Drooping Willows On the Maw of Challengers

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Shade watched as the ever so present sun danced across the sky to the mid afternoon dance. The splendiferous view made him want even more to challenge Reed as he had already been thinking of. A call for Elettra, Koda and Reed parted from his mouth. Elettra and/or Koda would have to take notice to know won the fight and make sure that the pack knew of it. Reed was who he was challenging. He said nothing more then a requested presences of the three wolves to him location. This he'd been training for. He had are, lean muscles from training in the mountain. The hardened soul from Rosealia dumping his sorry ass. It was time for him to be loyal, but he felt he could be a better suitor for second then Reed. Reed was always disappearing.

"Shade, get your head in the game. You can do this, it's now or never, I will not bow, I will not break. It doesn't even matter." He told himself. His gaze coasted around all angles. Observing the facts, the advantages to use for the fight. He honestly hoped winning this fight would win over Rosealia's heart. She needed a strong and protective male in her life and that is what Shade was. His ears perked up, listening for noises. His muscles flexing about as he trotted around the clearing he was in. the clearing was surrounded by willow trees. It was relatively near camp.

He watched closely for any signs. He'd put his rump on the ground in wait. It was an open invitation. All spectators to the fight were welcomed with open arms. All he needed was his opponent and the leaders. The fight had begun.

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It hadn’t been too long since Guiness had joined the large pack of Willow Ridge and even though he was of low ranking, he felt as though he was starting to fit into the pack perfectly fine. He had taken the duty of marking the borders, even though it was already heavily marked. He was starting to think he would be better off starting to hunt for the pack instead of marking the borders, considering how heavily marked they already were. He had set to doing both and he had meant to take it up with Narimé for the two to go hunting together.

His paws froze as a howl pierced the air. His ears turned back and his head turned towards the noise. The call was not for him. . .but for another, but curiosity had already gotten the best of the male. Even though it hadn’t been for him, he wanted to know of the happenings of his new pack. If it had been one of the alpha’s calling and it had not been for him, he wouldn’t have answered, but this was someone else. . .someone else of whom he knew.

The muscles in his shoulder’s flexed silently as he dove himself forward. He was in no rush, though his pace did have some urgency in it. When he arrived on site he stayed a respectable distance away from the male. . .it had been Shade that called. . .that was why the call was familiar. He took an own note in his head to start knowing his pack mates voices better, but never the less, he remained silent, his golden amber eyes watching with expectancy.

Pillar of Strength

Time-wise, I'm guessing this happens after our love-drunk lane fit.

<blockquote>Rosealia felt the sun rise higher in the sky, warming her pelt to an uncomfortable boiling point. She shifted on her paws, skipping into the shade that iced her dry, rough pads. Today she had woken up hardened and ready to pull herself together on the outside, for the sake of her tired packmates. How could she possibly be moping around and sulking while they all busted their asses working to protect her? Yeah, she could hunt, but sometimes she felt like a pickle in a cherry orchard. As she lifted her long maw, her sensitive little nose scented one particular person: Shade. Feeling like this was her chance to act a little less awkward with him, she slowly approached his presence as the chocolate male gave a long, sharp howl into the air. It was so demanding that it sounded like a needle to her ears. Her feelings eroded in her stomach to feel like plain confusion. Why was he howling like that? And who for? Rose had never been too good with howling, since she had only heard her father do so when he was in trouble. Sadly, he hadn't howled even once to her when he died.
<font style='margin-left:20px;'>Heart skipping a necessary beat,</font> she froze and her eyes drifted to an extremely large wolf. Her fur bristled with his sight, not sure what to be scared of. His size, or the fact that she was quite behind on getting to know her packmates. She let go of all the air in her lungs to show relief. Her amber eyes searched the newcomer's golden amber ones of a few moments before she spoke. It was given that this new wolf must know Shade, since her mate had made it a big point to know many of the wolves in their pack. <span style='font-family:georgia'><b>"Heya...Shade, what are you doing?"</b></span> The words oozed out of her head into her mouth live a river down a mountain and she narrowed her eyes. She had meant to introduce herself to the new wolf, but she had decided that this was more important right now. Her narrowed eyes clawed into his spine suspiciously. She was thinking about the possible reasons for this. Sorrow filled her whole body nerve-wrackingly with pain as she thought about him possibly leaving Willow Ridge. Why else would he be calling this?</blockquote>

WILLOW RIDGE FOREVAH!

