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 Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 4:36 pm
Failure had never rested well with Dalla. The lioness, while used to being second best to her paler, softer sister, had never been turned down outright. She wasn't certain why she'd thought that she could manage the role of the seductress. After such blatant failure, Dalla still wasn't certain where she'd gone wrong. Had she come onto Hroarr too hard, too fast, too strong? Had she faltered the slightest? Dalla wasn't sure, and lingering on the topic only served to upset the lioness further. What was her purpose? She was not strong of body. She could not merely fight her way to the top. Her plan to curse Aesir through his son had slipped from her paws. What else was there? Uhtred was wed to her sister, so he was out of the picture for now. Thorgrim was far too irrational at times to work with, and while Dalla could appreciate his opinion on things... well, at the moment, that wasn't the issue. No, there was one thing that Dalla couldn't shake. One emotion that lurched through her chest, most especially after her failed interactions with Hroarr. Dalla was lonely. With an annoyed, uncharacteristic growl, Dalla stalked from her den. There was no motive to her angry, jerky steps - she had no particular destination in mind. It would do both her mind and body a great deal of good to work off some steam.
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Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 9:00 pm
 It was amazing how well he felt he belonged in a pride. Something he didn't expect would happen, at all, in his life. Though it helped that this particular pride was filled with warriors, strength, resolve, and the realization that the strong took what they wanted; because, they rightfully deserved it. He had mused on this several times, and had come to the conclusion that this was much better than any life he could have led alone in the rogue lands. He had never been one for company or idle conversation, but Don was slowly turning around in that regard, having found a place that shared his ideals.
For now, he had just come off of patrol duty, his blood hot from the anticipation of action, but unfortunately there had been this day. No challengers to drive off or welcome into the pride, not even hide nor hair of any he didn't already recognize as part of the pride. It was disappointing, as Don reveled in the action of a Reaver, be it patrol duty or experiencing the thrill of a Viking.
It was as he was returning to the pridal grounds that he managed to notice someone else heading in this direction, albeit from several long yards off to the side and at an angle away from him. He paused in his step, ruby eyes curious as noted the strange gate of the female. He was certain he had never talked to her before, probably didn't even know her name, but she was a member of his adoptive pride and he was growing bolder in his social interactions. In times before he may have continued on his way without bothering to acknowledge her presence and kept to himself, but the lion managed a gruff, if not somewhat obscured, "Its a good day to die," as he had come to understand that was the normal greeting in Stormborn lands.
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 11:46 am
Though Dalla was Stormborn through and through, such a greeting had never held much appeal for her - and most especially when she was in such a foul mood. A foul, rotten and depressed mood. When crystalline eyes clashed with those of the Reaver before her, Dalla could only offer a few choice words, muttered from behind a dark frown.
"Perhaps it is."
Dalla was not looking forward to telling Thorgrim of her failure to lure Hroarr in. While she did not answer to the older Captain, Dalla was surely intimidated by him. That little thought was enough to send the normally composed lioness into upset once more. She could only take so much. First Gunne being murdered. Then Aesir giving her sister to Uhtred. And now Hroarr completely slipping from her claws. Gnashing her teeth, Dalla gave the Reaver before her a scathing look.
"You will have to excuse me, I have no time for dallying with Reavers who seek a good time. I am certain there are many willing Thralls underfoot, any one of which would be capable of sating you."
That being said, Dalla continued stalking forth. Usually the female was not so difficult to get along with, but in all honesty the lioness was well beyond her breaking point.
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Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 1:21 pm
Don was not a lion to be hurt over a bruised ego, in fact he could have easily let this encounter with the foul tempered lioness roll off his shoulder and go about his business. That's what he's always done, anyway, back in the roguelands when he ignored anyone and everyone that could have possibly needed help. But, there was something about being a part of the Stormborn that really churned his gears, made him feel as if he was a part of something much larger than himself. And he was, obviously. Joining a pride had seemed to awaken something much more than he had every expected himself to be.
It wasn't concern that rippled through him at this point, as the brute lion wasn't exactly familiar with that feeling, but something else that drew him to follow the lionesses path. "And I have no desire to devote myself to a 'good time' at present," he replied evenly. He did not doubt that this pride member was in some sort of bad mood, as he doubted anyone could be that standoffish on a daily basis. But then, these were the Stormborn, perhaps tempers flared like the the ever present bite of the chilling wind in these lands.
Nonetheless, Don continued forward, pushing his hefty frame into a jog to catch up to her, fully aware of the possibility of being lashed at. "If someone has upset you, allow me to pound them into the ground on your behalf," he offered, hoping to at least get a little insight on why she was in such terrible temper. And perhaps, well, curiosity ran deeper in him than he had expected. "A lioness such as yourself should not carry such deep frowns on her face, it obscures her natural light." Maybe that had been a bit farther than what he had expected himself to go, but in all honesty, Don said what came to mind and at the moment his mind was on her.
