[Kemp Oates] They gathered again within the Caern at the challenge circle. Enough time had passed that Joey would likely be healed. He'd not heard what happened between packmates after the first time here. Though the memory of that event still hovered around his thoughts.

First things first. His attention turned to the new face.


"Before we begin, ya know the routine. Let's hear your introduction."

[Joey] Joey is there. She has taken care of whatever it was she wanted to do earlier in the day, and now she's once again at the challenge circle. No questions this time. No words of any sort. The smaller, younger, lower ranked Rotagar just sheds her coat, her arm warmers, her hat, and tosses them outside the circle.

And she waits, watching quietly as the newcomer is addressed. Though her face is somewhat solemn, her dark eyes are curious, alert. She listens, and she observes.

[Stands in Defiance] Max was reasonably fresh yet from another fight held only the day before, but for all that had happened then, he seemed fine now (thanks in no small part to a certain Fenrir kin with a notably magic touch). And he'd put the matter out of his mind, because that... had been a silly dispute. This was important. This was a challenge for eldership.

He stepped forward to address the Adren, stealing a brief glance at the other challenger before turning his full attention to the matter at hand. He nodded to Kemp, and briefly let his eyes touch the ground before meeting the Rotagar's gaze again, in acknowledgment of the difference in rank. "Max Brenner. Stands in Defiance. Cliath Modi. I've come to challenge your claim of tribal leadership."

[Kemp Oates] "Fresh to the Sept and yet ya believe you are the best to lead our Tribe here."

It wasn't a question.

"Heh. I am not the wisest there is, far from it. And I have learned, wisdom is in the ears and eyes of those watching what you do and what comes out of your mouth. I have a challenger before ya. Should she kick my ass, then you'll have to challenge her. Now she can introduce herself, if ya don't know the folk ya challenging."

He gestured again to Joey.

[Joey] Joey lifts her head like a dog who senses the imminent presence of their master. Or prey. Her dark eyes go slightly wider, but she drops her arms to her side, standing at ease.

Neither of these Fenrir know about her vow, that she has sworn to keep her silence and observe for a while. At the moment, they don't need to know. This is not a punishment, and her silence is not the result of a rite. The terms of her vow are fairly flexible, and in fact, this challenge itself is an open point in the rules set by her alpha, which are really more like guidelines.

She steps forward, spine straight with shoulders back. Despite the mess she made of the last time she challenged Truth in Frenzy, Joey steps forward with her chin up, not in defiance of Kemp's rank but simply with pride, and strength.

"Joey, Laughs in the Face of Death, cliath Rotagar of The Sentinels, under Bear," she says with a nod to Stands in Defiance. She turns back to Kemp, lifts her head slightly and her eyes higher to look at his face. She's silent for a while, carefully considering the words she wants to say before she says them, trying to think how to express what she wants to express in as few words as possible.

"I'm not ready to challenge you. Too much to learn, about tribe, auspice. I'm not ready to lead, or guide. My challenge was an insult to you, and the tribe, our culture. I come for punishment, or offer chiminage."

[Daniel] (I'm on an iPhone! Don't expect me to post. Lol!)

[Stands in Defiance] Max smiled in response to Kemp's words, but he held his tongue for now. It wasn't his turn or his place to speak. Chances were, his motivations would become clearer after the challenge, regardless of the outcome.

When Joey made her introduction, Max met her gaze and nodded, once, quickly. One eyebrow raised slightly as she stepped forward - not to challenge but to ask for punishment - and he as if he found this curious.

[Stands in Defiance] [Gah, "as if he found this curious". *murders typo*]

[Kemp Oates] His head tilted slightly and the long shaggy hair over his eyes slid to the side as he considered Joey as she spoke. There was a long moment of silence before he finally spoke in a low rasp.

"I found the questions and assumptions dishonorable, but ya know what else? I learned something about your packmate. Now you need to learn from him. I don't need to punish ya Laughs in the Face of Death, because you're gonna do that far better than I can hope to do."

