* Leora her tail would swing lightly behind her and she paused hearing a howl. Oh! The meeting! She would look to Kaia and the others. “Meeting!” she said before she began to shuffle her paws a little faster (well as fast as her hurt limb could) and once she reached the stones, she’d wait for Kaia to join her. One by one they’d hop like frogs across them. Gingerly as she could but the landing wasn’t soft. She’d wince to each one and by the last stone she’d quickly lean into Kaia as her legs wobbled enough with uncertainty to grip. She’d almost fallen in The clearing woods just on the otherside of the embankment.

* Kaia would follow across as close to the golden fae as possible. And whe. Leora leaned against her frame kaia made certain her own aching legs seemed sturdy. After all now they were needed. A meeting so soon? Kaia was nervous, it was the first meeting since she had pledged so hap hazardly, it felt like an eternity since that moment.

* Leora she would nose Kaia gratefully before she would finish the rest of the trek across the stream, through the woods and eventually the pair would enter into the clearing! Kova’s howl would reach her and the anticipation grew heavily in her coat. Would she make note of those who had heeded the call and began to take their place to seat themselves?

* Faelcu Short-lived was her rest. The green noise of nature around her would be broken by a howl in the distance. Faelcu’s ear flicked as the old fae took a moment to register the sound. Once she did, she began to stir awake. A yawn escaped her muzzle before she slowly lifted up her head. Her tired eyes looked around the Hunting Grounds. Where did Kaia go? How long had it been since she fell asleep? Wait… Did she hear a howl? Faelcu turned towards the trees behind her as she got up. Her eyes then fell back to the blacktail carcass. It appeared that only she remained by the kill. Usually, it was the dominant wolves of the pack to mark their scent in the territory, but Faelcu couldn’t leave the kill like this. She walked over to the carcass, rubbing her hind paws on the grass and dirt around it. It would leave a clear message to the land dwelling scavengers that this kill was “hers” and not theirs to keep. Her little walk around would be quick before Faelcu turned West, padding towards the forest in a brisk trot. She wasn’t aware that Leora, Kaia and Cairdeas had recently left for the Clearing, but perhaps she’d pick up their fleeting scents?

* Maeve ‘s meandering would be interrupted by the call of Kova at the Alpha’s Stone! With a quick glance over herself she’d groom out a stray piece of shed fluff hoping she didn’t look quite as terrible as she felt before scurrying along toward the Alpha’s stone to join the meeting! Little did she know, as a fae without a calander sense, she’d graduated recently from a not-quite yearling to a now more-than-yearling! Did she feel more mature now? Perhaps not, there’s still some goofy in this gnoggin’.

* Kaia offered a gentle nose back, kaia wanted to run back and get faelcu bur she wasn’t certain she’d have time. And if leora was hurt kaia would keep an eye on her. Though as she followed leora and cairdeas into the clearing she’d settle haunching herself down at its edge near enough to hear all that was spoken, she’d not be out of sight to any looking but her dark pelt wasn’t always easy to spot in the evening.

* Rook There were times he would humor his mate and gladly so. This was one such time. In truth, he had been hungry, and this offered meal would hit the spot. Rook would follow after her until the stone where he would remain below and beside it to begin eating the meal in the relative peace he could have utnil the others began to answer his mate’s call.

* Cairdeas would depart the trio once more duo to find a seat, excitement flooding his heart. He would run up but make sure he was a good ways still from the stone. He did not want to be too close or too far. If Kaia and Leora allowed he offered both a gentle nosing before finding his seat.

* Kova when the trio made it to the stone she would smile. “Welcome to a new moon’s meeting.” she would say first before her hues cast to the wolves who where present (and appeared). She’d wait a few more moments before she’d continue. All who needed where almost all there. She saw Leora, Kaia and Cairdeas approach from the eastern wood (?) then she would see others appear as well. As it was to be Maeve and Leora to whom she saw first, she would smile. “Leora and Maeve — Please come forward.”

