2023.9.13: Abril's Fostern Challenge

09.13.23 Abril's Fostern Challenge
A young lupus challenges a city wolf for Rank.
IC Date	09.13.23
IC Time	Day and Night
Players	Abril, Irsa (ST), Evonna
Location	Amphitheater - Deep Forest and Harbor Disctrict -- Heart of the Scab ; Sept of the Enduring Spirit
Spheres	Garou

Blue: Irsa/ST

Red: OOC ST Notes

Amphitheater - Deep Forest:

    The stone pathway slopes gently down into a natural hollow bordered by trees and large enough to hold most of the Sept's population at once. To either side of this large main aisle the slope of the earth has been carved and banked into huge grassy steps around the curve of the hollow. Set with split-log seating, each step is low and wide enough to provide even Crinos visitors with ample view and leg room while still allowing others to pass, until finally reaching the flat earth before a great clam-shell stage.
    One massive piece of raw marble rising out of the ground has its top flat and polished, with large stairs cut into its sides for easy access by Garou and Kinfolk alike. Backing the stage, the half dome is formed by large slabs of molded stone, directing the acoustics of those being witnessed to the farthest rows of spectators.
    Whether by monthly moots, minor plays, challenges, or even just local Galliard practice, the amphitheater remains active and ringing with music and dramatics. The evidence of past epics can be found carved into the backs of seating steps, etched into the split logs and in some places even gouged into the stage itself.
                                    

Irsa is sitting on the stairs on one side of the raw marble slab. She's flipping through one of her notebooks, frowning to herself as she scribbles out portions of her writing and makes corrections. Her materialized Rat familiar spirit is amusing herself by hopping from seat to seat, trilling to herself as she explores.

And then there's an Abril, the shadowy furred lupus trotting in pretty much precisely at the appointed meeting time despite the obvious lack of such a thing as a wrist watch on her wolfy limbs. It's not hard to spot Irsa up on the stairs and so the philodox practically b-lines towards the theurge with a respectful little warble of greeting. << Hammer-tooth-rhya! Ready for talking? >>

Irsa looks up over the top of her notebook and smiles. "Reckon I got th' time. You asked, and I'd be a terrible Garou if I said 'no'." She tucks her notebook and pen away. "What d'ya need?" she asks.

<< Nothing big...>> Abril says with an air of pretty much exactly the opposite of that, taking about as formal a seat as one can. << Is time. Is Fostern time. Will you measure? See if I can cut as city wolf? >>

Irsa blinks and stares at the sitting wolf. She's silent for a few very long, probably super nerve-wracking moments. "Are ya askin' me t' see how you're doin' before ya Challenge someone?" she finally asks. "Or are ya bringin' a Challenge my way for rank?" Across the way, Beanie clocks the conversation and sits up, totally droppin all the eaves.

Abril tips her snoot towards Irsa. << Asking you. Seems right? No older tribe-mates around. Other Half-moons, but they are Elders. Challenge an Elder for Fostern... that far above station. >> There's a shiver of her fur, even an understandable upsetting of normal hierarchy not sitting quiet well with her. << But you are Adren, wise theurge. Know city well. And Prospect //is// city. Know what forest wolf should have learned to be fostern here, yes? >>

Irsa scratches her chin as she listens to this. "Yeah, there's that. Kinda hard t' challenge Garou ya can't find. I gotta correct ya on one thing, at least for her. You CAN challenge someone in your Auspice for rank, even if they're an Elder. At least here ya can. That ruling happened 'cause we had a serious shortage of mid-rank Garou." She rests her hands on her knees. "Knowin' that, do you still wanna Challenge me? It ain't required t' do a Challenge with your Auspice Elder, just listin' it as an option."

