torgar wanted to do this correctly, trying his hardest to follow the line of voting. aurelia was a pillar, Wisdom. a woman named brynhild placed herself forward in search of Power; a man called nottin gave his name for Courage.
now euphemia offered her voice to Wisdom, and tiberii indicated her interest in keeping Power.
torgar noted that solulfur did not speak.
vidarr's speech cheered the boy, encouraged him.
the exchange of words almost left him confused, but he followed, and when eidola straightened, he took the excuse to look at her. despite the reticent nature of the purple-eyed girl, she sounded brave to him and he was unable to keep back a tiny grin.
i am torgar eivorsson, and i would like to join the pillar of Power as a warrior.
he did not truly know any of those appointed, save one. i cast my vote for tiberii as Power and euphemia as Wisdom.
interested, he found himself, in that interplay, the one of family and things he did not know. and i too, have no objections with nóttin.
torgar sat then, proud, shaken, deeply intrigued.

OOC

skill: 

The edges of her body warmed as she admired the wolves of Dawnbreak coming together. Despite her own hurts, this — her family, true and chosen — was what kept her head above water. All of them came here today with devotion, love, and trust; all of them came here today to move through this ritual and help their unit grow stronger. Together.

The bull would smile, the edges of her granite face softening.

And though she felt the ache still deep within her, a heavy sense of emptiness ... she drank in this moment to try to fill in some of the gaps. She'd almost forgotten she had to make the decision, and quickly, about which of her sisters she would choose to lead the Pillar of Wisdom. Her choice for Power was obvious — she couldn't vote for herself. And Nóttin had proven himself a worthy Courage pillar, and an even more worthy friend.

Tiberii's face turned toward Aurelia, watching her closely as her sister made the voting announcement. She watched the way Aurelia stiffened at Sólúlfur's glance. And she listened to Aurelia's words, picking them apart slowly in her mind and delicately dissecting Aurelia's real intentions. Did she ... want Euphemia for the position?

Aurelia, for Tiberii, was the easy choice (not necessarily the choice Dawnbreak needed, mind you, but easy for her). They'd led together since the founding of the pack. There was familiarity there. But was familiarity what they all needed? Or was it a fresh perspective?

And more than that ... did Aurelia need a ... break?

Aurelia was a force. A woman who was 100% invested in whatever she was doing ... and once she was invested, she would do the damn thing. Aurelia would have no time for anything else if she kept leading Dawnbreak, especially with Mythris in the state that it was. Tiberii respected the hell out of Aurelia. But ... Tiberii also saw the way her sister reacted to Sólúlfur. How would Aurelia ever have time to invest in her own relationships if she were so invested in Dawnbreak for the rest of her life?

Tiberii could bear that burden.
But what about Aurelia?

Her gaze lingered on Aurelia for a long moment while the wolves around her chattered. And once the crowd settled, the bull would take a step forward, re-directing her eyes toward the crowd before that bright amber gaze would rest on Brynhild. She was ... one of the remaining pieces of Tiberii's memory of Sølvi. Tiberii appreciated the woman's loyalty and her willingness to lead. I think Bryn would make a strong Pillar of Power, she'd comment in a way of voting, offering a warm smile and a nod toward the other woman. And she meant that in a way as First, or Second, Pillar.

Perhaps Tiberii could use the assistance. She'd had the position set in mind for Hexx ... before ...

... she turned her gaze toward Euphemia now.

I think Phia should take up the Pillar of Wisdom. Vote with your head, not with your heart. Aurelia's words echoed. She has what it takes. A fresh set of eyes, an' a Wisdom greater than many I know. Her face would soften, warming for her sister. An' I think, should she choose a Second, she has many at her disposal. Tiberii's gaze would swing toward the black sun. Sólúlfur knows this pillar best, and those in it. Sólúlfur had wanted this position for a long time — and Tiberii firmly believed it was deserved.

Tiberii's gaze moved toward Aurelia, a glimmer hiding behind her eyes — a beg for forgiveness? Aurelia, too, o'course. She has tha advantage of knowin' this position, inside an' out.

She felt herself growing awkward, and finally she would turn to Nóttin, flicking her ears. Ya know I 'ave no objection to Nóttin. She'd offer him a smile. And Vidarr as a second would really bolster everyone's morale. That man certainly had a way of speaking.

The bull would offer a final nod, finally taking a step back and putting herself in line with the others of the triumvirate. She hadn't realized how fast her heart was beating, thumping noisily in the cage of her chest.

