Long legs pulled her forward at a casual swagger, tail flicking behind her as she slipped towards the battlefield with ease. She had taken this path only a few months ago, and she had no doubt in her mind that she would take this path many more times in the future. She felt calm and relaxed, loose and limber despite the fact that she had spent a few days traveling around Alacritia spreading the cure. Thankfully she had stopped at Ludicael last and Song had been kind enough to allow her to spend a day or so in her old den and relax by the hot springs. The steam had loosened the dried blood and debris that had collected in her fur over the weeks she had spent in the dens of the sick. It had also done well for her. She felt good, better then she had since before she had won Seracia.

It was a good day for revenge. Her only regrets being that her brother was long gone, that he wouldn't be able to see it. That she hadn't been able to tell Maia and Rune her plans. But her biggest regret was not getting there sooner, not being able to save him. To this day she still didn't know the males name who had killed Vixe, just knew it was Valhalla's fault. It was there fault and she would have her revenge. She would have a chunk of their alpha's flesh to bury along with her nephew's rotting corpse as payment. Though this alpha had not been directly involved she didn't care. World domination had to start somewhere and who better to start with then the weakest, the odd man out. The pack that if she won it might earn her an alliance with Glaciem.

It was all so perfect, all so ready. The scene was set, a slightly overcast day but the ground was packed down enough from travel thanks to the rouges that she wouldn't have to slug through the snow. Still, dainty paws would lift and drag through the snow languidly, a soft smile spreading across inky lips. Yes, it was all so perfect. At the centre the red woman would stop, heart fluttering in her chest with excitement as she allowed lantern gaze to sweep around. No one was here. Would her pack hear? Would them come? No... They weren't her pack a longer, not until she returned with another crown to pass out. They deserved so much better... Head tipped back as an eerie howl slipped forth, not calling for some unnamed alpha as she had before but instead calling for Erani. Yes. She knew the woman's name, knew her reputations. It would all end here...

"Speech"

She had heard the call from her old Queen echoing across all of Alacritis. The russet beauty would rise, leaving her own kingdom for the moment to go and observe the destruction that was about to take place. There was no doubt in her mind the Vi would conquer the Alpha she had called for. Snow was heavy on the ground as she trudged to the battlefield, curious to see the outcome of this battle. She had always known the red Queen to be ambitious, to want to conquer the world, and slowly but surely it was happening. Covari and Arcanum where aligned, and now Valhalla was about to fall. Alliances were being formed with other packs, friendships growing stronger, it was only a matter of time before the world bowed to them. When she arrived at the battlefield, Vi would be standing alone, an air of confidence surrounding her as she waited for her opponent to arrive. A smile would grace her features as she approached, aiming to bump her shoulder against the Queen. "I'd wish you luck, but you don't need it." A knowing smirk curled pale lips as she laughed quietly before moving outside the soon to be battle ring, taking a seat on the outskirts, tattered audits swiveling, listening carefully for the approach of another. Anticipation swelled in her chest, this was bound to create enemies, and yet, even form stronger alliances. "Talk" "You" Think

The woman had been promoted to the head of the council in Covari. It felt nice to have power once again. The woman grew close to her Queen. She could sense power and strength when it came to the crimson lady. Vi knew it was a good choice to promote her, it was the obvious choice. Svanerna was a leader at heart. She led a pack back in the other lands with her darling family. The Finnvi. The woman was meant to rule. Her mentality was harsh and strict yet she has a nice and warm side. Svan birthed a few sets of pups, allowing her to realize the importance of life but she also knew how ignorant people could get. The woman was a perfect leader, yet she was stuck beneath the crimson Queen. It did bother her, but she was loyal until she got her own pack. The woman was growing old therefore she would have to pop out a few more litters of demons before she started pushing up daisies. Though, the plans were for a much later date, for now she would answer the call of Vi with urgency. Svanerna heard the call of Viridiana and instantly pop up from her resting spot. Her older bones popped as she quickly ran to the source of the call. Lighter colored paws pounded upon the earth like war drums with each step. Her slightly moist fur stood on end. The call was one of a fight, but why was her Queen fighting. Svanerna heard no word of a challenge. The Germanic vixen moved her way to the snow covered bits of the very well known battlefeild. Her tail swayed upon her rear and her hackles were raised in only the slightest to ward off crazy bitches. The woman spotted her Queen who abandoned her throne for another. Svan tilted her head and trotted closer without a care, she would merely cheer her leader on, having faith in her decisions. Yet, if they tumbled down then Svanerna would do only what was right for herself. The temptress stood tall and let her eyes slip to her Queen, slightly behind her, on her left. "K?nnen Sie die blutigen Thron behaupten." Her voice would slip through the brisk air softly, wishing Vi that she claims the throne. Yet her dark vocals would enter the atmosphere once more, "I will be here for you, my Queen. Good luck." The lady took a step back and waited for the challengers to enter the scene. "Speech"

