Redtail Rise gunmetal

technically optional but the more the better!  Redd wants the pack to elevate a Berserker if possible… though it is also flexible.  If they choose to elevate another rank we can always accommodate that!  Basically I am hoping to icly choose a third leader to replace Masque

Rounds will last 3-4 days or however long it takes everyone to post!  That may adjust as the thread progresses, we’ll see what happens

With a few days thought to center her, Wealda summoned the pack together.  It was time for them to rally.  It had been too long since the pack had been one, too long spent fractured and wandering alone.  The hunt lead and she had done some of what they could, but they needed a third to bind them.  Someone who could help them in ensuring the pack remained united.

The call was authorative, indicating that those who attended would be establishing another leader.  Her decision would be the final one but she would set no wolf up for failure.  If a majority of the pack did not support them then they would be better served to remain as is.

@Mountain Boulder and @New Snow.  Both loyal and true, and if the latter did not arrive, Redd would know why.  She was the obvious choice in the Wealda’s eyes, but she was also carrying the future of the rise.  Could a wolf lead from a whelping den?  Redd did not know, and her own anxieties did not help in this regard.  She shook them off.

Their children, @Saturdays Sunrise and @Moon Runner, were young.  But they weren’t to be discounted.  Neither were her own siblings:  @Carrion, @Redsky, @Mulherin, @Roamer.  She did not know any of them well but she wished to know more of them.  Perhaps this would afford an opportunity.

And finally, @Sylvan, the newest of them.  He had yet to establish his own place here but that did not matter.  He was pack; he would not lead but would help them to decide who would.

Redd waited patiently, seated in the open near the center of their claim.  She would wait for a majority to arrive before she addressed them, though she would take the opportunity to greet each as they came into the vicinity.

Sylvan was not far when Wealda called. He'd been pursuing a trail, but abandoned the endeavor in favor of gathering with the rest. It was not so long ago that he'd voiced his own confusion regarding the hierarchy of the pack; now it seemed it would change.

Newly settled as he was, he held no strong opinions on the matter. It was curiosity that led him so quickly to the pack leader. Sylvan greeted her with a quick lowering of his muzzle and a glance cast around to see who else would come.

he had not led a hunt in a long while, and was pleased when blood star called them together, wondering if he should take the opportunity. yet it was not for hunting, her summons.

intrigue rose in the male. offering wealda a respectful greeting, a soft whine, mountain boulder would join the younger wolves this time, settled along them like a great stone rising from the earth. but they were hardly pups, he noted, all old enough to be on a hunt and prepared to feed the mothers to come.

he waited with interest.

She was growing heavier and heavier with child; New Snow knew not when the time would be that she bore cubs, only that with each passing day that it grew closer. The summons was one she could still answer, however—she lingered before one of the sites her mate had showed her, often drifting between them as of late as she began the process of determining her place to whelp. 

The she-wolf approached, keeping her posture respectful toward their Wealda. A swipe of her tongue to her cheek would be offered (unless nipped away). She walked in a self-assured manner, confident in her place here among her family—the alpha female amongst that number in her mind, and so too her siblings. Her maternal instincts were that much stronger as of late! 

While mindful of the woman’s place, New Snow walked with a different sort of air since the Caru departed. Until she returned, New Snow opted to behave the caretaker to all—assimilating as she must. New Snow had no designs to steal her place—once Blood Spot returned, New Snow would again adjust. 

She stepped alongside her mate and pressed her muzzle affectionately beneath his own, huffing a warm breath of greeting.

sunrise heard the call, and she made sure to stop her activities to rejoin the group with whatever the wealda was planning on saying to them. she could see both her parents were already present, though noticed that there was a new face that she didn't seem to know too well. after her tussle with the red girl, sunrise remained ever respectful, offering that low dip of the forehead and soft exhale of her nose. she nestled herself beneath the jaws of her parents, offering them both a delicate greeting before finding her place in the mix. she watches with curious eyes, wondering what may come of this event.

@Masquerade’s absence hit him harder than he expected, though they hadn’t interacted much in the days prior to her departure. The young Bjern was not one to third-wheel, but now regretted not pressing her to join. She was his closest family—he never fully fathomed what the Rise would be like without her in it. 

He spent his days idly, passing the time awaiting her return.

Redd’s voice cuts through the frigid air. The message she conveys concerns him; a new addition to Rise leadership.

But what about Masque?

His stomach swirls with uncertainty.

Dutifully, the boy abandons his post and answers the summons.

A crowd assembles, and he joins with ears drawn forth, alert and ever attentive.

