He had been in and out of pack lands for some time since the encounter with Corvus. He hadn't really talked to anyone since. Instead, he had been coming around to do whatever duties he had here and there so as not to raise any suspicion for his prolonged absences. Not just that, but he knew Acere would likely notice the change in his attitude if he stuck around too long, and he didn't really feel like being questioned or like his uncle might try to "help" him. The same went for his brother, Casso and his sister Actaea. Although Ignis loved his siblings...he just couldn't bring himself to tell them what was going on for fear that they'd tell their uncle. In the end, Ignis decided to just accept his new mindset. The voice that spoke to him. The change in his psyche. He had succumbed to it all. What was the point in trying to fight it anymore? He was tired of trying to hide his true self. Tired of fighting against what felt so natural now. And thanks to Corvus...he finally felt like his true self. He had discovered the part of him that he didn't even know existed until that day on the cliffs. "It's time." He stood at the base of the ship. But when he heard those words, he took the first step onto the ship and made his way to the bow where meetings were held. He felt like stone as he walked. Each step bringing him closer to the truth in his mind. His Uncle had been a strong leader. But when he passed the torch to Winter, Ignis felt like she wasn't suitable for the position. She was weak compared to him. He hadn't said anything against it then, but today she would know. They all would. Acere was too old to take up leadership again, and Winter was too young and too naive to know what it was like to be a true leader. Nobody else seemed to care to challenge for anything. Their ambitions too misguided as they just fell into the status quo of things. Too soft for his taste. He had started to get that way too...until he realized it wasn't the kind of life he wanted to live. He reached the place where everyone usually gathered. Blood red gaze looking over the territory for a few moments before he threw his head back and issued a challenge to Winterfell's alpha. Would she cower to him? Or try to defend her place? Would his uncle try to stop him? He wouldn't put it past him. But Acere had no chance to stop him. None of them did. Today, they would see his true colors. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think ---- "Blödhgarm"

Tsunami was doing a patrol, it was something she had found useful to keep her mind occupied while she waited for further guidance considering her new rank. So that's where she was when Ignis made his call, the woman paused for a moment, and slowly a rage, the rage she'd been nursing for years, simmering deep within her, suddenly reared its ugly head. Yes, things could be different, maybe even better but her family, her uncle's empire was the only thing in her life that had given her any normalcy... and fuck anyone who challenged that! Her paws kicked up snow as she raced from the pines towards the ship, her anger starting to boil as she ran, the longer she was left to simmer on her irritation the more it morphed into anger, real true anger. She stalked through the ship, allowing her growl to start bubbling from within her, echoing metallically around her until she came to rest before her red bastard cousin. Lips curled back and a snarl ripping from her throat, cranberry gaze narrowing. She was ready to back Winter and wasn't going to back down... even if everyone else did, even Winter. "Speech"

Art by Zinderell

He was out on the coast stalking an elk to bring back to the pack. He was a good hunter, and he wanted to try and secure as much food as possible for the pack before the winter season came. This season was relatively easy for them, and he hoped the next season would be too, but he wanted to be prepared just in case. He hunkered down as close to the ground as he could get, lying in wait as he waited for his foxes to herd the animal towards him. When he heard the familiar yips getting closer, he prepared for the assault. However, as they herded the animal towards him, a sudden call reached his ears. He recognized the voice immediately, though it took him a moment for the meaning of that call to sink in. He abruptly rose to his feet, his companions even stopping the chase which caused the Elk to spot and avoid him and made its escape. "Ignis...?" What the hell was going on? He glanced at his companions for a moment before racing off towards the ship. Massive paws pounded the ground as he ran as fast as he could. His companions hot on his tail. He knew what that call was for, and he couldn't believe that it was coming from Ignis. He had never know Ignis to be the type to do this let alone he had never seen his nephew show any interest in leading. What the fuck was happening, and why now? Was Winter already there? With another burst of speed, he ran full pelt onto the ship and didn't stop until Ignis came into view. His nephew stood there with his back to them, and for a moment, he thought maybe he heard the tone of the call wrong. But the way Tsunami stared and acted towards Ignis only confirmed what he heard. He stepped up beside her, his own teeth bared and his hackles raised as he focused on his nephew. "Ignis! What is the meaning of this!?" "Speech"

