changes of necessity

Vigilante Haskel · 05-02-2010, 12:21 AM

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This is a mandatory pack meeting to announce the change in leadership. If you do not respond by May 14th, you will be demoted in the ranks (or removed, depending). I am playing it as if everyone is already here—one post is absolutely all that is required, but you may continue to post if you want.

Those in danger of demotion: ~~Vigilante Haskel~~, ~~Ruri Aceline~~, ~~Haven Aatte~~, ~~Heath morte dre Soul~~, ~~Ayita Catori~~, ~~Strelein von Rosnete~~, ~~Princess Chance~~, ~~Niro Takekuro~~, ~~Rurik Russo~~, ~~Orin Takekuro~~, ~~Anann Kelevra~~, ~~Alaine Winters~~, ~~Anatoliy Russo~~, ~~Marika Russo~~, ~~Rikka de le Poer~~, ~~Amaranth Catori~~, ~~Caillen Winters~~
Those in danger of removal: ~~Sylvie Ciel~~, Zasha Egorov

800+ words.

Vigilante had never been close to Jacquez, and it had been months since he had seen the collie man. As far as he knew, he had not seen him since the pack meeting in December or January to announce his and Ruri's promotions and the war-related news. Still though, the King's scent had always been present and strong, but it had faded over a month ago. It no longer seemed like the confident presence it had been. In fact, Vigilante did not even know if the King was still in the area. It bothered him to know that their King was so scarce and distant, if he was even still there. Truthfully, the Constable did not believe that Jacquez Trouillefou was still in the pack. The man had seemed flighty and adventurous, and though he had been present often and social in the beginning of the pack's life, he had faded to being a background figure for the pack.

That was not suitable for a large and continuously growing pack, though, and that was what Cour des Miracles had become. Vigilante had been on many border calls as of late, and he knew that there were still members of the pack that he had not met. Though, he was willing to bet that he knew more about the pack's members than Jacquez did. That just was not acceptable anymore; the pack was largely able to exist without direction at this point, but they needed an active leader. Vigilante had sought to speak with Jacquez multiple times in the past month, to absolutely no avail. He had been doing a lot of thinking and he knew that the way things were was not the best for the pack. As the Constable, he felt it was his duty to do what was best for the pack in the absence of their King.

Enough time had passed with his thoughts and he had finally acted on them. First, he had ventured to Heath and Ruri's home. It had seemed the best thing to do was talk to her, since he could not find Jacquez himself. When he had told her what he thought had happened, their wayward King finally leaving them, she had not taken it well. Vigilante had tried to console her, but he had not known what to say through her despair. Despite this, the young Dauphine had agreed with him that it was the best thing to do for the pack, and the job for this had fallen upon his shoulders. He had also spoken to Ayita about it briefly, so as to not spring it on her, as well. His lovely mate had supported him, and he had called that afternoon for the pack to meet.

Looking at the faces that surrounded him in the common room of the Chien Hotel. As he had suspected, Jacquez was not there, which only strengthened his resolve to do this for the pack. He had held out a small hope that their King would arrive, as well, and then this would not have to happen. "Hello, everyone. I thank you all for coming," he began, still pained by the hurt etched into the Dauphine's face. "I'm afraid that this meeting has been called for solemn reasons. I am sure some of you have realized the absence of our King, and for those unaware, it has been seemingly happening for a few months, though it has become worse in the past month and a half," he explained, surveying the faces around him, hoping to see any type of recognition of this in some of their eyes.

"Ruri and I have discussed this and have decided that the best thing to do for the pack, because of this, is to appoint a new King, or Queen as it could also be." The doggish man paused, hoping that this news would not anger anyone. "Jacquez led us wonderfully in the times before now, but his extended absences are not for the benefit of the pack and we fear he might be gone forever." He hoped not. However, he knew that he would not simply step aside if that were to happen. How would they be able to trust him, after his apparent abandoning of them? "For these reasons, we have decided that the best thing to do now is for me to step into the role of the King. The only leaders you have for now are myself and Ruri, and we will continue to do our best to make sure we can be everything needed of us." Vigilante had been doing this for months, taking up any extra work he could.

"For now, this is all that is being announced. If anyone has any questions or concerns, I will gladly speak to you about them. Otherwise, you are free to go," he concluded, knowing that there would be some who would want to digest this in private.

Strelein von Rosnete · 05-02-2010, 12:47 AM

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800+

The call had come suddenly, as the newly promoted Lord lounged about outside, in the gardens. So a meeting had been, for lack of a better word, ordered and Strelein was obligated to obey. The meeting place was here, so he had a short distance to go, a matter of a few steps really. He was in no rush and dared not to seem more worried than he was. And he was worried. The last time a meeting had been called, it had been for the war. That did not bode well. Were they going to announce things had suddenly taken a turn for the worse and would have to actually join the fray as though their safety were jeopardized? How he hoped not. But the thing that struck him as odd was that the one giving the call was not the King, but the Constable. Strel shrugged his confusion off, thinking that Jacquez was just being his own self and letting the others do it for him in a show of his power. Or something.

The Lord had proceeded to properly lock up his studio - and by lock up, it was just tying some rope together on the closed double doors - and wait for others of the pack to arrive in their own pace. That was why he had been so leisurely; mostly everyone was spread about the territory and could not simply get there in a timely fashion. The King probably planned for this and called the meeting early enough that it would not later drag into the night. At least it was at the Hotel. Strel loved being in the center here, despite most of the people not actually residing there. Silly folk, it was easier to localize and stay in a closer area. Strelein could not complain about it, but he always wondered why people bothered to join a pack and then not live near one another like they all once did.

