Neverwinter Forest cry wolf

Pack meeting time! We don't have enough of these. <3 Round 1 ends June 26. @Eshe @Goldhawk @Kieran @Kaskara @Astra @Mazi @Njal @Faolán @Sawyer @Szabala @Dublin @Eimear @Rian

It was long past time since the wolves of the Forest should come together for a meeting – meetings at Swiftcurrent Creek had happened quite frequently, and for a stolen moment of nostalgia, the agouti wolf recalled how close the pack had seemed to work together. Neverwinter Forest would shake themselves from this famine – and they would rise, hopefully stronger than before.
 
The sun only began to settle in the horizon when the regal called out to his members. His muzzle tipped back to the sky, beckoning them to join him in a small clearing – his own large form settled between the tall pines. There was much to discuss – including Goldhawk’s promotion, and Kaskara’s decision to step down as the pack’s Beta Female.
 
Quieting his song, the Frostfur waited for his fellow pack mates to come to him.

Astra heard the call as it rang through the forest just as she scraped her paw along the borderline. She had been patroling the borders and freshening the scent markings. She happily dropped what she was doing and picked her way towards the sound of the call. 

After what felt like minutes to her, and probably hours for the waiting alpha, Astra arrived, tail wagging in excitement and anxiety. This was the first formal meeting she had attended in her stay at the Forest, and since she had joined, the pack had grown significantly larger. There were going to be alot of wolves here soon, and everyone who knew her knew that she wasn't the best at socializing...

She spotted Scimitar and trotted up to him, dipping her head in greeting and taking a seat near him. "H-hello Scimitar." She said, her voice soft and quiet. She had been improving on her speech lately, and becoming more confident. Today, she spoke the first words and that was yet another milestone on her road to becoming as good a communicator as all the others here.

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He had returned to the forest an hour or so ago, having spent far too long outside
of the lands and away from the influence of the others.

When the call rose, Njal knew he would need to be present. His thoughts were varied at
this point — his mind was filled with images of Valtyr, of Tuwawi, of all that he had left behind
and the boy he had rediscovered — and along with these fleeting images, he felt cold. It was
odd to feel such a chill upon his body when the summer threatened to be a very hot one, and had only
just begun in earnest.

He felt as if the warmth of the sun did not even permeate his top coat; that a winter chill followed
him everywhere. Njal moved until he spotted Scimitar and with a small nod to him, bobbing his gaunt face,
the old man settled nearby and waited for the others.

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Goldhawk stirred up a small cloud of dust as he skidded to a halt. He'd been midway through his daily training, sprinting the east border and then engaging in a bit of the old shadow boxing, wot wot. But he was all too happy to interrupt himself, for his Lord had just sent up a broad summoning — and unless he was very much mistaken, there was no great sorrow in that howl.

The golden wolf arrived swift and sprightly, and bowed low to Scimitar, ears flat, chest puffed and poncey. He stood near his friend Astra, and threw her a flashy smile.

The girl heard her father’s call rise to the air, and while hesitant to join only in the sense that she had avoided him since arriving, there would be no excuse to miss the pack meeting. Resolved to this fact, the bi-toned girl loped toward the clearing Scimitar’s voice had rung through, and upon entering the clearing, noted a few others had already come upon him. She only recognized one – Njal, and with a tip of her muzzle in respect to Scimitar, the Frostfur daughter did greet her father, albeit stiffly, with a gentle nudge to his cheek before settling away from him.

Settling down, the girl’s tail wrapped about her pristine ivory paws, and her aqua eyes nonchalantly studied her fellow companions as they arrived, awaiting the start of the meeting they were gathering for.

Scimitar's powerful howl rang through the woods, echoing off the tree-trunks, and Faolan's ears pricked at the sound, suddenly alert. The alpha had called a meeting. The long-legged dark creature began to lope towards the source of the noise, ebony tail streaming behind him like a banner. The wolves of Neverwinter Forest were gathered in a small clearing, surrounding their alpha male.

Faolan gave nods of greetings to his packmates, saving the most respectful of gestures for Scimitar, then went to sit by his newfound friend Allure, whose bright blue eyes keenly surveyed the others. He gave her a small grin, but otherwise remained silent. This would be his first of hopefully many pack meetings. He wondered what news Scimitar had to offer.

PP of the babes. Hope you all don't mind! <3

Scimitar's howl rose into the still summer air while Kaskara was playing with the children in the small clearing outside their den. @Kieran was nearby, as ever, and she looked toward her husband with a worried expression. Was everything alright? Without hesitation, Kas stood up and gathered her children together. They were old enough to walk by now, though not gracefully by any means, and she corralled and herded them toward their destination. It took them some time, but finally they all arrived safely. She gathered them into her embrace and nodded toward her brother, flashing him and her niece a smile, before settling her large body around the children.

