Maybe shed gone a bit crazy. Maybe she was just looling dor a wild excuse. Ruby didnt intend to start trouble today but she would. The purple wolf walked herself over the scent line in a rush. Giggling to herself as she made soft circles in the grass. Should she take a bit of prey and try to crawl away?

Ruby began humming, deciding to find a good sunny spot. Where she lay and wait. There was a high chance shed feel some sort of pain on her little michevious escapade.

The Carpathian princess was out for her daily stroll through the lands of the Hallows. With her fisher and raven in tow, she thought of how beautiful of a day it was. Though chilly from the winter winds rolling in off the ocean, the sun had decided to peek out from behind grey clouds. Ensuring her green leather cloak was clasped tightly around her shoulders, Bramble continued her somewhat lazy pace around the edges of the Starlit Plains. Quite lost in thought, she wasn't paying attention to much of anything at all until Bristle, her raven, let out an alerting call. Bramble's teal eyes widened as she quickly scanned the area. There, not far off, laying upon a rock was a stranger that she didn't recognize. Her ears flattened and her eyes narrowed as she began marching over to the trespasser. Lifting her tail over her back and feeling the bristle of her hackles rise, Bramble let out a warning growl to the intruder. "How can I be of help to you, ma'am?" Her tone is gentle but forward, a means to say that she meant business if the woman decided to try any funny business.   Bramble Carpathius

Bramble’s raven wasn’t the only corvid that had detected the intruder on the chilled plains. High in the gray cloudy sky, the black inkblot that was Corbin had spotted the vibrant violet of the trespassing wolf in an instant and had diverted to go find his master, the Hallows’ alpha. Artorias was not hard to locate these days; the Aegis kept close to Hearthstone, helping look after his mate and freshly born pups. But when the alert of a purple intruder on Hallowed lands reached his ears from his faithful companion, a panic struck the dire brute’s heart. Immediately his mind went to Sephiran and fear for his children’s safety, and Artorias was rushing out the doors of his chambers, snatching up Embershard on his way out.

Massive paws crunched through the dry grasses as the Aegis marched north, heading for the border Corbin was leading him towards. Even from a distance, the vivid violet fur was noticeable lounging casually on a rock as if they owned the territory. A deep, primal anger burned up in the alpha’s heart—but when he got closer, he realized that the purple wolf was, in fact, not Sephiran Saxe. The woman was a stranger to him, but a trespasser in his home nonetheless. Her anonymity helped assuage some of Artorias’ initial anger, now more stern than homicidal as he approached, but it seemed he would not be the first to arrive. Coming closer, the tawny-turquoise coat of his daughter came into view, and Artorias slowed his stride so he could stand back and watch how Bramble handled this interaction. He remained close enough to hear, ready to step into action if needed to defend his child, but he would give her the chance to show what she was capable of and watch his little girl in action.

"Artorias Carpathius"

Funny funny. Ruby had expected more of a wild welcome but the yearling who approached her was trying to keep a civil tone. Shed let it go. She had kidnapped plenty of pups and now it was hard for her to keep track of them. Not that the strangers knew of Ruby Imps crimes. She was a dangerous snake of a woman.

"Hmmm no help needed, i just saw this rock had the PERFECT amount of sunlight for my coat." she gasped suddenly placing a paw dramatically on her chest. "Dear oh me those were YOUR scent markers. I digress I apologize for the mix up. My name is Adelaide." she looked agasht. As if she certainly had not noticed what she had done.

