The Moonlit Unity Ball - Open to ALL Werewolves

[Thorian Thalric]

Location: Eboncrest Citadel – The Grand Ballroom
The heart of Blackfrost Dominion, beneath the light of the Moon.

The bells of Eboncrest tolled deep and solemn, a sound that rolled across the frozen tundras, through the Veilwood, and beyond to the farthest corners of Lycanthro Vale.

Tonight, the Citadel stood reborn: its vast stone halls awash in the silver sheen of moonlight, draped in banners bearing the crest of Blackfrost... a wolf crowned by a circlet of stars. Ice crystals glimmered like scattered diamonds along the towering pillars, and the air thrummed with ancient magic, old as the Vale itself.

Before the assembled wolves, gathered from every corner of the realm ... Alphas, Betas, Elders, warriors, healers, and those unmated yet seeking their destined half...  Thorian Thalric stood tall atop the marble dais, the True Alpha's presence undeniable, his frostfire eyes aglow.

A hush fell over the gathering as he raised his hand.

"Hear me, wolves of Lycanthro Vale," his voice rumbled, carrying through the vastness of the Grand Ballroom, laced with power that stirred the very marrow of those present.

"We are scattered no more. Tonight, under the blessing of the Moon, we stand united... not as five divided packs, but as one people."

His gaze swept the room... proud and solemn.

"Darkness rises beyond our borders. Enemies whisper in the winds, seeking to fracture our strength, to tear down what the Goddess herself has built. But we shall not break. We shall dance in defiance. We shall forge bonds that no claw nor curse can sever."

A pause. One filled with reverence.

"Before we begin, I ask you now... let us hold a moment of silence."

The chamber grew still.

"In honor of those lost…Of the valiant, fallen Nightshade Pack, whose lands have grown quiet but whose spirits shall never fade. May their memory guide us, and may their sacrifices bind us more tightly together."

The moment passed like breath on frost. And then...

"From the ashes of that devastation, the Moon has shown me a gift. A light in the dark. A soul destined to stand beside mine."

With deliberate grace, Thorian extended his hand, palm open, and turned toward her... not as a King to a subject, but as a mate to his equal.

"It is my great honor to present to the Vale her new Luna... Queen Emmeral, once of Nightshade, now of Blackfrost and Luna of Frostclaw. My fated. My heart. My strength."

He waited, offering her the moment... to join him, to be seen not just by him, but by all.

"Let the realm see what fate has wrought. And let none doubt the Moon’s will."

The moment swelled with magic, heavy and sacred.

And then, his voice rang out, full and commanding: "Let the Moonlit Unity Ball begin."

Music surged... deep drums and lilting flutes... and the great doors of the Citadel swung wide, flooding the ballroom with wolves from every walk of life.

The future had arrived.

The Moon watches all… and fate waits for no one. 

OOC Notes:

• Feel free to jump into the thread at any time!

• No posting order required.

• Post length is flexible... from quick interactions to longer narrative posts.

• Questions? Contact King Thorian here on Valtheris or in the Valtheris Discord general chat. 

• Locations within the Eboncrest Citadel are in the first post after this opening thread. You can use any location as you partake in this event. 

[Thorian Thalric]

𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗟

Please feel free to post using any of the following spaces. These are all within the Citadel grounds and open for interaction during the Moonlit Unity Ball.

• The Grand Ballroom

The heart of the event. Banners hang high above polished obsidian floors; chandeliers cast silver light, and the music flows endlessly. The perfect place for dancing, formal greetings, and dramatic entrances.

• The Moonlit Balcony

A wide stone terrace overlooking the snowy cliffs. Ideal for quiet conversations, mate-sensing under the stars, or escaping the crowded ballroom.

• The Frostgardens

Lush with glowing winter flora, these enchanted gardens are woven with moon-kissed mist and low-hanging crystal branches. A place for secret meetings, romantic strolls, or clandestine whispers.

• The Hall of Feasts

Long tables are lined with food and drink from across the Vale. Wolves gather here to share meals, stories, and boasts. Expect laughter, flirtation, and a bit of rowdy charm.

