Slowly I drew breath through my nostrils, quieting my mind as I waited for my pack to join me. It was not long before the first sounds of approaching paw steps saw my ears pivot towards the source. A smile broke across my features as Reich and his quiet daughter Lailah moved into the clearing. It was good, I think, that they were the first to arrive, or I may not have heard the sweet words that fell from Lailah's hushed lips as I greeted her and her father. I touched my nose to Reich's cheek as he touched his to mine, before mahogany eyes settled upon the shy girl that I had met once more. "
Thank you, Lailah." I said, my tones hushed from their usual vibrato, wishing to impress upon her that I did not mind her quiet nature. It was actually quite refreshing. No sooner had Reich and his daughter moved away to lay contentedly in the grass than Ailith and her daughter came forth to offer their introductions and well wishes. I dipped my head to Ailith in thanks before my eyes turned to young Kirsikka with a smile. "
It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Sleekwing had told me of Kirsikka and Cadwan, but it was nice to have a face to associate with the name. I would keep an eye out for Cadwan's arrival in due course.
As Pan moved to stand beside me I noticed the movement of another cream boy, this one keeping his distance though his young eyes seemed most serious. He nodded to me and I returned the gesture, thinking perhaps he was a son of Vincent and Spirit, for I'd not met nor heard much about their litter. But my attention was quick to focus upon Pan as he came before me and offered a sort of bow before speaking. Without fail he brought a quiet smile to my face, and I was glad to know that he had predicted my victory in this. His fountain of words brings me comfort, for it is so very normal for him and it would not feel like home if I did not have my advisor at my side in all his verbose glory. "
I shall keep that in mind," I replied to his recommendations for the meeting that was quickly unfolding around us. More wolves begin to arrive, and although my gaze sweeps back and forth over the growing group it always flitted towards the tree line where I knew my children would arrive from. There was a path there that lead directly to our den. And when they came bursting into the clearing, quick to check their speed and restrain themselves at least a little bit in the presence of the pack, I could not help the way my tail thrummed against the ground. I wanted to go to them, but I knew that it would be best for all involved to let them come to me. I did not have to wait long before adoring kisses were lavished along my jawline from two of my sons while the largest of them sniffed at my worst injury, his fierce visage locked upon the limb that was tucked against my chest. I leaned slightly into Kalseru's embrace as she buried her head into the good side of my neck, before dotingly licking between her ears. "
All is well, my girl, don't you worry," I whispered softly into her ear, a reassurance meant only for her. I hated Covet for putting such a strain on my children, but I was glad to be back with them again.
"
Our septons will take good care of me, fear not. I will be back on my feet before you know it." I said quietly to them, a moment between a mother and her children. While I always wanted to appear strong to my pack and family, it was important that they too understood that while I was not invincible, I was strong and would always fight for them. After another moment with my children I noticed other wolves approaching, and one in particular whose comfort I desired more than any others'. I gave my children one last meaningful look and they understood, turning and moving among the pack. For a moment I watched them go, but my eye was drawn to the approaching form of my mate. Mahogany eyes locked with those of orange as finally Jericho approached, and I was unabashed as I buried my nose in the fur of his neck, feeling the vibrations of his growls before they died off as we were reunited. I breathed in his cologne, his touch a soothing balm over my wounds that no herb could provide. Nostrils flared as he licked at my wounds, and I knew that his help over the coming weeks to prevent infection would be paramount. Finally we pulled back slightly from one another so that our eyes could meet once more, and though he spoke of his pride in me, my eyes shone back the pride I felt in having him as my mate. "
I love you," I said softly, for it felt like it could never be said too many times. It was as he spoke of the pack's pride in me that my chest welled slightly, unafraid to lean my weight ever so slightly against him as he moved to sit at my side. Though I could have drowned in his company I had a pack to give my attentions to, and with renewed vigor I looked out over the crowd that was still growing.
Everlyse and her children arrived not far behind Jericho, and for a moment our eyes locked. This meeting of orange and mahogany was not so intimate, but there was something different within her gaze. A respect, perhaps, and I tilted my head in answer to her own nod. Perhaps times were truly changing, I thought as I looked back to Jericho before it was that Semele approached us. "
Thank you, Semele. Perhaps you would like to accompany us, after the meeting, and learn from what Niviaq might do for me?" I couldn't help but remember how Meryl had told Ceal that I was not a training dummy after my last battle, but I could not deny this young girl the opportunity to learn. After all, it was my aim for my pack's healers to not have many wolves to practice upon, for I wished them to remain safe always. I smiled and nodded to her as she moved away from us, and I trailed her movement until she came to rest beside my most foreboding son. Of course I knew of the time the two spent together, but I could not help the flutter of my heart at seeing such a thing first hand. They were growing up so fast. Too fast.
Church and Ragnarok were next to arrive, proceeded by their daughter Bastille. The girl moved towards me and offered her thanks, to which I only had time to nod my head and smile before she was off again. As her parents approached I noticed the way she approached Rhaegal out of the corner of my eye. Bastille was a girl more often spoken of around the den, for Rhaegal was more vocal about such things than Drogon. My smile quirked at one corner as I focused upon my Courser and her mate. "
I appreciate that, Church," I replied, dipping my head to both her and Ragnarok before they too moved on to settle amongst the others. A single ear flicked backwards at the sound of another approach, though I was careful not to twist my head around as my neck was steadily becoming stiffer as the time passed. My brother came to stand in the company of myself, Pan, and Jericho. My small council, complete. I grinned at him, glad to have the three wolves whom I trusted most surrounding me. I laughed lightly at his retort, reaching forward to press my nose into his shoulder briefly before retracting once more. "
Not just yet, though I daresay if things go the way they did with Purge, Moladion will be rid of him shortly," I stated jokingly to the wolves closest to me. But almost immediately Taliesin seemed to become distracted, and I followed his gaze until I spotted the source of his preoccupation. Haven.