<< Can, >> Abril agrees though there's a flick of her ear, a little lupine shrug. << Considered. Blood-thorn-rhya and Howls-at-High-Moon-Rhya both very capable judges. But considered other options too. Chose //you//. >> She pauses, head tilting up. << Unless... you don't think I can? Polite refusal? >>

Irsa's scarred mouth twists into a smile. "Oh, I ain't NEVER sayinno' to a fair, honorable Challenge. Come on, wolf-born. Let's make this official in th' eyes of the Nation." And with that, she swells up into her Crinos form, as her Rat dances excitedly. >> Who comes?! >> she thunders.

Abril's golden eyes wink as Irsa says she's never said no to an honorable challenge, the wolfborn apparently having learned at least a few more human gestures as well. And as the Adren takes to the circle in Crinos form, Abril also follows. << Strikes-Twice, born wolf. Born Half-Moon. Shadow Lord. Come to test. Come to prove. Come to show, ready to be Fostern. >>

Hammer-Tooth's eyes glint as she faces her Challenger. >> And I, Hammer-Tooth, two-leg born, Adren knife-moon, and Leader of the Bone Gnawers, answer. I accept your Challenge, Strikes-Twice. You are wolf-born, and you are a half-moon. This is a hard road in a Nation, when so many are two-leg born and do not understand why the Litany is important. My challenge to you is two-fold: you will go into the City alone, and you will survive there for a full turning of a day and night. And you will tell me about a judgement you have made in this sept. If you have not made one, then I will tell you about one that happened long ago, and you will judge it. Do you find these terms fair and honorable?"

Strikes-Twice listens, still as a statue, as her Challenge is presented and then gives a nod of her head. << Alone in the unfamiliar is a challenge indeed. Our nature is that of the pack, strength in numbers, but that strength requires knowing the skills of each individual. Know how their best suited to whatever task may come. I will go to the city, alone. Survive for full day and night. And come back. As for judgement, I have not made many, but I have made two. Can tell now or tell after survival? >>

Hammer-Tooth looks pleased, and not at all surprised. >> Tell first. That is the swiftest part. << And with that she moves her bulk off the stairs, and motions for Strikes-Twice to go up on the marble slab stage.

Strikes-Twice solemnly steps up to center stage, claws held behind her back looking to meet Hammer-Tooth right in the eye, the delivery even keeled, a recitation of facts. << There was a tribal matter, not too long ago. Some were surprised to hear Broken-Fang-Rhya claimed a Shadow Lord Kin as a mate. I was... not surprised. And that was my error. The wendigo and kin had talked with me, before his howl. I listened to both, listened and judged it was not other tribe swooping in, trying to steal a kin. Daciana made her own choice, looking for strong mate, decision that benefit the pair, benefit the Sept, benefit the tribe as well. Way to make alliance, call in the theurge for favors in future because of his mate. Not a wrong decision. Error was... did not tell my other tribe mates. Did not think anything of it. Error on Broken-Fang part ignore custom, did not go to an elder before howl. Two mistakes together... made simple thing messy. Didn't have to be. Eventually, confusion, miscommunications were cleared."

Hammer-Tooth listens attentively, ears swivelling forward to take in the account. >> Hrrr. In what way could it have been better, or what way could it have gone worse? << she asks. >> I do not need all, just one thing.<< She's not a fool, she knows just how long judgements take.

<< Better, if I had told my tribe mates, explained reasons, before howl. So they wouldn't have been surprised and jump to own conclusions. >> Strikes-Twice explains. it's not even something she has to spend much time thinking about seeing as it's a matter she's already considered for countless hours. << Worse? Someone could have decided was matter for Challenge, could go to Combat. Instead, settled with words and an offering. >>

Hammer-Tooth growls with approval. >> These are never easy matters. So, matters are resolved, everyone is satisfied, and no one is dead or maimed.<< She tilts her head, considering what she's heard. >> I am no Philodox, but I know our people, and that is the best outcome when it comes Rage-filled Warriors. Are you ready for the City? << she asks Abril.