But people began to trickle in, one by one or in pairs, as the afternoon began to wear on a bit. Thankfully everyone arrived soon enough so the redhead did not feel like such an overly eager member. Now he could lounge inside with people around him. He did not sit anywhere particular, though he managed to find himself near a hulking brown male, who simply towered over him, even sitting down. Strelein was glad he still sat far enough away from the guy to avoid having crane his neck up slightly to speak with him. They had a light conversation, though it was hard considering the guy had some kind of strange accent that made it a bit trickier to understand. But what he did glean from their chat was that he was Rurik's son. Which would explain why he sat with the other Russo, and the female Russo.

When the meeting began, Strelein looked for the one armed leader. But he did not see a trace of the man. Lavender eyes went to the Constable, ears twitching as he heard the news. The look on his face fell, but it was not that much of a fall. Strel had seen very little of the King since the last meeting, and before then he had seen him not often either. The alcohol he had meant to give the collie had been used and never reached the intended gifted. The Lord sat up straighter, wondering what happened to the alcohol loving King. Or ex-King now. Vigilante was taking over, but the redhead did not know enough about him. Except that he was Ayita's mate and was helping to raise Leroy's kids. That's as far as his knowledge went. But he would be a good leader? Hopefully?

"What do you plan to do with the pack?" he drawled over the chattering members, posture seemingly lazy as he reclined. "Just as a heads up, you know." The Lord did not plan to get himself into any conflicts over the status of the pack, since he thought it was just fine, but he did not want to see it changed into something radical. He doubted Vigilante would do something like that, but he wanted a peace of mind and asking was the only way he was going to get it. The pack had really, truly grown on him, even though it was not his birthplace. It was a very liberal place but it gave him protection and a kind of free safety that he had not found in Michigan. Here, he could probably do whatever he wanted as long as others were not put in danger. There was a growing devotion for Cours in Strel and he wanted to foster it. He would not want to see the pack he had joined ravaged by a person with a different mindset.

Ruri Aceline · 05-02-2010, 12:48 AM

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She hadn't wanted to come to this meeting. She had barely been able to make her legs walk the distance to the hotel. Still, the Dauphine stood, listening to Vigilante's solemn words. The new King had an art for saying just what needed to be said which she did not, especially not now. It had been difficult for her to speak about what needed to be done, but the responsibility she carried as the second in command had briefly overridden her grief. Vigilante would be the new king, and she would need to step up to be a better leader, to make sure to be more involved in everyone's lives.


Half-folded ears were flattened against her skull as she forced herself to listen to Vigil's words, forced herself to stay standing. Heath was there to catch her if she needed it, but she was making a concerted effort to stand on her own. She had to try and present some sort of strength to her pack mates. However, this front could only be held for so long. With Vigilante's final dismissal to the group, Ruri collapsed to her knees, burying her face in her hands as she sobbed, tears running again down her already stained cheeks. Why had Jac left?! He had promised her that he would never leave her. He had promised. He was her best friend, the closest thing she had to a father, a brother, so much more and he had just left without so much as telling her why. On top of the tremendous hurt she felt, Ruri felt horribly guilty that she had done something wrong. She had not visited Jac as often as she used to, and her active mind had already started to make her believe that Jac's sudden disappearance was somehow her fault. "I...I'm sorry...everybody," she sobbed, her body quivering with each pained cry. It was doubtful that she would be back to her old self anytime soon. Fortunately she had her loving mate and all of her friends as a support system, or her depression would likely be far worse.

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Anatoliy Russo · 05-02-2010, 01:31 AM

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500+
I'm replying again because I'm kickass :|

Crouched in the middle of a hunting pose, the newer member of Cours eyed a still small looking rabbit, which had probably emerged a tad bit too soon for the season. He shifted around a little bit, body in the form best suited for hunting something so small and mobile. Shoulders flexed and he leaped forward, only to find himself with nothing in his mouth and a call ringing through his ears. Growling, he had risen, shifting in the process. Thankfully, he found himself close enough to the house he shared with his family. He slipped inside, wondering where his father and sister were, considering it seemed they were all required to attend this meeting. At least in this way, Cours was still a pack like any other. In Russia, they had meetings, but they were more family meetings with lots of food. Somehow the Russo doubted food would be provided here.

The Seigneur pulled on a faded pair of jeans that were laying in his room and left the small house in search of his family. A glance back at the building got a scowl from him; he thought it was appropriate for the three of them, but it was not like the loud home back in Russia. It would due, but it would still get glares from Anatoliy when no one was looking to see him. Maybe with more people it would get cozy, but he doubted more people could fit in comfortable. Well, if all three of them took on lovers/mates then it would be reasonable, but that seemed like to many people to a house. Oh well. As he began the walk toward the Hotel, where they had stayed upon arriving in Cours, Anatoliy found his sister and then quickly father. The boy asked his father what was going on, but somehow it felt like the man did not know much either.

In the meeting, the brunette sat himself beside his family, feeling awkward and kind of huge in the small group. He slouched in his chair in an attempt to diminish his presence, though it only made his lower back ache. A stranger he had never really met sat beside him and the two talked about a few things like the weather and what they thought of the pack. Anatoliy noticed the piercings in his ear and the very vibrant color of his mane, but did not ask why he had done such an obnoxious thing to his fur. He was already struggling to be understood properly, since it seemed like this guy - Strelein? - had a harder time understanding him than most. But the meeting began, mercifully killing their conversation. Anatoliy was happy to let it end, since the guy was lightly flirting with him and the Russo did not care for it; it just made him feel even more awkward. It was even worse when redhead waved and winked at Rurik.

Brows furrowed and a puzzled look crossed his face. He was not at all caught up on the politics of this pack, nor had he really bothered with them. It had accepted him and he was going to be happily oblivious to the drama in the higher ups and around him. If it did not concern Anatoliy, Anatoliy would not concern himself with it. The redhead beside him had to ask that question, though the Russo agreed. It was good to know what was being planned for the pack, even if Anatoliy was new enough to not be that involved in it just yet. Not like he was going to throw himself into the fray now. So, he did not comment, but nodded lightly in agreement to the older male beside him. Turning his head toward his father, he watched for whatever reaction the man was having to this announcement.

