Tersek & Others

Tersek was waiting in the Temple, the grizzle-coated wolf sitting quasi-patiently at the front platform of the building as various Haunters began to move in and crowd around. Blue and gold eyes take note of each gathered member, then narrow a stitch when they fall upon Oracle and her brother slipping in, with Leomar in close tow.

Small drops of water marked the ligeress' path as she slipped in through the wide stone doorway, marking her swim through Dima's moat to leave the smaller temple. Her ears were still back, though now more out of anxiety than any need to listen to Leomar's steps behind her. She knew she was in trouble, and she winced internally at the Haunters she could see gathered already. Oh, she knew they'd be here - she heard the calls from Tersek and Senka earlier - but it still stung her pride to think that the entire Family would be here to listen to this lecture. Or whatever it was going to be.

Starbane, Narimbi, and Shadowstep slunk in between Oracle and Maelertech, none of them quite realizing what was about to happen. They were still worked up from earlier this afternoon, and each was keen on sticking close to an adult.

Zanarah had made it back by this time, and set Teri down in front of her, near the platform.

Blackmist, Lupanare, and Duality were all in attendance as well, the three canines sitting near each other a few yards from Tersek.

Quilikahm and even a rarely seen Nightshade hung towards the back of the Temple. The melanistic buck was anxious about being here, but eager to stay on the good side of the Haunters, so he made his obligatory appearance for this meeting.

With Dally still gone and watching over Nemu, it was Erathi who bunked down in one of the upper windows, while the larger Cedarwood was waddling across the ground towards the gathering Haunters. The big eagle glanced around for his mate before beginning to preen his chocolate-brown feathers.

Silver Fyre

'I'm not going to be late a second time.' Silver Fyre had told herself, after having missed the party earlier today. She'd stayed diligently around the complex, idling her time away by cleaning burs and debris from her coat until she heard the twinned calls of Senka and Tersek. The wolfdog had sprang to her paws and dashed back to the Temple, reaching it before even the two leaders had step foot inside.

Quite pleased with herself for this one, Silver had sat back near the entrance and waited, nodding pleasantly to each Haunter that strode in past her. Her eyes were mainly seeking out Aizen's arrival, but while waiting for him, she sized up the uncomfortable looking ebony buck in the corner opposite of her. "I don't think I've met you before? I'm Silver Fyre."

Aizen

He finally woke to the call and headed into the temple. He moves over to Silver rubbing up against her a little.

Mael wary came up to the temple his ears back and head down. He knew this had to be about their stint earlier.

Terri remained by her wondering what this was about.

Tersek & Others

Once everyone was gathered, Tersek stood up and began to growl. The throaty noise intensified and ended in a thunderous bark, meant to gather everyone's attention and quiet the room. Eyes flash about at the gathered faces, making sure he has their unyielding focus before beginning to speak, "Zanarah, take the cubs."

The liger perks up as her name is called, but doesn't delay. A sharp, chirping cry is given to the youngsters, "Come to me. Starbane, you too. Teri, come along." She says, drawing herself up from her seated position. Shadowfell and Narimbi are the first to slink over, followed by a hesitant Starbane. The trio cluster around the larger feline, and settle in as Tersek continues with his speech.

"For those of you that aren't aware of what transpired here-" A brief but pointed look was cast at Silver Fyre at this comment, "-Several of our young were taken captive today. While they have been returned unharmed, this transgression was an entirely avoidable one. The cubs' lives, and those of the rest of the pack, were put in direction danger because of the disobedience of Oracle and Maelertech today. Both deliberately snuck out of the Temple with the cubs, and had it not been for the quick actions of Caliana and our newest members, they may very well have been killed." The old wolf gave pause, letting those words sink in. "Before punishment is dealt, I'll allow the pair to speak if they wish, along with anyone else who wishes to speak their mind."

Oracle hung her head lower, though she maintained eye contact with Tersek, unflinching even as he turned his furious gaze in her direction. She had nothing to add, for there was no denying the simple fact that they'd broken the rules and endangered all the cubs.

Towards the back of the Temple, Nightshade eyed the wolf that spoke to him, surprised that the predator wanted to know his name. "Nightshade." He murmured.

Silver Fyre

Nightshade was soon forgotten about when Aizen made his entrance. Tail thumping, Silver gave her friend a bold lick on the side of the muzzle, and a thumping tail against the ground in greeting. "Hey." Her word came in a whisper, as the rest of the group had now gone quiet, and she did not want to incur the wrath of Tersek right now. She hadn't interacted much with him yet, but he looked surly, and she didn't want to get on the wrong end of that.