* Jade is supposed to become a pledge at this meeting, but she doubted she would be accepted after she left for so long. A few more wolves gathered around the rock. She recognized cairdeas, leora, and kaia, as well as another wolf she didn’t quite know. She looked up as kova started speaking.

* Raigare Dah, dat dah da… OOH! Ragaire tilts her head to the side, ears swiveling like big satellites (whatever those were). A howl, loud and clear rings out from the territory’s heart. She knew that song, the silver, cool-toned fae a beacon for all wolves around. She spins on her heels, there was only one thing this could be, a hunt! Oh, maybe two things, a meeting, maybe. Well, three if you counted something dangerous. Okay, maybe there were lots of things it could be. Maybe it was her momma and puppa returned. The more she thought about it, the more things came to her lil’ noggin. Nonetheless, she decided she would be brave. Lifting her head up high she trots towards the clearing. The (former) Pledge was not far, tucked away to the west neeaer her momma’s den. Few wolves puttered around the western woods, minimal trails laced through the trees with so few paws to wear into the dust. As she approaches the Clearing, the trees thin to reveal the great plain in front of her. Maybe she would see her auntie Leora! Her ears were forward and her eyes were bright as she steps into the Clearing. A great many scents flow towards her as she pads towards the grand stone at the center. Twitch-wiggle goes her nose. Rook, Leora, Kova, and Rook at the very least. More approached.

* Kaia The trio would have emerged from the Eastern wood and kaia would dip her headnin respect to the alphess though she’d keep quiet not wishing to disturb the pace of the meeting. Though she’d look slightly confused when she heard mention of leoras name

* Maeve The young fae was just about to pick out a spot over by Cairdeas to seat herself as she’d hear herself and her auntie called to the stands! With a flick of her banner she’d step forward to join at Leora’s side, offering her a friendly nose-boop to the shoulder glad to be at her side for this! Once together she’d turn her gaze to Kova offering a goofy grin and a tail-wave to show she was present!

* Kova her eyes of light amber hues would reflect the gentle dying sun’s light but it was still bright enough for them to be bathed in a beautiful golden hour glow. Her tones would be light, welcoming and held a softness to it for the pair.

* Faelcu As the sound of rushing river water became apparent when she passed through the Western treeline, Faelcu only sped up her pace. It was unlikely she would see any wolves entering from the Clearing’s East just yet as she wasn’t on that side of the river. Faelcu’s pace showed no signs of slowing down as the river came into view ahead. Just a few more feet… She cantered up to the water’s edge before leaping over, landing with a splash in the rushing river water. Her head emerged from the water as she paddled and paddled, kicking herself against the current and to the shore. Once back on land, she pulled herself up and furiously shook her fur. After that, she was back in her path back to the pack’s main meeting place, moving quickly as she saw the treeline not too far ahead.

* Kaia When leora offered her a nose kaia would do the same and in a hushed voice so only leora could hear she’d say “All luck walk with you” And she’d smile, watching the fae go. She wasn’t certain what was going to happen though if leora looked to her kaia would hold a smile for the fae, and after kovas words perhaps things would fall into place.

* Maeve The young fae would wait for Leora’s words to be offered, if perhaps seeing some heart that burned to be spoken in Leora’s frame? But if she felt the preference to wait Maeve would not be afraid to speak up! “I want to be the kind of wolf that can be relied on, I want to support the pack the same way I know it supports me” She’d offer, her reasoning simple and her tone full of conviction!

