Aurielle Adravendi

She’d led the three wolves at a brisk pace across Boreas, skirting pack lands when they encountered other borders, tireless and nigh on cheerful. She’d timed the trip purposefully. It would be a full great moon this night. Perfect. As she found the cave which she remembered leading to the temple, she instructed calmly, “Stay close to my light and don’t take any side passages. Brace yourselves, this is a long climb and we’ll be here for quite a few hours. It’ll likely be dark by the time we come out at the other end.” She didn’t allude to what would be at the other end, wanting them to see it for the first time without a pre-conceived notion or expectation. And so, she’d led them up, and up and up, through twists and turns and tight squeezes, until, at last, she spotted the gleam of moonlight shafting into the tunnel. A smile settled on her luminous features as she stepped into the full light of the moon and the courtyard beyond the tunnel. It was deserted, though traces of others’ scents told her that she, Harbringr and Dominus were no longer the only wolves who knew of the place, although there were probably many who had tread before she’d first set paw here. She stepped out of the way to let the other three step out into the courtyard, letting them see it for the first time and take it all in at their own pace. She stood off to the side, waiting and watching, between glances toward the sea of clouds beneath the ledge and the dark mouth of the temple in the cliff face before she turned to them. “I wanted this to be a truly special night for you three, and to be special for those who come after you when it's their turns. You’ve all three worked so very hard. Promotions like this shouldn’t just be an announcement at a pack meeting, though I’ll be announcing them when we return. Rest for a few hours, explore, and meet me here when the moon is at its zenith.” She smiled at them and moved away, taking her own time to explore the temple more at her leisure. -Timefade Forward to Midnight/Moonhigh- When the time was nearly right, she returned to stand in the center of the courtyard, waiting patiently. The test would begin when they returned to her, and then the best part. Hopefully they would hold this night very fondly in their memories for the rest of their lives. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Miles and miles of keeping up with Aurielle’s brisk pace and he felt like his legs might fall off. Every time he’d gone exploring eastward he’d taken his time, not set a forced march. But he was too curious to complain, and even failing the curiosity, he wasn’t one to complain. The mountains loomed closer and closer, and he wondered if they’d be scouting Mt Volkan before winter set in, but then, Aurielle made a detour up a rather precarious goat path, up and up, until she stopped and warned them that their climb was only to get harder. Cai’s tongue lolled as he ducked after his glowing white mentor, heeding her suggestion readily. The darkness and tightness of the caves was… oppressing. And he had hours of the weight of the mountain around him. His hackles lifted under his armor several times as he spotted the gaping maw of chasms on occasions, brushed by Aurielle’s luminous fur, or heard a rock clatter below… after a very, very long silence. Finally – Finally – Aurielle’s fur wasn’t the only light ahead, and as she stepped aside, he clambered gratefully into the bright moonlight, rump plopping to the ground once he’d stepped out of the way of the others. For a long few moments, he just focused on catching his breath, eyes glazed. Every muscle burned, and the air felt weird up here. And then, as he slowly regained his bearings, he actually took notice of what ‘up here’ really looked like. “Whoooa….” It came out as a hoarse breath as he actually looked at the place. Somewhere he could hear water trickling, and his mouth watered, but for the moment his eyes drank in the incredible surroundings, and the veritable ocean of clouds beneath them. He slowly rose to his paws and padded around the courtyard, then right up to the cliff edge to gaze down—and quickly retreated several steps at the dizzying height. He retreated several steps, back to Aurielle, in fact, then spun to stare at her as she spoke up at last, and finally made it clear why she’d hauled them to this place. His tail began waving slowly through the air. They were getting promoted? As she nudged them to rest for a few hours, and go explore, he felt an itch of anticipation as he threw a grin at Caelia. They were getting promoted! He padded away from the Spirit, leaving her to her own devices as she’d suggested, and began to explore the strange, peaceful place slowly, marveling at the sights he could see. Occasionally he’d spot Aurielle’s ghostly figure padding through the temple or lounging in the moonlight. The pool of water in the main chamber was definitely welcomed. Eventually, he picked a room and sprawled out on the icy stone floor. He slept for quite some time, but moonlight shafting through the window brought him blinking awake. Quickly, memory returned and he shot to his paws with a scrape of bear claws, trotting quickly out and down the flights of stairs and out into the court yard. Aurielle was already waiting and he bounded forward, haunches slapping the ground as he came to sit in front of her, earning a bemused smile from the Spirit. He reined himself in, let his excitement settle, then straightened with a smile, voicing with much more serenity than he was feeling, “I’m ready” Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

That Sea is just a Gambler at Heart

Dómari swiftly returned to his den and donned his armor and weaponry as well as packing a few things before leaving with his companions to follow Aurielle. He wasn't quite sure why she was being so mysterious rather than telling them outright what they were doing but he didn't really have anything better to do. He could only guess it was some sort of surprise that would include battle.