• The Flame Circle (Courtyard)

An open-air gathering space near the citadel's outer ring. A roaring ceremonial fire burns at its center. Good for sparring matches, war talks, or raw emotional scenes under the open sky.

Choose your path and follow where the Moon leads you...

[Theodora Richards]

Theodora stood nervously among the throng of pack members, her heart racing in rhythm with the lively atmosphere of the Moonlit Unity Ball. The other female wolves had convinced her to attend, insisting that it would be a delightful surprise for Nic. As she gazed down at the blush pink dress draping her figure, she hesitated, fingers brushing over the delicate frills. The fabric felt almost foreign against her skin, a stark contrast to her usual rugged attire. She questioned whether she was truly delicate enough to wear something so elegant, yet deep down, she felt the weight of expectation pressing upon her. This was a moment to embrace her role as Luna, a chance to shed a part of her feral nature and step into the light for Nic.

Tonight was significant—it marked their first public appearance as a couple. Theodora's mind raced with worries. What if the other Alphas looked down on Nic for choosing her, a so-called "tainted" werewolf? The thought gnawed at her, but she steeled herself, knowing that she had to face these fears, if only for him.

As the event commenced, Theodora stood amidst the crowd, her gaze flickering to the blond male who spoke with authority, claiming his position as the Alpha of Alphas. She felt the weight of curious eyes on her, whispers weaving through the air like an unsettling breeze. Her instincts urged her to retreat, to find solace in the shadows, but she remained rooted in place, even as the tension in her chest tightened.

When the announcement came that the ball had officially begun, Theodora felt a rush of adrenaline. She maneuvered through the sea of bodies, her heart pounding louder with each step. Finally, she found refuge in the Frostgarden, a serene enclave that offered a moment of respite. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes, grounding herself in the tranquility of the night. The soft rustle of leaves and the gentle glow of moonlight enveloped her, providing a much-needed reprieve from the unpredictability of the gathering. Here, in this quiet space, Theodora could momentarily forget the questions and gazes, allowing herself to simply breathe and prepare for whatever the night might hold.

[Nicholas Vanguard]

Nicholas adjusted the lapel of his black tuxedo, the silver embroidery of roses and thorns catching the moonlight as he moved. His mask shadowed his sharp features, but it could not hide the flicker of nerves in his gaze. He had not known if Theodora would come... large gatherings were never her comfort... but he had left the choice in her hands. As he greeted the neighboring Alphas with the polite diplomacy expected of him, his mind was elsewhere, hoping, wishing. He bowed respectfully to the King and his new Queen, offering a few heartfelt words of congratulations, before a familiar, intoxicating scent caught on the air. His heart skipped. Politely excusing himself, he slipped away from the throng, following the pull he could never resist.

He found her in the Frostgarden, bathed in the soft kiss of moonlight, her blush-pink dress whispering against the grass. For a moment, he simply admired her... his wild, beautiful mate stepping so bravely into a world she once shied from. Moving closer, Nicholas leaned in, his voice a low, reverent murmur against her ear. "You look ravishing, my heart," he whispered, his fingers lightly brushing hers. "And I am so glad you chose to be here tonight... with me." There, in the quiet, away from judging eyes and roaring crowds, she was his entire world, and he would make sure she never had to face it alone.

[Theodora Richards]

Theodora found herself enveloped in the enchanting atmosphere of the Frostgarden, the moonlight casting a gentle glow around her. She felt a mix of vulnerability and strength, the tranquil sounds of nature providing solace against the energetic crowd just beyond the doors she had found her escape through. As she inhaled deeply, the familiar scent of Nicholas filled the air, stirring a sense of excitement within her.

When he stepped into view, the sight of him took her breath away. Dressed impeccably in his black tuxedo, adorned with silver embroidery that shimmered like stars, he radiated confidence. As he leaned closer, his voice a soft murmur against her ear, a delightful shiver coursed through her. "I wasn't sure I would find the courage to come," Theodora confessed, her gaze locked with his, vulnerability in her voice. "But being here with you makes every moment worthwhile." Closing the distance between them, she intertwined her fingers with his, feeling the solid reassurance of his grip.

