Aslatiel Fatalis had made a decision. She couldn't keep drifting along in life. Her birthday was knocking and she would soon be an adult. Already, she'd gone through so much in life. Broken bones, battles, life saving feats, separation, loss. What was she even doing in her life at present? Nothing. She had no path. The talk with her father had made her realize two things. One, she needed direction and goal. Two, he needed her to take her role in the pack. She literally had to take it. Magnus had been somewhat absent as of late. She didn't hold it against him. From what she'd heard, he'd developed a relationship with the former empress of Ashen. Going back and forth between the Armada and wherever she was had to be tiring. Aslatiel, as quirky as her behaviors were, she understood love and the need to be with the one you loved. However, being so divided wasn't beneficial to the Armada. Reaper was an important position and it required complete attention and devotion. Wasn't it her desire to uplift her family and pack? And so the decision had been made. Though she loved Magnus, she would challenge him for the position. The young Fatalis chose the challenge the current Reaper at the center of the territory by the giant bonfire and obelisk. A public place where all could witness. There would be no denying her win, or loss. If she did lose, she would challenge him again and again until she was successful. Raising her muzzle, she called out for both Magnus and any who wished to bear witness to the succession of the young woman. "Aslatiel"

Though it had never been said outright Ophie had always been nudged away from pestering her eldest sister. The little Fatalis had seen her in passing a lot but had never quite struck up the courage to just go up to her and say hi. What was the worst that could happen? A lot of things actually. More than anything in the whole wide world Ophie wanted to be liked and loved and so the thought of her own sister casting her aside was more than enough to make her keep second guessing herself. The what ifs and maybes were forcibly shoved aside when she heard her sister raise a howl to the sky, asking for an audience  to something that sounded really important.

Rocking back on her heels Ophie felt as though she ought to just let it go, but she wanted to see what was going on and as a Fatalis it was her right to, surely? Surely surely surely. Breaking out into a lope, Ophie splashed her way through puddles and muck and eventually found herself in the Armada's communal space, the bonfire lit, pelts laid out as Aslatiel waited in the centre. Her shoulders square and resolute, her gaze sharp and focused.

Ophie was quick to settle on one of the furs as she waited. Serious stuff was afoot.

Magnus had been torn as of late. With the news of Deathbelles pregnancy, he felt wrong living all the way away from her. He simply didn't allow her to travel to the Armada anymore, only he would make the journey from now on, but it was exhausting. He wanted to make sure Belle had every thing she needed and wanted during her term, and he didn't want to rely on anyone else to do the work for him. If anyone needed to take care of Deathbelle, it was him.

Asla's call rang out and his ears perked, interested immediately but hardly surprised. It didn't take him long to arrive to the packs center where the young woman stood and her younger sister sat to watch. He offered a smile to both of the ladies before setting his gaze on Asla. Perhaps this was what they both needed. Asla needed purpose in her life and Magnus needed a break, or well a break to worry about other things, anyway. Today may actually be Asla's lucky day.

He didn't want to wait any longer than he had to, and although he was sure others would certainly love to see a fight, there would be no fight here today. Asla wanted what he had, but Magnus also wanted what she had. He wouldn't wait any longer, refusing to let others gather for a show that wouldn't go on.

"There will be no challenge today." He said, looking hard at Aslatiel for her reaction before flicking his gaze to Ophelia and back to Asla. "I give you my rank, Asla, with no ill will. You belong in the rank of Reaper, with your parents, at the head of the Armada." He offered a small smile, glad to see that if anyone tried to take the rank, it was Aslatiel.

The Warlord had been waiting for his daughters call. Hearing it now, he changed course and fell into a light jog, making his way into the packs center. He approved of her choice to hold it here. He was looking forward to seeing what she had learnt, and to see the differences in her style to that of her Uncle. It had been his intention to stand before the younger generation, and explain to them the strengths and weaknesses if the moves used. The importance of holding his rank as challangable, to keep everyone sharp in the event of an attack. He wanted to see wolves rotate through the Reaper rank. Each wolf would bring something different to the table, each wold would learn something new in the battle for it.