She was sleeping within the ship where she and Casso shared a bed and their space really. Today she would do the same she ever did since she had joined the pack. And if she did an analysis of herself during her time here she had to admit she came a long way. That she was slowly recovering from the depression that had always taken a big part of her life. And part of that progress was to be thanked to Casso her mate. If it wasn't for him she wouldn't be alive by now. Not only he but all of Winterfell did also helped her came out of the darkness of her heart, of her soul. And she was slowly feeling like a normal wolf. As she was preparing her herbs and everything for today there is when a quiet frightening call came right above her head. One challenge, one from... Ignis? Her heart soon began to pound fast and her eyes opened wide in complete fear. Slowly with her ears pinned and tail tucked she looked around to see if Casso was there. She hoped he was okay. Then she tried to walk out of the ship looking up to see her friend calling for the Alpha. Tsunami and Acere both were already there. And both of their expressions made her feel a chill on her scruff and a bad sensation in her stomach. In a quiet submissive way, she approached Acere. "Mr.Acere? What...wh...what is happening?.." She managed to speak but barely. She was starting to feel the grasp of panic building up inside her. "Speak"

She was patrolling the pines, lost in her own world. She was thinking about what she could do to prove she could be as great an alpha as her father, but...she still wasn't sure if she wanted to be. She just...wasn't feeling as confident as she thought. The day in the cave with the freaky firefly guy yelling at her had really shattered her confidence, and she just couldn't tell her father. She didn't want to disappoint him, so she felt...stuck. As she stopped at the edge of the pines and stared across the border, she suddenly felt the weight of her macaque companion fall on her back and she was immediately drawn back to the present. "Winter! There's a problem!" She hadn't been paying much attention of course, so she was confused when her companion said that. "What's wrong?" "Did you not hear that call? Your cousin, Ignis, has called you to the ship! He's challenging for Winterfell!" Her ears fell back, heart dropping like stone as the words sunk in. "W-what...?" Ignis was...challenging for the pack? "Don't just stand there! Move it!" She shook out of her stupor and started heading towards the ship. She ran of course, but the entire time she couldn't fathom why her cousin of all people was challenging her for the pack. She didn't know Ignis that well, but growing up she had seen him as nothing but kind and friendly. Did he figure out that she didn't want to be an alpha? Or maybe noticed she wasn't a good one? She knew she was still learning, but...why? Her anxiety started to crash down on her all at once, nearly causing her to stumble as she ran to meet him. She didn't know who all would be there, and the thought that everyone would be watching her try to defend her position made her heart pound. She was feeling incredibly pressured and already comparing herself to Ignis. If she had to fight, she knew who'd win...she wasn't as nearly experienced as the adults were...what the hell was she supposed to do? Charging up the ship, she was sure her anxiousness was rolling off in waves. Still, she tried to appear as confident as she could by giving herself a moment to raise her head and look as confident as possible. Finally, when she felt somewhat presentable, she couldn't help the way her ears fell back as she spotted her father, Yurei, and Tsunami. Her eyes would fall on Ignis last. Staring at his back as he looked out across the territory. She glanced at her father who was also focused on Ignis, and it was clear by the tension in the air that this was unexpected and a surprise to them all. "Ignis...you're challenging me for Winterfell? Why...?" Her voice wavered with lack of confidence as she questioned him. Already feeling like she was failing her father. She knew he would not have faltered in a situation like this... "Speech"

Drífa had finished putting away her stores for the winter. She was proud of what she'd gathered despite the limited range of her wanderings due to her illness. She'd been about to settle down for a sleep when the challenge rang out and made her blood run cold. She'd been looking forward to living out the rest of her remaining days here in Winterfell. Now that was all in jeopardy. She arrived at the scene to see Ignis challenging for the pack. Her eyes narrowed and she glared at him cooly. That filthy wretch. Her underlying prejudice bled through. It was the flame marked southern pack that had caused decades of war in her homeland. Now it seemed she'd have to watch as another wolf with such a similar pelt sought to devastate her home once more.

