*Cairdeas was still with Panther and Vesper a tail wave evident. Panther’s praise was not lost to him which made the pup appreciatively offer a few nuzzles. He liked the fact he saw so many adults exchanging scents, he wanted in on that, plus his dome loved a good grooming, scratching or nuzzling so that just sweetened the deal. At least till a song nearby captured his attention, “What that for?” He asked tilting his dome. He knew of the meeting today but did not know it was going on now. This would be Stick’s first witnessed meeting.

*Klara ༻❁ Youch! What was all of that racket about, anyways?? The dandelion pup would leap from her sleep, having made herself comfortable right beneath the alpha stone to sleep off her food coma delivered by Anna yesterday evening. With furrowed brows, she would tilt her head up at the stone to get a good look at whoever’s noggin’ she was gonna chew on… actually, now that she’s reallyyyy lookin’ around… why are there so many wolves here?? ❁༺

*Ada was angered by Grimolf’s insensitivity and stared at him in utter disbelief. But before she could dignify any of his statements with a response, she heard a loud howl and decided to follow it. What was going on? She padded on through the clearing to reach the source of the howl and settle down. Was this a meeting? Her very first meeting! She could only hope so. She knew at least that she would be welcome. Perhaps she had found her real home at last—right here among these wolves in their pack known as WolfSpirits.

* Rook The Lore Master would follow in the shadow of his court until he found an open spot to the right of the alpha’s stone. Should any be near this spot, he’d give them a quiet dip of his nose and ensure that his left flank was open for a certain, toxic plant gifter.

*Grimolf A scoff replied to Ada’s departure watching the Fae walk away from him . ( “ I guess some wolves can’t handle brutal honesty ? “ ) It wasn’t his fault that the brute has never met any Fae’s without packs maybe these wolves needed more consideration ! Grimolf shook his head annoyed by Ada’s behaviour, he dismissed it following the sound of Kova’s howl . It had been a hot minute since their last meeting, he wondered who’d show up today .

* Ceol Ceol was definitely intrigued by the howl and the thought of a meeting.. but he wanted to try again! “Can we stayyy?” The pup would whine, though still following his mother out as he already knew his grumbling would probably not work that well. “Can’t Kova just have the meeting here instead so I can play more?” Maybe a compromise would do better?

* Saskia As the she moved along the trees, she’d perk her ears and pause as she caught the sound of another howl. However, this was one quite smaller and less urgent. It sounded like a pup. Saskia gently chuckled and continued until she finally broke into the clearing, her gait slowing significantly.

*Fianna

*Panther He looked down at Cairdeas, the call for a meeting wasn’t lost to him, in fact it pulled his attention away for just a moment. He looked up towards the stone, Kova standing where she usually does. “That call was for a meeting, c’mon.” Like Vesper he would find a spot in the middle, being able to see and hear just fine without craving his neck up. His steps weren’t hurried, and instead he would slow his approach for the pup to follow him. If he spotted his mate, he would offer a dip of his head, allowing her to take a seat next to him or someplace else of her choosing. It seems she was heading in his direction though, and so he would settle on his haunches and await her approach. “My guardian.” He greeted, nosing her shoulder. “I have not met the newest scents yet, only recently have I spoke with the brute named Redwing.” He offered in quiet tones before focusing back on the meeting. An ear swiveled towards her, and his gaze shifting towards Stick a moment before falling to Kova again.

* Leora she would have heard the howl from Kova, and quickly turned to trot after her sister and Ceol. She would wave her tail happily towards them before she would make to join the group.

*Redwing It took some time, but he got rid of the evidence well enough that even Tony gave a shake or two in appreciation; that bush… He’d make his way back out of the southern treeline in time to watch a crowd gather by the stone, which itself felt like a weird thing to be doing. He wondered if one of the pups would be thrust up to the sky and he be made to sound like an oliphant. What was an oliphant anyway? Either way, it seemed important, so he was sure to make his way to where Rook waited. Would he see those he knew or had met along the way?

*Grimolf A painfully familiar figure headed towards the Alpha’s stone . Grimolf had missed his last meeting, so he intended to be present to this one . The brute silently begged Fenrir for someone to be there that he got along with because sitting through this meeting alone would be difficult . Grimolf glanced around the wolves that were present or the others that were joining deciding where to sit himself down for this occasion .