Instead, Magnus refused the challange. He refused to uphold the dignity of the station he had fought so hard to obtain. All of that time and effort spent to earn it, and he gave it away. The rank wasn't there to be given, it was there to be earned. Through trials, or through challange. The wolf that held it woukd know that they had earned it. "Why, Magnus?" He stopped before his Reaper and looked into the purple gaze of his wolf. He did not hide his disappointment, his betrayal.

Naiche made his way towards the little gathering.  He hadn’t been up close when Magnus spoke but he still caught most of it.  Magnus had resigned his rank over to Magnus.  Magnus had beaten him to reaper but Naiche had pulled a close second.  Naiche had imagined with time he would have taken the position once the older wolf had aged just a bit more.  Yet already he had lost the rank and instead of to Naiche it was too Asla. That was unexpected. Naiche got in closer to the group. His eyes shifted from Magnus to Asla and for a bit the thought of challenging her for it hung in his mind.  That had been his future position that she had just snatched up.  The moment past and he found no desire in him to take the rank.  “Congratulations, Reaper.” The formal voice he never gave her for princess offered for reaper.  A public setting and a raised status it seemed the thing to do. "Speech"

The call for a challenge was one that always livened things, and Zee turned to meet her daughter's call as her husband did. She stood further back while the fight threatened to brew - intending to watch over her daughter and reaper rather than spectating the battle itself - and sighed as it came to a very unexpected conclusion. As Sirius spoke up she moved in alongside him, pressing her leg against his gently. She glanced past Magnus towards Asla and gave her daughter a soft smile before turning her gaze back towards the Reaper. "Her worthiness for the rank is not yours to decide." She commented, voice soft as to not travel to the spectators. "Speech"

Members of the pack began to arrive and, with each approaching wolf, adrenaline rose in the young woman. She had worked hard to attain her level of skill and she still trained daily. She helped others train, had saved the lives of packmates, had defended the packs land. Asla regularly hunted to refill the larder. She ran patrols. In her mind, she had earned the right to challenge. This was the next step and it was necessary that she take it in public where her victory could not be disputed. When Magnus arrived though, she was terribly disappointed. The current Reaper, a wolf that she held dear... handed her the position. He simply gave it over. She didn't want that. No, not at all. She had worked for it and would win her title by physical force. It needed to be proven that she was capable and worthy of that title. The young woman's brow furrowed slightly at Magnus' words. She didn't understand why he would just hand it over. He had worked so hard to win the position. Perhaps she would have won it initially if her leg hadn't been broken, but it had been and she couldn't compete. Now this... Movement from the side caught her attention and Asla cast her galaxy gaze to the forms of her father and mother. On the other side, Naiche looked just as confused as she did. His words were met with a soft exhale through soft brown nares. She didn't want congratulations until she did what she came to do. And she would do it whether Magnus verbally gave her the rank or not. The rest of the congregation of wolves disappeared until it was just the striped Fatalis and Magus. She respected him. Always had. No matter what happened today, she would always care for him. Taking a step forward, the armored girl took another, then one more. Her voice was soft when she spoke, showing her lack of ill will, but her words were precise and her intent was clear. "I will earn this as I earn all things. No hard feelings, but this must be done." They were nearly nose to nose while she spoke and she had started her attack upon that approach. The young woman positioned herself so that, when her speech was done, she could launch herself forward. Hind claws dug into the earth below her, providing grip and stability. Jaws opened wide and a guttural snarl ripped from her chest as she sought to sink her teeth into the flesh just below Magnus' jaw. Retractable claws pushed forward as she pushed into him with her paws almost like an embrace. Claws threatened to pop through his flesh as she tried to hold him close to her. He was larger, but she was faster and she was highly skilled. Would he even fight or would he roll over? He had to know how important this was for her. Please... she willed with her mind. Please fight me. Make my succession valid. "Aslatiel"

The call caught Mortis by surprised. He nuged Hika with his shoulder and wide eyes, silently asking his friend to accompany him, before slipping out. He had a feeling he want his friends unshakable, silent support in this. Even if talking to his sister made him look twice at Hika and question everything.

