* Kaia When the holw went up kaia would lift her head and haunches moving to her paws. Stepping out of the treeline enough to be visible and offering a low dip of her head to the lore master and her mentor. Then one she’d spared a glance about and a brief not of respect to all those close enough to see, she’d haunch herself visible on the edge of the trees. Listening intently to see what might come to be, it had been over a moon since the last meeting. Though kaia would spare a glance about to see of she could spot, there were few here who would be unwelcome at her side though she was looking for faelcu in particular.

* Leora as she would follow Shukie’s scent and chuff a greeting perhaps it was lost to the howl of Kova? She would turn her ears swiftly and follow that path. She ruuued softly before she’d approach Shukie from behind and chuff. “Hi Shukie!” she said in greeting before heading on to the stone. “Sounds like a meeting!” she said eagerly.

* Faelcu The pitter patter of pawsteps and the sound of a familiar voice pulled Faelcu from her rest. Her ear flicked, and her heavy lids opened to gaze upon the one who chose to disturb her. It was the Shuck, and the old fae slowly sat up to greet her. The fae might note Faelcu’s more messy looking coat and frail frame, but the fae still held herself high to not look weak. “Greetings,” she said plainly, maintaining a neutral expression. “I fare well, yeah,” Faelcu responded in a tired voice. “It has been a while since we last crossed paths.” Like always, she behaved kind of dead with her monotone voice and mostly un-emotive expression. Though, before she could say much else (not that she had much to say), the old fae heard a distant howl from Kova, and she turned her head to its direction briefly. “Care to join me back to the Clearing?” Faelcu then looked back to Kallik, rising to her paws.

* Rook Some humble bragged about a past that haunted them as though scars made one dark and complex. It made one tortured, sure…complex? eh. Compelling…hardly. Scars in this life were a dime a dozen, even those hidden beneath the skin. What made for a compelling tale was the journey from them and with whom that journey might be made. Rook still did things that would not likely classify as a light in dark times, but what fun was a moral system if it could not encompass the greatest possible good? What good was moral system without the difficult romp through the gray? Romp he did. He was the gray raven named harbinger by the closest of his kin. They had forgiven him for “taking away” Aya and their mama and papa. He wondered if these secrets would be forgiven or even needed to be forgiven…Rook followed his mate until she ascended the stone safely. When she was atop, he’d find a spot near the front and sit, noting any others that had beat him to the fray.

* Kallik Well, there was the answer to her question, and her answer called to her. a bit hesitant, she nodded and followed the old fae. To her remark Kallik replied, “yes, it has, I heard you left?” She licked fresh blood from her muzzle wounds. It seemed prey didnt like her muzzle much, though understandable, it stung like fire. As the two walked, she wondered who would be there. The fae ruffled out her pelt, which had mostly dried by now thanks to the summer sun, and hoped for the best. Would Kova br mad at her disappearance, even though she had only bren truely gone for little over a week? She hoped for the alphess’ mercy, just this once

* Shukie found a spot a bit away from the stone, facing her sister she gave a bow of respect before plopping her backside upon the earth. As she saw others arriving she’d give a nod in their direction. A did of her head would be given should Rook look her way tho remained mute at this point.

* Leora as Shukie proceeded on without a tone in kind, she would simply seek her own seat some what in the middle of the clearing, facing the Alpha’s stone. Eyes light, curious and eager to know of what this meeting would offer in their books.

* Kaia As leora set herself down further from the treeline kaias eyes would follow her for a brief time, a smile played on her face. If leora chanced a look her way kaia would offer her head in a low dip with a bright smile pealed across her face as her head lifted, she reserved the right for those she respected most and leora was among them. With a nod of her head the invite for leora to join her would be clear enough though she’d only do it in slight and once. After all There were many among leoras kin, and her pack here this evening. So after that she’d turn eyes back to kova listening intently. All conversation could wait till the meeting was over.