Mael

The pups moved to her.

Aizen sat down as Silver spoke but he was quiet at Terserk spoke.

Mael kept eye contact but shrunk back as the whole of the haunters stare at them some in shock, some in disbelieve and some in appalment.

Tersek & Others

Oracle's pride tarnished beneath the stares of the others, and she wanted nothing more than to slink away from the pack and avoid their judging glares. If only she knew there was more than a lecture waiting for her and her brother, she might have spoken up to defend herself now.

Tersek allowed the two to wilt beneath the collective disapproval of the pack before he parted his jaws and spoke again, "Maelertech, Oracle! Come forward, and turn around to face the rest of your Family." The old wolf stepped back a few paces to allow room for the pair to join him on the low platform. Of all the gazes, his was perhaps one of the harshest as it bored into the pair, causing Oracle to grimace all the more as she slunk up onto the alter and slowly turned around. "Haunters! Before you are fellow Family members who nearly caused the death of our youngest and most vulnerable members. Because their actions were committed through ignorance rather than malice or intent however, their punishment will be light. Let the lessons they learn today be lessons for you all."

Tersek nodded at Leomar and Mufasa, silently commanding the African lions to step forward and join them at the front. "They will first be thrashed, and they will not resist." Oracle's eyes widened at this, and she shot Tersek a cruel glare, ears back and fangs wanting to lay bare. She held back though, knowing Leomar and Mufasa could easily stop her. A low growl reverberated through her chest as her tail lashed a few times against the ground. Tersek ignored this and continued, "They will then spend a day in Dima's Temple, recovering from their wounds before joining designated members on various training missions. These training missions will last until the first snow fall."

Maelertech

Mael slowly crept up and then growls at the punishment. He wouldn't be able to not try to defend himself it was in his blood to do so. They only got one day to recover? He had just recovered from the small thrashing he took from tuini. His eaers go back at this almost wanting to flea from the haunters.

Senka says nothing as she agrees with the punishment. Mufasa steps forward now to give Oracle her thrashing.

Tyrant did not like this punishment but he was in no position to stop it however he does get up and slinks away ears back making clear his distaste for such punishment.

Tersek & Others

Tersek took a few more steps back, dual-toned gaze surveying the crowd. He was a little surprised to see Tyrant leave, and for Velvet not to show, but then these were their children. At least the rest of the Haunters were in attendance, and that was well enough. "Keep the thrashing superficial, nothing grevious." The elder wolf looked to the pair of lions now, "Nothing that will keep them from starting their training in two days. Quilikahm!"

Near the pack, the tiny muntac raised up on her hind legs, bringing her height a little closer to the three-foot mark, if only for a moment. Glossy black ears swiveled forward, attentively awaiting Tersek's command.

"Gather what you need for healing plants, and make sure these two are tended to in Dima's Temple." While the little deer was nodding to that and scurrying away, Tersek's eyes sought out others in the crowd. "Menace, Lupanare! You two will take turns guarding the Temple, and making sure Mael and Oracle don't try to leave before their punishment is up." Once more his focus shifted back to the pair of lions at the platform, "Proceed."

Leomar didn't need to be told twice. The lion had been itching for a fight for ages now, and pounced upon Maelertech with gusto. Fangs went for the back of the younger one's neck, to grab and thrash the other back and forth, while claws would sting at his sides. And yet despite his greater strength and size, the powerful brute did hold back, not letting either his teeth nor his claws puncture too deeply. This was one of his Family members after all, and he didn't want to cripple Mael.

Oracle offered a low his to Mufasa, letting him know how unhappy she was about this arrangement. Fangs were bared at this point, but the ligeress took her punishment without throwing a bite or slashing at the other. And after little more than a minute of this punishment, Tersek ended it with a sharp bark, "Enough! Menace, Lupanare - lead them to Dima's Temple."

Mael

Mael fought back he didnt care what Terserk said he snarled right at Leomar and lashed out with claws and teeth not caring how badly he hurt the older lion.

Mufasa did so a s well til Tyrant came back.

Tyrant couldn't not help and especially when mufasa made to punish his daughter he came back.your damn right enough is enough they did not deserved to be thrashed! No wonder no one likes us. He lashed ouat mufasa before he could even land a blow on his daughter. I entirely regret convincing Velvet to do thisHe said baring his teeth now.

Senka frowned and paced now unsure of what to say about this turn of events. Her ears were bark.