*Rowan Briskly trotting through the woods, she may have missed the howl. If the wind favored her, perhaps she would note all the scents coming from the clearing. Regardless, she would quicken her pace. She attempted to weave in and out of the trees, watching as they zipped past her due to her quickened pace. She would reach the stream that separated her from the clearing, and without much thought she would jump over it, it didn’t seem anyone was near the Caretaker cache, not that she even knew that’s where she was. She would slow her pace, still trotting. Perhaps now she would spot the gathered frames in the distance?

* Vesper As Grimolf approached, Vesper would chuff quietly to the brute, inviting him to sit next to her—in truth, she wanted to see how he had been fairing since the pheasant hunt in addition to helping him find a place to “fit in,” so to speak.

* Rook Others would begin to gather around the stone among which were those he had longed to see or talk with. One such wolf would be Saskia, to whom went a quiet dip of his nose. He hadn’t seen Redwing just yet as he was approaching from his blind spot.

* Ceol Leora’s floofy swaying tail would do well to keep Ceol’s mind occupied while they made their way down towards the Alpha Stone, as he was having a fun time trying to jump and nip up at it a few times until they were there in no time. Little amber eyes would scan the gathering for just a moment before he spotted Stick beside the so-called Panther his mother had just mentioned, not hesitating to seat himself beside the other pup. “Guess what.. I got to go to the Course~” He would whisper-not whisper as every pup does.

*  Kova she remained upon the top of the stone there to wait for the others to gather. She would offer a gentle sway of her tail before stilling it and as the wolves would seat themselves, she’d begin.  “Thank you to all who have heeded the call. We’ve much to discuss and much to share.” she said in kind, but light tones. “First, I’d like to welcome and invite our member, Ophaelos forward.”

* Ophaelos

* Kova

*Calder the brute would make a hurried pace towards the direction of the clearing for the howl would be heard from far and wide, at least into the hunting grounds. He would break the eastern woods and there enter into the clearing as silently as he could, to ensure he not break protocol or the respect it deserved. If he saw Fianna near, he’d seat himself near.

*Leora she would have nosed Ceol softly, happy that he had a chance to try the course a few times. He’d get it, they all would, in time! For now though she would focus on the meeting and find herself moving towards her brothers if they where close. A seat there to be found, surely !

*Redwing

* Fianna would nuzzle Calder as he arrived and she would curl herself up next to him, still perking toward the stone and a new trainee to be in rank! She would be glad to hear and would eagerly wait to see if Ophaelos would accept the role, an ear turned to the others around her and she would quietly watch

* Ophaelos

*Grimolf

*Kova

*Klara ༻❁ Blahblahblah, scout, blabhbalhbalha, honor… the fae pup was simply too rotund with a potbelly from overeating to be listening to everyyy word that came outta their mouths. Maybe once she saw her brother in the crowd, she would quietly crawl away from the stone to arrive at his side to appear as though she had been listening… don’t be suspicious, don’t be suspicious! ❁༺

*Saskia Saskia nodded, the name of the brute being connected with his presence as she watched him move towards Rook. She felt a shudder slink through her spine from the ground beneath her – a chill. Why? She narrowed her gaze for a split second before tearing it from Redwing’s pelt. Scooting closer to Panther, she returned to attention towards Kova as she called forth Ophaelos. Scout IT? Saskia beat her tail behind her gently. She was happy that the white wolf was being considered for such an important role. She looked around for Sanek, the only wolf with the proper title of such a rank. He was nowhere to be seen. Turning back towards Kova, she gruued lightly in acknowledgment of Ophaelos’s new journey. She was proud of him.

*Vesper

* Rook Rook would watch Ophaelos approach the stone when summoned. What was he to feel other than relief and joy to see a much needed rank be filled by a capable wolf? That relief folded into the firm few paw stamps he placed to the ground beneath him at Ophaelos’ acceptance of the task to become a Scout of Wolfspirits

*Fianna would stamp a happy paw to Ophaelos’ words and his next step, for their pack sorely had need of a full time scout. She would eagerly watch his training progress as well. When Saskia gruued, perhaps not far off Fianna’s ear flicked and she caught sight of her spirit daughter, tail swaying to see the fae and glad to see her happy beside her own mate.

*Leora when Ophaelos would be named a training scout, she gruuuued and stomped her own paw for him! She would make a note to see to him afterward for congratulations. She did wonder where Sanek had been?

