It was time. Wearing his signature white tiger armor, the Northern King led the way towards Abaven's borders. They waited long enough for them to recover from the volcanic activity (as well as the other packs) and it was now time to put things into motion. He led his warriors to the borders of the serpent plains, though he wouldn't pass the borders just yet. Once his warriors were ready, he would make a courtesy call for Abavens warriors to meet them. He tilted his head back and called for them, announcing Winterfells presence. Once that was finished, he turned to address his own members. "Remember, dominance fights only. But if anyone on the opposing side tries to go for anything more, I won't stop any of you from retaliating in the same manner. Our healers are in the thickets, so once you're done fighting, head over there so they can tend to your wounds, is that understood?" Turning his attention back to Abaven's borders, he waited for them to arrive. They may see this as a stab in the back, but Ace was a man of his word. He offered a solution and Theory had accepted. He didn't know if she decided to change her mind since Drifa had last spoken to her, but he still intended to speak with her when all was said and done.

 speech Thought Quote

He was ready and raring to go, albeit he was nervous. He had never raided before, and while he knew they were looking at this as a sort of training session, he wasn't so sure that Abaven was fully onboard with that idea despite their agreement. Nevertheless, Ignis went to support his pack and also because he wanted to be the only to engage with Corvus. They were best friends, and he'd be damned if he wasn't the one fighting him. Mostly, and in his mind, it was to try and protect him in some way. To keep him from getting seriously hurt, though he doubted his friend would get seriously injured considering the instructions they were given. Ignis had no intentions of maiming anyone here, least of all from Abaven. They had done a lot for his family after Ruina's fall, but now that it was under new leadership and stuff, he didn't know what they were like anymore. Were they still the same? Or had they changed, too? Whatever the case, he stood beside his uncle as he searched the other side for Corvus. "Speech"

Art by Naiterion

He followed the Northern leader to the borders Abaven. Honestly, he was indifferent to the whole thing and didn't quite care who they raided. His morals were often skewed and were always on one side or the other. Donning his new white buffalo cape, Greed stalked silently alongside the others, sapphire gaze cold and glittering as he marched on. When they stopped at the borders, he stood back as he watched the shadows on the other side, waiting for someone to come bursting out of the darkness towards him. Regardless of who it was, he'd do as Ace instructed, but he knew the moment he felt like his opponent tried anything more, he'd serve them up a double dose of pain. Until then, however, he'd steel himself against that. He didn't particularly want a repeat of the raid against Celestial all those years ago, but...in the end...Acapella had left him behind, too. So what did it really matter who he hurt nowadays? "Talk"

This day had haunted her waking and sleeping hours. Theory was glad to be done with it. She knew Acere believed he had offered her some kind of magnanimous deal, but when this was all said and done, the relationship between the two packs would be dissolved. How could she count them as allies any longer? At best they were unreliable and at worst they were traitorous. Theo had belabored long and hard over how to deal with the aftermath. Abaven bore the northern pack no ill will, and she was even grateful to Ignis and Drifa for their part in relaying information, but the fact that Acere had never shown his own face… it just didn’t sit well with her. He may have sent Drifa at his own behest, but for matters like this, a personal appearance would have made all the difference. He had been foolish and irresponsible with his bargaining, and for what? He had nothing to show for it. She ran point ahead of her warriors to meet Acere and Winterfell at the border. “Nice to see you after so long,” she said, eyes narrowed. ”I hope we find this to be mutually beneficial. I’m sure we’ll all learn a lot.” About Winterfell’s gutless alpha stooping to become a common sellsword. Alouette burst from the nearby treeline with a sharp cry, signalling the rest of the warriors to advance. She engaged Acere head on. Theo tucked her head to protect her neck and bounded forwards, feinting for a headfirst run at him. At the last second she pulled tightly away to the right and turned her head to grab at the right side of his neck ruff, just above his shoulder. "Speech" Theory Cavaliere-Destruction vs Acere for Dominance Round 1/2 Age: Over 1 yr Size: Extra large Build: Medium Companion 1: Raven, Female - Flying Skills: Master Fighter & Beginner Healer Specialty: Knight