Moon Runner abandoned a hunt, hot on a trail, to dutifully answer Wealda’s summons. She loped towards the gathering and began to mingle. Others had gathered and already settled. Moon Runner offered genial wags of her tail as she passed from wolf to wolf and gave them each a greeting suitable for their relationship and status.

She noticed a new face had joined them: a large, muscular agouti man in his prime. Moon Runner was unafraid but uncharacteristically wary.

Mother is vulnerable, the spirit thought.

Eventually, she settled with the others and looked to Wealda for more information.

The sound of snow and debris scattering under-paw and thudding hooves broke the otherwise still silence of the forest as Roamer skidded to a stop, panting. From this close, she knew the howler to be Redd and she could recognize the urgency in her sister's voice. It was a matter of great import, else Roamer might not have responded at all.

With a huff, she abandoned the injured doe that fled through the trees ahead of her and made a beeline for the gathering point. A shame. She had managed a few bites on the hindquarters and might have had a chance of miring it in the deeper snow of the meadow, primed for a group hunt, had she not been called away.

She arrived at a brisk clip, slowing only when she came within smelling distance of her pack. Her steps then were ponderous and measured, carrying her amidst the group with just enough time to examine each wolf present.

The newcomer received the first of her attention, an appraising stare that seemed to cut right through his fur and down to his skin. He was a large wolf, seemingly capable, and wholly unknown to the yearling. That last part was most important. Was this man here to upset the tenuous balance of Redtail Rise once again, or would he know his place and keep his head down?

A question to be answered in due time.

Roamer took the time then to reach out to Redd as her sister welcomed her to the rally, nudging the Wealda's chin in a show of respect and fondness. She spotted Mountain Boulder at the center of the congregation, surrounded by the spindly-limbed youth of the pack like trees clustered about the base of a mountain. No more poignant a symbol of pack unity could he pose than right there in the middle, with his round-bellied mate at his side and their daughter, whom Roamer offered a quick wag of the tail.

Their paler daughter came to greet Roamer next, a respectful yet unfamiliar exchange between yearlings who were brought up in the same home but had spent little quality time together. The silver dust girl did not speak, a fact Roamer had lamented more than once; what she would give to have a friend with whom to confide her innermost fears about the future. Moon Runner was an accomplished hunter as well. Perhaps she had the same fears, being of similar persuasion, but Roamer would never know.

She scanned the crowd once more, noting the continued absence of Masquerade and Riley. Their border scents were stale and what remained of their presence in Redtail Rise was nearly gone away. If they did not return soon, it would be like they had never been here, their imprints upon the land vanishing as surely as they had. A strange thought, for Masquerade had been a constant in her life and the Rise up until Avicus' passing. Roamer did not know how to feel about this, and so she pushed it to a dark corner of her mind.

She looked up when she spotted her brother in the crowd. Feeling relieved, Roamer made her way toward Mulherin, exchanging a quick glance as she settled in beside him. She thought his expression was a little drawn, a little pensive; he had always been close with Masquerade. Her absence here weighed on Roamer. Surely it weighed on him tenfold.

Roamer Redtail pursed her lips, turned her attention forward to the Wealda.

This was a meeting of grave import. The absence of Masquerade said why.

Today a new leader would be chosen. It would not be her. She did not think she would have their support even if she put her name forth, distant as she was while the world around her settled, and she was not cut out for Berserkr. It would not be her, but this occasion was nevertheless one of grave importance for her as well.

Today Roamer would decide if she would continue to hold fast to the bucking bull that was Redtail Rise, or if the thread of her patience would finally be severed by another upheaval.

It all came down to who stepped forward today.

others are welcome to join as they wish!  No posting order, next round in a few more days (depending on when I can get it posted also XD)

Pack rank information has been updated to reflect these changes

They gathered and it was gratifying for Wealda to see them intermingle.  Sylvan was given a look of acknowledgement, Mountain Boulder and New Snow both nips of subdued affection.  The latter moved slowly but appeared to be healthy.  Redd was glad that she had been able to come and join the pack.

Mulherin held back, but after Roamer greeted her, she went to join their brother where he was seated.  Redd noted this with approval before putting her mind to delivering the words she needed to speak.  She had put them together in the day before and tested them, knowing that addressing the pack would require statements she was not used to explaining in depth.  Even now she knew there might be questions.

The pack needs unity.  Leadership is mentorship, building pack strength.  Building pack bonds.  Redd began, iterating her own reason for seeking this and also what would merit a leader in her eyes.  Her gaze passed over each, seeking understanding.  If they wished to step forward and claim, this is what she would expect.

