It's broad daylight when the viking king comes to the borders, howling with maybe a little too much excitement. It's a raid, and he's come to attack the castle. The party that's arrived with him? They're the best company he could ask for. Erik and the kids would be stashed safely, not far off, under strict instructions to stay where they were and not give away any of the surprises. So far, so good. With straightforward, clear instructions to his fighters (no killing, no extra use of force), Víðarr is fairly certain that it's enough. No, this isn't a bid to damage his relationship with the Hallows, but strengthen it in his own way. That, and everyone would benefit from the stress relief this would bring... right? Icy gaze wild as it settles on the castle, Víðarr is the first to breach the borders. Leading the charge with a long, threatening call. Let the games begin. "Víðarr"

Still The Raven Knows If I Fall

Sunlight warmed his shoulders and breathed in the scent of spring. It never ceased to amaze him how the weather patterns between Boreas and Auster were flipped. Ahead lay the castle, a interesting human relic that the wolves of the Hallows lived in. Úlfr didn't bother himself with the pack politics, nor did he care about their relationship with The Hallows. He was here to raid and do glorious battle.

Víðarr breached the borders, striding across and Úlfr followed soon after, heading toward the castle as his leader called for the defending pack. Úlfr could practically smell the wine now. He was eager to sample the Hallows wares and there was something about gaining such spoils through battle that would make them taste so much sweeter.

Artorias had known the vikings were coming for a visit. Some time beforehand, Víðarr had sent him a missive informing him of the good-natured raid he intended to launch against the Hallows. Honestly, it was a pleasant distraction to all the darkness and despair that seemed to be growing across Ardent lately, and the Lord welcomed it with open arms. Stakes were set through secret discussions—a stash of high quality wines set aside in the cellars with Heiðinn's name written on it—if they could take it, that was. That was why when the call of the Konungr resounded across the lands, it came as little surprise to the Carpathian brute. A daring smile flashed across his muzzle, a fiery twinkle coming to life in amber eyes. As nice as they were, the Hallows was definitely going to make Heiðinn work for its rewards today.

Artorias responded to the threatening call with a summoning howl of his own, rallying the Hallows' warriors to action. Artorias donned his armor and took Embershard with him as a show of force, though there would be no using of their blades against the vikings today. He wanted his wolves to fight with all the ferocity in their souls, but risk none of the consequences of true warfare. This was as much about having fun and shaking off the gloom as it was for practice. With his battledress equipped, the Lord of Cinder headed out to the castle courtyard to wait for his wolves to assemble in the beautiful spring daylight. "Knights! Vanguard! Rally to me! I want everyone to fight with all your hearts and courage, but stay your blades and mind your fangs. We will be meeting force with force today." A simple command—no maims or killing or unnecessary bloodshed. They would test their mettle and show it off to Heiðinn. This exercise was meant to hone skills and strengthen relations, not damage them. "No invading force has ever set paw inside Hearthstone. That is not going to change today!"

With his short speech to inspire his wolves, Artorias led the charge out of the castle gates to intercept the Heiðinn wolves before they could cross the threshold into the gardens. Artorias spotted them closing in on the gates with Víðarr expectedly at the head of the group. Eyes of fire glistened as they met the fellow alpha's arctic gaze, and he greeted his peer with a lopsided grin. "Welcome to the Hallows, Víðarr," said Artorias, drawing his sword and driving the blade into the earth like a marker. "You'll go no farther than this today." Still grinning like a pup at play, Artorias bared his fangs and growled as he set his paws, then lunged for the viking king, charging the other alpha with nimble paws zipping across the lush grasses. Artorias aimed to rush Víðarr, keeping his body low so he could seek to lunge upwards at the other brute's neck, aiming a bite right where the neck and shoulder met while powerful forelegs aimed to grapple underneath his opponent's shoulders like a wrestler.

Artorias vs Víðarr for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: 1+ years
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Damascus steel sword
Defensive Battle Accessory: Reinforced leather cuirass
Companion 1: Common raven, Male - Flying - Boosted
Companion 2: Silver cross fox - Battle - Boosted
*Companion 3: Common raven, Female - Flying
Mutation 1: Stronger teeth and jaws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Thicker fur - Defensive
Mutation 3: Enhanced vision - Perception
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Navigator
Specialty: Knight & Fleet-footed

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

Excitement builds with every step as the Vikings travel down to Auster until Unagi is a live wire, her body practically trembling with all the pent-up energy. They are all ready to charge across borders and sing the songs of battle but this will be the girl’s first raid alongside her grandfather and she cannot wait. Spring greets the raiding party as they cross the land bridge, skirting the Hallows land until the twisting spires of their castle appears on the horizon.

