The Praetor strode into the center of the hollow, it was located not far from Divinum Campi and provided him with a temporary gathering place as Paarthurnax and Tiberius were still finding a suitable one. He had dragged the start of the meeting for a long time already, originally planning it to be about two weeks after the pack had been founded but along with all the responsibilities and new duties handed to him by the dies pater, he had to postpone it, but now the Roman finally had time to start this gathering. Steady paws made its way up onto a smooth boulder covered by the growing grass and moss, it was a good spot for the leader to speak and survey the wolves. The hollow the Roman had chosen was a dip in the plains, beside Divinum Campi. It looked as if a giant paw had scoop up dirt from the smooth land and made a dip in the ground, the soft evergreens growing made it comfortable to sit down and a row of smooth stones surrounded the area. It was a good gathering spot but not the one he wanted for he needed to hold Senator meetings and everything there.
Evening settled down to the Bypass, and with a soft sigh and a brief prayer to Jupiter, the silver male tipped his muzzle back, allowing a musical harmony to slip from his lips as he called and summoned the new Romans to come to him. It was as if the god had been howling too for the song carried a kind of strength and skill that a normal wolf couldn't seem to do. But never mind. Truthfully the pack were not Romans, most coming from places all across the world, but now they had joined Noctisardor, they had pledged themselves to a Roman leader, to a Roman pack and he deemed them Romans now. That title stuck with them until they died or left the Bypass for they weren't born a child of Rome like he was, the title of a Roman would always stick with him.
Shifting on his spot on the boulder, his eyes moved from the horizon to the streaked sky above. The hues of colours reminded him that winter would soon be upon them and they needed more than ever to have strong, loyal wolves. The pack was strong, no doubt about that, and wolves came by their borders, asking for a place within his pack. Usually if they were strong, able and gave a promising audition, he would let the in but watched them on a daily basis to see if they were hard working. Most were and he was glad. This meeting was to briefly discuss what had happened, what would happen and a few rank adjustments. Those that were well deserved, Hadrian did not let his emotions get in the way of arranging rankings, he judged fairly. The Imperator shifted his gaze back to the horizon and waited for his packmates to arrive.
Flash was hunting in a small patch of tall grass in Divinum Campi. He had been tracking a wolverine, limping and injured by the sights of it or he would be long dead by now. A lone wolf versus a wolverine was a bad idea. This wolverine was injured and decided to rest in the plains, he had tracked it here. A few deep cuts and scratches dug into his flesh, even injured it was a good match, its rage and anger fuelling it. When the howl rang out for all of them, he paused. It was not for any specific person but summoned the whole pack, he cursed quietly, he was in a bad shape for a gathering.
Knowing he had to go or the Imperator would probably kill him, he fastened his jaws around the dead wolverine and headed over, he didn't want to leave his prey out in the open, where the blood scent may draw in predators. Maybe the others would be hungry. Padding in closer until he had the silver alpha in sight. Dropping the wolverine in a small patch of grass in the dip the silver sterling had chosen, he padded closer.
He tucked his tail in and lowered his head as he got closer. When he was close enough, he rolled over and gave a whine. This was his first pack meeting, he didn't want it to go wrong.
It was Shadow, the Bypass' Imperator. His song was for them, all of them, the entire pack. The Alpha was hosting a pack meeting, perhaps? The first one in the Bypass she would be in.
She turned on the other direction and wove her way through the thick undergrowth, stepping on a multitude of twigs and branches as Crëyr placed her steps. She'd only had the chances to meet most of the other pack members briefly, barely thoroughly, therefore she was sure that this was one of the good options she was provided with.
The evening sky a dark hue of blue, Crëyr reached the spot she, and multiple others were supposed to be gathered at. A vast piece of smoothly, seemingly "scooped out" land sat between the plains, allowing it to be a suitable sitting— a suitable place for a gathering.
Their leader was sat on a chunk of boulder, situated slightly above the land so that he would have the ability to see everybody that would soon be here at once. His pelt seemed to gleam silver in the darkening sky, and so did his matching eyes. Nobody except for Flash was there yet, though she knew it wasn't long had he howled for his pack members.
