Pack Meeting #1

((Continued from: https://incendio.rpg-board.net/t45p90-hopeless#439 ))

Blitz yawned softly as he laid by his den, letting his pack members rest before he would alert them to what he and Fallon already knew. Inferno had just left him to rest, and he could tell that the male was eager for the news, just as eager as Blitz was to tell it. But for now he had to wait. Molly was resting and regaining energy, and he mentally kicked himself for letting her get so malnurished. It was impossible to tell when looking at her, for her thick fur made her appear healthy and strong. But once Fallon had begun to groom her fur and he saw it flatten some, he was angered by what he saw. The little female was skin and bones, and he was grateful that Fallon had agreed to take care of her. The rest she was getting now would definitely help her. Not to mention the food that would be waiting for her when she woke.

After a few hours, he yawned, standing up and stretching lazily as he looked around the den area. It was time to talk to his pack. Finally his eyes fell on a large, flat boulder in the center of the area, and he walked over to it, leaping up and landing on top of it and sitting down. He smiled, lifting his head and howling just loud enough for the wolves in the dens to hear, deciding it would be best for him to tell Chaos later instead of bring her to a gathering of all the wolves, especially when Molly was in such bad shape. When he finished his howl, he lowered his head, smiling as he waited for the pack to arrive.

Fallon had been laying with her head on her paws, so she had heard Blitz get up and move around outside. Still, it was exciting, even if she knew it was coming, to hear the call. It was time! She sat up and leaned her head down towards Molly's, gently nuzzling her face to get her up. "Molly," said the female softly, "Blitz is calling us to the meeting." Hopefully, the sleep and food had done the white wolf well, but Fallon wouldn't really be able to tell until she woke up.

In his own den, Inferno yawned and got to his feet. That rest had been much needed for him, and it kind of worried him. He stepped out into the sunlight, shutting his eyes against the brightness, and shook the dirt off his coat, frowning a bit at how long he'd slept. Maybe it was that long night...had they gone completely through?...a few days ago that was finally catching up with him.
The wolf padded to the center of the clearing and sat about ten feet from the big rock in order to look up at Blitz and give him a still slightly drowsy nod.

While Khalessi was nearing the dens, she had gotten the impression that the others were not around. It had been eerily quiet, but suddenly Blitzen's random call echoed across the lands, startling her out of her daydreams. By now, Kali was looking much better, she had made a stop by the hot springs and spent some time there before heading east. Once refreshed she noticed that the territory was, like her, looking in much better shape. An odd transformation for only one night, but you wouldn't hear any complaints coming from her. While everyone else was out doing their thing she had cleaned out the storage den completely, leaving it barren. She didn't want to risk mixing fresh meat with that old rancid crap that had been sitting in there for a while, so she tossed out everything into a clearing and left it for the scavengers.

Her coat, now white and flowing, allowed her prideful nature to return. So when she entered you could tell she was in a much lighter mood then when she had arrived. She offered a nod to everyone in greeting then seated herself away from the others. Khalessi wasn't completely ignorant to the fact that out of the whole pack, she was the ghost, the outsider that no one really knew. Not that it bothered her much, but she respected that fact that they might not be as comfortable with her as they were with each other, so Khalessi did them the favor of separating herself a bit.

Attention turning to Blitz she waited patiently for the meeting to begin, but Khalessi also had an announcement to share as well.

Blitz smiled as everyone arrived, excluding Chaos, thank goodness. He looked out over his pack, wagging his tail at their excited faces until his eyes finally laid on Fallon's. He took a deep breath, standing on the rock and stretching before clearing his throat to get everyone's attention. Then again, it was probably not needed, since the entire pack was sitting there looking up at him already anyways. "Thank you all for coming. I have called this meeting to share some wonderful news with you." He said, pausing to glance down at Fallon before continuing. "When Fallon and I were out hunting, we encountered a doe and her fawn. This made me go to the Moonlight Meadow." He said, pausing again to let his words sink in. "At exactly midnight, a spirit revealed itself to us. It told us that the spirits were slowly returning, now that we're working together as a pack, as a family." He said, grinning and wagging his tail in his excitement.