*Redwing Oh! Was this a staring contest? He wasn’t all that great at that, but he certainly didn’t mind the silence. Besides, this looked like a formal-wear shindig that he wouldn’t willfully spoil. He was just about to lose the staring contest when a bunch of paw stamps escaped a few wolves around him. Oh! How’d they know what his father did? Wait, did all the wolves do this now? Well, he wasn’t going to be left out so he’d stamp-stamp stamp stamp-stamp…stamp stamp to add a little bit of rhythm to this mix.

*Ada Ada watched and listened to the interaction between Kova and Ophaelos. She wasn’t sure just what to make of it since she wasn’t a part of the pack yet and didn’t know anybody well thus far. But she felt happy thinking that the male had clearly earned his rank. She wondered what would happen next, how the rest of this meeting would pan out. Who else would be called to the stone? She kept her eyes and ears focused on Kova, allowing her curiosity to take the reins of her mind.

*Panther

* Ophaelos .ೃ࿐ Ophaelos would dip his head deeply to the fae, mannerisms attempting to convey the highest of solemnity, yet his wagging tail would likely throw a wrench into such an endeavor. When Kova would bid him away from the stone, he would return her smile and find a seat beside Panther, Saskia, and the others, instead of his lonesome. Perhaps he would give them a quiet gruuu to express his happiness! There was much to celebrate, certainly for him, for honor among ranks was important to the snow wolf. When he seats himself, his eyes would subconsciously search the crowd for the aforementioned scout, but alas, his presence eludes them once more. If he were honest with himself, however… mentoring under the alphess was certainly the better option for now, and an even higher honor! Would anyone else be ranking up tonight, too? Perhaps then, his eyes, hopeful, would fan toward the pledges… *ೃ༄

*Kova

*Grimolf the “ chicken cut “ brute’s stare would be unwavering until the sound stomping paws torn him away from this brute . Out of respect and an excuse not to have to pay attention to this new wolf, he’d stomp his paws briefly sighing loudly . ( “ Why I am getting punished ? “ ) Grimolf again asked himself wondering why higher powers sent these challengers to him . Kova’s loud tone again caught his attention making his orb dart towards Vesper . “ Seems like you’re up, Vesper . Try not to panic . “ He added teasingly feeling the dread of having to be left with this other brute creep in subtly .

*Rowan Ack, she was late! She realized this as she entered the clearing, still trotting towards the alpha rock. She remained silent, perhaps she had made it just in time to hear Ophaelos be named a Scout in training. If not, she would certainly hear Vesper be called forward. She settled in the back, glancing around for her mentor, not finding her or noticing her tawny frame, she would look towards Kova.

*Vesper

*Redwing Hearing what Grimolf offered Vesper caused him to lean in and whisper “Panic? So, is this the part where you guys sacrifice someone to ensure the bloodless moon is sated?” his tones were deadly serious, his hues darkly set like the churning of chaos in the dark ichor of a faceless void.

* Cairdeas Cairdeas was not ignoring Ceol but his attention was on the meeting and Panther more. Though he would say, “Stick want tell mama he thought she was a bit hard to Ceol, but Stick was Scared.” His attention returned to the conversation, wait that wolf he called Alpha, that was not her name? Well this brought more confusion, “Who Alpha?” He was more asking for her name but how would Panther know that? So he might have just pointed her out to him. Quite ironic how things could be lost to assumptions.

* Kova as the fae would come forward she seemed a little timid, or perhaps questioning the reason behind her call. There would be a lightness to her expression, conveying there was not a need to freight. “Vesper, you have been a pledge of our home and have learned and grown with us. You have done much for the pack, including helping to care for the pups.” she’d smile. “I would like to ask you now, do you still desire WolfSpirits to be your home?”

*Grimolf Vesper hadn’t even left for an minute and this new brute already was starting to annoy him . “ What ? “ Grimolf said quietly not an ounce of amusement in his tone . His voice was painfully dull and impatient wanting to get this answer from him quickly . ( “ Bloodless moon ? What on earth were they talking about ?! “ )

* Vesper tawny form would relax at Kova’s expression and words, but her question would stir the butterflies back into the fae’s stomach—these butterflies held the answer, as she still knew, perhaps after these last moons, now more than ever. “I still wish, Alphess,” Vesper replied surely, a soft, small smile taking its place on her own maw. “I do still hope to call this pack my home.”