Desolate had been anxiously awaiting for the attack ever since the whispers reached him of what was to come. When he'd asked Theory to ease his mind she tried to tell him it was all a training exercise, to explain the relationship Winterfell had with this evil band and reassure him that it didn't mean they were being cruel or violent. Desolate didn't think it sounded right at all - if Winterfell were really their friends, they'd choose Abaven over the vikings. He'd convinced the alpha to allow him to attend, and while he was still a barely trained yearling he hoped he could make his pack proud. He waited in the treeline for Theory's signal and tried his hardest to get his head in the game. This was serious to him, not a training exercise alone but a way to bring honor to Abaven and shame upon their enemies. In the back of his mind however lingered his reunion with his mother and brother, the distraction their mere presence had brought upon his life. Would they be safe deeper into Abaven's territory? Would they be ashamed of him if he lost? Hell, did he even care what they thought? Desolate wasn't sure, but he knew he had to shake the distraction before it got him hurt. His heart pounded loudly in his chest and his breaths came hard and fast. The adrenaline creeping up on him was more then the yearling had ever felt in his life. He was ready, and when Theory's call sounded he burst from the trees out into the clearing to meet the intruders. Theory met with Acere and Desolate paused with concern, wanting desperately to help the cousin he felt so close to. He knew it was her battle however, and tore his gaze away to meet the wolves before him. Swallowing hard, he moved to cover the distance between himself and the black and white one. The male was older than he was and larger too, but one look at the red wolf's armor and he'd decided to choose the 'easier' opponent. He aimed to come in at an angle from Greed's right side, moving to try and slam his shoulder blade into the wolf's ribs to try and take him off balance. At the same time, his head tilted upwards to attempt to snap his jaws around the man's cheek below his eye. Thankfully though he was not full grown, the size difference was not incredibly substantial. Desolate Destruction vs Greed for Dominance Round 1/? Age: Over 1 year Size: Large Build: Heavy Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Healer Specialty: N/A "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

I'd rather be dead than live a lie
BURN THE WHITE FLAG!

Natha bounced with excitement as she pranced along with the rest of the pack. She'd never been in a raid before really, let alone with a pack of wolves and the whole procession amused her greatly. Skælingr was also excited, he strode along next to her, occasionally he'd lean over and bump her shoulder, sending winks her way as the chatted to each other in Cat. She'd resume speaking the Common Tongue when it was time but for now they'd revel in a little private conversation about the raid to come.

Above her Myskia took to the air. Her large leathery wings cut through the morning light until at last they all arrived. Natha ended her conversation with Skæ and focused on Acere's words. She could do that. Her large ears perked forward as the Abaven wolves began to arrive and battles started to break out. She waited, seeking her own solitary opponent if possible.

Brandr slipped on his armor, Blanda helping him with the straps. They'd worked on it ever since he'd found out about the raid and he was quite pleased with the design. He hoped it would spare him a few injuries. Corentine and Lucine were both still ill and he'd fallen out of touch with the going ons of the healers in the pack. He knew they'd be busy and he didn't want to make ti to hard on them. "You ready?"

Ambi nodded, shifting from foot to foot. The great eagle was excited and ready for the action to come. Blanda was less enthused. "Oh… yea, sure." The raccoon took a swig of mead. Brandr sighed heavily and looked out at the morning light. A gorgeous morning and here they were going to spend it fighting. He felt nerves twisting in his stomach and when the howl from what he could only assume was Winterfell's alpha rang out he felt his stomach turn. Apart from the practice spars it had been ages since he'd fought. He only hoped he could do Abaven proud despite not being a warrior.

He followed Theory and the others to the battlefield, trying to ignore the pounding in his chest. Theory dove for the Winterfell alpha, followed by Desolate but Brandr held back for a moment sizing up the other wolves and the… cat.

He quickly set his defenses. Time to focus.

Whilehe was very aware his daughter was alpha and that her honor was at stake he wished that she had allowed him to take on Acere. The last time the two of them met the northern alpha had bested him, but Rhyme was recovering from his traumas and wanted to prove himself again. Rhyme was becoming the man he once was, even if he was quite a bit older now. Samara had helped him through, hardly leaving his side and encouraging him to grasp hold of life while he still could. She invigorated him, and as his thoughts lingered on the tiny woman he followed after Theory and the warriors of Abaven.

Rhyme stood ready as he took in Winterfell’s pack, he couldn’t miss his once apprentice Ignis, who seemed to have grown into an impressive man. Despite the animosity that lingered in the air Rhyme couldn’t deny his pride for him. As Theory raced towards Acere though Rhyme felt an insurmountable pride rise in his breast. She really had grown into her own despite her rough upbringing. He knew that Shaye would approve of her growth and would feel the same that he did.

The once alpha was armed and armored, both his ravens circled above his head as Rhyme waited for his own opponent next to Brandr.

