[PE] i will keep you safe,

Rendezvous move! All pack is welcome! Puppies power played to the rendezvous point, so they have arrived there at this point. Backdated to 11/15/21. Round 1 by 11/24/21; although this is not mandatory, Hydra will take note of who does not arrive—absences not included in that. Due to the holidays round 2 will be given more time in between!

---

With her cubs in tow, Hydra herded her young and educated them along the way. They were old enough, now, to no longer reside at the whelping den; they could sleep with the pack who desired to settle here in the evening, and eat among them too. They would be granted more freedoms when it came to exploring, but still would not be permitted to do so alone; so long as they were accompanied by an adult that had earned her and Dirge's approval beforehand, they could be escorted around the pack lands. Naturally, Hydra was quick to say that she would join plenty of these expeditions with the accompanying party to start; she wanted to be sure all parties involved understood the boundaries that would still exist with the freedoms granted.

The journey was not short, though Hydra did well in keeping the cubs on track. Anything that could be taught along the way she would be sure to, but it was fortunate that there was little to distract them on the trip but for new surroundings in places the cubs had yet to be brought to. With their parents they had begun some journeying, but nothing to arduous nor outside of the realm of their capabilities. Now, there were plenty of obstacles to navigate.

As they passed by a quickly moving stream, Hydra informed them of the pathways the waters went. How they could act as a compass, which was a lesson for another day. She also warned them that this particular waterway could overtake them, and drown them at their size—and to be mindful of it, as it was not shallow. The rendezvous the matriarch had settled on had a streambed that meandered slowly, and would be a good place to teach them how to navigate water to start more than they had already garnered from the water that lazed over pebbles at the whelping den.

Hydra paused when one slowed, letting them catch their breath; rest was important and necessary, and not a sign of weakness. It was important they learn to listen to their bodies, and know their limits. To move beyond such limits would do themselves no good, nor the family who would worry after them should they hurt themselves. “Even still,” she drawled, “you might test those limits as you grow. When help is needed from your family, there is no shame in asking for it,” with a curt wave of her tail. To do so was hardly disobedient. “Learn such things together, with us; it is together that we grow. The lone wolf does not survive for very long on its own, and none of you are that. We are Empyrean,” she reminded.

But for the most part, the long journey was quiet; Hydra was not one to prattle, though would speak when questions that needed answering were asked.

Where they headed... It was something of a forested plateau, the hill surrounding the forested flatland they would settle on a significant climb. While it was no means sheer enough where a fall would mean ones end... The hill was perhaps the most challenging part of their journey. Steep as it was, Hydra thought it made for good development of strength... and better yet, a quiet, full night of sleep for each of the beasts. Hydra, her sister, and her mate each observed the cubs, helping when needed as one might scramble over a barrier set in their path. “Always watch your step,” she would inform, “and know that as sure as your footing may be, the stones might not be,” providing an example easily enough with a loose one that clattered and thudded all the way down.

And in time, they arrived to the rendezvous. A variety of coniferous trees lingered around them, a root of one jutting upward and offering something of shelter in the earth Hydra had taken care to dig long before this day. There was a brook, quiet and gentle, that Hydra headed toward to drink at to slake her thirst. Once finished with that, though, the matriarch invited the pack to come to the rendezvous. Any who had yet to meet the cubs could do so now.

the staff team luvs u

She could smell them move, the royal Ostrega's as it was time for the pups to intermingle with the group itself. No longer bound to the puppy den — they were free to grow an independence compared to days before. Long-limbs slowly following behind, an ear perking and a guarded stare to around the mountain.. For though they were safe, there was always an unexpected events that led to Desdemona being overally cautious. A skulking of behind, a small gruff to the Alpha's and family of her presence so that she was not just a surprised bodyguard.

the staff team luvs u

Valette had stayed out of the newborn's way on purpose. She had been new to the pack and even though she might like little ones, she didn't want to upset the alpha. When a call came the female made her way to the plateau. She had been busy with working on of the caches and decided to bring a piece of antler along with. She climbed up the mountain. Something she still needed to get used to. When she arrived Hydra was there with a bunch of little ones. 

