Call of the Ranks {Riuna Pack meeting}

[Dargan]

'ooc! All Riuna wolves must reply to this thread, or else Dargan will get you~ xD

bic!
Darke's Remembrance was the last place Dargan wanted to be, but he had no choice. He was one of the two protectors of this pack called Riuna, and he had to keep the order inside their ranks. New Electins needed to rise from the ashes of the old pack, and this pack could not go on much longer without someone besides the gods to make choices. Dargan nor Seina had the time to watch them like a parent.

Every time Dargan turned, something was going wrong in Riuna. Without a leader a pack had no one to follow and fights could break out without warning. It had to stop. The wolves needed to know that they were not in a pack to fight each other. The wolves that did fight did not worry about what would happen afterward and Dargan did not have the time to burn them all.

Today he had met Tally, and Tally proved not to be a push over. 'But could he stand here when the meeting started with the same cool face? The thought of Tally shaken in fear made Dargan smile, but he did not see Tally at the moment.

The grass around his paw turned black, as all the moisture was slowly drained from them. A small stream of smoke rose from the grass before dying out, as the grass disappeared and all that remained around his paws were dark black circles. Did he care about the grass? No, why would he care if he burnt the grass that came from Trigo, of all the gods. The thoughts of Trigo made Dargan smirk and he had to shake his head to stop himself from forgetting his reason for being in Darke's Remembrance.

Dargan sighed as he slowly lifted his head. He knew the time was now or never. He inhaled and out of his mouth came a calling howling. He was calling to the members of Riuna. The howl sounded like thunder as he used his voice that showed his power as a god.

The howl slowly ended and only the echos remained. Soon even the echos were gone and all that was left was silence. The silence was eerie after his loud howl, but Dargan welcome it. Soon the silence would be gone and replaced with the presence of wolves and their talks.

[tally]

Dargan moved swiftly and Tally was always left in his wake. Darke's Remembrance, Tally had only strayed there a few times. He didn't like the grass so much because with grass came soil and with soil: mud. Tally didn't like the stuff caking on his paws.

He didn't see Dargan now but the smell of smoke was pretty heavy in the air. He moved surprisingly fast for someone his size and he had a certain grace about it. he remembered when some female had told him this, he toyed with her heart and drove her insane. He laughed at that thought, he liked ruining lives because his life had been ruined early off.

The grass made a small rustling noise as Tally's ebony paws dragged along. Trigo, the one responsible for all the beautiful nature of this world. Not something he preferred.

He looked down and saw the patches of black grass. Dargan was here already. he looked up and saw him. Tally was of course the first to arrive and supposed that there would be a bit of a wait. Tally sat down in the grass near Dargan but kept his distance. He stared at the green stuff and out of boredom pawed a clump of it out of the ground

He had a feeling that this meeting would be fun. he hadn't actually met the other wolves in the pack and was wondering how they compared to him.

[kanaia]

Having assessed the borderlands of Riuna to be free of danger, Timur was retracing his steps back to the dens when he was brought up short by an explosion of sound. It emanated from the grasslands of Darke’s Remembrance, but filled the entire territory with its sonorous notes. A shiver of excitement traveled up his spine, for he recognized it as the voice of Dargan, their benefactor and sometime persecutor, summoning the pack to his side.

Timur hurried towards the open space, wondering as his paws beat against the earth what scheme motivated the god to mix with mortals this time. Noting suddenly that tongue was lolling unceremoniously with exertion, he slowed his pace to one more befitting the occasion as he drew near. He was among the first to arrive; a combination of proximity and haste had ensured that. But he was not the first: a dark-hued male, one Tally by name, had beaten him to the punch.

Concealing the disappointment arising from his competitive nature, he nodded a curt greeting to his fellow Milede. He kept a respectful distance from the god, for more reasons than one— the grasslands supporting Dargan’s mortal incarnation were blackened remnants, no match for smoldering paws. Timur lowered his gaze and kowtowed, kneeling before the god. Ordinarily his pride would not have allowed this, but deities were a different matter altogether. They deserved obeisance, for they had earned it.