* Ragaire The Clearing was bathed in warm, golden light. The wolves gathered at the Alpha Stone draped in rich sunset. Her own coat, usually a subtle black, was lit from behind by the sun, dragging the mountains over itself like a blanket. Reds and golds ring the fae as she approaches cautiously from the west. There was no need to fear, this was her home, this was her family. Her ears swivel outwards as more scents meet her nose, including those that smelled vagueley familiar. One had come to her on Kaia’s pelt and the other was familiar, but familiar in an old way, familiar in a way she had not met but whose blood mingled with hers. The scents intertwined and Ragaire’s nose lifts slightly, distain upon her face. The last meeting Ragaire had been to, she had left in a hurry, fleeing her mother’s horrid announcement. And yet… here they were, in the flesh. Her eyes scan the group from afar, unable to tell the wolves she didn’t know apart. Indeed, there were a great many new faces. She did not, however, see her face. That at least would be a friendly wolf to sit beside. Other than her uncle Rook, she saw no one to sit beside. Fine, she’d stay to the outside. There she settled, slinking up behind the other wolves, sitting only close enough to hear her Alpha speak. There were two faes, her auntie Leora among them, at the foot of the stone. Who was the other? Her eyes narrow.

* Leora as she would feel the nose-boop, she would gently nose nuzzle Maeve back and boop her shoulder, to! She did her best to avoid showing her ouchies in public. No sir / ma’am. Not the place! She’d smile to Kaia before facing Kova. When Kova would inquire to the pair of them to share why they wished to join she’d wait a moment if only to allow time to be shared between Maeve and herself. “I was born to this pack but that birth right was never granted to me until I earned it and wanted to be part of the pack. I have learned, grown, and shared many stories with those who call WolfSpirits home. Mama calling it home. Papa calling it home. My heart yearned to wander, yes, but it was the unwavering dedication to kin and raised in this beautiful terrain of wilderness I found my paws just didn’t want to linger to far, for to long. I want to embody the values mama and papa had, but make my own and build my own story, to. Here in WolfSpirits and continue that special weave. With those I want to call and be family with.” her hues would momentarily break from Kova’s to look around her. She’d settle her gaze to each, a moment longer on Rook, and then even maybe Ragaire as she noticed her lost niece’s presence before turning back to Kova. A good slobber was in order but later!

* Kova

* Kaia eyes were mostly on the two preparing to pledge out of respect though if she spotter r Regaire she’d thump her tale lightly on the ground and invitation to sit beside her if the fae wished, certainly they hardly knew eachother but saskia had done so for her, and so if the fae desired company kaia would offer it willingly. Kaia would be greatful to have faelcu alongside her and she’d brush her muzzle against the faes pelt by way of a silent greeting

* Cairdeas was awestruck as he listened to Leora’s speech. He also really liked Maeve’s as well. It filled his heart to see two he knew and loved before him. He watched in reverent silence and a aloof smile on his maw with tongue lolling out the side. As they both were named pledges he stomped a paw for them as Kova had done.

* Maeve She’d hear the words offered and official recognition of their pledge, shared together! She’d hear mostly paw stamping, but would Maeve settle for a quiet congradulation? Heck no! She’d offer her snoot to the sky and would give a mighty Awooooooooooo! Awkward, perhaps, like a child singing their own happy birthday song, but this was also for her Auntie Leora, so speak up! Awooooooo!

* Faelcu The old fae would lightly nose Kaia in response before focusing back on the meeting in place. Maeve wasn’t a familiar wolf to her, but Leora? Pledge? She had thought Leora was already part of the pack since she was born here. Though, Cairdeas was also born in the pack and had to pledge in the last meeting. Hmm… so you still have to pledge even if you are born in WolfSpirits? The thought made some sense to her since a wolf had to prove their devotion to the pack if they wished to stay with their family. The old fae stamped her paw in celebration for the pair who were named pledges, even though she missed most of what was said before that.

* Leora

*  Jade had never been to a meeting before, she had no idea what was going on. It seemed like no one had noticed her, or if they did, they didn’t care. She was glad no one was questioning her, but at the same time, she wanted some company. As kova named the two faes pledges, doubt clouded her mind. She waited impatiently for her name to be called, yet she began to think it would never happen.