Don't mind at all!

Around and around Szabala ran, her little tail wagging with glee. She felt like she was flying, when she was really only going about 5 miles per hour, and she felt like she was miles away, when really she was a foot or two from her mother's paw. All the same, she tumbled and stumbled as she played around with her siblings. 

All of that changed as her protector got to her paws, glancing towards the other big lump. Szabala did not know what was going on, for hearing was non-existent in her life at the moment. She shrieked her frustration in having to move as her mother lump began to herd them forward.

It took them a while to get to wherever they were going, but they eventually made it, and that is where the real surprise came. Little Szabala's eyes widened to their full extent and she froze in fear. She'd never seen so many big lumps in her entire life. They were all different shapes, sizes and colors, and they all looked very scary. The little gray queen was very relieved to have her mother curl her body around her children, and Szabala gratefully snuggled into the soft belly fur for comfort.

Dublin had been playing when his mother had herded him away. He was trying to see what was going on, but with his small puppy eyesight, he couldn't really tell. He squealed a bit at his mother, before nudging one of the small blobs that were usually in the den with him(one of his siblings). Dublin was still curious, but he usually blocked curiousity with pay when he sensed something important going on.
He didn't really expect to find out what was going on, what with his limited perception of the world and all. He continued headbutting the other blob, being a silly little pup.

Sleepy and doe-eyed, Eimear was roused with her siblings and prodded to her feet by the nudging of her brother's round head. While the others waddled along, she struggled a little too, but lagged behind the lot of them. It took them time to reach the meeting spot — not that Eimear knew what this place was, or why they were there. She was tired as they came to a halt. Tired of walking, and murmuring some sad little noises to herself. She wedged herself up against Szabala given the first opportunity, and there she rested, staring over her wiry bits of fur that blurred across her vision.

Rian had taken to chewing on a piece of bone he'd found outside the den — his back pressed against the tree that green had begun to sprout upon, the piece of bone wedged between his paws as he gnawed and worried it, suckling the marrow from it as Szabala and Dublin romped around with one another. Eimear had been sleeping when the mighty call had sounded. Rian's ears had perked though it was not until Kaskara rose to her paws that Rian hurried to copy her and jumped to his own abandoning his treat. He spared it only a quick look over his shoulder as they were guided to where the call had arisen from and but his intrigue for where they were going and why beat out his desire to go back for it. Besides, no one would be around to steal it.

Wolves had already gathered by the time the family had came upon the meeting place. Rian studied them all with unbidden curiosity and a subtle weariness towards those that he was unable to recognize. “Waas?” He gurgled to Kaskara in what he thought was a whisper of his baby speech what's going on — though Rian's understanding of speaking in a whisper was not that great and thus his “whisper” was no doubt loud enough for everyone to hear. Yet, he arranged himself by his siblings, settling down upon his haunches, his eyes taking everything in as he waited for the proceedings to begin; though admittedly, Ri had no idea what he was actually waiting for.

Kieran stayed behind them a way's trying to keep the children from escaping their mother's paws. A small smile was ever present on his scarred face as he woke, ever so often sniffing and chuffing at one of the kiddo's if they got too curious. He chuckled as his daughters immediately ran to their mother's protective body and he brushed a muzzle across Rian's head. Gently trying to get him to be quiet at the moment.

As soon as Mazi heard Scimitar's howl she began to make her way towards him.  She jogged the whole way, but found herself stopping a few times to look at some sights that happened to intridge her as she went along.  Finally though she arrived.  Almost all of the members of Neverwinter Forest had beaten her to the meeting spot, but the agouti didn't mind.  At least she had made it on time.  As soon as she caught sight of the puppies though, Mazi's heart seemed to melt at their cuteness.  She didn't go over to meet them or see them though, because they were still young, plus she didn't want to face any wrath from their Mother.

Mazi slowly transitioned from looking at the puppies to looking at her sorroundings, looking for anyone that she knew.  The only ones that she knew though were Astra, Njal, Goldhawk, Allure and Faolán.  The rest she had yet to meet.  Yet Mazi would make it her personal mission to meet everyone someday in the near future.

late af but i won't be in the future  

The golden lad had not found himself in the company of the other wolves of the forest. He had spent a great deal of his time on the outskirts of the pack, trying to know the nearby territory so that he was better accustomed to his surroundings. In doing so, the boy had put a distance between himself and his pack members... a decision he regretted when the call from their Alpha rang across the land. Sawyer's paws pricked with a strange nervousness and he thought for a moment to ignore it, out of fear. Realizing that it would be an irresponsible action, he began to lope towards the call. 

