Silver Creek High Up To The Blue Skys, To The Wide Open Forests

Mandatory pack meeting.  Must attend or wolf will be assumed to have left Silver Creek.  First round ends on June 30.  @Laika @Shreya @Casmir @Amber @Gaia @Sansa @Rexxar @Indra @Laurel.

Spring padded towards the center of Silver Creek.  Today she intended to have a qualified pack meeting with her fellow members of Silver Creek.  The ones that would at least be loyal to her by showing up.  Spring knew that there were probably still some wolves who resided in Silver Creek that still perfered Saena over her, but Spring intended to prove herself to them.  Although even in her own opinion she would probably never ever be the amazing leader that Saena was, Spring wanted to get close.  Close enough.  She wanted her pack to trust her, so for their trust and loyalty, she would hope to lead them on a brighter path.

Upon reaching the forked creek, that ran with it's gorgeous silver water, hence the name Silver Creek, Spring tilted her head back and howled for the members of Silver Creek to come meet up with her.  She howled for Laika, Casmir, Shreya, Amber, Gaia, Sansa, Rexxar, Indra and Laurel, assuming that the puppies would either come with Shreya or Casmir, maybe even both.  Spring did not call upon any of the wolves that were currently trying to integrate into the pack though, because they were not full on members yet.  Only when they were full on members would attend pack meetings.

When her howl was finished the Alpha then sat down slowly, eyeing her sorroundings and waiting for her wolves to appear.  They had a lot to discuss and remember.  She planned to have a moment of silence for Saena, due to the old Alpha's dissapearance, let the pack congratulate Laika on her promotion to Beta if any of them hadn't yet, tell them that they were going on a pack hunt in six days time to try and test their luck, let anyone who wanted to share anything with the pack speak up and then close the meeting.  For now though Spring waited preparing herself for the meeting.

Laika lifted her head as the howl found her ears. She'd been planning to meet up with her alpha and friend for a day or so now, but she never had the chance. She had so much to tell her! She got to her paws, as she had been resting in the sun, and headed towards Spring. Her tail swayed as she walked, wondering if she'd be able to find Casmir before she reached her destination. 

To her disapointment, she did not find her mate, but she knew she would see him soon, and she planned on siting beside him when she did. She found Spring and gave her a smile, trotting up to her excitedly. When she was close enough she gave her a playful bow. "Hey Spring!" Then, she walked closer and whispered into her ear. "Me and Casmir are mates now." Her words were quiet enough for only Spring to hear. She honestly couldn't help herself. She'd been holding it in from most of the wolves she'd come across since, but now she felt like she might explode if she didn't tell someone. Fourtunately, Spring was the perfect person to tell.

She stepped back to gauge Spring's reaction with a laugh before heading to sit down. She chose a spot near Spring, but not too close, leaving plenty of room for Casmir.

Things were almost back to normal, it seemed, and balance was coming back to the wilds. The shadow queens stay so far at Silver Creek had been lovely, and the more she wandered within the borders the more she fell in love with the area, the silver waters and the assortment of trees. 
Today, her sister called, not just for her but for everyone with a rank in the Creek. Amber galloped forwards with a smile on her face, proud to once again be a part of something strong. It would be her first time meeting all of the pack, but it would also mean she knew everyone currently a part of the little family, put faces to the scents around the territory and marking the borders.
When she got there, Laika had beat her and was speaking in an excited, hushed tone. Amber already knew she and Casmir were mates, she'd heard it from the handsome man herself. Alas, she didn't hear the snowy woman speak, instead hanging back and waiting to be brought into the conversation. The woman was content to look around at their location and yet again admire the beauty of her home.

Casmir was hot on Laika's heels, and close enough to hear his mate's giggle as they entered the clearing to attend Spring's summons. he choked on his greeting and stood aside, embarassed, but also pretty stoked that Laika seemed so excited to be his mate. he figured that was what she'd told Spring, as he hadn't heard her quiet words, and settled alongside her with a playful nip to her shoulder as they waited to see what their leader had to say.

Without warning, Laurel came bursting onto the scene, hot on Casmir's heels. She had followed him and Laika — whether they knew or not was left in the open — and entered the clearing with a loud "RAAAAWWWW!" as though she was impersonating a t-rex.

