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There had been whispers of the Lord's lack of participation in Anlach. Many attributed it to his advancing age, and that a challenge to his authority was imminent. Infact, there were also whisperings of another stag, an ambitious Outrider that wished to challenge Fell Lore and take the Lordship. Brychan was that stag... the starry pelted one with a fine set of antlers on his head. He had gathered three hinds this season, of which were on a lower hill not far from the home oak. Brychan had served well as an Outrider, and while he had not yet made Captain... that may well come if he didn't become Lord.

That very stag had been readying himself, and now he ascended the hill toward the home oak. A place that he had hoped to stand one day. Once topping it, the stag stood firmly. His stance was proud and determined, eyes blazing with confidence. However, he was not the rash sort.. he knew well that Fell Lore was not a weak stag. Still, here he was. Brychan lifted his head and bugeled into the air. A hoof pawing at the ground once his voice had faded, although still echoing through the valley. "Fell Lore! I've come to challenge you for Lordship of the herd!"

Brychan chuckled heartily at the first words that came out of Fell Lore's mouth. The young stag in the throes of Anlach, tossing his head in an exuberance of eager energy. "No offense, but it is difficult not to. You can call it enthusiasm if you like." The starry pelted one smirking lightly.

Atleast the Lord remembered him, that was a good sign. As for the answer to his challenge, that he was still waiting for. "You've been hiding yourself a lot this Anlach my Lord, perhaps it is time for a change of pace?"

(( Edit: Strength - 5 ))

"I wouldn't dream of it, my lord" he replied" grinning despite himself. He was never one to underestimate his opponent... even some of the young bucks could put up a brave fight if they wanted/needed to.

"Indeed... I have been wondering why you've chosen to sit out this Anlach. Perhaps you were overwhelmed with calves last year?" this bringing another chuckle from the dark colored Outrider.

(( I know. XD Oh well... true friendly competition eh?

Strength - 5
Endurance - 8 ))

"Still, no desire for fawns and calves this year?" Brychan asked, wondering himself if he would actually end up being a father this year. It depended on how receptive the hinds were, and of course... a bit of luck.

(( Strength - 5
Endurance - 8
Speed - 5 ))

"The fighting?" Brychan asked clearly perplexed. He of course, didn't have that much of a problem with all the 'fighting'. "It is a part of the Herla and Herne's way... stags have been fighting since the days of Starbuck. Besides... there are rarely ever any serious injuries. You had to fight to become Lord after all."

(( Strength - 5
Endurance - 8
Speed - 5
Intelligence - 3

Total: 21

Well Phooey... looks like Brychan lost. XD *shakes fist at intelligence* ))

(( It was close. X3 Slightly disappointing for my end, but there's always next Anlach. xd Hopefully he'll be a Captain by then. 3nodding *patpats* Yeah that endurance roll sucked. Then came my piddly intelligence. XD Brychan is feeling stupid today I guess. rofl ))

"Why? Perhaps... although it is for the good of the herd." He didn't really know exactly why... although it did create genetic diversity in the herd and allowed the strongest calves possible to be born, but deer didn't think of such things.

Brychan stepped back as Fell's antlers retreated, only to watch as he unexpectedly came at him from an angle he didn't anticipate. The stag staggered as antlers locked once more. "Perhaps today is one of my 'off' days" he muttered lightly. Fell Lore was indeed a strong stag, he had expected such. He put up a brave fight.

Brychan pushed back against the other's antlers before disengaging and stepping back. "I concede defeat.. it appears I'm not quite ready." The other stag was just too strong for him, that was apparent and there was no need to continue the fight to exhaustion.

There was a bit of disappointment in his eyes. His hinds had been so supportive of his ideas to challenge Fell Lore.. even defended him against that whipper snapper, Waoki, who had doubted him. It seems that the young Corps' doubts had won this time along with Fell Lore. But he would be gracious over the defeat and not let it drag him down. It was a learning point, he atleast got a feel for the Lord's strengths and weaknesses, and how he needed to improve himself. "Very true.. very true."

Brychan dipped his head humbly to the other stag, acknowledging Fell Lore's dominance over him. The starry pelted stag was indeed winded, but his resolve and endurance held up well today. "You have won Herne's favor for another year."