Rurik Russo · 05-02-2010, 03:21 AM

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501

The silver-furred werewolf wasn't quite sure what to make of the meeting call. Liliya had been bugging him incessantly about what it meant and what was going on, but he was at just as much a loss as she was—if Rurik was to be perfectly honest with himself, he wasn't too keen on the pack's membership, leaders, or anything of the sort. He had been a poor packmember thus far, he was thinking, and his coal-colored ears were pinned backwards in an uncharacteristic look of concern as he readied himself for the meeting. He didn't know whether it was to be a good meeting or a somber one, but he packed a bottle of whiskey into his back nonetheless, thinking it might help make a good occasion.

When they were ready to go, he called for Anatoliy, but of course, he was not yet ready—Rurik simply didn't want to wait, so he called for the boy to catch up in a moment. Liliy and Rurik made their way out of the house and along the pathway toward the hotel. There were several horses here, and they had made sure the trail was well-marked with hoofprints and other evidence of their existence. It was an easy walk, and Rurik knew enough to know where he was going now. They were early, he saw—there weren't many people about yet, but after a while different faces began to filter in—Strelein was among them, and he waved to the man, who settled on the far side of Anatoliy and seemed to enjoy chatting with him.

Though Rurik looked for Orin, Niro, and Zasha, he did not see them at first, and before long it was time to turn his attention to Vigilante, whom he remembered as the man who first accepted him to this place. The silver-furred werewolf listened intently as the wolf began to speak, nudging Liliya to be silent and pay attention. As it turned out, Rurik was horribly behind on pack matters—he didn't know who Jacquez was, even. Frowning, the silver-furred man looked to the pale gray woman who appeared to be Ruri as she spoke, apologizing. The werewolf felt bad for her immediately, and he frowned, his ears still tucked back slightly. Strelein spoke, and Rurik nodded approvingly of the question, waiting for an answer before he voiced his own comments.

Clearing his throat, the silver-furred werewolf spoke, hardly afraid of voicing his opinions publically. “I trust you vill both be good leaders for zhis pack. I have not been member very long, but zhis is what I zheenk,” he said, smiling toward Vigilante and then Ruri. He was not friends with either, and he hardly knew the latter, but he did not think they were incapable. “I help where you need me,” he added. “Mine family, too,” he added, nudging Liliya and Anatoliy both. Liliy just nodded dumbly and seemed more ashamed than anything, grinning a rather wide and unnatural grin before lowering her head.

Orin Takekuro · 05-02-2010, 10:31 AM

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WC 1,399

Although the Takekuro woman was already at the Hotel just one level above, it took her some time to find an acceptable pausing point in the treatise she was examining and extinguish the candles in her room before she made her way downstairs. She had heard the call, and knew this meeting was mandatory (how exciting!), but was also just as aware that it would take a short while for everyone to congregate. She bounded down the stairs with her usual grace after the noise of gatherers’ small talk grew louder.

A bright, happy smile spread across her muzzle as she entered the room, excited to see so many pack members in one place! She was proud when she realized she actually had gotten out of her room enough to meet a good number of them, and was infinitely curious about the faces that were new to her. As she scanned the faces, she realized that there was one countenance she would love to see! But no matter how hard she searched the crowd, she could not find the russet collie’s visage. Where was her hero? Perhaps off in another room, waiting for a grand entrance. That’s what heroes do, right?

Deciding to be patient, she moved slowly across the room, careful not to bump into anyone or step on any toes – a feat that was easy for her both because the room was not too full just yet, and because she was nimble and petite. She had spotted the Russos. . . or at least, had noticed Rurik and Liliya, she did not recognize the third. . . and feeling a deep bond with the family ever since their lazy day on the beach, made her way over to them. She greeted the pair with a pleasant smile and took stance next to them, but was distracted as she peered around for her brother, and did not engage in small-talk. More and more fellow pack members were arriving now, and she had faith that Niro would enter and take her side soon. Her worries of her brother’s whereabouts dwindled as she began to look around for the Catori family, feeling a kinship with them as well, though she was happy with the spot in which she stood, next to the Russos.

The girl turned her undivided attention to Vigilante as the Constable took his place at the head of the meeting and began to explain why they had assembled today. At first she cocked her head to the side, happily listening to what the Constable had to say, but slowly the brilliant smile she wore began to dim until it was gone from her face completely. Her entire demeanor mutated in the matter of a few words. “ I am sure some of you have realized the absence of our King.”

Was it a peculiar absence? She thought back to the one and only time she had met Jacquez, it was that wonderful day when she and her brother first stepped onto Cour des Miracles soil. The day that she realized a dream could come true if you worked hard enough. . . a dream inspired and fueled by the tales of the great, heroic Captain Jacquez Trouillefou. That fateful and thrilling afternoon had been her only meeting with Jac, and Orin lived out her following days in Cour des Miracles assuming that the heroic King was simply tending to many duties. She had wanted a chance to spend more time with him, to perhaps be graced with another adventure, for he seemed to have lived through so many! But never had the naive girl realized that Jac actually wasn’t around after that day on the beach. Her hands began to tremble slightly with worry, and her usually bright, perky demeanor was full of anxiety. She glanced at her brother, only stealing a quick look, before turning her attention back to Vigilante as he expounded the decision he and the fellow leaders had come to.

Aghast, her face turned to the floor and she shut her eyes tightly as a stinging pain stabbed through her. Jac was gone, really gone? What had happened to him? The thought brought tears to her eyes. She had known Jac for so long before they had even met, and now the hero disappeared before she could get the opportunity to know him? It was unfair, it wasn’t right! And moreover, why was this the first decision they’ve come to? Vigilante said that they worry Jac will be gone forever. . . but why weren’t they going after him, to look for him, to make sure he was alright?

