Senka

Senka knew that she had to start the meeting that she had spoken about. She needed to gather everyone so standing at the mouth of the temple she released a few strong roars summoning all haunters to the temple. She then moved further in and sat down waiting for everyone to gather.

Tersek & Others

Tersek was one of the first to respond. The wolfdog carried himself high with his tail flagged upwards and his head held aloft in a position that would let others know of his place. It wasn't an overly arrogant display however, Tersek just wanted to be sure that everyone knew and respected his new position in the pack. Huerosan and Drekh both walked closely by their father, staying at either side of him as he drew nearer to Senka.

A little slower to respond, but not terribly late in arriving, Cavan appeared a few minutes after the tigress's roar. Since the usurping of Greyfell, he'd remained mostly quiet and didn't interfere with the new hierarchy of the pack. He was very watchful though, keeping an especially close eye on Tyrant and Tersek; but having seen nothing to warrant any further suspicion from either of them, the old Captain kept his thoughts to himself.

Tyrant

Tyrant had caught Cavan watching him and he did nothing just shook his head at the canine. Now he sat beside his mother or more so laid by her. He watched everyone gather.

Senka

Senka glanced at her son and then gazed out at all of them. Now that most of us are here I will start. You have all noticed or heard of the change. I am now your leader and alongside me are Terserk and Koray. Greyfell has been too distraught and injured to be think rationally of late.She spoke carefully and calmly.

I called you all together to discuss three things. First is , I would like to know who we count as allies at this momentSHe said and then paused to let others speak up.

Tersek & Others

The sea of faces before Senka, from tan-framed face of Dandelion, to the cinnamon-tinged fur of Monarda, all paid rapt attention to what their new leader had to say. Most had been present during the near-riot that Tersek had initiated, and those who hadn't been had heard the story within hours as word spread like wildfire throughout the Ruins. There were many questions about Greyfell, but no one spoke up about it yet, nor had they dared to speak with the zebra where he was being held.

The issue of allies came up next. Erathi was the first one to speak, raising her voice to be heard from where she was perched atop a short stone block. "Our allies are uncertain at this time, though the Valkama Pack is surely still with us." A few murmurs went up in the crowd, before Tersek's rugged voice rose up and quieted them all, "I fear that the Shadow Lurkers are no longer allies of ours. Demos and myself attempted to make amends with them, and see his children returned to us... but they met us with hostility." He might be playing that up just a little, but it would take a very discerning ear to pick up on that.

Senka

Senka listened carefully and her eyes went to Tersek. She frowned. I shall go personally to the lurkers along with my son and I will see about their alliance to us and Demos's kids. I would rather not be against them but if they will not talk rationally then that will be their decision.She said. So they had one pack as positive allies. WE must find out if any of our uncertain allies are with us or not.She said. She sighed.

Now on to the next two things. This ones are major because they are direct threats to us. The first one is Aspen grove. I do not think they will sit back after some of us chose to attack them. SHe said glancing at Cavan momentarily. WE need to figure out if we alone can take them on or if it would be stupid to do so. SHe said calmly. She would not go into battle with another pack unless she was sure of the outcome. However; they aren't my worry we know that they may be riling their forces. What has me worried is the Nuova Alba. They have been silent since their last raid. I want to know what they are planning. I fear that if we attack Aspen they may use that as an opening to attack us and we can't have that. AS well as vice versaShe said now pacing.

Tersek & Others

Tersek dipped his gray muzzle partially down to Senka, "Of course." He showed no hesitation to her decision, but he did offer an alternative, "I might make a suggestion though; the city is an exceptionally dangerous place for us to venture into. A tiger like yourself may attract unwanted, especially if there were two of you. Why not send..." Tersek looked about the many faces around them, before settling his two-toned eyes on the black and brown son of Geinah, "Drekh? A wolfdog would not be out of place in the city."

The next issue of business was their known enemies. A few rumbles went up in the crowd when the Nuova was mentioned, and it was Lion who spoke up to answer Senka. "We need more information on the Nuova Alba. We may have numbers on them - or we may not - but they hold a very strategic piece of land." He'd only been to the Basin once, during the Haunter's failed assault on their enemies, but he hadn't forgotten what he'd seen. "I fear that a direct assault on the Basin would be disastrous for us."

Senka

Senka sighed and listened to life. She glanced at Drekh. He can't go alone, someone must go with him. Also Drekh can you be non biased when going there? Not start trouble? If he isn't willing to listen to you can you tell him to meet me say at pikes lake? a neutral ground where we can talk?She said.

