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+--- Thread: GO {Leadership Vote} Swallow your kombucha and cry (/showthread.php?tid=10414)
{Leadership Vote} Swallow your kombucha and cry - Aurelia - 2/23/2026
Skill:
Tiberii Euphemia Dalmatia Vidarr Nóttin Sólúlfur Wolf Cassius Isaiah Freya Valkyrie Svajonė Jökull Viola Eidola Brynhild Belladonna Monty Torgar Hawthorn Jaegar Reid Adonis
Every member of Dawnbreak is called to cast their vote for new leadership in each of the three Pillars of Power, Wisdom, and Courage.
Current leaders may be re-elected, but they cannot vote for themselves or for their own potential replacement in their Pillar; they may only vote for the remaining two Pillars adjacent to them.
To keep the flow of things, there will be no set posting order; for this first round, post your character's intention to join the running below, and then after all entries have been made, on 3/1 the thread will progress into the voting phase where each character may cast their vote and discuss as needed if there are points of contention or argument regarding any of the candidates.
The process will conclude on 3/8, or sooner if a unanimous vote is reached for each position.
The entire thread is assumed to take place over the course of three full days unless the vote is clear for all three ranks.
Every member of Dawnbreak is called to cast their vote for new leadership in each of the three Pillars of Power, Wisdom, and Courage.
Current leaders may be re-elected, but they cannot vote for themselves or for their own potential replacement in their Pillar; they may only vote for the remaining two Pillars adjacent to them.
To keep the flow of things, there will be no set posting order; for this first round, post your character's intention to join the running below, and then after all entries have been made, on 3/1 the thread will progress into the voting phase where each character may cast their vote and discuss as needed if there are points of contention or argument regarding any of the candidates.
The process will conclude on 3/8, or sooner if a unanimous vote is reached for each position.
The entire thread is assumed to take place over the course of three full days unless the vote is clear for all three ranks.
The dawn did not rise so much as it seeped through the heavy cloud cover overhead, low and oppressive as ever, allowing only the dimmest threads of light through to illuminate the grey world below. Aurelia was already awake, restless and wracked with tension, knowing the day was at hand and she could wait no more.
Truthfully she had simply lost track of time. If she calculated from when they had first laid down their scent-markers as a new pack, accounting for the one cycle where the wolves of Dawnbreak had chosen to keep their current elected in the face of the many frightening changes happening all around them, they had missed... one election? A pang of guilt gripped her chest.
So much turmoil, so much loss, and all she could do to survive was keep going, keep forging ahead, eyes locked onto a dark horizon with death lingering forever close at her heels. Yet that was still no excuse to shirk her responsibility to the pack. They would choose who would lead them through the next two seasons, and she would trust the judgment of the collective.
Aurelia wondered if she would take it personally, being voted out of the position she had held since their early days - or if it would be a relief.
Tipping her head back, a light dusting of snow glimmering along the length of her muzzle, she howled a summons for the entirety of Dawnbreak to gather around her.
As they trickled in, she would clear her throat and motion discreetly for Tiberii and Nóttin to come stand with her so that the three current Pillars may preside over the event.
She began.
Certain that everyone was (mostly) paying attention, she pressed on.
There was only a brief moment of pause as she sucked in another lungful of air, surprised at her own lack of nerves. She did not mind speaking to a crowd, despite her personal discomfort in more intimate settings. Perhaps it was that very lack of intimacy which emboldened her. Here, she was a mouthpiece for greater intent; here, it was not her soul laid bare, only the beating core of the pack as a collective.
Aurelia pressed her shoulder reassuringly against Tiberii. The bull had lost even more than she - she had lost not only Sølvi, but also Shiloh, a man in whom she had fostered her first and only romantic interest. She hoped Tiberii wouldn't take it too hard should she be replaced in her current position.
Truthfully she had simply lost track of time. If she calculated from when they had first laid down their scent-markers as a new pack, accounting for the one cycle where the wolves of Dawnbreak had chosen to keep their current elected in the face of the many frightening changes happening all around them, they had missed... one election? A pang of guilt gripped her chest.
So much turmoil, so much loss, and all she could do to survive was keep going, keep forging ahead, eyes locked onto a dark horizon with death lingering forever close at her heels. Yet that was still no excuse to shirk her responsibility to the pack. They would choose who would lead them through the next two seasons, and she would trust the judgment of the collective.
Aurelia wondered if she would take it personally, being voted out of the position she had held since their early days - or if it would be a relief.