Without further warning Laurel bounced towards Casmir and tried to pounce on top of him, with little mind for formalities of the meeting. It was always doing-things-time, forever, so now was too. "PLAY!" the little tyrant demanded while she tried to clamber on top of Casmir's shoulders.

There was much on her mind, but she'd kept it to herself and would continue to do so for now. After all, Silver Creek itself had a lot to consider too, and Shreya arrived on the scene looking warm and not pensive. She smirked over at Laurel's sweetly silly antics, and took a seat, giving a little nod to Spring before she did so. Her outlook was quite bright.

With a yawn and a start Indra woke, her eyes slow to open. The den was empty; Laurel and Casmir gone. A worried sense of abandonment hummed in the little child's heart as her gut sank. Had they left her too? 

She bumbled from the den, reeling in surprise of the stark contrast of light. She was terrible tracker, but Casmir and Laurel both left large prints in their wake. Following their obvious tracks Indra came across the small procession. She was curious but nervously so -- with solemnity to her step she fell behind Shreya, her normally adoring gaze somewhat doleful as she looked to Spring.

Second round ends on July 4.

Laika was the first to arrive and seemed to have something important on her mind as she came over to Spring acting like she was on a mission, although acting playful all the while.  When Laika spoke in that whisper to her though, Spring could have never guessed what her friend said.  Laika and Casmir were mates now?  Spring had mixed emotions, she was glad for her friend, but found herself unsure of where she lay with Casmir.  Sure, tehy had settled their differences, but Laika and Casmir mates?  It was lovely and exciting... yet something else that she could not describe fully.  She put a pretty smile on and congratulated her friend no matter her unsureness.  If Laika was happy with her new mate, Spring could be happy for her.  "Congratulations."  Spring whispered to her friend in an excited tone.

Amber was soon to arrive to and Spring was delighted to see her ebony sister and so she chuffed Amber a solemn, yet sincere greeting.  Casmir was hot on Laika's heels and seemed to know what Laika had told her, despite Laika's whisper, since he choked on his greeting, seemingly embaressed.  It was cute to see... maybe Casmir was changing for good.  When Laurel let out her t-rex imitation though Spring eyes widened for a moment, clearly startled.  Soon enough though Spring eyes focused adoringly on Laurel,  that cute and sweet (yet startling)  puppy.  Shreya arrived too and gave the Alpha a nod, which Spring returned with a little nod back.  When Indra arrived though Spring was surprised to see her gaze more doleful than usaul.  She gave the pup a warm smile before she began to speak, hoping that Indra would feel better soon.  Maybe she would talk to the red pup later.

"Thank you all for coming." Spring started out solemnly, with a small smile, happy to see that six wolves were currently loyal to her, hopefully more soon with all of the possible new recruits.  "First I would like us all to congratulate Laika on her new position as Beta.  I am more than sure that she will do a wonderful job as our Beta of Silver Creek."  Spring then quieted, her now warm gaze settling on her Beta.  Laika would do well.  She did have the blood of a leader after all.

Laika smiled as Spring congratulated her, but couldn't help feeling that there was something else behind her friend's celebratory voice. Either way, the pale beta pushed it aside as she took her seat. She found out that Casmir had been hot on her heels, and he appeared within seconds, mumbling a broken greeting Slring and settling down beside her with a playful nip. She wagged her tail excitedly and nipped him back, although it was soft and tender. Laurel followed Cas and she came up to Laika and Casmir, letting out a loud roar and shrieking her demand to play. Laika bent down and licked Laurel's head to hush her. "We'll play after. Right now, we have to focus on what Aunt Spring has to say," she told her softly with loving eyes. Whether others liked it or not, Laika had grown very attached to the two puppies. "It won't be long, I promise." 

Amber came in then Shreya and Indra. Laika had wondered where the other pup had gone. She gave Indra a smile, and noticed her doleful gaze. She felt worried for her, but knew that Shreya might be able to cheer her up. Sitting back up, she gave Shreya a nod and scooted closer the Casmir before turning to train her attention on Spring. Of course, the first thing she had announced was Laika's new rank and the female's cheeks burned, a sheepish smile dancing on her lips at Spring's praises.

