Drooping Willows Step up or sit down

{occ} This is my first rank challenge so bear with me! ^^ If I do anything wrong just let me know and I will edit/correct it!:) [/ooc]

After his meetings with Elettra, Morganna, and Iopah Cai was now thoroughly convinced that it was time for him to begin making a name for himself, to begin making Willow Ridge a place he could call home. He had waited a respectful amount of time before he decided to challenge anyone for their rank. He had wanted to make sure that he planned on staying in the pack before he disrupted the hierarchy. After meeting Morganna, Cai realized that there might be other reasons for staying here, besides his sister. After his conversation with Iopah, he realized that his moping around waiting to have the world handed to him on a silver platter was intolerable. If he wanted to feel like he had a place and a purpose, he had to make those things happen. Finally, he had talked with Elettra and requested that he be allowed to begin pursuing a role within the pack. Everything was falling into place and now it was time for the next step. There were two males above Mordacai, with the exception of his Alpha of course, and Mordacai planned on challenging each of them in turn. First, he would need to challenge Renier. He had nothing personal against the tawny male who was not much larger than himself. Honestly, he didn't know him very well. Morganna seemed to have eyes for him and that bothered Cai, but this rank challenged stemmed from a desire to establish himself within Willow Ridge and nothing more. If Mordacai won this challenge and Morganna shifted her attentions to him afterwards, that would only be a bonus.

Though some nerves rattled around in Cai's mind, he steadied his resolve and howled for @Renier. Holding his tail and head high, the swarthy male made it clear that he was there to assert his dominance, to claim a position that he believed was rightfully his.

There was always a task he could be doing. Patrolling, and hunting filled a lot of his time. Then there were opportunities to amuse Deacon, and he decided despite the lad's high opinon of himself, he liked his dark cousin. As for his other pack mates he was reserved, a silent figure among them. Words often dragged him into trouble.

So the wolf refused to wander far from the Ridge. The rogue was sincere and determined to make his word to Elettra and Angier be worth something. He was doing his best to leave thoughts of Grizzly Hollow aside. Of the bi-colored eye wolf who had asked him to see her again. Sadly, to displace the images of his parents, and his siblings. He wasn't so sure he should be more than just Renier. What could he do for them? He was nothing but a subordinate.

A deep howl that beckoned for him was unexpected, and abruptly shattered his thoughts. What could Mordacai want with him? Cream legs began to carry him swiftly across the lands, and it did not take much for his puzzler to put it together. There was likely only one reason, and it made a lip curl. Fine, he was up for a challenge. If the older wolf beat him, he only hoped he moved on to Xetor.

Mentally preparing himself, when golden eyes fell upon the dark cloaked wolf with raised head, and tail high the Lyall decided no matter the outcome, Ren wasn't about to let this be easy for him. Silver, and tawny threads bristled along his spine, and his own frame raised in full height. Easily, saying he would have to make him stand down.

(This post was last modified: Dec 04, 2014, 01:24 PM by Renier.)

Mordacai watched warily as Renier approached and also took a similar position of dominance. Cai had never expected that Ren would show up and bow down. There would be a challenge, Cai had known that and was prepared. With a voice smooth and calm, the swarthy male spoke, "Renier, I intend to stay in Willow Ridge and to serve Queen Elettra to the best of my abilities. That being said, I believe that it is time I challenge you for the third position. It is nothing personal, but I intend to give it my all and I hope you will do the same." Every word the Ashrelle prince spoke was true. He did not want false security. It would be best for Renier to give his all, whether Cai won or lost. Judging by the look in the pale golden eyes of the tawny wolf, that is exactly what he intended to do.

Cai let the words rest on the air, giving them time to sink into his opponents mind. Cai was a soldier; he was honorable and even if he and Renier weren't particularly close, Cai would not want this challenge to be the reason tension arose between them. He wanted respect, not animosity. After a moment had passed by, Cai bared his teeth and let loose a vicious snarl to indicate that it was time to begin. With that, the dark man pushed off his back legs and lunged towards Renier, jaws open, ready wide to close around Renier's muzzle.

