It felt strange. Usually around spring time a wolf would lose weight, but Fel felt heavier than ever. Not that it bothered her too much, for her strength and wit was still about her. Besides, she could feel that her burden would not require to be carried for much longer. The guardian had awoken before dawn and was perched outside her den, watching the clearing and listening for any strange noise, specifically from the direction of the alpha’s den. Oh she knew every twig within a hundred foot’s radius and was focused on making sure that no one with an ill mind was to come close. Of course, all of her eagle-like protection was done subtly in respect to the privacy of her leaders, but she knew that she was expected to protect the alpha family to her fullest capacity. When the summoning howl rang out, almost echoing in the small caverns of her onyx ears, Fel rose to her paws and padded away from her cold, lonely little cave and into the full of the clearing, where so many were gathering on such a short notice. How nice and yet how strange it was to see all of her pack mates. It seemed that she knew so many, and yet there were new scents in the air. Helidos was strong indeed.

Not knowing where she should be officially, Fel moved to the edge of the clearing, to the side of the group and yet in the shadows, before sitting down. She did not know if her superiors would see her or not, but she offered a slow bow of the head in any case, before curling her tail around her paws. Thoughts and wonders about the purpose of this meeting ran through her mind like the newly freed water of the rivers. Perhaps it was some ceremony, a pack meeting, or maybe even a call to arms. It mattered not though, for the fae would soon find out. With a watchful pale gaze she regarded the pack, sitting as graceful and resolute as a raven in her dark perch.

Katyusha had not yet returned to her rather makeshift den yet today. Late yesterday evening the hunter had found a rutted out path, typical of a migrating herd, and with such a major find the young huntress couldn't even imagine leaving the path until she had found the herds location, and with most of the herd resting for the night, there was no better time to make up the distance than tracking them all night, the jitters of so much prey and such a great catch keeping her motivated through the chilly night and the deep heavy mud of the spring thaw.

Just as the sun started to peak the horizon, the young huntress would catch the herd, it was much smaller than she had hoped, but still more than large enough to harvest some stragglers out of, and much bigger than anything the wolf had seen in a while. Holding back the urge to yip her excitement, the hunter would crouch low, moving from tree to tree as she worked her way closer, trying to find a comfortable over watch to observe from, before returning to discuss a plan with the other hunters, sleep would have to wait.

Although this plan would quickly be cut short as a light howl met hear ears, the wolf's head raising with ears perked as she caught the tail end of such a summon, letting out a light sigh and taking a mental note of where the herd was, before turning and keeping herself low as she moved away from the herd, then broke into a sprint, not wanting to howl a response for fear of startling the pack, so she had to be there quickly. After several long minutes of sprinting, the huntress quickly making her way through the pack clearing to the already growing crowd, fur stained with mud from her shoulders and haunches down, paws actually looking a dark brown instead of their usual grey. Quickly the fea would move through the small crowd to take a spot near Shadow, giving a bow to both the alpha, and the lead huntress "I have found a small herd not far from here, if you'd like to speak afterwords." she said with a little smile.

Alanoth had awoken quite late that morning, the pups under his care and his many worries about his mate, the beautiful raven-colored Fel, with her new burden, all of these concerns had weighed heavily on his mind. As such, sleep had not been very fruitful for the middle aged Caretaker, nor had it lasted for all that long. He sighed and stretched with a wide yawn that almost hurt his jaw, then sleepily looked around the Caretakers' den. That was when his ears pricked straight up to the sound of the Alpha's call. A meeting in the Pack Clearing? Was something wrong? He looked around and noticed pup tracks leading outside, clearly they had all awoken before himself, and gone to investigate. So, he followed suit and bounded out of the den and through the snow towards the clearing, taking a place at the edge, befitting his lower rank among the pack.