A few glances were shot her way, and Spring seemed the only one truly happy with her presence. Amber wished to go to the dusty womans side, stand beside her, but alas she didn't hold a rank that allowed such things. Instead, casting her soul-searching eyes around the gathered wolves, the obsidian woman sunk to her elbows and lay on the fringes of the meeting. She was separated from most of the others, but that was okay for now. She was new, the members of Silver Creek had yet to really bond with her. 
All in due time. Spring was speaking, and with her ears cupped towards her kin Amber listened. Pride welled up in her chest for the younger girl, and perhaps a slight envy that the sister under half her age was already at the head of her own wolves. 
Amber joined her voice to her sisters in a congradulating chuff towards the white Beta, still watching the other wolves with curiosity.

Shreya was content to be acquainted with every wolf in the vicinity, and adjusted her forepaws as she surveyed them. She manoeuvred Indra in front of her and gave her a playful little nibble between the ears, but left Laurel to Casmir. Poor chap had his work cut out for him — and Laika too... though maybe she didn't know it yet.

Speaking of whom, the pale girl was presently congratulated as the Beta of Silver Creek. Hear hear, added Shreya with a firm nod, eyeing the little leadership team with approval.

Casmir's gaze drifted around as the others gathered -- he grinned at Laurel, pretending to pin her to the ground beneath his paw. he gave Shreya a respectful nod and winked in Indra's direction. Amber he gave a friendly glance as well, wondering why she was so shut off from the rest of the pack. maybe it was because she was new.

Casmir gave a low bark of support when Laika's new rank was announced, his eyes shining in her direction. She would serve the Creek well -- she was a loyal wolf, and they needed all of those they could get.

indra tried her best to listen to spring's announcement, her gaze trailing to laika in quiet curiosity. these words were meaningless to her, but the solemnity of the situation was not missed -- indra kept her mouth closed and fell behind shreya's leg timidly. she would be quiet, for now -- though later she would likely stumble after casmir and ask him what the meaning of 'beta' was.

Laurel didn't like that she couldn't play, and so she sat and pouted for a while. Spring made the announcements and Laurel had to resist the urge to shout things, cause she was growing pretty bored. She huffed as she sat, looking super bored and sassy as the meeting went along.

Third round ends July 14.

Spring was glad to see no objections to Laika's promotion to Beta.  She wasn't surprised though, Laika was a good wolf.  Laika had deserved this position for a while, there was no reason for anyone to be surprised.  She gave her wolves an approving look before contiuning.  "I would also like to announce that we will hold a pack hunt in six days time.  No one is expected to be there, but if you are looking to improve your skills or help your pack catch some food then come to me when I howl for the hunting to start."  Spring paused for a moment here.  "Laurel and Indra can come to if they want to, but if they choose to they must be escorted by an adult and just watch to help improve there own sense of the hunt."  Spring explained.

Spring let the hunt news sink in for a little while, before continuing.  She took a single deep breath to help prepare herself for what she was going to say next.  She was about to ask for a moment of silence for Saena, but then she stopped herself and reconsidered.  Saena had not been the only one lost.  Milo, the sweet black furred pup had died and some wolves had not come from Phoenix Maplewood to Silver Creek.  So when she spoke again, she spoke her words carefully.  "Now I would like us to have a moment of silence for the ones who could not be here today."  Spring told her pack wistfully, before bowing her head to begin the silence for those who were not here today, silently remembering all of those that she had known of.

the pack was pretty silent, but they were a small bunch. Casmir grinned at Laika again before lowering his muzzle to nip Indra. Spring asked for a moment of silence and the boy dipped his head, intending to show his alpha he would heed her word, as he had promised.

Laika smiled back at Casmir, her blue eyes bright with happiness. Her tail thumped quietly on the ground behind her and she turned her attention back to Spring. Her attention was stolen as Casmir bent down to nip little Indra. Laika watched the little pup before glanced at Laurel who was sitting in between Cas and herself. She nudged the pup to tell her she was doing really great at listening and being quiet. She would probably play with her for a long while afterwards as a reward of sorts. Spring held a moment of silence for those who were lost and the pale girl dipped her head, closing her eyes. She thought of Saena and Milo, and Des-- Valette who never made it back with them.

from behind shreya's hocks indra watched the group, her chestnut-hued gaze somewhat shielded -- she may have been there, but she felt distant and isolated. casmir had shaken her from her daydream, and halfheartedly she opened her jaws in a yawn but offered no retort. not even the premise of a hunt could lift the child from her sunken spirits -- quietly she stole a glance to laurel to see if she had caught onto the prospect. indra's ears flipped forward as spring mentioned those that were lost -- who was lost? milo? but who else? her brow furrowed deeply, a long, trench-like wrinkle forming on her normally cheerful face.  she wanted to query, she wanted to know -- but for some reason she could not unstick her tongue from the roof of her clenched mouth.

