Meko stared uncomfortably out the limousine window at the crowds beginning to gather outside. It seemed like people from across the country... maybe even across the world... were making an appearance to fill the vacuum left behind by the recent wars. She was tense. Everyone in the car could feel it. Perhaps even some outside, if they passed close enough. That would never do, she scolded herself silently. Things were different now. She smiled at Elyan. She had to conduct herself accordingly. For his sake. 

Breathing deeply, she reached into her woven shoulder bag and fished out an intricately beaded bracelet. Smiling sweetly, she unbuttoned Ely's cufflinks and carefully rolled up one sleeve, paying heed not to wrinkle the painstakingly starched fabric. "This belonged to my grandfather," she smiled up at him, taking the moment to help herself relax, "Because my mother had no sons and took no rightful husband,"  she tied it tightly around his wrists, "by right, it passes to the mate of my choosing." Rolling his sleeve down carefully over the glistening beads, she buttoned his cuffs and smoothed out his jacket.  "I've no idea what weight... if any... such a right might carry now, all things considered. But I want you to have it... for whatever it is worth." 

Dusting off his shoulder, she straightened his jacket and kissed his cheek before shouldering her bag with a heavy sigh. It was now or never. With a gentle nod, she signalled Elyan that she was as ready as she would ever be. And with a gentle tap on the window, the limousine doors swung open and the pack rose from the cushioned leather seats like a first-class Hollywood entourage. Being on Ely's arm made the sniffs and stares far easier for Meko to manage than she'd expected. And as waves of morbidly curious onlookers parted for the pack to pass, Meko held her head a little higher than usual... despite their inquisitive eyes and disbelieving gawks. 

From across the courtyard, ancient songs and prayers echoed in preparation for the ceremonies that would mark the opening of the meet. And Meko's heart lurched with homesick kind of nostalgia that she was sure had left her ages ago. Ely, no doubt sensing the skip in her rhythm, patted her white-knuckled hand with a reassuring smile. Leaning down, he brazenly and openly kissed the top of her head... taking the time to whisper softly, "You're doing smashingly."  He smiled at her as he drew the youngsters along behind them... a growing throng of rubber-necking betas following suit. 

Ely seemed oblivious to it all... unruffled and unflappable. Though she knew... and could tell from the heat of Demitri close on her heels... that was far from the truth. But he hid it well - amazingly so - as he smiled down into her honey-coloured eyes. He made a quiet show of his pride at having her on his arm. And she loved him all the more for it. Even as murmurs began to wash through the crowd. 

A pitter-pattering stampede of little feet rushed by, and the wrinkles at the edges of Ely's eyes nearly made her melt on the spot. The cacophony of small voices rising and falling waves as the children discussed things among themselves in the unabashed way that children do. "That's him. That's him. He's the one with the stories." she heard one girl-child say in a dreamy voice that she could hardly blame the child for. "I heard he killed the wampus cat," a young boy roared with eager vigour. "Oh is THAT what they're calling it?" an older boy sneered, jeering at Meko. "Who's the new girl... you think they'll be another bonfire this year... my sister said he carried her to bed last year...  I wonder what he'll tell us this time... she smells funny... don't say that... I think she's pretty... not as pretty as he is..." the chatter went on as the little posse followed along on Ely's coattails, drown out in the buzz of the "adult talk" around them, until one tiny voice squeaked out below the murmur, "I know her. That's Meko. She's NOT supposed to be here." 

Meko's ears prickled and her head whipped around in search of the achingly familiar voice, but the child had scampered off far too quickly. With a heavy sigh, Shome leaned into Ely's arm, tossed her hair, and straightened her shoulders. She was with her alpha. She was with her mate. She absolutely was supposed to be here. And NO ONE was going to tell her otherwise.

"TWOSKINS," the commanding voice boomed out across the meeting hall with self-evident authority and fury. Meko, a smile fighting to break across her pursed lips, nestled herself deeper under Ely's arm and didn't skip a step. She relished the fact that she didn't have to skip a step. 'You're not the boss of me' her inner voice quipped in a child-like sing-song voice that she was grateful no one else could hear. It was refreshing and liberating. And as Ely tenderly patted her hand in reassurance, she smiled... she let herself smile. It was wide and dazzling, with all the pride and joy and pure delight that the pack... and her mate brought her. But it was short lived. 