This was something that Altavro needed to attend. When the call for Erani rang out over the heavens, Altavro took his time in tracking it, though track it he did. He hated to leave Albatross, but Altavro had an obligation to attend to, and he was certain that this wouldn't last long. Erani would be able to handle any challenges thrown her way. The white female had been the one to take care of him when his wounds from the earth quake had been infected, however, and now that her pack was being challenged for, Altavro felt obligated to show his support for her.

And so with a last lick to Albatross' head, Altavro spoke, "I'll be back, my love." He murmured it into her ear softly before retreating, running towards the battlefield. The travel took time, but his limbs carried him swiftly and surely to the source of the howl, and Altavro found his gaze settling on the crimson wolfess who had called for Erani. Hmph. She sure didn't look like much, Altavro thought irritably. Erani would make short work of her.

With that thought, Altavro found himself settling into the more comfortable patterns of grumpiness. He was pissed that this had happened with his Albatross injured, and shot the crimson wolfess a sharp glare at the thought. Erani had damn well better take care of this fast - Alt was on a schedule here, and he didn't have hours to waste on some stupid, mindless pack challenge.

"Speech"

The red dame didn't usually stray too far from her mistress Sibelle, so when she heard the echoed howl from another she knew that Sibelle would be there. She had told her of Viridiana and her will to rule the world, making the skiddish dame let out a hesitant chuckle. Sticking low to the earth, Ekoo trotted after her Queen, her scent still strong as it led away from their pack lands. She was a bit afraid to leave the area, but knowing that the ruler of the lands was ahead of her made her more sure of her steps. It wasn't long before she caught up to the russet female, another red dame catching her attention. Was this a meeting of red females? A faint smile teased her lips as she made her way to Sibelle's side, not a word leaving her lips.

Ekko was not a daft wolf, she knew that this was a challenge for dominance and she knew that blood would be spilled. She knew a little bit about healing and herbs, maybe she could actually be of use for once. The petite dame looked up at the way taller female, looking at her forehead instead of her eyes as she offered a ghost of a smile. She was beginning to settle into her skin a little bit around Sibelle, she was a fair and wise master. Ekko did not mind being claimed by her, and piece by piece she was showing her long lost self, her shell was starting to crack and fall away.

Pulling her pale blue gaze away from her mistress, she focused on the vibrate red male before the two females. She was very sure of herself, this Viridiana. Ekko knew that a fight for dominance was about to unfold, and she was honoured to be able to watch the strong female fight.

A call would ring out across the lands of Alacritia, where the tempest had been simply traveling to no specific direction. This would be the call of challenge to another. Interesting... Already a challenge for a pack would take place when she would return. So much had changed, and this russet lady seemed to match the setting of this marvelous play. Overcast skies would threaten to burst above, and the snow was thickly padded down, and in some places stained with blood, where she would make sure to thread in, to satisfy her long-lost taste for the crimson liquid. Already a crowd would gather, as the queen of another pack would rise from the undergrowth, dominance flaring off her. She knew this russet lady now, as her figure became clearer than night. Viridiana Sovari... Quite nice to see you again, russet lady. What are you planning to do with the pack who was so nice to care for myself when I was ill during the siege? The words slipped from coral lips like sweet honey, with a hint of venomous kiss. She liked the russet woman, but her wishes of luck would go to the alphess who would meet her challenge with pride, for Valhalla had been the pack who had cared for her during the Glaciem and Valhallan war. It still shook her of the violence that had occurred, and the painful sickness she had endured with the care of Erani while prisoner. Best of luck to Valhalla, in a small part of my debt to be paid to Erani. Coral lips would part to let these solemn words flow, before her champagne pelt would become hidden in the shade, haunches lowering to sit and respectfully spectate, rather than intervene and make for an unfair battle. This would be Erani and Viridiana's fight, not hers. A sly smile would spread upon the champagne tempest's lips, as she awaited the arrival of the Valhallan queen. Speech,

