She'd seen the island far off in the distance and curiosity pulled her to go and explore. Valdís was traveling with Ares to take a survey of the land and see how it was recovering from the volcanic explosion. From what she could see, part of their former homeland was reasonably habitable. The Range still bore the scars of the eruption but it was safe enough that it could be habitable. The question was whether the plants and animal life would return. The Buffalo Knolls seemed risky, with more frequent earthquakes. As they traveled east it became clear just how hard hit the region had been from the volcanic eruption. A long detour south had extended their journey and by now she was getting tired and irritable. However, the island just beckoned. It looked like perhaps it had made it out of the eruption safely. She had enough energy to get there. "Let's take a jaunt over to that island and then we can take a rest there." Slipping into the water she began to swim, letting her mind zone out as she worked until at last she climbed onto the shore, too exhausted to realize the scent of pack. "Talk" "You" Think

He wanted to get out and away from the disasters that had struck home for a time, so he volunteered himself to go with Valdis to survey the lands. The further East they went though, he could see just how much destruction there was. He should have guessed the east would have been hit the hardest considering that's where the volcano was, but he never truly grasped it until he saw it with his own eyes. Their home had been hit hard, but this place...he couldn't really recognize most of it. Tearing his gaze away from the destruction as they passed them by, he wondered how the lands beyond were. Had the islands been affected? If they hadn't, maybe they could find some decently good prey to bring back home. Hell, even if they found it on an island he was willing to drag everything back on his own.

"Let's take a jaunt over to that island and then we can take a rest there." Pausing on the shore, he nodded and slipped into the water after him. Despite the things they had to endure back home, they were still strong. He needed to be for the pack members that remained. For his dad, even if he didn't have to be. They swam in silence until they made it safely to the other side, and once there he shook the water from his fur and looked around. Tongue swiped out to lick at his fangs as he took in the scenery, though with the smell of saltwater in his nose he missed the pack scent that lingered there.

"Speech"

Claiming the islands put her in a bad spot. It was far more difficult than she'd thought to patrol all of their lands - they were so disjointed and spread out. Theory's self-doubt was seriously hampering her mood. No matter what choice she made, it seemed to be the wrong one. She'd set off for patrol alone this morning after making a personal bet with herself on how quickly she could patrol all of their wayward borders and was wrapping up her tour of Ibis Island - and by extension, most of Abaven's youth - when she caught wind of strangers on the beach. Her mood was already uncharacteristically foul and the idea of an unknown quantity trifling around their borders raised her hackles further. Not today. Normally she'd be genial and welcoming, like she had with Hela, but she could tell that there was more than one wolf flirting about. One stranger was a potential friend. Two strangers was a threat. Theory changed her course and set off for the island's coast with a determined glint in her eyes. She came upon Valdis and Ares in short time. Dominance was written plainly across her body - ears high, docked tail flicked upwards, and just a hint of her canines. It was a new look for her and (to her surprise) she wore it with conviction. "These lands belong to Abaven. State your purpose," she declared, eyeing the pair of them. They seemed lean, but everyone was nowadays. The scent of another pack was strong about them, even over their sea-salt soaked pelts, but she couldn't determine which. It smelled vaguely familiar, but she'd encountered so many wolves this past year - especially at the Firefly Festival - that any stranger seemed to look or smell just a little bit like someone she'd seen before. Time to trust her gut. "Speech"

