Broken Antler Fen From high hopes to the ground

of wraen, maia, and even penn arcturus was familiar -- but the rest of the assembly was comprised of wolves nearly entirely new to the mountaineer.

his gaze flitted respectfully to each stranger as they spoke. first, ibis -- an incredibly lightly built she-wolf bordering on frail in arcturus' estimation. the manner in which she carried herself struck arcturus as noble - he kept an ear turned to her suggestions as she spoke. a council.

penn was silent. maia had already shyly offered her piece. another woman was peering at ibis as she spoke: arcturus' attention fastened to her silently. she was cut of similar make as ibis - svelte and soft, but silent.

the topic at hand brought back his own memories as serving as beta in moonspear. he had taken up the mantle proudly -- arrogantly, even -- his first year of life. it seemed a lifetime ago. it felt strange to sit before so different a collective. they each were their own puzzle piece, and it was up to each of them to find the hole in which they fit.

arcturus was not a wolf who spoke in large crowds. he had always served as the observer -- even when he'd been beta in moonspear. back then, he had dreams of being an advisor -- perhaps those dreams would be actualized in brecheliant.