The people wasted in boredom, ambition festering in their flesh, each waiting to seize their own moment; the Magus would provide. The great wolf woke early and strode through dewey grass, foliage scraping and soaking his fur as he travelled in the direction of Ash Meadow. The beast found a thick log leaning against another and he leapt to take his place where he would reside above all his people. The Magus’ call was a deep rough howl with a cold echo that bounced against the plethora of twisted trunks, of mossy stone, and crystal lakes:

‘Come now, denizens, and take your place in the Kingdom of Alteron.

The Magus waited for them. He would only call them once. He said nothing as they filtered in, one by one. He did not even particularly care for their names, though they may offer them. He did not need to give his. They knew him. They would know the Magus. Soon he would take them up in his grasps to shuffle and place them like cards; give them ranks, things to do, jobs to do. Their potential wouldn’t be left to rot away in the shadows of Alteron.

This was the part he was dreading, as that lone howl of summons covered the land like a ghostly wail. Set had done his best to stay outside of any lingering gazes for fear of what they'd might see this little wretch as. Death was a horrifying thought of finality that the jackal mix was not ready for. But the day he showed upon upon Alteron's border's the Red Woman regarded him a cutting voice and an offer he simply couldn't refuse.

He was weak, unable to fend for himself for too much longer out in the wilds beyond Alteron's own. She saw that very easily, many saw that. We extend this sanctuary to you, but you WILL pay us back, in time.

On shaky legs he entered this gathering, head so low it could have been dragging upon the ground, though with a quick gaze upward he was met by an imposing figure and force. The Magus. A being that gave little for those that would flock around him, a being far beyond the comprehension of Set, himself. He stood ethereal and above the rest, and the lad couldn't help, but think of his father, a God.

Fear of significance that long since taken root in his shivering body would rear it's head today, he could feel it each time his heart gave a weak thump. The ringing in his ears was like a cacophonous roar. The pale canine had never once considered his potential in the grand scheme of things, Osiris had always deemed him unworthy of everything, even life. However, his mother, Isis, thought differently. She had taken the boy under her knowledgeable wing, when Osiris had disowned him, teaching him in the healing arts and herbology. Perhaps he could put those teachings to use now.

The current turnout was small, but it mattered not to the Magus; it was the citizens own choice to fester in uselessness. Eventually they would all come to him, looking for purpose or looking for death. His sharp gaze addressed them one at a time, focusing on the unfamiliar faces more than the other two; Falco had plans for his pet fox and Connor was a good dog too eager to please by being here. His eyes landed on the tiny pale-gold dog as he curled submissively underfoot.

Never fear, child, Alteron has a place for you too.

"What is your name?" Falco asked the little beast. "You. You're not fit to be on our borders or handling diplomacy or spywork, not until you've gotten a feel for yourself and your teeth. There is always time for improvement." Unless he died. "What are your skills? Give me aid in placing you, boy."

The young shadowy she-wolf was addressed separately: Edie, she called herself. Old blood from old Alteron. He thought he had seen her gold-flecked coat before, but did not dig his memories to know the truth; she at least had an air of confidence, but who was to say she was skilled. Harder to pin down where he should put her. She had potential, that much the Magus was certain of.

"How polite, Edie. Hmm, where shall I place you? If you've a knack for thankless work and the boldness to use your fangs, perhaps you belong on the borders, but if you can use your humble tongue to the advantage of Alteron perhaps you belong among the Jacks?" Give the Magus your thoughts, young Edie, don't be shy.

Jude watched from the shadows and Falco did not draw attention to him, an indication that all of the other wolves should do the same; they were here on business, they could play with the fox later. Connor stood wide-eyed, watching everything, and Falco's gaze finally settled on the odd wolf. He had no idea what Connor thought of him. The wolf gave little indication of his personal feelings but certainly it hadn't always been that way.

"Connor, how kind of you to join us. Is it time for you to aim higher or are you here to offer your opinions? You've caught me on a fine morning. I'm willing to hear either."