There were many looks of panic, questions that fired off quickly, and stern faces of the wolves that surrounded them - it was a scene of chaos.
Metas just sat and took in the scenery for a moment before he let out a mighty bark.
It took a little time, but the silence rolled in gradually as more wolves caught on that they should stop their talking, and listen instead.
Myranda noted that it had only taken one bark, and a weak glare for the citizens around them to finally fall into line. He didn't have to bark orders, or raid towns. He didn't need to control his wife, or use someone elses' name to bolster his own. He was (as she put it) 'terrifyingly majestic'.
She made sure to sit up tall next to her mate to match his stature. If one looked weak - they both would.
The room waited for their King to speak.
"We cannot let fear take over our senses," Metas started with a firm voice. "The more we worry, the less we will think things through. If we want to restore peace to our kingdom, and put a stop to the mad-man in the mountain, we will need to stand firm with structure and with a plan."
That all sounded well and good, but he could tell that the others were doubting his words very much- which they should have, because he had no idea what he was going to do with this news. To ease their worries, he lied with ease.
"I have one that I am building, but it is not entirely thought-through. For now, we'll need everyone to find the orichalcum tools, find what resources we currently have, and make a list of them. Anyone with a trade or profession should talk to me, Ajax, or Jyriah. We'll put you to good use."
Myranda kept a poker face as she felt the twinge of awkwardness he held in his chest, although she made a mental note to comfort him about it later.
"For our young ones who wish to help - follow your family's or your elder's plans, and do as they tell you. We can only win the day together," Metas followed up with valorous words, and a stature to match.
A round of soft howls echoed in the circle around him as they pat their front paws on the ground in agreement.
Metas felt like a phony for a moment, but pulled it together as best as he could to keep his facade up. He couldn't crack when so many souls were counting on him to be a beacon. Plus, it helped that his Queen was sitting at his side with pride in her stance. That was far more comforting than anything she could have said or done, for support was felt more strongly than any platitudes could muster.
Jhinto looked pleased as he watched the grown male take his place at the top where he belonged, and that despite his best efforts, Harbinger had failed at killing the Alpha.
"The night is young, let us set to work" Ajax announced with a tail that wagged with delight as he stood to uptake the task Metas had appointed him.
As the crowd dispersed, Veltar approached the couple, and had a smile, but his eyes were grim.
"What is it?" Metas asked with concern.
"Well, the mage brought Myranda some medication for silver poisoning. He brought a lot of stuff, actually - but this one I think is for you," Veltar nodded towards the exit to the hovel.
"Ah, I see." Metas replied with a measured look.
"Will it even work?" Myranda looked to her sister's former mate with doubt and skepticism.
"He says it will, but it won't be comfortable" Veltar gave her what she wanted to know straight and to the point. Hopefully then, she would believe him.
Metas seemed to think his words over a little before he finally said anything. When he did, he leaned into Veltar's ear and asked as lightly as he could, "are you sure it isn't poison?"
"Not at all. Do you think after all I have been through, that I really trust anyone? I saw him come back from the dead, Mets. He risked everything to come here - and he's lucky to be alive at all. He's ancient."
"That was not my implication my friend, but I appreciate your diligence."
Myranda looked between the two of them with a sour face, unhappy to be left out of the conversation at hand. "What is so secret that I can't hear?"
"It wasn't secret - well - sort of secret? I didn't want to look suspicious," Metas replied and gave his wife the biggest puppy dog eyes he could muster.
It luckily worked, and it won him a smile from his better-half.
"Very well. So, what is the verdict?"
"It's fine, my sweet. I trust Veltar. Come, we have somewhere to go." Metas replied and nudged her face tenderly with his snout.