[enkou]

Great paws pressed to earth in a slow beat- the monarch was not far off when a great howl of summoning reached him. Exploring the territory was on his to do list, but he'd been resting in the shade, scratching his shoulders along a low branch of a stumpy tree out here, almost more of a shrub. Either way, it was one of the very few for miles offering shade from a sun half-covered by rolling, long, high clouds. As he watched, approaching with measured steps, two others beat him to the scene where the grass seemed to burn without flame, charring and dissipating on a breeze.

The figure standing in the midst- why, he must be the flame god. So this was whom he owed his respect, for Enkou had gone many years as a king of flames. But here, this was a true flame-king, with ability to manipulate the element. A glance and nod was granted to the other two, but this brute only had words for the chieftain.

Noble Dargan, mingling amongst your subjects. Are we not beneath you? It was not a challenge so much as a joke, and a smirk pulled up one side of the pale-flame hued knight's lips. He receded into the forming group, not exactly expecting a reply, or anything more than a glimpse. There was inborn authority in the god's howl, and it found acceptance in Enkou's own condensation of power. Creatures of might perhaps learned to respect each other most, for if they couldn't come to agreements, the powerful slaughtered themselves.

Haunches pressed to the green-brown grasses comfortably, and the Senex waited with regal patience, golden eyes casually glancing to the others waiting. Where were the females of the pack? This was not a good sign, to have imbalance in the genders. Ah well, it meant less dramatics. Obviously others would be arriving- nothing had seemed to commence.

[Dargan]

ooc!
I am going to reply today, if Seina has not posted by this afternoon. :/
I was hoping she would post by now, but it seems as if she has not.

[rei]

Relim, the oddly discolored wolf of Riuna, had just lied down for a halfhearted nap. He was back at the Dens initially and with one eye open, he rested in his own secluded area nestled under some brush. This way he only had to watch out for attacks from the front. Not that anyone was going to attack him, but he had to be wary. He knew that he was disliked among the other Riuna wolves for his lineage, but it didn't trouble him in the least. The only thing that troubled him was the possibility of death.

And it seemed like the essence of death was closing in around him today. A loud roaring sound rang through the air which resembled a wolves' howling only ten times magnified. Relim's ears shot up. Divinity detected. he mumbled under his breath, getting to his feet without even thinking about it. The other wolves seemed to be momentarily confused, but Relim had already processed all of the possibilities only about ten seconds after the initial howl and before the echoes were even done he was running towards Darke's remembrance.

But even then, he was not the first one there. In two seconds, he had assessed the situation and satiated his curiosity with a reasonable answer. The Milede nearby had probably gotten a head start considering they might have been patrolling around the area. There were not too many, but Relim arrived just in time to overhear some sort of sardonic joke directed towards the flame god who sat in his majesty in front of them all. Relim scoffed. The Senex was elderly. Threat levels reaching maximum. Hold your contemptuous tongue, Enkou. he snapped almost mechanically towards the male just after his joke had ended.

Relim then found himself sitting on his haunches, his green fur sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the typical red hues of the rest of the pack. Still, he was not self conscious. Only worried about escape plans. Perhaps his Guardian Goddess would arrive soon to offer some sort of protection. After all, his endless devotion had to count for something, right?

[Ritsuka]

Boring. Boring. Boring. Ugly. Definitely not pretty. Boring. Scary. Boring.
Pumpkin colored eyes swept left and right, taking in most, if not all, the bland scenery around him. The monochrome sky added to the dark wasteland's unpleasant feel and it was now that the small wolf stopped to think about what he accomplished today. Hm... Absolutely nothing. A whine sounded from his maw as he set back off into a trot, scowling at just about everything he set his eye to.