@Mordacai Since Ren lost 6 of his HP I figured it made sense for Cai to get a hold of his muzzle. Since Ren's attack wasn't that strong, it would be likely Cai would still have it if that helps. :3

The Lyall did not leer at the dark man, but nonchalantly met his orange stare, a nod given in his understanding. Renier wished he was as certain as Mordacai about the Ridge. It would not stop him from doing what he could to keep hold of his third position. He was here because he wanted to serve Elettra, likely for other reasons, but it did not mean he would remain nor leave. Only time would tell what kind of path he would either create or follow. In the mean time he tried to brace himself for the challenger's move.

Russet ears flattened to his crown, and a low growl rumbled in his chest. The muscles in his forearms tensed with a shot of excitement, and pint of fear. Eyes trained upon his opponent, the world seemed to pick up speed as the Ashrelle jumped his way. Instead of jerking away, the Lyall dug his paws in snow tainted mud. It was then tips of teeth were felt upon his cream snout. If he couldn't get him to let go it would be over soon, so he tried to forcefully shove into the black chest.

(This post was last modified: Dec 07, 2014, 11:05 PM by Renier.)

There is a deer that was killed by a lynx nearby. +10 Health

Yeah, makes perfect sense. Thanks!:) So since Ren's attack hit, Cai is knocked back a bit, but doesn't release Ren's muzzle? And for Cai's counter attack, he got a hit for six damage, he could attempt to somehow get Ren's feet from under him so that he would be pinned to the ground? IDK, if there is anything wrong with this post just PM me or something and I will edit!! Sorry but this is actually really hard. I'm a fighter (like Ive done boxing, kickboxing, brazilian jiu jitsu) and I never would have guessed how hard it would be to explain what you're doing in words o.o

Mordacai's jaws had successfully found his opponent's muzzle and were now clamped shut over them. He made sure not too bite too hard, seeing as this was a rank challenge and there was no need for either wolf to leave with any sever injuries. This was not personal, and Cai hoped to have Ren's respect by the end of it, one way or another. Trying to hurt him would be counterproductive. Still, Cai wondered if maybe he had not held down tight enough as his opponent shoved his chest. Cai took a small step back as he absorbed the impact, and almost lost hold of Ren's muzzle. Thankfully, Cai had been close enough to Ren that there had not been much momentum behind the shove and the single step back was enough. Clamping down just a bit tighter Cai's secured his hold. With the first counterattack delivered, adrenaline began to pump through the Ashrelle's veins and the thrill of the fight sank in. With a new burst of energy, Cai twisted his head one way, then the other, and finally once more to his left (Ren's right). With Ren's muzzle tightly secured between Cai's jaws the tawny wolf could not resist and so his body weight would follow the direction his head was turned. When Cai gave that finally twist to his left, Ren's head turned to Ren's right and his body weight followed. With Ren's weight all on his right legs, Cai raadjusted his grip on Ren's muzzle and raised his right leg to drape over Ren's left shoulder, hoping that the addition of his own weight, adding pressure onto Ren's right legs, would make Ren's legs give out from under him.

You're good. :3 Same for me pm me if this doesn't seem fair/realistic. Fight posts are tough in that way. I take it Ren's sorta curled in upon himself to the right, and from the left, and above Cai is trying to shove him down? I'm going to have the attack get him down I'm going to let Ren get his muzzle "free" for his hit if that's okay?

Target was met, but not without enough force to free himself. A harsh growl slid in his throat, but he was more angry with himself than Cai. The same trick wouldn't work twice, and while thankful the Ashrelle's teeth did not pierce, their grip became stronger. Should he gracefully bow out now? The Lyall was much too proud to surrender just yet. His pride willed him onward.

Like a puppet, he danced and pivoted to the will of the string holder. The pace of his heart rapid, his blood begining to boil with displeasure. He had willed the dark man to make him kneel, and he was trying to do just that.

The last twist of the spar unsettled his balance. Almost forcing him onto his whole side. The rogue's right, foreleg crumpled beneath his chest, pinned by the added weight, half his belly upon the dirt. But, it was with a grunt he held himself from falling further. Now, that Mordacai was upon him, and his muzzle still gripped upon the Lyall's cream one, Ren had ideas of his own. Cai had to hold onto his muzzle, and perhaps he could make him move some how in turn.