Hælend and Caru will lead.  Berserker still leads if needed.  Trēow will mentor and serve, following Hælend or Caru like Ulfr follow Ulfhedinn.  A new caretaker rank.  All would always hunt, and all would always protect, but some might wish to focus elsewhere.  Perhaps this would allow more freedom.

Caru mentors our future.  Hælend advises all.  Berserker ensures our defense.  Claim one and the pack will decide.

Wealda fell silent after this, watching and waiting.  She would have final say, and if none came forward, she had her own opinions.  Her own voice would never overwhelm the voice of all, however, and a wrong promotion would drive pack and leader to resentment.  Those who wished for responsibility would be best suited.

many of these words he knew, many he did not. mountain boulder watched the language of wealda's body.

she expanded their ranks. she spoke of offering to the others.

mountain boulders reached to nose each of the young wolves in turn, and perhaps for the first time, or perhaps another, he wished to have his own blood in leadership.

it was not only their right, it was that they would serve well.

but they belonged to the redtail youth, and the redtail youth belonged in turn to the land entire.

mountain boulder rumbled lowly, encouraging those who might come forward.

Moon Runner observed her packmates with a calm and interested gaze before Wealda used her words and body to convey a message to her comrades.

Blood Spot [Masqerade] and Rolling Thunder [Riley] had been absent for a long while. The pack called for them. Searched for them… but it seemed the newly mated pair had dispersed. Now, there were seats to fill for the pack to mend and move forward like a well-oiled engine. Wealda had made this clear.

Moon Runner missed their former Caru, despite the poignant clash following Red Woman’s death. She could see this in Shadow [Mulherin], River [Roamer], and the rest of the pack, as well. As the Caru, Blood Spot had helped raise Moon Runner’s generation to be level-headed and capable. Because of this, the young wolf felt the call to step forward. There was no ill-wish to replace what was lost, but rather Moon Runner wished to show what Blood Spot had taught them all.

Despite being an aspiring and formidable young hunter, Moon Runner inherited New Snow’s maternal qualities. With the pack’s new, and potentially only, litter on the way, the young she-wolf felt the genetic call to act as Trēow. She displayed this wish by licking Mother’s jaw subservantly. Mother [New Snow] was, in Moon Runner’s mind, the pack’s new Caru.

Then, her amber eyes turned to the only others she would trust in leadership: Sister [Saturday's Sunrise] and Shadow [Mulherin]. The two were both proven guardians who aggressively defended the pack. Either would make a fine Berserker, though Moon Runner couldn’t help but have a familial preference for Sister to take the role. Her ears perked, lips bowed into a smile. Moon Runner wished for them to prove their mettle. It would be exciting!

New Snow listened. Unlike years ago, when first she had joined, she could understand more—not always words, but tone was something she had become well versed in. To match it to a scent truly was what made her confident in landing such thoughts. This here was something serious—and New Snow knew well that Blood Spot had not returned to them, though she did not worry after the capable she-wolf. It was about that time where one of her age and maturity might disperse. 

To New Snow, it was not an upheaval; it was a part of life. Perhaps one of her daughters might go the following year, once they came into season—but she hoped that they would remain, for as long as life permitted. 

One daughter lapped at her chin, and New Snow crooned a low note. It felt a natural thing for her to step into the role that had been left behind—and to teach the youth of parenthood, of rearing the young and raising them to success, as she had with her man all these years. New Snow was in no state to fight for it, but she stood tall (and round) next to her mate then. 

It was not so much a literal step forward as it was a clear gesture that New Snow was adapting. She was as much a caretaker as she was a hunter—perhaps moreso, with her months in the whelping den. And the late Wealda had been as good a leader in that place as she had been outside of it, producing a strong legacy. 

Any one of them could turn into the next role that needed filling—she was not the only adaptable wolf within the Rise! Her golden gaze was proud as she peered at the family present, counting those that came from Avicus as her own. But her gaze turned to the young Shadow, and then to her daughter. Both capable. Both loyal. Both worthy. New Snow wondered if either of them felt prepared or equipped—or if perhaps with this latest change, they too might wish to go their own way.

anyone can totally dominate NS—full consent given for that power play if you’d prefer the role of Caru for your character!

changes, changes, changes. 

it was what spring always held out for-- changes. the rebirth of life, and it seems so now it is the rebirth of redtail rise. there is not much that sunrise can do to try and share how she feels. she could feel the void that had been made from the caru's absence, and it was clear that the pack was trying to move around this. sunrise watches her sister and mother closely and even her father before moving to focus back on the red girl.

shadow and her were the two that had offered their teeth to the pack, to spill blood in the name of the rise when push comes to shove. and certainly while sunrise's father held power, she knew that it was shadow's bloodline that claimed this land. she would not soil her relationship to him by battling.

