2019.02.01: Hjalmar Adren Challenge

Adren Rank Challenge
ShieldBrother challenges Starchaser for the Rank of Adren
IC Date	February 1st, 2019
Players	Hjalmar, Johanna
Location	Caern Amphitheater
Spheres	Gaian Garou

Waiting in the Caern, inside the Amphitheater, is Johanna. A hand resting on her baby belly, she watches for someone to arrive. There are several other Garou here, as well as a Kin and a child with her. They are all sitting apart from each other.

It does not take long for Hjalmar to arrive at the Caern. Looking to find Johanna there. And when he does. He looks to her and the other Garou and Kin there. And nods, bowing a little to her. "Good evening Starchaser-Rhya. I am here now."

Johanna bows her head. "It is good you made it. Let's begin this officially, as this is an auspicious occasion. Please begin with your full introduction, and make your request." She wants to dot all the i's and cross all the t's.

Hjalmar nods at Starchaser-Rhya and stands straighter. "I am Hjalmar Hamerslag. Rited ShieldBrother. Born on two legs, under the half moon of the Philodox. Fostern of the Fianna." He nods once and looks proudly at Starchaser-Rhya. "I came here to make a request for the rise in rank from Fostern, to Adren. I have served Gaia valiantly. Helping Kinfolk wherever I could. And have vanquished many a foe in league with the Wyrm."

Johanna nods, "And ShieldBrother, what have you done specifically in the role as a Philodox?" Obviously, this is leading somewhere. "It is right and honorable that you have helped kinfolk and vanquished the Wyrm, and served Gaia, but how have you done that as a Philodox? What judgments have you made?"

Hjalmar smiles at that.. And nods. "Not much of importance. Except for one thing. A dispute between a Garou and its Kinfolk mate." He sighs. "It started as a mediation. But ended with a few judgments as well." He looks at her and nods. "They had a fight. And it ended with them having walked away from each other. I found the Garou on the lands around my Cabin and took her in. The situation was explained.. I then contacted the Kinfolk and told to meet at my Cabin as well for the situation needed to be talked through. The Kinfolk told me about the things he had experienced with his previous mate.. The abuse he had gone through. And found out that what he had experienced.. And what the Garou had experienced.. Made for friction between the two, getting them into fights with one another. The Garou told me that she wanted to return home.. But I could not yet allow her to go. For the situation would not have been resolved that way." He shakes his head. "So I invited them both to talk to one another. In order to resolve the matter... And judged it best to spill the story the Kinfolk told me. This shocked them both. But it was a good thing to do. For it made both of them to see each other in another light.. The talk went so well that I judged them fit, to go home again.. And judging at with the shirt I found later.. Next to the road.. They made up as well." He smirks at the last part. And sighs deeply. "I am sorry for the vague story.. For I promised, not to disclose their names."

Johanna listens very carefully. Even without names, it is quite a story. "That is very good. Actually, something I did not expect. It is the sign of a much good to come." She rises. "As a Philodox, we are called to judge many things, and it sounds like you have it in you, but have not had or taken the opportunity to do much with it. That changes today." She signals for the others there to rise, and come to join them. They do, some a bit reluctantly, but they do very quietly. "Today, you will handle a judgment that I was called to handle. I speak with the authority of the Truthcatcher, and today, so will you."

Once the others are here, she begins the story. "This is Delta Pride. Their Alpha, Clay Stevens, rited Courage-Under-Fire, Elder Philodox of the Fianna was lost in battle a month ago. After a period of mourning and celebration of his deeds, a dispute has arisen. His Klaive is under dispute as to where it should go. Each of these parties has a claim to it. You will decide to whom it should go to. Whatever you decide, I will back up, thus the Truthcatcher will as well. Go ahead and ask your questions to them." He will see Two Garou, and a Kinfolk woman, with a small male child.

Hjalmar nods and turns to the parties represented. From left to right. He will start. "Tell me. Who are you. And why do you think the Klaive should fall into your possession?" He will ask them all in turn. But will start with this one first.

The first one steps forward. "I am Jerome Hopkins, by rite known as Finds-the-Foe. Athro Skald of the Get of Fenris. I was Beta, now Alpha of Delta Pride. I have the right to the Klaive, as I was the Beta to Courage-Under-Fire. I sang of his deeds, and told the stories of him and the Klaive. Of all his battles, and those foes he stood up to. I supported him, and he was more than my Alpha, he was my brother in arms. We have been together since cubs, and if anyone should wield it in battle again, it should be me." He steps back a step, although still keeping a strong stance.

The next steps forward, eyeing the first with daggers in his eyes. He quickly shifts toward Hjalmar. "I am Roosevelt Manning, rited Shakes-the-Earth. I am Athro to the Shadow Lords, born under the full moon, and packed with Delta Pride. I have fought bravely, and shared many victories with Courage-Under-Fire. He chose me to join /his/ pack. I could have joined any other pack around, but he saw my strength. /I/ should be the one to wield his Klaive." He sounds very resolute in this, and does not move from his place now.