The smile melted from her face in a whirl-wind blur as the world around her melted into a watercoloured smear of twirling, violent force. The vice-like grip on her upper arm, wrenching her from Elyan's side and forcing her to face the voice who thought to command her. "Iwatoke,"  she greeted him flatly, staring up into the man's rageful face with an unenthused and unimpressed expression of pure blase boredom, which only fueled the man's anger more; his white-knuckled grip on her arm turning painful as she blinked blankly up at him without moving. She knew she didn't have to.

(Written by the now deceased Shomecossee)

Ely was practically beaming as the children ran by, all of them remembering his stories. He'd have to make sure and tell them one this meet. The entourage of Elyan's pack made their way in through the doors of the tall building where the meet was being hosted, and immediately he felt Shomecossee's grip tighten around his arm as she tucked herself closer. He smiled as she did, but he knew it was for two reasons... Both her pride in not having to answer as someone called her out, and for the safety that being with him presented. It wasn't but a few steps, however, before he felt her ripped away from him, bringing him to an immediate halt.

Demitri reacted almost on instinct alone as he whipped around, growling from deep within the pits of his stomach. Surprisingly enough though, he was stayed with one look from Shomecossee as she simply glanced at him. He calmed himself and straightened his stature, chest still puffed as he remained poised and ready to attack. Shomecossee turned to look back at Iwatoke, the look of sheer confusion etched across his face in the place of anger. He looked at Demitri, who had calmed merely by the hybrid's glance. He sniffed the air and shook his head, utterly lost at the pile of shit he'd stepped in.

Without turning, Elyan finally spoke...

"I'd suggest you take your hands off of my mate, pup." Ely's jacket slipped from his shoulders and he tossed it to Demitri. "Otherwise I'll advise the council to remove your hand... Permanently." He began to roll his sleeves up and Iwatoke looked over.

"And just who the hell are you, white man?"

Ely grinned, he always loved when the pups thought to challenge him. Turning on his heels he stepped closer to the large Native American male.

"I am your elder, I am her mate, and I am a member of this council like Takawe, your Grandfather. Where is he, by the way? I'd love to hug him, he gives the best hugs."

"I am the councilman for my tribe now, and you will respec-"

"You will get the respect you deserve when you learn to give it, pup." Elyan interrupted through clenched teeth, growling deep as he did so. "And if you wish to challenge me for it now? We can take this outside and I will teach you a very hard lesson. Otherwise, kindly, remove your hand from my mate and we can get on with this meeting. You would do well to learn your place as a new spokesperson. And you would do well to mind your manners. This place is not about showing brute strength, that of which you have none in comparison to the many that are here. This meeting is about the ability to lead, and what we need to do to help insure our kind's continued existence."

He gripped Iwatoke's wrist and applied pressure until the man let go of Shomecossee with a bit of a yelp. "Get yourself together, and prepare to speak on behalf of your tribe and what lands they should help or hold... And -pray- to whatever gods you wish that I do not take your tribe as my own for this small inconvenience, child."

Ely released Iwatoke's wrist and dropped it. "And never approach my tribe with such hostility again. I won't be as nice a second time."

Iwatoke glared at the man but asked in a nicer tone... "You never said who you were, who -are- you?"

"Elyan ap Llywelyn de Gwynedd, boy. Born in 1186. I'm honestly sad that your Grandfather is no longer sitting on this council, considering I'm older than him."

The look on Iwatoke's face was priceless as the age difference settled in... Elyan wasn't simply a bloodline wolf, he was an ages old bloodline, from the old world.

"Come..." was all Elyan said as he spun away from the small altercation. The rest of his pack turned to follow suit, though they all waited for Shomecossee to rejoin Elyan so they could continue toward the front desk to check in and get their rooms.

(Written by Elyan)

Shome shrank back, unmoving; rooted in place as her eyes grew cloudy and tumultuous. She didn't turn, her eyes staying locked on Iwatoke's face as reached for Ely's hand. She didn't have to ask him to wait. The simple motion was enough... and enough to draw an incredulous glare from the younger male. 

"Where is Takawe? Why isn't he here? What has happened?" Her voice was wavering and raspy, strangled with barely controlled tears. Her eyes searched Iwatoke's face for any sign of emotion. This gathering was far too important. The chief should be here. For it to be otherwise, he must be ill or...

