Excitement. Pure, unadulturated excitement. Víðarr swept across the land with his warriors by his sides, seeming to eat the ground beneath his paws. High above them, the moon shone bright. A rakish grin painted on his rugged features, the viking king leads the charge. Under cover of darkness, they would attack. He could not hold the feeling down, he could not push it back. Something takes Víðarr over in these moments, something from beyond. An otherworldly shine in his eyes, and a brilliance in every step. It's service to the gods, and to his people, that brings him here. Soon, all of the packs would know their name. This is the first step. Arriving on the Range, he leads his warriors to the borders. Looking to each of them in turn, he finally lifted his head, inviting the rest to join him. A thundering, brassy call echoed from deep inside his chest. Without a second thought, Víðarr led the charge on Avalon. Gaze bright, steps long, the shadow is ready. By the gods, he is ready. These are the moments he lived for. VÍÐARR Ragnarök awaits.

Tomie knew that she would stick out among the fighters, while much of her pelt was dark her head and back were white and would reflect the moon's light. Still she stalked behind Víðarr, bright blues narrowed as she went, the usual distrust evident on her face but she'd been allowed to join so she maybe her estimation of the man had raised an ever so tiny bit. They slipped down the mountain like a rolling cloud that threatened a storm. They arrived at the borders of the pack he'd referred to as Avalon. And despite herself, despite the nearly permanently scowl on her face Tomie couldn't help but add her voice to the call, a thrum of excitement going through her, she had basically no practical experience. That said her expression didn't look any less severe as she slipped past the border, scanning for both the livestock they were there for and for someone who may seek to stop her.

"Tomie"

Image by xALTUMSILENTIUMx

Still The Raven Knows If I Fall

Úlfr donned his armor and weapons, feeling excitement starting to simmer in his stomach at the thought of the battle ahead. There were nerves as well. He would be raiding his old homeland, though it was not his old pack. Fireside had fallen, it had been left for the wind to take and scatter. He looked up to see Glámr and Galinn as the ravens flew down to rest among his shoulders for a brief moment before they took to the sky to survey the raiding party.

They left under cover of night, the moon wrapped in shadowy clouds that choked out its light. When the arrived at the border, Víðarr called Avalon to battle then charged over their borders with the rest of the vikings close behind. Úlfr kept pace toward the front, feeling the chill autumn wind in his face as adrenaline raced through his veins. He had been waiting for this day. Learning amongst his mothers kin in far off lands for the day he would raid on the lands in which he had been raised.

ooc: due to illness and upcoming absence I'm fighting myself so that I can still reasonably participate.

Álarr had retired for the night, he was curled up in his den reviewing a few tinctures when a loud and threatening call echoed through the night. A raid! Well, shit. Álarr quickly gathered his equipment, readying himself for battle while his companions did the same. He knew as winter came they'd likely become a target, what with the livestock and all. Some times he wondered if they were really worth the trouble. However, there was no time to dwell on that now. Álarr tore out of his den to meet the raiders head on and when he was arrived he was surprised to see not only their number but a familiar face. His eyes narrowed as they locked on an old pack mate. "Úlfr…"

Álarr vs Úlfr for Dominance
Round 0/2
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked shoulder harness
Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked helmet
Companion 1: Pallas Cat, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Raven, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Kudu horns (small) - Offensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Healer
Specialty: Defender

It had taken surprisingly little effort to convince her donkey to join her as they made their way down from their mountain home. Róta had thought the grass muncher would rather stay home but the braying and flick of his hooves had her convinced otherwise, and she laughed, allowing the beasty to trot along at her side. He was a strange looking warrior, but she wouldn't deny him if this was what his heart desired.

She added her voice to the chorus calling out their challenge. There was a new pack in the area, and they were here to make their presence known.