Molly smiled up at Blitz as he spoke, laying down next to Fallon because she was still too weak to stand for too long. Her tail wagged as Blitz spoke, exciting her that Silverlight was coming to life again. She grinned and remained silent, imagining all of the wonderful potential that the land had, and the beauty that she had already sensed in the woods. Her tail continued to wag as she sighed, resting her head on her paws and trying to relax so she wouldn't waste all of the little energy she had before she had to get up and walk back to the den.

Fallon knew what was going on, so she didn't feel the need to watch Blitz as he spoke. Instead, she excitedly wagged her tail and glanced around the small semi-circle of wolves, wagging her tail as she took in their expressions. Molly's was sweet and serene (though the under-tone of pain in her face was heart-breaking), Inferno's was serious and almost impenetrable (but she knew him well enough to sense his mind whirring behind that closed facade), and Khalessi's...Fallon didn't know how to read Khalessi's deeply just yet. She was getting the obvious signs, but the white female was still a mystery to Fallon. That would have to be remedied as soon as possible. Until then, the red wolf scrutinized the Head Hunter, trying to get as much as she could by looks.

The news that the spirits were returning was not unexpected by Inferno - he'd easily felt the change and his conversation earlier with Blitz had confirmed it. What he'd been waiting for was the reason they'd returned, and what Blitz had revealed was completely unanticipated by the copper wolf. That was it? That's all they'd needed to do to begin bringing back the spirits? The wolf was feeling quite angry at himself to waiting so long to integrate into the pack, but on the other hand, he probably wouldn't have appreciated this revelation as much as he did now, seeing first hand how important the family aspect of the pack was. Whatever had happened before, there was hope now, and the wolf acknowledged this good news by gently wagging his tail along with the others.

(....PASS >.> )

(Stix, you're adorable <3 )

Blitz grinned, watching his pack as their faces lit up. They had all helped him get here, and he was grateful for every one of them. But there was something else he wanted to talk about. Something that only he knew about, and wasn't even sure if he should mention it to the pack or not. He thought for a few moments, deciding that it would be best to handle privately. After a few moments he cleared his throat again, smiling as the mumbling ceased and eager eyes returned to his face. "I guess that's it for now. Khalessi, if you're up for it, do you mind taking Fallon out for a hunt? She's a hunter, and as you are head hunter, she's ready to follow you if you're up to it." He said, smiling at the white female. Then he turned to Molly, who was dozing beside Fallon. "Fallon, could you take her back to her den before you head out with Khalessi? She needs to rest." He said, smiling down at the tiny white female as she dozed. Then he turned to Inferno, tilting his head to the side. "Inferno, I'd like you to join me by my den. There's a matter that I need to discuss with you." He said, his voice soft and serious as he spoke.

Molly yawned as Blitz finished the meeting, snuggling up against Fallon's soft coat and dozing off. But Blitz's sudden use of her name had her blinking up at him and yawning once more as she slowly rose, her muscles aching in protest. She waited for Fallon to stand as well, ready to go to sleep in her den for the night. She yawned again, her tail swaying slightly behind her as she did her best to keep her balance as Blitz spoke to Inferno.

"Of course," replied the red female, her body wriggling in excitement. Hunting and finally getting to meet the new wolf (to her). Fallon stood up and gently leaned against Molly, trying to steady the little white wolf and help carry some of her weight. "Now you've got all day to rest," she said cheerily as the two made their way to Molly's den. Settling the white wolfess onto the ground, worried at how strenuous that had been for Molly, she asked, edging up to the door and peering in with a concerned look, "Is there anything else I can get you right now?"

The male got up and twitched his ears questioningly, but nodded to Blitz and began making his way to the leader's den. He was worried about this meeting - and he didn't often worry. Blitz's face had flickered quickly from joy to contemplation to seriousness, and Inferno couldn't help but wonder what could make Blitz look this way. Perhaps it was all in Inferno's head; perhaps he was feeling slightly (and he didn't know why) guilty about the Molly thing.