Strikes-Twice nods her head. << And all learned. Mistakes happen. Once. Grow from them, don't let the same happen again, otherwise it's no longer a mistake but a choice, a weakness. >> As for the city, she considers and then she focuses, her bones snapping and popping as she shimmies on down into her homid form. "Now ready for city. Ready as ever." No backpack or gear. Just her and the dedicated clothes on her back.

Hammer-Tooth 's jaws part in a lupine grin. >> This will be a good challenge. Let us step across to the Umbra, and travel that way. There are only a few rules, but I tell those to you in the Scab. <<

ST Note: And with that we cut to a new location! Hammer-Tooth leads Abril to the Scab via the Umbra. No Veil breaks for you!

Harbor Disctrict -- Heart of the Scab:

Here in the rundown section of town, buildings seem to be far older, dating back to the early 1800's. Their cracked and crusted surfaces tell the tale signs of old age, wear and tear on the ancient structures. The streets within the area are also have seen better days as the cement is cracked and caked with dirt, oil stains and grime in many areas from parked used cars sitting there on the side of the streets for God knows how long.

Trash lies strewn about the gutters every which where and about as cigarette butts fill within and around the sidewalks. There's a heavy drag of despair and hopelessness that seems to fill the 'air' within the area, simply lingering about like a second pungent wind. Definitely not a place for the faint of heart as one that doesn't seem to know their way around these parts could tend to find 'trouble' all too quickly.

Hammer-Tooth leads the way to the City, padding along on huge Crinos feet. The green bounty of the wild soon gives way to flat, barren earth, with a few buildings dusting with webbing. By the time the two Garou have reached their destination, everything has changed. What few buildings can be seen here are cloaked with tattered webbing. Pattern spiders, electricity elementals and other City spirits hold complete sway here. Rats, feral dog and cats spirits, pigeons, crow and seagull spirits, and cockroach spirits have set up nests here, tough survivors that defy the Weaver's influence. Hammer-Tooth stops at the edge of a charred section of ground, surrounded on all sides by old, shredded webbing. >> Here you begin the Scab Challenge. The rules are simple: survive here for a full day and night. You must keep the Veil, and remain within two miles this place. That will give you room to run if you need to escape danger. Avoid the Umbra if you can. The Gauntlet is higher here than the wilds, and you do not wish to be stuck in the Weaver's webs. Do you agree to these terms, Strikes-Twice? << she asks.

Abril stubbornly pads along on her human feet, stepping double to keep pace with Hammer-tooth's crinos-strides as the Gnawer leads the way into the Scab, umbral side though it might be. The spirits are noticed but none questioned. The little guys one would expect to be around even here after all. As for the rules of the challenge, she gives a nod of her head. "Keep Veil always. Stay within two miles. And... only go back across umbra if must. Day, Night. Meet back here same time tomorrow?"

>> Yes, same place and the same time. I will give you this advice: there are allies and enemies in strange places. Be wise, Strikes-Twice. I will watch after you here until you cross over to the Tellurian. And good hunting. << Hammer-Tooth keeps watch as Abril heads out.

The shadow lord can't help but grin at that last bit of advice. "Oh, always." Abril agrees. friends and foes in strange places and the need to be wise both. But with that and a deep breath, the would-be-fostern prepares to get right into it. To survive the scab, one must be in the scab. And so, stepping over into hopefully an alleyway.

The Umbra tells so many lies in the City. The Philodox pushes through the tattered webbing and finds herself standing in a burnt-out ruin. It's a small building, just big enough for two humans to stand inside. Blackened, scorched pavement surrounds it on all sides. The rusting remnants of a chain-link fence mark the boundries of the property. It's a corner lot, with two streets on each side. And there's buildings, of course: an old apartment building to the south, and scattered shops and other buildings to the east. There's a traffic light on the corner, but it looks like it hasn't worked for years.

First things first, once Abril's successfully back in the Tellurian and confirms there's not any immediate witnesses to said crossing, she pauses, head tilted as she listens about her surroundings, peeking out the window to the east.