so flame stalker tentatively takes that step forward, and a clicking of her teeth signifies that she offers herself to serve as a berserkr, should the time ever need her to, and should shadow not want the position. she wouldn't fight for it, not if he wanted it. there was no unity in her challenge.

there was a sense of acceptance for her mother and sister's decisions, sunrise does not move yet, however. her attention remained on shadow and red girl, to see what could be made from her offering.

catching up! probably my only post, since i wrote ANOTHER gd novella D;

More distant than ever, slunk into a pit of self-imposed isolation, Carrion belatedly joined her gathered packmates just as the choice of a new leader was dangled before the crowd like a bit of juicy prey. (Though "joined" would be a stretch of the imagination, as she appeared just within earshot of the Wealda, off to the side and well apart from those who stood properly before her.)

She was only here out of loneliness. Only just starting to miss what mild socialization she had enjoyed before. She had sheltered herself from all of it. All of the changes and the turmoil and the tragedy and aggression and heat! and confusing adult feelings and now another pillar gone gone gone—

She was exhausted, really, but now it had become apparent that in protecting herself, in sequestering away and letting things happen without her consent, she had potentially lost someone she didn't know she could miss.

Her sistermother had never been gone this long.

Which lent to the theory that she wasn't coming back, and whether because she wouldn't or couldn't hardly even mattered at this point. The fact was that Masquerade and her cock-eyed mate had left and not returned.

And, still, the world turned over day and night, again and again. Things went on, and now the new Wealda demanded another head. A replacement. Already?

Carrion blamed herself at first, for not showing any support for Masquerade in their most trying days. But the fact of the matter was that she simply did not have the emotional capacity to do so; to express the empathy required to comfort another or join in their grief. She'd shown the same indifference towards her own littermates at the death of their mother, nor had she cared enough about the leading rank to put any sort of thought towards who belonged there after.

She felt a renewed pang in her birdbreast as she watched the proceedings with a blank look. But it was lesser this time, as she had selfishly begun to replace her feelings of guilt with feelings of blame towards the one who was not here. It felt better this way. Because this way, she didn't have to think about what she might've done wrong.

So now, it was all on Masquerade: if she did not care enough to stay, then she should be replaced. And it wasn't their fault she was gone! Just because she lost a fight she'd initiated and no one else joined her? If she wanted the rank so badly then she should have fought again and again and again and again and—

Wait a tick. Had Masquerade thought that their love equated to her being Wealda? Did she want them - those who she'd literally cared for her whole life - to rise up and demand that she be Wealda? Was that actually too much to ask? Did it not make sense for her to lead when she had always been there, and Redd had only just returned?

No. Stop it. This sounds like you're responsible somehow, which can't possibly be true... Make it her fault again.

Masquerade had been indecisive herself on what she wanted and yet she expected them to make a decision? Did she expect to lead them despite the fact she had been injured and gave up the fight? If she felt unloved, it was because she wanted something she could not force herself into. She felt weak, so she left.

There. Much better.

Except, it didn't actually feel better. In fact, the only thing that erased both her guilt and irritation at the thought of Masquerade intentionally staying away was the thought that she might just be dead. Unable to return felt better than any other implication. Even this was preferable to imagining that she had been abandoned by another parent.

Carrion watched everything disinterestedly, completely unseeing and lost in her own thoughts, which quietly resumed its regularly scheduled program.

I guess...

Where a star has burnt out, another will shine.

The Rise was abuzz with activity. 

He greets all, Mountain Boulder, New Snow—now visibly pregnant, as well as her daughters with gestures of warmth.

For his sisters he is much more overbearing, especially once he is joined by Roamer. And the two offer their utmost attention for their Wealda.

all acknowledged except the new man, Sylvan, whom he had not been truly acquainted with.

The announcement begun. 

Redd, whom he had rarely heard speak, addressed them all with poise in her explanation. Caru, Haelend, Berserker, all needed filling.

His stare focused on their Wealda, questioning, searching, yet steadfast and stern—disappointed in a way.

Caru is not empty.

But Masquerade was not here to defend that. And that was something he could not secure for her.  A part of him still held guilt for backing Redd over her despite her sacrifices.

Moon Runner earned his strong support for becoming Trēow, and New Snow has his timely endorsement for Caru. However, when Masque came back, Caru would be hers again.

Now, as for Berserker..

Masquerade had trained him for this, wanted this for the both of them—

and so he owed it to her to make good and seize it. It hurt that she wouldn't get to see his attempt to do so.