With the strength he could muster. He cracked his head sideways, forcefully shoving his snout sideways, further into his opponent's jaws, than just as wildly whipped it the opposite way, uncaring of any immediate pain this would cause him. He just wanted control of it again, loathing the feeling of another's teeth upon his flesh. "You win," he managed to mutter, yielding his ears, and keeping his tail tucked between his hind legs to show his words were real. He was didn't want to "eat" dirt, and expected Cai to get off him now, with his newly claimed rank.

Yup, it all looks good to me. This post is only number 7 though so Ren will need to add two more posts (response to Cai and an exit post) if we want this thread to be claimable for LP :)

Cai was surprised by Ren's next move. The cream colored male violently tossed his head further into Cai's jaws. Of course, this hurt Cai but the swarthy male imagined it ad also hurt Ren as well. Even so, Cai realized what his opponent was trying to do: as Ren thrust his muzzle deeper into Cai's jaws it had made Cai's jaws open wider so when Ren pulled his muzzle the other way it managed to slide out of the Cai's jaws. Cai prepared to reestablish his hold but before he could, Ren called, "You win" and Cai immediately pulled himself off of the now, lower ranked wolf.

Cai was bursting with pride, though he tried not to let it show. He wants the type to brag and didn't want to make another wolf feel bad. Born a prince in the Calarosa mountain pack, Cai had been born into his position as second male. Sure other wolves had challenged him now and then and he had always successfully defended his title, but this was different. For the first time, he felt like he had truly earned his rank. He was third male in Willow Ridge now and he had worked for it. With a gracious smile, Cai took on a more dominant position as he stepped back to give Renier room to get to his paws.

"That was a good match. I'm proud to call you my pack mate." Cai nodded his head respectfully and hoped that his opponent would return the sentiment. He had not won this match only to earn his opponents animosity. He wanted respect.

Sweet. Yes, I plan to. Just busy with life :X

Soon as his superior backed off the russet streaked wolf, shoved himself up into a sit. Pink tongue pulling outward in a quick sweep over his muzzle, noticing some marks of blood. It was little since thankfully Cai had been quick to release. It was Ren's pride was wounded the most. The rogue held himself where he was suppose to, telling himself this was how he would better himself for the future. Losing some, and hopefully winning more. Besides he was much too old to sulk like a child. What respect would he gain from that?

The Lyall had to be careful, mindful of himself in the Ashrelle's presence. He could easily believe Cai was being condescending with his words. It was just a knee-jerk reaction to take things the wrong way. Momentarily he was silent, partially meeting the dark wolf's gaze to be sure he was being sincere. It seemed so. "You too," was the best he could reply, only hoping the same truth was reflected in his tone. Since he didn't know Cai that well, and it wasn't a fight for other reasons Renier agreed it had been a good match. Cai hadn't been a prick about winning, and that was a plus.

"I hope you plan on going after second?" He lightly questioned, with a raised brow.

(This post was last modified: Dec 18, 2014, 09:08 PM by Renier.)

Understandable:) The holiday season is really taking away from my RoW time:/

The tawny, russet male seemed wary about Cai's sentiments, but Cai could understand that. They didn't know each other very well and you could never be too careful with strangers. Some wolves liked to play mind games. But that kind of dirty, underhanded play just wasn't Cai's style. He preferred to do things by the book, the honorable way.

When Renier asked him about second, Cai quickly nodded. "Definitely." It was only one word, but Cai's expression added a thousand more. His amber eyes might have even darkened a bit as he imagined a fight against Xetor. The dark wolf had been quite arrogant at the pack alliance feast and Cai still couldn't shake the way his hairs stood on edge when he saw Xetor and Enoki together. That rank challenge would be less friendly than this one had been and Cai doubted that Xetor would lose half so gracefully as Ren had. Coming full circle, his thoughts brought him back to Ren and how gracefully he had accepted the loss. That earned him quite a few points in Cai's opinion. "It's taken me awhile to set my roots here in Willow Ridge, but now that I am Id like to get to know my pack mates better. Perhaps we could hunt together sometime?" Cai offered, hoping Ren would accept the invite. He didn't just want rank in Willow Ridge, he wanted friends too. And Ren seemed like a helluva lot better option than Xetor.