Valette trotted towards them and then placed the antler down. "For their puppy teeth and enrichment," she spoke and dipped her head. She hoped that her gift would be appreciated, and that her absence had been out of politeness instead of disinterest. Valette somehow knew a lot about pups, but couldn't remember when she was taught that knowledge.
the staff team luvs u

Leta had waited up until now to meet the cubs, despite Osiris regularly going to see them. Like Valette, and despite her (new) role in the life of Hydra's elder son, she did not want to overstep any boundaries. She thought it best to give the matriarch and her new cubs space, though was certainly eager to meet them. As the matriarch sang, Leta turned back to the spot she and Osiris had settled for the time to gather the old bison skull she had discovered some time ago. Digging it free from the earth, Leta gripped it and tore off in the direction of the rendezvous. 

She arrived after Valette (who she still saw as her own mother... though worked, actively, to not make the other uncomfortable, nor verbally regard her as such), and dipped her head to Hydra as she moseyed her way toward the young who were so cute... submissively, Leta placed the skull near the paws of the matriarch, and said softly, “for you, and your children...”

Osiris had told her that Hydra had an affinity for skulls in particular, ...so maybe she would like this gift particularly?

And then her gaze turned toward the cubs. Leta, a young spirit even still, dipped into a play bow, gaze turning from cub to cub to see who might take the bait and come near as her tail waved happily behind her.
the staff team luvs u

They had moved from the den, and went the farthest they ever went. Though she was often outside of their home point, Ara was never allowed outside the Matriarch's gaze, nor' the Patriarch. They were often watched, and looked upon — even warned when she was being to brash with confronting The Eagle who with a threat, mentioned of her death. She became more cautious of the outside, but the curiosity was always there.. She learned to look, observe, and notice all that there was. Each step with a careful touch, or the shadow would be noticed.

She listened with wonder, a careful gaze toward what was around like the streams. She could not see the end, and almost tempted to put her paw into it but backed away on mothers warning. It was not time to test so, it seemed to be too dangerous for herself even as tempting as it was.. She didn't enjoy looking at her parents disappointed expressions, and loathed to think to happen again. She also would not enjoy The Eagle getting to her body, a desire to devour — a lifeless way to go.

Many started to come around, and Ara kept behind one of Hydra's legs as she sniffed cautiously at them. They held no anger, nor' unfamiliar scent — all were a familiarity. It brought herself to go forward with a bit more courage as she prowled in a stalking position, almost like they were prey itself.. But she observed, as two came forward and objects that she knew all too well. Chewing toys in particular, and looked at @Hydra for permission if she was allowed to motion forward.

The outside was something she knew not of, and previous interactions made her wait, and watch — but were they currently allowed to go further?

the staff team luvs u

Of course any chance to go beyond their usual boundaries excited the young Ostrega. Though he was too young to know, his heart belonged to one of a wandering soul much like his father. As their journey began, Raiden was excited to seek out the unknown, though even as they moved far beyond his normal reaches, not much truly changed. There was a mild disappointment after the first half as all the trees and rocks looked the same, but every now and then the sights would distract him. It wasn't often that the trees broke way to view the edges of the cliffs and of course, he was not allowed to go anywhere near them, but what he could see amazed him.

Dark splotches dotted green and where the dark did not gather there seemed to be a vast expanse of what he could only assume was grass. Likewise, grey stone rose in the distance, though they looked far too small to compare to the mountain they claimed, though truthfully the distance lied to him and they rose much higher than he would originally think. Eventually, they would meet a deep crack of water. The water rushed faster than what he had seen only trickle at a snail's pace before, though before any of them grew too close they were warned of its dangers at this stage.