The journey was long but Dómari enjoyed seeing the new lands. He was built for endurance. His companions a little less so. "Ugh, are we there yet? There better be food." Dómari ignored Áskell's complaining as they arrived at the mountains. At the news that it would take hours to climb the ebony fox groaned and leaned heavily against Dómari's leg. "Don't worry, you can make it Áskell." Lynvarr, the pale fox rolled his eyes at his brother and started on ahead. Dómari was quick to follow.

They climbed up through what seemed like a maze until at last arriving at some sort of stone courtyard. It was a lovely place though slightly spooky. His ears perked up at the mention of promotions. He turned to Cairo and Caelia and grinned. His first act was to rest, settling down in the middle of the courtyard with his companions for a quick nap.

————

After a nap the trio had gone off exploring and later they returned to the center of the courtyard with the moon shining high in the sky. Dómari dipped his head and took his seat.

Caelia wasn't sure she'd ever gone this far before. When she was younger she and her siblings had traveled all the way to the Battlefield, and she'd gone there again a few times after, but never farther. What reason did she have to go any further? Caelia had never really considered it, preferring to spend most of her time closer to Valhalla's territories. But she too was curious about what Aurielle had in store for them - and why Cairo and Domari, too? - so she was complacent and followed without complaint. Still she had questions though. Why so far? Why had they left when they had?

By the time they arrived to the mountain, the sun was beginning to set, and she had no doubt that it would be close to midnight by the time they reached their destination. By the time they arrived, winding through tunnels and escaping into a wide, peculiar courtyard. It was nothing like anywhere she'd been before, and despite the deep exhaustion seeping into her bones, she was curious about the place they'd explored... and the mention of promotions did certainly encourage her, though she wasn't quite as visibly excited as Cairo was. After some light exploring she was glad to rest for a bit herself, followed by another round of exploring. This place was certainly interesting, and she couldn't shake the feeling that its significance was lost to time, likely never to be found by any of them no matter how much they searched for it.

Before long the moon was at its peak in the sky, and she clambered after Domari and Cairo toward the courtyard, where Aurielle had instructed them to meet. She was clueless as to what was planned, though knowing Aurielle it was something she'd concocted long before their trip here tonight.

Aurielle Adravendi

She was patient, and Cairo was the first to arrive, thrumming with enthusiasm. She smiles with some bemused amusement at him. Domari came next, followed by Caelia in her usual reserved way. Aurielle’s toes flexed, scraping the bear-claws against the stones paving the courtyard beneath them. After assessing each wolf with her eyes, she announced, “Tonight is the night you leave your current ranks behind for your new ones. But I will need to test your skill levels. Thus, tonight, we fight. Come at me as a team. I don’t expect to win, but I do expect to see how much you’ve learned and how much rust has been beaten off…” The last bit she said with a quick grin to Domari before she leapt forward, aiming to barrel into the middle of the trio with a bark of challenge. She’d picked the spot well, ensuring there was no danger of anyone stepping over the edge of the cliff, and no likelihood of being backed up against the cliff face. Perhaps, long ago, this place was made for such an event as this? She moved with economy and grace, low and quick as she aimed for Cairo with a sideways slash of her clawed bracers, aiming to snag him above his bracers with her claws, though her attention was split between the three, ready to intercept or counter where she could. It was not only a test for them, but a challenge for herself. She’d never taken on multiple wolves at once, except for occasional spars with her father and Paladin, but that had been a long time ago. Aurielle Rhiannon Marie Adravendi vs Cairo, Domari, Caelia for Promotional Test Spar Round 1/3 Age: Over a Year Size: Medium Build: Medium Offensive Battle Accessory: Clawed leather bracers Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather torso armor Companion 1: Mountain lion, Male - Battle Companion 2: Ringtailed lemur, Female - Battle Mutation 1: Long upper canines - Offensive Skills: Master Intellectual & Master Fighter Specialty: Bard Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