It's easy to check out the surroundings. The line of sight is very clear: the fire that claimed this small building scorched it clear down to the framing. There's not even a roof on this place, the ruins are wide open to the elements. It's hard to make out what the streetname is under all the rust, but eventually Abril puzzles it out: Canary Street.

Also, since your ST is lame: there's humans walking around out there. Not a ton of them, but at least a dozen or so. They're going places, it looks like. None of them are paying the least attention to the scorched lot.

Abril does spot those humans. And her own very scorched ruin of a building. Her own everyday wear isn't anything fancy and looks very much worn in to begin with, but she does try to scoop up a little bit of the soot and rub on various spots of her jacket and pants, muss up her hair a bit like she'd been sleeping and step out onto the street with a big yawn, though she does stick to the dubious security of the wall even as she emerges.

What a terrible place. Everything's completely filthy, the air smells terrible even in homid, and who knows what animal that squished carcass in the gutter is? The humans here look harried and tense: Gaia's grace is far, far from here. Traffic is thick at the intersection, vehicles cut each other off while their drivers scream insults at each other and make rude gestures. The east looks a bit quieter, thankfully. It's still filthy, but that first store smells better than the others. Cooked bacon and eggs, coffee, sweet drinks and other inviting scents waft outside. A man is sitting outside the building -- an old man, with skin even darker than Irsa's. His eyes are clouded over, and he rocks back and forth as he talks to himself.

A terrible place is... still a place. And perhaps not the worse place Abril has found herself in. Her eyes widen at the sight of the traffic and she's not quite brave enough to venture that-a-way yet. Not when she doesn't have a need to. the smell of bacon has her pat at her pockets but... if she had any money in them, it probably wasn't dedicated and left behind at one time or another. And so it's the old man that she turns her attention to. Taking a few steps closer, curious but not quite intruding. Hopefully.

It's hard to tell his exact age. Life has been hard for this old man. His features are heavily creased and wrinkled by age, and the joints of his hands are gnarled and twisted. He's completely filthy, like he just laid down in the street and rolled for a year straight. His hair is a tangled snarl of stained white dreadlocks. And his scent is awful, skunks would run from this human. He keeps muttering as Abril approaches. "Round an' round and round, up and down, side t' side... WHAT TH' FUCK YOU WANT?!" he shouts at the top of his lungs.

Abril holds up her hands and takes a step back, doing as much a non-threatening impression as anybody with the inherent curse of rage can do. "Sorry... no habla."

The old man's angry face twists into a scowl. "Louder! What they teachin' kids these days -- I SAID, WHAT DO YOU WANT!" he shouts, shaking his fist at the sky. "THIS GIRL'S TALKIN TO ME, FUCK OFF!" The shouting earns a few stares from passerbys across the street, and one startled youngster jets off.

Abril glances at the youngesters, giving them a little shrug. But for the scowling old man and his yelling at the sky, she asks, "Who?" And a point upwards.

The old man stabs a gnarled finger at the sky. "I see you! Don't think I don't!" He swings his arm around, hand opening and closing as he tries to find Abril's leg. "There! Look, listen! THE DARK BEYOND! I SEE YOU, TRYIN' TO TAKE FOLKS! COME DOWN AND I'LL KICK YOUR ASS!" Man, he's loud. Whoever owns that store is either super patient or stone-deaf.

Abril sides steps around mr. yelly's grabbing hands. The dude does stink after all. "Take who?" And also does what she really wishes she didn't have to do and give a real good sniff of the old man, looking for his True Scent.

The man's odor nearly overpowers the Gift, but no lupus worth their salt is foiled by scents. The True scent comes in a rush: its bright and vibrant, thrumming with Wyld energy. The false man-scent fails to hide the musky scent of rich earth and stone. Abril may remember a story about such beings from long, long ago: giant-kin. Troll. The scent of rotting leaves clings to this one, he's old and tired.