She chuffed out a greeting to Flash before bowing her head and dipping her tail in subordination towards their leader. The graphite-sterling wolfess looked up at the Alpha as the round moon began to rise behind him. "Good evening, Shadow."
By the time she reached the meeting site, a couple of wolves had already gathered before their ashen leader. Paar recognised them both: Flash, the strange golden Probatio who made her feel somewhat uneasy on their last encounter and Crëyr, who had swiftly proven herself to be not only a good asset to the pack but also a great candidate for firm friendship. She shot her sterling partner a fond smile from across the clearing then moved in to greet the bi-coloured female with an affectionate nip to her shoulder before seating herself nearby to wait for the others to arrive.
There hadn't been much to do lately except for hunting, patrolling and all the usual duties needed of him. Perhaps Shadow would speak about their goals, what other jobs to do and probably other Roman related stuff. He was sure the pack had grown, it had been more than a month since their founding and this would be the first time the whole pack would gather.
When he arrived though, the gathering was still small. The Imperator settled on a large boulder, overseeing them. He noticed Paarthurnax, mate of Shadow. Though the silver male had not announced it yet, the scent of him on the female was so strong, it seemed obvious enough. Flash seemed to be alone, so after dipping his head in respect to the leader, he settled beside the tawny yearling and waited for the arrival of the others.
He gazed around quickly noticing a crimson bi-colored female, another grayscale female, a light tawny golden wolf that gave him the impression of Apollo and situated beside him was a dark colored warrior with gleaming blue eyes. On top of a smooth boulder sat his leader, Shadow. Tiberius approached, dipped his head to him in respect before retreating and sitting down, waiting for the others to arrive.
Abandoning the bush, the husky girl swiveled with ease on a heel, and departed, having her thickly coiled legs scamble for purchase against the soft grounds of the Bypass. She soon arrived, and the curious girl was almost swamped by the unfamiliar smells of the unknown lupines siddled in the clearing. Yet, the little beauty only offered them a soft smile, not having a clue what to say ro the other members of NB.
She sat by herself on the fringes of the meet, beside the sun touched bella lupita, Paar. Sending a swift and excited tail wag, and lick to her still tall arm, Leila sat back, awaiting the word of the Tall and Dark sterling, Shadow, the one who Called.
He sat farther back, but directly in front of the duo, awaiting the adjournment of the important meeting.
He came within the clearing, and his fluid motion had ceased to an abrupt stop. The autumn graced man had padded silently in front of Hadrian, and knelt to the silver leader. He then turned to the sand enveloped female who say proudly on his side, and knelt to her as well. Giving no intention of greeting or even interacting with the other lupines, the recon choose his place far from the rest of the gathered pack, awaiting the Praetors reason for summoning them.
Sveta was sleeping when the call rose to the air, and to her dismay, it was quite far to where she was but she was dutiful so the white female rose to her paws and began trekking towards the gathering area. It seems that she was the last to arrive, a good eight wolves had gathered before her, not includng the Alpha who sat on a boulder, overseeing them with bright silver ethereal silver eyes.
The arctic female immediately spotted the crimson female, Paarthurnax and dipped her head to both the Alpha and the female before sitting down and waited to see what the meeting was about.
They came swiftly and quickly, the first to arrive would be one of the promoted members, Flash, the youthful golden probatio, seemingly a son of Apollo. (Apollo as his patron). And then came Crëyr, then his wife who he gazed at for a long moment before moving on to the next wolf that had arrived. Farkas, Tiberius, Leila, Adair, Vector and Sveta. Bright silver eyes lingered on the last three comers, each having committed an act that made the wolf wary of them. Though he liked the brown wolf and was content to keep him here, for now. This meeting would be surprising for a few wolves here, hopefully it would be the good surprise kind for he wasn't in a mood to taste blood in his jaws, not yet. Ignoring the bows, the captive gave them, he scanned the plains for any sign of Silvermane, the new injured male and his slave Enya. They were both injured, so he doubted it was their fault that they couldn't come, they were lucky this meeting didn't really concern them.