Ritsuka tilted his head--with a grimace--at a large pond of old, green rain water. It hadn't necessarily impeded his way for a small tree trunk lay perfectly abroad it. Of course the Veni-Venta could have simply gone around, but it looked just a bit more funner to balance his way across. Smug, the warm colored wolf leaped upon the creaky old wooden "bridge" and set his first paw forward. Second. Third. Fourth. Fi--Craa-aah-aaaap! An earth-shattering howl, (that of which was not his,) tore through the silent evening, sending the scrawny male flailing into the chambers of ancient, smelly water. Deep, strong, thunderous echoes projected throughout the valley as the founding call faded, droplets of moss-colored rain found in replacement of what was where Ritsuka had been standing just a few heartbeats ago, grasping for a good hold as he slipped off the tree trunk.

Just within the depths of the muddy pool of swamp water, Ritsuka sat, spitting out the vile, thick water that he had so smartly swallowed when he fell. The howl that he had heard was that of no mortals. No wolf had the lungs to create such a loud, magnificent roar and it was terrifying to think that it had been Dargan. It was a summoning call though, so whoever this wolf was, it was a smart idea to meet up with him... her... it.

Ritsuka had been running for miles until he scented and soon seen a large crowd of Riuna members, gathered around... Dargan? Oh, hell. Of course he's going to see a God when he's half-covered in mud and smelling of dead fish. With wide eyes, the small male found a seat far from the devilish hound and was careful not to make any sudden movements. The last thing he'd want is the attention of a God whom he hated so passionately.

Hell, if Dargan had the ability to read his mind, he'd have Ritsu dead in a split second. He swallowed hard and gave a submissive bow to the Caelestis before cocking his ears forward for what business this divinity had to address.

[Dargan]

Slowly, ever so slowly the pack members arrived. They came, but they were not a promising crowd to look at. Dargan was not sure if they could even stand another war at the state they were in. But then again his reason of coming was to fix this problem. Dargan frowned as wolves of all ages and colors appeared before him and one wolf was /green/. Was the wolf an insult towards him, or was that wolf really unlucky?

His eyes located the wolf he was here for, Timur. He needed a leader and Timur was his and Seina's choice, but were was Seina? She was not here and yet she pushed so strongly for Timur to be the new leader. Dargan smirked as he took his eyes off of the male to look at the other pack members. The god was not going to let the pack know why he was here, until he spoke. After all, he really did not want to be near them, but it seemed to world was playing a cruel joke on him.

Noble Dargan, mingling amongst your subjects. Are we not beneath you? Before Dargan could reply the green wolf spoke to the elder. Threat levels reaching maximum. Hold your contemptuous tongue, Enkou

Dargan smiled at the elder wolf and his fur smoked a bit as he let the words sink in his mind. I would not have come if the matter did not need me to do so. Yes, you are correct I dread being here. Dargan's voice was not soft but he was not directing any cold venom at the elder. Dargan narrowed his eyes as he looked to face Relim. Silence child. Do not speak unless spoken to, and I do not need a mutt of Trigo to take up for me. Dargan growled at Relim in warning and bared his fangs.

Dargan's ears flattened against his head, as he let his words sink in. After many seconds had past, the god sighed and smoke drifted from his nostrils. Now on to business, unless someone else has something to say. Dargan gave the pack an icy glare before continuing. Timur, please step forward. I called this meeting in your name sake. His eyes glowed and he motioned for Timur to stand beside him.

[kanaia]

Timur watched the pack straggle in with hooded aquamarine gaze. They were a pretty sorry bunch, it had to be admitted, hardly worthy of Dargan’s patronage. Yet the god’s presence was also undeniable. It must be important if it had drawn him from the otherworld in which he clearly preferred to reside. The male’s eyes flickered from visage to visage, as if taking stock. Tally the impudent; Relim. unlucky but foolishly persistent; Ritsuka, guarded and irascible; Enkou, aging but still to Timur’s mind the pack member most worthy of his trust.

As he scrolled over the wolves, he was struck suddenly by the absence of the females. Equal parts annoyance and concern showed themselves on his features. What could possibly explain their absence from a meeting with one of the deities to whom they owed their very existence? But he shrugged it off as best he could. There was no point worrying about it now. The females were adults; they could make up their own minds. He just hoped it would not cost them their lives.