"There bridge?" Abril asks. What quality her knowledge of what exactly trolls might do may be more on the 'bridges and tolls' side of the mundane folklore even if that Wyld-scent is unmistakably Something Real. "Who cross?"

The old man's blind eyes narrow. His free hand closes around Abril's ankle as he subsides into muttering. The humans have totally dipped out of this crazy homeless guy drama, and who could blame them? "Wood and water, and the green spaces between," he mutters. His grip is abnormally strong, but he's not holding Abril by force. "Don't think I know you, girl," he says in a louder voice. "Didn't your mama teach you no manners?" He tugs slightly on the philodox's ankle, a hint for her to sit down.

"No." Abril answers for manners even as she does take a crouching seat near the old man. "Not what you call manners anyways." Yeah, she's dropping the No Habla act with a shrug. "Not much wood here, not true-wood." A wrinkle of her nose to the remains of the burned out building. Modern building standards, just not the same as ancient timbers. "Not here long. Pass through."

The old man grunts and scratches his chest. He's not wearing a shirt under the three ragged coats he's wearing. His skin doesn't look at all healthy with that lingering rash and scaly patches of skin and warts. "You can call me Noah," he mutters. "Ain't nothin to see here. Just an old, old man railin at the world to keep this last patch safe. You feel me?" His blind eyes turn in her direction. "This ain't your place in the city. What brings you by?"

"Abril," she belatedly provides her own name. And then nods as for why he's here. "One you, one patch. Guard it long you can." It makes perfect sense to her, though she shrugs for why she's here. "Just surviving. Meet friend tomorrow."

The old man grunts again. "Will you listen to good counsel?" He rolls a shoulder in a northeast direction. "Do not go that way," he mutters. "Twisted things are there that smell foul and dark. There are weak as one, but together they are too strong for any to slay." He leans back against the building. "It is safe in the direction I touch. South."

Abril sniffs in the direction of the twisted things, the direction he's warning of. "Twisted things grow if left alone. Don't jump into den of dark on my own. But come back with friends? Could clean then...?" She gives a little swipe of her hand, faux talons.

"I ain't tellin you your biz," Noah mutters. "Been growin a while, few months ain't gonna make no difference." it's odd the way his voice goes back and forth, from old man's rasp to a deeper, richer rumble. "If you hunt there, be careful. I will not have it said I led your folk to their end." He blinks, slowly and tiredly. "My strength is failing. I am old, and very tired. When the next turning of the seasons come, I will journey to the Otherworld. I ask one thing of you, hunter -- if a time comes when you do not see me here, bring life to this place again. It was a good land once, long ago."

"My biz wants us to clean up, not ignore problems. But smart, not just charge..." Abril claps her hands together suddenly and then makes a splat sound. "Be careful. Got good friends. Strong friends." She nods solemnly as he mentions his failing strength. Time for everything after all. As for the charge, she looks about. And then looks the direction the kids ran off to. "Any them? Show promise?"

Noah shrugs. "They just a buncha kids. You see this place, it'll break 'em or make 'em. Ain't none of mine." He scrubs fiercely at his head, dislodging a fine shower of grime and vermin. "Move along, Miss Thing. You're blockin the view." Blind eyes turn up to the sky. "AIN'T GOT NOTHIN ON ME!" he hollers.

Abril gives the troll-man a very tentative pat to the shoulder as she promises the bringing life back, eventually. As the night moves on and stars would eventually be coming out even though they can't be seen through the light pollution of the city, the lupus' stomach grumbles reminding her it's well past dinner time. She turns a hunter's eye to her surroundings and whatever small animals might be scurrying in the night.

Talking to Unexpected Trolls (tm) has been hungry work. It's better to eat than go hungry even in the Scab, a practical wolf never knows when their next meal will be. It takes some time to track down potential prey, but Abril gets lucky. She hears something digging around in a dumpster in a nearby alley, and scents prey. Alas, she doesn't spot the shattered glass at the base of the dumpster. The snapping sound alerts the prey. A young raccoon bolts out of the dumpster and hauls striped tail down the alley. But it's far too slow, and the Shadow Lord closes rapidly.