Though a lingering threat was still posed, he couldn't help but feel disappointed wanting to dip his paws in and feel the rush against his legs. Fortunately, he didn't dare try and if he had he would quickly realize it would be a lot more than just his legs that would face the current. They moved on mostly in silence and after some time he too would feel the sore pains that spread through his paws and limbs. Despite it all, he was far too eager to see where they were going to slow down. Raiden hugged his mother's side, never straying far from her paws aside from his minor drifting to either side as he scanned the surroundings.

There would be few breaks in their travel, even with Hydra pausing should one of them need a moment, though curious as he might be he was thankful for each rest, too stubborn to ask for one himself until another of his siblings prompted the question. It wasn't out of pride persay like their mother warned, more so the desire to do anything but. This was the first time they had gone to such lengths and it was currently unknown to him if it would be some time again before he could venture into the unknown. It was greed that fueled him, sucking every last drop of their adventure should it come to an abrupt end.

At long last though they would reach their destination. He hauled himself over the steep with some difficulty, his legs aching and his mouth parched, though he would find the last of his strength to make it over the hill. What laid before them was an expanse of open air, a stream babbling nearby as the rest was surrounded by trees. Hydra moved towards the water for a drink and it was with eager paws that he too raced ahead to join her and drink his fill. Small jaws bit greedily as he filled his mouth, the call for others more or less ignored until he pulled back, water dripping from his maw and chest. From the speed at which he drank a burp would escape him to which he only licked his lips and ignored as his eyes began to spot unknown faces. He would watch with wide eyes as the strangers approached, the two currently unknown bearing gifts to place at his mother's paws.

Like Ara, he knew what good bones were for and a sudden renewal of energy spread through him as his tail wagged a beat behind him, ignoring the waiting gaze of his sister who sought permission. They had been brought here for a reason anyways right? Surely that meant it was fine to take the toys. He was slower this time to approach, his legs still tired despite his new interest, but he would quickly claim the nearest horn to chew upon before one of his siblings would inevitably take it away from him. Truthfully, it wasn't even a question as to which one would try, Ara would always be at his back the moment it turned, no matter how much he protested or fought back.

the staff team luvs u

He knew the time was coming. The pups were growing fast, and they would need more soon. That much was obvious enough, even from his vantage point. He was sure their mother and aunt would agree, too. All the same, Jarilo had helped further inspect the mountain for dangers to help get them ready for the big day and the parents approved, so, soon...

After rallying his own son @Saviguk to the cause for today's important task, he circled wide on their trip to help keep a watchful eye while Hydra and Dirge guided the course. It was an important milestone in a young Ostrega's life to get to branch out for the very first time but one that their family took the sanctity of seriously.

Eventually, when his efforts raised no alarms so far, he came jogging up to the forested plateau to catch up and see how the pups had fared on the way over. Others had gathered by then, too, and Jarilo casually swayed his tail in gentle greetings. Though ultimately, his attention was mostly upon the pups for a moment then--who were, as ever, plenty to take in. To him, there was still a lot to get to know, but they needed to grow into it first.

After, wordlessly he went to greet his alphas and sister, then settled nearby to catch his breath and take in the scene. Above all, he was glad to see that everyone had made it in one piece so far and now, so much more was at their disposal.

the staff team luvs u

^^

 

He had been away too long. Although mention had been made to Hydra of his absence, he had not yet forged the types of bonds with others in the pack to mention his parting to them. The matriarch had been enough, and he trusted her to disseminate word of his prolonged scouting to any others as needed. Adjusting to life among a pack again had been taking its toll on him; although he was only one of many who had awakened here with distant memories playing a constant background track in his thoughts, he felt as if he were still struggling while so many had adapted so readily. The juxtaposition of old and new, the constant déjà vu – it weighed on him more than he cared to admit. He’d told Hydra little other than the fact that he needed some space, and would take the time to wander beyond the borders, scout out the depths of this new realm, and hopefully return with something to give back to the pack.