Mismatched eyes are bright with hunger for the battle to come and, as her grandfather breeches the borders, Unagi is fast behind him. The call that Víðarr unleashes fills the air, hanging above the raiding party as they charge into the packs territory, ready to down any wolves that stand in there way. While they will rein in their bloodlust, the thrill of battle will not be denied to them this day.


"Hattori-Klein Unagi"

The challenging howl from the borders made her head pop up from what she was doing, a little grin pulling at her lips as she rushed to grab her armor and dagger just as her husband's summoning howl cut through the air. While she hadn't known the specifics, Art had mentioned in passing a while back about the potential raid that he had been working out with Víðarr's pack. For the most part she considered herself nearly a pacifist, always preferring to talk out an issue rather than have it come to blows, but when the fight was in good fun and she knew no real harm should come of it she couldn't help but let a bit of her Fatalis genes come through in her excitement for the coming fight.

She quickly made her way to Art's side, joining in with their fighters as they went to meet their opponents. There was a good number of their children that had sprung into action and she was proud to see them all there–and amazed that they were now old enough to stand on their own in a raid like this. With their guidelines given, they charged toward the plains to meet the Heidinn wolves. Unsurprisingly, Artorias went right for Víðarr so Briar turned her gaze toward the male that was following close behind the opposing alpha. She and the lightly colored man coated with shades of tan, cream, and gray looked like he might match her perfectly in hight even though he was slightly stockier in build. With a grin she bounded right for him, keeping light on her feet as she dodged to the man's left with a graceful leap and lunged in to try and jab the point of her left shoulder into the man's ribs. It was a bit disappointing that she wouldn't be using her dagger today since she hadn't had a reason to use it since it was given to her, but she'd respect her husband's wishes and keep it sheathed for now unless the raiders tried to use more force than they expected.

"Briar Carpathius"

Briar vs Úlfr for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Damascus steel dagger
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather armor
Companion 1: Prairie falcon, Female - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Fox with antlers, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Antlers (small) - Offensive
Mutation 2: Feline claws - Offensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Bard

Relaxed, pleasant even, as he engages with Artorias. Víðarr can't help himself, though he'd put on a show. Hell, for his good? For everyone else's? While it wasn't for him to say, Víðarr was going to have a damn good time, now that he'd brought everyone out here. Quite enjoying himself, the viking king feels the battlefield around him as it springs to life. Coming to life, blood magic, and all the wonderful things. Hulking in the sun, Víðarr engages confidently. It's not their usual style, to come in the daytime. The shadow considers that he could get used to this, standing eye to eye with his opponent. "Oh, real?" His grin is friendly, tone brassy. No elegance today, just brawling. In his element, the viking king rushes to meet Artorias. Long steps, a command presence on the field. Rush of air from his lungs as they crash, though Víðarr sinks his weight in retaliation. They could clash, and the viking king would accept the teeth, though he yanked to the side-- taking the bite to his shoulder instead. Víðarr remained close, looking to return the grapple. The two could remain close to each other, fight for control. It's a great gnashing of teeth and throwing of weight on Víðarr's part. Jaws seeking what he can reach, hoping for cheek or ear. Good natured he remained, though they put on a show. "Víðarr"

Víðarr vs Artorias 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 - Flying (Perception)
*Companion 3: Karelian bear dog, female - Battle
Mutation 1: Blood shooting from eyes - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Cooperative

Solaire was working on a new kind of poultice–or at least one that was new to him–with his aunt Gwyn when the first howl rang out from the plains that made them both stop to listen. He didn't register what was happening right away, but his aunt sprung into action right away and started throwing on her cape and dagger so he started doing the same, grabbing his armor and sliding his axe into its sheath on his back. Was someone attacking? Were they about to fight? He had so many questions but there wasn't much time to ask them before he heard his dad calling for the fighters and they rushed out to meet him. He was kind of surprised to see his aunt running out to join with the fighters considering how quiet and gentle she usually was and since he never saw her training with the other warriors, but she had her bag of supplies in tow so maybe she was there to be medical support more than anything.

