Redsand Canyon remando

The Mereoans arrived, and each one earned a smile from the Matrona. She could not help but notice the near-late arrival of Tamar and Arsenio, the two of them looking rather flushed. Ruenna lifted a brow at Tamar, but the housekeeper was unlikely to see it, as she seemed to be avoiding Ruenna's gaze. 

Germanicus addressed the pack formally. Ruenna's heart beat faster as Germanicus praised her, and she repressed a bashful smile. 

The Imperator progressed rather quickly to the point, laying out the rules and consequences on no uncertain terms. This was as they had agreed. 

Soon it was Ruenna turn to speak. 

"Thank you for gathering. My heart is full, seeing you all together. Mereo is strong." Her tail waved merrily. 

"Mereo's civilians are preparing the canyon to receive children. These children will become Mereo's next generation of soldiers." Ruenna clarified this, in case there was any question about the usefulness of children to Mereo. 

"Only married civilians may bear children," Ruenna reiterated, addressing her own ranks. "Concessions will be made for any unsanctioned children, but the civilian responsible may expect to be dismissed from my employment." Ruenna hoped dearly that she would not be forced to hand down such a consequence, especially to Aquene, whose services were so valuable. She could not help but agree with the sentiment that Germanicus has previously expressed-- that it would all be so much simpler if the soldiers and civilians would pair themselves off in marriage. 

"Demotion and dismissal will only occur moving forward. They will not be retroactive," Ruenna assured them, speaking to the consequences she and Germanicus has laid out. "If an event that could lead to unsanctioned conception has already occurred, please report it to me or Germanicus." Germanicus had already caught two of his soldiers post-rendezvous, and so it stood to reason that there had probably been more. If there were already possible litters out there, it was better to know than to not know, and she hoped to encourage wolves to come forward honestly instead of concealing the truth. 

"If you are unsure what actions specifically lead to conception, you are encouraged to speak with Mereo's medic, Aquene." Ruenna nodded to the dark-pelted civilian. Ignorance would not be a valid excuse for unsanctioned conception in Mereo. Rue had already asked Aquene to speak specifically to Malila, who due to her age seemed to Ruenna to be the most at-risk for accidental pregnancy. 

"Are there any questions about these policies?" Ruenna asked in summary. Her honey eyes flicked quickly to Germanicus, wondering if there was anything else he wished to address.