<span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;">~Pre-War~</span><br/><br/>It was another peaceful day in the Luctum village. Standard foot traffic for merchants and the comings and going of Ursains. It was almost the anniversary of the Great Ursain Treaty signing, which signified the end of that war. Normally the tribes kept to themselves; only sending an envoy, to ask permission for something; or warriors to be trained. I wandered through the village enjoying the hustle and bustle of the extra visitors. This celebration also served as a way to test the warriors, or really all who wished, in a tournament between the tribes. I don't particularly care for fighting unnecessary battles; there is little point to them, but my father insisted that I compete since I had somehow gained the reputation of having the most endurance for a beating. The few times I have fought has always been in the defense of someone who couldn't defend themselves very well. My arguments fell on deaf ears though and I was set to compete in a week. There was a silver lining to this situation though; we were going to invite the Atma Kabile. There was to be a meeting with the Atma Kabile soon and the leaders decided through messages to invite the Atma Kabile to participate in the celebration and tournament. Silently, I hoped they would accept the invitation. Their Moon Goddess and language intrigued me greatly and I couldn't wait to ask and learn more about them. I believe the humans have a saying "Curiosity killed the Cat." I wonder if that applies to Panda's and Ursain's as well.<br/><br/>~Few Days Later~<br/><br/>I yawn at the early afternoon light. Thanks to my recent night explorations I have taken to sleeping in later. Rolling to all fours I rise so I may begin the day. Today is the meeting with the Atma Kabile. After grabbing a piece of the bamboo I brought back with me from last night I begin my trek to the cave where the meeting is scheduled to take place. Along the way I spot some cubs talking with some cats I believe to be from the Amkha Clan. As I head over to the visitors something happened that I couldn't believe.<br/><br/>Noise erupted all around as screams tore through the village. The two Amkha members each grabbed a cub with the mouths and ripped them pieces. Witnessing this made my blood run cold and I began running as fast as I could to finish closing the distance. Putting myself between the cats and the cubs I took the brunt of their next attack. There was too much at risk so I didn't allow myself to fall despite their strength which could rival the Umbra's. I swung a paw to dissuade one attack while trying to bite the paw of the other who over reached his latest attack. Yanking back with my weight I pulled the paw out of the Amkha in time to take another attack meant for the cubs. Determined not to lose another cub I fought with a purpose I never would have thought I could do.<br/><br/>Not much longer into the battle signal of some sort went off, the two Amkha turned their heads to it before taking off as fast as they could with new injuries and exhaustion. I looked over the cubs who were terrified and possibly in shock of seeing there friends killed. I couldn't stay awake any longer and passed out.<br/><br/>Two hours I awoke by the healers cave outside the village, there were many others in similar or worse condition. However, better injured than dead; which there was a fair pile for that category as well. One of the visiting Silva's ran to inform all who were able that the leaders were calling a gathering of all able bodies. Despite the healers wishes I force myself up and left to the center of the village. There I saw only three of the clan heads standing: the Silva, the Luctum, and the Votum; the Umbra seemed to be missing.<br/><br/>Wu Gang Luctum addressed the crowd, " Ursains! Our once allies the Atma Kabile have attacked us without provocation! We have suffered much loss of life including the former leader of the Umbra clan. So the first order of business is I wish to introduce you to the new leader, Nox Umbra!" All of the attending Ursains pounded the ground in their form of applause. Wu Gang continued "We are now at war! Our tribes will be once again combining forces, like our ancestors before the Great Ursain War. But to raise an army we need warriors! Who among you will answer the call to arms?" Initially no one responded, soaking in what they were being told. Many were probably doing the same as me and looking back on this invasion. All at once many different Ursains step forward and let out a roar. "We will test each of you and determine squads. Mourn for the fallen and be ready tomorrow!"