He grinned aside at Dom and Caelia as they took their places, tail wiggling before it stilled as Aurielle spoke. His ears perked in surprise. True, he was due a test of his skill… They were going to gang up on her? He saw the challenge in her eyes and had to rise to it. And really quickly because in her usual graceful way she was suddenly almost to him. Cai scrambled backward, avoiding the slash of claws before his surprise at how quickly she’d moved snapped away and he lunged to all four paws and leapt toward her, trusting that Domari and Caelia would join in. His head angled to his right as he sought to snap his teeth shut on the Spirit’s left cheek, forelegs lifting as he lunged. He sought to wrap his forelegs around her neck and hug her to the front of his torso armor’s chest piece and immobilize her. Cairo Lanze Adravendi, Caelia, and Domari vs Aurielle Adravendi for Promotional Test Spar Round 1/3 Age: Over a Year Size: Large Build: Heavy Offensive Battle Accessory: Bear claw bracers Defensive Battle Accessory: Torso armor Companion 1: Barn Owl, Female - Flying Companion 2: Mandrill, Male - Battle Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Hunter Specialty: N/A Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Aurielle had already announced they were being promoted, which pleased her. But first.. they were fighting? Truthfully Caelia wasn't in the mood of a fight. Sure, they'd rested for a brief while earlier, but the journey all the way here had been long and arduous, and even after their nap they had continued exploring further. Why now, of all times? Clenching her jaw so that she didn't show her displeasure, she watched as Aurielle came toward them. Three versus one? She had no doubt they'd win, but it was a challenge she didn't particularly want to take on right now, regardless of whether or not the odds were in her favor.

She aimed for Cairo, and Caelia sidestepped as she tried to muster up some energy to engage. Her brother moved backwards for a moment before lunging toward Aurielle, and Caelia took a deep breath before charging after him. He was aiming for her front, so she couldn't exactly make a similar attack without getting in his way. Ducking to her left, she aimed for the right side of Aurielle's body, swiping a forepaw out toward Aurielle's side as he made to tackle her from the side. It might disrupt Cairo's attack, but it was worth a try to send her stumbling.

Caelia, Cairo, and Domari vs Aurielle for Promotional Test Spar
Round 1 / 3
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Medium
Build: Light
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Bracers
Skills: Advanced Intellectual & Expert Fighter
Specialty: N/A

That Sea is just a Gambler at Heart

Dómari listened quietly as Aurielle spoke. He was pleased at the possibility of being promoted and then in that moment the challenge was laid. The would all be fighting Aurielle. He nodded and rose to his feet, swiftly setting his defenses and not a moment too soon for at that moment Aurielle charged forward right into the middle of their small group. She took aim at Cairo first and Dómari slipped back to assess the situation as both Cairo and Caelia countered.

He suddenly lunged forward toward Aurielle's left thigh, coming in perpendicular as he sought to seize it in his jaws in a powerful hold. In the same motion he sought to throw his chest forward to slam his weight into her and hopefully destabilize her or knock her over.

Dómari Xanilov, Cairo, Caelia vs Aurielle for Spar
Round 1/3
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Leather harness with shoulder spikes
Defensive Battle Accessory: Deer hide cape
Companion 1: Red fox, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Red fox, Male - Battle
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Knight