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Shade watched for Elettra, Koda and/or Reed to appear. Instead Guiness appeared. He'd only seen the Guardian-to-be only twice before. Once when Guiness was a loner and he'd met Guiness and Tempest in Hush Meadow. Then the other time at the pack meeting. "Hello Guiness. How are you?" He asked just as the rosy scent of his mate came to his senses. She appeared and a smile lit up his face. It had been a few days since he saw her, and then she wasn't sure if she still loved him or not. It had been an emotional time for the lot of them, but they had made it though. he wondered if she still loved him. He still loved her for sure. He knew one fact though, she had a concerned look on her face. Did something happen to her? A question parted her lips with the worried. He almost thought she thought he was leaving. He nuzzled her.

His mouth slightly parting as he spoke the answer to her question. "I've called a challenge. I do not believe that Reed is around enough to fulfill his duties as second so I am challenging him for the title." A kind and gentle smile on his face. He was truly waiting for the leaders and Reed to get there. Once that happened, he could challenge him for real. He had a fiery and determined look on his face. He was going to challenge for the good of Rosealia. for the good of he pack. He knew he could do it. He suddenly stopped to wonder. Did Rosealia want to challenge anyone? Maybe she did, maybe she didn't.

All he knew is there was no backing down now. He had to go through. He had to win this. If he didn't, he'd lose everything. His honor, dignity. Maybe even his mate. He kind of hoped winning this would help her love him again.

Where was the man? At the stream of course. There he sat, his eyes glued upon the waters. A trout wandered by... too small. His golden eyes flickered as the lack of fish left him gazing emptily upon the water's surface. Then, there was a howl. The man jerked his head upward, taken out of his dazing. With a grunt, he spun in a half circle, rising up. The hunter began to hoof it toward the call- it seemed to be for him.

As he neared, brow raised as he saw the wolves before him. Three pack members. Which had called him? Being a wise creature, the rustic pelted one smirked slightly as he lay eyes upon Shade. Ah, yes. It must have been him. With his tail lifting itself up, he approached, his pace steady and calm. "Lovely day, isn't it?" He spoke in general to his brethren; not directly toward Shade. The fiery one was speaking cool words, flowing like the stream he enjoyed so much.

Of course he knew what the howl was about. Could there not be time for a greeting? He was a hunter of Willow Ridge. Always has been, always will be, whether or not he loses this scuffle will not shift his mind. Dominance seemed to be an overrated thing to him, but then again, he did enjoy the position as second.

I was gonna have Shade then Reed and other can post as spectators whenever really, but it other then that, may the best of luck be with you Bridget & Reed!.

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Shade watched as the ever so present sun danced across the sky to the mid afternoon dance. The splendiferous view made him want even more to challenge Reed as he had already been thinking of. A call for Elettra, Koda and Reed parted from his mouth earlier that made his mind even clearer. Elettra and/or Koda would have to take notice to know won the fight and make sure that the pack knew of it. Reed was who he was challenging. He said nothing more then a requested presences of the three wolves to him location. This he'd been training for. He had are, lean muscles from training in the mountain. It was time for him to be loyal, but he felt he could be a better suitor for second then Reed. Reed was always disappearing.

"Yes, very nice day Reed. I guess you know why I called you? I challenge you for your position as Second of Willow Ridge." He told Reed, his eyes calmed. His gaze coasted around all angles. Observing the facts, the advantages to use for the fight. He honestly hoped winning this fight would win over Rosealia's heart. She needed a strong and protective male in her life and that is what Shade was. His ears perked up, listening for noises. His muscles flexing about as he trotted around the clearing he was in. the clearing was surrounded by willow trees. It was relatively near camp.

He knew deep down that this fight wouldn't change anything other then maybe his rank. But a man could hope couldn't he?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/KodaTable.png);background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 200px;padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; text-align:justify;">The call came, seemingly out of nowhere, yet not far away. The voice was familiar to him now. He'd spent some time getting to know the other male not too long ago and had suspected that this event might come to pass. Shade had called for Reed and the alphas. Truly, there could be no other logical reason than a challenge of the red man for his rank of second in Willow Ridge. Apparently, the dark wolf had gotten his priorities sorted and decided on a course of action.

Long creamy legs carried him quickly to the clearing where four wolves were already gathered. A small fae and a mammoth of a male, neither of which he knew, Shade and Reed. He caught the last words of challenge to the current second as he came to a stop with his head and tail high in a manner that left little doubt in anyone presents mind that he was alpha, whether they knew him personally or not. He had seen the other two at the pack meeting, but hadn't had the chance to know them personally yet.