"I’ll admit, I’m a bit intimidated by the crowd and their judging eyes." She brought his hand to her lips, nuzzling his palm affectionately. "But I know these moments are important, and I hope they will accept me like your—our pack has." She looked up at him, her striking gunmetal eyes shining with determination. "Just a warning, though: if I accidentally break your foot while dancing, don’t say I didn’t warn you," she said, a playful smile curving her lips.

[Nicholas Vanguard]

Nicholas couldn't tear his gaze from her, even if he tried. In the soft halo of moonlight, Theodora looked like something plucked from a dream... his dream. Hearing her voice, the honesty woven through her words, stirred something fierce and tender in his chest. How could she not see what he saw? She was strength wrapped in vulnerability, a warrior with a heart far too precious for the likes of this world.

He brushed his knuckles along her cheek, his touch reverent, savoring the feel of her warm skin against his gloved hand. "You could shatter every bone in my foot tonight, and I'd still count it the best night of my life," he murmured, a crooked smile playing at the corner of his mouth. His heart beat steady and sure as their fingers laced together, the connection grounding him more than anything else could.

"You don't have to prove anything to them, Thea," he said, voice low and full of conviction. "You already belong here... because you belong with me." His thumb traced soothing circles over the back of her hand as he leaned in, the glint in his eyes playful. "Though, if you do step on my foot, I fully expect a kiss to make it better," he teased, his grin widening before he gently bumped his forehead against hers, savoring the rare, quiet intimacy the Frostgarden allowed them.

[Connor Stormborn]

The tolling of Eboncrest’s bells rolled over the frozen vale as Connor Stormborn strode through the grand doors of the Citadel, flanked by two of his own... Grayson and Rhea, wolves as rough-hewn and battle-worn as their Alpha. The ballroom’s polished marble gleamed under the cold kiss of moonlight, banners of ancient houses hanging like heavy judgments from the towering pillars. Heads turned at once, conversations faltering into tense silence as Connor entered.

He wore a dark, rough-spun formal jacket that clung to his broad frame, the cut sharp but rugged, a defiant blend of rogue grit and reluctant respect for the occasion. The Black Talon crest was stitched proudly into the shoulder of his jacket, a snarling wolf and crossed blades that gleamed subtly under the silver light. Across his face, he wore a dark steel half-mask molded into the fierce contours of a wolf's snarl, an unmistakable reminder that though he stood among them, he was not of them.

He moved like a storm given form, each step unapologetically claiming space others were too meek to contest. Grayson’s sharp gaze swept the crowd like a blade, while Rhea smirked with the kind of grin that promised violence if asked politely enough. Whispers surged behind them... words like Rogue Alpha, outlaw, dangerous... but Connor didn’t so much as glance their way. Admired by some, hated by many, feared by most... he wore it all like a second skin.

Atop the marble dais, King Thorian Thalric stood with his new Luna at his side, a symbol of strength and unity. Connor offered him a sharp nod, a gesture heavy with meaning but devoid of subservience. Thorian, to his credit, met it without expectation of more. They had history, and history had its own language.

As Connor moved deeper into the ballroom, a young wolf from some minor house... bold, foolish, or both... stepped too close, cutting across Connor’s path with a drink clutched in his hand and bravado leaking from his pores.

"You’re a long way from your scrapyard, Rogue," the pup sneered under his breath, clearly emboldened by the thick presence of his packmates nearby.

Connor’s gaze slid to him, cold and slow. He smiled... a sharp, humorless thing. "And you’re a long way from your mother’s teat, boy. Best scurry back before you find out how fragile your teeth are."

The young wolf paled, his bravado shriveling under the weight of a single glance, and Connor moved on without breaking stride, the faintest curl of amusement ghosting across his lips.

Tonight had only just begun.

[Theodora Richards]

Theodora felt a warmth blossom in her chest as Nicholas’s gaze lingered on her, his admiration evident in every flicker of his eyes. In the soft glow of the moonlight, she felt both vulnerable and cherished, a feeling that stirred a deep sense of belonging within her. His gentle touch on her cheek sent a shiver of delight through her, grounding her in the moment.