---

---

Jökull

---

Valkyrie Gabrielle DeGrave

Valkyrie had arrived to hear it all. Everything sank in deep as she absorbed their customs and traditions, their words and their proclamations. She noted each individual and that she was to vote since she was in a pillar already. She took a deep breath and let everyone speak their pieces before she rose her voice above the rest. I cast my vote for Tiberii... And Aurelia... I also have no objections to N​ó​ttin's placement... She voiced, hoping what she had to say was substantial enough, she wasn't a woman of many words, especially in front of a large crowd. Perhaps once in the past when she was a leader she might have been, but now all that had faded with time. All that was left was this woman of little words and silent glances. She sighed softly through her nose as she dipped her head respectfully and closed her eyes.

[she doesn't know that the world is turning just for her]

Skill: [none]

---

Suddenly, Euphemia was wrapped up in a blanket of anxiety that had been more than six months in the making. She remembered the last election, and the silence that had followed nomination, all fearful to take up the helm titled Courage. She remembered the somber voting, most done in the memory of Genghis, the devoted dog who had exemplified the idea of courage itself.

She remembered the vote of her own twin, for Nottin instead of herself.
She remembered the tears she had shared with Vidarr afterwards, utterly hopeless.

Then there was the silence that came afterwards – the void that followed of being deemed useless, at least in her eyes. For so many months, she had been listless, unable to do more than keep the dried and stalest of herbs. She felt demeaned, underappreciated, and was mentally susceptible to those who wanted to abuse her.

Why would Euphemia ever want to make herself vulnerable in that same way ever again?

The answer lay in the face of that tri-colored storyteller, the one who only spoke of himself in the third person. It was for him, that she felt it was even possible to try once more. If it weren’t for him, Euphemia would have been fine to relegate the rest of her days to curating her storehouse and relating closely with no one, not even her sisters.

Without him, the silver maiden would be just that – a maiden, turned crone, forevermore.

So Euphemia held the man’s gaze, and she did not let go. She managed to draw stability from this, and a sense that the voting didn’t truly matter. It wasn’t the result of the election that gave her true value. She, herself, determined how she related to others as well as the tasks she undertook. She could seek tutors, find patients to treat. She could listen to others and advise them on their paths. She didn’t always have to be so sad.

She might never, ever be sad again!

In fact, she might have more agency within Dawnbreak as an untitled member of the Pillar of Wisdom, rather than the head of it – subject to all sorts of responsibilities and expectations. But she was here, and this was now, and she had already put her name forth, and Aurelia had already cast her vote for Euphemia.

It was truly all the silver sylph had needed to hear, and could listen no more. Euphemia dulled her hearing, and kept her fluttering gaze trained on Adonis. Through her tunnel vision, her heart stilled. Her mind became one-pointed. There was not a moment she did not look directly at the starchaser.

When there was an opening between votes, Euphemia’s voice lifted to fill the space before she could stop it. “I abstain to vote for Wisdom, and I cast my vote to Brynhild for Power, and she stopped a moment, somewhat surprised at what words she had spoken. Better to sustain Tiberii through the dark rending of the world, she reasoned luridly. Euphemia did not know what was to come, but she knew Tiberii needn't have more responsibility than she already had.

and Nottin, I put my family –and future family– in your hands, entirely.

The children of Dalmatia and Nottin, or the eventual children of her and Adonis – suddenly, progeny and legacy were all she could think of. Euphemia wondered what hers would be. She wondered if this was enough to keep it safe. She wondered if her name would be secure, through the darkest of times. She wanted Adonis's face to be preserved for generations to look upon and wonder who it came from.

Euphemia stepped back, exhaled, and finally looked at the ground.

---

The voting had commenced, and Monty was keen on following Tiberii's lead, trusting her if anyone. He is going to cast his vote for the pillar of Wisdom same as her; for Euphemia. His mouth parts as the youth aims to step forward to have his turn, but then everything tilts. "I abstain to vote for Wisdom, and I cast my vote to Brynhild for Power," his brows furrowed, scowl growing deeper as his dark ears drew back tightly because Euphemia's abstention lands like a slap.

He has not spoken yet, he is still holding his token, still feeling the weight of it like it's something sacred, something that's supposed to mean we choose each other. As Aurelia had said, we are kin. But Aurelia's name doesn't get her mark from Euphemia, despite the fact that Aurelia had voted for Euphemia.