Tipping her head back, a light dusting of snow glimmering along the length of her muzzle, she howled a summons for the entirety of Dawnbreak to gather around her.
As they trickled in, she would clear her throat and motion discreetly for Tiberii and Nóttin to come stand with her so that the three current Pillars may preside over the event.
She began.
It is long past time for the voices of Dawnbreak to choose those who would shepherd them through the storms ahead,she said. It was almost comical how small she appeared between her two companions, yet her voice carried with an unnerving authority.
As we have seen, the world is dying around us. I cannot, will not make it seem less than it is. We will need utmost trust and faith in each other to make it through; strong backs, sharp minds, and the hearts to look out for one another should we see our fellow packmates stumble.
Certain that everyone was (mostly) paying attention, she pressed on.
Those who have taken rank and chosen their Pillars to train and work under have the power to cast their vote.
There was only a brief moment of pause as she sucked in another lungful of air, surprised at her own lack of nerves. She did not mind speaking to a crowd, despite her personal discomfort in more intimate settings. Perhaps it was that very lack of intimacy which emboldened her. Here, she was a mouthpiece for greater intent; here, it was not her soul laid bare, only the beating core of the pack as a collective.
I have seen many new faces of late, however, and I have also seen the hard work you have put in to know us and our ways,she continued.
As such, those who stand before us unranked, you may state your chosen path and also cast your vote in the same breath. These are hard times, and we put our trust in your care.
Aurelia pressed her shoulder reassuringly against Tiberii. The bull had lost even more than she - she had lost not only Sølvi, but also Shiloh, a man in whom she had fostered her first and only romantic interest. She hoped Tiberii wouldn't take it too hard should she be replaced in her current position.
To begin, all those who wish to put themselves forward in the running, state your name and desired Pillar. I will put myself forward for re-election as well, should you see fit.
RE: {Leadership Vote} Swallow your kombucha and cry - Brynhild - 2/23/2026
![[Image: 95031310_ma60GjefneCzEic.gif]](https://f2.toyhou.se/file/f2-toyhou-se/images/95031310_ma60GjefneCzEic.gif)
Can I be a child again?
3-3-3 OC
3-3-3 OC
Speech Emotional Actions Thoughts
Brynhild had returned home weeks ago from her exploration of the northeast and her visit with Ylva. Oh, how she was so excited about it, how her stomach burned with a warmth she thought she'd forgotten. Despite it all, Brynhild had a home and a pack, and she was dedicated to it. Even if in silence, she remained close, never far from the mountains she knew well.
The summons had come in the morning. She knew what this was going to be about; it seemed it often happened. Once a while ago to vote Nottin in, and now, it would happen for all three. Her brown pelt was speckled with soft white snowflakes that looked like a soft blanket settled on her shoulders. Her breath was soft within her lungs, a slight burn from the cold air, but also warm to know the...plagued areas seem to recede, left with the clouds overhead.
As Brynhild settled into the area, she was quick to turn her focus to Aurelia, the woman who'd offered a home here in Dawnbreak, the woman who did not hesitate to give Brynhild a purpose, the only one Brynhild ever bowed for, besides her own lover, Ylva. Despite knowing the pack's ways, she still questioned in her thoughts why they would replace such lovely leaders.
As the wolves were told to step forward and speak their name and pillar, slowly, Brynhild stepped forward, tail in a low, soft wag.
I am Brynhild, and my desire is for Power Pillar. If in the end, second class, as I've seen plenty who could provide more than I could, is worthy of the Pillar spot.
RE: {Leadership Vote} Swallow your kombucha and cry - Nóttin - 2/25/2026
Nóttin was no stranger to this call. Ears perked up with urgency as he heard Aurelia summon the pack. It was time for them to choose their Pillars once more. He took to the trails that would lead him back to their gathering spot, done with his patrols for that early morning. The scents of others were amongst Aurelia already, making him a bit nervous that it somehow already begun.
Blue eyes caught sight of his fellow Pillar as he made his entrance, the sable man taking his spot at her side with a soft and warm smile. He made a respectful nod to her, then sat down and let her speak. For now, Nóttin would remain silent. First he would see what the others had to say. Though it was almost impossible to quell the anxiety he was feeling at the prospect of being replaced. Yet there might be a silver lining there, he told himself. Maybe not being a Pillar wasn't going to be so bad.