He wished that Elettra were here as well, but he was all that was needed for the challenge to move forward. A witness of rank to confirm the winner. Very well then. His voice was strong and smooth as he formally inquired, "What is the nature of this gathering?" Although he had heard the gist of the words and knew in his mind, the formalities that his birth pack used felt natural and right. A clear statement of challenge for all present to hear and an acceptance of said challenge. In this manner there was no doubt in anyone's mind about a change of rank or lack therof .

Arla and Emma are the ish and made my pretties!
Koda will most likely always be accompanied by Chiron unless otherwise stated, or requested.

The man's golden eyes focused upon Shade as Reed stood in his place. A challenge? He tilted his head slightly, the smirk reforming on his dark lips. "Very well" he said, just before Koda arrived. The alpha soared in quietly; he questioned the meaning of Shade's howl. Peering over at the mottled male, Reed parted his jaws "He wishes to challenge me for the second position."

After the quick sentence, he closed his mouth and looked to the alpha before slowly bringing his head back toward Shade. In silence, the rustic one observed the creature, taking in his stature and muscle build. Immediately, his mind began to calculate offensive and defensive moves. Biting his tongue, he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in. He held it for a a bit before releasing it. Patiently, Reed awaited the words of Koda.

Elettra Archer came slow but sure and direct. There would be no misplacing the hard, solid ring of challenge within the voice of another wolf. She had heard it far too many times to count and it beckoned her interest with a spark of excitement. It would shake the balance in her pack but it would not shake her. Each member was free to fight their way to higher placements of dominance in the pack as they sought fit. With even something simple as lowering yourself to someone below you, to allowing another to eat first at a hunt, could the placements of members be shifted, even without a formal calling as this. However, the members of Willow Ridge had seemed content in their placement, until now.
Her curiosity was obvious by the shine of her silvery gaze as she entered the growing group. Her attention sweeps Reed and Shade in much interest, one man of reds and orange and the other, of chocolate brown and a black mask. One of the men had been with her from the very beginning and the other, the moment joining the pack, did his best to be as active and hard working as anyone else, if not far more. This would not be a simple squabble of power between the fifth and sixth within the ranks - oh no - this was the position directly for the Second in Command, the very wolves which protected the leaders and their placements, the most dominant savor the leading pair themselves. She comes, silent, and settles down lose to the side of her partner, Koda. Her eyes sweep over whom had joined, wondrous of when or if Remy may join, seeing how whomever won would be the partnering Second.
Despite Reed being a hunter and Shade the Guardian, it would seem that even with age above him, Reed held a little bit more girth then the challenging male. But physical power was only one aspect of much to consider. Many a time had Elettra been outmatched by men within her birth pack by size alone and this is where speed against them and the stamina to keep it up endured. She danced around her consonants, ripping at places which hindered their stance and fell the beast. Everyone had their Achilles heel, after all. Though battle had been always a determining favor in her former pack, where little would back down by simple stare downs, Elettra could only wonder if this would be the same. Perhaps the challenge of dominance for the right to the Second position would be won by simple threats and staring one another down with high stances? Elettra could only hope her founding Second would not back down so easily and watched intently for these answers.

Shade now calls Koda Sir Koda XD

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Shade looked as Koda arrived, then Elettra. With the leaders there, this could be an official and formal challenge. "Under the presence of both Lady Elettra and Sir Koda. I challenge you for your ranking as second." He said, his eyes calculating strategy, looking for weaknesses. Things he could use to help. He circled Reed. Challenge spoke about him. He refused to let Reed show him dominance. If he tried, he'd match it or attack. He knew his strategy. Wait for the opponent to strike first. Then he could counter, then attack in one strike. he hoped to win this. He didn't feel Reed could be a proper second. He was too nice to loners.

Damn. Other then his niceness to loners, he found no weakness. Being a bit nicer to ladies wasn't any more damn useful then anything else. He'd have to use intellect and strength. Channel his past and anger into his fighting. he knew it was relatively even in challenge level though. While Shade was not as strong as Reed. He was a whole lot of the damn faster then him. He could use a series of quick, fluid attacks and hit him where the sun don't shine. Thus beating him. Maybe he was over thinking this. Maybe Reed would step down. Though he highly doubted it.