Monty's jaw tightens so hard it aches, heat flashing up his throat immediately, the air feels too thin, a space full of adults who can watch something ugly happen and pretend its all "procedure" he leans forward before he even realizes he's moving. ❝ Wow... ❞ he rumbles, the word comes sharp enough to cut, it is not a shout — but it has teeth. ❝ That's...really something, ❞

His golden eyes lock straight on Euphemia, holding them with a confidence he shouldn't yet have and the sarcasm comes easily. ❝ Pillar of wisdom? ❞ he pauses, claws tightening into the snow.

❝ Aurelia voted for you ❞ he snaps, voice rising as the anger finds air like a flame. ❝ She stood behind you, and you couldn't even return it? ❞ his hackles are bristled now, tail lashing with the dare that she try to defend herself.

❝ You were going to have my vote — but Aurelia has it now. And Tiberii. I look forward to training to be one of your warriors; as my father had been ❞

—
❝ speech ❞

Ah. Much happened then, while Solulfur found her attention lingering on Aurelia's features, watching her conduct the proceedings into the next phase as smoothly as the spill of a waterfall over its cliff. And then they were in freefall, all of them - tumbling through votes and speeches. Solulfur tracked them with minute twitches of her ears and a mind picking apart every single detail in search of the right path to steer their ship on. She was not the only one with a hand on the rudder.

Aurelia's speech felt almost reprimanding, as if she'd seen the calculated question in Solulfur's eyes and felt it worth addressing publicly. Solulfur didn't feel shamed by it, though; mostly curious. This could be good fodder for a discussion later. She struggled to table that thought among the onslaught of the other speeches and her own inner reactions to them, until Monty's impudence cut through the noise and snagged the Black Sun's attention.

Molten gold eyes snapped across the collective to pin to the boy's features.

Hm. That was a sprout in need of tending, lest it grow into a troublesome, strangling vine. Kuhn's volatile exit from the pack years previous came to Solulfur's mind. Perhaps a more measured approach from herself would result in a different conclusion.

Euphemia's abstaining was an affront - insult, even; an effort to sway the vote in her own favor by omission. It wasn't particularly clever, in Solulfur's opinion, but it did expose much of that ambition she'd found notable in the silver woman already. And so strange, to fail to vote for either of her kin! Euphemia had piqued Solulfur's interest. Monty's vitriol had only incited her vexation.

The vote is a chance for every Dawnbreaker's individual voice to carve out our path to the future. No wolf is obligated by the actions of their packmates to shape a future they do not believe in. Influenced, of course, Solulfur takes no issue with. But bullied, or shamed once the vote was already cast - it seemed pointless to her. Euphemia's consequences for her public distancing from her kin would take shape in subtler, more effective ways down the road.

Courage and Power are obvious choices for Solulfur. But Wisdom makes her voice catch in her throat. If she rocks too hard to one side, the boat will tip. Catastrophe takes dark shape on the horizon. How will they weather the storm?

She wants...she wants Aurelia by her side to weather the future's calamities. And Solulfur was tempted to vote for her, to keep the Mediator comfortably as her superior, a scenario that made for easy excuses to be formed to patrol together, counsel Aurelia on the matters of the pack, and place her trust so obviously in the silver she-wolf.

But Solulfur could, she thought, perhaps even hoped, she could have that even if Aurelia was not her First Class. They could just be friends. Almost a frightening thought. Almost an exciting one.

I vote for Euphemia for our First Class of Wisdom. Her head tilted slightly, and she turned a cunning, challenging eye to the other Shakti-Vaes sister. Aurelia has my absolute trust. But I believe Euphemia's fresh perspective will guide us into a new day for Dawnbreak. I vote for Tiberii to remain as our First Class of Power.

It is then, that Solulfur decided to lie.

She is steady as a rock, and we are in no greater need of an immoveable foundation as now. She had seen the cracks, faint as they were, forming in the bull's façade. Solulfur was confident in Tiberii's abilities, though. I would suggest her to rely on Brynhild's invaluable advice moving forward. I have no objections for Nottin - he has done well, and will continue to do so.

His gaze did not break from Euphemia, who he looked at with such adoration. The golden glow of love still radiated from her, like an angel depicted on some ancient stained glass in some lost holy temple. He leaned in her direction instinctively, almost to the point of falling. The world around him also ceased to exist.