She listened and waited patiently to the rest of Vigilante’s speech, not exactly opposed to their decisions but having a few questions of her own. When it became clear that they could speak freely, she paused a moment before chiming in, “So. . . Are you assuming he just took off on us? Why would he do that? If he’s missing right now, maybe he’s hurt somewhere, or trapped, maybe he needs us! A hero like Jac would never just walk out on his pack. . .” Suddenly the strength behind her words began to fail, her voice cracked, and the tears that welled up at the corners of her eyes were now weighing down the usually fluffy fur of her cheeks. She glanced around and saw the acceptance in their faces, and her eyes went wide with horror as she realized that maybe. . . Jac wasn’t the hero she had thought he was. “He wouldn’t just abandon us.” She spun on her heels and bumped into Niro, looking up at her brother desperately, with tear-filled eyes. “Would he?”

That was when the sound of Ruri’s apology reached her, and she turned, still leaning her weight on her brother, to peer at the grief-stricken woman. That face, that passion. . . it was real. Everyone in this pack truly believed that Jac would, and did, just up and leave.

A mixture of emotion overwhelmed her at once and her face contorted in a blend of rage and pain. She grimaced, trying to hold back the sobs that wanted to come loose for so many reasons. It felt like she had been betrayed. . . not by Jac, but by herself. She suddenly knew how stupid she had looked all this time, going on and on about how great he was, and how everyone must have been laughing at her - nothing but a stupid, silly little girl. And now, everything that Jac stood for in her life, the embodiment of the picturesque hero, the reason she had forced her brother to sail north with her, the very cause for them finding this better life. . . shattered in an instant. She trembled and fought the emotion, trying to hold it back, not wishing to bring attention to herself, not wanting to hear anyone point out that she was a fool.

She turned to Vigilante and gazed at the man through watery eyes. She had hunted with the wolf once, shortly after her arrival in the pack. He directed that hunt well and she had no reason to doubt his ability to guide the pack. Inhaling deeply to steel herself against the circus of emotion that welled within her, she steadily made her way towards the Constable. . . no, towards the King. She took a deep breath to steady her voice, though it was still shaky as she spoke. “Vigilante, it is an honor to have you accept the role of King in our time of need. Like Rurik,” she glanced over her shoulder at her friend, then back to Vigil. “I have faith that both you and Ruri will do well by us.” She nodded once, turned, and quickly retreated back to the group she had been standing beside earlier. It had only felt appropriate to say something to him after her small outburst. As she passed, she glanced at Ruri, wishing she had some word of comfort for the woman, but, in an uncharacteristic move for Orin, she walked on past, for once too wrought up to think of something to say.

As she settled back into her spot with the Russos and her brother, she hung her head and tried to hide the tears as they streamed down her cheeks.

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Anann Kelevra · 05-02-2010, 01:43 PM

1000+
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The large axe cut deep into the core of old tree. Old and dead, and still standing. Not for much longer. The trunk creaked. Axe in hand the large fem retreated not wishing to end up in the falling tree's path. It started slow, creaking and cracking as it tried with all its remaining might to stay upright. Eventually the breeze that caught the upper limbs won out, along with the help of gravity, to topple the old tree. The slow teeter turned into an inevitable crash. Limbs snapping as it landed heavily on the ground. Anann moved back towards the fallen tree, ready to begin de-limbing log. Her first swing was halted by the call that echoed though the lands. "Hmmm, what's this all about?" The honey and amber colored woman asked of well, no one really. Driving the axe deep into a limb, she would leave it here for now as she would return to her work when the meeting was finished.

The call was rather quickly followed with the sound of thundering hooves. She had not even had time to call for her horse before she her the sound of his hurried approach. The large friesian stallion ran straight at his rider, his stride slowing but not coming to a full stop Anann grabbed hold of is mane and leaped gracefully onto the beasts back. Galloping across the lands, they cut a straight path towards the source of the call. The Hotel that seemed to serve as the heart of their pack lands. As they neared the hotel their pace slowed and was but a trot as they approached the front gate to the old building. Dismounting, Anann brushed what ever few wood chips had still remained clinging to her coat as she approached the large doors to the hotel. Rem had already vanished, returning to whatever it was the large horse had left at the sound of the call.

More unfamiliar than familiar faces greeted the woman as she entered the hotel. Dark brown eyes searching for those few face that she did know. The first being Heath's and immediately Anann knew that all was not well. She had seen that stern and protective look on his face before. Concern was written over Anann's face as she tried to catch Heath attention. Her expression asking if everything was all right. The distressed form of his silvery mate told Anann that it was quite unlikely that everything was indeed alright. She made her way over to the pair, wishing to share a few quick words with Heath before things got started.

Placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, she gave it a firm squeeze of reassurance. Leaning in she whispered quietly. "I can take care of the stables." She paused. She might not know what was going on, but it was clear he might be more needed elsewhere for awhile. "You know. If you're needed more at home." Anann gave a concerned look to Ruri. Anann had just met the woman a few days ago for the first time. It pained her to see her friend's mate so distressed. She gave the collie woman a quick hug before heading back to the rear of the room, feeling quite uncomfortable at the head of the room.

As she headed across the room she caught sight of Anatoliy and Strelien talking quietly. Sitting next to several others. Niro another face she recognized. She headed over to the group. Hoping maybe to share a word or two with Anatoliy, but it seemed Strelien was contently chattering his ear off. She watched the two men for a few moments. Smiling at Strelien's quirky self. Realized the redhead seemed to flirt with everyone. Although she was guilty herself of flirting with the tall Russian man. Admittedly she had not thought of him much since they had first met. Having fallen into a slight depression shortly after meeting the young man. Her thoughts had been a torrent of past. Not letting her see the light of the future. Seeing him again now though, she felt a slight flutter in her stomach. Becoming aware she was bordering on staring, Anann looked around the room again. Seeing if anyone new had arrived yet.