Khalessi had listened as best she could mulling over a concept she had yet to fully understand about silverlight. However, the change in it's aura was unmistakable and extremely hard to ignore. Her trip through the forest had shown her that.

When Blitz addressed her she blinked calmly the glanced over to Fallon before returning her gaze to the alpha. "I'd prefer if you and Inferno joined in. I found a herd of eight, five doe, three fawns, and a buck. I'd figure leaving the fawns would be a better option, just for precautionary purposes. They're in the meadow as of now, but slowly heading east. If they reach the forest, it will be too difficult for just two of us through such thick foliage. However if we hurry we might catch them before they get too far." Khalessi explained before directing her gaze to Inferno. Her amber eyes looked him over, getting used to the presence. "Not that I doubt your skill, or mine for that matter" she looked back over at Fallon and offered a smile.

It would be better if everyone joined anyways, a type of bonding moment.

Blitz glanced down and Khalessi as she spoke of him and Inferno joining. His ears pinned back slightly, for a moment, the only slight hint at his frustration, before he relaxed once more. "In a few moments, Khalessi. I need to speak with Inferno." He said as patiently as he could. Then he turned back towards his den, heading over to it as he was sure Inferno would be doing as well. However, he did not look back, and when he reached the den, he sat, waiting for the male to join him.

Molly yawned as she laid down in her den, curling up and looking up at Fallon as she spoke. "No, I'm fine. Thank you for everything, Fallon." She said, smiling and wagging her tail slightly as she rested her head on the floor and almost instantly fell asleep again. Soon she was snoring softly, resting and regaining the energy she desperately needed.

Fallon just nodded and smiled at the wolfess before turning her full attention to listen to Khalessi, knowing that Molly would be fine for now. Sleep is what she needed. The red wolfess trotted to the Head Hunter's side and looked off after Inferno and Blitz, wondering what could be more important than a hunt right now. Shaking her head and looking at the white wolfess beside her, she asked, "Should we head up to the meadow and hope Blitz and Inferno meet us there, or would you rather we wait here?" For once, Fallon was glad just to ask and let someone else figure out the plan. "I'm Fallon, by the way," she piped, wagging her tail in greeting, since they hadn't formally been introduced before. "It's great to finally meet you, Khalessi."

Still slightly confused, and now a bit wary, Inferno walked in to Blitz's den and sat down in front of the large male. "What did you need, Blitz?" asked the wolf, inclining his head a bit and pricking his ears forward curiously, though unintentionally defensively. This was very unusual behavior from Blitz, and Inferno did not feel comfortable not knowing what to expect.

Blitz glanced at Khalessi as Inferno approached, but then turned his attention to the other male as he sat in front of him. He took a deep breath, thinking carefully about how to word this. He wasn't sure how Inferno would react, either, so it made the whole thing that much harder. But after a few moments, he spoke, since Inferno was obviously nervous that he was in trouble or something.

"The pack is slowly growing, and with all the responsibilities, I'm getting overwhelmed."

He said, pausing for a moment as he glanced back at the rest of the pack. Their healer needed a healer herself, their Head hunter had just recovered and wouldn't be to her full capabilities for a few days, Fallon was always eager to please but needed directions, and Chaos was a disaster. Finally he took another breath and continued.

"I need help leading this pack. Will you accept the rank of Beta Male?"

He asked, looking over at the male hopefully. He knew that Inferno wanted what was best for the pack, and that he probably had plenty of ideas about the future. Blitz needed all the help he could get, and he could think of no one better than Inferno, the one wolf that had been by his side and helped him drag their pack back into actually being a pack.

