<div class="floatleft">(https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/camphalfbloodroleplay/images/5/50/Rick-Mora.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20110701001125)</div><strong>Location:</strong>The Challenge Circle<br/><strong>Date|Time:</strong>Friday, September 22nd, 2017 |<br/><strong>Tagging:</strong>Maria, Heath, Gwen/Open<br/><hr/><br/>It took Alex a few moments to catch his breaths and find his bearings, as well as his clothes. As he turned around, he was greeted by the sight of several pack members bearing their necks. Alex had always thought it a bit silly. What was he, a vampire? But past generations had made it the proper way to show subservience. He always thought the wolf's way was much better. Show the bare weak part of yourself, the soft skin of the underbelly. He had to admit though, it would look silly if a group of people started flashing someone their tummies. He looked at those gathered, trying to remember each and everyone as they were today. All these people were like family to him, but honestly most were more like second cousins who happened to live in the same town. There were exceptions though, those that were closer to him, that he liked having around. Speaking of which, he wondered where Sienna was. Probably somewhere talking somebody up, or perhaps she'd found another stray. Sienna was good like that, everybody just instantly seemed to like her.<br/><br/>He smiled as he noticed Maria Weaver, a woman he saw way too little. Her work as a tour guide meant she was off the compound most of the time, but when she was there, she was both full of life and full of stories. He also noticed Gwen had bared her neck as well. Alex knew that she and her family had jouined out of necesity, and she'd always acted a bit like an outsider, well, unless Sienna was around. He hoped that he might over time get her to see herself as truly one of them. He wanted every single shifter to feel welcome, and part of the family. Times were tough enough already. Another familiar face was Sheriff Garrison. Stephen had always admired the Sheriff, and thrown his weight about to get him elected. A shifter sheriff had some major advantages, not the least of which was being able to hide the stranger things from prying eyes.<br/><br/>He walked towards each member of the pack kneeling before him, and placed his hand on their shoulder to acknowledge their gift. As he reached Maria, he whispered in Chinook Jargon. Thank you, sister Wolf, I'm glad you are here."<br/><br/>He walked to the middle of the square. "Brothers and Sisters. Tonight is bittersweet for me, and I think many of you feel the same. Stephen Johnson has been my father when I had none, and he has been our packleader for a long time. But I'm happy to be the Achappa Alpha, and I will do my best to live up to that position" He walked back into the crowd "Tonight we celebrate" he walked back to where Maria was. He picked up a bottle on the way and offered it to her. "Drink?"