Horizon Ridge chasing the sun · pack meeting

This is the start of Round Two. I know some members have come and gone since the start, so anyone is still welcome to join the meeting. This is mostly a text-post with lots of info to cover. This round will end 2/5, and Round Three will respond to Round Two, and then initiate the mateship ritual for Pied and Kisu.

Horizon Ridge was submerged in golden light, and Akhlut was grateful that the skies were clear and cloudless. They had endured more than enough freezing rain and falling snow for his tastes, even if the worst of it was inland, and even though the dawn air was crisp and cold, the sun lay warm on their backs as they gathered. It was a fitting introduction for the pack to come together in the gentle light of dawn.

The dark leader watched as they assembled, returned each of their greetings with a smile and a nod or a soft-spoken hello, and he surveyed them as they chose their resting places to sit or stand or lay. Pied and Kisu, Jinx, Tulok, Pump, and Cidra. They were not the only wolves who bore the scent of Horizon Ridge upon ther pelts, and for a moment the Alpha frowned at those who were not in attendance, but he supposed his chosen timing might have been inconvenient for those who were early risers and already stalked in the rainforest and mountainsides for breakfast, or who had run to other packs on errands. They would avoid his displeasure for the time being. The morning was meant to be one to revel in the joy of being together.

Speaking of togetherness, Akhlut was pleased to see that his wolves had remembered his mention of Kisu and Pied's relationship, and had brought gifts accordingly. That would be a matter he addressed soon, but there were strong foundations that begged to be laid first. Akhlut took a final moment to gather his thoughts and smooth down the frayed edges of his nerves; he had never had an occasion to address so many, and yet he was fiercely proud to do so now.

"Horizon Ridge is a pack built on values of Light," he said by way of introduction, casting his pale blue eyes to each wolf in turn to assess their reactions. "I have gathered each of you to my side in the hope that we will be a force for justice, truth, and honor in these Wilds. There are enough evil-doers in this world, and I will harbor none of them at the Ridge. Liars, cowards, and cheaters are not welcome here." It was both an announcement and a warning. His next tone was softer and encouraging; his features, which had been held in a serious expression, now loosened as he spoke excitedly. "I expect you to recruit others who follow the same path. We will grow strong and hold the Ridge as a fortress here on the coast. It is easily defended, and will provide a safe haven for the pack and the children that are yet to come."

With those words, he eyed Pied and Kisu, for he knew that they were the most likely couple to bear the first progeny of Horizon Ridge. Still, there were matters that came first; he wanted to ensure their mateship was a strong one, and that they did not intend to splinter off and establish a pack of their own, before he would permit them to breed within his. Despite the necessary logistics of loyalty and leadership, he liked them both, and so he smiled freely upon them now, tail swaying. The time for their mateship ritual would come soon, but for now he cast them just a significant glance, then continued on to search the faces of his other pack members.

"We have nearby packs as well, one newly established and one with firmer roots. I know Neverwinter Forest only by name, but I have met the leader of Blacktail Deer Plateau, our closest neighbor. Pied," he nodded indicatively, "joins us from that pack. The Alpha, Hawkeye, and I have arranged for a tentative alliance, in which Horizon Ridge wolves may pass through the Plateau and on to the south; otherwise we would be forced to travel a much further distance to circumvent them. Plateau wolves on our borders should be treated politely, and permitted to pass through if they have legitimate cause to do so, but if they cross our borders uninvited and unexplained, they may still be treated as trespassers. " That had been Akhlut's personal caveat, even though Hawkeye had obviously wanted her wolves to have free passage to the sea. Such was against the way of the wild wolf, and did not sit well with the traditional male. "Horizon Ridge wolves should expect the same treatment at the Plateau, and if you should offend them on their own land, expect no leniency from me."

With such administrative matters settled, Akhlut's stance relaxed, and his smile spread genially. "Formalities out of the way, what news have each of you to bring me? What questions or concerns can I address?"