Aurielle Adravendi

It was one hell of a challenge to keep tabs on three wolves at once when they were all three after just her. As Cairo rose and sought to snag her, she dropped suddenly and hurled herself forward underneath the young man, aiming to barrel into his back legs and knock him staggering. She felt Caelia’s attack buffet her left hip, which did knock her back feet a few steps to the side as her long-haired tail flicked to instinctively dart her tail out of biting range. Domari’s attacks found air alone as Aurielle sought to slip free behind Cairo’s guard, aiming to whirl and launch herself at Caelia, teeth flashing toward the girl’s right shoulder. She kept her senses wide open, ears and eyes alert as she kept nimble. Most likely, the greatest success would come with not staying still long enough to be cornered. Aurielle Rhiannon Marie Adravendi vs Cairo, Domari, Caelia for Promotional Spar Round 2/3 Age: Over 1 Size: Medium Build: Medium Offensive Battle Accessory: Clawed leather bracers Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather torso armor Companion 1: Mountain lion, Male - Battle Companion 2: Ringtailed lemur, Female - Battle Mutation 1: Long upper canines - Offensive Skills: Master Intellectual & Master Fighter Specialty: Bard Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Dammit but his mentor was quick. She had ducked out from his attempt to grapple her, and he staggered as she slammed into his back legs. He was lucky to have dropped his front paws to the ground, so didn’t get knocked flat. He was aware that Caelia had landed something on their glowing opponent at least. He snapped at himself to think quicker and reset his defenses as he caught sight of her lunging for Caelia. He aimed to come alongside the older woman and broadside her in the left shoulder, hoping to knock her over as his head ducked downward, aiming to capture her left foreleg in his jaws and put on his own brakes, hoping to catch the leg and further knock her down. His ears and eyes kept tabs on Caelia and Domari, wondering if they’d formulate a plan on the fly to vanquish their alphess and win their promotional melee. Cairo Lanze Adravendi, Domari, and Caelia vs Aurielle Adravendi for Promotional Melee Round 2/3 Age: Over 1 Size: Large Build: Heavy Offensive Battle Accessory: Bear claw bracers Defensive Battle Accessory: Torso armor Companion 1: Barn Owl, Female - Flying Companion 2: Mandrill, Male - Battle Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Hunter Specialty: N/A Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

While she lunged for the right side of Aurielle's body, Domari moved to the left side of her body. It was hard from her angle to see exactly what he was attempting, but hopefully the three of them coming at her from different angles would disrupt any attack she tried to make. Though Aurielle stumbled for a moment she seemed to keep moving, trying to avoid their attacks. Unfortunately for Caelia she moved forward, lunging at her right shoulder. Caelia tried to reel backwards, hoping to avoid her fangs, but she was a touch too slow and they managed to graze her shoulder at the last moment, earning scratches deeper than she'd anticipated.

Even Cairo's attack didn't immediately knock her off balance, not before she struck - though hopefully after it'd be enough to knock her off her paws. Retaliation seemed the only option, and she once again lunged toward Aurielle, this time toward one of her limbs to aid in Cairo's attempt to disrupt her balance.

Caelia, Cairo, and Domari vs Aurielle for Promotional Test Spar
Round 2 / 3
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Medium
Build: Light
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Bracers
Skills: Advanced Intellectual & Expert Fighter
Specialty: N/A

That Sea is just a Gambler at Heart

Aurielle slipped away but Dómari was not deterred. He quickly braced himself to slow down his momentum before he crashed into one of his allies. Swiftly setting his defenses he assessed the situation, watching as Aurielle dove for Caelia. Dómari's legs ate up distance and as Cairo dove for Aurielle's left side Dómari attacked her right, coming in at a forty-five degree angle, in toward the back of Aurielle's right leg. He aimed to rotate his head and seize the back of her elbow. He hoped that this would limit her movement as well as box her in due to the angle in which he was attacking. His foxes sat on the sidelines, watching for now and eager to participate but Dómari had instructed them to hold back. Three against one were difficult enough odds with out adding two over-exuberant foxes to the mix.

Dómari Xanilov, Cairo, Caelia vs Aurielle for Spar
Round 2/3
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Leather harness with shoulder spikes
Defensive Battle Accessory: Deer hide cape
Companion 1: Red fox, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Red fox, Male - Battle
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Knight

(posting as judge due to not having time to fix the judge account to be able to post here)

And the winner is...

Caelia, Domari, and Cairo!

Aurielle must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Caelia: 304.08 (40, 94, 70, 30 - Adjusted to 42, 103.4, 73.5, 34.5) Domari: 327.69 (89, 3, 55, 30 - Adjusted to 173.55, 3.6, 55, 30) Cairo: 242.65 (37, 2, 89, 65- Adjusted to 48.1, 2.4, 89, 71.5) Caelia/Domari/Cairo Average: 291.47 Aurielle: 168.25 (12, 1, 3, 90 - Adjusted to 18, 1.1, 3, 112.5)

Judged with by Tealah