Council [anyone]

[Electus]

Mortil padded soundlessly through the Arnlanian expanse, his mind swirling with thoughts. Most were fleeting, incoherent, and others were cold, calculating. The air of unrest around the land made him uneasy, and he snapped at shadows that did not exist.

The action made him stop, and he shook himself, taking a deep breath before moving again. His actions perturbed himself. He could feel Umbra stirring inside him.

War is coming Albireo. You cannot hide me for long.[/color]

Mortil sighed. He had hoped he would have more time.

I...I know. But I beg you, please do not show yourself before Nightblood's pups.[/color]

Not unless they mean to harm me. You know how it is.[/color]

Mortil nodded absently to the open air, frowning. As he arrived at a clearing, he sat down promptly and gave a bell-toned howl, calling all who would listen to his location.

After doing so, the Lord quietly circled his spot, and then settled down to wait.

[Squeeji]

Pollux had felt the sting of discontent in the lands of Arnlan since the last pack meeting, it had left the wolves in disarray. Though the Gamma had not voiced her opinions as she might have, her mood was now as fleeting as the the cold Autumn winds that made their ways through these woods. Dark and sharp...she nearly snarled as she heard Mortil howl, her brows knitting in annoyance as she shambled up on her paws, following the sound to where she knew the mad wolf would be.

She crested a hill to find the gray male, but her expression was not her usual cheerful smile, instead in its place a solid frown sat in its place.

"Yes?" her tone was grave, and her eyes looked a bit like she had been crying, but there was no kindness in her voice. "I heard you call Mortilitas Umbra...here I am." she flicked her tail and looked at the male with a dull interest, waiting for a response.

[Electus]

"I heard you call Mortilitas Umbra...here I am."

Mortil frowned himself. "Your voice is as biting as the winter winds, Pollux. Have I displeased you in some way?" his tone was serious, and he circled again.

"No matter. I was hoping you would show."

The warrior glanced up at the sky, thoughtfulness etched on his face. "I wish to know the condition of the pack. I haven't the time to do it myself. But war is coming. That much I know. Since there is no way to stop it short of fighting, I desire to know what state the pack is in. How many can fight? How many do you think will live?"

[Squeeji]

"I am displeased, but not with you." her torn ear twitched at his words, she seemed almost surprised that Mortil had wanted her to show. "Its the condition of the pack that bothers me. There is no pack cohesion...even if this rabble could fight, they're too disorganized to be anything but glorified diversions to the surrounding packs."

Pollux smirked, but there was no mirth in the expression, rather just some sardonic mirth. "We weren't ready for a lot of things that were thrown at us, less so to have our beta female out of commission with pups for so long...nor have our secretive alphas made themselves known as of late." she nodded and then shrugged.

"There has been no scout as of yet sent to monitor either of the building packs, so for now, I can make no counsel...I would assume someone would survive...after all...everyone takes prisoners of war." Truly her attitude was dark, but she was honest and matter of fact with her statements, the Gamma couldn't force anyone to check, as it was the Alphas who had sole say on what scouts would leave Arnlan alive to scout...but on the other paw, it was killing her that it was no longer her job...but no one was doing her job anymore.

[Electus]

"Its the condition of the pack that bothers me. There is no pack cohesion...even if this rabble could fight, they're too disorganized to be anything but glorified diversions to the surrounding packs."

Mortil nodded. That was his original assessment of Arnlan at the moment. It was disheartening to know that the assessment hadn't changed.

"We weren't ready for a lot of things that were thrown at us, less so to have our beta female out of commission with pups for so long...nor have our secretive alphas made themselves known as of late."

"I take it you disapprove." Mortil said tonelessly, looking at the elder.

"Pollux, you act as though someone has bitten you on the nose. What is troubling you?"

[Squeeji]

"I take it you disapprove."

A slightly amused sound was coughed from the female's throat. "Its silly to look a year in the future, when we should be more concerned on surviving the season." Pollux didn't explain herself further than that, she didn't feel she should have to.

"Pollux, you act as though someone has bitten you on the nose. What is troubling you?"

Pollux looked at Mortil with a shrug, and looked off to the horizon. "Things weigh...heavy on my mind. " She didn't apologize for her behavior, after all, between the two of them, what judgment could the male make at her own duality...a bit of depression never killed anyone after all...

The Gamma yawned, enough about herself, she seemed more anxious about the problem at hand. "I would suggest that someone go and take note of the numbers of our swelling neighbors, and monitor their movement...as well as rally our own forces for what and whom might be able to carry themselves in a fight..."