Then again, this was his life, his passion. Nothing would make him feel more fulfilled, except for his partner. He just hoped that if he ran for the Pillar of Courage again, she would stand by him and support him completely. Yet he wondered if Euphemia would try her hand at winning over said role. She had him at a tie the last time this vote was cast. Perhaps he would not be so fortunate again to win the pack's favor. Euphemia was their sister after all, and blood ran thicker then water.
I offer myself again for the Pillar of Courage, if the pack will accept me. I know that perhaps I haven't always made the best decisions, but I am willing to learn from any and all mistakes that I may have made. I promise to complete this task to the best of my ability, to give my heart and soul into this no matter what.Nóttin looked to each member for hope and trust, then back to Dalmatia for a moment, locking eyes with her as he smiled his heart out. Oh how he loved her so.
RE: {Leadership Vote} Swallow your kombucha and cry - Dalmatia - 2/27/2026
⠀⠀
It was not Nóttin, alone, who heeded this call. His bride-to-be would accompany him through the dark shadows of the dawn. No matter how hard the sun tried to shine through, the haze swallowed it, ever-present. For a brief time, they'd been relieved of the subjects of the plague, but it'd made its full roundabout, and here they stood, under the dimmed light, gathered in Dawnbreak's center, readying for a reelection.
It had been a while since they'd had one, but so much had occurred between then and now. As they stand there, she looks up to her Glacier, Nóttin, remembering the fear that had embodied her the first time he'd run for the election — and how she'd felt so bad for voting for her heart's truth; Euphemia, instead of her lover. Though now, she is curious to see if Euph casts herself in again for the vote. But a part of her wonders what Nóttin would fill his time with then.
Brynhild speaks up for the headstone of the Power pillar, and the spotted dove cast a look her way, seeing the way her muscles bulged underneath the twanty and cream fur. Though smaller than Tibbi, that didn't account for much. She'd seen smaller animals take on wolves and win. Periwinkle eyes flicker to the Bull, who currently claims the top, wondering where her mind was, and if she'd be willing to take on an apprenticeship or if she'd vote her in.
RE: {Leadership Vote} Swallow your kombucha and cry - Euphemia - 2/28/2026
Day 3/7 of the valentines fire’s lingering effects
It had been quite a while since Euphemia had thought about the last Dawnbreak vote. Considering that she had found it traumatic, this was surprising – the silver woman had a penchant for holding on to experiences and people who had slighted her. At some point, it became an afterthought. She no longer felt as though her twin had turned her back on her.
There were other things to focus on now: namely, Adonis. He was the light that lit up her world, and she experienced bouts of overwhelming gratitude for him often. She could not stop gushing, no matter who was listening at the moment. Anything that had happened before truly felt as though it didn’t matter.
Now that Euphemia had glimpsed the Gods in the face of her multicolored beloved, she was renewed.
Just when the maiden had moved on from her public embarrassment, the same event rolled right around the corner again. Curse living amongst a democracy! Often, Euphemia thought it would be easier to live in a pack with more customary traditions for succession.
Were the requirements for gaining the role to be born into it, or to fight for it, Euphemia would gladly and proudly sit herself out; not because she wanted to, but because she had to. With nothing to prevent her from becoming a Pillar of Dawnbreak (besides her perceived lack of popularity), Euphemia knew she would never feel whole until she had achieved it. Until she had achieved what Father, Mother, Tiberii and Aurelia had.
Dalmatia was getting married, so she had already won by default.
Such a goal had not been feeling so impossible, these days. Although she had neglected to spare a passing thought for the election in recent months, the moment Aurelia had called them forth, Euphemia looked at Adonis and she knew. She suddenly knew that all these things she wanted were within her grasp. Today, of all days, the door had opened and on the other side of the threshold lay her hopes and dreams. She would cross it, hand-in-hand with the wayward storyteller.
There was only the teeny-tiny problem of needing to oust Aurelia, Tiberii or Nottin in order to do so.
The last time Euphemia had moulded herself to fill a void – she had volunteered for the Pillar of Courage, though it was, without a doubt, the one most ill-fitted to the sunny-eyed twin. She did this to put her name forth when no others had, which had cleared the way for Nottin, who was undoubtedly the very definition of courage.
The maiden could see that now.
Nor did the Pillar of Power appeal greatly to Euphemia, for once again it was hard to imagine Tiberii as anything other than the very face of the role. Additionally, Euphemia herself never felt very powerful. Was it powerful to stay home every day and night, tasting herbs and rearranging them on her shelves? Did power come from experiencing loneliness and then rejecting it, opening herself to challenge all sorts of beliefs she had once known as true?