The golden-cloaked creature became lost numerous times. Finally, the scent of others was overpowering and he closed in on the meeting location with an apologetic and submissive flick of his tail. Finding a space towards the rear of the group, Sawyer settled to listen politely and attempted not to draw attention to himself... or his tardiness. 

Sorry so late, guys. <3 Next round ends on the 8th

They came -- emerging from the shadows of the forest and he felt a surge of pride that even with nature's beauty almost fully stripped, this woodlands was theirs to call home. His muzzle tipped in warm recognition to Astra, his gaze softening upon her, though he did not speak for now. Njal was next, and then Kieran, who offered an embellished bow.
 
Allure's stiff greeting was not missed, but he returned the gesture, though with ore emotion. The dark lad, Faolan came next, settling next to his daughter and stirring a lift of the regal's brows. Kaskara and Kieran arrived next, towing with them their large brood. His bright gaze fell upon them, studying them intricately -- he had not been formally introduced yet, but he had meant to give the family space.. especially now, when all of their skin hung so loosely upon bone-thin forms.
 
The last two to arrive were Mazi and Sawyer, and mentally calculating in his head their numbers, he was pleased to see such a turn out. The only missing soul was Eshe -- and he had known she would not be coming. "Good evening," he began then, his gaze drifting back to study his comrades. "I've called you all here for a quick announcement. I do not wish to keep you for long -- I know we're all tired and hungry." The corner of his mouth twitched at this -- the feeling of unease creeping toward his heart at the thought that the famine may never lift.
 
"First, I felt it important to announce that Kaskara and Eshe have understandably stepped down from our leadership tier to focus upon their puppies -- Kaskara and Kieran, as you can see, have welcomed four bundles in to this world. Eshe is due soon." He paused then, his eyes training upon his sister, and allowing his muzzle to tip toward her in silent gratitude for all she had done for them. He could not imagine having her away from his side as a co-leader.
 
"Goldhawk has stepped up to be your new Beta Male in turn -- something we very much appreciate," he murmured then, his eyes glinting in the direction of the boisterous male as he cast him a small grin. He paused then, allowing for anyone to speak of congratulations, should they so desire to.

"Has anyone had any successes in hunting?" It was then the topic would drift to the famine.

Scimitar acknowledged Astra with a warmness she wasn't used to and she smiled back at him, glancing around the clearing. After her, came an old wolf she didn't recognize, then came Goldhawk. He plopped himself down next to her with a flashy smile and Astra smiled back, tail swishing. Then came a female and a black male she did not recognize. The black wolf sat down next to the female and she noted it silently, gouging Scimitar's reaction from it. Then came Kaskara. She's never really met her or Kieran but she knew their names, especially since they had their little bundles scampering after them. One was gray and very shy, and two of them looked excactly the same -- they must be twins. The last one was the loudest, uttering a noise or two as Kieran hushed him. Then came Mazi, and Astra gave her a smile and a nod. Last came a wolf Astra did not know. Then, Scimitar spoke.

He told then of Kaskara and Eshe stepping down from authority to care for their pups. Astra nodded. It was wise of them and she respected their choice. Juggling running a pack and caring for puppies would be hard for any wolf no matter how talented they were. Then, he told of Goldhawk stepping up and Astra turned to him, shooting him her own flashy smile of congratulations. She already knew of this, but she still felt like congratulating him all the same. Soon, Scimitar asked the bunch about their hunting. The black girl immediately grew nervous and her white ears flicked back and forth. She may be getting better at communicating, but she was not comfortable with speaking in front of multiple others. She would let everyone else speak unless Scimitar called on her, which she willed not to happen.

Faolan found her side, and blinking upward, the bi-toned girl cast him a gentle smile before allowing her eyes to drift to the others as they came in.A few she recognized, others she did not — her smile warmed when Kaskara, Kieran and their pups made an appearance, and she tipped her muzzle down in quiet greeting to her aunt and uncle.



Her father began the meeting, and with her attention drifting back to him, she tipped her muzzle slightly at the news, surprised to hear of her aunt stepping down. Kaskara had been the Beta for as long as Allure had graced the earth — she could not imagine her aunt as anyone else.. but she could understand. Four puppies was quite the hand full.

Finally, at her father's question, the girl canted her muzzle upright once more, giving a light shrug of her shoulders, more in motion to hide her disappointment in her own failures for bringing food back to the pack. "Mostly fish," she offered, her voice distinctly quiet before the gathered wolves.

For the first time, Goldhawk felt a little uneasy about his promotion. For despite Scimitar's appreciative words, which the gold wolf acknowledged with a smile and a nod of his head, he could not help but get the impression that perhaps his lack of family connection would make him a rather less popular choice than he would've hoped. Neverwinter was still a young pack, but it was steeped in family value. And no matter how well he was treated, Goldhawk was not family.