Iwa's face actually softened toward her, a gentle hand squeezing her shoulder as his lips pressed into a tight frown. "I thought you knew," was all he managed to say for a few long minutes. Everyone was silent as the two shared their brief moment, the wheels behind Elyan's eyes spinning to a halt with a sudden flash of insight; a regretful sigh escaping his lips as he stepped up to support his mate. 

"I AM sorry, Meko," Iwatoke offered, a certain softness colouring his words as he said her name.  "When?" she asked flatly, turning her face from his gaze. "About six moons ago," he admitted with a heavy sight, "After you mother... he just didn't have the spirit."  

"Why wasn't I informed," Meko demanded, her voice hard and harsh. 

Iwatoke sighed, his hand sliding away from her shoulder. "Given the circumstances and Takawe's lack of an agreeable heir, the elders decreed that all decisions would be handled internally, by the council. And you know how they can be..." The man shook his head helplessly. There was no good way to say what had to be said. Meko shrugged away from him, her teeth bared in mournful anger, "Yes. But I always expected better from YOU. And Grandfather would have, too. He may have shunned me, but he was never cruel. Hybrid or no, Tawawe was MY blood. Not theirs and not yours. I should have been informed. Tell the council I WILL be seeking restitution." 

Wiping the tears from her cheeks, she turned away, tugging Elyan's hand as she did. She took a few deep breaths, allowing the tension of the moment to diffuse as her pack gathered around her. "I would have supported your stake, you know. ...even though it didn't come about the way you were promised." There was a heavy sigh from the man behind her as the pack walked away, but Shome paid it no mind. There were bags to be checked and, now, long conversations to be had. It seemed this weekend would be more complicated even than she'd first imagined.

(Shomecossee)

As Meko finally rejoined them, her hand now in his, Ely tugged her close... "I'm sorry for assuming it was -his- grandfather. I should have known the familiarity of your scent. I'm so sorry, Shomecossee. It's not often that one of us is taken, but if he chose this then we will honor him tonight. The way it should be done. He was a strong wolf, and a great leader. Even if we didn't always see eye to eye."

He squeezed her hand, and then put his arm around her.

"It's whatever you wish to do, though. He was your family." Ely made his way to the front desk and spoke with the staff, getting three keys and heading back to their little group. "We're on the third floor, and the council's meeting will take place in the eighth floor penthouse. Most of you will be able to simply relax and enjoy this time away from home..."

He looked to Dimitri and Shomecossee, "The two of you will be with me in the meeting. It will start early in the morning. However, for tonight? I have a ritual. I will tell stories to the young ones, and then after they sleep we will honor those of us that have passed either in the war, or otherwise."

He handed Dimitri one key. "You and Tarmarand will each pick one of the boys... I know it's troublesome, but here I can't have the two youngest in a room by themselves... Who knows the manner of trouble these hormone driven children can be..."

He chuckled, and Dimitri groaned, "Elyan, is it necessary? They shouldn't get in to too much trouble."

"I seem to remember your first summit, Dimitri..." Tar teased, before shoving him and taking her key. "Audolf, you're with me."

Audolf grinned and chuckled, looking at Jakoby. "It must be terrible being you, sometimes..." he quipped as Jakoby grumbled about being stuck with the hard-ass...

"What was that?" Tar shot back at the youngest of them who yipped a bit and shut his lips; shaking his head and hurrying along.

Elyan sighed and turned to Shomecossee... "And that leaves us." He smiled and led her behind the rest of them, making sure to herd them along the way. 

"Is there anything I can do for you, Meko? Just let me know, okay? I know that you must grieve. You have free reign over this area to go where you wish, as long as you are with me in the meeting tomorrow..." He leaned over and kissed her cheek before they rounded the corner on the last flight of stairs to the third floor. The other four had already gotten into their rooms and were shutting their doors as Shome and Ely opened theirs. As she entered, he hung in the hallway for a bit and watched both ways, taking in the scents that surrounded them... It was always somewhat overwhelming in the middle of all these wolves. Entering the room, he shut the door behind him.

"I'm going to get changed and more comfortable, then I'm going to head down and sit near the bonfire until the children gather..." he paused and looked over at Shomecosse who had taken a seat on the bed and was staring out of the window.

"It's a lovely view, yes?" He took a moment to really appreciate the land outstretched before them. It was perfect for their kind. Secluded, and open.