For a moment his attention shifted back to Stands in Defiance.

"As for you, I'm trying to decide the wisdom of accepting a challenge from someone barely arrived to this Sept."

He scratched his chin as his green gaze moved over Stands in Defiance.

"What did ya do, just hear there was a new person claiming Jarl here and come running?"

The thing that amused him most was the fact that this gig was temporary. He knew as soon as Decker returned the true Jarl would be back in place.

[Joey] Joey doesn't drop her eyes in shame, though they do fall from Kemp's face when he tells of her dishonor. She doesn't nod her agreement, that she has much to learn from Daniel. She intends to learn from him what she can, and what she can from Hatchet, and everyone and everything she sees. She doesn't speak up and tell him whether or not she agrees that she'll punish herself well enough on her own. It doesn't matter.

And even if it did, Joey still keeps her silence. When Kemp's attention shifts to the Modi, Joey steps back, crosses her ankles, and drops to a seated position outside of the challenge circe.

For now, she just watches. And she listens, eyes and ears to the challengers.

[Joey] [post around me, guys, unless she's addressed, Joey's just watching]

[Stands in Defiance] "The challenge was put in place: let the strongest wolf lead the strongest tribe. I answered that challenge to see who the strongest wolf was. Because I'm new, and neither of us know a lick about each other, and if I'm going to follow someone, I want to see first hand that they're worthy of their position. Besides," he grinned. "We're Fenrir. A leader should be challenged, to be kept strong."

Max left it at that, then. Waiting to see if his challenge would be received, or turned away (as Kemp had the right to do.)

[Daniel] A soft interjection from Broken Hammer - "His challenge is just, Rhya. And if he wins Jarlhood and then proves unworthy, rest assured that another of our mighty tribe will wrest it from him."

(and now I'm RPing on an iPhone!)

[Kemp Oates] For a moment Kemp looked from Stands in Defiance to Joey.

"Fuckme, it's a trend isn't it?"

Once more Stands in Defiance had his full attention.

"This is where that Wisdom comment comes in to play. You see, while as Fenrir it is natural to challenge, I find it amazing a Cliath with no deeds to speak of in this Sept, yet, sees a claim and comes running like a tourist with a map to Hollywood, looking to make a name for himself."

Daniel caught his attention and he shrugged.

"So be it. The Foresti speaks wisdom."

"The terms are this. Any form ya want. No talens, no relics. I will not deliver a killing blow, the idea is to best, not kill. Should this Rotagar fall before you, Ahroun, do not touch me. No aid is sought, it will not be appreciated. Questions?"

[Stands in Defiance] "No questions, -rhya. I agree to your terms."

[Kemp Oates] He stepped to the circle, taking Hispo form and waited for his challenger to enter.

[Stands in Defiance] Kemp shifted, and Max did likewise, moving through the forms as muscles stretched and bones cracked. In the end, he chose the same form as the Adren, and stepped into the challenge circle in Hispo.

[Mei] (aaaaaand initiatives!)

[Stands in Defiance] [+8]
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 9

[Kemp Oates] He shook his great shaggy coat and pulled on two Gifts.

Resist Pain
Trollskin

Init +9
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 4

[Stands in Defiance] [-1WP, activating RP]

[Kemp Oates] Trollskin roll
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 2, 3, 3, 5, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9, 9 (Success x 6 at target 7)

[Mei] okay, order is SiD, followed by Kemp. Declare in reverse order!

[Kemp Oates] 1a. Bite
1b Bite

1 r..bite

[Stands in Defiance] [Declare:

1a: Bite
1b: Bite
R1: Called shot bite to the throat
R2: Bite!

(Gee, this declare feels familiar somehow)]

[Stands in Defiance] [Dex+Brawl -2, has bite specialization]
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 7, 7, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 5 at target 5) Re-rolls: 2

[Stands in Defiance] (gah, sorry, I can't do math!)

