She strolled confidently into the woods with her head high and her gait full of energy. The elder Ancora was given the task of hosting Winterfell's first Tournament of Champions, and she couldn't wait to see the outcome. Word of the event had been sent out across the lands, and today they'd find out who would accept the invite. She expected a big turnout, and perhaps a decent one at least for the fighting portion of the event. That was the main goal today, and in the coming days the proceedings would eventually turn into a festival for those who weren't into fighting. There were members of Winterfell who had shown interest, including the pups that roamed. She was certainly interested in seeing how things would turn out, who would show, who would claim the title of Champion in the end. Tan flew overhead before perching on a branch that extended over a large clearing beneath her. Eyeing the branches above, Avalon slowly and steadily climbed onto the trunk of a fallen tree that leaned over another, and carefully walked to the end of one that extended just at the edge of the clearing beneath Tan. Tilting her head back, she sent a long and powerful call into the air to let the Championship invitees know that the tournament would soon begin. OOC//This portion (thread) of the tournament is for participating fighters only! Everyone who has signed up must post here by 12/10. If you have not signed up yet, you can sign up Here. Sign ups have been extended until 12/9 @11:59pm! Anyone may participate (puppies included). Separate threads will be made for other parts of the Championship festival! "Talk" "You" Think

The howl sounded and Orca’s head shot up. After a moments pause a grin pulled onto her lips and she rose from the ground and took off at a dead sprint. It was finally time! She’d volunteered for the tournament…despite not knowing much if anything about fighting, but she couldn’t wait to give it a try! Excitement was barely contained as she ran through the forest so that she could meet her competition and Avalon. There wasn’t a single ounce of regret or really any thought to the physical consequences of joining the tournament…like getting her ass kicked. She could handle it…or so she thought.

As she neared, Avalon came into sight and her pace slowed considerably, head lifted high with pride as she realized she was the first to arrive. Apprehension quickly followed, however, what if no one else showed and she had to fight Avalon? The youth swallowed the lump in her throat at such an idea; she didn’t stand a chance against the elder wolf. Panting both from excitement and from the sprint to the meeting place, Orca bowed her head respectfully as she came to a stop in front of Avalon. Perhaps it wasn’t wise to run the entire way to the meeting, she was now winded, but it would pass- hopefully before others arrived. She remained silent as she reclined into a sitting position, waiting impatiently for others to arrive (noted by the excited tremor of her legs).

Valdís worked her way to the tournament with Jynette at her side and Álarr not far behind. The duo had opted to attend Winterfell's tournament to get a feel for the other pack as well as to size up the warriors of potential allies as well as rivals. Valdís also felt that the tournament would be good practice for Álarr who had been hounding her about his fight practice. She'd also offered to escort some of the other young one's of Legion though in reality they didn't need it. They were yearlings now and they could do as they pleased when it came to finding opponents to fight.

Answering the call she saw an elderly woman perched upon a stump. Another wolf was already present and she nodded a swift greeting before moving to take her place.

Álarr trotted after Valdís, panting as he went. He had his armor and weapons packed, as well as his regular medicine bag. It was a lot to carry and he was getting warm, thankfully he was large and strong enough to carry the load. Brynhildr flew along above him while Afi trotted along beside. Brynhildr wasn't keen on the fighting but Afi felt it was important and so did Valdís so here they were. He settled down next to Valdís and glanced about at the faces already there. He was nervous. He didn't want to disappoint his family or his pack but the experience he could gain in fighting new opponents would be worth it in the end… at least he hoped.

He was excited to check out this tournament that they'd been invited to. He followed after Valdis and Álarr, a stupid grin on his face as he moved with them. Truth be told he didn't really know much of Winterfell considering his dad didn't seem keen on going around and making friends nor alliances, so he was curious to see what kinds of wolves they would be dealing with in the future if it ever came down to it. Were they on neutral terms with each other though? Enemies? Rivals? He wasn't sure what they'd be in the future but right now it didn't matter. They were here for fun and fun is what he'd have. When they arrived, he spotted an elder standing with authority and assumed she would be the one kicking things off. Huh...interesting. Though he was usually a punk in attitude, he offered a nod of greeting to the elder. After all, if there was one thing about him is that he did respect his elders. Thanks to his grandpa Valentine of course.

Head perked up when he heard Avalon's call to the heavens and he knew what that call meant. The championship tournament was starting! He had been waiting for this day to come and while he waited he had been preparing. Barking to his companions to gather, he ran into his den and put on his new battle equipment. The skull helmet sat neatly over his head and his cockatoo companion fastened it securely so that it wouldn't fall off. The feathers that were fastened around the horns draped neatly down his neck and the horns that they managed to secure to the skull looked menacing. He couldn't help but grin as they put his bone Breastplate on, and while it was still a work in progress it would do for now and he'd have the chance to give it a test run.