"You really mean that?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, tinged with disbelief and affection. The way he looked at her made her feel as if she could conquer anything, even the judgment of the crowd. As their fingers intertwined, she felt a surge of strength from their connection. "It’s hard not to feel like I need to prove myself," she admitted, meeting his gaze with her striking gunmetal eyes. "But hearing you say that... it makes it easier to breathe."

The teasing glint in his eyes made her smile widen. "A kiss to make it better, huh?" she replied playfully, her heart racing. Leaning in closer, she pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, her lips lingering for a moment before pulling back to meet his gaze again. "If I do step on your foot tonight, I’ll happily make that trade."

[Nicholas Vanguard]

Nicholas’s heart swelled at the wonder in Theodora’s voice, a part of him aching that she even had to ask if he meant it. Of course I mean it, he thought fiercely, his wolf rumbling in agreement, protective instincts curling around her like a second skin. He tightened his grip on her hand slightly, grounding her... and himself... in the moment. "Every word," he murmured back, his thumb brushing over her knuckles with a tenderness that made his chest ache. Around them, the faint sounds of music and laughter floated from the grand hall, but out here, it felt like the world had narrowed to just her.

A few wolves strolled past them, their scents familiar, their glances curious but fleeting. Nicholas let them pass without acknowledgment, his focus wholly on the woman in front of him. "Let them look," his wolf huffed in satisfaction. "She is ours." His mouth curved into a soft smile as she kissed his forehead, the simple affection doing more to unravel him than anything else could. "I’ll take that deal," he said, his voice low with humor and affection. "Might even start 'accidentally' tripping just to collect." His eyes glittered with mischief as he stepped back slightly, bowing with an exaggerated flourish before offering his hand.

"May I have this dance, Theodora?" he asked, voice playful but lined with a sincerity he didn’t bother to hide. Without waiting for the world’s approval, without caring who watched, he drew her close, one hand settling respectfully at her waist. In the quiet corner of the Frostgarden, under the sweep of silvered branches, Nicholas moved with her to the distant hum of the ball, slow and easy, his heart beating in time with hers.

[Emmeral Langley]

Emmeral stood in conversation with Aeris, dispersed into momentary stillness as Thorian stepped towards the balcony.

The sea of wolves beneath struck to silence as he addressed.

The acknowledgement of the looming darkness that plagued the borders of the Vale addressed, the approaching enemy threats noticed as Thorian brought strength within unity among their people, his words statement of pride to strengthening Lunara's gifts than divide.

Harboring a mix of pain and pride as Thorian honored those who had fallen, her pack - The Nightshades the first to fall victim to the oncoming darkness that threatened everyone. A stated jewelry piece of memory to her finger of green and vines representing her former packs memory. Her head lowering in respectful silence before their was reach through the bond.

Stated thrill as pride swelled from within, her hand in extension and perfect rest within Thorian's as she stepped forward before their community. Bejeweled in Frostclaw representing her King/Alpha and mate, colors of dark sapphire and gold in representation of her royal status and their Goddess's gift of renewed life for Emmy. Her hair done by a close friend, Ali and make up bringing light from within of black liner, mascara and gold to glow from within by Aeris.

The weight of Queen Emmeral brought realization to those before them and nervous innings of spoken word as Emmeral proudly stood before all, bowing her head in respect to those before them, her gaze adoring towards Thorian as she remained by his side. Her shoulder's proud and thankful in presence.

Music thrilled within the gathering walls as she turned towards Thorian, reaching for his forearm as their bond surged beneath their skin. The merge of wolves dispersed beneath to begin the festivities, conversation replacing as she leaned in and affectionately brushed her jaw along his as they stepped away from the gathering "Shall we move within the trenches and mingle, maybe even dance" she smiled taking Thorian's forearm in hold and affectionate grip.

[Alicia Blake]

Alicia arrived at the Eboncrest lands followed by Reyes and two of his men. The mask she wore obscured her face as she looked around the room. Unfamiliar faces surrounded her, though she wasn't surprised by this, she had never really been to any events like this before. Her first stop was Emmeral's chambers to help with her hair before descending the stairs to the ballroom for the party.

