Stone Circle What can break me has a name

Pack meeting <3 No posting order for this round. 

@Moss @Bjorn @Vale Enid @Astrid @Kristjan @Ujurak @Sven @Swift and also for reference, @Tauris, @Figment and @Bonario

Mist rose on the warming morning air, lifting in a haze above the circle of stones. Skáld walked amongst the giant stone behemoths, his breath rising to blend with the rest of the haze as it rose toward a rosy sky. The peak of the tallest stone was already bathed in quiet light, and soon the rest would feel the sun's warmth as well. At this time of day, the world shone. In the wake of his near-death experience, Skáld developed a new appreciation for small, beautiful things. 

Even though summoning the pack together should have been an easy task it felt like a burden, and caused him to frown and think deeply as the line of sunlight slowly drifted down toward the base of the stones. When he felt it warm his back he closed his eyes and reveled in its warm touch. He was surprised to find that Gunnar's voice drifted into his mind, followed closely thereafter by the image of his face. He felt a pang of grief, tasted a breath of air, and smiled through it.

His voice still somewhat hoarse from the bout of pneumonia he had suffered, he sang out, inviting them all to come and bring their voices together. He was nervous, but felt reassured at the same time that he was doing the right thing. Only time, and discussion, would tell.

Bjorn was the first to hear the call of Skald, and the first to appear before him, surround by the stone giants that surrounded them, ever watchful.

He stood proudly in front of Skáld, lowering his head in respect. “Good morning, Anda Skáld.” Bjorn had no idea why the Anda’s howl rang out, for what reason they were called, but he was ready, ready to listen.

Sven came running. Sliding in like a motorcycle on a side turn near about laying down. All knees and elbows. Wide slate eyes in pretty freckled face.

Hi Skaska.

A baby nickname he had never taken back. It fit his brother. Just as Ska did. The center of their hearts. The man who kept them together. Loved them like Fadir.

The summons had caught Swift at the right time — at the conclusion of his hunt. Successful, he carried the plump ground squirrel to the stones, his head carried high and proud and he strolled cock-sure in to join the few who had already gathered. He was certain to look around to see if anyone noticed what a good catch he had made, and this alone was the reason he came. To show it off.

His mother was the only figure in his life to hold authority he seldom disrespected, and with her gone he would have joyfully ignored poor Skald, who did not at all deserve the boy's dismissal. Although it wasn't so much about Skald himself as that Swiftlet couldn't endure boredom whatsoever, and pack meetings were a bore. He could think of a hundred things he'd rather do, but mostly —

He would rather hunt.

A familiar voice weaved through the air. Heeding the summons, the stone prince made haste to join the gathering. Slowing his stride as the stones came into view.

Pausing outside of the circle, his eyes traveled to each face: both wolven and stone. He lingered the longest upon the Patriarch Stone and an old ache resurfaced in his chest.

With a brisk shake Ujurak entered the circle. Smiles given to those present. His step was purposeful as he picked his way to his brother. Bumping the bridge of his nose to Sven's shoulder as he settled beside him.

Good morning.

Turquoise eyes to Skáld. Bright and inquisitive.

change was coming to kvarsheim yet again, and somehow, astrid knew it.
the girl's teenage moons were being spent in careless apathy, living in the shadows and watching snow accumulate over the fields that were once green. only recently did she begin to speak again, smile again, laugh again, and even still, it felt wrong.
but that morning, as skald's voice touched her ears and she felt the warmth of sunlight upon her back, something inside her shifted. it sounded, to her, like desperation; like he needed her. and that was enough to momentarily break her from her catatonic spell. she came to the stone circle with a plod, unease heavy in her bones, and yet she looked to her brothers as if to say i'm still here.

Moss, having caught the hoarse call of the one whose fur danced in the wind like licks of fire, made their way to his side. As they approached, their gaze drifted over the figures gathered: Bjorn, themself, and Skald, along with the remaining children—at least the ones routinely found around camp.

Skald, are you alright? Have the others returned? The man asked with a hopeful lift of the nose, seeking Tauris's scent in case she lurked out of view.

Finding no trace, he shifted uneasily on his paws. If the other adults hadn't returned, then there were only a handful of reasons for this gathering, and none of them boded well.