The young pup slipped forwards, although a far distance behind the others, her head down low, hiding the scar on the right side of her face that the wolf had given her; hopefully it wouldn't be forever. She hadn't seen her companion in forever, although it hadn't been long after the night that she was scractched, and she was beginning to wonder if he was okay, or if that ebony wolf had hurt him somehow. Narrowed blue eyes met the ones of the wolf she had been trying to attack, and she scooted backwards, the fur on her back rising for just a moment before she noticed that the ebony wolf was not here. Hestia glanced at her mother, then away, closing her blue eyes for a moment before she heard the slight flapping of wings made her open her eyes and look up, just as her companion landed on her paw, and he watched her before let out a low sigh, and closed his eyes before speaking. "My Queen, I think that attacking that wolf was a bad idea. Now you're scarred up, and your mother is mad at you. Why don;t you go apologize to he-". Hestia broke the vampire bat off, muttering to him, a slight growl in her voice. "I'm not apologizing to anyone. She doesn't care about me. She doesn't care about Arisu, Vivek, or Solo. She only cares about Fiamette."

Hestia pulled herself to her paws and moved closer to her mother, her tail tucked between her legs and her head lowered. She tilted her head and watched her mother slightly, before speaking, her voice a little raspy and rough. "I wish you the best of luck, mother." With a dip of her head, Hestia move back and watched the rest come, although she was far away from the little crowd.


""

His queen moved with a sense of determination on this fine winter day. He was a bit curious as to what was going on inside her head. The packs had been uprooted recently, with Cataleya's disappearance and Viridiana handing Covari down to another... what could she be up to now? The golden brute followed at a safe distance, his ears bent away in a constant show of submission. HIs scarlet master would arrive on the battlefield and send up a summons for the queen of Valhalla. So this was a siege. Of course. Lekan smiled quietly as his stomach tightened in anticipation. He would move away from the queen to give her space, but would keep his eyes on her at all times. She was strong and confident and surely did not need his assistance at a time like this, but he would always be ready for her, no matter what the case. More wolves arrived, voicing their support for either participant. This would be an easy fight. Lekan felt his lips stretch into a grin, sending his soft voice into the chorus of support for Viridiana. "You know where my loyalties lie, my lovely queen. Best of luck." His gemstone stare would harden as it fell upon the opposing party, surprised when darker thoughts surfaced in his mind. They would win. This stupid old queen would relinquish easily. Even so, it would be a very entertaining thing to watch. WORDS HERE

She had been kidnapped. A mischievous white ghoul had managed to collect her unconscious body due to falling into an illness induced coma that had put her at the mercy of a stranger. She could vaguely remember her face, the way her mismatched eyes clashed against her pale ivory pelt was something the teenager could not forget. Her hijacker had been beautiful, a gem in the rough that she had unintentionally crossed paths with. Would they ever meet again? Was there a reason why the ghoul had taken her unconscious body? These thoughts would plague her mind despite being completely free of the illness, her mother having found the cure while testing on other sick patients and feeding it to her before she had awoken. Her body no longer felt overrun with fever, her head did not feel groggy, and her vision was not blurred by her own blood. She could see clearly now, her volcanic hued orbs darting across the dens roof as relief washed over her. She would roll onto her stomach, lengthy ebony dipped tail lashing out behind her as she rose to her blackened paws. Audits would swivel toward the dens opening, the faint sound of approaching foot steps drawing her attention. She would move quickly, slipping from the opening with ease to catch a glimpse of the nuisance that was constantly ruining her life- Hestia. The black sheep was sprinting toward the borders, and so Fiamette would follow after her sister, seeking to know what force had her sister running so frantically. To her surprise they would approach the battlefield, a place she had only heard stories of, but had yet to discover on her own. Upon crossing into the territory her mothers perfume would waft across her blackened nose, nostrils quivering as brows furrowed with curiosity, limbs pumping faster as she picked up her pace. She would aim to run past the black sheep, paying the nuisance no attention as she broke away from her path. She was curious to know why her mother was here, to her knowledge the battlefield was used for fighting and challenging. Did this mean her mother was being challenged for Covari? Doubt was nonexistent in the girl as she approached the gathering group of wolves, she had no worry in her mind that her mother would be quelled by her enemy. She was an unstoppable force, one to be reckoned with if you wished to be slaughtered. They would not be losing Covari today. Her sister would move toward her mother, whom hadn't been met by her enemy yet. It was apparent then that she was not being challenged, but instead, she was challenging someone. A faint smile would curl the crimson nymph's lips, her mothers raw determination causing her stomach to flutter with pride. "She does not need luck, she will sever them in two by her own tooth and claw-" Venomous words would slip from her gaping maw, words meant for her sisters ears as she cast a challenging glance the blackened sheep's way before looking up at her mother. "Isn't that right, mother?" The girl would coo softly, taking on a gentler tone when speaking to her mother. She did not need their blessing, nor she need anyone's luck. She was a god. Hestia would move away from her mother, and Fiamette would do the same, parting from her mother and walking a few yards away to sit alone and observe the fight that had yet to begin. "Speech"