My youngest sister came to greet me with a bump against my shoulder, and I nudged my nose into her cheek in reply. "
I would love to, Haven; perhaps in spring?" She seemed delighted about life, and I was so happy to see her in such a joyous mood. That was, until she noticed Taliesin close at hand and quickly excused herself. I chuckled softly, watching the way the gangly black male tried to hide himself behind my sister. I was well aware of their relationship, and it would be hard for anyone to miss the way that Taliesin felt about the whole thing. Reaching out once more, I gave my brother a firm nudge on the shoulder with my nose. "
Taliesin, he makes her happy. Can you not see that?" I said under my breath to him. My brother had done so much for our youngest sisters after Alcide and Moonglow passed, and I knew that he had become the figure of a father they'd been forced to grow up without. But Haven was growing up, and it made my heart soar to know that perhaps she'd found the completion of not only her soul, but her heart as well. It was as Alcide and Moonglow had been. Though perhaps with a bit more juvenile innocence added to the mix.
The pack's Bard arrived then to distract me from such thoughts, and I smiled at her as she presented a rabbit to me. "
Many thanks, Sorcha. It will make a fine dinner." I looked to Jericho, hoping that he would bring the rabbit closer to us so that we might bring it back to the den later. She, too, moved out into the clearing and for a moment my gaze merely drifted across those that had gathered. Much of the pack was present, though not all. Those who had chosen not to attend were missed, but it was their right to keep to themselves if they so desired. I noticed the addition of another pup at Ailith's paws, and thought to myself that this must be the mighty young Cadwan that I had heard of on occasion. And not long after his tutor arrived. Sleekwing moved into the clearing in the company of another wolf, one whom I did not recognize, but together they drug forward the majority of a large doe. I looked to Pan with a smirk, "
How about that food you were talking about?" It would seem my advisor did, in fact, tend to know pretty much everything. Turning back to my elder brother, I greeted him fondly, pressing my nose into his neck in kind. The words he spoke made my heart skip I beat, for I so greatly missed our father. I hoped, every day, that I made my parents and grandparents proud.
I was introduced then to the strapping young male who had assisted my brother, a wolf named Tithe who was the picture of politeness as he greeted me and offered his congratulations. "
And my compliments to you, on a hunt well done. We have need of strong hunters like you for the winter to come." I said it with a knowing smile, a veiled invitation presenting itself even as he retreated to keep company with Sleekwing and my attention was drawn to one that was most welcome - Niviaq. I could not deny that I was a little disappointed that Ceal had not yet arrived, that prior to Niviaq's arrival only crones had been present. Quietly I allowed her to look over my wounds, concern present upon her features, though I had expected as much. I nodded at her words, noticing that the movement was becoming a bit more strained as the wound on my neck began to stiffen. But I understood that I would have to take it easy for some time; having one of the most renowned healers in Moladion as your imprint instilled such reminders in the forefront of one's mind. Speaking of which, I was equally surprised that Meryl had not yet arrived, though on the eve of my battle with Skully he had not arrived until much later in the day. But for some time now something had not felt...quite right in the bond between us. I was nervous for him, though I'd had far too much to tend to here, which had prevented me from seeking him out.
I took the poppy seeds offered to me, lifting my gaze back to Niviaq as she spoke once more. I could tell that if she'd had her way we would be leaving for my den now, but I was not yet quite ready to make my departure. "
I am grateful for your help, Niviaq. It will not be long."
Mahogany eyes drifted across the many faces that were strewn out before me. I felt honored, to have such grand wolves in my company. Ours was a pack most strong, one that would not be defeated by some petty wolf looking to settle a personal vendetta. No, the mountain wolves were made of something much more potent than all that. For a time I simply allowed them to mingle amongst themselves, leaning slightly into the side of my mate not only for support but just to soak up all that was happening around us. This...this was the life.
Finally, I addressed them all. "
I want to thank each and every one of you for your support. As I am sure many of you can tell, I will be...out of commission for a little while," I said it with an amused chuff, for I did not want them to worry about me. I would recover in due course. "
But as always we are a pack made of strong warriors," my eyes moved over Sleekwing, Ragnarok, Ailith, Drogon, "
skilled hunters," then to Church, Haven, "
practiced healers," to Niviaq, Semele, Sorcha, "
sound minds," on to Pan, Viserion, Reich, "
and without a doubt, good company," to Everlyse, Hollowpoint, each of the pups, and the rest of the pack in turn. I made sure to look upon each of their faces, wanting them to all know I valued every single member here, and those not present as well. "
If any of you have need of me, for the foreseeable future I will be reachable within the clearing of my den, or here. But your alpha male, my mate, Jericho, will be about as well if it is that I am unreachable." I wanted all of the pack to know of our union, and that they could trust and treat him with the same regard as they did me. I knew that for some of them it might take time to garner this level of respect, but now I had given them a starting point. A smile graced my features as I looked out into their faces, "
Please, enjoy the feast that Sleekwing and Tithe have brought." I remained where I was, thoughts of the rabbit Sorcha had brought me - as well as how difficult it would be to tear into the doe with only three legs to balance upon - keeping me seated where I was. I leaned just a little heavier into Jericho, eyes lifting to his face and betraying only to him how tired I was beginning to grow.
ooc; again, no posting order if anyone wants to reply. and if anyone else wants to join the mix that is still totall fine too. c:
daenerys