Aurora awoke to the sounds of the Alpha calling each wolf to a mandatory meeting, but, still she didn't wish to move. Her belly was growing more and more round by the day and soon she would birth a worthy family to her mate Kenai, who had now confirmed that they must leave to attend. With a short goodbye, she nuzzled him to allow him to take his place beside Azul and assist him, while she would take her time strolling along, wish not to active the little ones inside her, or to risk pre-labor. Still, Aurora left the den with a smile on her face, spring was finally here and soon her pups would be too. Nose to the ground, Aurora followed her mate's scent and casually took her place beside him in the group circle, her shame suddenly creeping up on her as she arrived later than expected to the pile of wolves.

There were familiar and unfamiliar faces in the group and figured that this would be the perfect time to introduced herself to others but suddenly felt quiet next to Kenai. As everyone worried about the pack and forth coming events, Aurora could only worry about Kenai and her family, but still in her odds she would protect others with what she had left to give. Wondering if it was proper to relieve herself from these situations, or, to serve as Delta like she was supposed too. It was a battle, she wished to never endure. Wanting to serve Azul as a ranking member of the pack and wanting to serve Kenai as a proper mate. Looking around she got nervous and stepped behind Kenai, only wishing to go back to their den and ride out the rest of her pregnancy. "Greetings Azul." She found her voice suddenly, but it was far more silent than the normal pep in her spirit. Motherhood. Aurora just could wait for it to be over.

((Sorry for the delay between my posts. I forgot to bring the charger to my laptop on vacation))

Athena woke up with a drawn out yawn, unhappy with awakening so early after a night of practicing poultice-making on her own. The strong, bitter scent of dock lingered on her paws and snout, but she didn’t seem to mind. After many months of apprenticeship, the herbal aroma that often bathed her did not wrinkle her nose as it had originally. With a shake of her pelt, she stood and trotted out of the medicine den, towards the clearing where everyone was gathering.

Upon reaching the clearing, she immediately noticed the figures of her father and mentor, as well as her brother. Annoying Lucas, always thinking he was alpha! Athena almost snorted at the thought. Her bright gaze flickered over the rest of the wolves, recognizing very few of them. She knew that the dark one sitting over in the shadows was Fel, their guardian, but she had not conversed with her before. Kenai and Marrok were also familiar sights, but again, she had not spoken with many in this pack. She glanced once more between her father and Creek, not knowing where to sit. She felt that she should belong with her family, beside Azul, but with a sigh realized that the apprentice healer should probably sit among the rest. Not feeling up to conversation, Athena sat down at the back of the group, looking around and trying to maintain a bright and happy appearance.

All wolves of Helidos have until Monday to post or they will not be considered active. Important changes are coming in this thread.

The young sprightly fae growled softly in her slightly awakened state of sleep, not being one to enjoy being woken up any earlier than when she woke up naturally. Loud howling not far from the den was the source of her slumber being disturbed, but she just folded her paws over her closed eyes and attempted to drift back into a light snooze. However, such peace and dreams would not come upon her again as she felt her mother's body stretch and shift from her side, and as her black form rose to her paws so the heat which had reassured and warmed Ryland enough to allow her to fall into the bliss of sleep had disappeared. She groaned, as adolescent wolves do when things don't conform to what they wish, while her claws defeatedly fell from her eyelids and her paws found their rightful position on the ground surrounding her sable and faun muzzle. Squirming, her still developing body curled up to provide itself with its own contained heat. But still, she was irritated again. The beta, her mother, was still in the den and nudged her awake in a forceful manner that indicated that it was really necessary to get up. She sighed and unfurled herself, opening her emerald hues with a most displeased squinting of her eyes towards the sunlight beyond the den mouth. Stretching and yawning she then trotted out after her brother and into the rapidly populating pack clearing. Her green tinted eyes peered around at all the wolves as she sat beside Apollo, slightly concerned as to the reason for a large gathering like this. But her spirits soon raised when Marrok neared them. She wagged her tail frantically, always happy to see her father. Though his main attention was always on Juno, that never deterred her from trying to take the spotlight. On swift pads she positioned herself by his side and resumed a seated position, nuzzling her father with a bright smile. "Do you know what we're here for?" 