The raccoon bolts and Abril pounces. It's with human hands and yet one doesn't need claws to break a creature's neck. "Thank you." She whispers to the now dead raccoon before she retreats with her 'prize' back behind the side of the very same dumpster, trying to avoid any wayward eyes for her mealtime.

The scent of death has brought a pair of visitors to the alley. The rats that were drawn here first run like hell at their first scent of wolf. But their activity has drawn attention. At the mouth of the alley, swooping down to perch on sun-bleached awning, two crows appear and get into a squabble for landing rights. The larger one drives the smaller one away and hops back and forth on the awning, vainly trying to spot what the rats found.

The raccoon may have been young, but more than enough for a meal for Abril. She rubs away any remains from her mouth and then gives a little chirp-chirp to get the crows attention. pointing down to the remains even as she's making to move on herself, hands being stuffed into her pockets shuffle-shuffle-shuffling on.

The crow eyes Abril dubiously, but it's quick to accept the offering once she heads on her way. After-meal antics handled, it's time to find a decent place to sleep. You'd think abandoned buildings would be a safe bet, but there's a shortage of them in the immediate area. Noah's advice to head south pays off, though. Abril finds a shipping container of all things, parked in a vacant lot. Where it came from is a mystery, but it's covered with all kinds of street murals and grafitti. An art gallery across the street is probably responsible for this, likely to generate publicity for the place. The lock on the door is chained shut, but the lock is missing. It's an easy matter to remove it and slip inside.

It's a nice, dry space to sleep, though a bit rusty in places. It's probably around 2 a.m. when a young, lanky-looking homeless guy slips inside, only to face a not-awake Shadow Lord. Oh dear. He's looking nervous before she even gets up to face him.

And one of the many benefits of a jacket despite all weather is it also makes a makeshift pillow and the creaking of the container door is enough that Abril's head raises before the guy even sets a foot properly inside. She sits up, crouching and growls out, "Occupado!!!" the sudden rumble enough to send the kid backpedalling on out of there. She doesn't really sleep the rest of the night, but the time passes. Eventually the light creaks into the container and she packs on up to go wander back towards where she crossed over, though waiting still on this side of the gauntlet for the theurge.

Damn, it's bright outside. And warm, and getting even warmer. Abril is able to backtrack and find Irsa, just chillin' outside that burnt-out shack and snacking on a Fruit Roll-Up. "You're alive!" she greets the Philodox. "Ready t' head back? Evonna is gonna wanna hear 'bout you winnin' and all."

ST Note: And the triumphant pair return to the Caern. Hooray! Evonna arrives just in time to hear the two talking over events.

Irsa is standing near Abril, nodding as she tucks a fruit roll-up wrapper away. "Any trouble? I don't see no wounds, you get inta any tussles?" she asks the Shadow Lord.

"Found TROLL!" Abril says with still a bit of awe. "He keep watch still, but fading. Thing to check on later. Said twisting darkness, weak when alone, but too strong for one person in group. Something for pack fight sounds. Then... ate raccoon. Shared with crow. Rest. Found you!" She grins broadly and may look like she slept rough the last night but otherwise seems perfectly fine, not a scratch on her.

"I love good reports," Irsa remarks, as she dusts off her hands. "Beanie was keepin' tabs on ya for me, but I reckon you figured that out." She probably has thoughts on the whole troll thing, but she's definitely not an expert.

Evonna is here, just been working with some cubs who now run off. "Troll? Did I hear troll?" She comes strolling over toward Irsa and Abril.

As for if she knew Beanie was keeping tabs on her, Abril just gives another one of the bobbles of her head. Of course she knew that (she did not). And then when Evonna asks about trolls she adds, "Good troll, but old troll. Smelled Wyld, but dying. And possible trouble need pack to sniff out."