She listened about the Nuova alba. Indeed we need to know. I suggest if we have any birds or rodents or a small friend that could weasle theire way in the with out being detected would be goodSHe said. Her tail flicked. As for Aspen grove, do we know if they have allies? How strong are they? What are there numbers?She said calmly. I would like to take as little of us as possible there so we can leave here well guardedShe said.

Tersek & Others

Drekh dropped his long muzzle in an affirmative nod to Senka, "I will talk with them on purely diplomatic levels. I know how tense relations are between us and the Lurkers, and I'll handle the discussion with that in mind." The hybrid sounded perfectly rational and devoted to his words anyway, with far less emotion than Tersek had used.

The co-lead was the next to speak, "We have the falcons. We can send one of them to monitor the Basin; if the Nuova Alba make any move, or show signs of gathering for an assault, a bird can cover the distance between them and us infinitely faster than any land animal. It'll give us time to respond to any threat from them." They'd learned from previous experience that the terrain between here and the Basin was notoriously treacherous, and it would take much more time for the Nuova Alba to lead their forces through the mountains than it would for a bird to fly the same distance, if indeed the Nuova were foolish enough to attack them again.

Cavan was the next voice to be heard, "The Aspen Grove have few allies. Their leader has kept them secluded, and they are not well trained in fighting. We won't need many to crush them, but we need to bring enough to make a statement."

Senka

Senka began to pace as she listened. SHe dipped her head to Drekh. Good. Her tail flicked every now and then as she just listened. Good then that will be the falcon's jobs. We need at least two birds on that so one can stay spying on them while the other comes to usShe spoke calmly.

Then she listened to Cavan. Yes and we still must not underestimate them despite that.She said calmly. How many big cats do we have? I believe larger more powerful animals should go and only predators. Prey animals will remain behind if we can help it. Joey will stay on guard as well here.She spoke thinking of ways to take enough force yet leave behind strong fighters just in case. She had nothing against the herbiviors fighting skills but they were attacking a canine pack.Also we need to come in at two places, I want to corner them so to speak give them no option of escape. She spoke. She was sure there would be young there and that was the only thing she was hesitant about. She wasn't into killing young but taking them was another thing.

Tersek & Others

Drekh went quiet after receiving a nod from Senka. The son of Tersek was fully devoted to the Haunter cause, and felt that he could handle the sensitive mission, whether by himself, or whether Senka wished to send anyone with him. When the tigress moved on to the falcons, Dally himself spoke up, as he drifted down to land in front of his pacing leader. "I'll go myself, if that's your wish. Erathi can go with." His daughter, he was perched higher above in a nearby tree, was mentioned with a nod in her direction. The peregrine falcon was one of the few members who had been around since the very beginning, and was always eager to do what he could to help the large clan.

From there, the discussion moved on to what able bodies they had for assaulting the Aspen Grove. Kankulak bowed his head to his mother, "I can go." With many of the big cats having left with the Nuova during Greyfell's winning election, there weren't nearly as many as their had been before. But there was another big bruiser who had remained loyal to the Haunters, and in particular, to Cavan. Thunder's Call, the grizzly once taken in by the Aspen Grove to help rescue Cavan and his sister when they were cubs, had long been a member of the Haunters and spoke now in his deep, rumbling voice, "I'll go."

Senka

Senka paced and stopped as the falcon flew down and spoke.Alright you two will go and keep an eye on them, Why don't you do that now so we can get a head start on that perspectiveShe spoke calmly and began pacing again. She looked to her son and nodded. Tyrant and her other daughter would go as well she knew that. The grizzly spoke up then and nodded. Hura and her children also nodded the polar bears and grizzly's would be a plus. As I said I want to take mostly predators with us and as little prey animals. They can guard here along with the leopard seals and crocodilesShe spoke. She had no doubts on the prey animals strengths she knew from hunting them that they could actually turn quiet deadly especially those with tusks, antlers and hooves, hooves were deadly.Do we have any other falcon's beside dally and erathi or other birds? I want to keep an eye on the aspen grove pack up until we attack. I want to know their every move, how many young they have and how many of them are the mothers of the youngShe spoke.