She grumbled as she thought. "...though there are a few I wouldn't think have the spine for it, even if they have the build. Besides Crow, do we have any wolf who can go run reconnaissance?" Though she loved her mute little "sister" dearly, she could hardly imagine her monitoring Sallin...what sort of news report would she give?

Oh if only she could go out once again...it made Pollux sigh in a bittersweet nostalgia in her youth she had been a able bodied scout, who relished the chance to spy on their neighbors.

[Donn]

((I hope you don't mind my joining.))

Phineas had happened to be close to the howl for him to prick his ears in interest. He didn't know the wolf's voice to put it to a face, but he was sure he'd heard it before. Sighing, he supposed he'd better see what the howl was for. He headed for it's positon, thought at a fairly relaxed pace. Recently, Phineas had been made Ambassador, a wolf that was most active in times of peril or war. It seemed fortunate that he unwittingly headed for a meeting of wolves that concerned that very issue, so it seemed.

Further ahead he caught sight of two wolves, Pollux, the Gamma, and that odd wolf Phineas seemed to remember as having some personality disorder, a fascinating object of interest no doubt, but for what reason the fellow had called, Phineas was without a clue. There seemed to be no impending trouble, so Phineas calmly approached. He nodded politely to both wolves. "Good day. I happened to hear your howl, I was in the area. Something you require assistance with?"

[Electus]

"...though there are a few I wouldn't think have the spine for it, even if they have the build. Besides Crow, do we have any wolf who can go run reconnaissance?"

Mortil shrugged. "I know not. I myself have not the time nor the authority to do so, or to appoint someone else. I wish I could."

"Good day. I happened to hear your howl, I was in the area. Something you require assistance with?"

Mortil turned to greet the Ambassador. "Ah, Phineas. Hello. We are simply having an impromptu council of war."

[Sofika]

The tones of urgency floated in the shifting cool air, reaching the Alphess's ears as she lingered in the shadows, her form entirely concealed in the darkness save for her slightly noticeable muzzle-spots.
The shadows were her and her siblings' home. Perhaps they had made themselves too comfortable. Arnlan was growing uneasy and starting to fall into disorder. It had been many moons since she had heard reports of the happenings outside the border. It was time to return.

Sofika stepped lightly, carefully. Her fur brushed the cold and dying leaves weakly clinging to the overhang of branches which hid her. Ascending the hill, she noted many familiar faces as they appeared. Mortilitas Umbra, a volatile male, yet careful in keeping his psyche in check, spoke with seriousness of Arnlan's situation.
Pollux spoke with a matching concern, speaking of measures to be taken to watch the surely growing threats around them.
The eloquent male called Phineas had just joined the party, inquiring of the summons. As the dark Alphess crested the hill into the sight of the group, Mortil spoke.

"Ah, Phineas. Hello. We are simply having an impromptu council of war."

"I have been too silent in the happenings of the pack. I have lingered in the shadows for too long," Sofika spoke with grave seriousness, her half-enshrouded face roving over the small group, "I sense a shift in the winds in this disheveled pack and the ones surrounding. Something is coming, and we must prepare. I am of course, open and interested for suggestions on how to restore the order and build our forces."

If Arnlan was to become the powerful and united pack it once was, there must be a concentrated group effort. And this involved everybody. It was time to step out of the shadows.

[nightblood]

A lithe dark figure lumbered along under the ominous trees of Arnlan. Thinner now than she'd ever been, NightBlood was starting to take on the look of an actual female, though she still held her ever foreboding height. It seemed that her body was not recovering from birthing as quickly as it should be. She payed no mind to it, however. There were bound to be complications, especially with a litter that size as her first. For now, she was just happy that Crow had relieved her from her vigilant watch over her demon spawn. She had no doubt that they were driving the poor mute wolf crazy.

Her mood brightened more as she picked her head up to listen to a familiar howl. Mortil was calling a meeting? He had a right to, she guessed, being the most skilled Obsidian, but what did he want to talk about? At the conclusion of their last visit together, the gray male had expressed concern about Sallin. She felt that she had been successful at comforting him, but perhaps over time the thoughts had surfaced once more. There was also the possibility that he had seen Sallinians at the border. The howl didn't seem urgent, but the Beta wasn't sure what exactly would send Mortil into a hysterical fit.