"Pray For Your Salvation" The boy was cured, still recovering from his sickness. The plague that had wracked his body had taken quite a toll on him, but it would not deter him nor keep him from finding out what was going on. Wearily, he would lift himself from the ground on which he slept. A cough slipping past his raw throat as he stood, and a single shake of his head to try and rid his mind of the headache that threatened to cling to him. The howl came from the battlefield, which was not too far away from Valhallan lands. He was not sure what was going on, but it was not the first time he had heard a call similar as that. It seemed, Valhalla was being challenged. For what purpose, he knew not. Black paws carried him with purpose towards the fields, his body raising itself as much as possible, for he did not want to show weakness to the eyes of those present. However sick he might feel, he would arrive with dignity and guarded eyes. He was not usually one to be violent, but it seemed those who threatened his family, or even the place where his family resided, thought otherwise. It would take some time for him to arrive, for his steps were slow due to aching muscles and the strain of so much movement. He was ordered to rest, but how could he at a time like this? The cross marked male would arrive at last, oceanic blue eyes seeking out a group of others who appeared on the opposing side. They were all unknown to him, but it seemed the lead challenged would be the one standing at the head of the rest. A woman as red as blood, and her aura demanded business. She was not here to play around, that much was obvious. Did she not know Erani was old? Perhaps it was that reason she would challenge Valhalla...it was cowardice to prey on the old and weak. But Erani, he knew...was not weak. He would stand tall, simply eyeing those that were gathered. He knew those of Valhalla who truly cared would be arriving shortly, and he would support his queen with all that he could. If the opposing team played dirty, he would not hesitate to charge into the fray. It would be dishonorable of them, but he did not expect others to play fair...often, those of dark hearts and minds seldom did. "Speech", Thought, "You"

It had not been long since Signy had returned from her long journey to Valhallan lands. She hadn't even gotten back to the den where her no-doubt worried mother was (precisely because her mother was probably worried), instead finding a nice comfy bush to sack out under for something like twelve hours of sleep. Maybe it wasn't actually that long but she definitely woke up feeling much refreshed. Sore from her long journey, and stiffened up from sleeping under a bush, but much more bright-eyed than before. And she'd woken up just in time, apparently, for a faint howl to cross the land. Tiny ears pricked forward to catch it and wonder at it's meaning. Whatever it was, it must have been important because not long after a black and white Valhalla wolf she'd never met was hurrying past toward the call with a very serious expression. Important could mean exciting, and exciting always caught Signy's attention. Leaping to her feet, she snuck after him. His pace was slow enough that even with her much shorter legs she was able to keep him within eyesight the whole way to their destination. As the land slowly gave forth to the blood-stained snowy fields of battle, Signy's eyes went steadily wider. Wow! Was that blood?! Awesome! Was someone fighting?! Was that where this guy was going?! Would she be able to watch?! Neat! Finally the Valhallan male reached a group that seemed to be waiting for something, something that didn't seem to be him because no one did anything. Wow! The leader of all the other wolves was bright, bright red! Signy had never seen a wolf that color before, and her eyes went even wider, jaw dropping open in awe. How did she get that red? Hoping to avoid sitting to close to someone who might recognize her, Signy skittered around to the far side. Whoa, what was that? A pair of pups a bit older than she was was sitting there waiting. One looked pretty similar to her, but with different eyes and white markings, but the other one was as bright red as the grown up she'd been gawping at. Signy immediately gravitated toward her, fearlessly plopping her butt down right beside her. "HI," she whispered loudly. "What's going on? Who are all these wolves? What's your name? Why are you so red? Did you get stuck in a berry bush? Did someone dye your fur? I wanted to dye Cecily's fur but it's too dark and I got caught, but I tried to dye it blue but it didn't work. Do you like to play? I'm Signy!" The whole monologue was delivered in a stage whisper to the red pup practically at the speed of light, bright green eyes shining with curiosity and excitement. This was fun already! "Speech"