He made his way with speed towards the meeting place. Paws swallowing earth as he ran. And then there she was, the sister he had spilt his heart to the other day. He felt a sudden burst of pride at seeing her. She deserved this, she was much better at authority then he was.

Then his eyes slid to Magnus, and his stomach rolled. What would this mean for his Uncle? He loves Mags. It wared in his heart, and he didn't know who to root for. His loyalty and heart was split, and it left him feeling quesy. Instead, he stood in silent support to both parties as he waited to watch out the fight. He would offer his hugs to both sides at the end of this. He loved them so much.

"Why, Magnus?" Sirius' voice did anything but surprise him, he knew the man would be upset by this he just hadn't thought much of it. To be honest, he hadn't even considered leaving the Armada until Asla's call. Others approached, eyes on the them both but Magnus knew they weren't here for him. They were all here for Asla - another reason she deserved the rank. No one congratulated him on his rise, but Naiche was quick to offer his word for Asla. It didn't matter, though, and he just had to keep telling himself that.

He considered keeping Belle's pregnancy from everyone, though he couldn't find a logical excuse that would explain. Instead, a sigh left his lips and he turned his gaze to Sirius and Zee. "Deathbelle is pregnant." He left it at that, allowing everyone else to fill in the pieces and see that this was not only the best for him, but also the Armada. They needed someone who would be around more than he could be now, so Asla's timing was impeccable.

However, it would seem that despite forfeiting his rank, he would still be expected to fight for one reason or another. Asla's words went left unanswered as he waited for her move. He didn't want this. Honestly, in the time spent mulling over the thought of being a father, he was beginning to see himself change. No longer did he want to fight and prove his strength and worth to others. He'd already proven himself to the only wolf that mattered now. Sure Sirius would likely be disappointed in him, probably even mad, but he couldn't expect the man to understand. He hardly knew of his life before the Armada, but Magnus wanted to be different than his own father was. Magnus wanted to be around.

When Asla leapt and reached to sink her teeth into his jaw, he did little in the way of stopping her. His feet planted and he didn't allow himself to be toppled or moved, but he refused to let the teeth piercing his flesh bother him. She pushed into him, against the force of her grip on his jaw flesh, and he moved just enough to break free from her jaws, tearing the flesh as he did and letting blood spill down the front of his throat and chest. He had no intentions of hurting her, but reached to grab her scruff anyway. If they were both going to get what they wanted, then it had to at least look real on his part.

Mojito knew very little still about the inner workings of the pack, though he was trying to pick it up here and there. Still, he knew Asla's howl, it was imprinted into the back of his mind, just as everything else with her was. He too would find his paws drawing him towards the location of the challenge, he cast his gaze about as he arrived, soft blues drawing in those gathered before landing on Asla, watching her with an unreadable expression as she lunged at a man he did not know.

Mojito was not yet friendly with most of the Armada's wolves and so he settled himself in a place no one else had decided to congregate yet, too self-conscious to push himself in where he might not be wanted. Silently he rooted for Asla, though he still did not yet know what the fight meant.

"Speech!"

TABLE & CODE © SKELLE 2020

Hikaru saw the surprise on Mort’s features as Aslatiel’s sweet voice echoed over the land to challenge for the high rank of Reaper. The koi gave his friend a supportive smile and he followed after the winged heir. Words weren’t needed and Hika would eagerly stand beside Mort during such a tumultuous time. Kaiyo was getting better at keeping up with Mort’s ground eating gait. He only appeared a moment behind the winged heir.

