FLAWLESS
06-13-2014, 12:05 AM
Erani |
Thank Luna that the Cure had been found. The wolves who had survived the illness were recovering, some more swiftly than others. Cecily, for instance. However, there came heartbreak with the relief and joy. The plague had taken Vahva and Meili from them. And it was their graves that she was digging, at this very moment. Pristine paws were caked with mud and dirt, and the rest of her pelt was just as stained. She bore the labor with no complaints, only a solemn silence. Both wolves had been fine creatures, one a good, if troubled, healer, and the other a fine hunter, who would have risen to the Psi ranks had she not perished. Gael was missing. Alpine and Twig, nowhere to be found. Chrysanthe and Lyric were missing as well. The thoughts meandered through her mind as her shoulders drew level with the earth around her, hind paws submerged beneath excavated earth. She almost missed the howl, but a note in it, and the fact that it was issued from what sounded like the Battlefield, made her head raise. She levered herself out of the hole she had dug, shaking herself heavily before casting a glance to the still forms of the dead. The challenge, for that was what it appeared to be, could wait a little longer. Gently, she pulled each to their grave, letting them fall in, and settling them with care. ?Rest well, my friends. You will never know pain again.? She gently covered them, until the fresh mounds of turned earth were all that marked the passage of life. Then she turned toward her challenger?s call. She was rather surprised any challenges had taken so long to arrive. An old wolf leading a pack? And easy target. A sharp howl was issued to the pack, a call to arms, which was answered shortly by the arrivals her Cormalin, Alsander, Sarak, and Surreal, who gave a look that said she wasn?t going to stand back and stay home, however much she was supposed to be resting. A thunder of hooves approaching signaled the arrival of Obsidian, Rikku supposedly stowed safely away. Erani paused at the river, sliding in and shaking herself in the water, the liquid forcing the packed dirt from her coat, and then she crossed on with her small entourage traveling beside or behind her. After a short travel, made at a leisurely pace, they reached the far edge of the field, and Erani?s demeanor adopted a smooth, relaxed manner as she stepped onto the field. Her face wiped blank of expression, completely neutral. Already a crowd had gathered. Not just of wolves, but a Tiger and a Hose that Obsidian trotted over to. The famous Ryuk, Erani presumed. A small smile flickered across her face, quickly turning to a small frown as she spotted Signy. Her path averted from the course toward Viridiana, while her family spread out and stood as support in the Valhallan side. Her head lowered, and she spoke to Signy in gently, low tones. ?And what are you doing here, young lady? Stay close to Obsidian, the large all black creature. Or I?ll have Jinxx there take you home.? There was gentle discipline in her voice, but a small smile flickered across her face. No doubt Signy had already bombarded someone with a multitude of rapid-fire questions. She waited until the pup had obeyed, one of those stares being put into use, before turning to study the surrounding wolves. Then her eyes turned to Viridiana. ?So. You have come to Challenge for an Old Queen?s crown. I believe I have you to thank for the returning health of those in my pack struck with the plague. That I will grant you.? Her voice was strong and clear, the Scottish and Educated British accent winding its way through her words. Deep blue eyes studied the crimson form of her opponent. ?My Terms should you win, are that my lands be left untouched remain unclaimed. They are my home, and I intend to die within them, when my time arrives. They are my pack?s home, and they have done you no ill. None of my pack or family will fall under your lead, unless they wish to join you. Should you win, you will release them, and harass them not at all. Should I win, you will turn your back from me, and not harass Valhalla, or its lands. These are my terms. Either you accept them, or you go home.? Her eyes turned to gaze at those gathered. Valhalla was resilient. If she lost, it would rise again, perhaps under a new name, but it would rise and stand strong. ?Valhallans, remember that it doesn?t matter what battles we lose, what battles we win. What matters is our unity, and the strength of the pack. Remember that it will never die, no matter the outcome of this Challenge. No matter what name we carry. Pass it on to the others should they not arrive and you see them later.? There was gentle love in her voice, and a burning strength. If She lost, then she would Step down and give Surreal the next leadership role. A mental grin crossed her mind. No doubt, Surreal would take Falk as her Secondary. Erani fell into her unusual, balanced in all but appearances stance, paws in a stance where she would be able to move swiftly, as her head lowered, chin tucking to guard her throat. Her teeth bared slightly as her jaw slackened, ears pinning to her fur as her hackles raised. Her tail flicked behind her, settling loosely between her hocks, though ready to aid her balance. Toes spread, and her claws sank into the earth beneath her paws. Her knees bent slightly, as her eyes narrowed. Silence fell like a veil around her, concentration on her opponent. Nothing beyond the opponent was given attention. The fight was on, and the outcome? That remained to be seen. Round: Defenses: Attacks: Injuries: Out Of Character Notes: |