Things were good here at the Creek. They had a new mated couple, a new Beta, the girls were growing strong, food was returning, and Spring was on top of things. But the next subject was not quite as cheery.

When the Alpha called for a silence to honour those they'd lost, Shreya obliged. She thought of Milo and Saena, and for a moment seemed to flit back to those she'd lost long ago.

But then, unexpectedly, her mind settled on Reek and stayed there.

It was hard to decipher anything from the look on Laurel's face; if anything, she looked bored during the moment of silence that was held. If anyone had paid attention during Spring's words they might've noticed that the girl hadn't been paying much attention to what was said at all, busy trying to seduce a butterfly to come on over and then, losing her patience, pouncing at it to make it fly away.

She just pouted and stared after the butterfly throughout the rest of the meeting and the silence, and let out a small wistful sigh as she watched the butterfly go. It wouldn't take long before she'd grow bored again.

Amber stayed wholly silent, feeling more and more out of place here. She knew very little of each wolf here, save her sister, and though she wanted nothing more than to fit in she was sure feeling awkward now. 
Spring talked about a hunt that Amber knew she would attend, and then asked for a moment of silence for those who couldn't be here today. Who all did she mean, the shadowy woman wondered, but nonetheless bowed her head and shut her ocean eyes. She hadn't known Saena, or Milo, Desna or Rexxar, but even without the knowledge of al those departed, she was still able to pay her respects to those she assumed fallen. Her thoughts went to a few of her own friends and family that weren't of this world, or even just this region, but for the most part her mind was blank. She'd accepted most as dead or happy, so there was no real worry anymore.

Next round ends July 24.  Edit: Giving extra time for @Amber and @Indra.

Everyone obeyed and gave a moment of silence for those that had been lost.  Although Spring could tell that Laurel looked unhappy.  For a brief moment a small frown lay on her features, but then it was gone almost as quick as it came as she tried to cover it up.  Perphaps Laurel was just pouting because she missed the ones that Silver Creek had lost... maybe.  She let the silence go on for two more minutes before she spoke again.

"Thank you."  She told her wolves both respectively and gratefully.  Then paused for a few seconds before continuing.  Thsi time giving her wolves a chance to communicate about anything that was simply going on in their lives and they felt like sharing.  She wanted to bring Silver Creek closer together.  Make it a family pack.  Spring smiled lightly.  "So tell me.  Has anyone had anything going on recently that they feel is worth sharing while we are all together?"  She asked them all, the waited to see if anyone would reply.  Her gaze feel on Laika, along with her smile for a moment, then shifted away.

The silence ended, and for Laika, a weight lifted off her shoulders. It was odd, but she was glad for it. Then, Spring started the next topic and glanced at Laika for a good long moment. Piercing blue eyes scanned the small audience quietly. Shreya, Amber, the pups, Spring and Casmir. The pack had grown very small in the past few weeks. She knew Shreya knew, and just by looking at Amber, Laika had figured that Casmir had told her. She had just told Spring, and the pups would find out soon enough, it wasn't worth sharing with these wolves. It would be old news to them. 

She glanced quickly at Casmir as if to clear with him whether he wanted to or not. She would let him if he wanted, figuring, why not? She did not know of Casmir adopting the puppies, for he had not told her.

Cas was silent -- no one spoke after Spring, and he took the time to grin at Laika again. it was obvious he was unable to keep his eyes off her -- after all, how could he? they were mates. it occurred to him that there was something else he needed to add, about Indra and Laurel and his intention to adopt them, but the words stuck in his throat, and he swallowed, hoping someone else would speak.

Laurel didn't at all notice any of the tension ringing through some individuals. She looked around the group and as Spring fell silent and asked for others to speak she loudly bellowed, "BO-RING!" It'd been pretty boring when Spring was talking, but now that silence had fallen over the group of wolves that were her pack Laurel was even more bored. Nobody wanted to play with her and nobody was paying attention to her — what a terribly boring day!