Your health hasn't taken another turn for the worse, I hope,  Anda? 

Kristjan arrived eagerly to the summons; not unlike a ray of light filtered through morning fog. He beamed at his packmates, still filled with an insurmountable joy at the return of their Anda, and he greeted them each with affection.

Great catch! he told Swift, giving his pseudo-brother a friendly nudge on his ruffled shoulder as he appraised the tricky catch in his jaws. The silver-trimmed boy was turning out to be an excellent hunter, Kristjan had noticed, though the arrogant trapper hardly needed the reassurance. Give me some pointers later on?

He detoured to give Skáld, Bjorn, and Moss his warmest regards before joining the line of his siblings. He gave each of his littermates an adoring nibble or nuzzle, then reclined tall beside Astrid, looking expectantly towards the Anda.

The wind carries a mixture of wolf song and scent to call her forth. To join her fellows in the stone circle. Heeding the call of their Anda, she is quick on her feet. Ears swiveling for any additional notices.

She takes her place within the circle. Gaze sweeping the gathering. How many were they missing yet? All of Gunnar and Taktuq's children were present. Swfit too. But only Skáld stood present for their leadership. Bjorn and Moss both were present as well. Her tongue parted her lips briefly before she set her brightened her face with a polite smile.

She could only wait patiently to hear why they've been gathered.

Round two! Thank you for joining so fast! 

I have been given permission to PP Tauris' presence at the meeting. NPC characters are still technically in the pack; if you have any questions regarding their behaviors, please check the notes by their name in the rank table :)

No posting order!

The kindly Bjorn was the first to arrive, his respectful nature evergreen and welcoming. Skáld rose as he arrived, albeit a bit shakily, but did not move forward to touch noses; the lingering symptoms of pneumonia weren't contagious, but he was still quite sniffly and congested. "Good morning, Bjorn," He said, his voice still a bit rattly coming from the very depths of his chest. He cleared his throat, and his voice improved. "Sun feel good, hmm?" He asked, basking in its early yet considerable warmth. 

His ear flicked when he heard the skittering of paws, in time to see Sven bolting toward them. He lowered into a stiff playbow as the boy skidded to a halt, and gave him a light chuff as he rose. "Sven-Sven," He said, with a bob of his head and merriment in his eyes. 

Tauris and Figment's son came next with a high step, carrying a small creature Skáld assumed he had killed only moments before coming to the meeting. "Good hunt?" He asked, though by this point, he was used to the ambivalence that the boy often projected. He couldn't help but wonder why it was that children went through the phase of pushing loved ones away- but he did feel that it would likely only be temporary. The boy could be forgiven for his youth. 

Moving to arrive next to Sven was Ujurak, and Skáld blinked his eyes at the boy as he gave him a nod. He was a keen and dedicated young man; he approached the gathering with the same, benevolent grace that he (and his siblings) came by honestly. 

He thought he noticed a difference in Astrid than what he had been seeing lately. He saw her look to her brothers with more shine in her eyes than he had seen in some time, and it gave him hope. He gave her a quiet croon, and a faint smile. She was one of only a handful of young women in the pack, and the only one present of her age. He had faith she would blossom in the company of her brothers, and kept his expectations high, that the boys would treat her well. 

Moss came, and seemed to be the most concerned. It was nothing less than what he should expect from the Laeknir, who seemed sensitive to the impending changes. He gave the wispy wolf a reassuring smile, as bravely as he could. "I heal," He assured him, with a nod. He had certainly been worse, two weeks ago, and he could have suffered much worse still. 

Weaving himself in to the mix came Kristjan, looking as outgoing and confident as ever. He watched to see if Swift would be encouraged by Kristjan's compliment, hoping that perhaps the two might be close enough to shake a smile out of the dark boy. 

Vale Enid joined them next, looking just as curious as the others, cataloguing the presence of who had arrived cleverly. It seemed as though some of the children were happy to be invited; some of the adults looked as though they were waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

Tauris joined them, and Skáld cast her a smile. He still wished he could have done better- but reality was tough, sometimes. Stress had aggravated his health issues, which was not something he could afford to risk again. A kind stranger had rescued him once, but he could not count on such a thing happening every time. 

