Uneasy Rule

[Kender Bard]

A small group of warriors from an outlying clan - they called themselves the Firebrand Clan, a very small clan - rode up towards Fira in grim determination. Though they bore weapons, their posture was one of urgency but not hostility.

[Northen Light36]

When Fira's scouts report the groups arrival to their still griving Elder and Honoured Leader, Tres and Ann both sigh. "Let the fun begin," Ann remarks Tres and Shadow, getting to her feet. Tres stands and puts a hand on Ann's shoulder.

"Let me go to them, Ann," she tells the young Leader. "This may not involve you." Shadow and Ann snort, but Ann sits again and Tres goes to her guests.

"Good evening," Tres greets the riders. "I am Elder Tres. What brings you to Fira?"

[Kender Bard]

"We have come to speak with the so-called Leader Ann," the lead warrior reported. "Runners have informed our clan of the falling of Damien. We mourned his passing but the time has come for the torch of leadership to pass. Bring her forth, so we can issue our challenge face to face."

[Northen Light36]

Tres growls, her eyes burning with grief for Damien and fury burning at the insult to a girl she considers nearly a daughter. "Your grief has endded insultingly fast, if I consider the time it took a runner to reach you and for you to travel here," she spits. "Truly honourable men might have allowed the Leader time to heal from her uncle's loss." Tres looks at the men in disgust, spits on the sand by way of insult, and hisses, "I will inform our Leader of your insult, have no fear."

Turning on her heal, Tres walks back to Ann and Shadow. "They want to challenge your leadership, Ann. I'm sorry."

"I'm surprised they took this long," Ann mutters, getting to her feet and picking up her sword to buckle back onto her belt. Holding her head up high, Ann walks out to meet the warriors, her eyes dark with anger. "So... You are the ones who wish to interupt my period of mourning?" she asks coldly. "Very well. Shall this be one on one or would you rather set upon me like a pack of dogs?"

[Kender Bard]

"You have had time to mourn," the warrior stated, looking blandly at Ann, clearly unimpressed. "And if you cannot stand challenge, then you have no place in being the Leader of this whole nation, girl. I, Lucian son of Logan, demand that the ancient ritual of challenge be enacted. Let the Clans come together and see who is the most fit to rule over them all."

Around him, his warriors bellowed agreement.

[Northen Light36]

Ann looks at Lucian and shrugs dismissively. "If you're so determined to humiliate yourself, then so be it," she replies, before turning to a nearby scout who's glaring at Lucian and orders for the word to be spread - the clans will gather at the neutual Sun Fest grounds, where the challenge shall be held.

[Kender Bard]

Satisfied their message will be spread, Lucian and his warriors wheel around and ride off to rejoin their clan.

(New topic and IC Announcement?)