However, the expression Dargan wore did not bode well. It seemed he too was dissatisfied with the array of canines before him. He confirmed Timur’s suspicions further when at last he spoke, directing comment first at Enkou, then delivering a biting remark and warning growl to the hapless Ritsuka. What he said next, however, made Timur start from his seated position. A moment’s confusion, then prompt obedience was offered as he padded to Dargan’s side. He stood some distance away, the heat emanating from the god’s paws, not unwelcome warmth, seeping into his pelt. Dipping his head respectfully in an attempt to hide his bemusement, he awaited further speech from the deity.

[enkou]

Others continued to arrive, each piquing interest for a few moments. The bright green lad's arrival sparked a soft mutter, it seemed, through the very earth beneath his toes. Was he Riuna? He did not smell of foreign lands, but what Enkou did not know is how the younger was of perhaps truest, sourest Riuna blood there was. Still, first impressions were key, and the near neon shade wasn't fantastic. But he wasn't one to judge on appearances, no. He'd lived far to long for that.

But ah, it seemed even personality was discordus with his nature as Relim opened his mouth. At first, his words were perplexing. threat level? Threat level of who? Did he mean to pose a threat to Enkou? Or was he the one threatened by the senex? About to ask, the rest of the milede's words got out, and haunches rose a fraction of an inch off the earth as withers prickled. Ears laid back in annoyance- himself, contemptuous? Look who spoke, before the deity, without acknowledgment to the dominant figure present. Haunches pressed down again as Dargan spoke, and childlike glee ran savagely across his maw from the reply. A grateful, knowing, jesting grin set in as he bowed his head to the flame god, also taking pleasure in Relim's chastisement.

Another arrived, reeking of fish and rotten vegetation, dripping water off himself. Expression turned to amused surprise, snout tucked up to his gray-auburn chest to stifle the scent until the monarch adjusted to it. There wasn't much time to ponder the newcomer, for Dargan had decided to proceed, and attention snapped back to him. A masked wolf was called to stand by the guardian god of Riuna- golden eyes looked on curiously, respectfully. Why was this stranger alienated from the pack, praise or punishment? One couldn't tell from Dargan.

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[tally]

What faithful slaves Dargan had. They all came filing in whether it be out of respect or fear. Tally had not accompanied the god out of curiosity, he would most likely be torturing some poor creature in any other part of Riuna territory. He was here though but only because he wanted to see the other packs members. More like to judge really.

It wasn't long before another arrived. He was blue, a color Tally didn't particularly prefer. Timur was probably older and wiser than Tally and he saw that the blue wolf wouldn't be any fun. He'd probably have sense enough not to buy into the taunts that were sure to come his way.

Next it was some old timer. Tally loved older wolves because he never failed to remind them how close to the claws of death they were. Death, being a rather morbid subject, intrigued the wolf. Enkou said some playful remark to Dargan but was then cut short by a green wolf.

Wow, what a color. He must have a rough time of living in this place. Tally supposed that if he took a snap at him, the others wouldn't mind. His name was..Relim if Tally's memory served him correctly. He spoke weird as well. Tally found this wolf mostly amusing. He wasn't as religious as other wolves and thus felt no immediate hostility to the color of Relim's fur. Dargan did though, this was apparent in the sharp interjection that was given.

Tally looked over as he caught wind of a foul scent. It was some soft looking wolf with wings. He ran a tongue over his fangs as he remembered the last wolf he had met with wings. The things were puny though and definitely couldn't compare to the ones of this wolf. His name was Ritsuka, Tally remembered now.

Out of boredom Tally laid down and rested his head on his paws. Whatever it was that Dargan had to say would probably reach him if he didn't fall asleep. apparently Timur was the cause of all this.