He looked to his father for direction and listened close as he instructed them to fight with hearts and courage, but to keep blades away and mind their fangs. That made him tip his head a bit with confusion. If these were attackers and intruders then shouldn't they fight them with everything they had? But then he quickly picked up on the fact that his father was in a far better mood than he would be if these were real attackers. Ahhhhhh so his dad knew something they didn't! His parents led the charge, but he was close behind, watching as his mom and dad immediately engaged with two of the males that were toward the front of the attacking group. His dual toned gaze locked onto a girl that looked like she might be about his age. Perfect! Since his dad had warned them to not use blades he kept the large axe on his back out of the way and instead just rushed forward toward the monochromatic girl with what he hoped was a fierce battlecry. He attempted to slam his right shoulder into hers while he turned his head to try and grab at her scruff, figuring that was as good a way to kick off a fight as any!

"Solaire Carpathius"

Solaire vs Unagi for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Battle Axe
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Cuirass
Companion 1: Capybara, Male, Battle
Companion 2: Tufted Capuchin, Male, Battle
Mutation 1: Fancy vision - Perception
Skills: Expert Healer & Advanced Fighter
Specialty: Bard from Briar

Fights break out as wolves appear, excitement and delight raising on both sides as the sound of clashes begin to fill the air. A tall boy, close to her own age appears with a huge battle axe strapped across his board back. The slate and cream boy bellows a battlecry and a smile tugs at her lips as Unagi’s eyes flash with anticipation and she angles for him as the fates have declared that he will be her first fight.

He charges straight at her and, before he can make contact, the girl stops dead in her tracks and swiftly sets her defenses. Toes splay to grip the ground as they connect and she works to absorb the impact, air rushing from her lungs at the pure force of their bodies colliding. He aims to grab her scruff but Unagi is already lifting her head and twisting her neck as she seeks to find the flesh of the boy’s cheek.

Body stays compact and her knees are still slightly bent as she seeks to find his flesh, ready to dodge away or raise up should the need arise.





Unagi vs Solaire for Dominance (Raid)
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Advanced Hunter



"Hattori-Klein Unagi"

It's clear by the spark in Artorias' fire-hued eyes that he is enjoying the fight as much as Víðarr is. Too long had it been since he'd actually gotten to test his mettle out in an actual fight that wasn't a spar or training with his children. The viking king was proving to be a formidable foe worthy of all his effort too. Víðarr charged him, the two dire alphas colliding like forces of nature. Had there been a strike of lightning instead of spring sunshine it would've been even more epic. Blood runs hot through Artorias' veins, fire in the soul of the Lord of Cinder coming to life as his fangs secure hold of fur and flesh, though at the shoulder instead of the neck. No matter, he could work with this.

With his jaws latched firmly around Víðarr's shoulder, it was impossible for Artorias to retreat from the incoming bite of the viking in turn. He saw Víðarr's head turn coming towards him and tensed, preparing for the bite. His opponent would ultimately secure his bite around the side of Artorias' face and cheek, earning a wince and flinch from the Lord of Cinder, but he refused to relent. Instead, he used his hold on Víðarr's shoulder to pull and tug with all his might, seeking to destabilize the other wolf enough where he could twist his body and use the momentum to pull Víðarr to the ground. As he moved, Artorias shoved his shoulder forward, trying to push as he pulled and get his opponent off balance.

Artorias vs Víðarr for Dominance
Round 2/2
Age: 1+ years
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Damascus steel sword
Defensive Battle Accessory: Reinforced leather cuirass
Companion 1: Common raven, Male - Flying - Boosted
Companion 2: Silver cross fox - Battle - Boosted
*Companion 3: Common raven, Female - Flying
Mutation 1: Stronger teeth and jaws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Thicker fur - Defensive
Mutation 3: Enhanced vision - Perception
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Navigator
Specialty: Knight & Fleet-footed

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

Solaire's shoulder slammed home into his opponent and he immediately felt that twinging soreness that would probably end up in a bruise, but his armor absorbed the worst of it so he didn't mind too much. He knew fights usually ended up in cuts and bruises anyway so it wasn't like he was getting something he wasn't expecting! The reach for her scruff didn't go quite as well, however, and before he could close his jaws around her scruff she twisted out of the way and his teeth snapped together on air. He saw her moving out of the corner of his eye, but he couldn't quite pull back fast enough to get out of the way completely. Her fangs scraped across his cheek, leaving some shallow cuts behind as he side stepped to avoid the worst of it. With some fresh blood dripping from his cheek, he grinned and put his head down to charge forward once again, except this time he was aiming to sip under her at her right side, hoping that he could toss her onto the ground in the process.

