Snowy crown rose from a similarly painted canvas, plum eyes watching as a brown bear came racing towards them. Their eyes connected, and Aodaun realized they were being summoned. Giving a soft huff of sound in reply, he watched Eytan speed off once again. Looking down at the sleeping fae curled up in the dryest patch of soil they could find, the winter prince was conflicted. Lakota was exhausted from tracking Hestia and Tingal for Hotaru, not to mention her night terrors had always been a problem for her. This was the first night she’d slept without them, and also the first night she’d slept decently at all, for it was the first night since she’d returned. He was desperate not to awaken her, to let her recover, but he knew she’d only be upset if she awoke to realize she had ignored Ktulu’s summons. Aodaun knew that Lakota would give everything she had an more for the Grey, sleep wouldn’t come close to her beloved family in level of importance. Sighing out, the ivory bear shuffled to her face and began gently nosing and nuzzling her, whining softly and reaching through their bond to gently rouse her from Morpheus’ arms. Exhausted mulberry irises flickered open from beneath a crown of raven feather lashes. Snuffling softly she turned her head towards her Prince, who relayed what he’d seen mentally, making her sigh and hang her head. With a soft groan she lifted her body from the ground, stumbling a little with how tired she was.

Little brat had better thank her for this later.

Turning, she let Ao lead the way towards the meeting, using the time alone to yawn and shake herself and overall get the weakness hidden away before she was seen by the other Grey members. Her form was slowly filling back out after her walk with Ktulu, coat gleaming healthily once more. Her ribs and hips were no longer prominent, and the hollowness of her cheeks had completely disappeared. She’d been reassured that day that people did care, that wasting away was helping nobody even if it was originally intended to punish solely herself. Of course, Lakota had always been naturally skinny due to her breed and body type, but she no longer looked like a walking skeleton. The Poisoner had tried hard to reassure her Chieftess that she was still someone who could be relied on, and she was finally happy with her progress.

Yawning one last time before exiting the cover of trees, she strode on lean pillars like a sleek panther across the clearing, crown high and intense violet eyes calmly surveying those who were trickling in. Ao, too, changed his disposition as they entered the fray- mighty paws sure against the earth, measured instead of tumbling over them, head high and gaze straight as he kept pace with Lakota. Together the Princess of shadow and the Prince of winter claimed the spot they desired and turned their faces in perfect unison to the dark chocolate cherry Chieftess that stood in their midst. Lakota’s eyes widened in appreciation and delighted surprise when her fellow Medic was promoted to Chief, only to soften in delight as he stepped up beside Ktulu. He was a good choice. The Poisoner knew Apollo well from working in such close quarters with him, and his previous enamoured state with Phaedra, and she was glad Ktulu had seen the gem hiding behind his calm demeanor and chosen him.

Hail Apollo, Chief of the Foothills. Her voice rang out strong and sure in the quiet that followed, uncaring if others mocked her for something that had long been tradition in her previous homeland. Then, turning to Apollo she gave a tiny quirk of her lips, plum eyes playful. It’s about time, Polly. I’m proud of you. Spoken in a quieter tone, it was meant only for Apollo, and she spared a moment to show just how true her words were with her expression before turning to hear Ktulu’s ensuing announcements.

Nothing truly applied to her, for though she was a Warrior at heart, she would support her herd with her knowledge in poisons and remedies. That and she was far too abrasive and hateful to be part of the Intelligence branch. At first glance you normally caught onto the darkness inside her. At first, she was content with saying nothing. But, looking around, she gave a soft sigh and took a step forward, hoping the movement would catch someone’s eye. If you think we are facing a possible threat, Apollo, then our patrols should be strengthened in the South and West, correct? She was giving the both of them a lead, a starting point, a place to expand. Lakota was not going to order people around when it wasn’t her job. And if that’s the case, then I will host a series of small training sessions to familiarize the Grey with both healing and poisonous plants. If there is interest. Flicking her obsidian harks she stepped back once more, visage still the undisturbed calm it always was, a lake’s surface on a windless, moonless night.