On jittering paws altair moved, here he was drawing closer to the pack, what was he so nervous about? He was now one of them no? Wiping away his hesitant look he placed his usual easy going smile as he moved past wolves he had no clue who they were, he gave a nod greetings even if they would not acknowledge him. Ears twitched in all directions listening for names but all he heard was nothing close to it. It wasn't long till he heard something to do with prey. 'Maybe a hunter?' He hoped to himself as he drew closer to two females.(Shadow and Kat) One a dark black, she was tall and lean with a complimenting pelt. Next to her was a brown and gray and white wolf. Both he found lovely to the eye, though mentioning eyes he couldn't see their's from this angle. 'Shall i meet them?' He still didn't see how he could look so calm with his mind was in such turmoil. Ina few bounds he now stood just beside the two, he lowered his head before rising again with a wag of his tail. "Greetings." Maybe he should ask their names? But wait he didn't give his so why would they. Oh why couldn't he have said something clever...but what if it looked like he was being flirtatious? And if both had mates....far to many possibility. He stood tall with perked ears as he awaited, not once showing what was on his mind.

As the wolves gathered around the Alpha, his eyes looked to each one upon their entry. Some came and gave the Alpha acknowledgement, while others sat among their friends, speaking in private. Azul watched as each wolf met with another, his own family entered as well. Lucas sat to his side, while Athena sat among the pack. He cared little where they sat, as long as they were present. Lifting his eyes to the rest of the pack, he waited for them all to silence themselves. Azul spoke loud enough for all the pack to hear, but it was a tender and soothing call to the pack. "Wolves of Helidos, as of late apologize for my disappearance. I know times have been crazy for the back, wolves coming together as Lucy and I have, starting their families, new wolves coming to the border. If it had not been for our wonderful Betas, Marrok and Juno, as well as Delta Aurora, we would have no new members, so I thank you all for your hard work. It is good to know I can trust you when times become difficult for myself to rule as I should. Now, on to other matters. We have some litter announcements. The fist belonging to no other than Elite Kenai and Delta Aurora. The next litter belongs to Guardian Fel and Lead Caretaker Alanoth. The last litter belongs to Lead Hunter Eclipse and Lead Healer Creek. Please everyone, congratulate each couple on their blushing families." He paused for only a moment, looking over the wolves, watching as the families were greeted and congratulated. When the talking ceased, he lifted his head high. "There are some wolves who have been working very hard around here. It has not gone unnoticed and today the whole pack shall be thankful of your efforts!" Looking to Lucas, he whispered "please step down son and sit with your pack." Lifting back up to the others, he continued, "if your name is called, I ask you join me up here for all the wolves to see you. Delta Auroa, Warrior Drogo, and Warrior Nnyla." He waited for the wolves to sit beside him. His smile was bright and wide as his eyes gleamed with joy towards them. He did not know the Warriors personally but he had heard great things of them from his Betas, the two wolves he could trust beyond any others, with the exception of Lucy, Kenai, and his pups. "Delta Aurora, for your hard work and determination to keep the pack moving smoothly. I award you the rank of Elite, where you will serve it alongside Kenai, which I am sure you will be pleased with. The rank of Elite is very important, you will aid the Lead Warrior and Lead Hunters in their efforts to train the rest of those below them. Warrior Drogo, it has come to my attention that you are a wonderful asset to us, one I would be more than proud to have serving as my Delta Male. Warrior Nnyla, you are awarded the rank of Delta Female. The two of you will be tasked with border patrols and helping keep the pack in line. This rank if very important among the pack. I once appointed two very gifted wolves in this rank, and look how they have flourished to the rank of Beta. The three of you deserve the ranks you now hold. Please keep in mind your pledge to the pack, and as well as making sure members are aided when in need. Thank you all for coming."