Tsunami paced along with the group as Winterfell headed for Abaven. She kept her aggression tempered even as she felt her anticipation mount. They were only training with Abaven, at least that's what Acere said and despite her desire for something a bit more high stakes than that she had to admit some relief, she had very little battle training or experience... Maybe she'd feel a bit more comfortable when it came to their second raid. The group stopped and spread out a bit, eyes scanning the borders for opponents. She skittered out of the way of the few brawls that started out right off the bat. She could see a few other warriors of Abaven arriving and she eyed them warily, noting how much more prepared they seemed, especially the armored man. She kept a careful eye on them as she stalked around a bit, not exactly eager to start anything where she'd clearly be in over her head. "Speech"

Art by G0dless

Poem was ready. Her mother’s armor lay at the entrance of her den, ready to be adorned at a moment’s notice. Edgar slept in the trees outside and Allen in the den beside her. It felt good to have someone beside her, even if he was a poor substitute for what she’d lost. The young Destruction was working on a project in her den when she heard the call ring out, and with practiced speed the girl was adorned and on her way to battle.

Despite the call of it a being practice Poem wore a serious expression as her tall form trotted up behind her father and Brandr. Her raven landed on her slate shoulder as the caracal stood silently beside her. Eyes roved over the gathered warriors of the opposite side. Besides Theory and Desolate the pack hung back, almost as though they were waiting for the other side to choose their opponents.

He walked alongside the others, mainly trailing after his sister as the pair followed the others to the borders of Abaven. He had to admit, he didn't miss this place and the way their former alpha had taken them from their father because of their lying mother. In a sense, he was glad the alphess that had done that was dead. Even though their father had left, Tyto knew Tyranis had loved them enough to come back for them. And he probably still did. But he wondered what had drawn his father away from them. He'd probably never get that answer, but it didn't matter because at least he was with his family.

As they stopped at the edge of the border, Abaven would initiate the assaults. He made sure to keep out of the way as he searched for someone to fight. Most of Abaven so far seemed to be hanging back. What were they waiting for? While he could wait for someone to come after him, he also didn't want to potentially be caught off guard. This being his first raid, he was conflicted about what to do, so he hung back with his sister instead. "You ready, Tsu?" He cast a grin at her and winked, knowing full well she was eager to fight, too.

Hearing Acere's call caught Corvus by surprise. Not because he hadn't been expecting Winterfell to come and make true on their promise to raid them - but because it'd just been awhile since he'd heard the news. He'd been half-tempted to take a trip to Winterfell himself to talk to Ignis, but he'd been busy. Between training and spending time with Twig, and keeping an eye out for Beat's siblings, he'd just been too preoccupied to justify the trip. And now here he was, feeling slightly dumbfounded as the call rang out, and all of Abaven sprung to action at once.

He barely hesitated, loping across the plains with purpose, finding time to adorn his foolish looking helmet and much-less-foolish badger fur bracers, the ones he and Twig had crafted together. By the time he arrived, quite a few wolves had already gathered.. and was Theory already engaging in a fight versus Acere? He tried to contain himself from letting out a hoot of encouragement, instead focusing on everything else that was going on. His first instinct was to find Twig, to make sure she was okay... but hardly anything had even happened yet, so he didn't know why he was worried. He was distracted quickly by Ignis though, and the flurry of emotions that suddenly bombarded him was confusing. He was relieved to see him, but he couldn't shake the slight annoyance he felt at him being here, too. The circumstances were admittedly frustrating and it felt unfair to unleash this on them when they'd gone through so much.

His attention zeroed in on Ignis as he strode toward him. He hadn't thought about fighting him before, but it only seemed natural now... surely his friend wouldn't just let him win, right? It was hard to imagine hurting him, and Corvus didn't really want, to, but he didn't want to go easy on him either. Torn between offering some friendly banter and just leaping into things, the latter option won out after a moment of scrutinizing. Narrowing his eyes, he took off suddenly toward him, shoulders rolled forward as he made to charge him head-on. Regardless of how Ignis reacted he tried to follow his lead, tried to lift himself up onto his hind legs and wrap his paws around the other male's neck and hopefully send him tumbling down to the ground, frustration suddenly welling up and unleashing in the pure force of his body.

Corvus Aadar-Destruction vs Ignis for Dominance
Round 1 / ?
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked helmet
Defensive Battle Accessory: Badger pelt front leg bracers
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Hunter
Specialty: N/A

Song followed his pack mates into battle, his heart beat excitedly as they finally marched onto Abaven’s borders. He was ready for a good few rounds of training, but when the defending forces began to arrive he realized he should have suited up. If he was honest Song had yet to fashion himself a set of armor and as bright blue eyes scanned the opposition he regretted that fact. Still, his hulking frame weighed in against the tall wolves of the eastern pack.

He trotted up behind a pair of yearling, trying not to focus on how much he was worrying over Kirsi. This was just practice, there likely wouldn’t be any serious injuries at the end of it. So Song gave over to the excitement, and instead of hanging back he’d just go for it.