Unfortunately, it hadn’t gone that way. He’d fallen ill far from home and taken prolonged shelter while he recovered, aching dully while he drifted in and out of fretful sleep. He’d been concerned at first, trying to decipher what ailed him, but it passed in a few days time with no residual symptoms plaguing him. Even then, as much as he’d desired to return to the comfort of his den, he’d kept his distance from the mountain, wanting to make certain he brought no illness back to his packmates, and he had certainly kept distant from Hydra and her children. Looking back on it now, he felt uncertain if he’d been truly sick in body, or if it had been his unsettled mind which had struck him down.

Either way, he felt a fool. Away too long, and nothing to show for it. It had been hard to come back. He’d been home for many days now but had kept to himself, remaining in his den and leaving only to feed and drink as needed. He’d been sucked into the trap of wanting to make contact but, having been alone with his thoughts for so long, feeling unsure again of how to initiate with all the new scents of denizens of the mountain. He’d spent the morning debating with himself who too seek out first when Hydra’s call rose. The invitation sent a shiver up his spine that he quickly realized was excitement, not fear; a static, warm tingling instead of a frigid cold – time to meet not just the newest adults, but the pups. His tail began to thump gently against the stony interior of his den, and Element rose to begin the trek to the rendezvous.

It took some time, but he kept a brisk pace and eventually found his way, slipping into the clearing timidly, head lowered, nodding silently in the direction of each of those who had already arrived. Other than Hydra and Dirge, Jarilo was a familiar face, as was Desdemona, but the others he could not name. It would have been enough to set him on a spiral of unease if not for the pups, on display for the first time for the pack as a whole, and clearly the center of everyone’s attention. For the first time in weeks, he couldn’t help but smile as he took them in.

^^
the staff team luvs u

She'd been halfway down to the border when the howl came up. Kind of annoying, actually, she didn't want to be trapped around others right now -- she was in a solo kind of mood. But oh well, being in a pack meant that sometimes your plans got interrupted by people who were the boss. So it goes. Arbiter wasn't the sort to ignore it either, so she changed her path and headed towards the howl.

She wasn't the first on the scene, nor had she brought anything like some seemed to (did someone get a memo she didn't?) but she did bow her head politely to her betters as she tried to get a sense of the scene. Most faces were unfamiliar. But she looked across all of them with her normal analytical way, trying to discern who they were and their places if they were ones not initially recognized. Next her gaze went to the puppies. Some might fawn over them but Arbiter seemed to still just be as stoic as ever. Perhaps because she was still new-ish. Perhaps because she just wasn't particularly maternal. Or perhaps because they just were small. Arbiter wasn't exactly known for being good with small things unless you meant hunting and killing rabbits or something. Arbiter would assume nothing, she'd wait to hear instructions.
the staff team luvs u

Elke had been forever distant, savor her relationship with her family- and a vast one at that. Perhaps she had failed here, too. She was close to her mother and sister and had been so with Hydra up until her heat. It was something the young woman had yet to experience herself though knew in good time she, too, would be a woman.

Elke had yet to see her little cousins. She had left herbs at the den, though had not tried to peer. She would wait like mostly everyone else. Now, the time had come.

She carried a bouquet of vibrate pink coneflower in her jaws. It could be used to pain or anxiety of the mother, but mostly Elke brought it to her aunt as a pretty gift. Hydra was well rounded, she knew of herbs and medicines and had taught Elke much after she had been separated from her father. Hydra could choose as she so wished to do with the flowers.

Coming to the gathering, Elke knew though she was mostly around family she was also equally among strangers. Her reclusive nature since being 'awoken' in these lands was more apparent now then ever.

Slipping past the two stark black and white wolves, she comes to her leading aunt, head low and ears back, her tail sweeping her hocks behind her. With the children all around her Hydra, Elke does not come as closely as she would like- incredibly happy to see her aunt again yet did not want to startle the new pups.