Bramble has been keenly aware of her father's raven, Corbin, ever since the fiasco with the bear. She doesn't blame him or Artorias for being protective, it was his fatherly duty to be as such. In a way, she liked knowing that if she ever needed assistance, her father would only be a flap of a wing away. This much would be true as the drumming beat of Artorias' paws could be felt as soon as he hit the ground of the plains. Staying focused on the purple snake of a woman in front of her, only a turn of her ear would tell that she heard and noticed her father's presence. If one day she would be placed in the High Council, she would need practice with delicate situations like these. It was then that the woman gasped and placed a paw upon her chest. Bramble's ears folded backward as her brow furrowed slightly. What was this woman doing here if she didn't need help? Could she not tell it was winter? This surely wasn't the time of year to be sunbathing in Auster. The story didn't match up and it wasn't settling well for the young princess. Mix up? How could one mix up scent markers? It was becoming more obvious that she would need to be careful around this woman. Tucking away her normal energetic, friendly, and carefree attitude to present a more mature and cautious front, Bramble was rather proud of this adult side of herself. Taking another moment to process the information given to her, she was not phased by the dramatics and she hoped this Adelaide had good reason to be here. "Adelaide, I am Bramble Carpathius, daughter of Artorias Carpathius, Aegis of the Hallows. You have just admitted to trespassing into our lands," There is a pause as she continues to assess the sleek purple form of Adelaide. The woman wasn't small by any means, but she also wasn't large either. If she needed to take the woman down, she would. "We are not cruel and we do not harm without reason, but we also do not take kindly to wolves who do not have reason to be here," She turns her chin toward the south end of the plains where in the distance, one could see the crumbling stone of God's Garden. "Unless you are in need of something or are seeking to join the Hallows, I will have to ask you to sunbathe outside of our territory," Bramble tosses her head in the direction of the garden for good measure before turning her face back to Adelaide with a blase expression. She had heard the mumblings of a dangerous stranger recently, she knew of her father's worries, and she was certain she would do all she could to help protect those who lived within the Hallows. Bramble Carpathius

Artorias watched the display the violet stranger made of acting shocked and appalled that she had been found out trespassing on their lands, despite openly admitting to knowing she had crossed scent borders to get to where she was. Her excuse was flimsy at best, and her theatrics left a lot to be desired, but what they did do was put the alpha on edge. Her nonchalance towards her offense and the way she seemed to disregard what his daughter was telling her spoke of a desire for trouble, and she didn't seem the type to shy away from causing a fight. Artorias stood silent off to the side, backing up Bramble with his wordless presence, fire-toned eyes fixed on the scene that played out before him. He would not intervene unless he had to, allowing Bramble the freedom to do and say as she felt appropriate. He knew of his daughter's desire to be a figure of authority in the pack, and as the alpha's child, she would need to demonstrate a willingness to step up to difficult situations with tact and purpose. This was as much for her as it was for the Hallows.

"Artorias Carpathius"

Was it worth it? She had to consider the question. Ruby only half heard what Bramble was saying feelimg boredome rush over her. She had expected more of an explosion. "And what happens if I say no?" she lazily sprawled out on the ground. Letting her tail sit limp behind her.

"Thats the one thing I wont ever understand is how so many wolves can stand being close to each other." she rose slowly. "May i ask why it wpuldnt be easier to attack on sight. There are lots of unsavory wolves even if they appear not so." he head tilted off to the side. "Id like a spar, youre young right? Pretend to absolutely need to kick me out. Im bored ive got four mouths to feed and am curious what makes a pack wolf better jist because they stick some marks on land." or she would just leave she guessed.

Bramble's eyes widen at the woman's remark. What if she said no? Well, that was a good question. Would she really have to take this trespasser out of the lands by force? Her brow scrunched for a moment as she wondered what her next step would be. She would have mulled it over more but Adelaide continued to speak. The young princess would let the woman say her piece. There is understanding in her expression as she nods and reveals a small smile. It is then that she finally glances back at Artorias. Bramble could never imagine leaving the Hallows and being away from her family, her friends, and her pack mates. How did not make sense to stay close? More wolves meant more safety. As she looks at Artorias with admiration, she smiles before looking back to Adelaide. "Your misunderstanding is what leaves you with hungry mouths to feed," Bramble's expression switches back to a blase appearance as she removes her smile and replaces it with a slightly raised brow. "Why would I attack on sight when we could possibly help someone in need? You say you have mouths to feed. Why would you not want to be in a pack that could help you hunt and fend off enemies?" Her lips purse slightly as she assesses her options. The woman obviously wasn't going to leave and seemed to have no interest in sticking around either. If a spar is what she wanted, a spar would be what she got. Rushing forward without another word, Bramble goes directly toward Adelaide. Flattening her ears and tucking her chin in, she lowers her body closer to the ground and more toward the boulder Adelaide is sprawled across. She feels each slam of her paw against the ground as she begins to extend her cat-like claws in case she would need to use them. Keeping her eyes focused on the purple form, the young princess aims to shove Adelaide off of the rock and send her hopefully skidding across the plains. Just enough force to bruise but not spill any blood - for now. Bramble Carpathius