Turning to Niro, Anann struck up some small talk with the young man, asking how his egg was doing and if he had had any luck with his traps yet. She had only recently met this young man as well. The young woman next to him had a hair do as equally as interesting as Niro's. Anann's eyes continued around the room. Few seemed to know why the meeting had been called. It didn't take long for everyone to gather. The meeting was quick and to the point. Anann had been to wrapped up in her own world, settling into her new life to have noticed the disappearance of the king. She had only met the man once. And that had already been a month ago, one the day she had joined his merry band of misfits.

Anann had not yet met the man that lead the meeting. Now claiming to be there king. She had saw Jacquez more as a figure head anyways. So the news was hardly troubling to her. Jac had hardly seemed the type to be troubled with the daily routine necessary for keeping a pack operating smoothly. She eyed the man. Trying to judge his character as best she could from his little announcement. His words, the tone, his posture and movement. They way he looked around the room. He seemed sincere and Anann felt he only took the lead out of necessity, not desire. A good sign. Still she wanted to meet with this man more than ever now. In private though. She did not wish to seem to question him in front of the whole pack. She only wanted to know whom it was she followed. For now she would remain silent. Content to watch how others reacted and what they would have to say. The young woman next to Niro seemed nearly as upset as poor Ruri. And quite naive to the type of man that was Jacquez. Others seemed simply to voice their support for their new king. Another good sign.

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Haven Aatte · 05-02-2010, 03:00 PM

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500+

The meeting call had come to him and he and Princess had walked from their little house to the Chien Hotel. Haven honestly wasn't sure exactly what this meeting would be about. All had been quiet on the war front lately and while that loner had attacked Princess, it had been a loner and that man was now dead. Hopefully it would be a happier reason than anything like that. Princess could use some cheering up after her unpleasant encounter the other day. He had told her not to dwell on what the young man had said to her, that she was the most beautiful person he had ever seen, but the careless words from the youth had clearly dampened her spirit. The Knight dwelt upon the name that she had given belonged to the boy. D'Angelo. The first name hadn't rung any bells with him, but they were certainly related in one way or another. He had a suspicious feeling it might be another one of his half siblings. It was slightly hard to believe though, considering how sweet Rio had been, but he knew how different littermates could be. Either way, he hoped this meeting might take her mind off of it, his too.

They entered the building and while the general aura seemed to be just as confused and curious as he was, all he had to do was take one look at Ruri and Heath to know that this was no cause for celebration. Haven had never seen the slight collie woman look so upset and it made him tense immediately, his eyes taking on a hard, dark quality. The Knight was very protective of the Dauphine and if something had upset her so he wanted whoever had done it to pay for it. His hand rested lovingly on Princess' shoulder, but no other part of him spoke of his gentleness. Hard and unforgiving steel lined the rest of his form and when Vigilante began to speak he listened to the Constable attentively.

It was true, he had noticed Jacquez becoming harder to find as of late, but his mind had been on other things and he hadn't given much thought to the change. Now though, before the words were even spoken, he knew what this was all about and a great seething anger welled up in him. The no good bastard. Haven had trusted him. He had overlooked all his faults because he believed that the pack was most important to the one armed man and that he had had its best interests at heart. Now he could see though that that was not the case. He had discarded them as easily as he had discarded all his women. All the illegitimate pups that he had sired. Even Ruri. Poor, poor Ruri. He wished to comfort her, but he was too mad to be of any help to her at the moment. She had Heath and he knew he could not do any more than her mate could.

Some expressed their support, some had questions, some were in denial, but the Seneschal stood ominously quiet and brooding. He had trusted Jacquez, and that trust had been betrayed. If the man ever came back to seek to reclaim or rejoin this kingdom, the Knight would not stand for it. They had no use for deserters in their midst. Hard jade eyes looked up to catch Vigilante's gaze and when he had it he solemnly nodded his head. Despite his bitterness towards the now false King, he knew that the dog mix would make a fine ruler. He was much more stable than Jacquez had ever been and perhaps in the long run, this would be best for them all. "I will continue to serve Cour des Miracles as loyally as ever," he said, voice hard and yet soft. Then the Knight turned to leave, wanting to be away from the rest of the pack to expel his frustrations. He kissed Princess quickly on the cheek and squeezed her shoulder. She could follow or stay, it was up to her, but Haven needed to get out.

Rikka de le Poer · 05-02-2010, 03:54 PM

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500+

The de le Poer woman had been spending most of her time fixing up the cozy little shack that she had decided to make her home. It was unusual for her to not be out making friends with all her new packmates, but she had been focused on this task. When she had come here she had been far from her usual self, and so that was probably attributed to her untypical behavior. Right now, Rikka wanted to get her home just like she wanted it. Once she was comfortable with the home and working out all the negativity that had built up in her over the past months, then she hoped that she'd be more or less back to normal and could be the social butterfly and meet everyone. It was only a theory, but it seemed to be working. She was nearly done fixing up the shack now and she was feeling much more like her old self.

When the call for a meeting first met her ears it set her slightly on edge, remembering the last few meetings she had been a part of back in Inferni. The woman shook her head though. This wasn't Inferni, and Cour des Miracles wasn't in a war. That was why she had come here. Stowing her pack away in her little home she started making her way towards where it sounded like the call had come from. She hadn't done much exploring and so she wasn't really sure where to go, but as she walked she saw others heading in the direction of a large building and so she figured that was where the meeting must be. The golden fey slipped in and was surprised by the number of people she shared this pack with. It only made her feel embarrassed that she knew practically none of them. She knew Rurik, of course, but that was about it. Being the only one she knew she wanted to go be near him, but he was sitting with his family and she didn't want to intrude. Rikka decided to just stand near the back, not wanting to draw attention to herself.

