Wheeling Gull Isle Those long winter nights

Hello everyone! This is the second of three threads for the winter solstice festival! The only one mandatory is the pack howl which means posting here is optional and if you want to do just a cameo that's fine too! Happy winter solstice everyone! 
Location: LAVENDER XIN! 
 @Maegi @Natshana @Orochi @Aimi @Mou @Tzila @Jaime @Hide @Gailiv @Renwick @Xiaoqing @Nuwu @Haoming @Luli @Sotiris

But hours ago had Yuelong's Empress called out to her subordinates. A howl that would call out to all those whom called themselves loyal members of Yuelong. A united howl which would mark the beginning of the this winter's festival. The winter solstice would mark the longest night of the year which would follow a cold, trailing season to come. Together and only together would they prosper. 

Since then, Aiolos and his Empress had begun to make preparations for the feast they would be having that day. It was late in the morning now and whether or not others would being something to add to the feast, the leading pair had been much at work. Together they had dug through some of the caches, picking out pieces of rodent, seal and even pronghorn. Then they took to the tides, picking fresh crab and lobster from the pools as well as catching fish for the group. 

Now assorted into a great pile lay the food as Aiolos settled down onto the open field. Though long now had the lavenders died, it was still a good spot to lay out in the grasses with the open ocean out in front of them. A good of time as any, the red coated wolf tipped up his muzzle and called out for his brethern to join him in the festivities.

They had worked together to arrange something like a potluck. The food from the caches was hunted by most of the adults; thus nearly everyone had some piece in this contribution, even if they didn't show up. In her jaws Huā held the last of her work- a sea bass- which she dropped into the makeshift pile, before moving over to Aiolos. It was important that some was hunted that morning, too- to take everything from only the caches would down the supply too quickly, and so there was a good mix of hunted meat and freshly-caught seafood. The empress nudged his shoulder in a friendly manner before settling down beside him, and inwardly hoped this little gathering and celebration might bring even just a couple of their members some joy.

He was not much of a hunter; it was difficult when he lacked the sufficient depth-perception. But his nose worked, and Mou had a startling amount of stamina. He had tracked down a pair of geese and alerted one of the other members of the pack to it, then watched as both were dispatched over the course of an hour. One was taken by the hunter. The other Mou grabbed, hauling it from where it had died and carrying it (in a lopsided manner) to where the feast was being prepared.

As he came upon Hua and Aiolos he gave a grunt. The caches had been stripped of their spoils and there were some fish there too, and Mou hoped to add the fat goose to the pile. He spread out on a patch of sand and began the tedious work of stripping the body of its feathers.

The scent of lavender permeated the evening, even long after the death of the crop itself.  Its calming aroma wafted around Natshana (who often rolled in the herb to work as a somewhat constant perfume in her fur) while the soothing effects continued to work their magic.  She currently approached with a small branch of juniper berries clasped between her jaws.  If she could not help hunt, she would provide relief in other ways.  Stepping forward, she would offer a respectful nod to Mou - whom she was unfamiliar with - prior to advancing on the feast before her.  Setting down the branch off to the side so as not to be confused with the food, she bowed her head to both Huā and Aiolos.

"Empress, Emperor, thank you for the feast, and happy solstice," she spoke warmly as her eyes soon indicated the juniper berries nearby. "For bellyache," a bit of humor shone in her moonlit gaze. "Although, it can give strength and calmness, too." Natshana politely bobbed her head one final time before selecting a lobster for herself.  She had yet to try much seafood since joining Yuèlóng.  Tonight she would change that.  The apothecary settled within range of the other wolves but not in any of their immediate areas.

Tzila too, answered the call from Aiolos. Although her mood for the festivities had lessened since last night, she still wanted to participate, if only to try and grow closer to her pack mates. As she crossed towards the Lavender Xin, moonlit eyes darted to the side, where empty space lay before her. She breathed a sigh. Ideally, Astaroth would have been with her now, but he was still absent. Still away on his trip. It was getting harder for her to keep her spirits up without him around.

Upon her arrival, she looked over those who had gathered. Her Empress and Emperor were already there of course. Two others, a man and a woman she knew little of, were also here. She had not come with no contribution. In her jaws she held the limp carcass of a freshly caught sea otter. An adolescent, too young and inexperienced to have escaped her teeth. Wordlessly, she deposited it at the pile, nodding to her leaders.

Anyone else is still free to join- free for all and no post order. I just wanted to get this up while I had time!

A smile, given to his Empress as she nudges him and comes to settle at his side. Their packmates begin to filter in, some of which he knew little of (Mou), one of which was newer but often seen on the move (Nat) and one of which had been loyal to their ranks for quite some time (Tzila). A dip of his muzzle was given to Mou whom brought them a goose and began to pluck well at it. Then to Natshana who he smiles to, sniffing the berries she had brought. Happy solstice to you, Natshana. I think I may try a few. He spoke, nosing around the berries and then eating a few. They were bitter, peppery it seemed and odd on his tongue. It would do him well however if he found himself enjoying the feast a little too well. 

Turning to Tzila as she settled down the young otter, he smiles to the woman the same, fiery eyes looking over her and the gloom she wore. He knew why, of course, having been kept from the one he had so desired too. He knew little of her and Astaroth's relationship, however. It was just something Aiolos did not pry into. In the mood for anything specific, Tzila? He offered the woman, eyes passing to Mou who still worked on the goose and to the pile which they had since added to. And Natshana, have you had Sea food before? Otter and bass are both quite nice. But he was not a picky eater, either. 

Seeping his attention between everyone, The winter solstice is a cause for celebration to the Moon, who we pray will guide us through the dark winter to come. What better way to celebrate then a day of feast, story and song among those we call Pack? Aiolos tosses his gaze to Hua, who was far better with words to call the attention of her people then he.