* Shukie She noted where leora had settled offering a quiet chuff so as not to distract from Kova. For once, she was not a ghost hovering in the trees above or a fly on the boulder. Her gaze drifted about after flashing leora a wide smile before refocusing upon Kova.

* Kallik turned away nervously, something uncommon in her. She felt small in faelcu’s shadow. “I am weak here, like a frail pup. Only the fish aid my survival, while rodents of the forest stumble mockingly before me. I tried to kill a…. a uh.. something, but it drove me to the dust. Perhapse I will return to the cold of the North, where atleast I can snatch a young meal…” her ears lowered a bit. Why was she being so vulnerablr towards the one who had hated her only that spring?

* Leora she would give a soft ruuing sound as she caught Kaia’s attention. She swung her tail happily behind her and offered her a happy expression and a HELLO greeting with her eyes! She wanted to bound over to her, but decorum! When a nod was given to invitation she’d happily take it. Walking to seat herself beside Kaia, she gingerly shoulder bumped her happily to see her before turning her eyes to Kova and the proceeding of the meeting.

* Faelcu The old fae heard her admission. Maybe back then she would have subtly put her down or spoke with snide back when she still held hate in her heart, but Faelcu just looked back at her with a thoughtful expression.
“No one is born a hunter. That title is earned through practice, training and experience. You may stumble and fall, but if you get back up again, then you will learn from your mistakes and improve your skills.” Her tone was firm, but somewhat uplifting. As uplifting as Faelcu could manage. Once the pair had made it in time to the Eastern edge of the Clearing for the meeting, Faelcu sat closer by the trees in silence. If Kallik wished to sit by her, then she wouldn’t mind the fae’s presence near again unlike before.

* Kova her tail swung once as she’d dip her nose softly. “Next, I would like to announce that my dear sister, Shukie, and previous Alphess of WolfSpirits has returned back to us. I would remind you all that she is an honored guest to us and I would see that the respect given to me is extended to her as well.” she would smile a flashy toothy grin at her sister, Shukie. She would allow a moment if Shukie desired to stand, offer word, or remain where she had seated hereslf. She’d be well aware of those coming and having found their places to seat.

* Shukie She dipped her head to Kova in respect after standing briefly. “As I was before, I am now once again here for any and all to assist as needed.” With that she sat back down.

* Kaia wound offer a gentle brush of her shoulder, she’d not expected the invitation to be accepted but she was glad it had. She sat close beside leora her eyes holding a smile before turning back to kova. She’d known of shukie and her return for a while, shukie was one of the first tales shared with ehr of this place. And she seemed a fae worth respecting, besides wolfspirits had done much for her, she held in Hugh regard all those who had done much for it. As was her way, her own gratitude for all she’d found and fought for here.

* Leora her hues fell to Kova as she comfortably sat beside Kaia. She would perk her ears to Kova and then her hues drifted happily to Shukie. She grinned having met her a few times and even invited to hunt with her! Oh, she was excited for that! “Welcome back, Shukie! Honored guest of Wolfspirits! I am eager to learn more from you and hear some gooood stories!” she would call across the others before stomping her paw.

* Kallik “thank you,” she said to Faelcu. She felt a little better, but still out of place. She sat a few feet from Faelcu as they neared, and for the first time in weeks she sae the alphess. If Kova turned to her, Kallik would look away a bit with her ears back, hoping it would show she was sorry for being so absent. She also saw Kaia, Leora, Shukie (whom her player didnt think Kallik had met yet,) and Rook, among others (if forgotten). She would send a friendly glance to Kaia and Leora, now wondering where Luna was. The snowy fae seemed to always be in the crowd, so it was odd not to see her gleaming coat among the throng

* Rook had no questions as to the needed change in how membership would be handled. Stagnation was a bane to most, but hopefully this would resolve the distinction for new blood to understand whom they could learn from and who might have an outdated understanding of the pack. Those who had been gone for so long would need to relearn who the pack was in that moment rather than rely on some sense of unmoveable place and time. Again, the world moved on. Rook would turn then to the mention of Shukie returning and understood then that she might be the first among those that relearned who and what the pack was in the moment. He still had yet to ask of his other sister or of tales from her own journey. It was enough that she had returned, he thought. If he could get a tale from her before the end, then so be it.