She would settle the bouquet down and then lower onto her belly. She is quiet, though smiles and whines softly to the children. Her tail continuing to wave as it sweeped back and forth on the forest floor.
the staff team luvs u

[squeaks in half awake and tired]

---

There had been a time when he had thought it surprising how quickly children grew, and a yet time when it did not seem like it was quick enough. In what had seemed like one of the last warm days in autumn's gradual decline that his youngest were both growing too quickly and yet not quick enough, for even the nights had begun to hold a bite that worried him here and there; moving to a much more suitable locale had lessened those concerns notably. Better defense—at least in a sense—and perhaps less exposure to the ever shifting weather that had come to them.

He alternated between striding with Hydra and at times bringing up the rear, corralling and guiding their children as they had come to meet the rest of the pack. Some faces went by in passing, others came to meet them in the narrow band of timber where Hydra had chosen. It was there that he let his gaze cross over those who came, again some with familiarity and others not so much, and Dirge found himself briefly caught up in how their numbers had grown since their awakening along the forests and slopes. Settling back onto his haunches beside Hydra, he held himself in silence and divided his thoughts; they were beyond sturdy as a pack and curiously, he wondered what his youngest would think of those who came out to see them.
the staff team luvs u

The big day, one he had been anticipating for some time, was here at last. His nerves buzzed excitedly when his Aunt called out, calling all of Empyrean, to come and meet the next generation.

Tailing closely behind his sire, Jarilo, Saviguk only made a brief pit stop at one of his favorite personal haunts. He had been relentless in his patrols of the borders, keeping both strangers and trespassers well away. Even now, his fearsomeness would not wane. If anything, it may spike. But in Empyrean, the children were safe, even if his trust did not fully extend to those of Ostrega blood.

When he arrived, it was bearing a gift, like some of the others had stopped to consider. He had found it several months ago, when the weather was still warm. Originally, he planned to keep the shell of the turtle for himself, but in the end, found little use for it. Instead of letting it sit and gather dust, he scooped it up for his cousins. Long dried and cleaned of the once meaty innards that he had once made a meal of, he was certain that it would make for a fascinating and educational toy for the pups. Its bowl like shape was free of any harsh, sharp edges.The elevated, rigid scutes on this one would provide textural interest, while the natural integrity would be tested by sharpening puppy teeth and strengthening jaws. Sliding in to take his place beside his father, he set his offering down with the others. Paying a respectful nod to Hydra and Dirge, he remained rooted but excitable, displayed by the soft wagging of his tail, while seafoam eyes roamed over the little ones in wonder.
the staff team luvs u

The woodland man had been hunting when he heard the call. Ahead of him was a lone hare, full and white as it chewed at grass and weeds with the desperation only coming winter could bring. Soon they would be the same in search for food, though compared to the hare, he and the rest of the pack would fair much better under hard times. THey had numbers and the upcoming bison hunt to aid their caches.

Even now, a hare was not much of a meal to offer with other sources at their paws, but it was a meal none the less. The distant call drew the attention of his prey though, its ears twitching as it froze and looked around with careful eyes. West may be large but he was fortunate that his colors would not immediately give him away. Often he could sit still and act like a fallen log or prey that he was dark enough to blend with mountain rocks. Not always did it aid his hunting, but today seemed to be lucky as the call came from another direction. 

Using the moment of distraction to his aid, West moved swiftly. Once his fangs met the hare’s neck he was quick to clamp down and end its life with no struggle or pain, simply a clean kill. With his kill secured though, the woodland man’s attention would return to the call from before. Hydra had called all of the pack. It had been some time since he as called let alone everyone, but he was aware that the woman had given birth some time ago. Maybe it was time that they all would get to meet the new kids on the mountainside.