"Greetings, all," He said, his voice quiet, slightly nasal from his congestion. "I thank, for you coming. I ask we talk for some things," He said. He felt a bit self-conscious, speaking in the common tongue. Icelandic would have been much easier for him, but it would not likely have suited everyone who was present. He caught an encouraging look from Tauris, so he continued. "I do have...Health scare," He admitted. "Walk in sleep, uhm...Fall, in ice," He explained. "Was safe, by lone man- but sick, uhm, two weeks." They would know enough from the sound of his voice, from the way even simple sentences left him out of breath. 

"Want lead, but," He said, and he shook his head. He tried to smile, but found his soft, curl-trimmed ears fall back against his head. "Skáld not strong...Hard to speak...Not good alone. I look not for help," He said, "But for...New. New leader. Probably leaders; is easier, more than one." He said. "I step down; new rank, of Hirdir. Shepherd. To help." He hoped the offer to help would be amenable. 

He drew in a breath, only to find something caught in his throat, and caused him to cough a few times before he could get his lungs clear. "Sorry," he said, taking in another breath that finally went down smoothly. His eyes lingered for a moment on the children. Birthright might entitle them all- as they had all been born of leaders. He did not wish to overlook those who had been with the pack for some time, and so he would leave the discussion to be open. He hoped, with his glance, to inspire the children to volunteer. 

"You want step up, step forward, now."

Sven tilted his head. Looked 9ver Skald with concern. He was not as hale as he had been. He was worried for him. Moreso as he elaborated. He looked to his siblings and then shifted and spoke up.

I will help whoever leads in a support role. Ujurak is stone prince, but Swifts mother Tauris. Was last leader.

He tilted his head in deference to Tauris though a small part of him felt stranhed to admit such. It had been his fadir that had led. True leader.

astrid listened. skáld was tired already; the weight of kvarsheim rested entirely upon his shoulders, and now he needed — help.
the girl's heart pounds against her ribs. sven suggests ujurak and swift; swift! as if! wetting her lips, with a wavering voice and eyes that trail over to her brother, she spoke: i will be nornir, it was not a question, but not a demand either; she says it as if it is predestined. and i want ujurak as our hjarta. i am pabbi's only daughter. this land belongs to his children.

“It is indeed, Andá. I hope it continues to warm, then the icy rivers will thaw.” This meant that fishing could become his regular task again, something he took pride in. Bjorn then sat quick, watching as wolves began to trickle into the gathering among the stones. Once they were gathered, almost all together, he hadn’t expected what Andá Skáld had announced.

He was stepping down. Not to mention, his health wasn’t at its peak, and he felt bad for the man, but appropriate measure should be taken when one’s health is on the line.

He looked around as Andá Skáld left the discussion of who would volunteer to step up open. The children, even thought they are still young, were almost entitled, it would seem, being that they were children of the leaders. In this case, he believed that Taktuq and Gunnar’s children should be a good choice, as it was Gunnar who led this pack before Tauris. He would stay out of this, as this wasn’t entirely up to him, nor would he likely be chosen for leadership. If he was asked, he would reply, but for now, he sat there, tall and strong, just as the very stones they were surrounded with.

More arrived to attend Skald, who had garnered Swift's attention for the time being after remarking on the success of his hunt. To the boy's delight, Kristjan also noticed him. He sat even more proudly, his tail thumping in the manner of a twitterpated rabbit's foot. He chirped 'sure!' in reply, agreeing to teach Kristjan some of the things he knew.

Swiftlet did not have so long to float on this high cloud, as in short order Skald got to the reason he had called them all here. Though the boy's attention wandered through the gaps of the Anda's broken speech, his ears caught new leader, anchoring his attention more surely. Not expecting this, he shot a sidelong glance to his mother. But one among them was was quick to seize her chance, prompting Swift to drop his squirrel and barge forward himself.

No you won't! He said, squaring himself in front of Astrid. It should be me! Like Sven said, she— his head jerked to indicate Tauris —is my mother. So that makes me next in line!

Kristjan gawped at the news.