Shadow's eyes swept over each and all of them, serious and solemn before breathing out silently. A faint smile spreading across his features as he rose to his paws, "Fellow packmates, Romans, it is good to see you all here. Most of us, at least." he paused. "I have called you here today for a few reasons, special promotions and news, roles to be given out to those who deserve it and a few acknowledgements. Hopefully this meeting will not take too long." he smiled. ”Special Promotions......” he trailed off and gazed at each of them for a long moment. Finally, the silver Imperator called out ”Flash Spiritfire, Probatio and Vector, captive, come forward.”
Silver eyes sought out Vector's before he spoke ”Vector, captive of Noctisardor Bypass, I hereby announce your release from captivity. Whether you choose to stay here and become a full member of the Legion or leave, we shall respect that choice.” Now he turned to Flash. Pride filled his gaze as he looked at the tawny yearling, they weren't exactly close but he had watched the wolf even if he didn't know it and to see the transformation from the naive insubordinate pathetic wolf to this, strong-willed Roman. He was proud of him. ”Flash Spiritfire, you have proven yourself to me, to the gods, to Apollo that you are worthy to become a full member of the Legion.” Cold silver eyes drifted over his packmates, daring them to argue with him. "We accept Flash Spiritfire, one of the champions of Apollo,” he winked at Flash, now fully making him a Roman, if he chose to accept. ”welcome to Noctisardor Bypass, legion of Rome. If you choose to accept.” he did not need to pledge of life again for he had asked every recruit of that when they came.
Shadow did not command either Vector or Flash to leave, not yet, he wanted them by the boulder just for now. "I also have one last promotion to give, for this meeting. My wife, my mate, my love Paarthurnax, please come forward.” a smile graced his features, lightened his silver eyes. ”I have decided to promote my wife to the position of Imperatrix, Alphess to you all.” The shadow boy's gaze was wary as he scanned the wolves in front of him, waiting for any disapproval calls. ”I did not appoint here merely because she is my wife, I have judged her skills fairly, put aside my feelings for this judging. She is strong and a good leader, healer and I have complete faith in her when she rules beside me. If anyone disagrees, they will have to go through me first.”
By the tone of his voice, the cold, analyzing look in his eyes, the way his muscles tensed as if ready for an attack (which he was), it was not an empty threat.
Promptly, another wolf arrived. It was Paar, Shadow's mate, the beautiful, two-toned wolfess who was probably the closest to a friend Crëyr had in the Bypass. After she gave Crëyr a light nip on the shoulder as a gesture of acknowledgement, the petite graphite-sterling girl offered her a hello, stood up and proceeded to follow Paar to where the other wolfess chose to sit before taking a place next to her, as she decided she didn't want to be alone.
One by one, the wolves filed into their gathering place. Crëyr watched them, looked at them, scanned them all in a respectful manner. There was the all-black lupine, his electric blue eyes a stark contrast against his midnight fur. A brown wolf, seemingly older than everybody else in the pack, his expression one of seriousness. Then there was the wolf she had met, the one who seemed to have Autumn's touch graced upon the lupine. Images of the rabbit corpses were again on the petite Welsh's mind.
It wasn't long before Shadow stood up, offered a few words in greeting and explanation before telling two wolves, namely Flash and the other wolf, whose name was apparently Vector, to stand before him. She knew Flash was probatio and quickly learnt Vector was a captive. Today they were going to be released from those statuses.
Crëyr saw a touch of pride in their Alpha's silver eyes once his orbs fell on Flash. Perhaps he had done a good deed, reached an achievement, done something to make Shadow proud. Hence he was released from the rank of Probatio. Her opinion was leaning towards one of agreement, as she had seen what Flash was capable of.
Then came the next promotion. Paarthurnax was called out and was presented the title of Imperatrix, or Alphess, and the Welsh she-wolf couldn't argue with that. Crëyr was very sure she had plenty of potential, as from that day next to the river she had seen her avid copper eyes, powered with determination. She offered the crimson female a gentle, congratulatory smile before dipping her head in submission. She had pledged her loyalty to this pack and this sterling Alpha, so no matter what happened and what kind of decisions they made, she would be by their side.
