Bramblepoint devotion and desire

No posting order or rounds! Simply a thread to inform them of the move on the 15th. Another thread will be posted Saturday (so that we remain two days ahead of the move to allow people to respond) in Firefly Glen, the next area that the group will be temporarily settling in.
@Cypress @Rian @Tryp @Rose @Kaori @Pyro @Tulip @Redshank @Keoni (???)

Sunlight brushed upon the leafy canopy of Bramblepoint, sending dappled lighting upon the forest floor. Rannoch had been investigating the bramble tangle for a good majority of the day, seeking a cleared area amongst the territory where he and his friends could meet. The topic of moving regions had been at the forefront of his mind, occupying him as of late, and he wanted to let the others know of his ambitions. If said objectives were well received, the pack would prepare for the move in the coming days. 

Rannoch came across a clearing about mid-day, a small area that lacked the dense population of thorns that the majority of the territory boasted. He stepped hesitantly here, his eyes roaming the emptiness as a smile began to grow as he realized that it seemed perfect for what they needed. Trotting to the middle of the clearing, Rannoch's eyes locked a stump that stood near the center of the clearing. Climbing upon it easily, Rannoch promptly took a seat upon it. He took no time to dillydally and instead got straight to the point. Tipping his head back, Rannoch called to his packmates with a low howl, his voice carrying through the abnormally still air. His head fell once he finished, his eyes watchful as he looked out 

When the wolves of pack heeded his call, Rannoch regarded them with a smile, his posture tall upon as he sat before them. Once all had settled, he offered a glance to both @Rian and @Cypress before beginning his address. "There have been some conversations starting in regards to our future in this territory," he began, his eyes sweeping the crowd as he paused. "I have heard some opinions in regards to this forest, and it seems like we might be happier elsewhere. That's why I wanted to propose a move. We'll head North and scout out for a territory that meets all of our needs-- preferably one with less thorns," he mused with a chuckle. But, jokes aside, Rannoch continued, "Does anybody object to this?" He asked, his eyes scanning the crowd, his expression welcoming as he waited to hear anything from the gathered wolves.

[parks Cypress here]

The raven kept his own posture sword-straight, the flag of his tail and carriage of his head at a respectful level below his brothers’, but his sulphureous stare was imperious and the set of his shoulders decidedly stiff. While he had no intentions of ever challenging either of them, he expected a certain level of respect from the wolves who had joined their ranks more recently. His support of Rannoch was evident in the way he brushed the side of his muzzle lightly against the what he could reach of his littermate’s hock, but he voiced it verbally as well, just in case there were any doubts: “I’ve no objections,” he murmured quietly.

[table width=80%][tr][td]

Never before had Pyro been surrounded by so many others so close to his own age. It had always been Old people like mom and dad, even Sebastian, or way younger like Nova and Ben... But this, this was encouraging, empowering. Ever since Pyro had decided to find his own way in the world, the world itself seemed to be thankful for it. New friends, each genuine and awesome, countless adventures and fascinating places. There was little else Pyro could even ask for.

Of course there were some... Not-so-good things from time to time, though... Like that creepy guy that followed Rannoch around, with his eerie yellow eyes and pitch black coat. He looked like a raven, the kind that picks on your eyes and claws your heart out, stalking you silently from the shadows, waiting for you to make a little mistake... You can imagine how horrifying it was for Pyro, whose natural proclivity to mess things up was nothing short of legendary.

I'm good with that! he barks at the meeting, snapping back to reality after shaking those horrible terrible bloody thoughts off his mind. He casts a smiley glance, tongue lolling out an all at Vass—I mean... Tryp... Whose smelly ass Pyro had been following around ever since their unforeseen reunion. It was nice having him back... Not 100% but it was nice anyway... Oh, you ask why? Well, you see... Vassago had always been a pain in the ass growing up, and although Pyro wasn't still quite sure what to think of the brand new Tryp, he still couldn't get past those depressing memories. And still, there was simply no hate within Pyro for him. Brothers are meant to care for each other, and that was exactly what the brown little Rochester boy intended to do from that day to the last of his days.

[/td][/tr][/table]

The call went up, and Rian had never found himself more thankful for a summons than now.

It didn't take him long to reach the meeting site, but when he did he took up his assumed place opposite of Cypress. His carriage was decidedly elevated, but still considerably lower than Rannoch's own commanding presence—he didn't have the energy to challenge his silver-saddled brother, nor the inclination to do so amidst the watchful gaze of the pack. Something in him was finally broken (though what, we don't know yet because Siro needs to get their ass posting), and the rebellious spirit was coming full-circle into one that was remarkably supportive of his younger companion, but almost twice as intense.