The sound of his brother's howl made him freeze mid step and caused him to quickly look back over his shoulder at the ship that he had only left less than an hour before. The first thing that hit him was a mix of disbelief and confusion, quickly followed by a feeling of dread. He hadn't been there when his father finally crossed over into pure madness thanks to his mother's quick thinking and mad scramble to get a few of them out before things turned to the worst, but there was a sneaking suspicion that perhaps Ignis was slowly making his way down the same path. It had taken so much of his energy, and continued to drain him daily, to reign in the demons that seemed to constantly swirl in his mind and act as a chorus that never relented. Since meeting Yurei and leaning on her for support they had quieted somewhat, but finding Nolan had given them new life.

"And why wouldn't he take what is his? Your father was the one that ruled, the one that should have continued to rule. Your brother is doing what is right!"

He was already racing back toward the ship, abandoning his hunt, when the demon's voice crescendoed to be heard above the sound of his paws crunching through the snow. He grit his teeth as he shut them out. He hadn't been certain about the decision to place Winter in charge, but that hadn't been his call to make and certainly wasn't one he would question. He trusted his uncle with his life and owed so much to him - he wouldn't dare question his choices no matter the inexperience that his daughter carried with her. She could be taught and trained, she just needed time.

His paws pounded against the metal of the ship as he climbed up to the upper most level, running across the deck to where a small crowd had begun to gather around Ignis near the bow of the ship. He slowed to a halt next to Yurei, his two toned eyes watching his brother with a disapproving question to his gaze. He glanced down to his mate and saw the panic in her expression and he quickly dipped his head to press his nose reassuringly to her cheek. Whatever happened, he wouldn't let anything harm her and that at least would give him some solace. He looked to Acere briefly before trudging forward, walking past the others to stand just behind Ignis' shoulder. He couldn't see his brother's expression since he was facing away from him, but he tried to speak with him in a way that the others wouldn't hear. "Don't do this," he said firmly, a frown creasing his expression. "Don't trust them." He knew Ignis would understand without him having to explain. He hadn't had a chance to discuss the demons with his brother the way he had hoped he would since other things in his life had intervened with his time, but he didn't doubt that they had a hand in this.

Without waiting for Ignis' answer, he turned and walked back to where Yurei was standing, waiting at her side with a grim expression on his face. Part of him knew that this plan had already been put into motion and there was little he could do to change its course. Now he could only stand by and watch as it played out in front of him... and decide where he would stand on the other side of this conflict.

Walk | "Talk" | think

He was nearby helping a couple of Avalon's kids with some training when he heard the howl. He stiffened immediately, knowing exactly what that call meant. Only...he was surprised by the one who called. He didn't know much about the Praetor family other than some of them were kind of messed up. He had worked and fought alongside Ignis, and he certainly did not expect the younger male to be challenging for his own family's pack. His lips lifted in a snarl as he glanced at Claire. Avalon had asked him some time ago to protect and take care of them after she passed away, and he'd been trying to do just that. Would he have to protect them against this potential new threat? Or did Ignis realize that the child Acere had placed as the alpha wasn't up to standard? If that was the case...wouldn't they have maybe discussed it? Alot of thoughts ran through his head at the moment, but ultimately he came to the conclusion that Ignis was likely betraying his family. "Stay close." He muttered to Claire as he led the way up to the ship where others of the pack had gathered. He could sense the tension in the air, and knew right away that they were all as surprised as he was. He stood among the others, hackles raised as he waited for the answers that were being demanded. "Talk"

The call he heard was surprising to say the least. He was in the ship when the howl rang and echoed throughout the ship. Heart pounded in his chest as he slowly processed what this meant. His...cousin was calling his sister? While he didn't exactly understand the nature of the call, he quickly turned around and hurried to the top of the ship to see what was going on. When he arrived, his sister had just arrived and when he heard her wavering question, his own ears sank back. Their cousin was challenging for the pack? His gaze looked around at those gathered and those who were arriving. none of them looked happy about this, and he knew this probably wasn't a good sign...what was wrong with him? why was he doing this? Did he just think Winter wasn't a good alpha? Upset maybe that their dad didn't pick him for the role? If he thought he could do better why didn't he just discuss it with his sister? He stood by and waited to see what would happen, unsure of what to do at the moment... "Speak"||Thought||You