[Stands in Defiance]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 7, 7 (Success x 2 at target 5)

[Kemp Oates] Soak
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 1, 3, 3, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 8, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 5 at target 6)

[Stands in Defiance] [Str+2(hispo bite)+1]
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 1, 4, 5, 6, 6, 8, 9, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 6 at target 6)

[Stands in Defiance] [Dex+Brawl -3]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 4, 6, 6, 7, 7, 10, 10 (Success x 6 at target 5) Re-rolls: 2

[Stands in Defiance] [Str+2+5]
Dice Rolled:[ 14 d10 ] 1, 1, 3, 3, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 8 at target 6)

[Kemp Oates] Soak
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 10, 10 (Success x 7 at target 6)

[Kemp Oates] And he was moving as the attacks came, teeth snapping as he twisted and spun with each attack against him.

1a bite
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 1, 1, 6, 7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 6 at target 5) Re-rolls: 1

[Kemp Oates] Dam
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 5 at target 6)

[Stands in Defiance] [soak!]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Kemp Oates] 1 b bite
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 (Success x 4 at target 5) Re-rolls: 1

[Kemp Oates] Dam
Dice Rolled:[ 12 d10 ] 1, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 8, 10, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Stands in Defiance] [soak again!]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 3, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 10 (Success x 5 at target 6)

[Stands in Defiance] [Rage bite - called shot to the throat - Dex+Brawl, +2diff]
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 6 at target 7) Re-rolls: 3

[Stands in Defiance] [Str+2+5+1(calledshot)]
Dice Rolled:[ 15 d10 ] 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 10 (Success x 6 at target 6)

[Kemp Oates] Soak
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 9 (Success x 6 at target 6)

[Kemp Oates] He had scars to his throat from a throating that basically killed him. He had a scar clean around his neck from basically having his head bitten off, killing him again. Moves to his throat pissed him off.

1r. Bite
Dice Rolled:[ 11 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (Success x 4 at target 5)

[Kemp Oates] Dam
Dice Rolled:[ 12 d10 ] 1, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9 (Success x 5 at target 6)

[Stands in Defiance] [soak!]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 3, 4, 4, 4, 7, 10, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Stands in Defiance] [Rage Bite +2 - Dex+Brawl]
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 1, 1, 3, 5, 5, 5, 6, 7, 7 (Success x 4 at target 5)

[Stands in Defiance] [Str+2+3]
Dice Rolled:[ 12 d10 ] 1, 2, 4, 5, 5, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10 (Success x 6 at target 6)

[Kemp Oates] Soak
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 6, 6, 7, 7, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 6 at target 6)

[Mei] Once again - Fenrir blood spills over the earth of the challenge circle. Stands in Defiance moves like lightning - claws scraping the ground as he launches himself at Truth in Frenzy. his first bite cuts the skin, and the second deepens the wound. Truth in Frenzy twists to bite at the Modi's shoulder, leaving barely a mark, and then, again, a little more.

They bleed minimally now. When Stands in Defiance goes for the throat, it appears like a wash of blood might turn the challenge circle red, but his teeth snag on fur and hit bluntly rather than on the sharp edge, and he does not even leave a mark.

Another blow from Truth in Frenzy leaves another mark upon the Fenrir Modi. Stands in Defiance snaps his teeth at the Rotagar's skin, but gets nothing more than a heavy mouthful of thickened hide, powered by Truth in Frenzy's gift.

Neither are bleeding heavily, droplets catching in heavy fur pelts, pattering to the cold ground.

(Truth in Frenzy: 2agg
Stands in Defiance: 3agg)

[Kemp Oates] ((Init again?))

[Mei] (Init again!)

[Kemp Oates] Init +9
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 9

[Stands in Defiance] [+8]
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 2

[Mei] (Order this time is Kemp, SiD. Please declare in reverse order!)