* Ragaire She listened to Leora’s words, each one like a strong breeze blowing right up her spine, lifting her coat in a most uncomfortable manner. What was all of this about earning, kin, dedication, and not wandering. It was almost like Leora spoke right to Ragaire, because naturally, everything was about her. Her muzzle remains wrinkled and she lifts her chin, how rude. She met Leora’s gaze for a moment, pain in the dark fae’s eyes. It was Kaia who she saw next. She rises to her paws and creeps to Kaia’s side, nosing the fae lightly and sitting a comfortable distance away to watch.

* Kaia A firm stamp of kaias paw would join the chorus on the ground, she knew previously that leora had not pledged, she’d mentioned it their first hunt together. But kaia assumed this meant the fae had not yet decided to stay with the pack. Kaia welcomed ragaire with a low dip of her head.

* Rook would stamp his paw to the earth for both his little sister and for his niece when the time to do so was offered. He remained fixed in his spot a moment longer before Leora made her way to him. “What was, is, and what was will be. I am proud of you and the first step upon the weave, little light.” He would nose at her once before turning his attention then to the rest of the meeting as it would progress.

* Kova

* Kaia took a deep breath, she’d almost forgotten her focus had been on leora pledging. But she knew cairdeas would likely be nervous perhaps so would faelcu. But kaia pulled herself up with trying to keep confidence on her face for the sake of the other two who were getting up with her. But she’d wait to pad over with them both

* Cairdeas might notice a new face as Leora headed towards Rook, who was that dark wolf? Her scent was new to him as well. He thought about following her but decided to wait until the meeting concluded, he could not talk to her yet anyway. He may have noticed another as well, Jade. Before he could think on how or where he knew her his name was called and his heart raced. His gaze fell forward forgetting his thoughts. He had something to say but it departed him as nervousness replaced it. He jumped up to his paws, though he knew what was coming it still was scary having all eyes on you. He would go at a just over casual pace to the front before everyone. He held his dome high betraying the anxiety flooding his form.

* Faelcu The old fae would dip her head as she saw Ragaire nearby, acknowledging the fae’s presence before looking back towards the stone. When Faelcu heard her name being called, she perked up her head and almost immediately stood up. What was she being called up for? Well, she’d find out soon enough… Faelcu glanced between Kaia and Cairdeas, two other names who were called. She gave Kaia a small smile before taking long steps towards the stone, allowing Kaia to walk alongside her if she wished as she went towards the alphess.

* Kova when the trio would approach the stone, she’d smile with a welcoming expression. One of question, however lingered in her hues.”You three have been a presence amongst our home for several moons now, freshly named pledges a month ago, that is the time to ensure that your heart desires to continue to pace itself along WolfSpirits threads. I would ask you now, is joining WolfSpirits still your desires?” she’d wait kindly for their responses.

* Kaia did not know jade, maeve she had seen though not truly spoken to, but now was not the time to ask. Kaia took a deep breath, so much had changed so quickly but kaia would stay beside faelcu and give her a smile alond with a dip of her head to cairdeas. She knew why she wanted to join the pack, she had known since that meeting that made her pledge. And so weather she was ready or not, she’d face whatever came next. “It is” kaia said dipping her head lowly to the alphess then lifting it with a smile.

* Cairdeas The yearling gazed out among all the gathered faces familiar and otherwise. He felt at home and he would sound relaxed as his dome was lifted high, “Yes,” he said hoping his mask of confidence showed through. He wanted to show his decision was made with the utmost confidence. He would continue looking about wondering what the others thought, especially Leora but all he had were assumptions.

* Faelcu The old fae paused by the stone, looking up at Kova with a hint of determination, hiding her nervousness for being called up in front of so many. At least she wasn’t called up alone, so that gave her a small amount of reassurance. “I still do wish to join WolfSpirits, for I now know that my heart lies here and nowhere else,” Faelcu said firmly as she stood tall. There was nothing to look back to, only to look ahead. Faelcu was done lounging around all day or hiding away, as she was ready to finally start proving herself to the pack in any way she could now that she made it this far.