Pale silvery eyes took in Aslatiel, she was much more fierce than she looked. As he learned first hand. Hikaru hadn’t met the man she challenged nor the other man who showed his support for Asla. Hika felt like he belonged here in the Armada, but as events unfolded his current place was simply beside Mortis. The red marked koi blinked and sighed softly as he settled back on his haunches. Close enough he could be touching Mort but set back a little farther.

"Speech"

Aslatiel heard his words before she attacked. Deathbelle was pregnant. Magnus was going to be a father. He truly was divided. Too divided to continue being Reaper of the pack. She understood his choice for giving up the position, but it would mean nothing if she didn't earn it. And so... she attacked. Magnus did nothing to fend of the sharp killing teeth that plunged into the flesh of his jaw. She wasn't trying to maim him, but this needed to be convincing. Her skill needed to show. Her victory needed to be clear and indisputable. His size kept him from sliding backwards as she pushed, but that was just fine. The bigger wolf ripped his flesh out of her mouth, leaving bloody rivulets in his jaw and neck. Well she hadn't wanted that. Dammit. The man's jaws came down in an attempt to grab her scruff. If he managed, he could most likely just lift her and shake her like she was some sort of pup. Couldn't have that. Ducking below the incoming bite, Asla delivered yet another bite, this time to the throat area of the bigger wolf. One paw pushed at the bend of his right front leg in an attempt to get it to buckle. She would wait for him to falter, then she would plant her hind feet and throw all of her weight to her left, his right. If successful, she could very well both throw him off balance, but furthermore, throw him off of his paws entirely. "Aslatiel"

He wanted this fight to look convincing, at least enough to earn her the rank. He hardly cared what shape he left in as long as he was standing and could make the trip to Deathbelle without keeling over first. He chose to stay on the defensive side of this fight, wishing not to hurt the smaller girl even though the size between them would make it easy to do so. He'd never forgive himself if he hurt Asla anyway. Training was one thing, but a brawl over a rank that held little importance to him now was something else entirely.

She had dodged his reach for her scruff, aiming now for his throat which he managed to avoid the brunt of. Bleeding heavily enough from his jaw was plenty, though he did allow her to get some kind of purchase on his throat so this would be over soon. Feeling the pressure she applied to the bend of a foreleg was a smart move for a smaller wolf to make, quickly causing his leg to buckle, and with her weight against him and the loss of blood, he began to fall.

Asla did manage her bite and she was careful to keep it light so that he didn't jerk out of her grasp and hurt himself again. It hadn't been her intent to make him bleed like that at all and she felt rather bad about it. Nothing could be done now though. The pressure that she'd applied against his leg had done the trick. Magnus lost his balance and began to fall. Aslatiel threw her weight along with his descent and the man was slammed to the ground. As he fell, she released her hold on his neck to both avoid harming him further and to keep her own footing. Once Magnus was down, the armored girl, small but insanely fierce, stood over him for a moment, striped tail curled high over her back. She was the Reaper and this proved it. Turning to the wolves that had gathered, she addressed them. "I, Aslatiel Fatalis, am the Reaper of The Armada. Let it not be disputed." Purple orbs met the faces of each wolf around here, staring them hard in the eye lest anyone cared to contest her victory. After looking upon each wolf, she turned her attention back to none other than Mojito. "You're a healer, right? See to his wounds, please." Moving back towards Magnus, the young warriors ears tucked back for a moment as she placed her forehead against his. She was the Reaper, but that didn't end their friendship or the affection that she felt for the man. "Congratulations on being a father," her words were soft and there was a smile on her bloodied lips. There was a shifting of power. Today, they would both get what they wanted. Aslatiel, knowing that the fight wasn't up to par, turned to her parents. Her mother congratulated her and the young woman gave a nod of thanks. "I request another challenge." This had to be real or there would be no weight behind her rank. "Aslatiel"