Tersek & Others

Leomar had offered a savage roar to Maelertech, and a few particularly brutal strikes to the adolescent's head in retaliation, but when Tersek gave the single, he obediently backed away. "Take your punishment like an adult, Mael." He rumbled, glowering at the other but soon turning his attention to a ferocious Tyrant.

Tersek stared hard at Tyrant, showing no fear in the face of the liger's bared teeth, even though the other could easily kill him if he so wished. "Everyone had a chance to voice their opinions before the thrashing took place, you should have spoke up then." He returned with a low growl. His face twisted further in anger, shadows forming about the creases between his eyes, "We aren't suppose to be liked by anyone else in the Valley save for our allies. Our name should strike rightful fear in the hearts of outsiders. I understand it may be hard to see your own children endure a punishment like this, but it'll make them and the rest of his stronger." He looked now to Senka for support, hoping to quell this problem for it got out of control.

Leomar bared a single fang at Tyrant, "Best listen to your leaders, Ty. The cubs got what they deserved, and I'm sure they'll be wiser in the future. Mael will be fine in a few days."

Oracle remained crouched, but her eyes were wide in surprise at her father's actions. He'd saved her from further brutality, but she wondered if it was just a temporary reprieve, or whether the rest of the punishment would still be dealt.

Tyrant

Tyrant growled and glared at them.And my opinion would of been ignored. Feared by outsiders yes but not by our own. I will not stand for this type of punishment unless its truely deserver and when its truley deserved is when they deserve death. You injure my cubs I will injure you. he snarled at leomar. Luckily Mael due to him fighting back didn't get much of a thrashing either cause Mael had practiced with him. He kept Mufasa from even laying a paw on his daughter. It looks like they got nothing. Their punishment is to be grounded to the temple and do the training but I will not allow you or anyone else in the haunters to lay a paw on them. He growled.

Maelertech snorted.ill defend myself if I wanthe growled nly having taken one slap to the face that left only a small cut and he moved to his father before any more could bee done.

Tersek & Others

Tersek raised his lips, showing off teeth that weren't nearly so ivory and keen any more. "It would have been fairly considered, Tyrant, and you know that. Don't you dare assume that Senka and I would simply ignore one of our own members. We take offense to that." He looked again to Senka for backup, needing the larger and more able-bodied leader to help him in quelling Tyrant's rebellion. Two-toned eyes shot back to the liger then, "As I said, I understand your discomfort in watching this, but it's the Haunter way. They're learning respect for the rules. Rules that were implemented to keep us safe and make us stronger. If my own offspring pulled such a stunt, they would endure the same treatment."

The grizzled wolf took a step forward at this point, head and tail raised high, even if Tyrant were still easily taller than himself. "You had your chance to speak your mind earlier, and if you still feel strongly about it, I suggest you talk to Senka and I once your head is cooled. We can hold a meeting regarding punishment. But as it stands, their punishment has already been declared, and you don't get to change the rules."

Leomar huffed in disgust at Maelertech, "Tucking tail like a scared wolf and running to your dad for protection. That'll make a real strong Haunter. At least your sister had some composure."

"Quiet." A sharp growl from Tersek, paired with a pointed glare, stopped Leomar from saying any more. The last thing he wanted was for a fight to break out, "He is trying to protect his offspring-" Yellow and brown orbs shifted to Tyrant, "-but coddling them isn't the way to go about it. Nor is disobeying direct orders from your Leaders."

Tyrant

Tyrant snorted.And i would of been shot down if this is like those haunters.I will never stand for my offspring being beaten I don't give a shit about that type of punishment. He looked to Leomar.His sister didn't even get a scratch. Don't call my son a coward or ill make you look like onehe huffed. He looked back to Terserk.They will take no more beating. AS it is Mael took one measly scratch anyways so I will ignore that. But I will not let anyone beat my children. If you want to stick to those rules then perhaps I and my children will leave the haunters. I'm sure Velvet will come to she didn't really want to hand it over to you anyways she idd it for mehe said. their punishment is not including any thrashing don't care if you declared ithe growled.

Maelertech almost wanted to run back and attack but he knew his father would put him in his place so he just joined his father.

Senka

Senka frowned at it all and then her ears go back as Tyrant threatens to leave. enough. All of you. If we are trying to change the valley's perception of us perhaps we do need to look at how we punish our own. She said finally.But you need to learn to not fear speaking up Tyrant. This could of been avoided if you or Velvet came to voice it. Given I don't know where Velvet has gone off to. I almost pity the fact she didn't come to her own cubs defenses. I suppose she doesn't have as much motherly instinct as you have fatherlyShe said suspcious of why Velvet was absent.