Tail and head held high Song aimed to grapple with the master hunter. He was armed to the teeth, but Song was eager. He aimed to approach slightly from Brandr’s left so he might slam his own left shoulder into Brandr’s and throw him off balance. At the same time he’d aim to bite at Brander’s neck right behind his left ear.

Song Destruction vs Brandr for Dominance
Round 1 of 2?
Age: 1+
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Intermediate Intellectual
Specialty: N/A

The woman was a bundle of nerves. Bellamy had expected to be calmer following Acere into battle… but the woman was on edge, flickering memories, desire, raising within her. Being in a group like this… it reminded her of her time in Lyenne. The calls to war… lead against challengers who had no problem at all spilling blood. It was hard to reign in her thoughts, and with hormones raging, the woman was more hostile and on edge than before. She wished now she had some of Sparhawks’ mead… maybe then she’d have been able to calm before this event.

On either side of her a companion traveled. Whiskers was anxious, seeing how Bellamy and Ears were. The devil, true to the nickname of his species, was eager and looked forward to this event. He had not heard that they were against what should have been allies of Winterfell… only that there was a raid and Bells had mixed feelings on it. “Wonder what sort of fighters they have?” Ears pondered allowed as he shot a grin at Bellamy.

She wasn’t really listening.

The woman was decked in her snow leopard cape and had her dagger attached to her left foreleg. The bone could cause damage just as well as her fangs… not to mention either companion.

Bells tossed her head back and flared her nostrils as Acere called. Her heart was pounding, the feelings of battle and adrenaline already starting to pump through her veins. She started to forget herself, eyes narrowing as tail lashed back and forth in feline manner, as she waited for the opposing side to show up.

Some immediately sprang into fights but Bellamy hung back. She started to shift on her paws, ears flicked back, eyes wild, as part of her mind screamed at her to charge. But no, not here… she was fighting with herself, trying to reign in what she should do and what instinct demanded of her in this setting. In groups like this you spilt blood… she… she couldn’t go too far, could she?

---

Ooc:: Not attacking anyone yet but want to give fair warning that Bells may go a little too far [due to her past and hormones from her heat] and attempt a minor maim on whomever decides to fight the bab! She’s just a little on edge right now.

I’m thinking of a clipped / docked ear. This way no one feels pressured into a potential maim unless they feel ready. I also didn’t want to attack anyone with too much of a gap or whom doesn’t want to risk that sort of thing soo… yeah!

Brandr could feel the tension rising between the two packs as more wolves filtered in. He offered a nod to Rhyme as the other arrived. Fights were breaking out but Brandr waited, surveying the creatures of Winterfell. He knew immediately he did not want to tangle with the cat but as he looked out at the yearlings that arrived he just couldn't bring himself to attack them. They were likely trained in battle where as he himself was not. Even so, something about it troubled him.

Brandr did not get to think on the matter further as a large white male dove for him. He swiftly turned to face the man head on but there was no time to dodge as he'd noticed the other too late. He swiftly rotated his head to his right, jaws flung wide as he attempted to seize hold of the other mans throat, just underneath his jaws. The man's shoulder slammed into Brandr's chest and he felt pain blossom there knowing he'd have severe bruising but he hoped the impact had injured his opponent as well. He felt fangs grip his neck just behind his left ear. Corentine was going to give him heck about his injuries but there was no time to think about that now.


Brandr Létta Scylding vs Song for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather armor
Companion 1: Black Eagle, Male - Flying
Companion 2: Raccoon, Female - Battle
Skills: Master Hunter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Ranger

It was raid time, at last.

Participating in this raid meant one of two things. Firstly, and probably most importantly, Kai would be halfway through with repaying his debt to Acere. Not that the trade was even close to a fair one, but he was an ungrateful bastard who didn't give a damn about repaying much of anything, let alone what he actually had cost Winterfell. All he cared about was being gone - for good, without the worry of Acere or one of his pack trailing him to the ends of the earth to try to drag him back here. Secondly, it was an outlet for the frustration that had no doubt been building since he'd first been captured by Valkyrie and her band. Being dragged to Winterfell hadn't changed his mood either. If anything, he'd only grown more brooding and frustrated, something that wasn't characteristic of the normally quite laid-back man.

But time changed some wolves, and apparently he was no exception.

Even now as he moved toward Abaven's borders, he wore a faint scowl. He'd been born here, many years ago, when they'd inhabited different lands and had been ruled by different wolves. As far as he knew the same family still ruled, a sentiment that he appreciated. Kai wasn't one to give importance to much of anything, but family ties were something he couldn't deny the importance of. Even still, he doubted any of the wolves here knew him now.. except one he had forgotten belonged to Abaven.