Fights interested the russet female more than she let on. With her crew not as active as Kellen might desire, she had taken to haunting the battlefield more often than not, watching wolves tear into each other with glee. And so when a pack challenge had rang out over the air, the russet female had made an appearance, padding along easily until she reached the site of the battle. It would be the bloody colored female that shared similar markings to Kellen, though hers were black and didn't cover her eyes entirely. Still, Kellen saw enough similarities that she found herself siding with her. Challengers were always the more interesting option anyways. Kellen settled down idly, white tipped tail wrapping around her paws as her lazy green gaze wandered the area. Many wolves had already gathered to see the entertainment that would surely follow, Kellen noted with amusement. Heh. Good. Establishments were boring. "Speech"

Hooves thundered across the ground, his mane flew past his shoulders as the winter wind picked up. He was never one to stray far from the borders where Obsidian lived. It had been sometime since he'd seen her, but even so he would remain nearby as a guardian should she ever call for him. And yet, it was today that something would pique his curiosity. Yet at the same time, the howl that summoned who he could only assume was for the Alphess of the pack Valhalla, for he had heard summons similar to that during his war days. Lips would curl into a dominant smirk, for he was always ready for a fight no matter who the opponent was. Wolf, lion, horse, human; bring them all on. Diamond hard hooves pounded into the ground, dust left in his wake. Nostrils would flare as the wind brought to him, several scents of many unknown creatures. He had never met any of the Valhallan wolves, but the scent was still familiar due to the fact it was constantly on Obsidian's pelt. His pace would not slow nor falter, not until he reached the frontlines of the where the fight would commence. Or so he assumed. Silvery eyes would wander across those gathered, first upon the red wolves, then the more plain looking ones, then the cross marked wolf who stood a few yards away. The underlying scent of dying sickness waved towards him, and lastly a young pup who had circled towards the other side. Audits would find the child's voice, and even her scent would tell him it was Valhalla. Although he held no ties and was not allied to any pack; including Valhalla, he wondered who would come out on top here. He also knew, however, that if Valhalla lost...Obsidian would be quite upset. As far as he knew, Valhalla had been her home for a very long time. One hoof would pound at the dirt, head tossing as his mane waved in the air. Nostrils flared as he commanded the attention of those present. The prospect of a fight was exciting to him, for he was a War Horse after all. "Your presence airs that of a leader...but the question is, are you worthy?" A simple question that needed no more then a simple yes or no. Ryuk was diplomatic, but he was a soldier, a General above all else. He cared not who won or lost today, for it would be through who showed the most perseverance and heart that he would follow or ally himself with. Perhaps today was that day. Perhaps not. Talk like this

The attraction between tyrannical paladin and savage combat is magnetic; however, it is the source of the warcall that intrigues the Elysius deity more than the looming prospect of bloodshed. The red queen ( whose diseased babe she had thieved and threatened only days prior ) now posed a challenge towards the current Valhallan sovereign, and although the wraith was wont to admire such ambition like that of which the harlot possessed, she would remain unimpressed. She had already conquered such a feat--had already seized the Valhallan throne within her covetous grasp only seasons prior, and therefore felt uninclined to commend the scarlet challenger for her lack of creativity; if anything, she would scorn the queen who so boldly sought to belittle her past achievements.



She is the very embodiment of elegance--a rose among negligent thorns--and her confidence is apparent in the immaculate poise her pallid form retains as she traipses upon a field that has seen all the gore and carnage this world has to offer. And yet, she is unfazed by the strong scent of iron and rust and death--blood a tantalizing fragrance to a macabre enthusiast whose only desire was to watch the world fall to utter chaos, and all at the mercy of her own paws. However, her time to conquer is not now; now, she is but a mere spectator to another?s battle, silent and apprehensive towards the impending events as she adorns the sidelines like a glorified trophy, entirely indifferent to whatever fate should befall this red queen.

