Ashen Empire Tournament Main thread

What had felt like years before, Kali had announced her intention to hold a tournament for the Ashen Empire wolves to the Habari wolves. Finally, as the sun had come out from its hiding place and the effects of the ooze began to fall from their bodies, she made her move. She’d sent her mother’s patoo to the wolves of each concerning pack, announcing when and where to meet as it swooped overhead. She made haste with her preparations, taking stock of their dried meats, booze and other pleasantries and making sure decorations were up to snuff. She’d created a designated race track for the races and singled out small areas among the Redbuds for the spars, and, at long last, everything was ready.

Large boards propped up on logs covered several feet of space, laden with Habari’s special dried meats, a few stews, and some sliced, raw options, as well as wines, meads, juices and other non-alcoholic options for their younger attendees. A large fire pit had been created, stacked with logs at the center though not yet lit, with several large pelts dotting the earth around it for sitting and chatting. She felt pride at her work, her tail wagging happily behind her lithe frame. The girl, determined to stand out even as the ‘hostess’ of the get together, wore a drapery of small chains dripping with clear crystals acquired from the mines and the volcano that stretched from her head down to her rear. Abaddon, her melanistic cobra, sat in his usual perch around her neck, tongue flickering curiously at the meats while Abigor, her monitor lizard, trailed lazily at her heels as she made the finishing touches. When everything was done, the girl settled herself near the center of everything and lifted her head, taking a deep breath before releasing as loud a howl as she could. Her voice sang into the air, calling to her packmates as well as those of the Ashen Empire close enough to hear that they were welcome. They’d been instructed that the festivities would begin at high noon, and it was almost a full hour before that time, but surely there would be a few early birds and she didn’t want them to have to wait.

Kali’s heart fluttered in excitement at what was to come.