Inferno's jaw slacked slightly after processing what Blitz had said, and two seconds later, the wolf couldn't help but give a short, erratic laugh. "Is that it?" he asked, still so surprised and relived that he was unable to keep from smiling a little. Seeing that the white wolf was serious, Inferno collected himself, though still unable to keep from grinning, and said, "I accept and will help you and this pack with all I have." He knew Blitz would be giving that much, too. "Thanks," he finished, flicking back his ears and dipping his head a bit, grateful that Blitz trusted him this much. It was more than a relief to hear this than whatever horrible things Inferno had been coming up with in his previous moment of delusion.

Blitz smiled as Inferno instantly relaxed. And then he wagged his tail as the male accepted. He then stood smiling and glancing back at Khalessi. They should probably go join her and Fallon, although he wasn't sure he was up for a hunt. They needed to fill the storage den, though, so after smiling and nodding at Inferno, he headed towards the females that were waiting. "Alright you two, I'm ready whenever you are. But, I do not think I'm comfortable leaving Molly here alone. Inferno, do you mind hanging around here?" He asked, curious to see if the new beta would be ok getting stuck with 'Molly-care' again.

(Ugh, how could you do this to him AGAIN! lol xDD)

Inferno loped out of the den after Blitz toward Fallon and Khalessi. He really wasn't excited about the idea of a hunt at the moment, either, but that idea was instantly one hundred times more desirable the second after Blitz made his suggestion to Inferno. There was no way he could help the incredulous look that manifested his initial, instant dislike for the idea. After a second, he blinked away the look and furrowed his brow a bit, thinking through the pros and cons for a split second before agreeing with a nod. "Sure, I'll keep watch around here." She'd be asleep anyway, and he had to get over that awful feeling that had been nagging at him ever since they'd gotten here. The wolf smiled reassuringly and walked over to his den, which was within view of Molly's, and stretched out in front of the entrance in a great position to watch all entrances into the camp.

Fallon delightedly began practically bouncing in place, her eyes sparking with anticipation. It had been forever since she'd been in the position to take down big game! This would be great. She looked to Blitz and Khalessi almost impatiently as she waited for them to get going.

((Blitz/Fallon/Khalessi continued - with time lapse: https://incendio.rpg-board.net/t58p15-combinations#571 ))

( *pauses Blitz, Khalessi and Fallon* )

Molly slept soundly, relaxed and calm as she dreamed within the safety of her den, even as the hunters went on their way to hunt the large game that had come into their territory once more. They would be gone for a while, and she needed the rest anyways. She slept for some time, nearly an hour and a half before her stomach growled angrily, pulling her from her peaceful dream. She groaned, pinning her ears back and trying to fall asleep again, only to be roused by her stomach once more. With an annoyed snort, she quickly stood, not realizing that the lack of nutrition and food in her body would not cope well with sudden standing and laying. She exited the den, however, and soon discovered her mistake when she stumbled and fell over from dizziness. She laid there, stunned, for a moment as she blinked and her stomach growled in protest. But she forced herself onto her feet again, carefully walking towards the storage den and stumbling at least two more times before reaching it and collapsing inside.

Inferno had not wasted his hour and a half of just sticking around the dens. There had been a lot he'd been wanting to think about, and there hadn't been a moment for it since early this morning. The puzzle of the spirits was always gnawing at him, and the piece he'd received today just opened up more questions. Why did the spirits have to give the bare minimum of information? Between these thoughts and hundreds of others, the time passed quickly and in a rather relaxed manner.

It had been so quiet that it was almost startling to hear Molly moving about in her den. And then coming out. He got to his feet as he watched her for a second, frowning a bit at her condition. With a sigh, the male padded to the storage den after her and was met with the sight of Molly in a heap on the floor. Did he ever meet up with her any other way?

"Molly," he asked, walking in and looking down at her from a few feet off, "I think you'd be better off just yelling for help next time instead of trying to commit suicide over a piece of meat. Anyone would be happy to get you whatever you need, you know..." And she did know; he knew that. Why was she constantly so stubborn?