Finally, the woman and child step forward. Sadly, she speaks, "I am Tasha Stevens, mate to Courage-Under-Fire'rhya. We have been together since children, our families arranged us, but we loved each other truly. Our son here, Thomas, was born under the Full Moon, and the Theurges have said he will change. He is only 5 years old, but he knows how much that Klaive meant to his father, and his father would share great stories with him about it. He promised it to him since he was born. Please, I am not a Garou, and our son has not changed and will not for many years yet, but if anyone should have it, it should be him. When he is of age of course. I do not wish for there to be a chance it is lost and he never gets the opportunity." She is being strong for her child, who remains quiet through all of this.

Hjalmar listens to the first one.. Finds-The-Foe.

I am honored to stand in front of the Beta of Delta Pride. Finds-The-Foe-Rhya." He gives a respectful nod before continuing. "Skalds are an important part of any Pack. And through you.. His legacy will not be lost upon the sands of time." He nods at the respective stature the man takes.

Then he turns to the second one. Just in time as well it seems.. For Hjalmar gets the change to observe the way this one looks towards his pack mate. He nods respectfully to this one as well. "As your pack's Beta before you, Shakes-The-Earth-Rhya. You honor me as well for allowing me to stand with one of the Pack's great warriors. Your strength shall not be forgotten either, I am sure." He raises a brow as this one keeps standing there like that... But does not say anything about it.

Instead. He ignores it and turns to the woman and child... He sighs and nods in respect. "I am sorry for the loss of your Mate Tasha Stevens.. He looks to the child and then her again. I am sure that Courage-Under-Fire-Rhya was a good Mate and father.. And I congratulate you with the Theurge's determination and prediction." He nods again... Then places a hand on the woman's shoulder and goes to kneel and match Thomas at eye level. His blue captivating eyes looking at the youngling. "Hello Thomas. Did your father indeed promise you this?"

The boy stands there and then looks up at his mother, his eye asking permission it seems to speak. Tessa nods to him, and rubs his shoulder. "Go Ahead and answer, it is alright." The boy looks back to Hjalmar. "Hello umm..." he looks back to his mother and she leans down and whispers into his ear. He blurts out "Shieldbruther'rhya." Again a look to his mom and she smiles to him. He then continues. "Yes, my daddy told me when I grow up and get to be big and strong and can be a wolf like him, I would get to make my own stories. I would be a great warrior like him and Unkle Jer and Unkle Roo. They were all best friends and showed me how to do this and this!" He makes motions to claw and then bite. "And this!" Then he motions to swing something, possible the Klaive. "I want to defend Gaia! I want to get rid of that Wyrmy WYRM!" His mom then pats his shoulder, "I think he understands, sweetie." The boy nods and calms down, standing straight up and calm again as he was taught to be respectful. He adds, "I miss my daddy. He promised me he'd always watch out for me. He promised." Now he is sad.

Finds-the-Foe walks over to the boy, and kneels down next to him as well, the other side from his mother and Hjalmar. "You will be a great warrior one day, Thomas. Your father is looking out for you, always. His spirit is with you and one day you will hear him again. I will tell you every story I know of him, I promise."

Shakes-the-Earth stands there, no emotion at all.

Hjalmar listens to the boy.. And smiles at the movements he makes, showing off what he got /taught/. "Looks good." He nods once and places his hand on the boy's shoulder. "You will become one of Gaia's great fighters alright." Then rises back up, stopping half along the way.. "And he will.. For his memory will always be with you, and lend you strength when you will need it the most." Then he rises fully again.. Watching Finds-The-Foe-Rhya come to the boy and does what he does. A nod of approval is given..

A glance is given to Shakes-The-Earth-Rhya..

Then Hjalmar looks back to the boy and the mother. "Uncle Jer?.. And uncle Roo?"

The mother nods to Hjalmar, "Finds-the-Foe'rhya is Uncle Jer. Shakes-the-Earth'rhya is Uncle Roo. He hasn't quite gotten to the point of fully understanding the proper names to call them, but has been calling them that since he was a year old." She looks between those two. "Please, ShieldBrother'rhya. This matter has torn our family apart. I think a decision from you, the Philodox, will help us begin to mend again."

Finds-the-Foe rises, his hand on the boy's shoulder. He is not spoken to, but looks like he has something to say.

Shakes-the-Earth still remains as he was.

Hjalmar nods to the mother and smiles warmly. "I will do what I can. And listen to all those present." He looks to Finds-The-Foe-Rhya. "Yes?" Seeing the unspoken words on the man's face.

Finds-the-Foe replies to Hjalmar, "Thank you for letting me speak again, ShieldBrother. As the Klaive is not something for a child to wield or a toy, I would like to adjust my claim on it. I wish it to be mine, as caretaker, until such time as Thomas is old enough and has had his Rite of Passage. I will care for it, as it were my own, but not use it in battle. Only for sharing with Thomas about his father. That way it is ready for him, and he knows all he can about his father, the Klaive, and our great history."

