Ritual of the Challenge

[Kender Bard]

From far and wide, they came. The swarm of humanity over the desert sands would have boggled the mind of an outsider, unaware that the desert teemed with a surprising amount of life. Many of the clans were very small, some no bigger than the size of a single family or two. Then there were the 'giants' of clans: Clan Char, mightiest in numbers; Clan Fira, the former home of Damien and potentially home to the next Leader as well; Clan Flare, newest of the clans; and even people from Linnod, the Settled Clan, showed up to honor the tradition.

Those few clans who did not come should be wary, for the next Leader might take displeasure in their lack of patriotism. In the past, it was not unheard of for such clans to suddenly... disappear.

Though this was a somber time, some of the Clans took the opportunity to make discreet trades, share news, and other such activities generally reserved for more frivolous times. For the most part, the Elders treated the occasion such as it was - a matter of life and death, with the future laid out before them.

[Northen Light36]

Shadow was there as well, as was his right as an adopted member of Clan Fira. He and Ann stood slightly away from the rest of the clan, talking softly. Whatever Shadow said, it surprised a laugh from the otherwise grim faced teen. Shadow smiles.

"You are Damien's child, for all he wasn't your father," he tells Ann, now serious. "And you are Kara's. You have their strength in you, and their intelligence." Shadow hesitated, then added, "And mine, little niece. And no one can ever beat that. Go on now, claim your birthright."

"Thank you... uncle Shadow," Ann says, looking at him with gratitude. At least, if nothing else is going right, Ann shuddenly doesn't feel quite so alone in the world. Concealing her fear under a mask of detachment, Ann waits for the event to begin.

[Kender Bard]

First, a long line of Elders came to give homage to Ann - after all, she was still their Leader until this Challenge dictated otherwise. It was a long procession; there were almost 35 clans assembled, and each one had at least one Elder, except for Linnod. Charanth and Charminei approached together, bowing their heads to Ann respectfully. Charminei winked at Ann.

Off in a different cluster, Naurorod's priests, mystics, and wisemen were gathered to determine who the Herald would be. It would have to be someone best known for neutrality. The task fell to Medic, as the oldest one amongst them. As a healer, he was used to staying neutral. With Allura assisting him, he took his place near Ann and lifted his still-strong voice to carry. The clans in the back would hear what he said from those in the front whispering it back to them.

"We now gather together in the ancient ritual of Challenge," Medic declared. "Would the one who issued the challenge come forward?"

Eager, Lucian came up and stood in front of the assembled people, a distance away from Ann.

"Who issues this challenge? Name yourself."

Lucian bellowed, "I am Lucian, son of Logan, of Clan Firebrand!"

This was met with the reception of various boos and cheers.

Medic called out, "If there are any others who wished to Challenge the right for Ann Firachild to rule over the clans of Naurorod, speak now and name yourself!"

[Devon]

Joash and the strongest of Clan FLare came to watch the match that was about to begin. The leader of Naurorod's youngest clan had not had many dealings with Ann Firachild, but he was eager to see if the young heiress was ready and able to handle the duty that she stood to uphold.

Ryuk stood off with Clan Char generally pleased with how big the event was. He had met Ann a few times in her younger days and always found her to be energetic. He was excitedly waiting to see Ann beat the stuffing out of her challenger.

Cole of Clan Fira stood with the rest of his clan hoping to get a chance to wish Ann luck himself. Normally he was aloof and a bit hard of hearing, but today he was paying his full attention to what was going to happen today.

[hisdivineshadow]

A thickly-built man with burn scars obscuring one eye stepped forward, puffed up his chest and roared out, "I challenge!" He jabbed a meaty thumb against his ribs. "I am Kinaed son of Aed, of Clan Salamander! I have crossed the Foothills of Naurorod barefoot, slain the vicious Firefang Wyrm, and led my clan into battle against the slavers of Maelstrom. I will not allow this mewling whelp to rule over me!"

There was some cheering from his own clan, but as small as they were it didn't amount to much in the great crowd that had assembled. The other clans were mostly quiet; Kinaed and his clan were relatively unknown, and few knew what to make of them.

[Kender Bard]

"Well it seems that Aed has taken it upon himself to jump right to the next part of the ceremony without my announcing it," Medic said wryly, loud enough to be heard by those in the front of the assembly, earning a few chuckles. "That being said, we will continue with the Listing of Deeds. Lucian son of Logan, what have you done to earn honor?"

Lucian took a deep breath. "I have slain Darknight, the great and fearsome stallion of the Nightmares. I have led the spearhead of many skirmishes against the war mongering Storms of Maelstrom during our times of battle in the past. I have run with the Beasts of the Beastlands during one of Poldora's migrations and fought alongside them. I have done honor to Naurorod by fighting in the Clear Wars. I helped Honored Damien in the sinking of Lacuna, aiding my fire to that of many of our warriors during that time. And I have thrown off attempts to take over my clan seven times against our neighbors!"