Molly flinched in surprise at Inferno's sudden voice. She mentally kicked herself for not being more alert. When he spoke, she sighed, looking down at her paws as she pulled them beneath her and sat up. Then she looked back up at him, her ears flat and respectful. "I know, I'm sorry Inferno." She said softly, her stomach growling and making her wince. She glanced up at Inferno as if to make sure it was ok that she took some food, and then walked carefully to the small pile, taking a large rabbit and laying down to eat it. She finished it rather quickly, licking her lips and swallowing the last bite with a slight smile. Her stomach was still rather empty, but at least it wasn't growling and throbbing painfully anymore.

He watched her through narrowed eyes as she got her food and ate. Once she was done, he went over to the pile and tossed her another rabbit. They had plenty (Fallon and Blitz had done well), and she still needed it.

"Molly," he said in the silence, sitting down away from her again, "if you were truly sorry, you'd quit trying to pull this stunt over and over again." Inferno wasn't up for letting her last statement go just yet. He'd been dealing with this all day, and it was only going to hurt Molly in the end if she didn't cut it out. "Will you just ask next time?" asked the wolf in a significantly softer, slightly fatigued voice. No one here thought twice about helping (well, he did, but only because she was constantly in this strange mood), but everyone would be devastated if Molly were to get even more sick.

Molly's ears perked up as he tossed her another rabbit, and she ate it silently, not even noticing him sit down and prepare to speak. But when he did, she looked up at him, her ears submissively flat again. She looked down as he spoke, nodding slowly. "I will." She said softly, trying to focus on anything but the male wolf's face and his scolding voice. She frowned, he made her feel like a pup being scolded. She silently picked at the clean bones of the rabbit, avoiding eye contact and not getting up to return to her den. He'd probably just yell at her if she did.

The wolf's ears flattened against his head and he looked out at the bright white blazing in from the opening of the den. Molly had used that tone before; he knew what it meant. It meant she was only saying what he wanted her to say. Well, he wanted her to mean it, too, and it was obvious from past experience and the way she was holding herself that she didn't.

"Better get back to your den so there's room in here when the others get back," he told her, standing up and waiting for her at the door. "I'll help you back..." But he'd definitely wait for her to come to him if she'd like the help. The male could foresee possible negative effects if he got close to her on his own accord. At the very least, she keep that 'scared out of her wits' demeanor going, which kind of off set him.

Molly didn't look up as he spoke, but she was sure that he didn't believe her. She sighed softly as he said she should get back to her den, and she carefully stood, walking slowly towards the entrance and hesitating beside him. Would he yell at her if she kept going without letting him help her? Probably. She was pretty sure that fell into the category of stubborn. She sighed, taking another step and nearly stumbling and leaning against his large form for support. Her ears flattened as she didn't force herself off of him, but leaned against him as she made her way to her den, focusing on getting there, rather than the soft fur that she was pressed up against.

Walking her back, Inferno knew she probably wasn't thrilled to be helped by him, of all wolves, but after having watched her make her way to the storage den in the first place, he knew that whether she liked it or not, he was actually making a difference in helping her body rest at least. Her mind was another matter. What made him so disagreeable with her? Ok, maybe he was a little pushy (Fallon would definitely have let Molly sleep whenever), but for her to be so, incredibly...whatever emotion she felt toward him. It was unclear whether she was angry, scared, or annoyed - though it was probably all three, he ended up deciding - but whatever it was mattered a lot.

They reached her den and went inside. Inferno let her slip gently to the floor of the den and then turned immediately and paced out. He returned thirty seconds later with yet another rabbit. "So you won't need to ask or get up next time," he explained gruffly, dropping the carcass near the side of her den without the fear of it going bad anytime soon. She would be hungry again soon enough.

Molly sighed as she slowly sank to the ground in her den, when she was finally settled, she looked up to see Inferno gone. But as she laid her head down gently, she was frightened by his gruff voice and a soft thud. She jumped slightly, lifting her head to look up at him. "Thank you." She said softly, her voice light and airy as her ears flattened slightly once more. She wasn't interested in it right now, but like him, she knew she'd want it later. She soon laid her head back down on her paws, sighing softly, utterly miserable at being stuck in her den all alone for so long.