Nate has invited:

Mithwyth Raiyuk Saela Tamaska Cecil Vaelora Nat Idunn
Rin Elk Charm Etienne I Chakliux Samo & Sheauga (+ Nokomis) Rouche
to Sit Council!

Here they will discuss pack developments and try to elect an Eagle Chief to serve as head of diplomacy/trade/war.

Participation is optional. No strict posting order, but Nate will move things along at intervals.

It was long overdue, but much like running a ranch, Nate was finding that raising a village took a fair amount of coordination which... well, wasn't so simple to achieve. Less and less so, the more of you there were. Between chores and trade voyages, training, driving the herds in high country, he hadn't found the right number of hours in a day for all of them to sit Council.

Now with wolves up front and jackals behind, he felt it could be delayed no longer. So the summons went out; he and Ko-Ga sought each of those who had settled Walosi and made it home. And now, Nate sat before those gathered with more apprehension than he'd expected.

This would be a test, in a way, of the bonds they'd forged. The clans would now decide on their future as one tribe.

I'm glad to see you all. Nate smiled, offering a thump of his tail. Each clan was meant to sit together in a great circle around the little glade, wreathed in wildflowers as butterflies danced between them. Perched happily between the other Wayas, Ko-Ga squawked an affirming answer. Then snatched a morpho out the air and horked it down ungracefully.

Nate took in a heavy inhale. It's been a good summer. We've been finding our stride. Making something — together. None of this would have been possible without you, all of you. Those dark days last winter, well, we proved our mettle. I've never had better friends than the ones I got right here. So...

Lifting his head a bit higher, he nodded once. Let's sit Council. Folks got news to share, ideas to pitch, problems that need solving — we'll do it here. Blue eyes drifted to Elk Charm and Samo. A wedding announcement would be appropriate. And to Cecil, next. Nate remembered their plan to find sheep up North. Could get volunteers to help here, maybe.

Reckon I'll start. As Raven Chief, it's my job to act out the will of the Council. I keep the peace here at home. It's a right you give me, and I'll do my best to be worthy of it. If I'm not — well, Council gets to decide when it's time for a new Chief, too. He had no aims to dictate; he was no king of wolves.

But Walosi ought to have an Eagle Chief, too. One who talks to strangers. Figures out trade, works out alliances, or leads us at war — if we're ever unlucky enough to find ourselves in such a situation.

Lip quirked, We're gonna need one.

That breath held, and then he explained, I spoke to a pair of Lanzadoii on the southern border. Their caribou led 'em down there, and might well lead 'em up here, as well. I told them about us, offered them peace, maybe trade. One asked me whether we had healers.

Brows raised with the shrug of his shoulders, as he looked for the eye of Chakliux, Could be we never see any of them again. Could be tomorrow they're crossing our border after their herd. We need to all decide together how we want to prepare. And then we'll have our Eagle Chief to put it in practice.

He raised a paw to wave across them all, inviting them to speak, So, what do we think?

He had faded in to the background of Walosi. As their numbers grew and Raiyuk adjusted to being around others again, he found it easier to keep quiet and be diligent in his work, but that left room for improvement where it came to socalizing. When the call rang out for people to gather together, Raiyuk was more than happy to heed it. The chief's bird friend, Ko-Ga, was the one to seek him out and give him the message, only to depart moments later for another path, no doubt for another member of the village. Raiyuk wasted no time.

Things were uplifting as Nate spoke, sharing good tidings with all present. Raiyuk looked around at the faces he did not know - of which there were many - and saw his father, focusing as he spoke up about this knowledge he held. Raiyuk could not recall having met the one-eyed man, but... Something about the description was familiar, especially as Elk Charm spoke of him also. It was as if they spoke of a dream he once had. Odd, but not unheard of for Raiyuk. He often felt as though this life was not his first, although that was something he kept to himself.

If this man was after a herd, then he would need to seek it elsewhere, from what Raiyuk understood of things. It was fine to chase a herd, but once it crossed in to the hunting grounds of another village then communication was important. From the sounds of things this man Cen did not desire to communicate, only to continue his chase.

If it is an ambassador you seek, I... Offer myself, if I may be bold. Raiyuk found himself doing this before thinking it through. Then as attention turned to him, he felt spotlit and out of place. Oops.

I have lived among you for some time... And while many do not know me, you know my father. He looked briefly to Chakliux, and then to those gathered, and then to Nate.

I would not put myself forward as any.. Chieftain, sir. If it benefits the village to have eyes and ears in the wilderness, or someone to make trade with any friends, should friends be found out there, I... I could be such a person. Perhaps Elk Charm, you would like an escort? He looked to the sharadoii woman next, but let the offer hang in the air for all to consider.

Samo sat beside Elk Charm. Even now, how easily he could be distracted! The bluebells in her fur! Her eyes! He smiled at the Great Stag woman, his heart warm and bright, but his expression sobered as Nate began to speak. He nodded to the crow Ko-Ga, and listened intently to what the man had to say.

He spoke of a second chief, and of other caribou hunters. Strangers upon their doorstep. Old fear and worry prickled at his spine: involuntarily he thought of the Sequani. His jaws clenched--he inhaled deeply, holding onto the feeling of grass beneath his paws and Elk Charm's warm shape beside him. Samo stayed quiet, but glanced over at her as she spoke next.

Elk Charm as Eagle Chief--yes, Samo saw it in her. It was not exactly what she suggested, but it would only be logical. Still, it would be a great burden to bear. Concern and pride mingled in his heart. Pride in her bravery and growing confidence, and concern that deepened with Chakliux's words. His son Raiyuk offered himself as well. That put him more at ease; Raiyuk seemed strong and sturdy, and if he took after his father, Samo was inclined to trust him.

Where you go, I would go, Samo told Elk Charm. He nodded to Raiyuk, and then looked back to her. I am Samo. With both of us, you would be safe.

As safe as one can be, his mind supplied, but Samo tried to push fear and doubt away.

The next to speak was Etienne, a newer face to Samo. He listened to him curiously, making a mental note to ask the wolf about his garden later. Perhaps he might be able to help, somehow.

Hazel eyes sought out Cecil next; of all the wolves gathered, he knew Elk Charm, Nate, and Cecil best. He was curious to hear their input.