The meeting began and the man speaking was Vigilante, the one who had accepted her. That had been her only encounter with him, but he seemed like a very nice and respectful fellow. Golden eyes drifted to the slight woman standing near him and her heart bled at the sorrow that was written all over her features. Rikka hated seeing anyone so sad, it didn't matter if she didn't know them. She had never heard of Jacquez before, and so the news meant very little to her. Vigilante seemed a good man and so she figured that he would make a fine leader indeed. The reactions of the rest of the pack seemed mixed, but no one seemed upset that the dog mix was taking the reins of leadership. Rikka smiled silently up at him and nodded her head, showing her approval. She was so new and didn't know anyone, so she didn't feel she had anything to say. The woman just stood and observed and listened.

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Heath morte dre Soul · 05-02-2010, 05:39 PM

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Heath could not think about anything beyond how to sooth the pain Ruri felt.

What else to could be said or done? Gold eyes looked at the crowd, his posture tense and ready for whatever might happen. Not that he was thinking that many out riot at the idea of Vigilante being the one to take the reins of heir pack, no he worried only for the female that stood in front of him. His face was held in a tight grimace, frowning at the condition the once King had left his mate. Such a thing wasn’t right, though none of them would die of shock at the absence of Jac. Such a condition had been eased into them all slowly ever since he had arrived and the pack had been formed. It had been in him, at least, though he could not say he was happy to see the collie go.

But Ruri did not need this. Her heart was broken, and Heath knew not how to set it right again. And thus the male raged inside. It was only when Heath was at his lowest point that he had enjoyed the company of the russet colored collie. Only when he wanted to spend more time drinking that he looked to Jac for guidance and leadership. That told Heath more about the once King then anything else.

A light toned hand touched the woman that he loved. Loved more then anything, and knew now more then ever that she was one he would never leave. He could not stitch the break that Jac had created, could not heal her with any words or any embrace. He was lost, and it made his anger threaten to cloud his mind. Thoughts couldn't be created, even those hateful feelings couldn't bring him the normal defensive images that would normally come to him. What if Jac tried to return? What if Ruri didn't get better? They things Heath would do to the ex-King... Oddly Heath could not looked beyond this moment. He saw nothing else, heard nothing more then the sobs of his mate. He was silent, falling to the floor as Ruri did and gathering her up in his arms. She felt lifeless, lighter then any other moment and yet she stiff with helplessness.

Abandoned, that was how she felt. A promise broken and thus her heart and trust shattered. Heath lifted her up, knowing his words would not help her now and praying that his presence would. A wall fell, blocking the intense rage that boiled beneath his surface. That would not help her either.

Niro Takekuro · 05-02-2010, 08:20 PM

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WC: 563

Niro had heard the call, alarmed about it, he started walking. There had never been a meeting call, especially one that was mandatory, he hoped nothing bad happened to any of the other members especially his new friends, even worse would be someone trespassing and attacking members. That scared him just as much. He was fixing his trap at the time which was between the stables and where the meeting was going to be called. A bird had broke right through the trap and he had to make repairs and adjustments. With the call though he stopped what he was doing, leaving the wood he was working within the tall grass and headed straight for the meeting. Niro jogged, but knew it was close enough that the meeting would not start without him. The whole pack was there. Most of them he’d met already, he looked for his friends, they were all scattered around in different spots. He settled himself behind his sister, she seemed intent on what she was doing so he left her to her own devices. He was quiet as he saw Vigil was the one who’d called the meeting. How strange where was their king?

He was distracted by Anann, who asked him about his egg, which was bound to hatch any day now, and he told her about the troubles with his traps, but he knew a way to fix it so that no misshap like that would happen again, that was when the meeting started. It wasn’t about anyone hurt in the pack, but it was about someone. He watched as his sister cried out, her hero was missing, and once she was done with her hysterics, she turned and hugged him, he comforted her, not sure what she would do? He had a sinking feeling he would be making him travel to find Jaq… that was probably what she would do, that’s what the people did in the books she read and she would try her best to do what they did even if it wasn’t possible. He wasn’t sure why Jaq was gone, he’d only seen him that one time, and he seemed such a conceited wolf. He was kind of glad that Vigil would take his place… and he made Vigil watch his egg for him too, that made him feel a little bad not knowing how high of a rank his new king was. He promised himself he would figure out everyone’s rank, and learn better manners at that. He would be a better member from now on.

He watched as Orin put her apologies out in her own way about her outburst, and waited for her to come back. He put his hand on her shoulder like any loving brother. He felt bad since the old king was her idol. And he seemed to just disappear on her… all of them really. He didn’t want to mention that he thought it odd that he didn’t see Jaq in front of Orin to see if she had tried stalking him… it seems she didn’t. He hoped she got over it, and didn’t go looking for him like he suspected his sister would. He waited as questions were asked about his new rule, and his ears were perked to hear the answers. As of yet he had no objections or questions of his own.

Ayita Catori · 05-02-2010, 08:52 PM

Ayita had not been very involved with her mates work nor that anything was wrong with the pack. She had found herself leaning against the wall of where they were watching. She was behind Vigilante and knew he knew what she was doing. Watching the others come and join them she smiled.

She was very quite now and did not say much she could tell in the air the dynamics of the pack was changing. In a short time war had been around them and even other members had gone missing passed and now. Their leader was gone. She looked at Orin and smiled. "It'll be ok he probably couldn't stand being on land anymore." She said.

Looking at Ruri who seemed saddened by the king vanishing. She wondered the relationship that was between the two. She didn't worry though Heath would take care of her and she would be ok. She knew under her's and Vigilante the pack would be ok. Both were very strong dogs. Ayita stepped closer to the young girl and her mate.Ayita smiled at Heath and looked at Ruri. "I'm sorry Ruri." She said looking at her. She placed her hand on Heath. giving another warm smile to the two as she went back to her mate. She was in a position where there wasn't much she could do even for her new friend.