At this thought, NightBlood motored her legs forward, powering through her limp as if it didn't exist. For the longest time now, the big female hadn't had any pain in her hind leg. She had severed the nerve below her heel on purpose after finally being driven to her breaking point by the immense pain. Now she could move it with little difficulty, though she couldn't exactly feel how she was placing it on the ground or what she was stepping on. It was the only disadvantage, but she would live with it. As long as enemies and opponents didn't know she couldn't feel anything on that leg, she'd be fine in a fight.

It wasn't long before she came upon the small gathering. Night could easily recognize Pollux and Mortil, but she felt a third presence. Looking around, she realized it must be one of the Alphas, for they were only seen when they wanted to be seen. Soon enough, Sofika stepped forward, revealing herself from the shadows. NightBlood, however, wanted to stay concealed for the moment.

"I have been too silent in the happenings of the pack. I have lingered in the shadows for too long," Sofika spoke with grave seriousness, "I sense a shift in the winds in this disheveled pack and the ones surrounding. Something is coming, and we must prepare. I am of course, open and interested for suggestions on how to restore the order and build our forces."

To that, NightBlood decided it would be a good time to report on the pups. She stepped forward toward the group, but kept her shoulders and hid quarters in shadow. Only her head, neck, and front legs were visible as she layed down, figuring she'd be there for a while.

"Three of the pups are beginning to speak. I suspect they will be ready for training before the month is out," the Beta announced grimly, eyeing Mortil. She knew most of the wolves she had talked to during her pregnancy had gotten to idea that she would not love any of the pups that came form the union with Anek. Even she didn't expect to have any affection for them, but in truth, she had fully succumbed to all the traits of motherhood. Perhaps they were not as strong as they could have been if the father had been Armageddon instead, but they were still there, and the thought of the pain they would endure still troubled her even though she would always fully trust Mortil.

[Electus]

"I have been too silent in the happenings of the pack. I have lingered in the shadows for too long," Sofika spoke with grave seriousness, "I sense a shift in the winds in this disheveled pack and the ones surrounding. Something is coming, and we must prepare. I am of course, open and interested for suggestions on how to restore the order and build our forces."

Mortil bowed his head in respect. Even though Sofika was present, he could not speak of his rank to others. But he would make his intentions heard. "As you probably know, I will train Nightblood's pups when they are able." he said, his voice grim.

"However, until such a time as their training is complete, I too, worry about the state of the pack. We haven't the number of warriors...and I agree with Pollux's proposal. Someone must go and scout out the state of the other packs - Geera, Synl...and Sallin" he spat out the last name with venom in his voice.

"Three of the pups are beginning to speak. I suspect they will be ready for training before the month is out"

Mortil looked up as Nightblood approached and wagged his tail in greeting. "That is some news, at least. When they are ready, bring them to me. But in the meanwhile..."

He looked around him, eyebrow arched. "We have much to do. Phineas? Perhaps you would be so kind as to offer such wisdom as you can, given the circumstances?"

[Donn]

((OOC: Would the Council of Arms know about the Secretive Caste?))

The black wolf nodded politely to NightBlood as she arrived, though inside he was taken aback by her appearance. He hadn't expected to see her so... diminished, so to speak. Phineas' ears twitched at the mention of his name, and he tilted his head, contemplating what had been said. "Hm, you haven't mentioned to us from whom this war is coming from. Given our current pack relations I'd say a declaration from the wolves inhabiting Geera, Synl, Rakine or Hallow unlikely, having no clear motive. However, Sallin would appear to be our... duellist so to speak. We number about..." Phineas counted in his head. He'd seen them all at the gathering, plus the pups makes... "Twenty-three wolves. Nine of which are pups, bringing effective fighting capacity, minusing the omega and the healer to 12, if I am not mistaken. It's still a reasonable number for a pack, but then, I haven't seen the enemy, and I cannot confirm how many of those twelve are fit for war. But before I go on, I must ask, how can you be certain there will be some conflict? For instance, if I was to suggest sending a scout party to spy on Sallin, and they were caught, that might provoke them. But if you're certain, effective intelligence would bring us an unparalleled advantage. That leaves us with two matters, for now.

First, the spy, or spies. I do not know which among us is most suited to such a task, but I am sure the pack's already secretive nature would promote such skill. A spy must be assigned to finding and approximating the amount of wolves capable of fighting in Sallin, if that is our enemy. Second, the 12 wolves capable of fighting already. 13 if you count the omega." Phineas didn't actually know the omega, but from his experience omegas tended to be weaker creatures used in his old pack as bait and cannon fodder, to put it bluntly.
"We would need to gather them, and that includes those of us here now. Each would have to be gauged in their fighting ability, to divide those suited for certain tasks. And in case of enemy movements in Arnlan, be informed that whenever some signal is given, some definitive howl give by one of us, to make their way as quickly and stealthily as possible to our location, and to be prepared for an attack." Phineas realised he was talking quite alot so far. He cleared his throat and asked, "Does that sound useful?"