In case his hunch was correct, West kept the hare in maw, carrying it with him as he climbed up to the rendezvous should the kids want something fresh to eat. If not then surely Hydra would find another use for the meal or he could just take it to the nearest cache. By the time he reached the spot though it would become clear that his hunch was correct and boy oh boy should he have brought another hare. He wasn’t sure how many siblings he had, but it seemed like their litters were never very large, but this one was… six? Some of them were moving around so it was hard to keep track. Seeing the already growing pile of offerings, West would pick his way to leave his, a nod given to both parents as he backed away to keep his distance from the kids unless they came to him. He might have been invited to come see, but he didn’t wish to overstep any boundaries.

the staff team luvs u

note: Alya, NPC; Nyx, NPC; Ciri, NPC; Keres, NPC; if I missed any absences please ping me! Next round deadline 12/8/21 if y'all want to interact! Thread to be closed following round <3

---

Hydra observed who all arrived, licking her chops and settling nearby. Plenty of faces came, some well known and others not so, but all family to them. Gifts were brought forward by few, and although it was not at all necessary Hydra still rumbled her appreciation to those that had. It was a thoughtful and considerate thing that they did, and it would not soon be forgotten. Hydra would let the cubs play with those present, and her eyes turned to Element, a face now returned to them. Her tail swayed to see him back. The Ostrega greeted those who did her in kind, pleased.

Arbiter kept her distance from the cubs, which was alright with the matriarch; one must know their strengths and where they might not be best suited. If she was not good with cubs, it was kind of her to come and see them at all. It earned the woman points in Hydra's own book, and it went for the rest, too. Her gaze found Leta, and to her surprise Osiris was not with her. Hydra moved to approach, but felt someone at her heel. Ara.

Hydra knew this was not shyness that kept her at bay, even as Raiden moved to inspect. “You may approach who you wish,” she drawled, “this is the rendezvous, where the whole of the pack can come and be with us and interact together. Know that some adults are less patient than others,” she hummed, “though this you will figure out, none will cause you hurt.” Hydra lowered her head to nose the girl encouragingly, and only when Ara stepped away of her own volition would Hydra move toward Leta, the skull she had brought forth nearly taken with her.

“Where is Osiris?” she asked with plenty of interest, wondering if she knew. Perhaps he was hoping to gather something himself, but it was unlike him to be late. Yingyue also had yet to arrive, and Azon, too; surveying the crowd, she noted Scott not present, either, yet. Empyrean was a large territory, and so they might still be on their way.

In any event, Hydra moved toward the center of the rendezvous and drawled, “these are our children, the sons and daughters of Empyrean,” she hummed. Her flesh and blood, but theirs to shape, too, and to see to their growth. Gesturing to each as she introduced them, Hydra drawled, “Ara, Raiden, Nysa, Scorpius, Draco, and Cygnus,” she introduced with a proud wave of her tail. “You may interact with them freely here, at the rendezvous. Though should you seek to escort them around, let Dirge and I know,” she informed with a short nod. “It is all of our duty to keep them safe, and to see them through to adulthood so that they, too, will hunt with us in the seasons to come.” It would not be long before they joined the hunt, but Hydra need not delve into the semantics of it all for them to understand her meaning. It was the circle of life, and all here surely had the wits to grasp this.

But she quieted, should any have a question on the matter, moving toward Saviguk and Jarilo as her gaze panned toward the crowd, ear twitching to listen while she moved.

the staff team luvs u

Her brother ventured toward Leta in a curiosity toward the skull, as she stood back and waited and watched — for was she allowed to go forth? She nuzzled happily against her mother who bent down and gave words of encouragement, for not only she was allowed, but in safety of them. A golden gaze, scanning and judging all that she could see. They all held a variety of colors that she did not know of, much unlike her siblings and even her parents. They were all dark though, not too many taking within a warmth of sunlight but almost as if all would easily blend into the pines itself. If they didn't appear, Ara wondered if she held the keen sight to be able to see them well — like how she watched @The Eagle, and it watched her at times. 