"Solaire Carpathius"

Solaire vs Unagi for Dominance
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Battle Axe
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Cuirass
Companion 1: Capybara, Male, Battle
Companion 2: Tufted Capuchin, Male, Battle
Mutation 1: Fancy vision - Perception
Skills: Expert Healer & Advanced Fighter
Specialty: Bard from Briar

Still The Raven Knows If I Fall

Moments passed until the alpha pair arrived, the male going for Víðarr and the female going for him. Úlfr immediately set his defenses. Making sure that amidst all his defenses he kept his ears pinned and his tail tucked. He took his alpha's words to heart and intended to avoid any serious damage. While he didn't have a problem with extensive violence he certainly didn't require it to have a satisfactory fight.

The woman was fast, leaping to his left side before twisting in to try and ram her shoulder into his ribs. Úlfr swiftly pivoted to his left, seeking to bring them face to face. Her left shoulder slammed into the front of his right shoulder, leaving serious bruising but he paid the injury little mind for his fangs darted forward, seeking to seize her upper right scruff, a few inches down from her head.

Úlfr vs Briar for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Bladed bracers
Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked helmet and cowl
Companion 1: Raven, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Raven, Bale - Battle
Skills: Master Hunter & Master Fighter
Specialty: Cooperative

Artorias found his eyes landing on the castle and widening in surprise. His parents would have murdered everyone in mere sight of such a wonder to call it their own. But his parents' principles were no longer his own. A borrowed dagger in his mouth, he managed to wrench his gaze off the wonder behind them. Focusing instead on the wolves that had appeared from the Castle.

Vidarr and seemingly the leader of these wolves met, but his eyes were already searching the other opponents. Ulfr took a horned wolf, Unagi a blue wolf. It seemed the rest were still grabbing what they needed. He took a seat, watching and waiting for his chance.


"Speech"

The rallying call of Artorias sounded shortly after a challenge. Both calls brought Merc up short as he immediately changed direction. Heading at a trott towards his room, to grab his sword. He usually wore it around his side, but he had taken it off to clean and care for it.

Equipping himself, he made it through the castle halls, and out to where the battle was happening. His sharp eyes took in what was happening around him. From Arts fight, to his word of warning. They would only give what they got, whatever this was, Artorias did not see it as a threat to the pack.

Grinning, he trotted forward, looking for an opponent among these strangers.

"Speech"

Always more fun with something on the line, even if the stakes are relatively low. Always a showman, Víðarr is intent as he allows the thrill of the fight to take over. Heart pounding, the rush of blood to his head, and all of it feels fucking beautiful. The sink of teeth into his shoulder, pain spiking-- this is what it is to be alive. This is what it means. Grin unmistakable as he bore down on Artorias. No pretending that this isn't the best sort of day, right? Momentum. Push and pull, the two would remain locked until the chips fell. Bowing his shoulders, the man does what he can to fight for his balance. Trying to lower his center of gravity, pressuring forward all the while. Push and pull, a toss of his head and a somewhat careless secondary strike of his teeth. It's all for show, really, two boys having a wrestle and a nice time. "Víðarr"

Víðarr vs Artorias for dominance (raid)
Round 2/2
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 - Flying (Perception)
*Companion 3: Karelian bear dog, female - Battle
Mutation 1: Blood shooting from eyes - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Cooperative

The two yearlings tangle and her strike to his cheek opens shallow wounds as the boy pulls away. A manic glint lights up her mismatched eyes as Unagi grins widely at the boy who flashes his own sharp canines in a similar gesture. Then, he is charging again, moving toward her right side and the girl keeps her body compact, ready to absorb the hit in much the same way as last time.

However, the slate and cream boy surprises her, dipping down to slip underneath her right side and Unagi can clearly see where this is going. Weight shifts as she leans into her right side and allows her body to flop down toward him. She hopes that she can land on him and throw off his attack and, who knows, maybe she can even pin him underneath her body and claim victory. Excitement thrills along her nerves as the fight draws to a close.





Unagi vs Solaire for Dominance (Raid)
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Advanced Hunter


"Hattori-Klein Unagi"

Her first, official raid! The call from her father sent tingles of excitement racing through her. Hurrying to slip on her thick, wool cape and her sharpened teeth caps,  Bramble rushes from her room and down the several staircases into the open foyer. Meeting the gaze of her father and mother for a brief moment, smile wide on her lips, she wastes no time to follow after them.