Tersek & Others

Dally shifted his taloned feet beneath him, then propelled himself into the air under a gusty flap of his wings. His daughter took flight after her father, and together, the pair of falcons turned towards the south, where the Nuova's lair was nestled amongst the mountains. Tersek watched them go with a confident expression etched across his grizzled face, feeling a stir of pride and excitement well up in him. War was once again looming before them, and he was eager to bring the Haunters back to their fully, bloody glory in the Valley. He was calm about it though, and when Senka brought up the need to monitor the Aspen Grove, Tersek glanced around at the tree tops and stone pillars around them. "I don't see our other falcons here. But I don't think we'll need any additional observation on the Aspen Grove; they're pitifully weak, and already reeling from Cavan's assault. They won't be an issue for us." The Captain of the Haunters broke into the conversation after Tersek had finished, drawing his scarred muzzle towards Senka, "They're isolated and weak, he's at least right about that. They won't be prepared for us, but I still want to bring a large force to deal with them; it worked last time, and it'll work again this time." His single eye turned away from the tigress then and traveled out across the many faces around them, without looking at anyone in particular, "I don't know what mothers and pups they might have, but there are two in the pack that I don't want harmed; Darling and Keap. I'll point them out during the assault, and they aren't to be attacked. I also want to deal personally with their beta female." For Cavan, this was more than just putting the Aspen Grove in its place - this was revenge.

Senka

She listened carefully and then when Cavan spoke of not harming two she looked at him.IF they fight with them then they will be treated the same Cavan. If we let them attack us but not fight them back that will bring us down.If they remain back with the mothers and pups then they will be left alone as we will not harm the mother and pups but if they fight alongside the pack then we will engaged them. Do you understand?She spoke. Her tail flicked. When we attack any of them that fight against us will not be given a second thought you go in for the kill. Take them out no matter who they are unless they submit, if they stop fighting then they can be left alive but so long as they fight we will fight back. We take no prisoners. THe mothers and pups and any who remain with them will be left on their own to do as they wishShe said. Her tail flicke as she eyed Cavan.

Lucey & others Pepper and the others remained silent and just listened to everything that was changing and the new jobs. Demos stood, the male had lost some weight (enough to be significant), and looked to Senka respectfully. May I also travel to the Alleys? Victoria leaned into her sibling in a comforting way.
Pepper was the one who spotted Lucey and found herself nodding the bird over and listened to the few words that the falcon would tell her. Senka! The name came out in a shocked gasp as she rose to her pillars and moved at a fast walk to the tigress. The new ruler had to hear this. Someone needs to talk to you! It was obvious that Pepper thought this important. The falcon remained in the shadows as she came near the new leader of the Haunters, trying to keep her form hidden from the others. It was best that she remained a hidden/unknown spy.

Tersek & Others

"Senka.." Cavan turned to fully face the imposing tigress and leader of the Haunters. His words were strong and emotional, though he strove not to cross the line with them, "They are my niece and nephew, and I can't stand by and let them be slaughtered. Darling is not a fighter anyway, she wouldn't stand a chance." The shallow punctures to the side of his face, from which there were still clots of dried blood matting his fur, attested to the shewolf's meek fighting abilities. Yet even though she'd attacked him, Cavan could not allow the offspring of his sister to perish if he could help it. "If they fight back, I ask that they be subdued with the least amount of force possible - Kankulak, Tyrant, you can both keep them pinned down without much trouble." It wasn't often that the one-eyed brute would stand against his leader's decision, but then Cavan had always been extroadinarily protective of Nachi. And now that she was gone... all he had left were her children.

Drekh and the others stayed out of this argument, not caring either way if they were to kill the two wolves, or spare them. What caught Drekh's attention was Demos' request to join in the meeting with the Lurkers. His ears perked in the direction of the father, while Tersek spoke up, "Senka, I think that'd be a wise idea for Demos to accompany my son. And if you'd agree to it, I think only they should go - if we send too many, the Lurkers may take it as a threat and attack."

No one saw Lucey slip into the area. Most were too focused on Senka and those talking, and since Dally and Erathi had already taken off, their keen eyes were not around to spot the small interloper. So it was that when Pepper came forward, many ears and eyes went to her in curious attention, wondering who she was speaking about. But look around as tehy might, Lucey had herself well hidden in the shadows.

Senka

Senka stared at him her fur slightly bristling. Cavan I understand their family but they will be subdued if possible and if we don't need those subduing them. However; if they pose more of a threat or we need the ones that subdue them Then there will be no hesitation.She said. She took a step toward him in warning.Are you saying your willing to spare us for the sake of their lives cavan? Cause they are enemies no matter who their family is. They fight us then we fight them and if that results in their death then so be it. IT is their choice not yours whether they defend that pack or not. I would do the same thing if I had to fight my sisters Nemu and Dusqui I would not hesitate to kill them if they were the threat to us. Which they are.She said

Thats when Pepper drew her attention and she turned her head.Let the informer come forward then. What she has to tell me she can tell the packShe said calmly. She would not hide anything from the pack.