Now that he was ready, the trio headed off the woods where he spotted a couple familiar faces. Crimson gaze fell on the Legion warrior Valdis, someone he highly respected from the winter tournament and, to top things off, Avalon and Dragon had mentioned her skills from when she used to be in the blind King's former pack of Talis. He always enjoyed hearing stories like that, and he wondered if Valdis would be willing to share her knowledge with him later. "Hey Valdis! Glad to see ya here!" He flashed a grin at her before he moved and sat near his cousin Orca and gave her a friendly nudge.

It seemed Poem would be the representative for both the Armada and Abaven. With her warlord’s leg broken and her family’s heart ripped out she didn’t expect to see any wolves from either pack. The young Destruction had Sirius’s young apprentice and Ashen’s princess beside her. Already the girl's height rivaled her own but she doubted the girl would be quite as tall as herself. She wasn’t sure what to think of the princess, and she’d heard what she’d done to her sister. Still, she was to look after her and she would.

Dressed fully in her mother’s armor and with Edgar finally returned to her Poem quietly took her place in the gathering. There were no faces she really recognized besides Alarr, but she kept to herself. Quietly she observed and waited for her instruction.

Venom followed after Seer’s little pet, the young Princess already respected her much more than her sister who had been in Ashen before. The young woman was training under her own mentor, and that alone was enough for the Klein to behave. She flicked her forked tongue excitedly as they appeared at the site of the tournament. Her quills rose and fell with her restless energy and she followed Poem as deep purple eyes took in the faces of the wolves around them. There was much competition and Venom felt the excitement build within her. Ivory tipped tail swayed at her hips as she settled near the Armada’s heir and wondered if her siblings might join them.

Harbringr strode toward the festival with his companions in tow and his armor and weapons at the ready. He was excited to test his mettle against the warriors from other packs. So far most of his scraps had been less formal affairs that took place in the battlefield or they were with other predators, particularly bears. When arrived there was already a cluster of wolves starting to form, a number of formidable looking foes among them. He glanced toward the old woman who had called them there and settled down on his haunches as he awaited further instructions.

Aureus worked his way north toward the festival of champions. He'd caught word of the tournament and decided to try his luck. He still dealt with uncertainty and his place within the family but if there was one thing he knew he was good for it was fighting. He'd done well as a pup during the traveling tournament by those strange coy-dogs. Perhaps with a little luck he could duplicate the results and do his family proud. Perhaps with a little luck he could show that the Abraxas were still a force to be reckoned with.

Aureus arrived in Boreas a day early so that he could take his rest. When the next day dawned he was on the road once more until he heard and answered the call. A number of wolves were already gathered and he quietly took his seat, his companions taking place next to him.

"Éldi, they're gathering just up ahead."

Éldi nodded as he listened to Askr's report. He'd thought it would be fun to participate in another tournament. He'd done well enough at his last one but this time he hoped to do better. It was good practice against wolves they might potentially be raiding. He was hoping not to lose his first round but it all depending on who he was placed up against. Either way it was going to be a good opportunity as he would obtain useful information whether or not he lost. He wondered if any other wolves of Hjarrandi might show up to test themselves in the tournament as well.

Célestin was loath to leave Meme and Philly behind but he knew they'd be happier away from the fighting. He'd left them with easily a weeks worth of fresh prey, he'd reinforced the barrier to the den and double and triple enforced his scent markers just to be safe. Then he'd promised he'd be back. Meme had wanted to come, of course, but he knew he couldn't promise her safety while he was fighting so he'd made sure she'd stay behind, told her she would be needed to protect her mother. But he, he needed to be here. He needed to work, to get stronger. He was still a bit sore from his run in with the galaxy man and he knew the only way he'd better better was through practice, and what better way to do that than to pit himself against wolves who'd assuredly whoops his ass. Célestin approached the gathering, he settled a safe distance away from the bulk of the crowd but still close enough it was obvious what he was here for, then he set about scanning thr gathered crowd. There were many wolves he'd never seen, many had armor or other animals who seemed to be with them and Célestin felt underprepared but as he scanned he noticed a familiar grey figure joining the crowd. His tail began to beat the ground as his uncle's gaze found him. The man looked older, a bit more run down maybe but otherwise unharmed. Torin quickly moved to join him, giving him a nudge and a greeting. "I'll have to fill you in when we have a spare moment." He said, leaning into his uncle for a moment before he settled in to wait. Walk, "Talk", Think