Bramble vs Ruby for Dominance - punishment to be decided pending outcome
Round 1/?
Age: Over 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: Advanced Fighter & Expert Intellectual

Ruby wouldnt back down from a fight. Little to the strangers knowing her excitement was from a devious deed. Ruby lifted her tail, hackles raising as a gutteral growl left her. The woman let her back end slip off the boulder not before feeling her shoulders be shoved by her opponent.

She didnt want to get stuck here though. Her jaws snapped forward for brambles left shoulder. Aiming to push her back legs forward to meet the other. She treated it like an actual spar quiet obviously not trying to cause any permanent damage.

Ruby vs bramble for dominance
Round 1/2
Age: over 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Light
Skills: Expert Fighter & Beginner Navigator

The young princess was in full control of her movements. Every twitch, slide, breath, she knew exactly where she wanted to be. Even as she slid across the boulder, her shoulder slamming into Adelaide’s own, Bramble continued to adjust. Her rear paws braced against the dirt as her legs stabilized against the rock. With her front paws pressed into the boulder, she could take the time to assess what this Adelaide would do in response. It was no surprise that teeth came snapping toward her. A reaction to get her to give them distance. Yet, Bramble didn’t want distance. Twisting her right shoulder ever so slightly so that her opponent’s teeth could get ahold of her fur and skin, Bramble leaned into it. The searing pain of her skin slicing open caused her to wince, but only for a moment. Instead, she took this moment while Adelaide was latched on to use the boulder to push herself forward. Her goal was to continue to shove Adelaide fully off of the rock formation and onto the ground on the other side. If she were successful, she would aim to stand over the smaller woman so that she could give her a proper talking to. Bramble Carpathius

Bramble vs Ruby for Dominance - punishment to be decided pending outcome
Round 2/2
Age: Over 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: Advanced Fighter & Expert Intellectual

Maybe she shouldnt have poked the big bear, but it wasnt exactly unlike Ruby to make unwise decisions. The woman was surprised when her teeth sank into the giant. Feeling her weight slipping she aimed to use bramble to keep up. Her back legs bunched scraping against terrain. Well leave it up to her to do something stupid.

Quickly she tried to rip her head back. Tucking her chin in, then when Bramble tried to fling them off Ruby aimed to slam her head into brambles. Obviously the force would cause damage to Ruby herself but if she didnt succeed shed be on the floor on her back in seconds.


Ruby vs bramble for dominance
Round 2/2
Age: over 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Light
Skills: Expert Fighter & Beginner Navigator

And the winner is...

Bramble

Ruby must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Bramble: Attack Roll: 79 Defense Roll: 95 Agility Roll: 38 Perception Roll: 56 Total: 268 Attack[79] + 50% Bonus[39.50]: 118.50 Defense[95] + 10% Bonus[9.50]: 104.50 Agility[38] + 5% Bonus[1.90]: 39.90 Perception[56] + 20% Bonus[11.20]: 67.20 Total[330.10] + 15% Bonus[49.51]: 379.61 Ruby: Attack Roll: 10 Defense Roll: 71 Agility Roll: 82 Perception Roll: 17 Total: 180 Attack[10] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 10.00 Defense[71] + 5% Bonus[3.55]: 74.55 Agility[82] + 5% Bonus[4.10]: 86.10 Perception[17] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 17.00 Total[187.65] + 20% Bonus[37.53]: 225.18