* Faelcu The fae would have silently nodded to the ‘thank you’ before she scanned the Clearing from her spot, noting all who were present. As Kova announced the return of Shukie, the fae would stamp her paw and offer a stamp of her paw and a “Welcome back,” in a firm but welcoming tone towards the fae. Although she had already greeted and welcomed her before, it didn’t hurt to do so again, and it was a way to show her respect for the older fae.

* Kaia treasured her place alongside leora. Standing at her side held a certain comfort. Though after shukie spoke she’d offer a low nod of her head. Upon kalliks appearance kaia would offer a warm smile and a slight dip of her head, kallik was more than welcome to join them. Besides kaia had been worried about her for some time since they’d made the kill before faelcu departed. Keeping watch on her fellow assesment could do no harm. Even if she remained sat closer to leora the invite would hang in the air. And her tail would offer a light sway as she smiled dipping her head in kind to faelcu, it had been long enough to since so many she cared for stood in one place. It was a nice feeling.

*Shukie She would acknowledge each in turn, not having forgotten rook had questions for her. all things in their right time and it was not yet time in this moment.

* Kova she turned an ear to Leora after Shukie’s invitation to learn and she chuckled. Her tail swung once then stilled. “Aye, we welcome you for as long as your paws rest amongst home once more. I am eager to continue to learn and eager for your stories as well if you desire to share them with whom you will.” she grinned. Not all story was free if any had heard and listened well to the Lore Master and her mate.

“Next… ” she turned her hues then to the wolves present. “I would ask the Assessments Leora and Kaia to seek Rook and I together. A final task is to be given and made. When you are ready, so shall we.” She turned then to see Kallik appear with Faelcu. She’d note the side-glance and perhaps pick up on her intent.

“Mentoree Kallik. Seek me after this meeting so I might connect with lost time and see where your paws desire to be placed.”

She would make one more pause before she’d shift her paws ever so beneath her.

“I am unsure if others have taken note of Cairdea’s absence, but I wish to extend his request to me, now to all of you. He has stepped down from his assessmentship for now. I have honored his request as he now seeks to extend his paws outward and ensure that where his heart desires to be, is true. As well as his activity amongst us has become sparse, he wishes to not hold to long on those decisions. He is of course welcome here and will be welcomed when he’s able to be back.”

* Leora ever the light expressional fae would glance around to each wolf with a big ol look on her face. When she saw Kallik among them, her heart eagerly pounded as she swung her tail happily a few times. A tail wave?? yes!Her expression to the fae seemed to exude “Welcome back”. Her gaze then turned once more to Kova and what was to be shared next. She herself was so happy to have Shukie back! Oh yes indeed. That hunt had their names on it soon. She gently leaned into Kaia enjoying the fae’s company equally so and equal enough she to was very comfortable beside her. When her name was called she drifted her eyes quickly to Kova. Kaia’s name would be alongside her own and she’d offer a swing of her tail before stilling it. “I will, Alphess.” she called once more. “I will be ready.” her mind drifted to the ancient forest. To her brother. To the owl feather. To so many things in that moment but she’d lean to Kaia’s shoulder and the world drew silent. Still.