* Kova when each spoke their heart and before those who would hear it, she dipped her nose once more. “The next step is to become an Assessment. As such, you will be held to a standard of not just your heart to join the pack, but actively showing it by your presence of learning from both the pack members here and by your mentor. You will use this time to get to know our ways, rules, and know true your heart and it’s belonging here in WolfSpirits. You will grow with us, together. As each of you have expressed your desire to continue to assessmentship, I would like to name your mentor.” her hues fell to Cairdeas and Faelcu.

“Cairdeas and Faelcu, Rook will be your mentor. Kaia you will be mentored by me.” her hues fell to the rest whom where gathered. She made note that there were no other members present this evening. She turned back to the whole.

“Now that mentors have been named, I now would like to have the honor to name our three newest Assessments! Cairdeas, Kaia and Faelcu.” she’d lift her paw and gently press it to the stone before offering a quick chuffing howl for the three.

* Leora her eyes drew bright and happy for the three who would approach the stone and be called forward to announce their desire to still join them. She swung her tail happily again when Kaia, Faelcu and Cairdeas where given Mentors and their namesake of assessment! She’d stomp her paw and when Kova offered a chuff/howl she’d offer her own but it would be swiftly sounded. Her chest hurt but she’d not let it stop her from singing for her friends!

* Cairdeas got his cool uncle, the one who had taught him to hunt and encouraged him throughout his life. This was gonna be great! He had no idea exactly what it meant just yet but he planned to find out. As he once more took his seat instead of the others his gaze went to Rook. After the meeting he knew where to go. He still hoped to properly greet the Ragaire and Jade the two unfamiliars he could see. Being the extravert meeting others was mostly fun, aside from the time random wolves enteted the territory and threatened them and killed his friend Quince.

* Rook did not catch his other niece’s stank eye given in this direction because his attention was fixed then upon the three pledges making their way up the ranks to assessment. Now comes the time when the zeal of the zealous was tested and the luster of the stone was made by perseverance. None of the previous assessments had made it beyond this point, but he did not use that as a filter by which to judge these three. Three separate wolves stood now upon the precipice of membership, and two were his to help guide. In as much as he hoped Grimolf learned from him, he, at least, had learned from him. Rook would use those lessons along with what he knew and didn’t know of these wolves to ensure the path ahead was not easy but meaningful and full of decisions to secure their places among his kin should they have the wherewithal to gain said place. Three paw stamps would be given to the earth beneath him; one for each wolf named.

* Kaia was suprised, she’d not be mentored alongside cairdeas and faelcu? The why she did not know, but she would not question it even if the idea made her nervous, it just meant she’d have to work harder and that was something she didn’t mind. So though nervous for whatever her future might hold kaia smiled and said “thank you Alphess” dipping her head once again to kova, kaia would stomp her paw on the earth for the other two though she was not certain she could offer her song since the incident so she would not do so just yet. Kaia smiled a nervous smile to cairdeas and faelcu.

* Faelcu gave a firm nod to Kova. This was the next step to joining the pack, and Faelcu would do her best to be active and useful up until her journey to the South. But now she really had to tell others about it instead of having only one wolf know then vanishing for a month. Oh dear, what a pickle! Her inner turmoil would stay in her mind as she dipped her head gratefully to Kova before looking around. Her mentor was a wolf named Rook, but Faelcu didn’t recall ever meeting such a wolf in the territory yet. She had likely seen him before, but did she remember what he looked like?

“Congrats to you both,” Faelcu looked between Kaia and Cairdeas with a smile, swaying her tail slightly before stepping back from the stone. There, she’d find a place to sit and watch the rest of the meeting take place, feeling a bit more relieved now that she was no longer in front of the stone.