Pride beamed from him as the voting began. A pat of his tail hit the ground each time someone spoke her name. His smile grew when the twin sister voted FOR  Euphemia. Was this fate? Was this meant to be? Are the stars singing and wishing for Euphemia’s story to be told, loud and clear?

The two were probably just awkwardly staring at each other from anyone else’s point of view, completely enamoured with each other.

Euphemia abstained from the vote for Wisdom, and voted for Brynhild for power. The last pillar was not contested. Adonis shook himself out of it when a dark figure spoke, their words spitting venom like an upset snake. The effects of the flame were an odd thing, still flowing through his veins like blood itself. Any upset he would have normally had, was completely dulled, though it still did not mean he did not like what was said.

Of course, Adonis simply did not understand the implication of what was going on when Euphemia abstained from voting. This system was completely new to him, and he was new to the pack…AND his mind is warped. Euphemia could do no wrong.

It was another dark woman who spoke, giving vote to Euphemia and Tiberii. There was so much going on, and he was in and out of his spell with Euphemia. He felt then he was free to speak.

He had already completely forgotten Monty had spoken.

”This one gives his vote to Euphemia, the great golden light that rises in the sky, for Wisdom. She held the wisdom to see this one rise from the mud and choose not fear, but kindness,” he said lovingly, molten eyes blinking as his stare did not leave her. ”For power, this one gives his vote to Tiberii…for the strength of the stars rests strongly upon her,” he said genuinely, breaking point with Euphemia here, though true to his thoughts.

”This one holds no objection to Courage. In truth, this one wishes to stand within that pillar, as an Adventurer,” he finishes, tail still thumping slightly behind him, excited to see if his love would get what she wished for.

skill: expert counselor

Mostly, the air was quiet; those who wanted to reclaim their Headstone in the Pillars spoke — Euph's voice did not surprise her, but lightened her heart as she cast her gaze proudly to her sister. It wasn't a shock that she reached for the height of the Pillars again, as she had tried last time (and Dal had supported her, even through the heartache of picking her sister over her partner). It'd all lead up to this moment, Euph tossing herself into the ring again.

Aurelia had done a good job of maintaining Dawnbreak's vision, but she could see the passion that burned in her sister's eyes and the way she still honored her twin in her speech, promising to finish out the plans she had started. All three of her sisters were wonderful, no matter what, and even if another, like Brynhild, took the lead, she knew they were in safe paws. They all shared the same sentiment, even if some had a harder time expressing it.

Vidarr's strong voice took hold of Dal's attention, though his tone always calmed her, a rumble of protection always aired alongside his words. He offered himself as support to the pillars, which sparked her interest, her ears flicking to attention. Would she be useful as someone's second?

Then Lia takes center court once more — would anyone contest for the figurehead of Courage? Or would it, by default, go to her fiancé? She, of course, tried to remain unbiased; by all standards, she knew there were others more than capable of following after N​ó​ttin's lead, to surpass? She didn't quite know for certain. A cold breeze sends her nuzzling closer into her husband, giving him her silent support. And with it, his voice comes with votes.

Aurelia, Tibbi, and then to Vidarr as a second, which she understands. What a truly powerful support system he'd have if so. The Cass, late to the party, but there all the same. She smiles softly at him, listening to his votes for Euph, Tibbi, and then her fiancé. And so on, each raised their voice, as the candidates locked themselves in. She took note of everyone's votes, counting to herself, dutifully, waiting for the right moment to say her own (though of course, she could never find the right time).

Though Lia had cast the vote for Euph, she hadn't returned the favor, and she could feel a little sharp edge to the air — though her little speech for N​ó​ttin does quell some of the ache — the raise of Monty's voice makes her ears shiver with the tone change. Though the growing black spitfire, a spawn of Golde's and Hexx's, one who'd managed to make it back, in the back of her mind, reminded her of a young Tibbi, with a little bit of a darker hint to him. She does not blame the little one for his emotions, though worry does make it to her face as the tension in his claws as they grip and snow, and his tail bristles. Nor worry for her but for the boy, as she wrapped a paw around her fiancé's arm, 'let the boy be...' Teens were so delicate.

Sólúlfur defuses the ticking bomb, or tries, using her skill as a mediator to do so. And she brings great light to the situation, even shining a light on Dal's perspective. And it goes unto Adonis, then it hits her, she is one of the two who hadn't gone. Sheepishly, she lets her votes go into the wind. It will come as no surprise that my vote goes to N​ó​ttin for our Headstone of Courage... And I would love to see Adonis follow in his stead, As the man had just spoken to, And Vidarr... She hums softly, her heart grows along with their ranks.