This hawkish stare was offered to the gathered youths; the wayward children. The lost boys and girls who, above else, wanted to belong just as much as Rannoch, Cypress, and Rian did. If any objections did arise, he would have no problem quelling the chaff from the loyal, but it would not bring him any joy. He hoped they would follow his argent-cloaked brother and heed his suggestion. Bramblepoint was no home for them, or any wolf; it was too dangerous, and there was hardly any game to be found. 

He rumbled a note of acknowledgement to add to the chorus, and swung his broad head around to look upon Rannoch. He wanted to scream 'dear god yes please' but instead he simply offered a quick, "No objection here." 

[table width=80%][tr][td]The joy and guilt Tryp felt was overwhelming to say the least. Unlike his beloved brother, he felt truly bad for leaving the nest - and for a good cause at that! And now that his mission had ended in such an abrupt way, and he refused to go home, he felt even worse. He wanted Malice's guidance again, for she had been the rightness ever since he was birthed. Yes, he had been quite the troublemaker for his whole family, but Malice had put him on the right track with the best of intentions. And now he had left her at home; denying her the search for her youngest son and taking on a name that had never been given to him. Whether he should be proud or punished was the question that he asked himself every night.

When the band of young males and females had gathered in the clearing to listen to their obvious leader, a flash of doubt shot through Tryp's eyes as he took his place at the side of his brother. Leaving the Bramblepoint? He spoke only selfish if he would say he did not approve of this plan. It was close to home so if regret and sorrow finally caught up he would be able to wander peacefully back to the fen. It was also close to the place he had met the beautiful Kaori - the girl he had prayed to meet again ever since their night together. But - did his eyes deceive him in such a crucial moment? Was that white-breasted raven truly with them? His jaw dropped, choking on his breath in an unflattering gasp. The words of Rannoch were forgotten - replaced with memories of their hug and awkward compliments. How he had longed for her... How he still longed for her!

Ka-k... He tried to call out to her before realising it was rude to interrupt anyone in the small yet fierce gathering. Duh-uh... N-No objections... He stuttered then hopelessly, ready to bump his head against a tree whenever he was allowed to leave and be alone with his thoughts again.[/tr][/td][/table]

[table][tr][td valign=center] [/td][td]

Ever since her quest was abandoned and a new life claimed, it was within the outskirts of the territory that she so often lurked. Although not antisocial by nature, she was kept away from the group by the very land that they had settled into—temporarily, she hoped. The thorns pricked her mercilessly each and every time she made an attempt at breaking through the barrier, the lingering stings having done well to teach her to stay back. It was only after Rannoch howled, summoning the mass of youths, that she dared to battle the forest’s flora. It was troublesome, the pads of her paws soft despite her previous home being within the mountains, but she persevered; her efforts were rewarded, too, as she eventually settled into the group of unfamiliar faces. The urge to look around and take in each of their features was ignored, her attention swiftly given to the greyscale wolf.

As Rannoch spoke, the raven listened, his words delivering to her a great deal of relief. Her eyes seemed to brighten, dimmed no longer by the stress that came with living in a harmful territory. “I do not object,” she responded, her tone joyful. If they were to move elsewhere, then perhaps she might be able to acquaint herself with the others, as well as find her place within the group. The thought, whilst somewhat nerve-racking, made her all the more excited. Not even those that stood with the speaker, their gazes equally intimidating, were able to put an end to her good mood. She allowed herself to look towards them both for only a few seconds before shifting her eyes back towards the leader, up until she heard a familiar voice.

Glancing around, she located the owner with ease and gave a slow wag of her tail, greeting Tryp in silence. Of all the wolves, she certainly hadn’t expected to run into him! Had it been any other time, perhaps she would have inched her way closer to him until a proper greeting could be given. Under the current circumstances, however, she looked away and focused back on Rannoch, looking forward to hearing more details regarding their move—and hoping that it would take place soon.

[/td][td valign=center] [/td][/tr][/table]

[table width=85%][tr][td]

There is equal parts alacrity and trepidation humming within Mato as he takes his place among the others summoned by Rannoch’s howl. It was a huge decision and not one that the druid had made with any terms of lightness but he has a good feeling about this forming pack all juveniles he notes as verdant gaze sweeps over them — touching and lingering upon the familiar forms of Pyro and Vassago. There is slight surprise to see his uncles here and he wonders what has drawn them to this cause but now is not the time for a family reunion. It makes sense, the starlight imperial thinks, that the pack consist only of juveniles. If Rannoch and Rian are to lead the empyrean cannot help but think that there is likely no adult that would follow the lead of juveniles whether because they had true experience or because they were driven by avarice and belief that adults are superior to their juvenile counterparts. The druid’s gaze rests a few seconds longer upon the wild furred, austere Cypress — the first of this group that he met (aside from Pyro and Vassago whom do not exactly count due to relation).