Looking at Vigilante she felt such pride in him she loved him so. Looking at her daughter ayita smiled. She hoped her daughter would feel pride in her step father she already looked up to him highly.

Alaine Winters · 05-03-2010, 01:47 AM

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For the past few weeks, Alaine had been a solitary, reclusive figure. Stolen over by a melancholy sullen-ness, the healer had found herself relatively alone amongst her packmates, and thus had taken to long moments of solitude. As such, the outside world had become a far-off place, and news of the fading war was passed to the young collie-woman only via gossip of the wounded that still trailed through to seek out her help.

The forest had become her greatest company, of late. Her own son was growing up at an alarming rate, and now spent most of his time having outrageous adventures with whomever could keep up with his growing stride. She was amongst the pines now, returning back 'home'; the old hotel teetered above the hill, it's creaking and groaning a sound that now struck deep chords of comfort within the elegant beauty's ribcage. But as she emerged from the trees, it was not solitude and silence that greeted her, but the assailing scent of numerous packmates.

Settling the herb-pouch about her shoulder, Alaine bounded easily through the gate and up the stairs, hanging her copper coat at the doorway before proceeding onwards. Immediately, the young mother noted many familiar faces, nodding and smiling in greeting to those who caught her eye. In their midst stood Vigilante, and it was the tall male's countenance that warned her of the seriousness of this gathering, and as such, she was warily silent throughout his speech.

Excited chatter seemed to break out, everyone interjecting with their opinions, their voices high and excited. Pledges were made, praises offered to the new king. Hark, the new king! All hail! Despite her shock, Alaine smiled slightly, her own emerald eyes lingering on the new figure to whom she must submit with mixed feelings. Jacquez had never been a particular friend of hers, wit his womanizing, callous manners. Regardless, she noted that many here seemed to mourn his absence, and the healer was cautious to remain... Solemn. Form the corner of her eye, the slate and ivory quadruped form of Caillen sidled up to her - Alaine gently rested one palm on her son's cheek, ignoring his curious sky-blue gaze. She refrained from speaking, for this change would hopefully not disturb her current existence at all - As far as she knew, Vigilante had no issues with her taking the Chien Hotel as a home-base, from which to treat the patients that required her care. And swamped as he was with other packmates, she melted back, eyes interested but cool.

Princess Chance · 05-04-2010, 02:31 AM

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500+ words.

The young woman was still pouting about what had happened the day before. Her mate had assured her that it had meant nothing, that the boy did not know what he was talking about, but she could not help it in the least. Princess Chance had never been told that she was less than pretty, let alone that she wasn't pretty at all. It was baffling, and she was hurt. She had no idea who this Harlowe D'Angelo creature thought he was, but he had made a mistake in telling her that she was not pretty. That was certainly for sure. It was doubtful that there was anything that could be done—and she did not expect anything to come of her having told Haven about the boy's very unkind words—but she had felt a little bit better after having expressed her unhappiness to him that night.

She arrived at the meeting with Haven, leaning against him comfortably as they waited for everything to begin. Surveying the room, she realized that she actually did know a number of the pack's members, desite having kept to herself as of late. It made her happy to know that the pack could see her with Haven and know that they were together. They made a lovely couple, in her opinion. There was little indication of what the meeting would be about, as most looked just as confused as she felt. The only ones seemingly different were Ruri, who looked positively distraught, the dog-mix Constable, and the wolf woman standing behind him that she presumed was his mate. She did not know either of them, but the woman's body language told enough about the relationship, it seemed.

Listening quietly, Princess nodded her agreement subtly. She had never met, or even laid eyes upon, the King of the Miracles pack. The only leader that she had met was Ruri, whom she liked very much, and as the blind woman collapsed to the floor, Princess felt her heart go out to the girl. They were not close, but Ruri had been nice, and Princess had realized that she was very much lacking in the friend department. In most respects, Ruri was probably one of the few she got on well enough with to consider a friend. The Duchess did not like seeing the Dauphine in distress, but she stayed with Haven until he moved away, as well. Ruri's mate would take care of her, she was sure, but she wanted to stay with her own mate.

Obviously, she was a newer member, and she did not know either Jacquez or Vigilante. She had never met either until now, and the former King was still a total mystery to her. After Haven spoke and pulled away from her, she looked at his retreating form quickly, then turned back to the group, adressing the two leaders. "I've been here since February, and I did not even know anything about the King." Had she even known his name? It must've been mentioned, but she hadn't remembered it. "I hope that this change will help the problem," she added, shrugging before following Haven out completely. This all hardly affected her.

Sylvie Ciel · 05-06-2010, 04:44 PM

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For the past few months, Sylvie had been jumping in and out of her packmates lives, appearing one moment as a little bundle of joy, and then disappearing the next without so much as a word. Surely by now, Alaine would be very cross with her, becoming nothing more than a little phantom stalking about the territory. And Caillen... oh, poor little Caillen... he probably thought she hated him, leaving him behind all these times she adventured off to escape the fairytale world he spun for her on a daily basis. This, however, was not one of those times she could be a ghost. She had to face up to her friends and family at some point...

She was nearly ten months old now, her comrade Caillen nearly matching that. She would be a yearling soon... and she needed to start acting like it. No more would she be a pup, but an adult- a grown she-dog worthy of the job she wanted to get. And so, here she was, sneaking quietly into the doors of the Chien hotel, all four paws doing their best not to click upon the wooden floor beneath them. She had made it to the meeting.