Pepper & others

Most were silent as Cavan tried to get protection for his niece and nephew, although it was obvious that some of them; like Wonder, Phobos, Miya, and Angel didn’t particularly care since they didn’t want to risk themselves or fellow haunters for the enemies. She may not be a good fighter, but she obviously showed where she stood and wants nothing to do with you or us. Nighteyes said this, referring to his bite marks, a wolf and a strategist for the Haunters. His words had no intention of causing his fellow member pain. Senka soon gave her answer and it was obvious that she would not risk her own for family that were rivals.

Demos ears pricked as Tersek spoke up and backed him up on his request. He spoke up, not liking that he had to ask this question. If they refuse to give me my children back, what is going to be done? Are we to leave the Alleys and return here? That is if he was allowed to go at all. He remembered that the Lurker Queen had been injured and he wondered if he should inform Senka of this. Senka…the Lurker alphess was injured when we were last there. No more words came from the brute as he waited for a response.

Pepper was glad that Lucey remained pretty much unseen, that was the whole point of the falcon’s job. The black and white wolf showed no discomfort as her pack members eyes came to land on her, she simply waited for Senka to acknowledge her. When she did, she wasn’t happy about how Lucey had to talk before everyone. Soon though, after traveling through the shadows carefully, Lucey soon was beside Pepper and next to Senka. The Haunter wolf did her best to shield the falcon from most of the others view. As an alley, it was best to keep her a secret for future spying. Senka, Lucey is an alley to us and Manahcob Downs from Sonnet Forest. I ask that you and the pack listen to her information. Her words were whispered for the tigress alone as Lucey revealed herself to the new Haunter ruler.

Lucey spoke loud enough for all to hear. Senka, I congratulate you on your new rules but I wish I didn’t have to bring you this news either. Aspen Grove has made allies with Cryptic Vigilante and the Valdinas Pack (what is left of Saydin’s destruction). A pause was given here to let her words settle. They are planning an attack against you right now, and they are talking about moving the young to Parnassian Meadows for safe keeping. They also mentioned something about a move that is to be last minute so you would not know about it. At this point the bird was ready to slide back into the dark shadows and leave, but she waited for any questioning. Her mistress would be pleased with her and she was sure that Manahcob Downs would be next on her list.

Tersek & Others

Cavan felt his blood rise and red threatened to engulf his vision. The failure and regret he felt at not being able to save his sister welled up with suffocating force in the old brute, until his muscled quivered with the raw emotions running through him. In his younger days, he might have snapped or bristled at anyone who denied him as Senka did, but he was an old warrior, too old to fight, and too wise to let his feelings disrupt his logic. There was a moment or two of silent debate with himself before he lowered his head, wordlessly conceding to the tigress' authority, even if he didn't take his single eye away from her gaze, "Then with your permission, I request that we bring enough fighters so that Kankulak and Tyrant aren't needed in the battle itself, and can be spared. They are not fighters Senka, and they will be no match for the strength and weight of two big cats, that much I can promise." He dropped his gaze away from her then, and found it immediately shooting to Nighteyes when the strategist spoke to him. The old wolf rumbled and flashed his yellow, badly worn fangs, "She is my niece, Nighteyes. She... was only confused during the fight." Cavan didn't say anything more than that though, not keen on a verbal fight with anyone.

A few murmurs went through the crowd after Demos spoke again. Who had hurt the Lurker Queen? Were they still allies... should the Haunters help them, or were they verging on enemy status now, after the meeting had fallen through a few days ago? Those questions were left temporarily unanswered, because now everyone was shifting about and craning their heads, trying to get a good glimpse of the mystery creature that Pepper was trying to hide. Before any of them could find a good enough vantage point to see the falcon, they at least heard her voice call out, and that really got some murmurs traveling through their ranks. Tersek's eyes narrowed, and yet the big, grizzled brute felt a great rush run through him. This wasn't going to be a simple, one-sided sweep of the Aspen Grove - the Haunters really were going to war.

Senka

Senka turned to Demos.What happened at your last visit? And if they refus you then yes you will leave there and later we will decide what will be done about it. Do they know who had attacked her? Do they think it was you or us or someone else?SHe spoke. HEr tail flicking. If they refuse before you leave as him to meet me at the priarie, tell him to send someone with his answer on meeting meShe spoke.