The red boy had scarcely left his sisters side since her mother had brought her back home after her kidnapping. He had taken up the duties of cleaning her face of blood daily and dribbling water into her mouth with bark. When he mother brother food he made sure she ate, even chewing for her if needed. He scarcely left her side, though he didn't understand why. He had never liked his sister before, thinking her to be spoiled and stupid for constantly leaving pack lands. Plus she picked on their sisters and he didn't like that. But in her frail innocence he felt the need to rotect her so he would. He would sleep sometimes curled next to her and other times curled close to the back of the den. When she awoke today she didn't cast a glance his way, instead pulled herself to her feet and set off after Hestia who was scampering off somewhere... Where was she going? Without even thinking he heaved himself to his paws, long gangly legs pulling him along at a lope after his sisters. The travel was fairly long and Fiamette was fast for a recovering wolf, eluding his presence the whole way there. But as they drew closer he realized where they were going. The battlefield. Solo had only heard of it in stories. Heard the tale of his mother winning her pack here. This place. Was sick. Blood both fresh and old splattered the ground, here and there bones as blessed as the snow poked up and out. Were those wolf bones? Bi coloured eyes blinked in confusion and amazement as he padded along without really paying attention to his destination. There was a path in the snow now, apparently more then just his sisters had come here. After a moment the scene would unfold before him. His mother stood there admits the land of white with a rather large gathering around her facing off against two wolves and a strange critter with long hair on it's extremely long neck. It's face looked like a bison but no horns and less cool looking. Were they hunting this creature? Solo looked to his mother but that wasn't why it seemed. Then he would look to the other two wolves there on the other side facing his mother. One looked familiar. Or at least the cross on his shoulder looked similar. It looked like Uncle Cru's! He wanted to go say hi but something told him he should stay with his family. Slowly the young male would slink towards the other side, moving past aunt Sib who had been oddly scarce lately and Miss Svan towards Heatia and Fiametta who sat even further way but still apart. He would smile gently to Hestia but did not move towards him, instead moving to his twin in pelt color but not in markings. Where she bore black he bore white. Strange how that worked. There was another child there talking to her, rattling off a billion questions that made Solo crack a bit of a smile. "She makes me dye it for her every morning..." He said jokingly, though he fell a bit more somber after that, moving to sit beside his sister, head lowered and ears folded back. There were a lot of other wolves around here who he didn't recognize. "What's happening?" He whispered to Fia, leaning slightly so no one else would hear. Was their mother being challenged? Was this weird hairy, hornless buffalo challenging for their home? Solo hadn't really learned much about the battlefield and was a bit oblivious as to what was going on around him. He had missed all the praise so all that was left was what his sister could tell him. "TEXT HERE"

Just gonna stand there and watch me burn

She had spent the past few days resting and looking for a den of her own. Secretly she wanted one near Sephiroth and Jinxx, somewhere between the two males. Jinxx was her brother but she knew at times they would need their own space, thus she sought her own den. And well Sephiroth made her feel safe. He was the only Valhalla to talk to her thus far. But she had no such luck, she just could seem to find Jinxx's den. She supposed she would have to ask him sooner than later. Tiny paws set out to look for her older brother when a call went up. Fur prickled with unease as head lowered, ears flattening to her skull.



The sense of dread washed over her in waves but slowly she made her way towards it. She knew it called for Erani and witnesses, so this couldn't be good. Each step seemed heavier than the last as she realized where she was headed. Last time she was here she brought into a panic attack. Ice blue eyes cast nervously about till she saw Jinxx and rushed to him. Muzzle brushed into his shoulder as she pressed into him with a worried whine. What was going on? Who where these other wolves. She glanced around for more Valhallans and felt her heart drop to her belly.