“Speech”

Corbie heard the challenge rising over the range, and went very still. This was what it came down to then, didn't it? For all her neutrality, for all her offers of trade and friendship, there were still those who thought it was easier just to take in blood and violence what she'd been willing to offer them without. She rose to her paws in the darkness of the flock-guardian shelter and moved into the moonlight to weave her way through the grasses and the sheep like a wraith. Stepping up to the group to bar their way, she saw only Alarr had made it there yet. "It's not too late for you to change your mind and leave," she told the invading alpha without emotion. "If you truly are so poor in resources that you must raid rather than give an equal value for them, we have never been unwilling to give charity to those who need it. Our offer of peace and friendship is extended to all, equally. But if you continue on this path, wolf, you will have shown your wolves to be nothing more than thieves and honorless bullies. Is that the path you want?" She held herself ready - though she'd needed, for her own sense of worth, to give them the chance to leave without consequence, she was not naive enough to think that they'd choose to do the right thing. This would not be the first time she'd fought to protect something worth protecting, from someone she believed was not worthy of it... Avalon's very existence had sprang from that. She would stand her ground.

Another pack was attacking them. Balian was not a stranger to the ways of the wolves, he'd been living among them for years now, and he spotted the strangers coming toward Avalon. He secured the lambs he'd been watching before he raced to meet the raiders. Hooves thundered across the ground, the stallion snorted angrily as he approached. Avalon was relatively peaceful, was that making them a target for other packs now? Ears flicked momentarily when he heard Corbie speak to the leading wolf on the opposing side, though they quickly pinned against his head. He stopped just behind Corbie, pawing the ground with anger and anticipation. Were they going to go home? Or continue their path forward? Crystalline hooves glinted in the moonlight as he prepared, the stallion ready and waiting to charge in and stomp whomever dared threaten Avalon's peace. "Speech"

Raiders? He and his uncle were finishing up the preparation of a tanned deer skin when the howl sounded. Avalon was being raided? Why? They were open to trade with others, who were they and why did they want to raid? Surely a more peaceful approach would've been an option...though as Finan learned growing up, not everyone wanted peace. Glancing at his uncle, he nodded and led the way forward. The monochromatic pair quickly arrived to find a few raiders approaching, though out of respect for Corbie, they paused on the line behind her, hackles raised as they waited for the go-ahead to drive the attackers off. That is, if they decided to continue an assault. His gaze moved from one enemy to the next, sizing them up and observing possible weak spots. "Talk, 'Think.'

He heard them coming. Heard the summon. Smelled their stench on the breeze. He was an experienced hunter. He had seen it all before. His Osprey had also warned him of strangers approaching and trespassing their borders. He stopped what he was doing and glanced at his nephew before getting up and hurrying toward the scene. When the pair arrived, Balian and Alarr were there already with Corbie. His fur-bristled, bi-colored gaze observed the other side as more showed up. He vaguely recognized the leading wolf, but couldn't quite remember where he had met him before. Corbie opted to give them a chance to turn around, so Cloud kept his distance for the time being...but was ready at a moment's notice. He could feel the twitch of his mind, ready. Waiting. Though he hoped he wouldn't lose control. It was always in things like this that he did...though it had been a while now. Avalon seemed to curb that...but they'd been living in quiet peace...until now.

The vikings left their lands under cover of darkness, a good move in her opinion. Their first target was a pack called Avalon. A pack she had considered joining once upon a time, but felt that perhaps it was not quite her cup of tea. A good thing, too. She knew they were a pack of peace, and Brida was far from the peaceful type. Her new leaders ways were more up her alley, so she eagerly followed, ready to fight. Throwing in a battle cry on the way, she grinned as they approached Avalon's dark borders. Vidarr stopped for a moment before leading the charge further in, but they were quickly met by the opposition. She threw on the brakes, impatiently waiting for Vidarr's response to the ruffled alpha of Avalon, though that grin never left her. Did they think they'd apologize and turn around? No. She wanted to fight! "Brida"