[Stands in Defiance] [Declare:

1a: Bite
1b: Bite
R1: Bite
R2: Bite]

[Kemp Oates] Declare
1a Bite
1b Bite
1r Bite
2r Bite

[Kemp Oates] 1 a Bite
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 1, 1, 1, 3, 3, 3, 5, 7, 7 (Failure at target 5)

[Kemp Oates] 1b bite
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 6, 8, 10 (Success x 7 at target 5) [WP] Re-rolls: 1

[Kemp Oates] Dam
Dice Rolled:[ 16 d10 ] 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 10 (Success x 9 at target 6)

[Stands in Defiance] [soak!]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 2, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Mei] What had once been an unbloody fight becomes red in very short order. Truth in Frenzy launches himself at his opponent - and tears out his throat.

Blood washes into the Rotagar's mouth, flesh sticks between his teeth.

Stands in Defiance feels a puncture in his breathing, a construction in his airway, and chokes as blood spurts into his lungs before his airway can protect it. The hispo lurches forward, leaning heavily on his forepaws until the joints buckle and he is on his forearms. A horrible sucking sound, like a straw being sucked on, half out of the liquid. And Stands in Defiance goes down - standing no more.

[Kemp Oates] He shook, sending blood flying from his open maw as he spun to attack or defend himself. The sight of Stands in Defiance negated further action. Instead, he came to sit near the body after making sure the Ahroun was not dead. Then slowly shifted back to Homid where he sat shirtless, waiting for the other to rise. It might take awhile, but he'd wait to offer a hand up when he could move again.

[Kemp Oates] ((Thanks guys! Thank you Mei!))

[Kemp Oates] ((Kemp has no way of healing SiD, and not sure the guy would want him to find someone. Doh!))
to .fly., Daniel, dust, Joey, Mei, rag, spirits, Stands in Defiance

[Stands in Defiance] It was likely a predetermined outcome. A Cliath was never meant to defeat an Adren, regardless of auspice. There were reasons why Truth in Frenzy had achieved the renown that he'd gained in his life. But Stands in Defiance stood against him, for however briefly, and he hadn't gone down without a fight. For this, at least, he could be satisfied.

When consciousness returned to him, Max was back in his breed form, blood rushing from the deep wound in his neck. He'd need to shift back quickly to stop the flow and begin healing. But first, he looked up at the hand offered to him, and though pride insisted that he not take it, respect said something different. So he took Kemp's hand and got to his feet.

He couldn't say anything. The bite to his throat had destroyed his voicebox. So instead he simply took a step back and bowed his head for a long moment. Submission. Acceptance. To the stronger wolf. He'd gotten the answer he'd come there for. And from the way he smiled, despite the pain flooding his body, and despite the defeat... it seemed he was pleased by the outcome.

[Joey] Joey watched the challenge from outside the circle, stone still and just as silent. She'd said what she came to say, and now would say no more for the better part of the rest of the month and half of February. She didn't move when blood arced from the combatants, and she doesn't acknowledge the cold.

It didn't take long for the victor to be declared. Kemp, as she had known would win at least against her, maintains his claim on the Jarl position. The Cliath pulls herself to her feet, and she waits. The Sentinels are healers, but this was a challenge among the Get of Fenris. It's unlikely aid will be requested.

So Joey watches to the conclusion, feet apart and thumbs hooked into the pockets of her jeans. And she waits, for either Kemp's dismissal or a signal from Daniel that it was time for them to leave.

[Mei] (Have fun, guys!)

[Kemp Oates] He had his own minor wounds that would heal swift enough. He helped Max up and then moved in close enough to crowd his space, his face near the bleeding throat in a wolf's move at claiming dominance. Then he stepped back.

"Sorry about the throat man."

Rubbing his own scarred neck.

"I hate it when that happens."

[Stands in Defiance] Max's smile turned into a full-blown grin. He'd laugh, but... his hand was holding bits of his throat in.

The matter was settled, so he shifted down to Lupus and limped off to go heal. Alone, and without assistance.

[Kemp Oates] He watched Max shift and head off, then he was turning to bitch and grumble about another damned shirt gone and how he was going broke and should do laundry more often.