A fleeting glance to his den-sister, the clack of her teeth—his opposition now. But there is hesitance in her step, and with that he wonders if they will need to duel at all.

In a bold woof, he steps forth and announces he will vie for Berserker.

it was their way.

new snow put herself for for caru. each of the remaining children had been reared in part by herself. she was a natural candidate, moreover because mountain boulder knew his unassuming but consistent mate would surrender the rank back to thorn caller — if there was a return.

moon runner opted for trēow. the yellow eyes approved of these positionings with a blink.

flame stalker moved to take up the mantle of bersekr. it was a natural continuation of her current rank, as well as budding ambition raising its head in the young wolf. this too, mountain boulder encouraged.

and there was no less urging in him when night eye challenged the daughter of hunt-lead and rise-mother. only one could hold the rank, and while mountain boulder would have preferred to see them spar for it, he knew a new way might be the option forward.

his gaze did not miss roamer; he wished to see her reaction. and nor did he overlook ermine, standing off and away from the rest.

but slowly the sunlit gaze returned as always to blood star, and he awaited the word of wealda.

this can be the last round! Sorry this stretched a bit longer than I wanted, but thanks for being patient <3 if @Mountain Boulder wants feel free to lead from here to a hunt or start a new thread!

Redd had made one choice on her own, but needed confirmation.  This was delivered when the hunt wife did not prevent their submission.  She was the only fitting choice for Caru, a mother many times over and caretaker for most here.  It was right that she have one to aid her, and Redd was gratified to see wisdom and peace from both children.  One would be carer, the other defer rank.

Hunt wife would be Caru.  Mulherin would be Berserker.

There was no guarantee that either rank would hold forever, and if they wished, there would be time for the others to challenge if they felt their contributions merited it.  She was glad they did not now.  A challenge would test the unity she wished them to build instead, and it silently pleased her that a balance was allowed to be present.  Her brother would be a fitting teacher once he embraced the role.  Masquerade had seen this in him.  She no longer trusted her sister, but she did trust him.

Wealda acknowledged Saturday’s Sunrise and Moon Runner both with grateful gestures, then treated both New Snow and Mulherin to a greeting on the cheek, acknowledging their new rank.  Help build.  She said softly, looking to her brother in particular.  She needed this.

The rise needed this.

After she lifted her muzzle to howl to those not present, those departed, and simply to celebrate this moment.  After she would allow the hunt lead to close out this meet.  A kill to strengthen this future.

new snow would be caru.

night eye would be berserkr.

it was a fine choice. he wondered if flame stalker would challenge for it, now that wealda had proclaimed his rank to be so.

the sisters were favoured. the new leaders were assured.

mountain boulder swept them all with a look and then tilted his head with a howl spiraling out, affirming the change in ranks within the lively redtail rise.

Like a deck of cards, they sorted themselves into place without contention.

Sister yielded dominance to their den-brother. He looked proud to wave the banner of Berserker.

Tall Shadow, the spirit thought.

Moon Runner felt mutual trust and camaraderie existed between the three yearlings. It was a sign of a bountiful season to come.

The young wolf threw her head back and howled with the others as their many voices became one.

It was decided quickly. Sylvan watched it all in silence, eyes flicking over the new leaders with brief curiosity. It was the boy who drew most of his attention, the one who would now be in charge of defense of the pack. They would know each other soon enough.

For now he joined the others in their call.

The meeting was concluded with only a hint of tension in the moment Ulfhedinn's daughter and Mulherin stepped forward at the same time. Roamer felt the hair on her back ripple, but the girl conceded to her brother and she smoothed back her hackles with a slow exhale. Good. There should be balance in the ranks between the two families inhabiting Redtail Rise. It would not do for three of Ulfhedinn's clan to stand in leadership beside solely Redd.

He and his mate. Two Redtails. As balanced as it could possibly be in Roamer's estimation.

She was satisfied with the outcome, though her eye lingered a moment longer on the daughter who would be Trēow. These three knew their places now, although Roamer felt a sudden disconnect between herself and them. She was a hunter. She was made for it in every sense. In Redtail Rise, there was nowhere higher for a hunter to aspire, no Trēow-esque rank and no abandoned Berserkr post, not while Ulfhedinn drew breath. Her peers now surpassed her and she felt the yawning abyss of not knowing what she wanted or where she belonged except as a cog in a machine.

She howled with them and felt some empty hollow place forming in her chest, a reminder of Avicus.

She had a lot to think about, and thinking would ultimately drive Roamer away on a long quest to find Masquerade and Riley, if only to know the truth of their abandonment and report their location back to Redtail Rise. She would not find them; she would go entirely the wrong direction and become indefinitely lost in the wider world.