"Aaarrgghh!! Let's go Knut! It's time!" He shouted as he followed the raiding party out into the night. The little warrior was ready and eager for battle! He followed among them, short legs keeping pace with his longer-legged packmates. Amber gaze blazed with the light of a prospective fight! Would this pack give them one? The borders drew closer, and as Vidarr led the charge through, the other wolves began to appear. He paused, armor rattling as he waited for Vidarr's response. Though from what he knew so far, he was sure they were going to press onward. "Oi! Yer not afraid of a wee fight, are ye!?" He barked, followed by a hearty laugh. He wanted to fight, dammit! "Gimli"||"Knut"

She was ready. She had prayed before the meeting. Before their march Westward. She was the shadow in the light. The darkness in the light. The split form moved like a wraith among the band of warriors as they made their way toward the peaceful pack called Avalon. She knew about the pack. Knew they weren't really the sort that were inclined to wet their paws with blood. The alphess there had fought for her place, and rightfully so. Sirius' unworthy son had lost to her. Such a shame. Though fate had a way of doing things...and here it led them. She slowed when Avalon's alphess arrived, attempting to talk them down from taking what they wished for the winter season. Her lips curled into the slightest of grins as she looked to the moon. "It is not the Gods will to turn away," She muttered beneath her breath. No. The Gods wanted them to do this. To prove their worth. Though she was older now, she would not turn away from a challenge.

A woman stepped up to greet him, to issue a warning. She's well spoken, Víðarr would give her that. It would only get her so far with the viking king, with the horde that stood by his sides. As Corbie speaks, a grin crept across his features, silvery in the moonlight. Squaring his stance to the woman, Víðarr met her gaze steadily. Unblinking. "To say we are bullies implies you view yourself, and your pack, as weaker." The words come from somewhere deep inside his chest, tone commanding. They are words meant to carry to all those who had gathered around them. The shadow takes one step forward, towards the other alpha. It's a dare, a challenge. Shoulders hunched, head dropping low, grin razor sharp and unwavering. Gimli's call from somewhere off to the side brings a brassy chuckle forth from the viking king. He's alight with it, this feeling taking hold. Excitement so thick he could damn near taste it, Víðarr can't help himself. "Well, are you afraid?" He watches Corbie intensely, breath near held. Waiting. VÍÐARR Ragnarök awaits.

Víðarr vs Corbie for dominance (raid)
Round 0/?
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked Gauntlets
Defensive Battle Accessory: Lamellar Shirt
Companion 1: Karelian bear dog, male - Battle
Companion 2: Tawny owl, Female - Battle
*Companion 3: Karelian bear dog, female - Battle
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Cooperative

Corvus had only participated in one raid before, and the experience had been... upsetting, to say the very least. He'd been told in advance about the raid but he'd still been forced to fight his closest friend, and though he'd won it hadn't felt like a win at all to him. This was an entirely different scenario though. A stranger called them to defend their resources, for no apparent reason, and Corvus would defend them - just as he would his own flesh and blood. He'd come to Avalon to settle down and live a peaceful life, but it was no surprise at all him that not all wolves respected that. He knew as well as anything that not all wolves were good, and that those that were would be in constant juxtaposition to those that were not.

A sigh fell from his lips as he headed toward the call. A handful of them had already arrived, though he urged his children to stay away from the fighting, for they were not yet old enough. He was still to defend them until they were ready and capable. He made a mental note to make sure they all had ample fighting lessons when they were older, before he and Twig... his thoughts trailed away then, not wanting to linger on those dark thoughts right now, not when he had to focus on defending his pack.

It was no surprise to him that Corbie urged them to remain peaceful, though the leader of the group that opposed them seemed keen on anything but. He wouldn't be the first to strike though, and he wouldn't be surprised if none of Avalon did, either. He stood his ground and waited, assessing his opponents and preparing for what was to come.