But this brief wave of negativity passed with Astra's smile, and the Beta now turned his attention to Allure, the first to answer Scimitar's question.

There's a huge family of tidily little mice living in the small pine tree by the clearing to the east, he nodded in the right direction. They're not exactly the moose we've all been looking for, but if we keep letting them breed that's a good few bites to keep us going while we track larger prey, wot.

Keiran shushed him and though it was hardly in a manner that was aggressively reprimanding, Rian's ears slicked back to his skull and his shoulders dropped in obedience. He hadn't gotten into trouble per say but it was close enough to trouble for the curious little king to kind of deflate even when he felt his father's muzzle brush over the top of his head. To show that there was no lingering hard feelings his tail gave a few wags but he kept to his silence, biting his bottom lip to resist the urge to voice his questions to his mother. He understood some words that his uncle spoke, though even if he understood more than he let on he found his attention wandering to the wolves that had gathered, taking them in one by one, finding that he barely recognized any of them.

Mazi listened quietly to Scimitar as he spoke and found herself pleasantly surprised to hear the Goldhawk had been promoted to Beta.  Mazi smiled, Goldhawk really did deserve that position, she was happy for him.  Soon after Scimitar then asked if anyone had had any success in hunting and Mazi instantly remembered the fishing trip that she had gone on with Njal and Faolán.  The agouti nodded and after Goldhawk was finished speaking, the agouti began to.

"Njal, Faolán and I went fishing at a decent area not to far from here.  Our luck was decent, despite the famine."  Mazi remarked, making no comment of who had caught the most or least.  They had all tried and that was enough, but she had to admit that luck down there had been better than many other places.

As their meeting came to a beginning, the alpha addressed his group of wolves with a voice that resonated through the trees. Sawyer’s gaze darted around to catch sight of the others who had gathered there to listen to the man speak, and he was surprised by the number that had turned out. It was not a small group, but large enough of a pack that it would be easily sustained once the prey came back and they were able to send out hunting parties. On that subject, Scimitar seemed to inquire as to whether or not anyone had found themselves lucky with a catch. There were a few quiet pips here and there from some of the gathered wolves, including a small quip from the newly appointed beta about a family of mice.
 
That familiar unease had filtered back into the golden male’s gut and he lowered his head slightly, attempting to keep quiet. He had not happened across any hunting opportunities since his arrival, and for this the southern boy felt himself a bit useless. Darting his glossy gaze around to the others, he waited to see what else their alpha would inquire of them. All the while, Sawyer wondered why he had even showed his face to this meeting. Such new blood would have very little to contribute.

Kaskara had nothing to contribute as Scimitar told of her stepping down to look after her pups. It was not a move she was truly comfortable with, but she knew that four ever-growing children would take up the bulk of her time now, and she knew her brother needed someone less distracted at the helm with him. When the children were older, she would likely step back in her role as beta, but for now she was content to assist him from afar while she raised her children.

Her ears flickered as the others spoke about food, and her stomach rumbled in reply. Kas laughed softly and kissed each of her babes on the head, warming them and reminding them that she was there. This was a strange thing, being a mother, but she was enjoying every moment of it.

Kieran saw his son's droop and his heart fell briefly. He had not meant to sound harsh, but he had forgotten how easy it was to break little souls, as his had been so fragile as a young child. Dipping his head down next to his tiny princeling, he brushed him again gentlier this time. Giving Kaskara a warm smile as she kissed their brood.

He would be making sure to increase his hunting especially now that the babes were getting larger and he was certain at least his boys would have half o fhis breadth and weight and that would take some feeding.

She could slightly begin to hear the wolves around her speak, as Szabala's ears were beginning to open. She poked her tiny head out from Kaskara's belly fur and peered around Kieran with Rian. She yipped to Mommy, not exactly understanding that she had to remain silent. She watched the wolves around her carefully, servaying each and every one. Would they be safe? Would they eat her? She didn't know!

Short post x-x

The news was distressing – but better than he had expected. He gave a nod to the three that spoke up, appreciative of their efforts. “Keep trying,” he rumbled, his tail giving a flick before he cast a glance to those that had chosen to remain silent – he held no doubt effort had been made by them all.. there was simply little food to go about. “We’ll get through this. All of your efforts are appreciated.”
 
There was little to do to lift the mood – he could not promise them much. Instead, his eyes fell upon Kaskara and Kieran, offering a nod to the two. “Perhaps you’d both like to introduce the newest Neverwinter wolves?” A nod of his muzzle indicated to the puppies whom were currently maintaining their curiosity or nervousness well.