And behold! A wild Evonna appears. "Evenin', Blood Thorn'rhya. Guess who up an' Challenged me for Fostern?" Irsa remarks, hunting around in her pockets for another snack. Beef jerky this time, the finest of meats. She offers some to both Garou.

Evonna grins, "Good Troll? Hard to believe in that, but you know, strange things do happen. Trouble? What sort of trouble? Tell me all about it." She gives a bow of the head to Irsa, "That is excellent news on challenging."

"He tried to guard wood and water... but in Scab. Wyld-fading places," Abril does look sad as she remembers the old guy's words. "Warned of twisting darkness, foul and dark, to the north of where he stayed, dangerous for one alone. Small troubles that lump together into big danger. I was alone. Challenge was survive night and day on my own in city, where Hammer-tooth-Rhya left me. Not far from there, found troll. Did not find direct trouble, but foul, dark sounds like maybe Wyrm."

"That was th' second part of her Challenge, the hardest one," Irsa remarks. "She ain't lyin' 'bout th' troll, he wasn't tainted at all." She takes a bite of her jerky. "First part of her challenge was t' tell me 'bout one of her judgements here, and what she thought coulda gone better or worse there. I ain't a Philodox, but her answer sounded good t' me. Everyone satisfied, no combat, no deaths."

Evonna laughs, "For Fenrir, a good fight is the best way to settle any argument. But that is just our way. It does not work for others quite as much." Listening to Abril she takes interest. "That very much sounds like a pack needs to check it out. No one should go to a possible Wyrm sight alone."

"Admit made mistake, but how to learn from it for future," Abril nods her head. Given how prideful Garou can be, maybe //that// was the more challenging part of the challenge. And another nod of agreement for teamwork to further investigate. But then, she's turning her eyes towards Irsa, a little hopeful eyebrow raise.

"So, she passed her Challenge, far as I'm concerned. Can't think of another Cliath I've met who deserves Fostern more than her right now." Irsa finishes her jerky and slides her hands in her pockets. "D'ya agree, Blood Thorn'rhya?"

Evonna nods quickly, "I do agree. Strikes-Twice is a breath of fresh air as a Forseti. Something we need as a Fostern, and to continue to climb."

Judgements (on her) passed with flying colors and Abril can't help but give an excited little shimmy. One. Before the shadow lord remembers that there's things like dignity and appearances and whatnot. But there's clearly some proud excitement in that beaming grin on the young wolf's face as she gives a grateful little bow to first Irsa, her Challenge-d. And then to Evonna, elder and MoC both. "Thank you, both. I'll continue work hard. Grow, Climb. One day, fly."

"Brace for a mountain of expectations t' head your way," Irsa says with a grin. "I swear, th' second I hit Fostern I was swarmed with things t' do from th' Elders. But hey, this is how you gain Rank, doin' your duty. I got a small trip t' take this weekend, but when I get back I look forward to hearin' your Howl."

Evonna grins, "Much like how it happened to me. Hit Fostern, start doing all sorts of jobs for the Truthcatcher. You will do it. I have faith. We'll continue our lessons soon as well."

"More power, more responsibility," Abril paraphrases the words of Uncle Ben who even knows where she heard it from, but giving a nod nonetheless. "But yes, will do more work. Not afraid of work. go with Mercy next week, think after your trip?"

"For her thing she's doing?" Irsa asks Abril. "Yeah, for sure unless my Tribe's Cub passes his Rite of Passage this week. I got my own business with her once her work's done, me and Protector-of-Hope."

Abril nods confirmation to Irsa about the thing. "Good luck with Cub. And luck with your business. Many things. Take care, Blood-thorn-rhya. Need go pick fur out of teeth." She points to her mouth which may have some annoyingly stringy raccoon furs still hanging around before she wanders on off. With a bit of a pep in her step as she does so.