Excitement was an emotion Tenshi had been in surplus of as of lately. From the shift in her home, to the acquisition of the mountain, to the creation of the pack, to Vidarr’s proposal, and now this? Oh, she had every reason to beam a flashing smile. Her own teeth glinted in the shine of the moon as she rushed through the lands. Keeping close to Vidarr’s side, the bulky woman all but allowed herself to go feral. The glint in her eyes was more animalistic than ever before. The growl at the back of her throat rumbled deep in her chest as her paws dug into the dirt. Every hair on her body stood on end as they approached the neighboring lands. It is then that Vidarr releases his brassy call to the sky. She is quick to join. A deep and melancholy noise that is meant for them and the gods. As her chin lowers and they are answered by the pack that resides here, her gaze lands on a different creature. An equine. Pale and somewhat striped, the silvery glint of his hooves caught her attention. “The horse is mine,” Tenshi calls out as she slips around Vidarr and heads toward the hoofed animal. She stops though, feet away, as Vidarr and the other Alpha speak to each other. Her own shoulders hunch, hackles rising, teeth glinting in the moon’s light once more as she waits. While she anticipated and looked forward to the fight, she would let Vidarr and the Alpha be the one to do the honors. In those fleeting moments as they talk, she trains her icy gaze back on the horse. “I hope you can fight,” she calls out to the not so sharp-toothed creature as her smiles continues to widen. ”Speech” ’Thought’

Tenshi vs Balian for Dominance (raid)
Round 0/?
Age: Over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Shuriken
Defensive Battle Accessory: Studded sholder pads
Companion 1: Snow leopard, Male - Battle
Companion 2: White Egret, Male - Flying
*Companion 3: Snow leopard, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Antlers - Offensive
Mutation 2: Thick skin - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Healer
Specialty: Field Medic or Knight

It was strange to return to Avalon so sood, and to return like this. It would be good to see the alpha again, even if she hadn't really been font long enough for Corbie to miss her. She trotted into the Range a beat behind some of her packmates, her eyes scanning the field. When they found the green eyed alpha, she waved a paw and blew her a kiss.

“Hey lovely”

She said, paying little attention to the words. Her alpha was already engaging Corbie. She needed to find her own mark.

Oblivious to the atmosphere on the Avalon side of things, her eyes lighted on a cute tawny wolf close to her height.

“Hey there sugar, want to tango?”

She purred as she closed the distance between them. Aiming to collide her shoulder against his. If she succeeded, she would proceed to nip at his ear with her teeth. The motion playful more than rough.

Lorikeet vs Corvus for Dominance
Round 1/?
Age: over one
Size: Extra large
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Sharpened antler head armor
Companion 1: Cat with antlers, Female - Battle - Boosted
Mutation 1: Thicker fur - Defensive
Mutation 2: Feline claws - Offensive
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Intellectual

"Speech"

The mutters and whoops from the invaders sounded to Corbie much like a pack of hyenas or jackels, yipping and heckling in the darkness. She raked them all with a quick, scornful glance before refocusing on their alpha, a quiet laugh escaping her. Her own pack had stepped up to protect what was theirs, waiting only out of respect for her wish to give these would-be marauders a chance to turn back. "Your actions reflect what you are, thief. No, I do not fear you. I pity you. I pity your wolves, that they would follow you in this, like scavengers." She pressed her lips together and shook her head, disappointment and, yes, pity, clear on her expression as she stared up at him. "Make your decision, then."

The decision might be very well beyond reconciling, though, as a familiar face popped out of the crowd of invaders to attack Corvus. Corbie reeled internally, shock and betrayal and hurt crashing into her at the sight. They had freely given her healing, and food, and shelter and she had chosen to betray that trust by returning to steal from them? And more, chose to attack them even before the invaders' leader commanded, before anyone else. Behind her, Ren snarled aloud, the big dog recognizing the antlered woman as well. Had Lorikeet led these wolves to her doorstep? Ha she only ever stayed with them for this?

Corbie stared with mute fury at the other alpha, hackles up now - if he did not call the betrayer to heel and leave, she would have no remaining regrets about what she would have to do, though she knew she would be fighting well outside her weight class.