Mayhaps power did not result from these things, but Euphemia had wisdom in droves.
Euphemia sighed, sitting at the back of the voting assembly. Of course, it had to be Wisdom, she thought both hopefully and sourly. Her gaze fell on Aurelia, wondering if this was the final retribution their relationship might never recover from.
I would like to be considered for the Pillar of Wisdom,the woman said, glancing around those gathered. She then positioned herself so that she could lay her gaze upon Adonis, to steady herself and remind her that all things were possible, and she only needed to reach for it. Though the man calmed her, the woman wrested her attention away and laid it upon the one who deserved it most: Aurelia.
I have the most admiration and respect for Aurelia’s achievements, and just as in life, I would aim for my actions to complement those initiatives she has put into motion. Should I have the opportunity to helm Dawnbreak, I would focus on progress and hone our ability to hold many perspectives at once.
She spoke to everyone, but locked eyes with her twin. Perhaps it was too much, but she felt it was of the utmost importance that Aurelia understood it was not because her governance lacked in any way…
It was just a call the woman needed to heed.
It would be my greatest honor, especially for the dark days to come.
Anyways, she might lose the vote, and then it would have all been for naught – and if she did, Euphemia would sleep so easily with Adonis by her side, knowing that she had tried her best.
RE: {Leadership Vote} Swallow your kombucha and cry - Tiberii - 2/28/2026
RE: {Leadership Vote} Swallow your kombucha and cry - Sólúlfur - 3/1/2026
They were overdue for a changing of the guard, so to speak. The meetings' tendency to end up fraught did worry her considering the hardships that continued to wear at their little community. But there was no true reason to put it off any longer. These were their traditions, the rituals of equity that their Dawnbreak was built on. To shirk it when they encountered trials would be a sign of weakness. Of unworthiness of the gifts their mountain provided. Solulfur tucked every tuft of fur into its place, and made her way to the summons.
Aurelia led the proceedings so far, with Tiberii notably absent just for the moment. Sol bit the inside of her cheek, admonishing herself for having neglected checking on the Pillar of Power recently. The boisterous and unflappable cheer she associated with the darkest Shakti-Vaes seemed largely absent lately, not that Solulfur couldn't understand why. Still, she must be sure not to become too wrapped up in her duties and anxieties and neglect what was really important.
Her mind was mostly on the voting choices that lay before her, though. Ambition still burned in the Sun-wolf's heart. Was it her time to take the yoke of Wisdom off Aurelia's shoulders for a time? Would Aurelia challenge her for it? The idea of a heated debate over their respective qualifications for the role threatened to set Solulfur's heart aflutter with anticipation, but another challenger stepped up to the plate in Sol's stead.
Euphemia. The Black Sun tilted her head consideringly at the silver she-wolf. She did not hide the way in which she was sizing the other woman up. Solulfur didn't think she had enough sway to win a three-way vote against not one but two Shakti-Vaes. She did think herself foundational enough of a presence in the pack for her judgement to have influence, and so did not make her calculations subtle. Aurelia wouldn't tremble beneath the scrutiny, she was certain.
Euphemia had claimed a positive opinion from Solulfur in their first interaction, but the woman was reserved in the day to day of the pack yet outspoken amongst their convenings. To Solulfur, Euphemia remained an unknown factor, and Solulfur didn't like wildcards. She liked to have her paw in everything happening around her, to guide it to the ends she felt were appropriate, but she hadn't figured out what to expect from Euphemia.
Still, this was the second time Euphemia had offered herself as a candidate for a Pillar. Ambition was attractive, and she was clearly trying her luck with whatever Pillar she thought was most achievable to her. Adaptability was also venerable.
Solulfur's own ambitions had already redirected themselves to the Second Class role - she trusted the Shakti-Vaes twin she did know better than the one she didn't, but would Aurelia offer the favor of the rank to her twin as a consolation prize should Euphemia lose the vote? That didn't seem like Aurelia's style, but Solulfur ironically didn't have much issue with nepotism - and generally expected it - despite living in a democracy. But could Solulfur trust Euphemia to not do the same? If anything, Euphemia would have a greater motivation to favor her sister over Solulfur - Sol suspected Euphemia might not like her, which was obviously a moral failing on the Shakti-Vaes part.