Bróðir Skáld stepping down! He had not ascended long ago; what did this mean for the rest of them? Unease made his skin twitch as he sensed a fresh tempest of strife rising among those gathered.

Sven, ever steady, spoke first in favor of their littermate. Kristjan's eyes widened, turning to look for Ujurak's reaction. Astrid's following proclamation jarred him further, causing his heart to race, but it was Swift's... well, swift interjection that nearly sent him into cardiac arrest.

None of them were old enough or experienced enough to be taking on this role! All of it was wrong — nay! — impossible!

His gaze fled helplessly to Tauris, to Bjorn, to Moss, to Vale, none of whom seemed eager to overlap the quarreling children or resolve this for them. Was this a test of their faith? Resilience? Loyalty?

Were they really being asked to step up when they'd barely just found their own legs?

Hold on! Kristjan barked, rising to stand alongside Swift in facing his sister. None of us should lead, he objected, glancing between his littermates and the Nornir's son. At least not alone. We should share the responsibilities equally.

He sighed. Actually, we shouldn't have to step up like this at all, but if we have to, then it must be fair to all of us. Right? Kristjan implored the four of them with a vulnerable look. We're family. We shouldn't fight, we have to agree. Together.

Lemmikki watched in the backdrop, lingering close enough to be observed but far enough to not be considered a nuisance. She did not want to interfere, or say anything anyone might disagree with to earn the ire of now another set of leaders. 

Her heart sank. Skáld knew her, at least. She knew him well enough. But Lemmikki did not know the sons and daughters of Gunnar or of Tauris—not their fault, she knew. 

So she listened to them grapple over titles. And her faith felt a little more shaken. They wanted it because they were owed it—by those too dead to argue the point. She did not know them well enough to know if they would agree with their cubs. Why wouldn’t they, though? Lemmikki knew very little about the world, but it felt like parents were meant to make sure their little ones got the things that they needed—and wanted. 

But she found she did not think that meant anything. Not that her own thoughts mattered here, not really…

And then Kristjan spoke. It was his words that rang in her ears. Him who seemed to care about the big picture, the pack. 

Her eyes stayed on him—he had become her own choice. But she did not speak it, thinking that her voice did not matter enough to be heard.

It was a moment before Moss found the ability to speak again, the shock rattling his brain and causing all coherent thoughts to slide off.

They're children! they stammered finally, speaking out above all the fighting — the huni fighting.  It's their birthright to lead, but there's no need for them to claim it so soon! His eyes sought out Tauris, the nornir who had welcomed him into the pack, the one he had placed his trust in, now shattered.

There are many adults here capable of leading. We have no right to ask them to sacrifice their youth, he declared, his tone unwavering, one ear pinned back. And beyond that, what would the other packs think of us, relying on our youngest to do the work of those twice their age? There was no hiding the disgust laced in his voice, despite his best efforts to remain composed.

Shameful.

Skáld held Ujurak's attention, a frown pulling at the corners of his lips and his eyes rounded with concern for their elder brother. The afflictions to his health evident in the strain upon his voice. Ujurak drank in Skáld's follwing words slowly. Turning over their Anda's intentions in his mind as one would a stone. As he processed the impending change, his littermates spoke.

Sven and Astrid had both nominated him! Shock stilled his tongue as Swfit and Kristjan made their own objections to what each of his siblings suggested. Collecting himself, he added his own voice to the mix.

We would not be alone in leading, Ujurak was quick to point out to his brother, Skáld will be Hirdir. To keep us from going astray.

Ujurak's own eyes searched beyond the circle of youth. Turquoise gaze flicking between the adults. Moss made it very clear that they did not want the huni to lead. In his heart Ujurak couldn't find it in him to truly disagree. But overshadowing that was a worry that turned his blood cold. If none of them wanted to lead... would they still have a home anymore? Turquoise eyes then snapped to the patriarch stone. Fadir still rest there. In that second he resolved that he would not leave if Kvarsheim itself did not stay.

Ujurak's voice was quieter in the wake of the adult's outburst. I do not want Skáld to die leading if he cannot focus on his health. It did not matter if Skáld was not that sick. The stone prince did not want to lose another member of his family so soon.