As they drew closer to the gathering, Kai unadorned with the armor that so many decided to lug here in hopes to gain an advantage over an opponent, one wolf in particular on the opposing side caught his attention. Rhyme, wasn't it? They'd shared quite a nice talk together, discussing things like responsibility and freedom. He'd been the leader of his pack back then, hadn't he? His attempts at flirting with the man hadn't quite reached their mark and so he'd abandoned the idea, but they'd been friendly enough that he didn't mind targeting him again. Though he was an older wolf, the truth was that Kai was hardly the spry young man he'd once been. He'd like to think he still had an air of youthfulness about him, but compared to some of these wolves his age couldn't be denied.

"Rhyme!" Kai called out, his tone friendly enough. He'd been eager to draw blood from one of these strangers but now he found himself craving a different sort of friend. Nothing wrong with a friendly little tussle, right? "Tag, you're it!" Without giving him much warning, Kai charged the large man, tucking his head low to his chest and aiming straight for his chest. His hope was to hook his jaw beneath Rhyme's neck, using his tusks to help lift his head up and hopefully catch him off-guard before a shove to his chest.

Kai Jarvela vs Rhyme for Dominance
Round 1 / ?
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Mutation 1: Tusks (small) - Offensive
Skills: Advanced Hunter & Advanced Navigator
Specialty: N/A

He may have felt a little bad about coming at his opponent without warning, but Abaven had already been told they were being raided. Surely that was warning enough, and there was already too much standing around. Better to get in and be done with it in his opinion. Song’s charge elicited the reaction he wanted, the armored man seemed a little uncertain as the tall Destruction came at him. All was perfect except the angle of his approach, he felt his shoulder hit Brandr’s chest with force and with the pain he felt he knew that the Abavenite would feel similarly.

He wrapped his jaws around Brandr’s neck, feeling his teeth sink it he’d aim to bit down harder before the big man managed to get his own teeth around Song’s throat. This was no high stakes match and the Destruction knew Brandr wasn’t out to do major bodily harm. Still, the feeling of teeth on such a vulnerable place was enough for Song to try and escape the grasp. He aimed to shake himself and Brandr off of him as he aimed to retreat slightly. On his way back the big man aimed to swipe his right foot at Brandr’s own and trip up the armored warrior.

Song Destruction vs Brandr for Dominance
Round 2 of 2
Age: 1+
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Intermediate Intellectual
Specialty: N/A

I'd rather be dead than live a lie
BURN THE WHITE FLAG!

A pretty wolfess caught Natha's attention. She had similar markings on her eyes to the alphess and a another warrior but she seemed experienced despite her age. She was huge, armed to the teeth and bore two companions with her. Natha grinned. She liked a challenge.

The cat raced forward, claws sheathed to silence her approach as much as possible. Natha attacked perpendicularly to Poem's left shoulder, raising her upper body as she attempted to dig her fangs into the woman's left shoulder. Her claws unsheathed as she attempted to dig the claws of her left paw into the left side of the woman's neck and her right claws into the woman's left side just behind the shoulder, higher up on the back.

Natha Críoch vs Poem for Dominance
Round 1/?
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Other species
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked gauntlets
Companion 1: Bobcat, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Flying fox, Female - Battle
Skills: Advanced Navigator & Expert Fighter
Specialty: N/A

Brandr's fangs dug into the flesh of Song's throat but before he could get a grip the other man stepped suddenly back and shook himself. In doing so he lost his grasp on Brandr but at the same time moved Brandr's target so the hunter had no choice but to recalculate. He kept his defenses set as best he could. His hind legs pushed into the ground as his head dove down. Song's right paw struck his own but as his weight was in his hinds he was not toppled. Instead Brandr launched his fangs downward, seeking to seize Song's right foot and pull it up in the hopes of both wounding and destabilizing his opponent.


Brandr Létta Scylding vs Song for Dominance
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather armor
Companion 1: Black Eagle, Male - Flying
Companion 2: Raccoon, Female - Battle
Skills: Master Hunter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Ranger

Twig raced after Corvus as the call finally rang out over the territory. The raid was on. She adorned herself with her new bracers, the feeling of them on her legs bringing the fond memory of making them with Corvus. She found that she was oddly eager as her pale paws carried her towards the border. Her best friend was quickly thrown into a scrap with a huge red male and Twig’s own lilac gaze were cast over the field in search of her own opponent. Things were getting real and she was ready. With a grin on her features the Memoire girl put up her defenses and waited for the opposition to come at her.