Marcus POV
Nicole" I called out. "There you have it. What you have been training so hard for. Don't forget to bring the trophy home" I said jokingly and he laughed.
The long anticipated day finally arrived and we matched to the Red Hills pack where this great annual event was to be hosted. The forest path was busy with travelers. All traveling to the Red Hill pack to witness the competition in packs.
I have been able to get over Alyssa for now. I preoccupied my mind with the preparation for the forthcoming competition.
I intentionally involved myself in everything that would keep my mind busy.
My father is happy about it. He thinks I am beginning to see his point but the truth is that I was only looking for an escape.
As we made our way through the forest path toward the Red Hills pack, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. Everywhere I looked, I could see members of various packs dressed in their finest traditional attire.
I was putting on a long black flowing gown with tight-fitted sleeves made of silk. It was lined with fur for warmth. It was normal for people to be in their best clothes for events like this but deep down, I dressed up with the hope of impressing Alyssa.
My father wore a dark blue cloak, which was layered with a tight-fitting jacket. His cloak was made of velvet. His chains and ring were intricately designed with tiny balls of gold, silver, and precious gemstones. He looked regal and his outfit commanded authority.
Some men wore sheepskin cloaks and woolen hats and mittens and leather boots covered in wooden petals to protect them from the cold and rain. Other men wore stockings or tunics.
While women wore long gowns with sleeveless tunics and wimples to cover their hair.
There were packs in deep reds and purples, their outfits adorned with intricate gold embroidery. Others were dressed in shades of green and brown, their outfits made of sturdy materials that looked like they could withstand any challenge. Some packs had chosen to wear bright, vibrant colors, while others preferred more muted tones.
As we walked, the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, and the atmosphere was electric with excitement. The forest path was alive with activity, with packs of all shapes and sizes making their way toward the wrestling competition.
Despite the noise and commotion, the natural beauty of the forest still managed to shine through. The trees towered above us, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. The sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.
As we passed by other packs, we exchanged greetings and admiring glances at each other's attire. It was clear that everyone had put a lot of effort into their outfits, and it was exciting to see such a diverse range of styles and colors on display.
I walked alongside Steve, Nicole, and Tyler who were also putting on expensive flowing gowns and fitted jackets of different colors. Nicole was growing nervous and we teased him. It was exciting to travel in a pack and this was part of what made this festival a thing to look forward to.
As we continued along the path, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement at being part of such a vibrant and diverse community. I couldn't wait to see what the wrestling competition had in store for us and to cheer on Nicole as he compete for glory and honor. It was sure to be a day to remember.
When we arrived at the Red Hill pack Lordson Al and his entourage welcomed us with a broad smile. He was dressed in regal attire just like my father. One look at him would tell you he is not an ordinary person.
To my greatest relief, Marietta wasn't there. I felt grateful. She was in charge of spearheading the affairs of the female dignitaries that had come from other packs. Lordson Al explained to my father when he was asked.
The competition was to last for three days. I thought I would be stuck with her for the next three days but it seems I was wrong.
Since she would be busy attending to women then I might be able to escape seeing her. All I need to do is to be careful not to bump into her.
We were assigned our various rooms and servants were dispatched to attend to our needs.
I went around to confirm if the blood brother pack had arrived but they were yet to arrive. The blood-brother pack is Ethan's pack. I feared they may not come.
I heard about the two attacks on their pack which lead to the death of their alpha and some members of the pack. It shouldn't be a surprise if they decide not to participate in this year's competition. After what they have been through.
The time of the competition finally came and we were all directed to the location of the fight.
Myself, Steve and Tyler alongside others stood at the edge of a large dirt pit, surrounded by a throng of werewolves, all eagerly awaiting the start of the inter-pack wrestling competition. The air is charged with excitement, and the sound of howling and growling fills the air.
As I looked around, I could see that the pit was surrounded by several tiers of seating, all filled with werewolves from different packs, each cheering on their respective wrestler. The atmosphere is intense, and the tension is palpable.
In the center of the pit, I can see the judges, all dressed in traditional garb, with stern expressions on their faces. They are responsible for enforcing the rules of the competition and ensuring that each wrestler plays fair.
Suddenly, the announcer's voice booms over the crowd, calling forth the representative of various packs.
"Representing the pack of the full moon, we have the fierce and fearless Greyback!" The crowd erupts into cheers as Greyback steps forward, his fur bristling with anticipation.
Nicole was the eighth person to be called upon and we cheered him." You can do it Nicole " I said and he winked at me.
"Finally, " said the announcer, "permit me to call upon Marcle of the blood brothers pack." The crowd cheered as Marcle walk majestically to join the other wrestlers in the pit. In all the participants were twenty nine in number.
If Ethan's pack came, then it was likely that Alyssa could be here. I felt my heart suddenly racing at the thought of seeing Alyssa.
As each wrestler is introduced, they take their place in the pit, circling each other warily, waiting for the signal to start. The rules are simple: the first wrestler to pin their opponent to the ground for a count of three is the winner.
The rule of the game was read out by the chief judge. My father was among the judges. As soon as the chief judge was through, the announcer called on the first set of fighters.
It was between the full moon pack and the eagle pack.
The fight was fast-paced and intense, with each werewolf using their strength and agility to gain the upper hand. The crowd is on their feet, shouting and cheering as the wrestlers battle it out in the pit.
Finally, Greyback somersaulted and hit his opponent's chest with his leg and he went flat. The excited crowd roared and applauded Greyback for that impressive move.
His opponent was carried out of the makeshift ring and he was announced the winner for that round.
After two more rounds of the fight which were also fierce, the announcer announced that it was time to take a break. Everyone was to reconverge at the arena in the evening.
With this, everybody dispersed back into the village. Chatting excitedly about the first few rounds of fight they had just witnessed.