Vigilante, the male Jac had made Constable recently, was talking before the lot of her packmates. Alaine and Caillen were towards the back, while her sister, Ruri, was kneeling nearby Vigilante, crying into her hands as the rest of the canines crammed into the tiny room, pained by what Vigi was saying. Jac was missing? And he was replacing him as king? King Vigi... that didn't quite seem right to her... but Jac had not been well-known to her, and as such, the once whelp seemed to agree with Vigilante's assessment. Lilac gems settled and clung to Ruri, the littler sister feeling her pains. Jac had been a close friend of hers, she remembered... the one who helped her live as long as she had. Heath bar was doing this now, but either way, it had to hurt her... ans it would be awhile before she would be normal again. As Heath lifted her up, Sylvie looked away. Perhaps she would have to visit with her lovely sister...

Excited chatter seemed to break out, everyone interjecting with their opinions, their voices high and excited. Pledges were made, praises offered to the new king. Hark, the new king! All hail! Sylvie took her attention from the crowd and heaved a heavy sigh. All her adventuring had done her little more than to lost touch with her friends and family... though she could now take on a two-legged form, she had yet to go to Heath and ask to see the Library he had mentioned, for those horse-back riding lessons, for a place as his stable hand... though he'd promised her so long ago... steeling her courage, she sidled of towards the stairs, lupine form quiet as she went. Tomorrow was a new day.

Talk. Think. Walk.

Marika Russo · 05-08-2010, 12:47 PM

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sorry i are late!! 300+

Marika had been spending a lot of her time mending the tambourine she had been fortunate enough to find. It was almost an obsession, as she wanted to to create the most beautiful sound possible from the ratty old instrument. Only naturally should she arrive at the pack meeting late, for she'd passed several additional moments searching for a suitable place to stow it where it would not be disturbed. Her thoughts still lingered upon what she would do with the instrument, with lavish scenes in mind of dancing and singing and playing for all to hear. But there was something important to tend to now, and she couldn't waste any more thought on her tambourine. The girl fairly ran to the Hotel, slipping into the common room as quietly as she could, on dancer's feet.

There were many wolves here. She had misjudged the size of the pack upon her arrival. Of course, she was accustomed to large groups of wolves, as there were many in Russia. But she had in mind that this country was a smaller, meeker one that harbored smaller packs than this, as a general rule. The girl's mismatched eyes searched for Rurik and Liliya; she didn't want to just sit in the back alone. Finding them, she moved to stand nearby, gently grasping Rurik's arm to show that she had arrived before stepping back to hear the news. What Vigilante had to say weighed little on her shoulders, as he was the only leader of Cour des Miracles she'd ever known. Whoever Jacques was, she did not care, as she liked the hybrid man very much. He would do well to lead them with a strong mind, she judged. Marika had no words to add, but she was smiling toward Vigilante. This had been painless indeed.

Vigilante Haskel · 05-15-2010, 01:23 PM

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The meeting will be closed on the 20th, so if you want to post again feel free, but you are absolutely not obligated to do so. 800+ words.

The newly appointed King knew that the pack would need time to process the information that he and Ruri were giving them. He knew that this would likely be an emotional situation for some members, as he knew that many were incredibly fond of Jacquez. Vigilante had never known him personally, but he had not been a fan of the growing distance between the former King and the pack’s members. This change would be best for the pack, he was certain, but it did not change the fact that he knew not everyone would be happy about this change. He expected some members to be unhappy about Jacquez being gone and replaced, and while he hoped it would not be the case, he was not shutting out the possibility that someone would challenge this news and would possibly challenge him for the rank. He certainly hoped that would not happen, but he could not ignore the possibility.

The first to speak was Strelein, someone he did not know personally but he intended to change that. The question was a fair one, something that he expected a number of the pack’s members were wondering the same thing. It was the type of thing he thought was important to ask and though he had not addressed it, he was more than happy to answer it. “As far as we are concerned, the pack will not be going through any drastic changes. Cour des Miracles has been a fairly self-sufficient pack for quite some time and we do not intend to change the basic workings of the pack or its purpose. This pack will still be what it always was, but with a change in leadership. We hope that the pack will continue to flourish and grow, despite the recent absence of our leader and the new change.” He hoped that it would be a sufficient answer for everyone.

Ruri’s breakdown was almost expected, but it did not stop Vigilante’s heart from going out to her. She had been distraught by the news when he had brought it up with her, and though he felt terrible for the obvious pain she was dealing with, the King knew that this was the best thing for the pack at this point. Vigilante knew that Ruri was aware of this and agreed with it as well, but it did not soothe her pain. Because he did not know what else to do, he sent her a sympathetic look, knowing that Heath would be able to take care of her. With time, he hoped that her pain would be eased completely. Now, he focused on the rest of the pack and the questions that were spoken, his attention drawn to a very upset Orin. He had expected at least one person to be upset like Ruri was, and he almost was not surprised that it was the spirited Orin. Niro had told him that they had come here because of a journal about Jacquez’s journey here, so it only seemed fitting that she would be unhappy, or at least confused.

“Jacquez has been a traveler, from what I understand, for his entire life. He has taken a few weeks of leave in the past, and I believe that staying in one place for too long simply does not suit him. I do not believe he is in need of help; his scent comes and goes, and it has simply been gone longer. I feel that he is off somewhere, and perhaps we will see him again.” Vigilante did not know how well the pack would take it if Jacquez were to return, so he made no promises that the former King would be welcomed with open arms upon his return. Certainly the new King had no intention of stepping down if Jacquez were to randomly return with the desire for his rank back. After such abandonment, he would not settle for the pack to be led by Jacquez again. It simply would not be allowed, if it came to that. He did not know yet if he would turn Jacquez away, if it came to that… He just did not know how the pack’s members would take his return. It seemed like that was not something he had to think about, though. He doubted that Jacquez would be back.

To those that expressed their continued loyalty to the pack, Vigilante gave them all nods of acknowledgement and thanks, wanting to wrap up this meeting quickly. This information would take some time to process, he knew, and it was all that he needed to announce at this time. Still, he remained standing where he was in the case that there might still be more questions yet, but he expected that everyone would begin to take their leave soon now that a number of questions had been asked already.

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