Valdís took a deep breath and willed her body to relax for a moment. The wind was shifting through the palm trees and the air seemed warmer here than in the depths of Boreas. Unusual birds that she had never heard before were chirping and singing in the trees. There was a pair of mountains off in the distance alluding to the island being larger than she first thought. Perhaps they could go exploring. She lightly scolded herself. No, they were on a mission, it wouldn't due to get distracted. Embla perched on a limb above her, the raven quickly turning to preen herself. Jynette was grooming her tail and all seemed to be going well. She glanced to Ares who seem to be recovering well. The journey had been quiet but that was to be expected. Valdís was a quiet wolf and tended to keep to herself. She just wasn't the sort to carry on a conversation. Valdís got to her feet and shook out her coat, as if to remove the last vestiges of salt water. She planned to stretch a bit then maybe curl up for a nap. However, just as she was about to settle down movement caught her attention. A large woman with a commanding presence strode onto the scene and at the mention of Abaven, Valdís cocked her head. "Abaven? So you've relocated here since the volcano." It was more a statement than a question. She had wondered how the wolves of Abaven had fared due to Rhythm's connection to the pack. Chaos didn't seem to have much nice to say about them. Valdís herself hadn't interacted enough with Abaven wolves to have an opinion one way or the other. Valdís made no motion to leave. She was tired, she was irritable, she did not care to be forced off the island so soon. "We're taking in the volcano's destruction. Now if you don't mind we've traveled a long way and are resting. We will leave when we're done." "Talk" "You" Think

Ares had been unusually quiet as of late, though it was likely attributed to the events that had happened back home. Plus, he knew Valdis' skills as a warrior and he didn't quite feel like getting bitten if he got too talkative or annoyed her. The thought of her lashing out because he was too annoying greatly amused him, but he stifled his laughter and instead looked towards their surroundings. She looked tired, but he wasn't. She looked about ready to settle down and he would gladly (and quietly) stand guard while she rested if she wanted, only...neither would get the opportunity. Someone appeared and approached them, claiming these lands belonged to Abaven. He scoffed. This brat didn't know who she was dealing with, did she? He didn't care that Abaven was forced to relocate. Didn't particularly care that this was...wait...He narrowed his eyes at the girl, noting she was not only younger than him, but she had the trademark eye dots of his kin. And she held herself the way an alpha would.

Okay...he couldn't help himself now.

After Valdis made herself clear, Ares couldn't help but laugh at the Abaven girl, a deep, baritone laugh. "Don't tell me they put a baby in charge! You're one'a Rhyme's kids aren't ya?" He looked her over with a wrinkle of his nose, "Yep, definitely Rhyme's. What's my uncle up to nowadays eh? Still fucking his family?" He sneered. His words were a jab of course. But in more ways than one. Ares heard Rhyme had fucked his own cousin. And the other way he meant it was fucking over the Imperialis side of the family. He then took on a bored sort of look as he cocked his head lazily to the side. "We ain't gonna listen to an inbred baby. So as my pack mate said, we'll leave when we're done here." Might his words provoke a fight? He was 10000% sure they would. Did he care at all? Nope. Not a drop of care in his system.

Theory relaxed only slightly at Valdis' stand-offish response. Where did they hail from? She could almost just pinpoint it if she tried. Memories from the Firefly Festival flooded back to her - these wolves hailed from Legion... and they knew her father. Theo understood needing a rest after crossing the channel; it was a difficult swim to grow accustomed to, but after the past few seasons of swimming to and fro, she was spry and lithe. An excellent swimmer. Many wolves weren't used to crossing churning waves but most of Abaven had become adept at crossing the channel out of necessity. "Well, I'll be waiting nearby until you take your l - " She was perfectly wiling to allow them a brief respite before they took their leave before Ares opened his mouth. Her hackles spiked to the sky. How dare he say such vile things about her father. "You are no family of mine or my father to say such vile things. If you must know, Shaye lies dead. As does my mother. We have all lost someone these past few seasons - do you have no sense? No empathy?" She snarled. "Shaye was a better mother to me than my own ever was and had more dignity and compassion in her front left toe than you do in your entire body." Theory felt her blood grow hot and her head go light. It was difficult to stay in control when her grief was still so fresh and Rhyme was wandering the island, star-struck with his own pain. "Leave. Now." She didn't want to start a fight, but if they continued to drag her family through the mud, she'd have no choice. "Speech"