[Squeeji]

Pollux said little but nodded to the new comers as politely as she could muster, she even gave the slightest ghost of a smile to the Alpha as she melted out of the shadows.

But she didn't say anything, she listened to the wolves talk, the Gamma wasn't asked anything. But after hearing Phineas speak long enough her coat bristled in annoyance and finally she turned to him and spoke. "If you are concerned, I shall go and spy upon the neighboring pack lands...I know its no longer one of my duties, but we currently have no other scouts that are up to the task."

"Unless you have someone in mind...if not, I'm certain that Mortil and I could shuffle the wolves as Phineas says..." The female smirked at the charcoal colored warrior. "He can test their martial prowess and I'll keep the peace."

"Either way, I'll be kept amused."

[nightblood]

NightBlood flicked an ear in Phineas's direction, but did not shift her gaze. She had never met any wolf would could talk at such length. The Beta was even surprised at herself for not growling at him yet. It was at least better than the yapping of pups. Pollux, however, didn't seem to agree. Night could see the bristling of her coat. It was clear she was not in the best of moods to talk her ears off. The dark male would learn this soon, she guessed.

"If you are concerned, I shall go and spy upon the neighboring pack lands...I know its no longer one of my duties, but we currently have no other scouts that are up to the task."

"Unless you have someone in mind...if not, I'm certain that Mortil and I could shuffle the wolves as Phineas says..." The female smirked at the charcoal colored warrior. "He can test their martial prowess and I'll keep the peace."

"Either way, I'll be kept amused."

"We cannot simply go in and stir them up, Pollux," NightBlood replied cautiously, not wanting to step on the old female's last nerve, "And we cannot risk you or Mortil."

Straightening up, the Beta glanced between the four other wolves in the area. She stayed in her laying position, sifting only to make her posture a bit more authoritative. Like the Sphinx of Egypt, she lifted her head to view the area around her, only her eyes moving to meet the gaze of the others.

"I'm more than confident that Sallin is preparing something. I've always been suspicious of them, but as of late I've sensed subtle movements every now and then. Something is happening inside their borders, but wether it will affect us, I have yet to see, so I agree that a Scouting party must be risked. However, I think it would be wiser to send wolves we can spare- those who would not aid us much in battle. Call it cruel, but we cannot spare our fighters if the party is caught or killed."

Finally, her gaze rested on Sofika, as if asking for acceptance of her speech. This, after all, was the wolf she would be leaving in charge of her pack once she left this life. NightBlood was in a state of constant judgement.

[Electus]

"Unless you have someone in mind...if not, I'm certain that Mortil and I could shuffle the wolves as Phineas says..." The female smirked at the charcoal colored warrior. "He can test their martial prowess and I'll keep the peace."

Mortil returned the sly grin in kind. He admired Pollux's responsive attitude to her surroundings...she wanted something done, so she worked to to do it.

"I'm more than confident that Sallin is preparing something. I've always been suspicious of them, but as of late I've sensed subtle movements every now and then. Something is happening inside their borders, but whether it will affect us, I have yet to see, so I agree that a Scouting party must be risked. However, I think it would be wiser to send wolves we can spare- those who would not aid us much in battle. Call it cruel, but we cannot spare our fighters if the party is caught or killed."

Mortil could hardly believe the words that just left Nightblood's mouth. It was a valid strategy, but still-! She may have been his superior, but he could not hold back at that.

"What? It is a valid strategy, true, but how can you suggest that, Nightblood? What are we then, if we send wolves away to be killed? And even then, if they were caught, what then? We will have no warning, and at best we will know that Sallin will retaliate. That is just guaranteeing a war that may not happen. Those who would not aid us in battle...who would you send then? The pups? The Omegas? Are we no better than Sallin then? Sending our wolves on some semi-suicide mission because they do know the ways of war? What mentality is that!? Ravenshard cannot fight; would you send her then? Our only healer? And what if they are caught? How would they escape if they cannot fight? Sallin's fighters are vicious, they fight without mercy and without honor! The 'wolves we can spare' as you put it would be killed!"

Mortil circled his spot, his movements agitated. He sat again, but his fur bristled. "Even if none of these things come to pass...what will our packmates think of us? Sending them in like that? I am sorry Nightblood, but I cannot sit quietly while you or Alpha Sofika send pack members to certain death."