She walked through the ballroom quietly, not really speaking to the other guests as she took a glass of wine from one of the tables. She stood against the wall watching the room as Reyes stood beside her. She glanced at her guard a small smile on her face "calm yourself Reyes, no one would dare to try anything here"  She knew he was only following Dante's orders to protect her, but she was certain only a mad man would try to attack someone at the King's event. Though that didn't seem to calm him as he stayed alert by her side. She thought of telling him to go mingle but knew it would be pointless, Reyes would remain by her side until Dante arrived, only then would he be sure it was safe for the two of them to part ways. 

She sipped her wine calmly, settling for just watching the crowd for now. She had never been one for parties, she was only here because Dante insisted she should attend. Watching people mingle she felt out of place, other than Em who was busy being the host, the only people she really knew well was Reyes and his men, even the other members of The Dreadspire pack were basically strangers to her. 

She waited patiently for Dante's return, tonight would be her first time seeing him since he left Dreadspire, and she was ready to be by her Alpha's side again. Though she knew they would have to wait to be able to discuss what had happened on his mission away from the packlands.

[Thorian Thalric]

Thorian’s gaze swept the gathering, sharp and sovereign, but it was Emmeral who drew his every instinct into silent awe. The moment her hand slipped into his, the bond between them surged... a living pulse of fate and fire beneath his skin. She stepped forward, regal and radiant, her sapphire and gold gown catching the light of the citadel like living flame. Pride curled low in Thorian’s chest, a fierce, territorial heat that rippled down the spine of his wolf.

"Ours." Draco rumbled within, a low growl of satisfaction. "She is magnificent." Thorian didn’t argue. Couldn’t. He only tightened his hand around hers briefly in silent agreement, his expression stoic to those watching but softened in the rare, private corners only Emmeral knew.

The arrival of Connor Stormborn fractured the room’s current, tension bleeding in like cold mist. The Rogue Alpha strode through the ballroom with his usual predatory swagger, Grayson and Rhea flanking him like sentient blades. Whispers prickled at the edges of Thorian’s hearing, but he made no move to intervene... not yet. His gaze caught Connor’s brief, heavy nod, and he returned it with the barest incline of his own head. Recognition. Respect. But no deference.

"The wolf never changes his stripes," Draco snorted lowly, amused and unimpressed.

"Let him have his fun," Thorian answered internally, his attention already returning to Emmeral. "Tonight, we dance. Tonight, we live."

He guided his Queen from the dais with a rare, private smile meant only for her, one arm anchoring her safely to his side as the music swelled and the festivities finally began.

[Dante Morales]

Reyes moved like a shadow at Alicia's side, every inch of him coiled with tension despite her soft attempt to ease it. He gave her a tight, fleeting smile in return but said nothing... his senses were too sharpened, his instincts gnawing at him with the absence of his Alpha. Dante should have been here already. The thought unsettled him more than he dared show. With a slight jerk of his head, he motioned to his men, both melting into the flow of the gathering with practiced ease, their orders clear: no one came within arm's reach of her without answer to them first. Reyes remained close, an unmoving sentinel, his eyes sweeping the ballroom beneath the mask he wore.

The music swelled and the dance floor began to fill, but Reyes’s focus never strayed far. He didn't trust this...  the air was thick with too many foreign scents, too many unknowns gathered under one roof. The grandeur of the Eboncrest Citadel and the ceremony of the evening meant little to him; his world had narrowed to the steady presence of Alicia at his side and the weight of his promise to Dante. No one knew who she truly was, not with her face hidden by the mask, and Reyes intended to keep it that way. His hand hovered near the hilt of the dagger concealed beneath his coat, unseen but ever ready, should anyone be foolish enough to test their luck.

He caught Alicia’s quiet patience in the way she observed the crowd, a silent pillar amidst the sea of shifting alliances and wary smiles. She wore her composure like armor, though Reyes could feel the subtle thread of tension beneath it... not fear, but the deep, abiding need to see Dante again. He understood it. He shared it. Until the Alpha returned, Reyes would be her shadow, her sword, her shield... no matter how long it took.