The young Ancora boy moved forward with caution, having become quiet and withdrawn wince the death of Avalon. He didn’t know much about the current goings on in the pack, but the sound of confused voices led him to know he wasn’t the only one confused. Bright silvery eyes looked around as he approached silently. Ears to his skull and heart hammering in his chest as he realized the turmoil all around him. Fear tried to claw at his heart but he stood without flinching as the moments ticked by. If anything now was the time to be brave. He held tightly to the memory of his parents as he watched and waited with bated breath what might happen here.

Ignis's call was unmistakable, especially to Kirsi - it was a challenge cry, one that emanated with power and desperate wanting. Ignis wanted to make Winterfell his, and judging by his tone he wanted it quite badly, too. How... interesting. While she was getting used to her quiet life here, she recognized his ambition and she didn't fault him for it in the slightest, unlike perhaps most of the other members that made up Winterfell. She wondered what Song might think of this potential change in direction for Winterfell, potentially for their lives. Once she'd had similar aspirations and she'd gone through desperate lengths to get what she wanted; she wondered what Ignis would do to get what he wanted. Some of the things she'd been forced to do had caused a series of events she'd never been able to anticipate. Deeply curious about what was going on, she abandoned her little trek through the pine forest, where she'd been searching for something small to eat. Her hunger forgotten, she made her way to the gathering, instinctively searching for Song in the small crowd that had formed. She felt the palpable tension that ebbed through the group, but remained as icy-cold as ever as she settled down and rocked backwards, interested in whatever scene might unfold before her.

He was working in the shop underneath the great ship’s hull, where he could most often be found if he wasn’t at the den with Kirsi. They had made quite the comfortable life here together, one that he was quickly getting used to. Whenever you got comfortable was when things started happening. Song looked up at the call that originated so close to where he was. Uncertainty filled the air and for a long moment Song didn’t leave his alcove. There were many many thoughts that raced through his mind, but most was of concern for what he and Kirsi had built. He didn’t want to lose what they had, but change was inevitable and not always bad.

The massive man pulled himself from his workshop and loped to join the gathering, swiftly making it to Kirsi’s side as he did. Leaning against her slightly, he’d try and catch her gaze from the corner of his eye. The tension was palpable, but he found solace in her cool and calm demeanor. The corners of his lips pulled back slightly despite it all.

Ever since her mother's death, she found herself sinking further and further into her studies. There was a certain solace in loosing herself in the things she could control like organizing herbs and scouring the world for things that could be helpful later. She had even taken to hunting a bit here and there though she didn't think that would ever be her passion or talent. Anything that would keep her busy and distracted seemed like the best use of her time. Because of this, she hadn't really paid much attention to anything going on around the pack. The howl she heard while she was out hunting for the last remaining plants that were clinging to life this late in the season caught her attention and made her lift her head to listen. She wasn't entirely sure who the voice belonged to, but the challenge held in that call made her ears flick uncertainly. Feeling as though everyone should be there, including herself, she abandoned her task to head toward the ship on the other side of the territory. By the time she arrived a fairly sizable crowd had gathered and she had to lean one way and the other to peek around everyone to see what was going on. She saw the red male at the bow of the ship - Ignis was his name if she remembered correctly. She also saw Winter there facing off with him who she only recognized because of the last pack meeting. Uncertain and confused about what was going on, she went to the only truly familiar face in the crowd and found her place beside Océan. At least her brother was here even though she hadn't really spent much time with him as of late either. All of this was just making her realize how disconnected she was from the pack as a whole and she tried her best to put her own issues to the back of her mind as she refocused on whatever it was that has happening ahead of them.