Zee had seen Magnus in battle before and this... this was not effort. She knew he couldn't be stupid enough to worry about how the alpha's might feel about him injuring their daughter in a challenge for his rank, so what reason did he have to remain defensive other then to throw the fight? Magnus' announcement at Deathbelle's pregnancy allowed the pieces of the puzzle to fall into place, though it did not make it any easier to forgive the Reaper. Her lips pursed though she remained at Seer's side quietly, observing as Asla won for herself the rank she'd yearned for for seasons. It did not take long, and she found herself blowing out a soft sigh before arching her neck upwards to whisper into Sirius' ear. "I support you in whatever you choose to do." It was a subtle remark, though Zee assumed that with the disappointment in her tone he knew what it was she was referring to. Magnus had not only broken one of their laws by not seeking permission before reproducing, but now he'd sullied the rank of Reaper by putting up such a pitiful defense for his title. He'd tried to take from their daughter the pride of her victory, and it was something the young wolf would need in the seasons to come as their right hand. "Congratulations, Aslatiel." She said, louder this time so the girl might hear. Even though Magnus had made it easy for her, Zee had no doubt she was ready for the rank and was proud of her regardless. "Speech"

Deathbelle is pregnant. He felt as though he had been slapped. He knew that her and Magnus had been stepping out together. It skirted dangerously close to pack law, but Sirius had turned a blind eye. Now, he had sired children with her and his loyalties stood outside of the Armada. He kept his expression blank and put a paw over Zees. He had made his decision, and Deathbelle had made hers. He said nothing, and let the match begin. Magnus' refusal hadn't been accepted by either alpha here today. He and Zee stepped to the side, watching their daughter and their Reaper fight. It was a bloody battle, and he knew Magnus was better than what he gave. He clenched his jaw, but said nothing. Magnus had made his decisions. The battle was won by his daughter and Asla stepped forward, victorious. He glanced at Magnus and the healer. Nodding towards Mojito in acquiescence as Asla spoke. For now, Magnus was still pack, and would receive treatment. Then eyes moved back to Magnus. "Don't go far" he instructed his wolf. It was clear that things needed to be said. The wolf's future was leading him away. Rules had been broken, and decisions needed to be made. Zees words startled him, and for a moment he itched... but no. Magnus was family, Magnus was Deathbelles. He had hurt his oldest friend enough. He stepped up besides Asla, standing at his daughters side, and looking out at the crowd of Armada wolves. "I need another challenger to step forward! Someone Warrior rank or higher. So there can be no doubts there that Aslatiel's position as Reaper was earned." He already knew that his daughter earned it, but she needed to know it as well. He scanned the crowd, his eyes lingering on Naiche, his blue gaze challenging the green-toned wolf. Would the wolf that had desired Reaper step up to the challenge? He stepped up besides Asla, grabbing her paw in his, and lifted it high above the ground, scanning the eyes of those that had come to watch. “Congratulations to Aslatiel for her victory. The position of Reaper is safe from challenges for two weeks. Settle in, my Reaper, learn your role, and challenge our warriors ways of thinking. The pack thrives by the doings of its leaders.” He released her paw, and kissed her cheek. Stepping away from the crowd, but leaving here to soak it in longer if she so wished. “I will find you later today, Asla.” He promised her. For now, he needed to steal some moments with Magnus. "Speech"

"Dont bother, I've had worse." He said to the boy Asla spoke to as he stood, righting and gathering himself. Today would certainly be a good day for Asla and it wasn't long before her well earned congratulations were given. Magnus cast Sirius a look to acknowledge the order to not go far and turned to head towards his den, assuming the man would be along shortly to scold him once he'd spent time with their daughter and new reaper. He couldn't blame him, that was a poor excuse of s fight. But how could he fight for something he didn't want? His priorities were changing before even his own eyes. He couldn't give his all the the Armada anymore, especially not with Deathbelle carrying their children off in another pack. He could only hope Sirius could try to understand.