Great. Tally thought. The blue one was probably about to be name Electin. He was having so much fun disregarding the others but he supposed Timur actually had to be listened to. It didn't matter though because Tally knew himself very well. He'd need a reason to follow Timur but until then he would resign himself to good behavior when in direct contact with Dargan, which would be scarce. Tally laughed as he thought this.

[rei]

Normally Relim would have scowled at the thought of being scolded by just about anyone, simply because he believed himself to be the most intelligent of the wolves. Of course, what he lacked in common sense he made up for in raw brainpower, but in situations like this, that wasn't helpful at all. And it was no help that his coat resembled the Earth God. So honestly, it wasn't exactly unexpected that he received cold words from the deity in the name of Enkou, though it was a bit unfair. Still, his expression did not twist into a frown or any other sort of pessimistic demeanor. No, he would not offer Dargan that sort of appeasement, nor Enkou. Instead his expression remained neutral and unfazed. Just as it usually did.

But of course, plenty of things were running through his head right now. What exactly was the reason that they were all called forth to visit their sadistic deity? The first thing that came to Relim's mind was elimination, which would be most unfortunate considering he was disfavored by Dargan. That had actually been why he stated that the threat levels were at a maximum, not so much towards Enkou as towards the Flame God. Still, it should have been a silent calculation and not an open one, though its original intent was to warn Enkou of the danger Dargan posed. But of course, with the mechanical way in which he spoke, nobody understood the well being of his gesture. His gestures were rarely well being in the first place. It was only because Relim moderately respected Enkou that he had uttered such a warning, but as usual, his sardonic personality forced him to put a jab in towards the end of his remark.

But now wasn't the time to worry about such trivial humiliation. At this point, Relim was more or less used to it. Didn't stop him from having an underlying hatred of most wolves in the pack though. Which, speaking of the pack, he had just been thinking about why they were there when one wolf in particular, Timur, was called forward. Relim quirked an eyebrow, breaking the typical solemnity of his expression. The meeting was called in his name, huh? Well, Dargan didn't normally have time to bother with random executions, so Timur must have really done something wrong. Hopefully his ancestors didn't betray the pack, or he'd be hated forever. Relim knew that from experience...

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[Dargan]

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[bg=020205] Dargan watched at Timur made his way to sit beside him, but Timur walked quite slowly. The brute was not sure what had gotten into this pack as of late, but it needed to be fixed. Everyone seemed to be fighting or moving so slowly that winter would come before they got to their destination. Dargan sighed as he waited for some sort of outburst from the other wolves. He expected someone to yell or say, 'why him?' or something. The only thing that happened was silence. Nothing was said, only the expressions on some of the wolves changed. Most seemed bored and tired, while others were smirking. Dargan really did not understand the wolves that lived in Riuna and their behaviors were foreign to him. The way they acted now did not help Dargan to understand them any better. I wonder what they think the meeting is about. Do they expect me to set him on fire or yell at him? Dargan smirked as he thought of setting a wolf on fire. Nothing would please him more than to see a wolf running around with a all their fur burning off their body. Still he was not here to punish anyone, no matter how much he wanted to. Wolves of Riuna, welcome. I called this meeting in hopes of restoring the pack, which is now in chaos. The pack has no leaders or any Sequs and I am aware of this. The pack suffers from no punishments and no order. Dargan paused to look at every wolf with keen eyes. Today I name Timur the new Electin of Riuna. May Riuna grow under his rule, or let his power be overthrown if he can not lead. Dargan nodded to Timur in acknowledgment in his new found rank. Dargan moved closer to Timur and whispered so only Timur could hear. Beware who you trust and when you find the need to put someone in second of command make sure you can trust them. The most loyal of all wolves will turn traitor when power is at stake. Dargan walked off with his eyes looking away from the pack. He was going to give them time to understand what had happened and give them a chance to get organized. Oh Timur, the meeting is all yours. Have fun. Dargan laughed as he called his finally message over his shoulder. Indeed, the meeting was his. Speaking thoughts 'ooc! Yes, character tables are working and are ready to be made and used!!! This is where he goes to meet Aud.