Walk | "Talk" | think

Claire did as she was told when the howl summoned the pack together. She didn't really recognize the voice, but it seemed that Greed did. He knew exactly what it meant, too. She remained close to him as he led the way to the ship, ears folded back as she started to sense the tension in the air. Almost immediately she noticed Greed had tensed up and seemed practically ready to fight. As she read the room herself, her own hackles instinctively rose though she wasn't sure what to do in this situation. She hadn't integrated herself into the pack very much since their mothed died, so she had sort of just hung back and done her own thing like the rest of her siblings. Spotting her brother and sister, she made her way over to them and quietly sat beside them, pale gaze looking on at the scene unfolding before them.

The call from his cousin was unmistakable, though Tyto wasn't sure how to feel about it. On the one hand, if Ignis was seeking to take over to better the pack...he figured that might be something he could get on board with. He was tired of the lack of action. The quiet life. It got boring really fast and Tyto hated sitting around waiting for something to happen. He supposed he ought to go see what was going on for a little entertainment at least. He made his way to the ship, and the closer he got, the more he made sure to mask whatever uncertainty he was feeling. He didn't know how his sister would react to the whole idea, but surely it wouldn't be that bad, right?

Wrong. He arrived to sense a bunch of tension in the air, and his sister practically seemed to be chomping at the bit. He quirked a brow as he approached to stand near her, magenta gaze watching the others as he remained quiet. While sure, it seemed like Ignis was betraying the pack...he wanted to hear him out first before he passed his own judgment.

He stood there in silence as he looked out over the territory. The wind lightly ruffled his fur, and he enjoyed the silence for the short time he had it before the first wolf of Winterfell arrived to break the silence. One ear cocked back as he heard her growls echoing through the ship and when she approached, he hardly looked her way. When he heard his uncle approach...he couldn't help the amused grin that dared play on his lips as he heard Acere's question. "I guess you'll have to wait and see," He mused out loud, though he knew his uncle wasn't stupid. He knew that Acere knew exactly what he was doing. When Yurei arrived though...he could smell the fear that came from her. He hadn't wanted to frighten her, but he felt like no matter what he did, she would always be afraid of him. He liked her. Whether as a friend or potentially something more, he wasn't sure. But because he always felt like he had to walk on eggshells around her, he had been hesitant to pursue anything more than the rare conversation with her. And as a result, his brother had beaten him to the punch. He felt bad...almost. He half turned his head, just barely getting her in his peripheral vision as he frowned. "Don't worry, Yurei." He said loud enough for her to hear. It wasn't long before he smelled the familiar scent of anxiety and insecurity rolling across the ship like literal waves crashing against it. Ah...so Winter decided to show up after all? He would have thought maybe she would have been the first, but...that was perhaps giving her a little too much credit. "Ignis...you're challenging me for Winterfell? Why...?" He sighed as he turned his attention back to the scenery for a moment, though he ignored her question. The more he had time to think about it, he couldn't believe why his uncle had chosen her to replace him as the alpha. There were far more suitable candidates. He was sure he hadn't been the only one that had seen that. A few more arrived. And then he smelled his brother. Heard him approach though Ignis dared not turn to look him in the eye. "Don't do this," His brows knit together as he frowned. "Don't trust them." His mouth drew into a tighter, thinner line. He didn't say anything to his brother, though deep inside, part of him wanted to scream at him for help and guidance. For the comfort and understanding he so badly needed, but had been afraid to ask his uncle for. He hadn't known how to handle all the shit he'd been going through. Didn't know how to handle the immense feelings he had felt for Corvus and the rejection that followed after...he had been so confused that the demons that haunted their family had finally clawed their way into him... Finally, after a few long moments and he was sure nobody else would be arriving did he address the crowd. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, everyone. I know this came as a surprise, and I'm sorry to have disturbed your idling." He said bluntly. Whatever they were doing probably wasn't all that important anyway. Winterfell had been far too quiet and content with living quietly, the only action it had seen was the action that Hjarrandi had thrown them into. He turned around, crimson gaze scanning the crowd as he saw mixed reactions. Some were angry about his little coup d'état, while some appeared indifferent. Curious. Anxious and confused perhaps. And others, like Yurei, appeared frightened about what was going on. Though hopefully...this would go more peacefully. He turned his attention to Winter then, eyes locking on hers as he finally decided to answer. "If you haven't figured it out by now, you're a poor leader. My uncle was mistaken in passing the pack onto you, someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but there are far more capable wolves here. Since everyone else has grown too content with the way things have been. The only action we've seen was when Hjarrandi pushed us into it. I don't know about you, but I didn't sign up to just lay around and do nothing. Uncle, when you started this pack you did promise a place for us to grow and hone our skills. And yet, even then nobody has bothered to really try. While I am aware I ended up among the higher ranks recently and in a position to stir the others into training, I get the feeling everyone would still rather do their own thing." After all, how many actually took training seriously? He returned his attention to his cousin then. "I thought perhaps giving you a chance would change things. That you'd be able to kick things into gear and get the pack more...ambitious. But not even you seem to want to do that. You walk around looking clueless, and despite Acere's offer to teach and train you, you refuse because you want to figure it out on your own. While I understand that desire, that's something that should have been done before the pack was passed to you. A pack requires leadership. Without leadership and structure, a pack cannot survive let alone function well together. But as it stands, I am now challenging you for the right to lead the pack." His gaze was steady on her for a moment before he addressed the rest of them. "Some of you might consider me a traitor today." Did he care if they did? Not really. His gaze moved from wolf to wolf as he spoke. "But I assure you, I am only doing this so that the pack can strive for greater things. To help each and every one of you actually find your potential and to help push you to greater ambitions. Or are you so used to the status quo of things that you're content with the way things are? A slow, quiet life? I for one, am tired of sitting on my paws and just letting the days pass us by. I am not content with the soft life we've been living. To other packs, we might as well be invisible. To some, that may be considered a good thing. But again I ask, are you all just content with sitting in the shadows? Practically non-existent to the rest of the world?" He turned a critical eye to his uncle again, "Do you even know where we stand with our allies anymore? Abaven especially? Or are you okay with all of this too, old man?" He knew his uncle knew he was referring to the strained if not already non-existent relationship with Abaven after the raid against them. Though Ignis wondered himself if he still even cared about them...part of him did. But the other part? He wasn't sure anymore. "So, cousin. Will you accept my challenge and defend your position? Or will you choose to walk away?" He asked, crimson gaze focused on her. "Speech"