At that point, Shakes-the-Earth blurts out, "No! That Klaive is meant for battle! It must spill and taste the blood of our enemies! Keeping it put away for the child to ooo and ahh over is contrary to its intended use! The Spirits within it will suffer! Courage-Under-Fire knew that! I will wield it to glorious victory! Let it live on in his honor! Slay the ones that took our Alpha! When the boy is old enough, or we are dead, he can have it." He is incensed.

Hjalmar listens to Finds-The-Foe-Rhya.. And nods. "The Klaive does need maintenance. I agree." Then he turns to Shakes-The-Earth-Rhya and raises his hands, gesturing for calm. "Calm your spirits Shakes-The-Earth-Rhya. A child is here. Your... Nephew. And you are amongst your family here." He nods again and with a last glance towards the child. Goes to stand in such a way. That he can easily look to one another. "I have reached a judgment."

Johanna waits just behind Hjalmar. She has listened to it all, observing every last nuance of it all. Her eyes have scanned each of them. She has her own thoughts on this, but she will back up Hjalmar no matter what he decides. She says to them all, "Remember, ShieldBrother will be speaking with the authority of the Truthcatcher today, as per my decision as Adren, and the voice of the Truthcatcher in matters like this. I will uphold whatever he decides and if you have a problem with it, take it to the Master of the Challenge at the next Moot." A nod to Hjalmar, "Go ahead."

The others all wait and look expectantly.

Hjalmar looks at Starchaser-Rhya and nods before looking back to the people here. "As I said. I have come to a decision. A judgment if you will..." He walks over to the boy and kneels. "It will be a long time before you are able to wield the Klaive..." He stands up and looks to both /uncles/. "And that is why he will need both of you to prepare him for that moment."

He turns to Finds-The-Foe. "Finds-The-Foe-Rhya. You will teach Thomas, how to perform maintenance on the Klaive. For it needs to be kept in superb shape. Now.. And later, when he has passed the Rite of Passage."

Next he turns to Shakes-The-Earth. "Shakes-The-Earth-Rhya. You are correct about the fact that the blade should be wielded with skill and precision. And thus. You will teach Thomas how to skillfully wield it. Teach him all your prowess in battle. For I know that you are able to.."

He then looks to the Mother. "It will be you though.. Whom will keep possession of the Klaive. Keeping it safe and in reach for both Thomas's Uncles. You were the only not laying claim of it for you own. And thus it would be right to have you safeguard it until Thomas has passed the Rite."

He kneels down in front of the child again. "Thomas. Both your Uncles will train you in how to use the Klaive. And how to properly maintenance it. Listen to them. And learn from them. Alright?" He smiles warmly at the boy and stands up again.

He looks them all over. "Courage-Under-Fire-Rhya made a promise. And we are all honor bound. It would shame him. If you were to break the promise he made to his son.. Your nephew.. And thus. This is what my judgment is. You will all work together to honor Courage-Under-Fire-Rhya's legacy. And train his son well. So that one day. He can join Delta Pride, and make both of you proud by using the Klaive well. Both in and out of combat." He nods at that. "And that is my decision."

Johanna nods, "Judgment is rendered. Thank you all for coming." She looks to Thomas, his mother, and then to Shakes-the-Earth. Just watching to see how the most volatile one will react.

Tessa sighs, and kneels down to hug her son. He does not totally understand and whispers in his mother's ear. She smiles, "Yes, sweetie, it is coming home with us. But no touching unless your Uncle's are there with you."

Finds-the-Foe bows his head to Hjalmar. "Thank you ShieldBrother." He walks then over to Shakes-the-Earth, who has turned away from them all, his arms crossing his chest. "Brother. I am Alpha now, and I want you as my Beta. We have not been together as long as a pack, but Courage-Under-Fire trusted you and believed in you. We need to be strong together, not just for our pack, but for his memory and for Thomas. He will be a great warrior one day, but only with us both together working with him. What do you say?"

Shakes-the-Earth says nothing. He stands there, defiant for a few minutes, before he collapses to a knee. He has been strong this whole time, but with judgment rendered, he is done.

Thomas runs out from his mother and over to Shakes-the-Earth, grabbing him in a hug. "Uncle Roo! You are going to teach me! I want to do that tomorrow!! I love you!"

The big Ahroun turns and sweeps up Thomas. "Yes, I will. Uncle Jer and I will be there for you as long as Gaia wants us to."

The happy scene finishing up now as they leave together - the family repaired. Johanna steps up to Hjalmar and places a hand on his shoulder. "That was a very Adren way of thinking, ShieldBrother. I am proud to say that you have passed your challenge, and will be seen by everyone, spirits especially, as the rank of Adren."

Hjalmar turns to Johanna.. Emotions can be seen playing behind his eyes. "I am glad to have made you proud by this Starchaser-Rhya.." He sighs and nods, recollecting himself. "I saw the pain in all their eyes.. And that makes it hard. For emotions can be fierce and righteous. Though not always correct. And they tend to cloud one's judgment. It is for us Philodox... To keep a clear mind in such matters. For how else, could we be trusted to lay down a just judgment." He gives her a warm smile. "I thank you for this Challenge Starchaser-Rhya." He bows deeply for her and then howls.