In the end, Euphemia clearly hungered for the bitter taste of leadership. Aurelia had held the role since their founding - a break could revitalize her spirits, and Euphemia would have the advice of two very competent Mediators to keep Dawnbreak's path from veering into calamity. Solulfur set her focus unerringly onto Aurelia, waiting for the woman's attention to meet hers - searching for approval or hesitance to confirm to Solulfur where her vote should lie.
RE: {Leadership Vote} Swallow your kombucha and cry - Eidola - 3/1/2026
RE: {Leadership Vote} Swallow your kombucha and cry - Torgar - 3/1/2026
eidola.
when he woke, he thought of her -- when he lay awake and alone in the den which she had helped him find, he let his mind become velveteen with dreams of her smiling face, her eyes which evoked such a tangle of -- of!
it was an auspicious and important time for dawnbreak. this would be his first pack vote for anything, and he was determined to make a good show of himself. which was why he had overslept and arrived too late.
eidola -- there she was, carefully quiet.
torgar was on the other side of the gathering. tiberii put herself forward to resume, and the eivorsson decided to -- well. to communicate something.
respectfully he joined sólúlfur, not too closely, but in a friendly way that conveyed his true feelings that he had recovered and held no notion of avoiding her.
so far, torgar was ignorant to the undercurrents of family knowledge and preexisting rivalry. he waited instead for the voting to commence, trying his very best not to glance toward eidola. for some reason, he felt it would 'give them away,' and he was not yet ready to be questioned.
when he woke, he thought of her -- when he lay awake and alone in the den which she had helped him find, he let his mind become velveteen with dreams of her smiling face, her eyes which evoked such a tangle of -- of!
it was an auspicious and important time for dawnbreak. this would be his first pack vote for anything, and he was determined to make a good show of himself. which was why he had overslept and arrived too late.
eidola -- there she was, carefully quiet.
torgar was on the other side of the gathering. tiberii put herself forward to resume, and the eivorsson decided to -- well. to communicate something.
respectfully he joined sólúlfur, not too closely, but in a friendly way that conveyed his true feelings that he had recovered and held no notion of avoiding her.
so far, torgar was ignorant to the undercurrents of family knowledge and preexisting rivalry. he waited instead for the voting to commence, trying his very best not to glance toward eidola. for some reason, he felt it would 'give them away,' and he was not yet ready to be questioned.
RE: {Leadership Vote} Swallow your kombucha and cry - Duskbreaker2 - 3/1/2026
This was nothing short of exciting! He was getting to see how the politics of this pack worked, and such a thing was the peak of his mission. So many faces, and understanding the operations? Perfect!
AND he got to do it all with Euphemia. She led him to the gathering of wolves for this monumental occasion. He was told a little bit about what was going to happen here, but he was more thrilled to see it all unfold in front of his eyes.
Adonis was grinning ear to ear as the two came to the event. Molten eyes glanced from each wolf as he settled in, tail gently thumping behind him as if he could not contain himself. He listened to Aurelia’s speech, amazed by her words and the meaning behind them. The pillars concept was something great to think about, and he thought of each one carefully.
It was then wolves began stepping forward who wished to be the leader of their chosen pillar. Faces unknown, but he sought to remember the faces forevermore. And then Euphemia stepped forward, and he felt his heart flutter almost out of his chest. Nothing but admiration could be seen in his face, and he seemed to eat up every single word she said, nodding along with encouragement. His eyes would lock with her, pride swelling up in his chest.
The man was ready to see the next steps of this process, and hoped that his Euphemia would achieve this rank she so passionately wished for.
AND he got to do it all with Euphemia. She led him to the gathering of wolves for this monumental occasion. He was told a little bit about what was going to happen here, but he was more thrilled to see it all unfold in front of his eyes.
Adonis was grinning ear to ear as the two came to the event. Molten eyes glanced from each wolf as he settled in, tail gently thumping behind him as if he could not contain himself. He listened to Aurelia’s speech, amazed by her words and the meaning behind them. The pillars concept was something great to think about, and he thought of each one carefully.
It was then wolves began stepping forward who wished to be the leader of their chosen pillar. Faces unknown, but he sought to remember the faces forevermore. And then Euphemia stepped forward, and he felt his heart flutter almost out of his chest. Nothing but admiration could be seen in his face, and he seemed to eat up every single word she said, nodding along with encouragement. His eyes would lock with her, pride swelling up in his chest.
The man was ready to see the next steps of this process, and hoped that his Euphemia would achieve this rank she so passionately wished for.