As Rannoch speaks, the druid’s gaze and attention shifts with his verdant gaze and cup of his ears alert atop his skull. The druid snickers lightly to himself as Rannoch’s joke about the thorns of Bramblepoint. The forest is a haven for omnivorous and those that seeks the berries sweet juices for themselves but it is difficult to navigate and perhaps not well suited for a pack. He had thought during his first visit here that it might serve better as hunting grounds as opposed to permanent tenement. “I hold no objections to relocating.” The druid speaks, adding his voice to the others around him. It will take him further from the Fen but the empyrean does not mind travel.

[/td][/tr][/table]

He eyed off the others gathered as he came upon the meeting area. Rannoch sat proud in the center of it all, and Redshank gave him a beaming smile before looking curiously at the two others sitting by him — noting the dark, brooding man and the other earthen coloured wolf he had met before. Lacking any real social grace, the boy plodded in with his tail raised high despite being the smallest there, casting his gaze and judgement upon all the other juveniles.

Eventually, Redshank paused and listened as Rannoch announced their plans to leave the thorny forest. Good. He had had enough of the prickles yanking out his fur and sticking to his ears. The berries here weren't even that good. Everyone let their thoughts heard, and all seemed in agreement. Redshank let his high-pitched screeching voice ring out above the others.

"Yeah, I don't like this forest anyway." He stared pointedly at the three leaders then, cocking his head slightly. "What's north?"

Rannoch's eyes swept the crowd as they added their voices to the conversation. Regarding each of them, as they spoke, he listened to what they had to offer and was surprised by the seemingly spotless feedback. He had been convinced that at least one of the group would have objected, but, it seemed as though they were all on the same page. 

When the youngest of the group spoke, Rannoch's eyes shifted to the golden-eyed boy, finding himself thrown off by the other's posture. Had Rannoch caught the child's flashy entrance, he would put him in his place right then and there, but it seemed as though Redshank had slipped off the radar until now. 

Swiftly, Rannoch came to a stand and stepped down from his podium and stormed towards Redshank, picking himself up as he moved forward. Though Rannoch knew that this child bore no thread, he was also aware that of the lesson that had to be taught. Soon enough Rannoch was upon the child, towering over the other's lofty posing while his eyes glared at the other. "Stand down, Redshank," he snapped suddenly, pushing his ears forward and pulling back his lips to reveal his teeth.

She had tottered in a bit late to the meeting, her eyes still foggy from having just woken up. Why did he have to call a meeting in the middle of my really good dream, the girl wondered. It was the worst timing ever, but Rose didn't voice her complaints aloud. Instead she slunk in to the meeting and lingered on the edges of the group, closer to the shaded trees rather than out in the open. Her eyes searched for her sister, but Tulip wasn't anywhere to be seen...at least not from where Rose was sitting.

After sweeping across the gathered to see just how many new faces had joined, Rose shifted her attention to the commotion going on between Rannoch and group's youngest. A crafty smile found it's way to the girl's lips as the grayscale male demanded the other stood down. She didn't openly support either of the youth, but Rose found it amusing either way. It was (from what she knew) the first public display of dominance, and the one who submitted would undoubtedly become a stepping stone for the rest of the group, or at least that's what the flame thought.

Szymon is very proud of Rannoch and Redshank. ♥
This post is no good. ;-; I am sorry.

Incensed by his littermate’s sudden display of dominance and Redshank’s audacity, Cypress too pressed forward into the throng. It wasn’t a completely altruistic move. He supported Rannoch and would gladly serve as his champion, walking willingly through fire and brimstone for the turquoise-eyed male — but there was selfishness at work here, too. The eidolon had a deep-seated desire to defend his place: a nebulous area below Rian and Rannoch but above everyone else. He said nothing as he drew up alongside his brother, flanking the argent wolf just slightly as he lifted his head and thrust his ears forward upon his skull, their tips in line with the smooth curve of Rannoch’s crown. Every tooth in his mouth gleamed, a row of serrated alabaster cutlery, as he sought to pin Redshank with his sulphureous stare.