Tersek & Others

Leomar wrinkled back his own lips, his face delving into a look of anger at the other. He held his tongue this time though, not really wanting to get on the bad side of either Leaders. In place of words, the lion let his expression convey what he thought of Tyrant's decision to intervene.

Tersek relaxed a little after Senka stepped in, and gladly allowed her to reprimand her son. A look was darted her way when she echoed Tyrant's desire to change the Valley's perception of them though, and he was quick to speak up on that, "All due respect Senka, but I don't think we need a perception change. I called Grayfell out years ago because I was afraid his leadership was weakening us. I don't want to travel down that same, slippery slope again." His gaze drifted to one of the windows, though his eyes seemed to be looking beyond what there was to see there. "There's a group out there called the Ancient Guardians that worked as a... sort of opposite to us, I guess. Soft and 'compassionate' to outsiders. If anyone thinks we're too harsh, they can go join up with that group, if they're even still around. But I can't stand here and agree to the softening of the Haunters. We've already given up the idea of stealing, and now we're considering 'time-outs' as a punishment so others won't think of us as too mean? This is not the Shadow Haunters I was born into." His gaze drifted back to Tyrant, "Their punishment is on hold until after the meeting. As for you, Senka and myself will determine what punishment is appropriate for your actions today. Fatherly instincts or not, you don't defy your leaders like this."

There were a few quiet murmurs in the group, but no one dared to speak up yet. Lupanare had drawn close to the alter, now waiting further instructions.

Tyrant

Tyrant growled. "I will not allow thier punishment to be a thrashing and nothing you say will make me let anyone in the haunters harm my children." He saidsenka ears go back at terserk know. "Outsiders will continue to fear us terserk but physical punishment to our own will only cause internal issues like this and i will not stand to cause our family to fear us. Physical punishment is to be reserved for those who become traitors not adolescents who make a mistake. They are ignorant of the dangers out there it is our fault that this happened not thiers" she said

Tersek & Others

A look of frustration and concern hedged further shadows into his grizzled features. To Senka he replied at length, "We can't simply get rid of a system we've had for so long, just because one of our members objects to it. I was willing to drop the cub stealing, even though I didn't want to, but this is taking it too far." He didn't let anger rise in his voice when he was speaking with Senka, for she was a leader along side him, but he was worried that age was weakening her. "There will always be issues that come up that need to be dealt with, that's why we have Meetings to hear everyone's voice. But I can't in good faith to the Haunters stand here and let you and your son change the very core of who we are." He looked to Tyrant then, studying the big cat before eyes flashed back to Senka, "If this is the path you want to travel, I will not be part of it."

Senka

Senka listened at it. "The thing is. Mael and oracle are not the only ones who should be punished. All of us in turn including you and i deserve it because it is our fault it happened because it is our fault they never learned the dangers. So are you prepared to take the same punishment then?" This was the truth and she saw multile haunters actually saw the truth to her words

Tersek & Others

"They did know of the dangers, and both were keenly aware that we have a new enemy who is willing and capable of taking hostages. Adult hostages, at that." Tersek answered resolutely, not willing to take blame he felt was undeserved. "We've always made it explicitly clear that young are to stay in the basement with the Mothers for their safety. We even had guards in place, which they deliberately snuck past. No, we did everything in our power to keep cubs safe, but Oracle and Maelertech purposefully disregarded those efforts. That is not my fault, nor is it your fault." He nodded to the gathered Haunters, "Don't blame them for the mistakes of others. They, especially Caliana and several other cats, put their lives in danger to rescue the cubs."

Senka

She listened. "Then the den mothers and guards are to blame as well. " she said but shook her head. "Cubs are taught by word. Adolscents need to learn by site and doing. They were ignorant yes but in the end it was a lesson they needed. They will only get to sleep at night, they will have no contact with cubs and they will be on constant duties. That is fair punishment for them" she said. "If they were adults then a thrashing would be appropriate: she said

Tersek & Others

He continued to stare hard at Senka, concern for the future of the Haunters still evident in his expression. His irritation made itself known in the stiffness of his tail though, and the rumble in his vocals as he spoke low in reply, "So that's how it is? You and your son decide what the rules are now whenever you see fit to change them? Doesn't look like I'm needed here then. You can handle the rest of their punishment." He shook his head, knowing he couldn't possibly stand up against two large cats. Disappointed with the sudden turn of events, and frustrated that they'd waited until the start of the gathering to change course, Tersek stepped away from the platform. He strode past his daughter, who'd been awkwardly waiting to see whether she was still needed or not to escort the adolescents. As her father moved towards the exit, Lupanare hesitated before dropping in line behind him.