"Easy Ares… although…" She turned to the girl. "He does have a point." Valdís took to note the information that the girl before them was one of Rhyme's kids. She didn't know all the inner workings of Abaven though she had heard tale of Rhyme's incestuous relationship. It was hard not to with the Imperialis name being of significance to the pack and to her alpha even though he was a Saxe. It was a proud family line that Rhyme had decided to defile over something as base as lust. "Where is Shaye? I don't intend to take orders from any of Abaven's underlings. Ares comments had struck a nerve as the explanation spilled from the girl. Shaye was dead? Her mouth hardened into a thin and serious line. Had it been the volcano, the harsh winter, or something else? It seemed Ares information might be off slightly as the girl professed that Shaye was not her mother. "Well, I'm glad to hear you aren't the spawn of that unscrupulous union between Rhyme and Shaye." Inbreeding decayed the mind as well as the body. Putting one of those brats in charge raised the risk that one of them could go sour in the mind in old age. Leave. Now. Valdís ignored the girls orders, toes spreading as she kneaded the earth. She wasn't going anywhere until she was ready. She cocked an eyebrow at the girl. "Perhaps, we should test this new alpha of Abaven and see if she's up to snuff. Don't worry I'll make it fair. A melee. One vs one vs one. If you win we'll leave. If I win I stay til I'm ready to leave and Ares, you can polish my armor." She grinned and glanced at him, waiting to hear his conditions for if he won. It would be useful to see what battle experience the new alpha had and she had yet to really test Ares and see his skill level. She set her defenses, making it clear she did not intend to leave without a fight. If this new princess wanted the wolves of Legion off her territory then she was going to have to make them leave. Valdís vs Ares vs Theory for Dominance Round 0/? Age: Over 1 year Size: Large Build: Medium Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked harness Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked helmet Companion 1: Red Fox, Female - Battle Companion 2: Raven, Female - Flying Skills: Expert Fighter & Expert Intellectual Specialty: N/A "Talk" "You" Think

He practically yawned as Theory told him her life story. Clearly this side of the family was whack. "I wouldn't wanna be associated with a cousin fucker or any of his little brats anyway so don't worry about that," He grinned. His father would likely think the same thing whether Rhyme was his brother or not. Valentine did pretty much strip the Imperialis name from this side of the family anyway. He wasn't afraid of Abaven. Nobody was truth be told. They were a constant running joke among his family and were often the the butt of many jokes in everything they seemed to get involved in. When Valdis spoke though, he turned a curious eye to her and nodded. "I'll take you on that offer. If I win though, then...ya gotta do all my work for me for a month." Not that his work was hard. He mostly did his own thing when he wasn't patrolling anyway.

"So if you're done running your mouth about how great Shaye was and how much of a loser your dad is, let's get this thing started. Since we're on your make believe land, you're move." He licked his fangs as he settled into a defensive position, the Saxe boy eager to get a good work out in. He had never fought Valdis before let alone a melee fight, but he was eager to fight regardless. While he was a cocky shithead, he wasn't about to let his ego get in the way of his ability to fight. If he won, great. Less work for him. If he lost? Well, polishing armor wouldn't be so bad now would it?

Ares Saxe vs Valdis vs Theory for Dominance
Round 0/?
Age: Over 1yr
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Mutation: Saber fangs (attack)
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Hunter
Specialty: N/A

These wolves were rude and crass. Was this the best Legion had to offer? Disgusting. Theory flattened her ears to her skull and snarled at the pair them. "You're just spitting bile because you seem to like the taste of vomit." At least the female seemed to retain some shreds of dignity - the male, Ares, had none. Theory had never fought a melee before and truthfully she wasn't feeling that confident in her abilities. They both seemed like seasoned warriors. She had thought that appearing in control was the hard part of being an alpha, but chasing off intruders was much more difficult in practice. Where were her warriors when she needed them? Although she liked them both on a personal level, she'd have to speak more seriously with Corvus and Twig on this matter. No one should patrol alone any more. Make believe land. Her hackles raised and without another thought, Theory dove for Ares' throat. Alouette soared down from a nearby tree and aimed her talons for Valdis' eyes, hoping to take the female temporarily out of the fight. At least she had her companion on her side. It wouldn't be enough. Theo cursed herself for being weak and foolish. How could she get caught out alone like this and still hope to command respect? "Speech" Theory Cavaliere-Destruction vs Ares vs Valdis for Dominance Round 1/2 Age: Over 1 year Size: Extra large Build: Medium Companion 1: Raven, Female - Flying Skills: Expert Fighter & Beginner Healer Specialty: N/A