With Redshank being preoccupied, Cypress cast his eyes around the circle to the rest of the pack — because somehow, that’s what they had become — as though daring each member to usurp him. His gaze softened when it landed upon Rose; Eshe had always taught him to treat females with a greater modicum of chivalry, after all. And when it landed on Kaori, for a moment he saw Alya — she had replaced Lucy, in a way, for his memories of the Blackthorn girl were few and faraway — and his lantern yellow eyes widened with fearful hope. Her eyes were wrong, though, and he tasted the bitterness of his mistake in those soft, powder blue depths. Tearing his attention away from the female whose markings bore a startling resemblance to his own, he resumed his stern posture and sinister mien.

As Rannoch and Cypress both stepped down from their platform to deal with Redshank, Rian remained. Though he supported both Rannoch and Cypress, he felt no need to add his own demands for supplication to the pair of them. He'd brought the youngest of them into the fold, but it didn't mean he was responsible for anything he might do. That was all on him—either he would learn to respect his leaders, or find himself back at square one.

Instead he busied himself with committing each face to memory. He swept his gaze over the gathered with a dawning realization that they were, in fact, a pack and this was reality. And, to his utter surprise, no one seemed upset to be here. No one seemed as if they didn't belong. Even Redshank, with his attitude, belonged. Rian sucked in a breath and smiled feeling, for the first time, what it meant to be a part of a pack.

He hadn't expected such a response, jumping only lightly as Rannoch suddenly leapt from his pedestal and strode towards him. His own eyes gazed up at the man's cool ones, at first full of innocent questions before realising the other's intentions. He gave a quick glance to the dark-pelted shadow that appeared by Rannoch's side, looking back to him again as the male spoke. No. Demanded.

His eyes narrowed slightly in both suspicion and confusion, unaware his posture was somewhat of a challenge. He remained in this stance, looking around to the surrounding youths as if searching for support. They all either seemed disinterested or were watching with mild amusement. Redshank's gaze narrowed even further before he looked back up at the titan who loomed over him. "Why? I'm not doin' anything!" he yelled back, exasperated.

Unlike Rannoch and Redshank's first scuffle with insubordiance, the turquoise-eyed man felt more in control with the situation at hand. In their previous episode, Rannoch had been thrown off by both  the other's language and flash of defiance. But this time? Rannoch felt prepared, especially now that Cypress was at his side. His dark-furred brethern did not go unnoticed and instead he was flashed a quick apprecative look before Rannoch's attention shifted back to Redshank.

Keeping up his millitant front, Rannoch squared his shoulders forward as he was met with yelling. Everything about the leader's posture was demanding, yet, his voice was surprisingly cool-temepted. "Remember what we talked about before, Redshank?" Rannoch reminded, his voice steady as he stared down the child.

[table][tr][td valign=center] [/td][td]

the child creeps towards the others, hesitance riddled with each step for a room full of strangers is not one she is inclined to enter. but, rannoch will be there. her protector, her saviour; with that her hesitance turns to assurance, and she walks steadliy towards the group, on the fence but still involved as she cowers behind her hulk of a friend. her attachment to the male was strong, too strong, for as she laid eyes on her sister, they did brighten, but she did not make a move to join her. rannoch was her rock; the fragile girl had attached the infatuation far too deep within her mind to change.

[/td][td valign=center] [/td][/tr][/table]

Another — a small, soft grey cloud — crept in as he was confronted by Rannoch and Redshank's eyes flicked to her for a split second before focusing back on his leader. He shifted, licking his lips with slight hesitation. He remembered their discussion clear as day yet, perhaps foolishly, didn't believe Rannoch would actually enforce it. At least not at a meeting. With another quick glance at the others, Redshank gave a soft, stubborn growl before slowly lowering himself by a millimetre and tucking his tail halfway under his stomach.

"Yes..." his face twisted into a look of extreme difficulty as he forced out the second word in a barely there murmur. "...sir."

The moment Redshank recalled his manners, Cypress eased up considerably. He circled back to Rian, thrusting his muzzle unceremoniously toward the older wolf’s to mouth respectfully — and maybe a little too boisterously — at the underside of the O’Malley’s chin.

Met with the proper reaction from Redshank, Rannoch relaxed and gave an approving nod. He would seek out the child later to teach him when it was appropriate to show such mannerisms. Pulling away, Rannoch regarded the group with a lifted chin, his demeanor different than when he had confronted Redshank. 

"Let us all get ready," suggested Rannoch with a gentle sweep of his tail. "We will leave at dawn." And with that, Rannoch pulled back from the group to join his brothers once again, dismissing the group with another nod once he settled between his siblings. 

The pack would work to prepare to pull from the brambles; gathering the necessary supplies that they needed to survive and getting a good nights sleep before departing.