If no adults want to lead, Swift, Astrid, and I all could be leaders. We shouldn't have just one. But there is only Hjarta, Nornir, and Anda. We cannot all be leaders.

A lot of my emphasis in this thread will be put more onto Ujurak.

Vale's ears picked up to see Tauris arrive and stand besides Skáld. She sat silently as Skáld broke his news. Her expression changed from tentative, to sympathetic, to bewilderment. The children began arguing amongst each other at the request for more leaders. Trying to decide amongst each other who should lead. Her attention turning to Bjorn and Moss. The former holding his tongue while the latter spoke out against the notion.

She quirked her head to Moss. They weren't exactly offering themselves to the role.

Who was she to talk? She wasn't jumping at the bit either.

Caution chose her words, Let alone other packs. Do we think any of the huni are ready to learn how to be leaders?

Next round! No posting order :)

There were a great many details to take into consideration with the conversation that Skáld opened, and he would find out soon enough. He knew the conversation might open a can of worms, but he probably should have realized that in putting leadership accessible to all, he was opening up a can of very live, wriggling worms. 

With each interjection, the look of concern on his face grew. He was eager to hear each volunteer, taking note not only of their words but their tone of voice. From the children there was no shortage of willingness, though they grasped for something he thought perhaps that they did not fully comprehend. Few them seemed cautioned or discouraged by what they had seen their previous leaders go through.

And from the adults came either silence (which he figured was acceptance) or, in Moss's case, scorn. He wondered if he should ask Moss which adult had stepped up while he had been missing- but thought better of it. It wasn't worth opening an additional can of worms.

"This land is belonging to-" He gestured with a sweeping motion of one paw. "All of us. I am born here. Moss, Vale, Bjorn not born here- but: here, is both our home. Gunnar, Tauris, Figment- all not born here either, but this is home, and will be home, for all who live here. Now, and tomorrow, and tomorrow's tomorrow." He hoped with this statement to dismiss that any wolf should have precedence over another simply because of their birthplace. He didn't want to discredit the value of those who had not been born on the land. They were just as important to the pack's well-being. 

"We need more than one leader. Does not must be children," He said, offering a glance to Moss, so he would be assured that this wasn't a role offered only to the young. "But leader must both want, and be wanted. They-" He gestured to the Huni, with the first spark of a smile that had finally made its way to his lips since the complicated discussion had begun, "Want." 

Leadership had been something passed on, or accepted by those who took on the role from ailing hands. Now, it was something to be seized by those who could blaze forth with it and weather its burn. 

The other adults, the ones who were most likely to understand the nuances of the roles, had not stepped forward. Skáld in took what he had seen, and felt that the instinct to lead was enough; the rest could be learned. 

He looked to them, to think through which among them had spoken only for themselves, and which had mentioned others as well. He weighed their confidences and their willingness to cooperate. He was the authority, at the moment, but at the same time found himself floundering with the idea that he might be called upon to make a decision. That was why this had begun as a conversation, in the first place. 

Perhaps it was best to narrow things down. 

"We sort Anda in a moment. If I say Ujurak as Hjarta, Astrid as Nornir." He proclaimed, though there was an air of questioning to his tone. "Any strong disagree?"

The two would have to weather more than light disappointment if they hoped to be leaders. They would have to withstand criticism, questioning, and doubt.

The bear listened keenly to Andá’s speech. The land belong to the pack as a whole, for it was a home to all who lived among the stones. Bjorn believed himself better suited to a protector role, a hunter, but leadership was not something he’d prepared for. One cannot really be prepared for leadership and what all entails it. 

At the end of his second speech, he proposed that there should be more than one leader, and to this, Bjorn gave a nod. His second proposal was that Ujurak took the role of Hjarta and Astrid of Nornir. There would be no disagreement from The Bear. “Nay.” He said with a shake of his head. He then waited to hear what his fellow pack mates had to say.

Disclaimer: I, out of character, do not want to potentially put a stop the the child leadership plot, especially when you guys are so excited for it <3 Everything here is purely in character, and I've been planning on having Moss leave Kvar anyway so this is a perfect excuse for him to move on :) /gen

---

If no one here who has at least experienced their twelve-moon is willing to offer themselves to the role, then I will, the man replied, I know I haven't claimed this place as my home for long, but Kvarsheim is very dear to me, and I want it to thrive.