Art by Naiterion

Upon the call from her cousin, Solstice couldn't help but be intrigued as to why the older man would behave so wildly. How long had he been planning this? How long had he been scheming, hidden from their ranks by the shadows of secrecy? She hadn't a clue, and to be honest? It scared her. Terrified, even, that there was someone this powerful that would challenge for the pack that her family ruled. She hadn't a desire for the throne, unlike her sister, and it didn't interest her as much as it did her siblings or whatever. As she neared the gathering, she could hear disbelief in the voices that circulated the Antiox. She wouldn't join them. She would sit back, wait for her chance to join Ignis in his side as to not be kicked from the pack... or... or maybe she would exile herself, attempt to leave and say she was going on a journey- maybe a self finding one? No, she couldn't do that! It'd be leaving her siblings behind but perhaps Winter would be up to the suggestion if she were to lose? No, Solstice doubted that. Her sister was too prideful to do such a thing. She would have to speak to her father, Acere, about this. Once Ignis started his spiel, she knew it wouldn't be long until Winter reacted. Now... to wait for the chaos that would ensue.

He ignored her question for some time, but when he finally answered, she felt her anxiety rise. "If you haven't figured it out by now, you're a poor leader. My uncle was mistaken in passing the pack onto you," She grit her teeth together, ears pressing against her skull as he spoke. "I thought perhaps giving you a chance would change things. That you'd be able to kick things into gear and get the pack more...ambitious. But not even you seem to want to do that. You walk around looking clueless, and despite Acere's offer to teach and train you, you refuse because you want to figure it out on your own. While I understand that desire, that's something that should have been done before the pack was passed to you. A pack requires leadership. Without leadership and structure, a pack cannot survive let alone function well together. But as it stands, I am now challenging you for the right to lead the pack." She narrowed her eyes at him, her body tensing as her heart pounded hard against her chest. She never expected Ignis to do this...it seemed nobody expected him to do this. It felt like a betrayal, but...at the same time...he wasn't wrong. She had been a poor excuse for a leader. She had done nothing to really acknowledge her new duties and had basically let the pack fend for themselves. While she was a leader now, she wasn't doing anything to lead them.