*Saskia her mate’s tones were drowned in her own thoughts for a moment before coming back to reality. As Ophaelos joined their flanks, Saskia nosed his shoulder in her own way of showing her happiness for him! “Congrats, O..” She whispered with a warm gaze. Then, Vesper was called forward. Saskia shifted on her paws and listened intently to their conversation. Vesper had truly shown her intent on making this place her home and these wolves her family in many more ways than one. For a brief moment, she caught the scent of her earthen spirit mother, and turned her head to find the gaze of the bear. She waved her tail and perked her ears to show she was excited to see her, perhaps she was engulfed in an array of little ones. Her head turned to meet Grimolf’s and.. Redwing’s frames. Would she find the annoyance upon Grim’s features? If so, she’d leave it for now.

*Redwing Well, he could tell by the context of the proceedings that preceded part of Grimolf’s response that this was not to be a ritualistic sacrifice. Good, it wouldn’t do for the pups to see such a thing. Now, whether he heard the lack of amusement in this one’s voice or not didn’t matter. Grimolf didn’t look amusing in the same way unbuttered toast didn’t look appetizing, that was the point! Redwing was prescient enough to not respond to Grimolf while the others were talking, but he did look at him a few more times. If he didn’t know about the bloodless moon, which was just the regular moon by the way…that was the low-hanging fruit, then that must make for some dull cloudless nights!

*Kova she would look to Vesper and offer a swing of her tail to her response. “As an Assessment of Wolfspirits, you will learn and grow even beyond just what you’ve already gained in your heart, in knowing that WolfSpirits is the home you desire. You will be given a mentor.”

*Panther “The alpha is named Kova, her rank is alpha, some call her Alphess.” He gestured towards her as well, figuring it would help the pup better if he explained. Again, his tones weren’t loud enough to disrupt the meeting, he was only offering insight to the pup. Then, Vesper was called forward and Ophaelos settled near him and his mate. He dipped his head to the snowy brute. He would congratulate him and Vesper as it seemed she was ascending ranks towards Assessment. Panther stomped his paw for her, and he would glance towards Calder, before his gaze shifted back towards the Alphess. He would listen for any questions from Cairdeas as well.

*Calder he would be seated beside Fianna and the others when he heard his name called. He rose a curious brow. Perhaps not thinking his name would be mentioned to mentor, but, he’d rise and bow his head. He looked to Vesper, giving to her a sturdy nod. “I would be honored to mentor Vesper.” he said in deep tones.

* Rook Another would approach the stone and another would accept advancement. Rook would stamp his paw to the earth below in congratulations to Vesper and to the choice of mentor. The Son of Ash would be a fine mentor to see Vesper through to membership. Could he see Calder’s reaction to this news? For that matter…could he see his own charges present among the group? In that passing scan of those gathered, he caught sight of Redwing beside Grimolf and sighed.

*Ophaelos .ೃ࿐ He would glance Vesper’s way when she was called, his eyes turning toward Saskia before he offered her a smile and a quiet, “Thank you…” so as to not interrupt what was about to transpire. His gaze would turn and meet Vesper and Kova once more. Perhaps he had tuned out Redwing and Grimolf, or he simply didn’t hear their banter? Ophaelos would offer a gracious paw stomp, smiling lightly when the fae would be appointed an assessment under Calder—something long overdue and most certainly deserved! Yet another stomp would be pressed into the ground when the dark brute would accept her apprenticeship. *ೃ༄

*Vesper  heart leapt into her throat and back again at Kova’s words. Assessment! Mentor! Calder! Home… hopefully! Vesper’s tail would wave gently, and she’d bow her head to the Alphess once more. “Thank you, Alphess,” she said, entirely failing to conceal the hopefullness, joy, the surprise in her tones. “I will learn and do all I can to be worthy of this title.”

*Grimolf If wolves could grit their teeth Grimolf would be doing so ! It took every piece of him not to react to this brute despite his burning anger telling to do otherwise ! The scarred brute turned his head back towards the meeting blinking slowly hoping the other had their fill of amusement for one meeting . He wasn’t in the mood to be dealing with wolves that thought they could jest and play the fool especially during meetings . Grimolf started to notice those who were present starting to look in their direction . Just wonderful, he was getting attention without lifting a paw ! Another sly comment and that was it for them !