Torin was getting rusty, he had been able to tell from the fight with Eir against the big cats. His skills weren't as honed as they had once been and with his pack short on dedicated warriors he knew he needed to be doing better. So when the tournament had been announced Torin had known he would be attending. But life as an alpha was busy, he had known he'd likely be late to show. If only because it would take some wrangling to keep Lili from following him all the way there. But his eager daughter was now safely under the watchful eye of his father and sister and Torin had made it. He scanned the gathered crowd looking for any familiar faces. He gave an amicable nod to Avalon but already knew where he was heading. It was hard to miss the particular coloration of his nephew, he stood out even amongst a rather diverse crowd. Célestin greeted him with a characteristic grin and tail wag and Torin breathed a sigh of relief that his nephew seemed mostly unscathed. He carried scents on his pelt Torin didn't recognize though, a woman and a young pup from the milk scent and he didn't fail to notice Pegasus' particular musk was long gone. Torin nudged Célestin as he settled onto his haunches beside the young man. "It's been too long." Torin said and he felt his nephew lean into him for a moment. His fatherly instincts kicking in Torin gently laid his head on his Nephew's skull, offering him comfort in a small familiar way. Then Célestin spoke and Torin nodded. "I would like that." Torin had many questions but knew now was not the time nor place. "Silent Treatment" & Deep thoughts

Recluse trailed after her cousin and uncle letting them get further and further ahead. Lilith was coiled around the babe's neck, her tongue tickling softly against the albino's cheeks. Recluse wasn't in any particular rush to get there, her run in with her little brother had done little to dampen the girl's ego and Recluse was very self-assured in her victory. The black scaled snake also seemed eager for the fighting that was too come, Lilith slithered up the side of Recluse's face, draping across her muzzle, her tongue tasting the air as they approached. Hunger was evident in both their eyes as they carefully sized up the competition. Lilith returned to her place across Recluse's shoulder a light menacing chuckle escaping the repitle's mouth as the girl settled onto her haunches, a mask of amusement on her face to hide the excitement buzzing through her. speech think action

Tsunami had underestimated how long it would take to get to get to the woods. They were just beyond the wall that could be seen from withing Winterfell territory. But she'd somehow managed to forget about the way the cold and the wind could slow you down. So when she arrived she wasn't nearly as quick as she'd hoped. Tsunami scanned the crowd, she spotted Orca and Avalon, her gaze hitched on a girl she remembered seeing around Winterfell a few season's ago, her brow quirking when she noticed the pure back snake coiled around her neck. Growing up in winterfell Tsunami knew she was less equipped than many fighters, she hadn't had the time or the training yet to feel confident with anything more than her own physic. But still she couldn't help the anticipatory grip  that spread across her face as she settled in to wait. Speech Think Action

Art by Vhitany

Banshee raced north in a flurry filled haste. She did not realize how long the journey would be nor did she expect to be the last one to arrive. The fanged beauty calmed her vigorous sprint as she neared the clearing. Scents filled her pink and black nose as she grew closer. Recluse and Venom were the first to come to mind but there were a few other familiar smells. Banshee's sturdy paws carried her tall form towards the gathering of mostly younger Wolves. Eyes sharpened as she took in the sight of her divine sister. Vex, Ban's Spitting Cobra, was slung along her body but moved to slither around her pad falls as she slipped in next to Recluse. "Are you ready to wreak havoc?" The babe's tail moved to flick idly as her Cobra rested next to her. Idly her tongue ran across upper fangs as she eyed up all the other competitors. Now that she had a better view Banshee saw that Harbringr and Poem were seated nearby. But, what truly caught her eye was the sight of Tsunami. One of the dark Tyranis and Leera spawn that she had spent her early months with. The memories were hazy but she remembered play fighting with the bunch when she was just a few months old. With a shrug Banshee moved her gaze towards the female who seemed to be in charge. ""

Leaving Abaven was difficult with her poor nephews, she had already lost track of Beat more than once and she was certainly feeling like a failure of a surrogate parent. Wanting to rid herself of some excess energy Twig made ehr way to the tournament gathering. She was unsure what the events might bring about but hopefully the young Memoire woman might bring home something for Abaven to celebrate. What would Corvus think about her bringing home the trophy? Quietly Twig took her place near the older woman who summoned them and she awaited instruction. Haunches coiled beneath her as purple gaze swept over her opponents, this would be an interesting festival.

He'd been waiting for Winterfell's champion festival to begin. Since he left to serve Hjarrandi for a while, he hadn't gotten the chance to go back and see his brother. That's why he had come today, hoping to see Ty. Only...when he arrived, his brother's scent was nowhere to be found. He wondered if perhaps his brother was just running late or something, so he moved sort of near one of the other Hjarrandi members to make his current allegiance clear. While he would always consider himself a wolf of Winterfell by heart, by title, he was one of Valkyries members until his time of service was up. He only had to stay until the end of the year, and after that? He could return to Winterfell to be with his brother again.

Little did he know his brother was no longer there...

Against his better judgment, Gims followed a couple of the others from Ashen and those that, from his understanding, were Ashen's friends (or family?) To the North to participate in some grand fighting event that was going on. He heard talk about it and wanted to go, too. It was cold here. Much colder than back home but he didn't want to miss the opportunity to prove his worth here. He had only been in one real fight against another wolf before, and that was against his supposed sister. He had done his best then and he'd aim to do his best here, too. He had never met other wolves from other packs before so when he arrived to find a gathering that was steadily growing, it was safe to say he was awestruck. He sat away from Recluse of course, but silently he'd get the chance to kick her ass again while he was here.