Bramble met the woman's head with her own. The clashing of their skulls echoed around them. Pulling back entirely as her opponent went sprawling to the ground, her eyes blinking away the stars, she stared down at the dazed trespasser. Attempting to appear stern, she kept her gaze on Adelaide as she took a few steps toward her until she was nearly standing on top of her. Deep down, Bramble hoped this would be proof enough for the woman that being in a pack was better than being alone. If she had others to help her, she could have been strong enough to win. Yet, Bramble had come out victorious. Her hackles stayed raised, her ears still plastered to her skull as she let out one final growl. "Do not come back or we will be forced to take you prisoner," Her attempt at sounding mean probably wasn't the best, but she was still young and learning. Holding her posture firm for a few moments while she gave this Adelaide a chance to run away, Bramble would wait. Those seconds stretched thin as she would allow the trespasser to go without more reprimand. There had technically been no harm doled out to anyone, but the woman had known she was trespassing - as much as she feigned innocence. Once Adelaide was far into the distance and out of Hallows territory, the young princess turned back to look at her father. Feeling rather exhausted now that the adrenaline was gone, she gave him a tired smile as she closed the distance between them to embrace him in a huge. Bramble Carpathius

From the sidelines, Artorias watched as Bramble confronted the intruder as this Adelaide boldly called out his daughter, taunting her with an implication that she would refuse their orders. She challenged Bramble and mocked the ideas of living in a pack. There was little more to be said after that. Adelaide had proven her intent here was antagonistic at best and malicious at worst, and she had to be dealt with. To his delight and pride, Bramble stepped up to the challenge, and the fight was on. Artorias could have jumped in to turn it into a two-on-one to protect his child, but Bramble was growing into a more mature young woman now. He needed to give her the space to do things on her own and prove her capabilities. When Bramble looked back at him, her sire simply gave her an approving nod and a small smile. Then it was on.

Bramble rushed Adelaide and the two women engaged in combat, the fighting fierce but restrained on Bramble’s part. Artorias paced the edges of the battleground, observing Bramble’s tactics and techniques in practice. He remained quiet, saving his observations for after the fight was finished. At one point one of the trespasser’s attacks went deep, cutting into Bramble’s skin. The moment blood was drawn, Art’s protective paternal instincts kicked in full force. Fiery eyes narrowed to the trespasser and his muscles tensed, ready to spring into the fight, but he continued to hold his place and let Bramble continue to take control of the situation. He wasn't going to undermine his daughter's moment to prove her capabilities to him—but more importantly to herself.

That turned out to be the right decision, as a few moments later Bramble had subdued Adelaide with a brutal collision of their heads together, the sound of their skulls smacking together making Artorias wince. Adelaide tumbled to the ground and Art was moving towards Bramble the instant the fight was over, concerned eyes checking over his daughter's wounds. The lacerations to her shoulder appeared no worse than superficial cuts that looked worse than they were, and besides maybe a mild concussion from her ill-advised headbutt she was fine. Scratch that, Bramble was more than fine. She was victorious! Artorias said nothing while he let Bramble have her moment of triumph, growling out an order for Adelaide to leave and not come back lest she be taken prisoner. Art admired his daughter's mercy amidst her sternness; had this been the Armada, Sirius would likely have taken her captive immediately. But the Aegis was not fully satisfied with the warning this trespasser had been issued. She had knowingly invaded their lands, and had she done so for means of survival or unwittingly he might have been merciful as well. But Adelaide had shown she was looking for trouble—and worse, she had injured the alpha's daughter and spilled blood in their home, one of the most severe crimes in the Hallows.

"If I ever see you in these lands again, I'll take your paws to make sure there isn't a third time. Now get out," the massive blue wolf snarled after the defeated intruder, glaring at her as he waited for her to retreat while she still had her paws to run away with. If Adelaide foolishly chose to remain, the Aegis would have no qualms doling out a round two beating to her. If she simply left, then Artorias would turn his attention to Bramble, regarding his daughter with a loving smile. Strong forelegs opened up wide to accept Bramble into an embrace, holding her close while he nuzzled his tall daughter's forehead. "Sunt foarte mandru de tine, Bramble," he said in gentle rumbling tones. "You did very well, and you defended your home successfully. You showed mercy, but remained firm and unyielding. Though maybe next time, we try not to beat our heads against our opponents, eh?" He chuckled and went to gently rub a giant paw over Bramble's crown, careful to make sure he didn't hurt any tender spots. "C'mon, let's get that shoulder looked at by Aunt Gwyn."

"Artorias Carpathius"