Corbie vs Vidarr for dominance
Round 0/2
Age: over 1 year
Size: Medium
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Bladed Leather Boots
Defensive Battle Accessory: Sheepskin Vest
Companion 1: Kinkajou, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Border collie, Male - Battle
*Companion 3: Caucasian shepherd dog, Female - Battle
Skills: Master Hunter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Beast Master

There is nothing would be about these marauders. The viking horde had approached, and they would conquer-- Víðarr was certain of it. His grin glimmered from his dark coat, stark and shining. On the fringes of his awareness, there's something about his wife and a horse. Tenshi could hold her own, but then, so could the rest of his warriors. Lorikeet as well, had joined in the assault. Her methods were unorthodox, but then, what did the shadow expect? The seduce and destroy route... he respects it. At his flanks, Víðarr's hulking dogs match his offensive posture. "Our decision was already made." The words are simple, and the viking king lunges towards the smaller woman. In Víðarr's mind, it's just business. Surviving the winter meant taking what they needed. He wants to maintain close quarters, close contact with the other alpha. His teeth seek the back of her neck, looking to make quick work of the woman before him. Larger, bulkier-- a blessing and a curse. Víðarr knows she's likely faster. Every movement he makes is purposeful, methodical. He is eager to fight, and he'd savor every moment of their inaugural raid. VÍÐARR Ragnarök awaits.

Víðarr vs Corbie for dominance (raid)
Round 1/2
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked Gauntlets
Defensive Battle Accessory: Lamellar Shirt
Companion 1: Karelian bear dog, male - Battle
Companion 2: Tawny owl, Female - Battle
*Companion 3: Karelian bear dog, female - Battle
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Cooperative

They trickled out to meet them and Tomie stopped as a woman spoke up, her voice carrying a tone of authority and Tomie guessed she must be the leader of this small group. Others from her side threw out jeers or muttered taunts but Tomie herself stayed quiet, gaze locked on the black man to see what his response will be. A few fights break out before he himself launched at the woman and Tomie took that as a signal of their answer to the woman's offer. She scaned the crowd quickly, spotting a man a few years older than herself and currently unoccupied. With a roll of her shoulders she adjusted her course to stand before him, though not closing the space that existed when she turned to face him head on. From there she could see he was maybe an inch or two taller than she was and the girl can't help the thrill of excitement that flashed through her again, face still scowling though. She took a breath and then started towards him, moving as fast as he legs could carry her. They were of an equal size aside from height so Tomie had no illusions of overpowering the man, instead she'd duck her head as she moved, hoping to ram herself right shoulder first into his chest and if she was lucky swing her head up into his chin and knock his head back.


Tomie vs Finan for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: 1+
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Skills: Beginner Fighter & Beginner Healer


"Tomie"

Image by xALTUMSILENTIUMx

Twig tried to remember the last time she had found herself engaged in battle and her memory was fleeting. Perhaps back in Abaven? So many years had passed since then she couldn’t even think. When the call rang out that there was a raid the old woman moved as fast as she could with her creaking joints and sore back. She followed after Corvus, giving their pups an encouraging smile as the pair of them went to battle. Though Corbie tried to talk the offenders down, Twig knew there would be no peaceful option here.

Though she wanted to live out the rest of her life in peace, she would also give her full efforts to defend what was rightfully the packs and their children’s inheritance. Twig’s vibrant purple gaze scanned their attackers, surprised to see a she wolf of similar age to herself. The Memoire woman found herself squaring off with the black and white phantom silently. There were no words to exchange here now, only actions mattered.

Twig was smaller than the other woman, but she hoped to use her speed to her advantage. Taking a chance she mock charged her opponent, hoping to draw out an opposing attack before she went for her own damaging move.

Twig vs Pandora for Dominance
Round 1 of 2?
Age: over 1
Size: Small
Build: Light
Defensive Battle Accessory: European badger bracers
Skills: Expert Fighter & Expert Hunter

"Autumn Twig Memoire"