* Kaia As leora leant into her kaia would do the same, her shoulder gently pressed comfortably against the faes as she listened to all play out. From their place pressed against eachother leora might have felt the jolt in kaias frame, as she stiffened at the mention of her name, old habits die hard if at all after all. But here it stood before her, her ‘final task’. It took a moment to sink in, her world had been crushed before she arived, but in some way she’d found and built a new one. So she dipped her head eyes closed to the alphess. “As will i”.
Before she spoke again in a quieter voice, leaning back to leoras side she said “and there is no wolf I’d rather do it beside” she did not know what she would rise to meet, but she was lucky indeed to not face it alone. And so it seemed soon enough she’d turn her mind to her final task. There was something daunting about finding her pla e and belonging here, and something just as exiting. After all, she knew now what she wanted, more than anything else. Though she couldn’t help but let worry for cairdeas play out in the back of her mind. She owed her mentor much thanks and she’d offer it soon enough, but for now, she sat in thought comforted by the gentle weight on her side.

*Leora she would feel Kaia’s movements against her own and offered a reassuring gesture of a gentle nosing to her cheek. She to would be equally as grateful to see this task not alone, especially beside Kaia. The pair had grown quiet close since Kaia had wandered into their home. To the whispered tones, Kaia would recieve an equal response. “nor I, Kaia.” she grinned and gave a very bright and happy expression before turning back to Kova and the others who attended the meeting. She to was rather curious and surprised about Cairdeas motion to step down. Like the others, she to felt the brute couldn’t have waited to become a member. All things in their own time, indeed.

* Kova her tail ushered a swift swing before stilling to Leora and Kaia’s response. She to was eager to see the pair progressing on their path. Equally as curious and excited, was to see Kallik and Faelcu’s progression as well. All paths lay before them, now was the time to step and write in those chapters. She was glad to see the pair back. “One last announcement and that is there is a fresh black tail deer kill that I and Rook had felled just to the east of the clearing’s woods, and close to the eastern river’s stream. Please eat and take your fill.” She would stomp her paw softly even though it ached. “Does any others wish to bring anything forward before I conclude tonight’s meeting?”

* Shukie She made mental notes of Kova’s announcements and regarding the youth, perking at the mention of a black tail kill, simply nodding. She’d not yet met kallik and would do so when time allows.

* Kaia smiled, it was comforting enough to be at her side. As leora brushed her muzzle over the side of the faes cheek kaia gently did the same. And for the first time a thought kept into her mind, she’d known of her whitening pelt for s while, though she’d always been a sort of ‘if I was going to die I’d be dead’ person, what good would worrying do. But now, just for a moment she thought how did a wolf like me ever become deserving of your light, as though my pelt cpuks catch it, thay i might save traces of your light on my fur. And then she brushed away the thought, but there were worse things. It was nice, a reminder of her mentor with the faes whit epelt. And leors, and faelcu with the chain of white on her underbelly. The thought didn’t sit there long, but it was a pleasant one. Even if all it did was ward away her worries for a while. Though a meal was something she could do with, and she could always lend a watch to keeping it safe. But she kept an ear out for sny other news, her eyes half closed as she thought.

* Faelcu felt her tail subtly sway, feeling happy for Kaia and Leora now that they were on their ‘final task’. How ominous. She silently wished them the best on whatever Rook and Kova had planned for them, and if she were being honest, Faelcu was glad she wasn’t called up for anything yet. Perhaps due to reluctance to much currently aside from walking. Hearing that a blacktail was felled by just Rook and Kova, Faelcu perked up her head. Was she surprised? Yes. Hunting a full grown deer was no easy feat unless you had numbers on your side, and although Faelcu had gone on a deer hunt with just Kova and Leora before, it was still no less impressive to hear of these hunting achievements with such small groups.

* Rook He had nothing to add or subtract from the meeting with and so remained quiet when the question came. If enticed or provoked, then maybe he would. For now, Rook began to spin what he would say to Kaia and Leora to prepare them for their last task toward membership.

* Kova she’d dip her nose. “Thank you to each and everyone of you who’ve attended this evening. Rest well, eat well, and tomorrow is a new day.” with that she’d stomp her paw on the stone to conclude the meeting. Rising to all fours she would turn slowly and limp down the stone. She did her best to ensure the weight was equal but she’d not deny the pain and discomforts. When she reached the bottom she’d then make her way towards Faelcu and Kallik as promised.