This litany was met with great shouts of approval from many clans. Medic waited for the noise to die down before raising his voice and declaring, "Ann Firachild, what have you done to earn honor?"

[Northen Light36]

Under her breath, Tres remarks, not too loudly, "Care to claim credit for anything the rest of us haven't also done?" Around her, Fira chuckles.

"I have befriended Element sent Dragon, Essence," Ann replies, her voice strong and proud. "I aided in the recovery of Linnod and assisted my Honoured Uncle in defending Clan Char against attack. I fought against the madman, Mizra, when he attacked Naurorod. I have travelled across the sea to the fallen land of Contrasta. And I have ensured our continued alliance with Kingdom Caelium though not only my friendship with King Shadow and Queen Lya, but also their daughter, ensuring our allience will last through out the next generation."

[Kender Bard]

The reception was mixed. Though Ann's list was a great one and, by right, she should have won the Challenge by it alone, some less honorable Fires were holding back their applause out of spite or simple desire to not see Ann claim the leadership mantle. Some felt that the relations with Caelium was a poor choice - a few even booed.

Medic sighed. He felt Ann had earnt her place but the process of the Challenge relied on the reception of the Clans as well. There was one more thing left that Ann could do in order to secure her position. Shouting out, he declared, "Lucian and Ann's deeds far outweigh that of Kinaed. I declare him unworthy to be the Honored Leader. However, the match between Lucian and Ann is close. The final decision shall be chosen in combat! With steel and fire shall the next Leader arise. If the challenger or the challenged wish not to fight themselves, they may elect a champion."

"I shall fight by myself!" Lucian roared, feeling his position was secured now that he was in a place of his element - battle.

Since the beginning of the ritual, Charminei and Charanth had been whispering hotly between one another. Their voices were hushed, but the tones strained indicating that they were fighting about something. They glared and frowned at one another. Now, suddenly, Charminei raised her voice. "I will fight on be-" she yelped as Charanth clamped a hand over her mouth and the two growled and argued briefly more before Charanth exclaimed, "I offer to fight on behalf of Ann if she will have me as her champion!"

Charminei looked half smug, half pissed, but Charanth looked only grim and serious.

[hisdivineshadow]

Kinaed scowled and cast a dirty look around at the assembled clans. "Fah. Have yerselves a pansy-waist leader if you want." Turning about, he stormed back to his followers and shoved through their ranks, making it clear as he stomped off that he had no interest in watching the rest of the proceedings.

Elias, remaining with the Fira delegation rather than his native Linnod (he hadn't really lived there for years, anyway), seriously considered following the old windbag and playing his own style of joke on him. But the need to know how this would turn out was far too strong. When the suggestion was made of a champion, he nearly spoke up himself, but the pain of his recent injuries was still too fresh. Instead he sighed and resigned himself to standing on the sidelines.

[Northen Light36]

"As will I," Tres annouces, stepping forward. Ann smiles slightly, but shakes her head at Tres.

"Thank you, Tres," she replies. "But no." Ann considers for a long moment, then looks at Charminei and makes up her mind. She'd like to fight for herself, but it's been weeks since she had a decent night's sleep and Ann's wise enough to know her limits. She also doesn't quite trust Charanth, not knowing he doesn't want her as Leader. "Charminei, child of Clan Char, will you be my champion?"

[Kender Bard]

"Aye!" Charminei shouted, exultant. Charanth could not contain his fury at this.

"No!" He bellowed, and grabbed Charminei by the wrist as she began to walk forward. "Damnit, Charminei! You are not a warrior!"

"I can hold my own in a fight!" she growled back at him.

"Think of Charii!" he pressed. "Alexi is off gallivanting the Forces know where and now you'll put your neck on the line as well?!"

Charminei looked pointedly at his hand in silence until he released her. "I don't plan to die, Charanth." When he went to protest again, she leveled a sharp look at him. Unknown to everyone else, she was whispering threats in his mind of what should come to pass if he persisted in this line of argument. Whatever he had been about to say died on his lips and he simply glared at her as she strode out, strutting arrogantly in her pride and self confidence.

Lucian snorted at the choice. "Here you see now just what kind of Leader we have - one who throws weak mothers into combat."

"Shut up, Lucian," Charminei replied, cracking her fingers and turning down a clanmate who offered him his spear. "Or I will take great pleasure in doing so myself."

[Northen Light36]

Tres' eyes blaze, her entire body tense with rage. "Charminei!" she calls, "Try to leave him alive at the end of this." She turns to look coldly at Lucian. "Lucian, Son of Logan, I find your words an insult to my honour. As Elder of Clan Fira and Mistress of Senstia, I challenge you to answer for this insult..." She sneers. "Provided you survive this challenge."

Behind their Elder, Clan Fira snarls their support.