The others had arrived quickly, and had settled down to listen to what the silver alpha had to say. Farkas settled down next to him when he had arrived. Flash cuffed a greeting to the midnight black wolf, sending him a friendly smile. Then he lift his head to listen to the alpha.
Flash listened as the silver alpha welcomed everybody. "Most of us, at least." Slight confusion rose inside his mind. Had somebody upset the silver alpha? Hopefully he was not one of them. "Special promotions" At this Flash raised an eyebrow. Maybe... just maybe he was going to get out of probatio. When his name and another was called to step forward, a bolt of dismay rushed through him. Was he really going to get out of probatio right here? He turned his head towards the other wolf. His name was apparently Vector, and he was a captive. He remembered what Farkas had told him about captives. "Probatio is better than either the slaves or captives. Captives are prisoners of the pack. If you work hard enough, you'll get out of that testing rank."
The silver alpha had called them both out, what have the fates put in stall for them? He was still confused about the whole "roman" thing. But over time, what he had learnt about the romans had fascinated him. So, he had decided to accept the offer, As he listened to the silver alpha address Vector, who was released from captive, he learned another thing. Captives could be freed. Every chance he had, he would continue to learn about those romans and one day take his place with them. He watched as the silver alpha turned his attention to him. He didn't miss the pride that was evident in his silver orbs. He smiled one of his crook grins at the young alpha, letting him know whatever decision he made now, he would still be loyal to him.
"Flash Spiritfire, you have proven yourself to me, to the gods, to Apollo that you are worthy to become a full member of the Legion." His col silver eyes drifted upon the others at this, as if daring them argue with him. "We accept Flash Spiritfire, one of the champions of Apollo." Flash smiled, after seeing the silver alpha for a few times, he knew the wolf well enough to now he was asking if he was going to accept his offer on becoming a roman."Welcome to Noctisardor Bypass, legion of Rome. If you choose to accept.” This was the moment that could change his life, he could turn his head on his life, be be accept into this family. He casted a swift glance towards all his pack mates, eyes landing on Crëyr, then Paarthurnax, then Farkas, then Tiberius before turning his head back to Shadow.
Flash took a deep breath, he knew what his choice was now. "Thank you, Shadow, for accepting me into your pack. Once again, I pledge myself to Noctisador Bypass, promising that I will not slack off and will nothing but the best." He looked at all his pack mates, hoping he used the right choice of words. He never good with words, much better with actions. And this was the moment when he accept what the fates decided for him. "I also accept your offer on becoming a roman." He had absolutely no idea what to do. So he dipped his head in submission. Hoping that was good enough, he retreated back onto his seat next to Farkas. Settling down, he watched as the rest of the ceremony went on.
Shadow had promoted his mate, Paarthurnax to alphess, even though Flash was expecting it, it still felt weird now that he had two leaders instead of one. He listened to the silver alpha's speech about how he didn't promote her because she was his mate, still in a small daze about what had just happened. He dipped his head to the newly promoted alphess, trusting that she would only bring the pack up, not down. This was a new start for him. Looking around at the other wolves, he smiled. It's a new starting point for him. And he plan on making it better than the last time. No regrets, let his new life begin.
When his name was called, immediately the russet got to his fours, taking evenly placed strides towards Shadow. Again, his gaze remained fixed at a point on his silver orbs, just not in them. His radar like auds tuned into the words he spoke, his release from captivity. Free.
After the Praetors speech had been concluded, a respectful head lowered to the paws of the Alpha, and he swiveled back to his place in the shadowed fringes of the clearing. His gems kept aware of the proton of a scarlet female to the rank of Alphess, and before he could stop himself, his mind questioned whether it was because of her beauty. Disregarding the notion, he focused on whether he would stay in Noctisardor Bypass, or not, contemplating the benifits and consequences of the matter, for the rest of the ceremony.