(Elyan)

"Yes. Quite lovely,"  Meko replied absentmindedly. Turning to Ely, she stifled a sniffle as she held her arms out to him. Without a second thought, he sank onto the mattress next to her and scooping her into a tight embrace. Giving all her weight over to him, she rested in his arms a moment; face turned silently into the protection and warmth of his neck. She didn't weep, but her breath hitched in pained and mournful sighs as she fought to sort through the cavalcade of thought that avalanched through her mind. 

Ely was patient and caring, holding her close as he tenderly smoothed the hair away from her face. They were both silent for a long while before Meko gave a final, resigned sigh. "It's not even so much that he's gone,"  she admitted; the tired, hollow tone echoing up from her unmoving place on his shoulder. "I was never given the chance to truly know him. So, it's not as if I truly mourn him. It's just... I have no family left." 

She straightened up, forlornly searching the compassionate depths of his crystal blue eyes. "Blood, I mean. Of course, YOU are my family now. All of you. But it is a singularly keen sting to know that you are truly the last of your line." She laughed sarcastically, "First and last, at that. ... I just... I don't really know how to feel about it, you know? I know that I should feel something, but I can't decide what. I mean, it's not like I feel nothing, you know. Quite the opposite. So many things all at once that I can't single out any one. So... again... what? It's like being hollow and overflowing all at one time and I just... it just makes me feel old and tired." 

Pursing her lips she shook her head. There would be plenty of time for that later. The past was the past, after all. It was already over and done and had all of eternity to haunt her. The future, though, was still bright and unwritten; a blank loom ready for weaving. And, for now, that is where she would find her solace. She may be the last of her line, but she was also the first. Best, then, to look forward to all that would come next. Nuzzling his cheek she smiled softly, "I think I would very much like to sit with you and the children tonight. It would do me good to be welcome around the hearth fires again. And children always bring such joy. They will help me to remember WHY I am agreeing to suffer the council's begrudging presence tomorrow." 

Winking, she stood and stretched, "Why don't you fetch me that sweet little slip-dress that we picked up and I'll join you. I think it's packed right alongside your cardigan and khakis."  Slipping into the bathroom, she began ceremoniously unbraiding her long hair; letting cascade down her back in loose, raven waves.

(Shomecossee)

Elyan allowed her the privacy as she moved to the bathroom. He gladly opened their luggage and dug out her dress before passing it through the open door and hanging it on the towel rack. Quickly trading from his business suit into a casual vest and slacks, Ely gave himself a once over in the mirror and nodded.

"I will go down and wait for you in the lobby, my dear. Do take your time, I am in no particular hurry. The children will always come and hear my stories." He chuckled.

"Perhaps I will tell them why wolves no longer speak." He smirked. "Do you know that story?" he queried playfully, wondering if she'd actually heard the tale or not. "The Grimm brothers wrote an amazing twist on it... Little Red Riding Hood, they called it." He returned to gaze out the window for a bit, before turning and heading for the door.

"As I said, take your time, Meko. I look forward to the way you will make me smile once I lay my eyes on you in that dress." And from there she'd hear the door click shut.

Ely continued down the hall, knocking on Demitri and Jakoby's door. As it opened, he walked right in. "Meko and I will be headed down to the bonfire shortly. You are welcome to join us. I plan on telling one of my stories... Perhaps the one of why we wolves no longer speak."

Demitri chuckled, "The inspiration behind 'Little Red Riding Hood'?" He looked at Jakoby, "Do you know that one?"

"I know Red Riding Hood... Didn't know there was a story behind it." Ely looked at the man... "There's a story behind everything, my dear boy." He chuckled.

"It is casual wear if you join us..." Ely added before leaving the room and switching sides of the hallway to knock on Tarmarand and Audolf's room.

"I'll be telling a story beside the bonfire to the children tonight if you two wish to join Meko and myself," he called out to them through the door. He heard Tar answer affirmatively from somewhere within the room before Audolf answered the door.

"I don't know if we'll join or not, but I think I'd like to." The youngest of his wolves smiled at him and Ely ruffled the boy's hair. The two chuckled before Audolf shut the door and Ely headed down to the lobby.

Taking a seat in one of the waiting areas, Elyan picked up the weeks newspaper and kicked back into the chair to read over the tabloids.

"Underground War Takes Many Lives: Will The Criminal World Recover," he read aloud with a chuckle. "It always does... Media. They'll write whatever they can to make someone purchase their papers." He sighed and flipped through it as he waited for Meko.

(Elyan - Last post before Shomecosse was killed)