*Fianna would be there, listening quietly as Vesper moved toward advancement, being placed beneath her own mate to be mentored! She would give Calder a brief nuzzle and ear lick and her tail swayed for them both. He’d not mentored another before, other than their pups and she was happy to see him gain this opportunity. He was certainly equal to the task. Fianna would let her gaze travel over those around her, enjoying the pack scattered but close about, spotting Grimolf beside her youngest brother and his frame tense, his expression dark. Fianna would feel her fur prickle some, but she would relax it soon enough, her gaze lingering on Redwing and his own demeanor. A sigh would slip from.her, unbeknownst to her an echo of her brother’s. She would perk back to Vesper and her words!

*Redwing Mind you, quotations mark dialogue in the standard style of common writing, so when these little doodads were slung together to make words and syntax, they were done so using the inside voice. He’d be thoroughly impressed if that old grandpappy stogy, Oph could hear his thoughts from here, but those new belltones were technological wonders of modern time; maybe there was a mindreader setting? He’d have to get those sweet AARP discounts and soon.  Redwing was not amused in the slightest either. Grim was not amusing, amused, or both? Maybe just buttered side down? Regardless, this one who looked like he had a name already wore scars like words, but he wasn’t one to say just what those meant, so why should he care? Well, he did, but Grim was far too selective in the strangers he opened up to. You know what we do with stubborn cans? We get the can opener!  Mind you, he just infrequently continued to cast dark glances toward Grim as though he was investigating a crime scene.

* Cairdeas had listened, all he wanted was Kova’s name he already knew her as Alpha, but not Alphess… Interesting… As he made notes he was glad to learn it was still ok to call her such so he had not made a mistake per se, but yet he had, “Kova, I see.” He decided to just make Panther think he did not know any of it. He knew he would feel like an idiot giving someone information they already had. As Vesper was called an assessment Cairdeas stamped his paws and emitted a puppy howl, perhaps a bit late, because learning and stuff.

* Vesper

*Leora her hues would smile happily towards Vespers advancement. She was happy for the fae! Her ears turned to Kova when she spoke of the Olc and the darkness to the north snuffed out. Oh, how she couldn’t help but feel still responsible for it all. What had happened to her brothers and sister to the east? Beyond the hollow wood? More tales to share and hear but she dipped her head.

*Grimolf Dark glances that were ignored ! Grimolf was using all of his experience here in the WS’s pack not to lash out . Why was this brute giving him, so much trouble ? Probably just another pup bored out of their mind, and decided to come over to bother him . Although, if he didn’t pay attention to this brute maybe they’d get bored and move onto their next target . Narrowed orbs watched the meeting feeling Redwing’s gaze burning into the corner of his orb . One more bad jest about moons or the sacrifice of pups would make Grimolf act . . .

*Fianna Fianna would stamp a paw for Vesper’s new status and when the fae moved to sit by them she would reach to nose her briefly in greeting and congratulations, her eyes happy for the fae. She wouldn’t speak for now however as she listened to Kova words, offering a long slow nod to them. She was grateful more than words could say for those who had risked life to see the north less threatening and ominous. Was it safe now? Now that the Olc were gone (or were they…) who would hold dominion over it? Fianna would muse to these thoughts, wondering if their own pack held enough sway out that far. She would shrug off these thoughts for now and reach to nuze Calder. Looking to him for his reaction of his sisters death. She knew they had not been on good terms..

* Kova she would make note of each wolf’s notions and their responses in kind. A strong dip of her head was given again before she would turn once more to the gathered. Her eyes scanned the wolves and those present before offering. “Should any desire to come forward and speak, I open the earth for you to step forward and let your voice be heard.” Ada was a new wolf among the group, and she had only recently just met the fae.

*Grimolf Questions weren’t trouble depending on the situation or circumstance . This being one of the circumstances where questions could be seen as trouble . Grimolf’s body language was tease with his fur starting to stand on end from Redwing’s very presence . The scarred brute again brought his paws down to stomp in celebration of the news noticing the brute beside him doing the same . When was Vesper going to come back ? Surely, she’d see that this brute was doing this on purpose to get a raise put him !

* Ada  got up and stepped forward to where everyone could see her. She approached the Alpha, keeping a short distance. She dipped her head to be respectful before tilting her head upward again. “May I pledge myself to WolfSpirits? I still desire to join now as I did the day I came upon this land.” She hoped she would be allowed to, though admittedly she was worried she’d be told to sit back down.