She looked down at her paws. She knew he was right. She wasn't ready for this. Although she didn't want to disappoint her father and the pack he placed in her paws, she wasn't ready. She had hoped nobody had noticed. She had hoped that she would've been able to learn on her own and not ask for help. But in doing that, she had failed even more. Her pride had been her downfall. Now she felt like she had failed them all, and that perhaps they had all been too nice to point out her failure to her. But Ignis...he called her out on it. She looked up at the faces that were supposed to depend on her. The faces that she knew she was failing...

"So, cousin. Will you accept my challenge and defend your position? Or will you choose to walk away?"

Her attention turned to him again, her claws anxiously scraping the deck of the ship as her anxiety rose further until she felt like she was starting to panic. How weak she must look in front of them all...It took everything she had to try and keep her composure. To keep her legs from shaking. But...her confidence was shattered. Ever since she had that encounter in that damn cave...she had changed for the worst. Her confidence had been all but destroyed there...on top of that, she knew she wouldn't be able to defeat Ignis. He was a far better warrior than she was. He had more experience. She felt like if she tried to fight him, she would lose pretty quick. He looked confident standing up there...but her? Despite her size and imposing appearance, she was weak. She knew that. She didn't have the experience for any of this...and yet...she was still afraid of letting them down.

Would they think less of her for walking away? Could they see how unsure she was? Would they hate her for failing them? She fought back the tears that threatened to surface, but she did her best to blink them away. "I...I can't...I can't do this..." Her eyes squeezed shut for a moment before she looked at her father. "I...I wanted so badly to follow in your footsteps, father...but...he's right...I'm not fit to lead..." Not since her confidence had been so badly shaken. "I...I'm sorry, everyone...I've been failing you all since day one..." She stared at the ground again, "The pack is yours..." She wasn't sure if she was ready for backlash...but she would understand if the pack got angry at her for her decision...I'm sorry, father...I just can't do it...

"Speech"

Tsunami felt her anger nearly spillover, somehow it wasn't surprising that her cousin would step down but that didn't mean she had to go unwillingly. Without warning she tipped her head back, calling for Kimuy. Her gaze returning to her bastard cousin and the growl growing in her throat. "You fucking asshole." She hissed, "I worked my goddamn ass off for this pack but you feel you're entitled to it when I haven't seen you work as goddamn hard as I have in the last few months? Fuck you!" Kamuy was approaching from behind, the leather harness Tsunami had made recently draped from the caribou's horns. She took it and slid smoothly into it, feeling the satisfying way it hugged at her contours... she hoped she wouldn't need it... "You Praetors are all the same huh? Hair-trigger, an ego bigger than your ability to back it up and not a single shred of family loyalty. Coulda done any number of other things to fix whatever problem you imagined... But you had to go about it the way that'll make enemies huh? Y'know, outside of your uncle, I'm probably the most actually accomplished fighter you've got. And I sure as fuck am not sticking around." She was undefeated, not even mr. high and mighty over here could claim that. The woman dropped into a defensive position, practically daring her cousin to try her. She'd take that smug look right off his face. Tsunami "The Endless Wave" Praetor vs Ignis Praetor for Freedom (?) Round 0/2 Age: 1 Year+ Size: Small Build: Light Defensive Battle Accessory: Walrus tusk spiked back armor Companion 1: Mini peary caribou, Female - Battle Skills: Beginner Intellectual & Expert Fighter Specialty: N/A "Speech"

Art by Zinderell

Solstice didn't expect her sister to back down so quickly. Huh. "Guess it's been a while since I've spoken with her I guess..." She mutters, barely above a whisper and no one was near enough to hear her. She hadn't been gone for too long but she also hadn't announced her presence very openly since she'd returned. She'd just... hidden in the shadows, like a coward... Wow not the time intrusive thoughts. When Tsunami made her try for freedom, she expected she would probably win but didn't get her hopes up. Hm. Decisions, decisions. Who knows what was in store for Winterfell?