Place: Great Fire Ceremonial Ground Time: Evening, May 6 Post order: Free Participation: Please allow for Claudius to post first, then do as you please
Everyone have been called to meet for a pack announcement! Claudius has been raised to the council, and is now a sub-leader of AniWaya.
Ulilohi corrected her shawl as she waited for them to arrive. She looked at them with curiosity still. It was mind-baffling that they would allow her to lead them, when she still felt like so much of a stranger. Would that feeling ever subside? It was hard to tell, but she believed that with the two of them, Claudius and her, she was edging closer to them, and what they were. It was hard to forget that the majority of this tribe was not, in fact, from the Great Tribe. Having a leader from there, then, was kind of a mismatch. Atisia shuffled around on her shoulder and settled again, peeking out from underneath her shawl. The guide did not say much, and she had found recently that when he did speak, she did not necessarily like him. She would ask him for advice, and his answers were deflecting, often asking her if the question was necessary in the first place. Still, she rather liked him, and the feel of him on her shoulder made her somehow more confident to speak in front of the tribe, too.
Ulilohi glanced at Claudius, standing next ot her. She expected there to be curious glances, members who wondered why he was standing there, and not with them. It was a good thing she was about to announce, and she expected that no one would object. Claudius was not a controversial tribe member, and he was part of the spine of AniWaya, having grown up here. When the headcount seemed close enough to her expected number, Ulilohi cleared her throat and addressed them, her hand gesturing towards Claudius as she pointed out the focus of the announcement. "Unalihelitseti! I've called you here for a single, but significant announcement. For some time, Claudius has been a significant member of our tribe. He was born and raised here, and knows the ins and outs of our home well. He helps when asked, and is always willing to share his thoughts on a subject. Even moreso, Claudius is knowledgeable and experienced, and helped aid this pack in its time of need. When violence and death was unleashed on you, he was one of those who would take responsibility and care for the tribe. For these reasons and more, Claudius has been invited by me to join our council as my advisor and sub-leader." She waited for a moment, giving them time to digest the news. "Any order from Claudius is the same as mine, and I have faith that you will accept him and treat him as graciously and respectfully as you have me."Or perhaps more graciously, she thought to herself. But it was hard to know if her feeling of outsiderness was imagined or real. She'd like to think it was imagined. Her hand and posture moved as if giving the word, physically, to Claudius. She was certain there were things he wanted to say.
[/html]Claudius was silent, paying deference to the Councilwoman as they waited. He already knew what she would announce, so unlike those gathered before them, he didn't feel the same kind of anxiety they did. Certainly, they would recognize that they had been called here on a day not normally celebrated. He just hoped that they would take the news well. He recognized some as former rebels and true AniWayans that had fought against the tyrant Maska, but there were others who he recognized as new faces and perhaps would not recall his role in the war. He didn’t even think he could call it a ‘role’: certainly, being imprisoned and begging for freedom didn’t lend him any credibility. But he had to stay strong lest he break down at the last minute. He knew he could do this and Ulilohi did too, otherwise she wouldn’t have chosen him.
Like Ulilohi, he stood in his Optime form, clenching and unclenching his hands behind his back. He didn’t want anyone to see how nervous he was. Being a real sub-leader was far more terrifying than being a puppet leader during the occupation by Crimson Dreams and Cour des Miracles.
He kept his gaze on Ulilohi for most of her speech, turning every so often to assess their reactions. When she paused, he glanced back at her once more—waiting.
“Thuh-tha-thank y-you, Ulil-o-o-ohi,” he said. He let his gaze sweep over the grop of AniWayans gathered before them. “I w-will see-eek to-o honour… this tr-i-i-ibe—wi-ith a-all I do.” [html]
Aranck had been here for a little over a month and his grandniece had been here for less than that. He felt comfortable here in AniWaya but still felt like the new kid on the block. It was different enough than the Great Tribe that he felt like he had a bit of a learning curve. But it was similar enough that it was rather easy for him to learn fairly easily. He knew most members of the tribe but had only met a few of them.
So he was rather excited when Ulilohi had called for a meeting. He stood near his grandniece and kept on eye on her. She was generally a well-behaved pup but he still wanted to keep his eye on her. He was also pleased that Ulilohi had a spirit guide finally. He watched as they all came and then he turned his attention to the councilwoman as she spoke of one of the long-time members of AniWaya becoming part of the council with her. Her words of Claudius helping fight Maska raised Aranck's opinion of the man a considerable amount.
He then turned his attention to Claudius as he spoke, seemingly nervous about things. The elder vaguely wondered if the male was always this nervous or just in front of big crowds like this. But he didn't really know this man but would offer his help to him. "Congratulations, councilman. If you need any advice, feel free to come and ask me." He then grinned and stepped back to where he was. He was new but hoped that his offer was appreciated.