"Speech"

but that's alright, because I like the way it hurts

Hear my words that I might teach you

Take my arms that I might reach you

Blood both old and fresh filtered through the sneering nostrils of the great cat. Stripes shifted in the fracturing light as Sk?linger moved through the land the wolves called the battlefield. He was on his way north, seeking a suitable terra for winter hunting when the sound of a howl and the raise of wolf stench and noise caught his attention. Curious? oh yes, even a cat such as he was capable of curiosity and so he strode in the direction of the commotion. It was dangerous, true, he'd never stand a change against such a gathering but it would seem they were far more interested in each other. He stood a ways back, eyeing the two groups, tail twitching before he leapt up onto a boulder, resting sphyx style as his jade green eyes observed the scene. Tail twisted and curled, falling down the other side of the boulder.


"Speech"

But my words like silent raindrops fell

And echoed in the wells of silence

D?gmar moved like dappled shadow across the battlefield. The challenge call had not been lost on her and while it did not concern anyone directly in the femme's circle she knew that Sibelle was going to support their ally. There had been many undercurrents lately. D?gmar wanted to see what was involved, who was involved?. and their level of skill. The recent upheaval of the pack had her feeling less than comfortable and uncertain of her place. If she needed to bail for any reason she wanted options. The smell of wolf was thick in the air and the gathering was not hard to find. She hovered near the Arcanum wolves but not too close. They were still strange to her, foreign. She did not know yet if she could trust them to watch her back. Emerald eyes lingered among the faces then froze as she caught the odd-eyed, violet and silver gaze, of the white femme that had ripped her off of an intruder. Now this was curious. Rose pink tongue ran along her fangs as she remembered the power in those jaws and that snowfallen fur she desired to seek her teeth into. Tail twitched. What was the pale ghost doing here? She had smelt foreign and not of Valhalla? so what was her stake in this? Or, like D?gmar, perhaps she was waiting to see which way the cards would fall for her next move. ____________________The challenge rank loud in her ears as her head turned to see that the strange white femme was challenging for Arcanum. A rush of excitement flooded through her body. Two challenges at once oh now this was exciting. But Viridiana vs Erani had little to do with her future. Artemis vs. Sibelle did and so she would take her leave to go watch the challenge that would most assuredly decide her fate. -exit-

EDITED. Last paragraph for after ARt makes her challenge

Finally she could rest soundly with the cure taking affect in Valhalla. Amia was now allowed to move back to the den with her and Cael and it felt whole again. She felt full, her mate by her side, her adoptive daughter safe and out of death's grip. Though Amia was still weak from the illness the spar in her eyes was returning. She didn't speak much either which worried Imena deeply. Had the girl had visions of her past that stole her voice away? Only time could tell and when Amia was ready to let her in. She felt refreshened once more, able to look at the bright side of things again. That was till the howl for a challenge echoed out of the land. Blue eyes clouded with anger. Could Valhalla not go one season without something happening? Why must everyone be out for her home? She growled softly before trotting to the back of the den and preparing a bundle of herbs for the wounds to surely endure upon her packmates. Worry squeezed her heart for Erani. The woman was older, in her opinion far to old to fighting. The least Imena could do was support her Alpha, her mentor and friend and pray with all her might that Valhalla would not have to loose another home or Erani. Hackles raised she hurried to the battlefield. Normally warm blue eyes were cold and hard. Her jaws firmly holding her wrap of herbs, tail held out behind her, streaming in the wind. It would not take her long to arrive there. At once she moved over to Jinxx's side, sizing up their opponents. Tail flick in annoyance. How could someone challenge a pack right after a plague? That was just heartless, no matter if this woman had been the one to give them the cure. They still needed time to heal. Speech Thought Others

It seemed that Valhalla would not even get a moment to breathe. The cure had just begun to settle in around the pack and he was feeling more at ease than he had in weeks. However, that would be short lived as a challenge for Erani reached his ears. His heart seemed to drop into his stomach and at the same time a very rare burst of anger hit him. How dare anyone challenge this soon after the epidemic? Everyone was hit, not just Valhalla. None of the less, he took off toward his and Imena's den, wanting to grab some herbs to take with him to the battle. However, it seemed his mate would beat him to that thought. He arrived at the den just in time to watch Imena race off into the trees toward the battlefield. He wouldn't stop, instead merely turning his course to follow Imena's lead. He stood beside her when they arrived, on the opposite side of her from Jinxx, his eyes narrowing with anger as he looked across to the challenger. Of all the wolves... The one that had brought the cure to them. A low growl rumbled briefly in his throat, but he said nothing else. All he, and the large crowd that had gathered to watch, could do was wait and see what happened. Speech Thought Companion Others