And this is the second storyline I started, from the other side of the proverbial fence. The parentheses are just names for reference.
The sun began to dip beyond the horizon, signaling twilight. The forest lords came together at the Great Oak, bringing their packs and herds with them. On this day, the grass eaters could sit with the meat eaters; the forest councils were safe ground for all that attended. Brother Bear, an ancient brown bear and the keeper of the Forest Lore, took the tally.
“Lord Eagle,” he called. A large Golden Eagle perched near the ground screeched in reply, “Here, Brother Bear.” (Farsight)
“Lord Whitetail,” came next. A large Buck stepped to the front, his antlers large and proud. “I am here, Brother Bear.” (Rohno)
“Lord Grey,” rang the third call. The alpha of one of the smaller wolf packs padded forward. “You called, Brother Bear.” (Karva)
“Lord Owl,” was next. A horned owl swooped into the circle. “Forgive my lateness, Brother Bear. The hunt kept me.” (Shasta)
“Then all are gathered,” growled Brother Bear, and he settled against one of the trees.
The gathered lords looked at one another, then Farsight, Lord Eagle spoke up. “Brother Bear, where is Lord Grizzly?”
Brother Bear looked up, then back at the ground by his paws. “Gone,” he said, “taken by the pale skins to the Sky Forest.”
A gasp passed through the gathered animals. “How?” asked Rohno, Lord Whitetail. “Lord Grizzly was the greatest of you. No pale skin could stand up to him.”
“There are those among the pale skins that are great cowards, coming in the night with their firesticks to harm us while we sleep. Poachers, they are called.” Brother Bear rumbled. “It is these that took Lord Grizzly. Even now, the Bear Clans are selecting a new Lord.”
“And one has been chosen,” came a deeper rumble. The gathered animals parted to allow an enormous bear to the front, one such as never seen in the forest before. “I am Lord Kodiak,” the newcomer growled, “Born of the forests near the Tundra and brought here by the Hairless ones. I am chosen by my brethren to be their leader.”