Blacktail Deer Plateau Let it be - (Mandatory Pack Meeting)

Round 2! It ends Wednesday, Oct 15. If we need a third round there may be one, we shall see!

Saena was the first to arrive and greeted him warmly, her happiness helping to sooth Dante's frayed nerves. He had been dreading this meeting from the moment he and Blue Willow had finalized their decision, not in any way knowing how the wolves before him would take what he was about to say. He knew, as they filed in one by one, that many had an idea of what he was about to announce.

"Interesting, and hectic, but good," he responded to her softly, giving her a warm smile before his silver eyes returned to tracking each one who came into view. He remained standing, but willed his muscles to loosen, for they were tensed with nerves. He let out a breath, steadying himself, and a little more calm seeped into him. What was the worst that could happen? They would reject him. And if that were the case, he would step back, for he would not rule a pack who did not deem him worthy of their respect. To try and step unwilling into leadership was to invite all sorts of troubles and often led to disaster and disbanding. Even his departure from the Plateau would be preferable to that.

He caught Osprey's eye and saw her encouraging smile, another friend who seemed happy to see him. It was good to see her stay, though he knew she and Peregrine had a close relationship and hoped it was not in danger. She was one who might have followed them to their new pack, but he was extremely glad she hadn't. Of the wolves gathered here, only she and the one who followed on her heels, Finn, had held lengthy conversations with him. The rest he had seen in passing, but never gotten to know. That would need to change if what he said next held true.

God he was gonna throw up. No, no he wasn't. Because he wanted this. He wanted his family to stay together. "As Peregrine said before departing, Blue Willow and I met to discuss the future of the Plateau. Of entirely her own volition, Blue Willow has decided to remain as Beta. I then will be stepping up to claim Alpha of these lands." His voice was steady despite the turmoil within. Big words, bigger than he had ever thought he would speak. "If any of you have questions or concerns, please, do not be afraid to voice them. I will answer as best I can." He would not be a dictator, not now, not ever. If he was going to do this, he was going to learn from past mistakes. And one of those lessons was that it was only when an entire pack was behind their leadership that the pack truly thrived.