*Kova she would continue to look over the wolves present and those who would remain seated, and those who might approach. Her tail ushered a gentle wave before stilling when Ada would come forward.  Heer hues watched her and to her request she’d respond.   “Ada, welcome.” her nose dipped. “As you have requested to join our fold, I would say to you that your first step to joining us is to become a Pledge. This is the time where you seek for your hearts purpose and ensure that you desire it to belong to WolfSpirits as your home. As this is your current desire, then, I would like to name you Pledge of WolfSpirits.”

* Calder he would look to Ada, a fae he only briefly met throughout his time here. Her scent lingered but he hadn’t formally talked to the fae. When she requested to join, he smiled. He stomped his paw lightly for the new pledge of their home.

*Fianna Fianna’s tail would sway to Ada’s first step in joining their pack! She would be eager to see how her paths would draw her on.

*Cairdeas was a bit confused to what Kova meant as she talked about Pledge, “Why seek hearts purpose? What that mean?” He looked back at Panther hoping he might enlighten him. Though in this case experience might be a better teacher than words

*Vesper So Ada would pledge!! Vesper’s paw would stamp in celebration for her first step—she hoped that the new fae would gain confidence along with the title, as it was something the fae surely needed, judging from past interactions. Still, Vesper was happy, and her tail waved joyfully at the meeting night’s air.

* Redwing

* Ada  couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. She’d done it, she’d really done it. She had taken the first step to joining this pack. She was a pledge now, this was the beginning of a wonderful journey she’d undertake. She wasn’t an outsider anymore. She was starting to belong here. Ada couldn’t wait to see what else would happen as she continued forward during her time here. One thing was for sure, she intended to stay. When she had said she wanted a real home, she meant it. This was going to be her home, so long as all went well. She realized that in all the excitement, she had forgotten to respond. “Thank you! Oh, thank you!” Then she stepped away and settled back down where she was seated before, in absolute awe and disbelief that she really was on a brighter path now, her life’s course on a better trajectory than it had ever known before. Her world was only just beginning to change, and she was already in love with that

* Kova she would grin and stomp her paw once more. Would she hear Cairdeas speaking throughout the meeting? Questions of course abound for a pup, but a chance to perhaps learn that one will also listen in quiet patience for those things to be shared later. When Ada would be announced a pledge, her hues fell to Grim. “Grim.. please come forward” she would call to the brute.

* Kova she would grin and stomp her paw once more. Would she hear Cairdeas speaking throughout the meeting? Questions of course abound for a pup, but a chance to perhaps learn that one will also listen in quiet patience for those things to be shared later. When Ada would be announced a pledge, her hues fell to Grim. “Grim.. please come forward” she would call to the brute.

*Rook The first step was often the hardest, especially if taken backwards. Ada had done what she could to pledge herself to the pack, which was an important first step. As such, when she was named and accepted as a pledge, he would once more stamp his paw to the ground. Curious now, he’d turn to look to Grimolf and then to Kova. The Lore Master hadn’t much of any tale of this wolf other than ill reports. He, in fact, watched initially as Grim turned away from pledging only to turn about the next meeting. Back and forth…that was the motion he sensed in this torn wolf. Was Kova going to end that here and now, he wondered, or would this wolf be set upon a narrower path where backsliding was met with harsher penalties?

* Grimolf

* Fianna a new pledge and a good start for her, too. Fianna would stamp as the fae was so named and then her ears would shoot up as Grimolf was called forth? Curiosity to what may be to come next would lift within her. He would face the music one way or another, and find his path.. Or not. Fianna would wait and watch, noting to see Ceol had fallen asleep, and Klara too perhaps. But Cairdeas seemed as alert as ever. As she kept hearing his questions piping up she would perhaps try to pin him with a quieting glance though she was not right next to him for now.

* Kova when the brute would come forward below the stone, she would look to him with serious hues. Her tones would match her expression which would be light, but toned. Her eyes perhaps searching Grim’s more closely than others. “Grim, you have been a pledge to our home for the duration in which it would take to seek a home. I would ask you now, Grim, as your time as a pledge, do you still desire to call WolfSpirits home?”

*Redwing Didn’t yet have old stogy’s mind-reading belltones, so only had the physical cues to go off of, which indicated that Grim was about as serious as heart disease. Redwing likely lacked the patience to know why Grimolf was the way he was. Anyone who didn’t like questions or took themselves too seriously, kinda like his brother, were wolves that had far too easy weaknesses to exploit. Loss of control was a weakness his dark hues saw in Grimolf, but he’d not push him farther. When the brute went up to be named, he’d steal away to go and sit by Leora. She was better at living life!