Though who she was most curious about.. Well, her second-choice, she didn't want to pick the same person as Raiden did. Though she was curious about the skill, Ara gave it a quick sniff and look at @Leta before walking past her. The daredevil approached @Jarilo, and looked at him as she cocked her head high to the sky. Vaguely was he familiar, as she knew his scent that came into the den but couldn't really say she interacted with them. If they were introduced at one point, she had forgotten. Though he vaguely looked like her mother, except his eyes were like the morning sky, then matriarch's dark blue.

..

Was she supposed to introduce herself too?

Ara looked back at @Hydra with a puzzlement. Though when she looked back, she of course noticed @Valette antler piece and desired that now — but already did she approach the man that seemed similar to her mother, and had a face that looked torn. 

the staff team luvs u

This was one of those times where she really liked her family's naming methods more than Hydra's. Well. Arbiter hoped she'd keep them straight. Right now she knew nothing of the pups' personalities, let alone how she could figure out to tie a name to a face if she happened to forget one. Whatever. She wasn't planning on being their primary sitter, so if one happened to wander her way, she probably didn't even need to use names.

For now, she was a wolf that would be happy to observe how the others acted. So at least this round, she kept her spot and just watched. She had no interest in being overly-familiar at this point, but she was also curious if anyone else would act similarly to her. If they all were going gaga over the pups, maybe she'd force herself to be a little more social.
the staff team luvs u

There was much to see. He was very content amongst the company, and watched--both interactions, and beyond, as others gathered too, several with gifts meant to spark interest in the young Ostregas. From his central spot, he noted who came, and who did not with a hint of curiosity. He also took care to check the skies now and again, just in case. Of course, he was most interested in the puppies and seeing how they got along on this great big day. Even from his watchful panning of the scene at whole, he took care to linger on the little ones at every chance he could get.

Hydra gave their introduction, then the go ahead to interact, and his tail thumped a slow beat. He was pleased to see everything so far go on without issue and he was in a confident sense himself--he knew what to expect by now, after learning from good mentors in his sisters and parents once, too, and of course experiencing it last year with Saviguk as well.

It was looking like quite a good day, and when Ara approached him with curious eyes, Jarilo gave her his focus readily. He didn't bring a trinket to offer her, but he did bring his head down to level with her better--excited to get to know her and her siblings better, now and in weeks to come. “Hi Ara,” he greeted, and followed her sights to the treasure Valette had brought after. He understood not long after, because of course. Not at all wanting to keep her from a potential high-value gain for a young pup, he gave an encouraging nod--one that hopefully the rest wouldn't notice in too much detail; they probably did enough bickering amongst themselves without any of his help, and there were several other new things to choose from, too.

Still, he watched with interest over her shoulders, and towards the others in time to see what they might come up with next.

the staff team luvs u

Osiris had been at the rendezvous site well before the crowd had gathered. He visited @Hydra and his siblings before taking up his post, settling as the sun rose. The day was uneventful; the occasional critter scurried, or a bird flew, catching his attention briefly. However, there were no threats that he could discern, and all was well. Osiris was thankful for the peace, as it would be an eventful day for the pack.

When Hydra led her children away from their whelping den, Osiris followed. He followed from a distance, keeping an extra eye out for any potential threats. The move stirred something within him—a sense of longing, almost. He wondered what it'd be like to make this move with his own children, and he briefly thought of Leta.

He smiled, thinking of the future.

They arrived much later than he had initially anticipated. Osiris hadn't minded the slower pace, but he hadn't expected it either. It was strange to see them get tired quickly, especially when they were usually so energetic.

Osiris settled on the tree line, watching his family from a distance. They needed the space to settle in, and he would not make his presence known. So instead, he kept watch, even as the pack began to gather. His gaze only broke away from the children as @Leta approached, and he caught her gaze. His stomach twisted, and he smiled, thinking of the future.

The moment of distraction was quick and fleeting, and he tore his gaze away to resume his watch.

the staff team luvs u