Drogo listened intently as the Alpha began to speak. He held himself with pride, as he was entitled to, and yet spoke to his pack with with a genuine sincerity and tenderness that the warrior himself had never witnessed from a leader. It was refreshing to see one who cared about those who served him. Any doubts that lingered in the recesses of his mind about Azul diminished then and there. He would gladly follow Azul, and proudly serve him to the best of his abilities. As the Alpha spoke, he praised his helping hands, the Beta pair and his Delta for their hard work and dedication. Praise rightfully deserved as they had been kind and welcoming to him. The next order of business was the announcement of what the next weeks would hold in store for the pack. Three females would be bringing litters into the world. Joy and congratulations flittered between the wolves to the happy couples. As the voices hushed once more Azul spoke once more. Listening carefully to the names he called, Drogo was taken by surprise to hear his own name among them. Rising to his feet swiftly he did not question his Alpha's request, and moved to his side where he took to a sitting position and awaited the other two. When they made their way up Azul first addressed Aurora. She was awarded the new title of Elite along side her mate Kenai, a well deserved promotion. He smiled lightly and nodded a silent congratulation to her.

Drogo's name was mentioned next and granted the rank of Delta, along side Nnlya. Pride and honour twinkled in his eyes as he tried to wrap his mind around the new promotion. He had held a higher position within Tortall, but to be granted such a promotion in the little time he had been here was something he was proud of. Letting Azul finish his speach, Drogo rose to his feet, turning to face him. He slipped into a deep bow to show his respect and gratitude before slipping his gaze back up to the great wolf. "Sir I humbly offer my appreciation for this great honour. I will take this new title and fulfill my duties to the highest of standards and the best of my abilities. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you better and prove worth the what I hope to bring to this pack. Thank you." he said graciously with another bow to the Alpha.

Nnlya settled herself calmly as the numbers if the pack vegan to swell around her. It hit her then of just how much the pack had grown in the few months since she had arrived there. The Alpha first announced the arrivals of three litters to the pack. Of the mates Elite Kenai and Delta Aurora. Of Guardian Fel and Lead Caretaker Alanoth. And finally of Lead Hunter Eclipse and Lead Healer Creek. The fae cheered jubilantly with her pack, considering the wondrous miracle that would soon be bestowed upon the pack. New pups meant more responsibility. More mouths to feed and more lives to protect. But she welcomed the work in favour of the joys she could it it brought the loving parents and to the rest of the pack.

The Alpha then began to speak of promotions and she listened carefully, wondering which wolves would be worthy of such honor. When her own name was announced, she was momentarily shocked, but still rose gracefully from her seated position and took up ranks between her Alpha and fellow Warrior. When Aurora was given the title of Elite, beside her mate Kenai, Nnlya smiled a silent congratulations to the fae before returning her attention to her leader. She and Drogo had been awarded the ranks of Delta Female and Delta Male respectively. She paid close attention to the extra duties that would fall upon their shoulders and was excited to find she would be helping to accept new members at the border, though she did not let it show upon her face. When the Alpha had finished his speech, newly appointed Delta Drogo stepped forward and offered his thanks to the Alpha and promising to uphold his oath and fulfill his duties.

When he returned to his place, the newly appointed Delta Female stepped forward and dipped her chest low to the ground in a respectful bow to Alpha Azul. I thank you, Alpha, for this high honour you have bestowed upon me and my counterpart, Drogo. I swear that with this new rank and responsibility I will uphold the same oath I made upon my arrival here. To guard and protect my Alphas and my pack with my life. I will perform my new duties to the very best of my ability and then some. It is a privilege to serve under you. She bowed once more to the Alpha and then once to the congregation before her, a silent promise to serve the pack she was sworn to. Thank you. And with that, the Delta returned to sit in her place by the Alpha.