* Saskia

*Grimolf

* Kova she would look to Grim and await his response with curious but close eyes. When he offered the tones of a heart wanting to continue on a path to home, she would nod. “As an Assessment of WolfSpirits, you will follow the path of not just your heart, but the ways of the pack. You will learn and grow alongside those you desire to call family.” She would wait a moment more before she’d continue. “You will learn the ways of the pack from a mentor.” she looked to the gathered wolves, in particular, the members of the pack. “Your mentor will be our Lore Master, Rook.” her hues fell to her court a moment before turning to Grim. Perhaps gauging his reaction to the mentor chosen. “Are you willing to uphold the rules, learn the rules and ways of our pack and accept your mentors guidance?”

*Leora when her brother, Redwing, came closer to her she gruuued softly, nuzzling him in a greeting before her hues fell back to Grimolf. She watched carefully and some how she felt the tensions from the others? She waited for his response to Kova’s words and now, mentor.

*Ophaelos would have watched Ada pledge herself soon thereafter, offering a stomp, and his tail would flick and then still as he muses to himself. He hadn’t the chance to formally greet the fae, but knew her name and was around her while Fianna carried out the civilities. Perhaps he shall greet her soon after the meeting ends if she still lingers. Now that he was named Scout IT, it would serve in his best interest.  Careful eyes would fall toward Grimolf now when he was called to the stone. Here, his gaze would become a little sharper than before—not with ire but with perception. The brute had been here for quite some time. Ophaelos was a fresh pledge when he first made his way into the packlands, brewing up trouble with an over-ripe attitude. Some may say that nothing had changed, but it was clear that it had, albeit slowly. He was still here, after all. Should Grimolf have remained the same brute he was when he first arrived, his hide would be decorating a den by now or narrowly attached to his frame, dozens of miles away from the territory. So now, the snow wolf simply observed the brute from afar. Kova deemed him worthy enough to stand under the Lore Master, so Ophaelos would look on with the same sentiment. Would tonight be the night that the brute finally restores his standing in the pack?

*Calder he would watch the proceedings and smile to Ada when she was named a pledge, but his hues now fell to Grim. His stature seemed to draw a little more inward now. He would gauge his reaction very carefully. When Rook was named his mentor, he quietly held his own thoughts.

* Fianna wwould be glad to hear Grimolf’s simple but effective answer. As she had told him earlier today, time and action would show and tell his heart far better than words or brooding looks. Fianna would look toward Rook as he was named mentor once more. Perhaps this assessment would be more eager to learn? Fianna would hope so.

* Rook For Rook, words were a trade and a way of life. He bartered them, wove them, and respun them in such a way to preserve what was for those that were. He hadn’t the full tale of what Grim had done or not done…what he said or what he hadn’t said. That, frankly, didn’t matter to Rook. Troubled or not, the standards were the same. If he were tasked to bringing Grim up to those standards, then the challenge was a welcomed one. Those others under his direction were busy seeking out the tales he bade them to find. Whether they would return with those tales or return empty mawed was their choice. Could the same barter be given to Grim? The Lore Master gave no indication or reaction to his naming. One golden and one amber hue simply turned to Grim as though the Gray Raven sat perched atop his nearly lifeless corpse. Would the lad breath, or would he give up the ghost?

*Redwing Perfect match, he thought. A bunch of overly serious, no fun having brutes that couldn’t see the fun in the viscera…all business. What’s life without dancing in the rain, he thought? He was happy to sit beside Leora and thought better of the choice for the next social function these wolves might invite him to.

*Rowan In the back of the crowd, all by her lonesome. She had been silently observing, her gaze attempting to pin point each wolf she knew. Vesper, Panther, Saskia.. Grim? Grimolf! Her eyes widened seeing him at the front of the crowd, she looked to Kova having heard the fae call him forward. She took a deep breath, hoping he wasn’t about to be chased away. But, what was this!? Assessment! She would wait a moment, eager to hear his mentor. Her gaze shifted towards Rook, she nodded, looking back to Grimolf. How would he answer?

