with the few absent members. At her second comments Tokino waited for her to finish before adding, I also believe Harp has deserted us. I've naught seen the gal for some time. His eyes closed as the male breathed out an annoyed sigh. Harp had begun to look like an okay member to the male after speaking with her a few times. However he could not understand why she would leave on the cusp of winter. In fact he thought her mad for doing so. A gimp wolf like that should not survive the winter.. He thought darkly then returned his attention to Minka.

An amused but annoyed half smile lit the males face as Minka spoke of her decision to step up into leadership. He cocked his head confusion rolling onto his features. Shouldn't you have stepped up right after hearing about her mission? and not a week or so after? Kino growled lowly. Did the second even know how to do her job? Surely he would advise her.

I'm sure she would have trusted you and Sloane to keep the pack well as leaders while she was gone. For that is what a second is. Not just second to the leader, but the next leader in line to continue the packs success. He dipped his head a little hoping his comments would not be turned down with sharp teeth firmly around his muzzle. Not only should you step up Minka, but you should challenge Narime should she return. TEACH her that leaving the pack no matter the reason or excuse for lateness in returning, is not okay for the packs health and success. He voiced his final opinion still watching the earth and bowing his neck to the rusted fea.

A call echoed throughout the land and Malia's ears perked with interest. For a quickly passing moment she wondered if it was her mother, Narime, finally returning from her trip. The growing girl's ears dropped back to normal when the voice was recognized. Trudging through the snow, the Thorben took her sweet time. There was no need for her to hurry; the announcement really could not be all that important if it was not given by her mother. Nevertheless her white feet did lead her in the direction of the call, if only to see if her sneaking suspicions were true.

As she reached the clearing, Malia's amber eyes passed over every wolf present. There was the male, Tokino, which Malia did not know much about. Yuka was there also, proabbly perfectly punctual, as usual. Inali was present and Malia forced her eyes to look away at the embrace that her younger brother had for her. What an embarrassment. With a snort she walked towards them, pausing in her gait once she reached close enough to hear what was being said. Minka was taking charge? Tokino's reply caused Malia's heart to skip a beat and she sent a piercing glare towards him. "Mother knows what's best for the pack, and clearly it was important business if she was away so long," she replied with a small growl. "It is not in anyone's right to teach her anything."

Thoughts of Narime brought more of Sloane. Her small heart missed him and his loving embraces and charismatic smile. The girl would not dare share this feelings with anyone, though, but by herself she wished he would return every second of the day. He could not have abandoned them, and Narime would not do that either. They were the best parents, always looking out for their sons and daughters but... where was Titan? She had noticed him missing a few days back, but figured he was exploring the wilderness. He always had wanted to be like her, Malia could tell. It was not like him to be gone for so long, though, without any kind of word. In her own way Malia missed him too, but mostly the teasing and bullying that would go on between them...

Minka had not addressed the situation completely regarding Titan, either, at least not in Malia's presence. Shouldn't she be sending out a search party or something? That one day she had been capable of finding her when she had ventured into Fireweed Rise in a mere couple of hours but Titan had been gone for much longer than that. Malia could assume nothing but incompetence. The half of her brain that told her to go after him by herself was growing ever more talkative recently... If this meeting did not go in the right direction, the Thorben girl was very tempted to take matters in her own hands. "Speech"

(This post was last modified: Dec 15, 2013, 04:20 PM by Malia.)

Inali waited for anyone else to appear. It wasn't long before Yuka made his appearance. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. She had witnessed this boy grow from a quiet, intelligent runt, to a curious, gentle young man. She couldn't help but be proud of him, as if he was her own son. And she guessed, in a way, he was. She thought about all the pups as her own children. She loved them as much as if she was their mother.

It wasn't strange to the woman. She always had a soft spot for children. It was magnificent to watch them transform from a pup trailing after their parents into their own person, making their own decisions. Whether it was a good or bad one didn't really matter, for those decisions enhanced their growth into adulthood. If she hadn't been a scout, Inali was sure she would have loved to be a teacher.

Yuka greeted her with a head butt to the shoulder, and she inwardly admired how much he was growing. He was her height now, and growing steadily with each passing day it seemed. Her blue eyes twinkled happily as she moved her head a fraction to the side to nip his ear in an affectionate greeting.

Inali's head snapped back in attention as Minka began to speak. She was about to state her opinion, when Tokino spoke and Malia appeared with an answer of her own. Her eyes flickered to Yuka briefly before she opened her maw. Her voice was gentle as she spoke, but not any less firm. She admired the girl's spunk, always had, but right now was not the time.

"Malia. I agree with you, darling. It was important business for your Mother to be gone so long, but right now, were trying to decide something important. Come, sit, and listen. And then voice your opinions, I promise we will all listen."

Her voice had held no room for argument. It probably wasn't the best way to reign in the girl, but Inali had to try something. For some reason, Malia didn't like Inali. And Inali didn't like Malia not liking her. And this probably just made it worse.

Her blue orbs stared into Malia's amber ones, the girl feet away from her. How could she reach through this girl? Right now, it seemed impossible. But Inali swore to herself right then and there, there would be no more dislike between Malia and herself.

Letting her firm gaze turn soft, her usual warm look graced her features. Turning to Minka, she spoke. "I knew nothing of this..Harp that Kino mentioned. I don't agree with some of what he said, but it is only normal that Nari come back and fight for her alpha position. No matter how much I love her, she can not just expect her position to be handed back to her on a silver platter. It is not the way of the wolf, after all."

Clearing her throat, Inali continued. "I have always supported and believed in you, Minka. No matter how temporary, or prolonged, I think you will be good for the job. You have a good head on your shoulders, my friend." Finally feeling like she had spoken her piece, Inali was silent as her watchful gaze ran once more through the snowy lands, waiting for more of her pack mates to appear.

(This post was last modified: Dec 15, 2013, 10:57 PM by Inali.)

This is before Sloane went inactive so technically he's still in the pack

It seemed as if Minka had lost all patience in whoever had no arrived yet, one of those wolves being his sister. Feeling a soft growl rise within his chest at her disrespect, Yuka sent a swift glare at the ground before looking back up at the second; waiting to hear whatever important news she had to share with him. Malia was the princess within Whisper Caverns, and the fact that Minka was starting without her was just a major sign of disrespect. It was also noticeable that his father was not here, yet another line that Minka was crossing. That wasn’t even the worst. As her words continued, Yuka found his fur starting to bristle more and more. Sure Minka had the right to rule over the lands by his father’s side while his mother was away on her quest, but she had no right to do what she was doing right now. It was when Tokino spoke that Yuka began to open his mouth to speak in front of his first audience, but his darling sister beat him to it. Smirking in satisfaction, he heard Inali, who sat beside him beckon Malia over, who Yuka was bigger than now. With a slight motion with his head, he asked for his sister’s presence, listening to any other words that were to be spoken. When none were, he knew it was his time to speak. Standing up on all fours he strode forward two steps, not very close to the woman, but enough to the point that he could look her straight in the eye. <b style="color:#2cb79f">”And where is Sloane when you decided all this? I don’t see him at your side supporting you. Have you even spoken this over with him? Narimé left for a reason, obviously and I don’t particularly agree with how you think that she hasn’t come back on purpose.” He shot a pointed look at Tokino before looking back up at Minka so that he could see her face. He was being respectful, with a small bow of his head which was noticeable, but his voice and tone were clipped and short…unhappy. He didn’t mean to question Minka’s ability to lead, he was sure she would do decent, it was just the process that she was going at it with… something about it made him uneasy and it was why he was pointing it out to her.

Thank you TABs