Leomar, the other one who had been called forth to help, also stepped away from the alter now that his role had been abolished. He didn't care much for the debate between the two leaders, his only disappointment was that Tyrant had stopped him and he had yet to really be in a battle or anything remotely close to a fight. The big male padded towards the exit.

That left Oracle, somewhat shocked by the turn of events, but certainly happy things had transpired they way they did, for her sake. She was wordless, not daring to say anything that might bring more trouble to herself.

Blackmist and Duality murmured quietly between one another before the elder of the two siblings stood and walked from the Temple, leaving Black behind with the rest of the crowd.

Zanarah remained as well, the tip of her tail lightly thumping against the stone floor. She was watching Senka carefully, wondering if she was serious about punishing the guards. The ligeress didn't say a word, but she would accept her fate either way.

Senka

Senka sighed at Terserk. we will pass a vote later as for their punishment it is not to include a thrashing Terserk. We are a family and we stick together. We can't agree on everything there are gonna be things we disagree on and disaprove on but physically punishing adolscents who haven't been tought right is unfair. Adolscents learn by doing or physically seeing thingsShe said with a shake of her head. She glanced at the guards.as for the truth behind my words your punishment will be decided later when everyone is cooled off. It won't be as severe as a thrashing because Mael told me what he did to get them out of the templeShe said calmly. She looks to the rest of them.Tomorrow morning the adults of this pack and pride will meet, every last one of us including velvet Where velvet was concerned her greatly for many reasons.For now you are dismissed. Mael oracle you are to go to Dima's temple and are not allowed near the cubs. Blackmist, Duality I'd like you to go with them and make sure they stay there or else I may reconsider the thrashingShe fixed to sibling hybrids with a hard stare. And Tyrant, next time you speak up or I won't come to your defense againShe said.

Aizen watched his father and sighed staying behind however as he personally didn't like the physical punishment of young. His ears were back.

Tersek & Others

He paused near the doorway, lifting his head to answer Senka, a quiet growl rattling his words, "You and your son already made it clear that the punishment we had agreed upon is now banned, regardless. There's little point in holding a Meeting if your word is already law, and Tyrant can override my ruling with no repercussions." Had he still been graced by the youth of his prime, Tersek would have been a bristling, snarling force to be reckoned with, but age had tempered that hot streak in him, and wisdom told him he could not use such tactics against these big cats. His fury was a much quieter thing now, roiling just beneath the surface and escaping here and there in the low growl that played through his throat, and the fury that danced in his eyes. He turned away and continued forth, padding through the entryway and disappearing across the forum.

Though Duality had already left along with Lupanare, Blackmist was quick to step forward, obediently heeding Senka's orders. Even without her sister to help, the wolfdog wasn't too worried about escorting the cats, doubting either of them would try to sneak off again after what had just happened. "You two know the way, I'll follow behind." She said, lifting her voice to sound as authorative as she could muster.

Oracle was still thanking her lucky stars that her father had stepped in. She nodded vaguely to Blackmist, not really paying attention to what the wolf said as she glanced to her brother, "Imre was watching out for us on that one." She muttered, then began to pad towards the exit, making her way towards Dima's Temple.

Senka

Senka claws come out a little.I said their punishment will not include a thrashing this time. I will not sit here and argue with you about anything and Tyrant is not getting away with stepping out of line never said h wasShe growled. She shakes her head.She then sends up a roar demanding velvet to show herself. This was what really troubled senka was where was the mother of the two. She glances at Tyrant.And as for you you are to be constantly sparring with someone or out hunting with the others. Sleep at night and eatting and drinking are your only down timesShe growled.

Mael went his ears back as he followed his sister to dima's temple.

Cedarwood

While most of the Haunters had dispersed by now, Cedarwood was still waddling towards the exit when Senka uttered her roar for Velvet. The eagle winced at the volume of it, then bobbed his head and glanced about expectantly. There was no answering roar, and no silky-coated, almond-eyed lion to be seen. After a moment, he tilted his chocolately head towards the Co-Lead, "I could scout for her, if you wish?" He hadn't quite picked up on the suspicion or irritation from Senka about the missing lioness, but he was keen all the same to make his leaders happy.

Senka

She paces now till Cedar spoke.Please doShe said. Many reasons she was worried. Was Velvet injured? Did she die? or worse was she plotting behind their back?