/exit mags

Ophie hadn't known what she'd been expecting but it wasn't this... She was fine with all of the wolves arriving on the scene, they were only doing what she had, but the same couldn't be said for the scent of blood that filled the air. Coppery and tangy, enough to make her wince when her big sister landed a hit that tore through her opponent's skin. She'd seen the guy around but...not as much lately, as far as she could remember they'd never spoken, let alone exchanged names. For all intents and purposes he was a stranger to her, and he was losing this fight. Badly.

She flinched with an eep and was quick to skitter to the safety of Mortis' side, where he stood next to Hikaru, their shoulders almost touching. She didn't really understand why they were fighting, not because she was too young or naïve, rather...well she hadn't really been paying too much attention till things were in the thick of it. Too late to ask questions.

She wanted to huddle by her parents side, forever a daddy's girl, but there was a look of seriousness in their eyes, an unmistakeable gravity that kept little Ophie right where she was, safe in her brother's shadow.

Naiche had worked hard to try and obtain the rank of reaper and had loss.  The way Magnus could throw it away was something Naiche couldn’t imagine.  He had pups and they were from outside the armada.  So not only would he toss away rank but he had broken the law of pups from outside the pack.  Naiche refused to put anything before the armada, including something like love which seemed of less value than duty and honor.  Admittedly he hadn’t felt it before other than a young child with parents but it still seemed an obvious choice.  Pack always came first. He watched Asla fight Magnus, if it could be called a fight.  He couldn’t imagine Asla could find any pleasure in that sort of a fight.  Everyone was watching and that was what she had gotten?  Asla wore status well, acting the part of giving out commands though of course that didn’t surprise Naiche at all.  Asla giving out commands seemed perfectly normal in a way though he admitted it was different now. Was it any surprise Asla wanted another challenge? Sirius spoke up the same belief.  Hell, Naiche wasn’t waiting.  His first feeling had been the position should have been his.  That had only been tempered with his respect for Asla and their friendship.  The request for a challenge was taking up with no further hesitation.  Naiche stepped forward, one acknowledging glance to Sirius before his focus was fully on Asla, “I, Naiche, challenge you for the right of reaper Aslatiel.” Firm eyes met hers as he moved to stand across from her, adding with a soft fierce warning, “and I swear I won’t hold back an inch.”  She wanted it as much as he did no doubt.  Time to make sure the pack got to watch a fight worthy of the best. "Speech"

Natha worked the meat off an elk bone with her raspy tongue. She could get remnants of flesh from the bones that other predators might find more difficult though it would be harder for her to render the marrow from such large bones. She'd just finished her meal and set to grooming when she heard Aslatiel's challenge ring through the Armada lands. Well, that was going to be interesting. Natha stretched, pulling her upper body forward as her hind legs extended before she stalked toward the origin of the call. She arrived and offered the young woman a nod of her head before she sat a short ways away to witness the battle.

However, much to her surprise, the man handed over his position rather than fight Aslatiel. Natha's head cocked to the side. He mentioned that Deathbelle was pregnant. Ahh… as a lynx Natha did not care. Among her kind it was common for the male's to leave and continue on. She had driven off her own mate when she had finished with him. She didn't need some testosterone fueled casanova around when she was trying to raise sensible kittens. However, having lived with a wolf pack for some time she was growing wise to the intricacies of a social pack. Pups in another pack could prove problematic.

Magnus' statement was soon followed by something that could have been a fight if Magnus had really tried. She scowled. If this was all he could muster to show for his rank he deserved to have it taken from him and she was glad when Aslatiel declared her victory but it did leave wanting. Her ears perked up as Naiche challenged for the rank of Reaper against Aslatiel. Well, now… this was finally getting interesting. She wished she'd brought along a snowshoe hare to snack on while watching the fight.