Valdís' ears flicked back at Ares words but she didn't care to reprimand him. They now had a goal of testing this new alphess and so his inciting words were useful in this instance. Besides, she wasn't quite sure how much she could really judge the younger male considering his father was also prone to such theatrics of aggravation. Either way his words did the job as the girl attacked. Valdís quickly assessed the situation, as Theory was attacking Ares that gave her a moment. A call alerted her to Theory's companion but her raven, Embla, was already diving and seeking to intercept the other bird, talons seeking the other avian's back. With a quick gesture her other companion, Jynette dove for Ares' left hind leg, just below the hock. Valdís had to remind herself that this was a three-way melee and she did not want to be doing Ares' chores for a month. As her companions moved to attack so did Valdís. She twisted her head, seeking to dig her fangs into Theory's right thigh while at the same time throwing her spiked shoulders forward, seeking to ram the spikes into the girls side. Valdís vs Ares vs Theory for Dominance Valdís Leika Thyre vs (opponent) for (fight type) Round 1/2 Age: Over 1 year Size: Large Build: Medium Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked harness Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked helmet Companion 1: Red Fox, Female - Battle Companion 2: Raven, Female - Flying Skills: Expert Fighter & Expert Intellectual Specialty: N/A "Talk" "You" Think

He anticipated the little girls attack, and as she dove for his throat he jumped to her other side opposite of Valdis, thus causing Theory's attack to miss and Valdis' bird to peck at his other foot. He felt somewhat betrayed his own pack member was after him, too, but remembered it was a free for all. He growled from annoyance at the bird, but with his position he couldn't quite get at Valdis so he settled for the closest target. Theory.

He turned in towards Theory and aimed to slam his shoulder into her side, potentially pinning her between him and Valdis and shoving her into the other woman as well. Jaws opened then and he aimed to bite the side of her stomach. Simultaneously, he reached forward with his forepaw in an effort to sweep Theory's right hind foot out from under her to compromise her balance.

Ares Saxe vs Theory vs Valdis for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: over 1yr
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Mutation: saber fangs (attack)
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Hunter
Specialty: N/A

Embla and Alouette met in mid air and engaged in their own brand of winged combat. Meanwhile, on the ground, Theory was struggling. It was supposed to be a three-way fight, but the odds certainly seemed weighed in their favor. There was nothing fair about it. She gasped as Valdis slammed her spikes into her side. The air was driven temporarily from her lungs and before she could suck another breath in, Ares had slammed in to her other side. Pinned. How had she let her guard down this badly? In the mish-mash of bodies, Ares' teeth just barely grazed her stomach. At least the scuffle made it a bit more difficult to land blows. As they all fought for dominance, her paws shifted back and forth to keep her balance independently of the two other wolves. The shuffling allowed her to avoid Ares' attempt to sweep her leg out from under her. She was already dancing a jig just to stay upright. There didn't seem to be a way out of this one. Part of her wanted to call for help, but she couldn't bear the thought of anyone else in the pack seeing her like this. Powerless. Theo sucked her stomach in as far as she could and ducked her head, making a run for it to try and slip out from between the two of them and make a go of it from a different angle. If she was successful, she'd turn and face the pair from the rear, allowing her the opportunity to lunge forward and place a bite neatly on Ares' behind. If she wasn't successful, Theo would continue to writhe between the pair of them. Ares was still the logical target since he was unarmored - she'd try and land a few superficial bites on his neck and shoulder from the strange angle they'd pinned her at. "Speech" Theory Cavaliere-Destruction vs Ares vs Valdis for Dominance Round 2/2 Age: Over 1 year Size: Extra large Build: Medium Companion 1: Raven, Female - Flying Skills: Expert Fighter & Beginner Healer Specialty: N/A