Out in the courtyard, Bramble feels her heart race, her breath pick up in her chest as she scans the scene. Already, her father and a dark, mysterious man are entangled. Her mother too in a bout with another. Wolf to wolf, more come to meet until one stands out. A wolf a little younger than herself, but around the same size, appears to be doing nothing. Sitting, waiting, as if he had all day for this. Bramble's brow furrows, but doesn't hesitate.

Charging forward, she lets loose a valiant howl as she nears the white and blue boy. Baring her teeth in a cheeky grin at him, her sharpened tooth caps glistening in the sun. Bramble leaps forward, knowing it won't be by surprise. Reaching her front legs out, Bramble aims to grab ahold of his shoulders and latch onto his neck in hopes to keep him too preoccupied to even use the dagger clenched between his teeth.

table coding by bunni ♥

Bramble vs Astraios for Dominance
Round 1/?
Age: 1+
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Sharpened & Elongated Canine Tooth Covers
Defensive Battle Accessory: Green leather cloak with a hood
Companion 1: Male Fisher, 45" - Battle
Companion 2: Female Common Raven, 48" - Battle
Mutation 1: Cat claws - Offensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Tactician

Kuroki knew the drill and he supposed if nothing else, it wasn't as if he disliked raiding or fighting in general. The journey south had loosened him up a little, he'd worked out some of the tension in his shoulders and whilst he wasn't as himbo-cheery as he ought to be he wasn't a festering pile of misery either. Fights were already well underway and Kuroki moved casually enough, his posture carried little agression, but he was quick to set his sights on the tall blue-ish black guy. No homo, but he was hot. Okay maybe all the homo, wasn't like Kuroki cared much about stuff like that. Folks were hot, he wasn't exactly fussy and for the most part he flirted with anyone with a pulse. "Hey, hot stuff." Kuroki moved in close, with a bounding grace that was entitely inherited from his mother somehow. Not something he practised. "Wanna try me on for size?" He rushed in, demeanour entirely playful as he initiated with a playful nip, teeth aiming to graze at the tip of Mercury's nose.

Kuroki vs Mercury for dominance
Round 1/2
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Traditional Japanese tanto
Defensive Battle Accessory: Black Panther Cloak
Companion 1: Akita, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Wild boar, Male - Battle
*Companion 3: Black kite, Female - Flying
Mutation 1: Antelope horns - Defensive
Mutation 2: Sabre teeth - Offensive
Mutation 3: Eagle talons - Offensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Marauder

Maki watched as Unagi and her Dad got into the swing of it, seemingly enjoying themselves. Most of the fights she'd gotten into herself felt like slap fights, they never lived up to the dramatic, slow-mo scenes she always hyped up in her mind. Just watching Víðarr and Artorias go at it, with practised, skillful moves, countering and reacting to one another as if they were expert dance partners had her ooohing softly.

That's what she wanted, to be able to do that and make it seem effortless. Elegant and deadly, everything her characters often were and what she clearly wasn't.

Her little rat sat atop her head, moved to tug at her ears as if reminding her to pay attention!!

Tenshi followed proudly behind Vidarr. Though she knew it wasn't a serious raid, she would still treat it as any other. With her armor snugly fitted over her thick frame, she marches with the rest of the raiding party. Even though her joints ache softly, she ignores it. She would not back down from a fight or anything her King would challenge her to. With a smile on her face, she marches through the field and only stops when Vidarr turns to address them. As the raid begins, Tenshi hands back a moment.

Keeping her head high, her steel blue eyes watch the crowd assemble. Wolves from both Hallows and Heidinn begin to fight with each other. It is valiant and it is fun. Entertaining to watch, Tenshi awaits her turn. Standing near Maki, she smiles over at the young girl with her pet rat. Wondering how the storyteller would do in the raid, she also watches the others. Her eyes linger mostly on Vidarr, but also on any other Hallows wolf that may approach.

"Speech"

After the whole thing with her mother dying and feeling so utterly lost, Delphi welcomed the raid. Not because she enjoyed shedding blood, but because she needed something. Wanted to feel again and if fighting someone would do it, she wouldn't hesitate. Following after the group, lingering toward the back with too much on her mind, Delphi is surprised when they arrive.

Her eyes widen slightly as the call rings out for the Hallows. Stopping her tracks, she's left behind as the others charge forward. Heart racing, breath stuck in her throat as she's unsure what to do. Not unprepared, just caught off guard. It appeared no one on the Hallows side was readily available yet, so she would wait. Letting out a howl as her father, Strai, and Vidarr get into their own battles, she tries to be excited for them.