She then turned back to Cavan. We will bring enough to take care of the problem Cavan I will not take over the amount we need, it would leave us bare hereShe then listened to the bird and her ears went back. Her tail flicked. Thank you for this information you may go This was not good. This means Cavan that if we do attack we will not be focusing on capture, the Cryptic's have a large force from last I remember. It will be attack and kill. If they fight with that pack then we will fight htem back we will not be sparing any one in the fight, I will say this, if your target is rendered uncouncious or flee's then you will turn you targets to those still fighting.She said .But now we must think carefully. It seems as if Aspen isn't stupid at all they know we will strike again.She said.

Pepper & others

Nighteyes listened as Cavan still tried to convince Senka about leaving his niece and nephew alone. He did understand the feeling of not wanting to lose family but he also had family of his own to think about. Even when the older wolf bared his fangs, the brute did nothing but remain seated. In fact his eyes held sympathy as he replied. Cavan, perhaps you should ask them to seek shelter elsewhere or to join us here. That way we won’t have to worry about risking our own. His voice remained soft and held no antagonizing emotion.
Demos wanted to curl up and be left alone when all the murmuring started. When Senka looked to him he gave her his undivided attention. At first no, and I’m not sure if they do now, but Argolis was hostile toward us at first. He did ask us who attacked his mate out of our group that went to the alleys. We made it out without any more hostile actions though. A nod was given to the command of telling him to meet her at the prairie or send someone.

Pepper was glad that Lucey soon had permission to go. Call upon me if you have any needs or when it’s time to attack. I will relate messages to my mistress and Manahcob Downs. Lucey gave these words in departure as she traveled back through the shadows with Pepper before safely escaping with nobody being the wiser. Pepper then returned back to the front and spoke. Senka, with all due respect, perhaps we should attack when Aspen Grove is in the middle of moving their young? That way they will be caught off guard and most of their members traveling back and forth to escort the young and old. We could try to pick some off then… Her suggestions trailed off as she waited for a response.

Tersek & Others

Cavan had reached an impasse with his leader, and despite his conflicting feelings and the overwhelming need to spare his relatives, he had to acknowledge Senka's view point as well. This fight was no longer going to be the breeze he'd envisioned it to be, if there were additional allies stepping up to help out the Aspen Grove. Still, the tiger's orders were difficult to swallow, and all that Cavan could do was nod to show he understood and would not argue any further. The aged Captain held his silence, until a soft voice caught his attention, and his crippled stub of an ear twitched toward Nighteyes. He at fist met his packmate with a harsh glare, but it relaxed once he say the compassion in the other brute's gaze, and he dropped his away quickly, "That's... that's an option." Cavan murmured. When he looked back to his packmate, he held an apologetic expression in his gaze for his earlier aggression, then turned his grayed muzzle to their leader, "Senka, can I have a private word with you, after the meeting?"

"When will this fight take place?" From within the crowd, a delicate voice rose above the murmur to address the tiger; Geinah. The strategist, daughter of Risen and Cavan, was hardly a fighter and never had participated in any of the Haunter's wars, but she had a sharp mind and quiet, cunning disposition. "I can help organize what members are staying behind here. We'll need to move the young and those incapable of fighting to the heart of the Temple."

Senka

Senka paced as she listened to every one thinking.She didn't want to harm the young or take the chance of harming young, she knew why Star would be moving the young there but what they intended on doing was encircling them. She knewthe vigilante's had big cats too and other animals that would surely fight with them. She nodded to cavans question before stopping and looking to GEinah. Now, we need to move fast, After I talk with Cavan we need to move, to make our attack. But we'll need eyes on aspen to know if they are moving the young, I don't want the young in the cross fireShe spoke.And yes you may figure out who should stay behind with the young and un able to fight.She then turned to the rest of them.Prepare yourselves now and when I return we will head outShe spoke. She cast one glance around and then looked to Cavan before exiting the temple.

Pepper & others

Nighteyes showed no return aggression to Cavan when he shot him the glare and simply remained calm towards his packmate. Soon his gaze moved off him as he said it was an option, and it caused the strategist to smile as he moved closer to the older canine. I’m willing to offer my assistance as well, if you wish for it. He held respect for the Captain and briefly touched his snout to his shoulder to show that all was well between the two. He soon moved away as he asked Senka for a private word.

Pepper perked her ears when Geinah asked when the fight will occur. This she wanted to hear. Her gaze went to Victoria briefly as she spoke but that was it. Hearing that they were leaving as soon as she returned caused the black and white wolf to stand up and stretch any muscles out that may have become numb while sitting still during the meeting.

Angel sat in the corner, sharpening her arrows, while wondering if she was suppose to be going or staying here to guard. The teenager looked around for her mother to see if she was present.

Victoria spoke when Geinah finished. I can help you organize. She added, doubting that she would be joining in on this battle.

Demos and the rest just listened and waited.