The leader had bid all AniWayans to the ceremonial grounds were a fire burned bright, a symbol of hope for the tribe members. Although the young one had only been around the tribe a short time she was starting to get use to the place. She did not know many members but she was perfectly content to ask her uncle any questions she had and keep to herself for the most part. Deep down she wished there was another wolf her age around, as she silently wondered what other pups were like, how the behaved and talked. Being an only child and so young she had never had the opportunity to be around youngsters in fact she had not been properly socialized at all. Her short life had been spent beside three adults: her mother, the stranger and her great uncle. Although she wouldn’t realize it for some time, her lonely childhood was clearly the cause for her quiet and conservative nature.
She followed close behind Aranck, her orange and grey coat standing out next to his more natural forest colors. Her malnourished and boney figure a striking contrast to his healthy older body. To some the pair would appear rather odd as Jiya’s coat would slowly grow into the greys and browns but for now her coat was mostly orange, with the exception of the masks around her eyes and the odd grey highlight. The sickly looking pup sat quietly by her great uncle as others gathered, her blue-green eyes watched, observing others movements as her large ears perked, eavesdropping on conversations out of curiosity. It wasn’t until the councilwomen spoke, announcing the pale wolf beside her to be a new sub-leader, that the pup’s attention stayed focus on one thing.
Curious eyes studied the white and tan male, comparing him to the darker female beside him. Their contrast in confidence and speech was clear, even to the pup who found it rather odd, though she knew enough to keep her thoughts for the safety of her Uncle’s home. His nervous speech was not at all what Jiya had expected from the words she grasped from the dark lady’s speech. Turning her attention to Aranck, his voice full of the wisdom she expected of him, she wondered what he thought of the white man named Claudius, though she was sure that if the leader liked the man her Uncle, and thus herself, should like him too.
Hope it's alright to powerplay Tiva here. If not, just smack me and I'll edit C:
Life in AniWaya had quickly proven quiet and predictable. After more than a year of waking up in strange places, warding off unsavoury folks who contended her right to exist as an unaffiliated stray, and an overwhelming focus on simple survival, she felt conflicted. Spending several hours under Tiva's direction, a few more patrolling, and the rest following her own whimsies was certainly a relaxing way to spend the day. But inevitably, it felt like all she did was fetch and stack wood, circle an empty perimeter, and yearn for action. She sparred with Makani and got something of a fix from the unruly waves along AniWaya's northern border, but it was rarely enough. She felt restless.
Thus, when a summons arose from the heart of the territory, she was quick to respond. Her four fleet feet carried her to the gathering congregation in short order, which was comprised of many faces she did not recognise and several she did. Her and Makani stuck out like sore thumbs here — dogs among wolves, and quadrupeds at the heels of towering bipeds — but it didn't seem to phase her any. She strode unabashedly into the centre of the crowd with Makani trailing behind her, although she was very mindful of maintaining respectful distance from the members she passed by and offered polite nods to any who looked her way. It wasn't with haughty arrogance she pushed forward; she just wanted to get a good view of whatever was going on. Fortunately, her task was made easier by her relatively small size.
The "Chieftess" delivered her announcement in due time and the Akita received it with eager ears. Lia was moved by her eloquence and the power of her voice, the conviction with which she spoke! Not that her vote counted for much, but her first impression of Ulilohi would always be a strong and favourable one. Her ears perked expectantly as this confidant, this war veteran, this leader the mocha Alpha introduced turned to grace them with a speech of his own. Regrettably, what followed was an immense disappointment. The pale wolf's nervous mannerisms and faltering voice elicited naught but an imperceptible narrowing of the eyes from the restrained female, but inside, she was perplexed. This guy was supposed to lead them? If he could scarcely command his own vocal chords, how was he to command an entire tribe?
Her tangerine eyes flicked from face to face of those assembled as she desperately sought to make sense of this contradictory turn of events. Her gaze never lingered long; arguably it only appeared as if she was waiting for someone else to speak. When her Elder stepped forward, she listened very carefully to what he had to say. Aranck seemed utterly unphased by Claudius' unbecoming behaviour, and out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Tiva bowing her head to the newly appointed Councilman. Nobody seemed to be questioning it; as she could not read minds, she had no way of knowing Jiya shared some of her reservations. Unlike the sandy youth, however, Lilia was disinclined to accept this male's worthiness on faith alone.
Whatever respect she held for Ulilohi, Aranck, and especially Tiva stayed her tongue, suppressed any incredulous expressions that threatened to surface, and allowed her to withhold ultimate judgement regarding this matter — for now. She would give this timid, jittery male a chance, but she'd have to see something damn remarkable to take him seriously at all. She wasn't trying to be ornery; she was just sceptical. She hadn't seen Claudius during the war or any of his other achievements. All she saw was what was before her, and it was nigh impossible for the stubborn woman to deny her own perceptions.