*Grimolf Kova’s words rang in his ears not fully letting the brute comprehend his current situation . Formerly a pledge to the WS’s pack and now an official assessment to the pack ! Grimolf had been so worried about his current standing from his behaviour that he completely lost any hope of raising through the ranks during the following moons . The scarred brute stayed silent listening closely to Kova explain his new rank and title occasionally nodding to show that he was fact listening fully. The next sentence definitely caught his attention ! A mentor that was mentioned by one of the pack members moons ago and now it was actually happening !  Then came the name of his mentor : the lore master rook . A careful gaze followed Kova’s staring at the future teacher . “ I’m willing to uphold the rules and learn the ways of the pack , accepting my mentors guidance . “ He repeated , adding his own touch to the vow .  So, mr story teller was going to be his mentor, huh ? This was going to be interesting .

*Fianna Fianna would perhaps feel fatigue wash over her, but not wanting to slink off mid meeting she would curl beside Calder and cozy up beside him, basking in his scent and strength as she listened to the murmur of voices and paths carried on. She would sleepily but with no less interest, stamp at paw for the new assessment once he was so named.

*Leora would gently nudge her brother softly as she swushhed her tail beside his own. When Grim was named an assessment, she would gently paw the earth before looking up to Redwing, nosing his shoulder softly with a smile. Oh yes, she was good company indeed! She’d listen and wait to hear of any other doings before the meeting would be named ended.

* Ophaelos would stomp his paw on the ground when Kova would name him an assessment and a breath would release from his lungs soon after. Things were looking up for the broody wolf, and now that he was under Rook’s guidance, he felt sure enough that his behavior from here on out would be pleasant enough. Becoming an assessment is a testament to this already. Reflecting on previous feelings, the brute would not necessarily feel proud of him for achieving basic decency, but he would most certainly be relieved, and happy on his behalf. He remembered the day he was assigned to Saskia as an assessment and how happy he was, and the snow wolf would simply hope Grimolf felt the same about his new mentor. When things would wrap up with Grimolf and Rook, his eyes would sway across the gathered wolves and return to Kova. Would anyone else be fortunate enough to step up to the stone tonight, or would that be all? Quietly, he would await the alphess’s next words.*ೃ

* Rook

* Cairdeas had waited for the others to react and stomped both paws, almost jumping forward, but more in place. He may have looked up to Panther seeing if that was alright?

* Grimolf The broody brute for once couldn’t help, but let himself smile . Not just any smile, but a genuine smile in front of the entire pack . Showing them a more positive side that wasn’t common for the brute reveal . Grimolf had prepared himself to be exiled or torn apart for his recent behaviours, but this he couldn’t of predicted ! Grimolf bowed his head letting the moment / really / sink in for him . This was real and this was happening for him ! The brute had found his purpose — he had found a reason to live again . Although, he was overwhelmed by this joyous occasion ! Grimolf truthfully didn’t know how to properly react only offering that smile . Stepping away from the stone, he’d return to his original seat beside Redwing .

*Vesper So Grimolf would be named as well! Vesper had taken her first step as pledge, and now the two of them would step forwards, forward to a future, to hope. She’d stamp her paw, a forlorn, sorrowed look filling her eye as she remembered one who had pledged beside her as well, one named Elder, one named Amoux… the sorrow would leave her gaze as quickly as it had arrived, but an aching hope and remembrance would remain.

*Kova her head dipped when Grim would move from the stone, a freshly named assessment. She to would cast her eyes to the other wolves who where still awake and gathered. There was a moment her hues fell to her court. Her heart gently beating against her chest. Not in nerves, but of a union she felt when she looked to him. Just as the delicate lunar flower would wait for the moon’s gentle embrace of light, they’d wait just a little longer for the hour drew nearer later than anticipated. Much to celebrate and much to share, she would turn once more to the gathered. “Does anyone wish to share or bring anything forward before I conclude this evenings meeting?”

*Redwing

*Leora

* Rook turned his gaze to his court after the brief survey of those still here. Those present seemed keen on celebrating their advancements, and he was not one to dissuade that. He also had nothing to add, having given only the opening thoughts to a Lore Night. He’d find the time to schedule one soon, he thought. Much lore was to be shared.

*Ophaelos With nothing left to add, Ophaelos would simply remain quiet for the rest of the meeting. Perhaps for a moment, he would think of Redwing, though his eyes would not find the comical brute. It seemed like he wasn’t in the market for pledging tonight—how curious indeed. Like the wind, the thought would move elsewhere and out of his mind, and his eyes settled upon Kova.

* Redwing

* Kova