Spirane's Imperatrix was ambitious and eager to get the pack focused on the future of the Mountain rather then allowing it's members to dwell on the deaths of our former alphas. It was no secret there was a tangibly morose feeling that hung heavy over the summit and clung to the skin of things. Everyone seemed to be speaking in hushed whispers and moving on particularly light paw pads, as if we were each afraid to disturb the Souls of those that had fallen or rouse the wrath of this female none of us yet trusted.

But I was thankful she was ready to get a jump-start on things. Seeing Moonglow and Alcide locked in that final embrace made my heart hammer in a thunderous tempo... wondering if I will be deprived of that same fate should my Reyja never return. Purge was keeping my mind busy, and though my worry for my Imprints most recent absence still lingered on the back-burner of my mind, I was able to channel my energy on my latest task set by the half-tail queen.

Massive paws tread with surprising stealth as I stalked down a ridge in the early morning hours, descending the mountain face into the lowlands where we Spirane Wolves tested our mettle.

The air was a little muggy, condensation collecting as mountain dew in the leaves and grass blades as hazy clouds that smeared the faraway eastern horizon kept the early morning sun from becoming an overbearing glare at my back. Pastel purples and pinks and yellows bled into a sky of robins-egg blue, gilding my coat in soft hues as finally my dark eyes fell upon the figure of Sleekwing.

The eldest son of Moonglow and Alcide stood with his head held high. It was not an act of pride or ego, simply a product of the majestic genes that ran through his veins. The fact that he would stay upon the mountain, and serve the very Wolf that had killed his mother was a testament to the honor and nobility that he and his family lived by. I don't know that I could say I would boast the same strength of character if I'd been beset by the same manner of circumstance, and my respect for the male was great. I hope that Purge will not condemn or shun the heather-clad male, as many an unkind ruler might. I knew all too well what it meant to be a target of hostility within a pack simply for carrying a part of a particular family line...
Heyel had never full accepted me into his pack or as a member of his family. I could resent him for it, or be bitter and angry but I had simply accepted it as a facet of Life that I cannot change.

I come to stand within five meters of Sleekwing, shoulder squared and eyes meeting his with a level, focused air. I offer my opponent a respectable nod, and in a sage voice, a few words are given.

"Before we begin, I would just like to say it has been an Honor serving your parents, they will be missed. I am glad I can still call you my Brother in Arms."

I spare only a few seconds reprieve, time enough for the man to make a response if he so chose, but then it was to business. It was a friendly match to be certain, a test of our strength and ability. I hurl my form forward at break-neck speed, darting in low to the ground and swerving around slightly so that I came in at a 45 degree angle aimed towards Sleekwing's left side. It would appear as though I might come in low and make a grab for his undercarriage or try and bowl him over with my size-able heft, but in the very last moment before collision, all four legs bunch beneath me like a spring.

I catapult the last foot between us and aim to crash down over the other male's pole. Forelegs extend to try and drape across his spine, attempting to push him further down into the earth as my blunt claws would dig into his back to help stabilize and ensure my grip. Teeth aim for the back of his neck just above his shoulders. If I claim purchase, I was seek to ravage the skin and cleave a chunk of flesh from my adversary's body.

Word Count: 742
Attack 1 [x] : Zildjian comes in at Sleekwing's left side and jumps high to crash down on top of him, attempting to scratch with his claws and bite the lower back of Sleekwing's neck.