He paused, his gaze drifting downward briefly as he gathered his thoughts, before lifting his eyes once more to meet the assembled group. Vale brought up a good point, he acknowledged with a nod. Why should they bear the weight of leadership while still in the bloom of their youth? When they are still discovering the wonders of all four seasons for the very first time? When they have not yet learned what it means to lead?

Would it not be wise to let them experience the responsibilities of overseeing a pack without plunging them headfirst into it? He appealed to the group, his gaze sweeping around in search of someone who would agree. It's not that I doubt their capability, and Ujurak is correct—they would have each other and you, Anda, but could they not train as Kennari or Foredri first?

I don't want them to feel such an overwhelming pressure before their time, or to confront situations they won't know how to navigate and grow to view the inexperience that accompanies their age as sin.

There was a pause before they spoke again, their thoughts running clearly across their face. If they must be the ones to take up the mantle, then I will begin my search for a new place to call home. I... don't want there to be a chance that I become part of their anxieties. My talents do not lie in the physical—I am here as a caregiver and storyteller. I don't want to become another mouth they worry about feeding when I have no one left to care for.

Sven's head lifted and he looked around him. He stepped forward on stocky paws. Gun metal eyes narrowed as he took them all in.

First he looked at Swift. Calm Swift. You can disagree, but you do not yell at Child of Stones. We would not yell at you also child of stones.. We stay calm. Too much badness is brought forth without good intent.

He took a deep breath and centered himself. it is true. We are young and inexperienced, but we have Skald. We have Tauris to lean on should we need it. Our fadir did not say wisdom was only for the elders. With each lesson wisdom grows, no? We were born as heirs. This is what we were birthed for. Sooner than expected, but still what is meant, yes? Do we wish to see Skald step down? Of course not, but I would rather have my eldest brodir alive than sick and suffering.

Sven frowned. I stand beside my siblings or behind. Even in front if I must and keep evils at bay. Whatever they need. I trust Skald to help us find a good leader. And every voice deserves to be listened too. And we all must learn.

He frowned. How about? Perhaps trial periods? Or a vote. Each wolf who wishes to lead can say why they should or shouldn't?

astrid was rankled. the heckling and shouting only continues to worsen, and now the girl postures with an icy scowl shot into the crowd. you're all cowards.
if we're too young for this, then why are none of you stepping up to offer yourselves? huh? an ugly smirk coils across the sow's face. our parents have lived and died here for many years. long before most of you even knew this land existed! these stones are our blood! it belongs to me and my brothers, and none of you have the right to take that from us after you watched us bury pabbi six feet under and let mamma disappear in her grief.
she looks now to ujurak, to sven, to kristjan; her meek little brothers, expecting them too to exercise their voices and demand respect.

Despite his entitlement, which in himself was born mostly of defiance and jealousy, Swiftlet was in no way a fitting choice for leader. The pups were unified as poor candidates by their age and inexperience, but Swiftlet in particular had no sound arguments in support of himself and worse, he had no consideration for what was good for the pack. He looked upon the opportunity as a means to having his own way while never being told by anyone what he could or couldn't do. It was a chance for unbridled fun. He had no sense of responsibility.

Kristjan's steady presence beside him and good reason was enough to uncoil some of the tension that had gathered within Swift, but when Sven started to lecture he swung his head and glowered with all of it and more, finding the other boy patronizing. But, distracted by a quarrel he had with the word badness in proximity to himself and not very clever in these ways, he was unable to retort before the debate advanced.

Skald nominated two.

Swift was not one of them.

In that moment, the young wolf felt a deep and foreign hurt. One that drained his headstrong spirit so severely that not even the reckless condemnations Astrid spewed were enough to incite him when moments before he had been ready to fight. The offences he found in her words became part of the dark cloud that brewed above him; something to carry along and be rained upon by later.

Screw this. He muttered.

Swiftlet gathered his squirrel and left.

Swiftlet exit! Excuse this shithead. He has some GrOwInG uP tO dO lol.