[Kender Bard]

Lucian looks unruffled at this. "Your titles will not be your armor, woman."

"I warned you to shut up," Charminei laughed and in a sudden blink of teleport, she was in front of him, punching him in the face so hard he staggered back, blood dripping from his nose. With a roar he drew his falchion and went at Charminei, making a furious swipe at her. Charminei danced out of the way but the blade left a slight cut on her thigh as she moved aside.

She glanced at it and called, mockingly, "First blood is still mine, handsome!" Lucian, beginning to channel his initial rage into a focused force, did not respond with anything more then a sudden slash at her again, a sharp downwards stroke. Predictably, Charminei danced out of the way again but was met with a sudden scorch of fire as Lucian thrust out his other palm at her.

Yelping in pain, Charminei willed the fires out. She was getting angry and that fueled her own fires. She charged at Lucian, as though to bodily tackle him. Lucian shifted his sword to act as a spear might – a spike on which Charminei would impale herself. But she dropped down abruptly, sliding on the sand as she kicked out with a foot against Lucian’s kneecap. Lucian hissed in pain, locked up and surprised. Charminei abruptly threw up both hands and sent great gouts of fire right at Lucian’s face and chest. Lucian stumbled back, slightly singed but avoiding the worst of it. He tried to slice down at Charminei but she rolled out of way in time.

Undaunted, the challenging warrior used the terrain to his advantage, sweeping a great amount of sand at Charminei while the sword remained buried in the sand. Getting a faceful of the stuff, Charminei yelped more out of surprise than pain and blindly scrambled to get out of the way. Lucian didn’t’ take her momentarily blindness to press his attack, instead rubbing his sign and muttering. Charminei’s eyes cleared and she scrambled to her feet. Lucien now charged her, his sword wreathed in flames.

Charminei teleported again, this time behind Lucien. The surprised warrior stumbled a little as Charminei pounced on him from behind, riding him to the ground. She went to grab the back of his neck but the man was very strong and managed to roll over despite the weight on his back, dumping Charminei next to him. He rolled again, getting on top of her, trying to angle his sword towards her neck.

Charminei reached up abruptly, flames licking around her fingers as she tried to poke out his eyes. He pulled back, distracted as his eyebrows smoldered and flickered with the flames that had caught there. Charminei escaped enough to get back to her feet, but Lucian simply pointed his sword towards her and gave a great warcry. His attack was ripped loose before she could flee, and massive amounts of flame that he had been storing shot forward and wrapped around her, immolating her.

Or so it seemed. Charminei used a mixture of her Mind’s barrier-effect and her own fires to keep the worst of the damage away, but she was still badly burnt. Her clothes now hung raggedly on her, half burnt away, and she swayed on her feet in pain. In a flash, Lucian was on her, bearing her down to the ground now and pulling his sword back for a final blow.

Charminei reached up and grabbed his head and then… stared. In reality, she was tearing through his mind with all the raw power she had. Her tongue pressed firmly against the roof of her mouth, activating her sign, she silently moved her lips in chant even as she added ‘fire’ to her mental assault, causing Lucian to writhe and squirm, even cry out as she reached the apex of her assault. With him in this state, Charminei wrenched the sword away from him and began to bash him over and over with the flat of it until a choked, shamed voice cried out, “Yield!”

Charminei glared down at Lucian, as though debating whether or not to do so, even though rules mandated that she must. Huffing, she threw the sword down with a look of disgust. “Stay down,” she growled. “You should beg for mercy on your belly, like the worm you are, at the feet of your true leader!” Lucian started to rise again, weakly, but Charminei put her foot on his back and shoved him back down. He didn’t try to get up again.

Medic smiled knowingly and called out, “Through the might of Charminei, Child of Char, I proudly name Ann, Child of Fira, our Honored Leader!!”

The clans roared.

[Northen Light36]

Ann smiles to herself, then steps forward to assist Charminei out of the ring, not sparing Lucian so much as a glance. "Thank you, Charminei," the young Leader says to her friend. Tres comes over to join the pair, a bottle of healing water (a gift from her sister) in her hand.

"Here, Elder Charminei," Tres says, handing over the bottle. With that she turns and walks over to Lucian, looking down on him. "When shall I expect you to answer my challenge, Lucian?" she asks flatly. "Or shall I hear your apology now and spare you a second shaming?"

[Kender Bard]

"Tomorrow," Lucian grunted, now getting up slowly. "Tomorrow you'll get your challenge."

Charminei splashed the healing water over the worst of her wounds, sighing in bliss as they began to heal over and cool. "Thanks," she said to both the women, handing the bottle back. "Ann, may I have a word with you in private when you get the chance?"

Already Medic was announcing that the feast of Honor would commence, and the clans were busy getting prepared for this. It was mostly a 'bring your own food' event, and everyone had prepared ahead - not to mention all had to bring something in tithe for the Leader. Fira would have had no need to hunt at all for the celebrations.