[Joey] Assistance is neither required nor asked for, so Joey retrieves her discarded coat and gloves and hat, and she returns to The Brotherhood. She hears Kemp's swearing, and despite herself, it makes her mouth curl in a small smile.

[Daniel] Daniel does not declare Kemp the winner; that much is obvious and indisputable. Instead, the lean Forseti seems to steel himself for a moment.

Then: "Truth in Frenzy-rhya, I offer you challenge in honor of your strength, which is thus proven, and in honor of the high position you seek."

(folks, being at work, I can't possibly roll dice for another hour or more. I'm totally cool with assuming Kemp wins, but Daniel would feel dutybound to step up.)

[Daniel] (also I'm still on my iPhone, which is running low on batts. Lol)

[Joey] [it's up to you guys. Joey would stay and watch, though.]

[Kemp Oates] ((Up to you. I won't be up in an hour, but if you want to beat the hell out of Kemp, we could pick it up tomorrow. I don't care either way. ))

[Daniel] (I seeeriously doubt Daniel would win! The dice gods would really have to hate you. Look - let's go back IC. If kemp accepts the challenge and you wanna dice, either monki or v can roll for me. Otherwise we can assume kemp wins.)

[Kemp Oates] ((Either way. Late for me now, but it could be quick if you want rolls.))

He turned with a quirked brow. The little damage he took wouldn't stop him from answering a challenge. Silver gleamed against his chest as he faced Daniel.

"Accepted, as ya know I would."

[Daniel] Daniel remembered his talens this time. As the bony Forseti steps forward, he pulls his hoodies off one after another, tugging them over his head whether or not they zipped. Then his shirt and thermal undershirt. When he's stripped to his waist, the Forseti is bony and hard, his body so devoid of waste and spare that his ribs are shadows under the thin, but jerky-tough sheets of muscle on his sides.

He dips a hand in his pocket and comes up with a healing gourd, which he tosses to Kemp. When Kemp is ready, Daniel drops into whatever form the Adren chooses, and it begins.

(annnnd on that note! I gotta get back to work. If you guys dice, Daniel would generally take his cues re: talens/gifts/etc from Kemp, and if by some miracle won, would pull the hit. Thanks for the play!)

[Kemp Oates] He wasn't stupid, if he were going to fight, he would do so fully healed. He accepted the gourd with a nod of thanks. Used it and named the same terms as before. No talens in combat. Fight till one went down or submitted. He would pull a killing blow himself. And when he shift to Hispo, use Resist Pain and Trollskin once more.

((And someone tell me if I am going to bed or not LOL! ))

[Kemp Oates] ((Which I don't mind waiting for when Damon could do it so I can sleep before work or assuming is cool too. LOL! ))

[vikthya] [I vote we fast forward to right after Kemp has facepwned Daniel to the bloody earth.]

[Joey] [I second the motion!]

[Kemp Oates] (( LOL! That mean I can go to bed? ))

[vikthya] [Unless Kemp has any parting words for Daniel after he's facepwned him.]

[Kemp Oates] ((Naw, he likes Daniel so far. LOL! ))

[vikthya] [Awesome! G'night, Blu! *doesn't have to bot dice, is happy*]

[Kemp Oates] ((Thank you! Night!))

[Joey] Joey hadn't gone far when she heard her brother step forward and issue challenge. The young Rotagar turned, and returned to the circle. She doesn't cheer on Daniel, either aloud or across the link they share. She just watches. She watches the way he handles himself issuing the challenge, and she watches the fight that follows. She watches Daniel fall, defeated in honorable combat.

She waits until she's certain that it's all over. When Kemp is getting ready to leave the circle, Joey moves forward to stand by Daniel. She doesn't offer healing, knows that he won't accept it. She waits for him to come to, to use a talen to heal himself, and to gather up his belongings discarded outside the circle.

If he lets her, Joey just walks with him back to The Brotherhood or even just out of the Caern, silent.