It was unorthodox. It was unexpected.. but more importantly, it was perfect. Silent Moon Plateau had grown steadily since the pack had laid it’s claim to the lands, and the gender ratio had tipped the scale on the female side – but none seemed to truly reveal the role of dominance or leader. Phineas had never interfered with the hierarchy of his pack before – he had found it perfectly acceptable to sit back and allow his members to sort themselves as the nature of the wolf deemed so. But the ranks required a leadership pair, and the Argyris man grew impatient with waiting for a counterpart to arise.


His paws trailed him to a flat expanse of the land – patches of snow had drifted upon the surface now, and a myriad of flurries flecked the air. Evening settled upon them, and with it, the setting of the sun would occur within the next hour or so – he could only hope this did not take them until the darkness flooded the trickier slopes of their home. Shaking bits of snow from his pelt, the Argyris man tilted his muzzle back, releasing a summoning howl in to the air – his call was for the adult females of the pack..


A tournament would begin for the spar of reigning lead female – Silent Moon Plateau required one, especially with winter upon them. He had little plans of his own to take another mate and procreate come the spring.. and in turn, his next logical thought would be the leading female would take such a role this year.


Satisfied he might have stirred attention on a meeting place, the regal allowed himself to settle down to a sit. His nose tipped upward, taking in the winter breeze. He was eager to see who would answer this challenge – and more importantly, who would rise.

Curiosity piqued the youth’s mind as his father’s familiar voice echoed across their new home. Takis had been busy exploring – his pale form winding through the coniferous trees that held the first traces of snow. It crunched beneath his paws, and Takis found himself intrigued by the powdery substance. Every so often, he would bend his muzzle down to plough a small trail before him until his nose tingled with the cold. It was his first winter, and while he had heard the tragedies that had befallen his family and pack last year, it would be a lie to say he did not enjoy the snow, and even the cooler temperatures.


But Phineas’ cry had caused his path to switch, and the youth soon found himself among the gathered women of the pack – his only true reason for coming was curiosity alone. Celandine was the first to catch his eyes, and while his pumpkin eyes acknowledged his father with a fleeting glance, the boy made his way over to his poised sister, nudging her cheek affectionately before sitting down at her side, significantly less graceful than she had only moments before. “This might be interesting,” he gleaned quietly, a small smirk toying at his lips. It was amusing to him that so many females had filled out the ranks – none of which he knew currently in presence. He didn’t fully understand why the Argyris patriarch felt the need to encourage the females to finally challenge for a role within the hierarchy – Borlla, in his eyes, would be a tough act to follow.

So they came – Seraphina was the first, and the ivory regal cast her a studious glance. She had proved to be quite an asset to the pack – intersecting strangers, maintaining the borders.. He did not know her, but he did at least feel as if his kids could be safe in her hands – and that was certainly saying something. “Seraphina,” he greeted smoothly, about to comment and appraise her work, but Aesire was quick to the group as well, stirring a small smile to his lips at her words. He tipped his muzzle down an inch in silent agreement of her words. “Aesire,” he greeted in turn, though soon silencing himself.


The silver Aestyn was next – her greeting stirring another nod from the male, though he now fell to silence. He had always preferred his name than a spoken title, and would perhaps remind them all this one on one at another time. Myrrhis also arrived – though the regal was not surprised. She might have been aged in comparison to the others.. but it could also mean she was more experienced. It would certainly prove to be interesting.


Celandine and Takis also seemed to be intrigued by the proceedings – Phineas was slightly surprised more onlookers had not gathered, but he did not wait for much longer. One presence was missing that was a relief to him – Desdemona had not answered the call.. which was highly unlike his power torn ex-mate. Perhaps she had skipped away in to the darkness of the night. “Let us commence,” he spoke then, his voice lifting to be heard by those gathered.


Standing now, the alabaster male made to begin a slow paced loop about his female companions, his nose grazing a flank here and there – one of reassurance to each. “It is time to settle the ranks of the Plateau so that we may move forward this winter – you are all here because you are interested in the social structure of the pack,” he rumbled, finally stopping his walk before them once more, and beside his children. “As there are four of you, you will be paired. The winner from each battle will then move to compete with the winner from the previous one.” The rules were basic – and of course, even if they lost this day, it did not mean they could not challenge once more. At times, he was surprised his own leadership had not been challenged by the many strong faces of his past. “This is a rank challenge – we do not maim or injure one another. Anyone who does so will answer to me,” he reminded, his tone hardening. There was no honor in fatally or brutally injuring a fellow pack mate in a rank challenge.. and he would certainly not hold such antics in his pack. “Aestyn and Seraphina – you will face one another. Aesire, you and Myrrhis will pair off as well. Please allow each group to have enough room for movement.”


With a nod then, the regal sat down, his shoulder brushing against his daughter’s as his eyes fleetingly swept over his two children present – they were growing so fast, and yet they were well kept children.. polite, regal – everything he could wish them to be. “You should both take notes on sparring techniques,” he offered them then, his vice lower for their ears alone.