My vote for Power goes to Tiberii, though I look forward to seeing you, Brynhild. She makes sure to make eye contact with the other with a soft smile, Support the Power Pillar and give her a shoulder to rely on. Knowing that Tibbi could need another stronghold to help her safe harbor all of Dawnbreak. And then, it came to the twins, and the very point of her vote came down to her heart's song, who she'd cast a vote for a long time ago, she wanted to see this star shine as bright as her other sisters.

My vote for the Wisdom Pillar goes to Euphemia. My sister, Aurelia, has done wonderful and intense work keeping our group together through recent times... as well as building it up from the very ground we stand on. And I know Euphemia can offer us even more wisdom and perspective. Shed light in spaces we may not see very clearly without a guiding hand... Perwinkle eyes settle on Euph, I expect greatness from all of you, no matter the title.

skill: orator 2/5 (BWP)

His pride at hearing Reid caused a bright smile to come to his lips and he leaned down to gently nudge the boy beneath the chin. Be proud. He had done exactly as he'd been taught, and he had been quiet when it was essential so that he could experience the meeting and vote. The jab to his ribs just makes Vidarr grin down at him, before they all quieted to listen before the votes began. Hopefully it would not be as dramatic as previous meetings; his mind only briefly thought of Kuhn and his absurd reaction. One by one, Dawnbreak voted for their Pillars. Some offered their reasons, things that he greatly appreciated; the insight was useful regardless.

The young boy spoke out, and Vidarr's attention went to him with a laser-like focus, his golden gaze near molten as it settled on him. It was rude, although his opinion was his own right, its delivery left much to be desired. Thankfully, Sólúlfur stepped in and addressed him before anyone else. At that, Vidarr felt himself relax again - he'd stiffened in response to the words themselves. When silence fell again, Vidarr took his opportunity.

We have had wonderful leadership so far from our Pillars - though Nottin has not served as long as Tiberii or Aurelia, he has proven himself as our Pillar of Courage. It would be an honor to stand with you as your Second. He thought of the young man he'd first met in Frostfang Vale even before Dawnbreak had formed. They had shared a meal together as brothers and parted on good terms. Now, years after the fact, he had grown into one of the backbones of Dawnbreak. Ég er stoltur af þér. (I am proud of you.) He offered with a warm smile.

He looked to Aurelia and Tiberii both, remembering the young children he had met. It was hard to see them now, not when looking at the fully grown pair. He could see so much of their father in both of them - Tiberii obviously got his temper, but Aurelia had her own brand. Both had inherited the stubbornness Tiberius often showed. Even now, the duty they had to Dawnbreak meant he had yet to see either of them take a break. No words of gratitude could be enough to repay all that you have done for Dawnbreak. You have both worn this mantle so long, though, and you should show the same dedication to yourselves now. Vidarr knew it would be like pulling them from the pillar, claws dug in, to try and get them to relax -

The world was breaking right in front of them, after all. I cast my vote for Brynhild for Pillar of Power, and Euphemia for Pillar of Wisdom. I believe that now we are strong and stable enough, even with the risk to Mythris, that new perspectives could serve us well. As well as provide our current Pillars the chance to recover some. It wasn't that he thought they were incapable - but if he did not think that Dawnbreak was capable enough, he would not push for Aurelia and Tiberii both to get to step back.

skill: -- (BWP)

For some reason, Isaiah always felt anxious when it came to the votes. There was tension, and it rose sharply as the votes began, and it started like a low rumble that shattered even through the soft rosy haze from the strange fire when Monty spoke out against Euphemia abstaining. It was weird, and Isaiah would untangle the feeling after - was it just expected that they would vote for each other? Had they before? He couldn't properly remember.

It was curious to him when Eidola showed up. He hadn't come across her since she'd made her way back to Dawnbreak. He'd spent a bit too long honestly staring at the weird fire and maybe days had gotten a touch blurry. He worried at the edge of his lips as silence fell around the gathered wolves, and it became his turn by default, he thought everyone else had voted already. He took in a deep breath and blew it out slowly, like trying to wish on the tips of dandelion fuzz. I cast my votes for our Pillars to remain - each with Seconds to utilize and carry some of those burdens. He didn't think that Vidarr was wrong for thinking they needed to relax some.....but honestly, he didn't think that either of his sisters knew what the word 'relax' meant.