Surprise, that was the emotion she felt, and pride as she swelled with flooding emotions towards the pack. As blue eyes turned to look to the pack, Aurora's tail wagged briskly as her pregnant self waddled to Azul's side. Listening carefully to the newly appointed Delta's, Aurora thought hard on what she would say, how to address such number's in the pack. With grace and poise, Aurora sat down upon her haunches and kept her shoulders back. With one last glance she looked to her mate Kenai and smiled, closing her eyes she spoke, "To Azul, I wish to thank you for your understanding of how much this truly means to me. To bestowed such a rank is not only of great honor, but of self respect, love and gratitude to my fellow wolves. To serve this pack is my most greatest attribute and I am honored to see my previous rank go to such an amazing pack mate. Wise words to the new Delta's, always stand strong, never back down, and do not be afraid of what lies beyond those lines. Those who come here, much like how all of you came here, only seek hope for a better life. Leaving their fate in the balance of the decision on your answer. That is no small task for our new Delta's. Personally, I am going to miss my duties as Delta, but I embrace the future of training all new recruits and pack members in hunting and fighting skills. Something, that I cherish deeply and hold close to my heart. The social interactions of meeting those pack members that stand before us, whom I have yet to meet." Aurora paused to take a breath before continuing.

"It is at a time like this where all of my dreams have come true. A year ago, I came here to Helidos, seeking a new home. Far away from the life of a loner, where I could serve an Alpha worth protecting, unlike my prior pack. Azul opened his heart not only to myself, but to all of us, giving each of us a name and a purpose in life. A family to protect and a home to belong too. Within that year I met others whom have been blessed, loved, left, and lost. Each leaving a valued mark on my heart. Now, I love a brute that holds all of my heart, and we are expecting our first litter. Something, I know that I would never have been able to find had I not found the courage to come here. To those of you I have not met, I look forward to training you, helping you excell in your trades, and let me be a guiding star to you. Let me be proof that with hard work and determination, anything is possible." Aurora bowed to the pack as she finished her humble speech. As she began to walk away, she looked to Azul, and then to Kenai, "I think it's time, my love." Her words a whisper as she began back to the caretaker's den to endure her delivery. Everything had fallen into place and she was so proud.

Akasha had just entered the pack lands after making her oath of the new pack home lands. As she made her way in she spotted the gathering of wolves near by that made her not miss what was going on. Ears perked forward, she quickly trotted toward the open circle of wolves."Goodness I hope I am not late" she thought as she trotted through the brush, careful not to cause to much noise.

Tail flickering from side to side she trotted  closer to hear voices and more voices fill the air. Just as she approached the circle of wolves she was shocked to see how many wolves there were. Many ranged in all kinds of different colors and a warm feeling set in the pit of stomach. Finally she was not going to be mocked or treated different for the color of her pelt. Snapping out of her thoughts, she quickly recognized instantly who the alpha was in the middle of the group and immediately she tucked her tail low. In the end she hoped no one would notice her late presence to the group but at the same time she was  eager to know what exactly was going on.

Quietly and slowly, the grey wolf made his way to the area where the other wolves of Helidos had coalesced into a large group for the meeting. By the time he approached the other members, his ears flattened against his skull, feeling embarrassed for his late presence. Ace doesn't know a lot things about the pack, but he knew that being unpunctual on a meeting was very disrespectful towards the Alpha of the pack. He was so humiliated that he doesn't even know what to say to them. He had a feeling that he would soon face the consequences. Certainly, he would still have the same rank since he didn't attend the meeting at the right time, and perhaps his rank will change to a lower one.

Drawing a deep breath, he flicked his gaze over to every wolf as he passed by, then he searched for a place to sit down and listen the rest of their conversation. Ace doesn't know all the faces of his pack mates, so now he had the chance to meet them. Until now, he just had two friends who spoke with him before. The first one was Beta Juno, he still remembered during the moment when he had his first interview with her. As he watched her from a distance, a soft smile formed across his muzzle. He was delighted that her family was doing fine. He could also see that her pups were growing very fast. As he shifted his vision to another direction, he glanced at his second friend who recently became the delta of Helidos. He was glad that Nnlya took the position of a higher rank. He could picture that she would be a great delta for the pack. Taking a seat underneath the branches, Ace cast an apologetic look at the Alpha before lowering his head toward him, his demeanour became more submissive. Now he just listened to him and the elite. Just by hearing their announcement, he could see that they felt a glow of satisfaction for the wolves that had a new rank.