Jynette missed and instead grazed Ares other foot, the momentum with which the little fox had been running caused her to stumble and nearly fall on her face. Valdís had better luck as her body slammed into the younger, yet taller woman. She hadn't fought much with her armor or weaponry but she was already satisfied with the added damage the spikes could do to her usual shoulder throws. Still, that was probably enough of that for now. She really wasn't terribly interested in causing permanent damage to the Abaven alpha. She set her eyes on the strapping, young man. A fierce opponent in his own right. As Valdís had relented to reassess her attack, Theory slipped away which was just fine by her as she lunged for Ares with a mischievous grin. Ok, time to see if the lad had been practicing. Her weight shifted to her hind legs and left foreleg as she sought to wrap her right foreleg around the back of his neck, her jaws reaching up seeking to grasp the middle of the underside of his jaw. Valdís vs Ares vs Theory for Dominance Round 2/2 Age: Over 1 year Size: Large Build: Medium Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked harness Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked helmet Companion 1: Red Fox, Female - Battle Companion 2: Raven, Female - Flying Skills: Expert Fighter & Expert Intellectual Specialty: N/A "Talk" "You" Think

Okay so his attacks somewhat worked but not quite in the way he wanted. He was successful in pinning the brat between him and Valdis, but his main intention with that was to try and climb over Theory to get at Valdis. Two birds with one stone right? His bulky weight would potentially slow Theory or push her down while he would try to bite Valdis.

Only he never got to do that. Theory ended up slipping out from between them and his little daydream flew out of the window. He briefly debated going after her, but his attention was drawn more towards Valdis. Ah let the brat run away! He thought as he smirked. While he was at a disadvantage against Valdis, at least he didn't run. However, he didn't expect Theory to try and fight dirty. As he readied himself for Valdis, he felt teeth nip his rear end and he yelped in surprise, kicking out with hind legs like a surprised horse as he sought to kick Theory square in the face and using that to help propel him towards Valdis.

He lowered his head as Valdis reached towards him, and just like he did in one fight before, he dropped to the ground (sliding a bit from his previous momentum) and sought to get right up under Valdis. He pushed upward, aiming to bash his weight into her lower chest to hopefully send her flying belly up while his jaws aimed to bite at her abdomen for an additional punch.

Ares Saxe vs Theory vs Valdis for Dominance
Round: 2/2
Age: Over 1yr
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Mutation: saber fangs (attack)
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Hunter
Specialty: N/A

And the winner is...

Valdis

Theory and Ares must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Valdis: Adjusted roll: 86.25 54.05 88 81.4 Valdis' total: 371.64 Ares: Adjusted roll: 96.8 28.6 65 14 Ares' total: 235.06 Theory: Adjusted roll: 95.55 40.95 96 45.1 Theory's total: 333.12

[Lazuli]

Ares' back paws hit her square in the face and she sneezed in surprise. They didn't do too much damage, but it certainly stunned her. Theory backed off for a moment, panting heavily. Adrenaline was making her heart beat double time, but she figured that she wasn't coming out of this on top. The other female was too well equipped, Maybe if it had just been her and the loud-mouth she would have had a shot. Instead of entering back into the fray, she sat back and observed how the two of them would duke it out. They had rightfully earned some time at leisure in the territory, as much as it pained her. She still had plenty to learn, particularly in these sort of group fights. Maybe she could convince Corvus and Twig to come at her at the same time. They could all use that kind of experience.

Theory fell away and Valdís turned her focus on Ares. The duo collided violently, snapping and twisting until she was at last the victor. Tail held high in victory she grinned as she surveyed the other two. Her head turned first to Theory. "Well, it seems we'll be staying til we've rested. We do not intend to go farther into your territory, only here." She shrugged off her armor, shaking her coat out to rid it of some of the sweat and blood that now clung to her fur. "You did well, alphess. Ares, you too. That is exactly the kind of ferocity I want to see in attacks." With her armor removed she settled down on the grass. She did not fear that Theory might take advantage of her while she rested. The other seemed honorable enough to keep their bargain.