Once settled, Shadow took charge of the meeting. He announced some special promotions and the crimson beauty blinked thoughtfully up at him, uncertainty in her fiery copper gaze. Flash's name was spoken and Paarthurnax' tall red ears pressed forward, as her own experience with the golden youth has not been a pleasant one. Truthfully, she found the boy to be rather odd, and so to hear that he was free of his "training wheels" to continue rising in the ranks did surprise her.
Even more so, she was not expecting to hear her mate speak her own title, and Brecon her to go to him. Briefly exchanging a glance with the slate she-wolf she'd taken a seat beside, Paarthurnax gathered herself and moved in closer to her partner, an uncertain smile dancing on her lips. When she arrived directly before him, Shadow dubbed her as Alphess, and it was with a soaring heat that she gazed at her beloved with an expression filled with affection, gratitude and disbelief all at once.
"I thank you," she started, making to bump the bridge of her nose to Shadow's pale chin, "for your trust, and this opportunity." Her eyes glistened happily as she cast a glance over a russet shoulder and at her pack-mates before she eased herself up onto the boulder to take her place by her mate's side.
But his third announcement was a surprise, Shadow called his mate out and said he was promoting her to be the Imperatrix beside him. He agreed that she would make a fine leader, kind and caring but probably vicious too when it came to protecting her own. However he wondered if she was of equal rank with the Imperator or was a tiny bit lower. But that question could wait, instead he bowed his dark head and said in a low clear voice "Ave Flash! Ave Paarthurnax! Senatus Populusque Romanus!" he might not be a born Roman himself but Shadow had said fellow Romans and he was pretty sure the Bypass was Legion of Rome now.
When the midnight black wolf who probably knew a bit of the Roman culture said what Romans would usually say when one was promoted. He followed suit, mint green eyes scanning the pair before dipping his head respectfully and then lifting his head to howl the words into the air. "Ave Flash! Ave Paarthurnax! Senatus Populusque Romanus!" he howled into the air, green eyes briefly turning to look at his packmates as if encouraging them to do so to. It was only after that did he question the Imperator. "I mean no disrespect, but will the Imperatrix be able to make the final decisions without your consent? Or accept members into the pack without your consent. Once again, no disrespect intended, but I find that, perhaps the Imperator should check everything out before making the final decision...?" he trailed off.
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Silvermane was tired, his eyes felt heavy, and his bones felt numb, and ache-full, like as though he was sick, which he probably was. His mouth was dry, and the only liquid that he could taste on his parched tongue was the bone-dry blood that was left since the last days. Silvermane grudgingly sat up, his bones aching but not searing with pain as they were before, and he looked around, his mind abit blurry, he felt a light pain appearing on his temples... but it was nothing serious. As he looked around, he didn't see anyone, of course not, you idiot. Who would be around a recovering wolf? With that thought, he slowly put a paw forward, and set on to slowly walk forwards, in a random direction, how long have I been asleep? he thought, did everyone disappear or something?.., as he walked his acheful stroll, he heard something, not so far, but somewhere behind him, yet on his side. All he heard was mumbling, as he must have passed it by quite some distance, but he heard several voices. Wait what? Silvermane thought, turning around to hear it better, he crouched down, even if it caused him to cringe and set his ears up, as not to be heard, incase these were not his pack, as he was not used to the smell, and his nose was abit numb. [size=x-small][size=small]Populousque Romanus![/size][/size] is a small piece that he heard, and with that, he had to question, was this Italian? Latin? he shook his head, definetly not Italian. He slowly pushed a paw carefully infront of him, and moved in so he could come closer..
As he finally came into view of the voices, he did realize that his prediction was false, and it was truly his pack, he saw that the Praetor, which he still did not remember what it means, was sitting ontop of a boulder, with another female wolf, and others surrounding it. Silvermane, not wanting to disturb, and not hearing the conversation, decided to keep his head low and submissive, and slowly enter the circle, finding a little spot at the edge, and sat down, looking around, he saw gold, brown, black and several other colours among the other wolves, which he still did not know the names of. Silvermane made a quick bow to the Praetor which might very well be the Alpha, but Silvermane decided not to bow long enough or abrupt enough to disrupt anything that might have been going on, and made a quick nod to everyone else around him