[kanaia]

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[bg=87CEFA] Through hooded eyes, Timur cautiously examined the remainder of the pack, but the sight that met his gaze was anything but reassuring. The old Senex was alert and demure, but the expressions the rest of them were sporting ranged from amused arrogance to, yes, even boredom. The wolf adorned with black and red hues had abandoned all pretense and sprawled rudely on the ground. If Dargan is here to punish, let them at least learn from it. The desperate notion crossed his mind just as the god’s voice rang out, and the authority it carried behind it was enough to quiet his racing thoughts. The words did not immediately sink in, but when they did, Timur’s head bobbed upwards in surprise. Electin? But what had he done lately to merit such an honor? He dug through his memories, but as he did so, the untidy ring of wolves arrayed before him provided the answer. He groaned inwardly; understanding dawned. It was not an honor in the least. It was akin to being assigned to clean out the pups’ dens; the task’s necessity was indisputable, but no wolf in his right mind would consider it in a laudatory light. Still, he would take his silver linings where he could. This at least meant the gods considered him competent, perhaps even for this task. Resolve hardened within him the desire to prove their rectitude. As Dargan receded, he whispered in Timur’s ear, his hot breath ruffling sensitive hairs like dried grass in the wind. Beware who you trust. That was something the blue wolf did not need to be told twice; it was already as much an intrinsic part of him as his pelt. The rare ghost of a smile made an appearance, and he nodded in acknowledgment of the god’s words. Thanks a lot. The reaction was instinctive; he was glad he had not spoken it aloud and moved quickly to keep it from displaying on his features. Resting back on his haunches, he surveyed the sorry-looking pack for a moment longer before he spoke. He projected his normally quiet voice with unaccustomed force, and tinges of harshness he did not entirely intend to convey. All right. Riuna has been ruled by chaos for far too long. Look at us. We could hardly withstand a single brushfire— a nervous glance was spared towards the blackened patches of earth left by Dargan’s paws— let alone an attack from a rival pack. He did not broach the name, but thoughts of Adair lurked somewhere submerged in the subtext. That needs to change, if only for all our sakes. A pause intervened; he did not like giving long speeches. To puncture the bombast, he continued, We’ll start with something simple. I want each rank to report to me on their findings, their actions. Once a day will be sufficient for now. Work it out between yourselves who will deliver it, but I suggest you share the task, as you should all others. The expression carved into the statue-like features was stern. We might as well begin now. Miledes, step forward. What have you accomplished today? Thought // Speech

[enkou]

Umber ears pricked forth to catch Dargan's words, though they would have resonated through his bones even if the senex had no ears. No change of expression was allowed upon his facade as the pack-deity spoke, and it remained an interested, keen gaze. One could tell beneath the surface ideas were rolling, but what they were was quite concealed.

Foremost, up for challenge? Good, good... easy target, and leadership might not be his strong point but it was too simple in this case, not that any would immediately change but- No, no, no. He was too old for such things. Who would want to rule anyway? Enkou had never been in charge. Sure, others looked to him for guidance in his past, but he'd never held the title of alpha, parallel to this Electin. When he did, there had been no pack to rule over. Not that this wasn't by choice. Always he thought of commanding the masses, but never decided for it. Was this highly intelligent on his part, or cowardly? Perhaps both.

As Dargan strolled off and vanished, attention turned back to Timur, obviously appraising the new electin. He seemed capable, and the elderly senex had to grin at the change in personality when endowed with power. Glance traveled around the brazen pack, lethargic, overcome with boredom- would any dare challenge Timur? Secretly, the choice of electin pleased him. This two-colored wolf seemed an intelligent one of the bunch. Others had potential, but already Timur was instigating a routine. Good; structure, no questioning the level of command.

Golden eyes pierced the Milede amongst them, wondering if they would heed the call of the new electin. As Senex, Enkou merely remained where he was, content, thoughtful. The vibrant green wolf seemed placid enough, even- a camaraderie might yet be kindled despite the unanimously hostile beginning.

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