She stood silent as Claudius spoke to them, listening politely. It would be both strange and relieving to share her tasks with another, but she was certain that the tribe would be stronger in time. The stutter in Claudius' speech was beginning to feel familiar to the brown female, even though their collaboration had probably just begun. She did not have as many problems understanding him as she had initially, which was a comfort. Regardless of how it might affect the image others had of him, she knew that they would understand in time why she had asked for his aid. Smiling at the greetings that he was given, some nods of respect, she clasped her hands together and made a move to extract herself from the situation. If Claudius wanted to linger, he could do so, but Ulilohi had plans to consult her guide, and possibly friend about what to do next. Summer was coming, and she was not sure how to ensure that the storages were up to par for next winter. "These were all the news I had for you, although important. I have duties to attend to and must leave. I leave you in Claudius' capable hands." She have a wink, playfully "handing them over" and making a matching gesture, before she turned and walked towards the Town Hall.
When the call rang throughout the village, the female could not say that she was surprised, but rather eager to hear something different from the usual daily sounds. So, accompanied by her dear Spirit Guide, she set off to the gathering point, nothing more and nothing less than the Great Fire.
There were no hints about what was the meeting about but the fact that next to their leader stood Claudius. It had been a while since she had last seen the man, and she wondered how had the past events changed him. Too much responsibility had been laid on his shoulders, although for a brief period, but he had done it well. At least in her opinion. A quick glance was sent towards the other AniWayans, new and old, who seemed to be asking the same question as her, but from different perspectives. However, all the murmurs were shushed with a single sound from the alphess.
She went on and about how valuable was the white-pelted wolf, all of it seconded by the medic's silent agreement. The jittery male, although timid and insecure in first sight, was also capable and loyal, ready to stand up and protect his home if he required to. No further proof was required than the recent war, when their integrity was risked. It had been him who took in the leadership of the pack before Ulilohi arrived. But, if that was still not enough, he counted with Ulilohi's support on making decisions, so the tribe would not be misled.
As the chieftess took her leave, leaving them with a rather nervous-looking Claudius, and she almost chuckled when she saw Aranck offering his advice. She, too, wanted to congratulate the new councilmeman, so she took a step forward - was it her imagination or there were less people that what she remembered? - and bowed her head respectfully, rising again to offer him a kind look. "Congratulations Claudius, I have faith that you will do it very well." Mihewi, who had remained silent so far, bowed almost unperceptively, sparkly eyes fixed on his expression. Only a few seconds later, she stepped aside to allow others to get a closer view, and instead haunted the perimeter of the group. She would've returned to her hut, but there was not much to do. Besides, the Great Fire was so warm...her eyes didn't stop traveling between the group of Lupercis and the orange light behind them, which added a tinge of solemnity to the atmosphere.
[/html]Of those that arrived, Claudius did not recognize any of them. It seemed as though since the war, many had left. Their numbers had not been fully replenished, but it seemed as though a few more had joined the ranks of the tribe. For this, Claudius was glad. Although, he felt guilty that as he looked out at the different faces, there were none he recognized. There was one, an older wolf, who seemed to be regarding him quite thoughtfully throughout Ulilohi’s speech. Claudius wasn’t sure what to make of him; he was large, but did not seem too upset to see someone as young as Claudius taking up the mantle of leadership. He even offered his advice, to which Claudius nodded silently and slowly, rather surprised by the kind offer. It was then that he noticed a reddish puppy waiting near the older wolf. Her coat was vibrant, much like the coyotes he’d met, or a hybrid like Terra. The puppy didn’t say anything and Claudius was glad. He wasn’t sure how he would have handled a child’s questions. As he gazed out at the other faces, he saw a wolfdog watching him with an odd expression. She seemed to be deep in thought and Claudius couldn’t tell if it was good or bad.
Just as suddenly as the meeting had begun, Ulilohi bade the members farewell. As she departed, Claudius saw one familiar face: Luna. He remembered drinking tea with her in the midst of the war. He smiled hesitantly and gave her a little wave with his right hand. He was glad to see she had returned after the war. Luna then stepped forward and congratulated him, something he really had not been expecting. He also saw a slinky-looking animal bow his head and Claudius stared at the thing for a few seconds. Her spirit guide was a weasel! He wondered what she would think of his spirit guide. He knew he shouldn’t think of Gerenuk as comic relief, but the bovid really was quite silly-looking.
“Thuh-thank yuh-you, Luna,” he replied, smiling warmly. “A-a-and yuh-you, sir,” he added, as he turned to the older wolf. “I wuh-would lo-o-ove to hea-ear more of the-e-e Gre-eat Tribe… since I’ve o-on-l-y-y… heard… stories… and from everyone… really… I-I hope to… ge-e-e-t be-e-etter… a-a-acquai-ai-nte-ed… with… all of… you…” [html]
