Ancient Traditions and Archaic Beliefs (the wolves)

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

The Raun. For as long as werewolves have been around they have shunned by the wizarding and muggle communities alike. They were abandoned by those who had once called them family and forced to fend for themselves. They were lonely, downtrodden, and exiled from society. Many took to hiding living as outcasts in the forests and areas with sparse populations. Some chose to create their own society.

It is unclear when the first Alpha stood up to the injustices of people like himself, history books care not for keeping such records. The earliest accounts go back to the 8th century but by then packs had already been established and traditions created.

"Today we carry on those traditions and open our arms to those worthy wolves who wish to join our community. We seek the bravest, fiercest, smartest, and most loyal of you." Alek's voice carried over the crowd that filled the clearing. The tall trees surrounding them bristled in the breeze. It was a good day for competition.

[Lukas "Kas" Eiriksen]

Could his brother be more of a pompous idiot? Kas didn't think so. It took years of self discipline to be able to stand and listen to the jackass without openly showing his disgust. His features cleverly concealed however, he only appeared confident, but non-threatening.

He quickly stole a glance at his sister. He knew how nervous she was to be here despite his promises and reassurances that everything would be alright. He nudged her slightly to wipe away the worry on her face.

He stole another glance toward his half sister. She sat next to Alek, like a queen upon a throne. She wasn't even a wolf. She had no business being here. The thought made him almost snarl, but he reigned in waiting for the next part in the charade.

[Lorelei Eiriksen]

Kas found their brother's speech to be pompous. Lorelei found it intimidating. Particularly the word "worthy". Would she be found worthy? She looked over to Kas who stood at her side and gave a nervous smile. He nudged her with his elbow and she schooled her features into something a tad more confident. She wasn't sure if she was selling it.

[Aleksandra "Lex" Eiriksen]

Lex somewhat agreed with her half brother, though she obviously didn't know he existed. Alek's speech was a bit pompous, but Alek was far from an idiot. Still Lex had a different relationship with Alek, and it was hard for her not to roll her eyes as he so eagerly ate up the center stage.

As for her place in the Raun when she was neither pack member nor wolf, had long ago been established by their father. She had earned her place by seeing to the families over the years. Alek was the Alpha, he was strong, mighty, and would lead the pack to glory and victory. But Lex was soft, warm, and would comfort the families in times of strife. She made sure that all the wolves were treated properly. She handled food supplies, medical training, petty squabbles that didn't merit Alek's attention, and more. But she had been 'remiss' in her duties as of late chasing after M, and this other new threat on the horizon. Eventually Alek would marry and that wolf would take over Lex's duties for good. Perhaps becoming an auror was also a way to push her brother into seeking a mate.

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

Over the course of three days the wolves would compete for a place among the Eiriksen pack. Each wolf could elect to partake in as many challenges as they desired; the more opportunities to prove one's self the better the chances as being one of the chosen few. Every Raun challenge was chosen centuries ago based upon the qualities that pack saw as most valuable. Alek's pack was no different. His ancestors had determined that strength and agility was the top priority, followed by magical skills while in human form (as werewolves spent most of their lives in the original state), and finally cleverness and tactical prowess. The competitions were each designed to test one of these skills and spread out over the course of three days, ending during the full moon.

The first challenge was physical combat. It was the bloodiest and more violent of the three and would weed out the weaker wolves. Alek smirked as he announced the trial and called forth the competitors. Just as grandly as he had done before, Alek explained the rules of the competition; there weren't many.

[Lorelei Eiriksen]

Lorelei bit her lip as the physical combat was announced. Kas would be competing and although she knew he was more than capable of fending for himself, she was scared for him.

"Be careful," she said as she flung herself onto him and hugged him tightly. She didn't care that she may have been making a scene, her brother was more important than her pride.

[Lukas "Kas" Eiriksen]

Kas laughed a little at his sister's concern. He certainly held the Eiriksen pride and ego. Kas wasn't a big man by any means. He had a lean wiry strength that was often concealed beneath well tailored clothing and a lab coat or potion's robe depending on the chemicals/ingredients he used. But his cleverness in combat was unprecedented. He easily outsmarted most of his opponents who relied upon brute strength. He was well versed in anatomy and weak points of the human body. With a few well placed hits he could topple most any opponent. The bigger the man, the harder the fall.

There was a sort of boyish glee in his eyes, as he took down wolf after wolf.

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

The physical combat drew the largest crowd, both in participants and spectators. Strength, brute force, and the unyielding ability to demolish one's opponent were traits most commonly assumed to be of the most importance for werewolf clans. As outcasts, defending one's self and loved ones was of the utmost importance. It was self-preservation as a species. But it wasn't the only thing a pack held valuable.

Christine's words rang in his head as he watched man after man tear apart their competitor, bloodied, limping wolves being helped to the side of the circle that had been formed by the crowd of onlookers. There's more to life than combat and war. And just because someone doesn't show promise initially doesn't mean it's not there, what about families and friends, things that make a community strong, things worth fighting for?

Alek was reminded again that he would not have passed such a violent test. The voice of his father taunted him. You're pathetic. A worthless scrap of a boy. Not even fit to call himself a wolf, let alone my son.

The sun moved across the sky as competitor after competitor fell. There were only three men left standing. "Enough!" Alek stood from his seat, his place raised slightly above the crowd. "You three," he pointed at Kas and the two others that remained. "You fight with skill and honor." He smiled proudly at them before looking to the crowd. "They will make fine additions to our ranks." The crowd cheered loudly.

[Lukas "Kas" Eiriksen]

Kas showed all the proper deference in addressing his "Alpha" but the smug smirk he sent his sister, his real sister, was anything but humble.

By the looks of the men standing next to him he was out of place. His boyish good looks and lean frame didn't match up to the bulk and brawn of the other two and he lifted his chin higher. The Eiriksen pride was in their blood, the Eiriksen patriarch didn't have to raise his children to have a lasting affect either. His abandonment, whether emotional or physical, had done enough damage for all to share.

He returned to his sister's side. "Piece of cake."