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Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:48 am
Honestly, Dalla had not been expecting him to speak another word to her. Most lions she knew in the pride at this present time were only interested in three things. Fermented berries, cat mint, and ... well, good times. Despite her most recent interaction with Aesir's son, Dalla was not interested in any one of these things, though she'd been willing to at least pretend that she was when she attempted to draw Hroarr in. For the first time in a long time, Dalla craved interaction with another lion that was not based on devious plots. And yet, try as she might, she'd been incapable of accomplishing such a task. When the lion continued to follow her, Dalla had to give pause. A curious glance was sent in his direction. Was he ... was he complimenting her? Even offering to avenge any wrongdoings that had been done against her? Pale eyes flickered with aquamarine fire as Dalla watched him intently, coming to a stop. "Someone has upset me, yes," Dalla whispered softly, narrowing her eyes. "One of the Warlords sons did not appreciate my advances." She lifted a single brow skyward, waiting to see what kind of reaction he might give to such a bold statement. "I sought only to encourage him on the sands, perhaps to entice him just a little. It would seem that a lowly Freeborn such as myself is not quite the match he was looking for, or perhaps he found me unattractive." She lifted a delicate shoulder in a shrug, moving forward again. "It's just as well, really," Dalla continued, mostly under her breath. "Far too young and likely just a fumbling boy. I really should have known better." She swung her delicate body around, eyes narrowing again as she stared into his eyes. His pretty eyes. He was a large lion. Strong. Polite. Everything a sane lioness would appreciate in a Reaver. He didn't appear to be clouded by mint or soggy with berries. "I am Dalla. You are?"
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Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 2:06 am
Don slowed his pace as she did, pulling up to a halt as she began to explain what had her so riled, and equally in a disagreeable temper. His round ears perked forward as she mentioned the warlord's son, something akin to interest brightening his eyes. He had yet to meet the warlord of the Stormborn, and hadn't been told much about him. Likewise he had not met any of his family. Perhaps he had heard vague rumors, but the tawny lion hadn't been keen on piecing them together just yet. It was much more important to get to know the pride as a whole, before he bothered with the fine details. Or so Don believed was the correct way to go about it.
"Then he has made a grave error it would seem", Don replied at length, considering her words carefully and the effect they seemed to have had on the lioness's mood. "He may not have realized the dangers of a lioness' scorn", he spoke off-handedly, a hint amusement catching in his voice, but there was strength to his words just as there was intelligence that gleamed behind his eyes. This was an opportunity that Don could not pass up. "Perhaps I'll challenge him to a spar. You should feel free to watch, I'll pommel him into the ground a few times for you." It would give him some insight on the lineage of the ruling warlord, and help curb his curiosity in the matter. After all there was only one thing that Don truly believed in, and that was strength. He could not see himself at ease in a pride where the ruler was of weak blood. Granted, it wouldn't be the warlord himself, but it was probably as close as Don was going to get, and the best way to gauge his bloodline. Morbid curiosity was more than enough to keep him interested.
Nonetheless, he did not miss the detail of her finely delicate body as she swung around to face him, his eyes catching the curves of movement even as his mind was focused on different matters. "I'm Don", he replied at her request, choosing to keep his name short and simple. It was the only part that really mattered anyway, the rest was simply an annoyance. "You wouldn't mind a reaver's company, would ya? There's much I still need to learn about the Stormborn and its people, and that can only come from experience." As well as a desire to learn, he reminded himself. He hadn't thought he'd be this interested in their culture, but yet again he had surprised himself.
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Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:53 am
Dalla's mouth lifted with a smile. Speaking to the male, it was easy to forget that she shouldered great responsibilities. Thorgrim would not be pleased that she'd failed to lure Hroarr in. Her ear flicked in annoyance when she thought of the large old warrior-lion, her pale eyes narrowing. What would he ask of her next? With her luck he'd marry her off to some boring old Reaver, and then she'd be forced to bear cubs. Dalla was not interested in these things. "You would challenge the son of the Warlord to a spar, then? On my behalf?" Dalla purred softly at the thought of Don ripping Hroarr to shreds. Her dignity was bruised, but she would not ask this handsome male before her to do such a thing. He was too polite, too willing to offer himself as companionship. Dalla smiled brightly at him. She would think of Thorgrim, of her responsibilities later. Now was not the time. "Please, walk with me. Ask me your questions," Dalla urged softly, a purr in her voice.
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Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:59 pm
The large lion found himself chuckling. It was a foreign sound, one that had was almost never uttered from his lips, and scratchy sounding from the lack of use. "I would, if it'll keep you from frowning again." Really, his new pride shouldn't be filled with sullen females that snapped insults like small talk. Don much preferred the sweet sound of purrs to bitter venom, and he perked his ears as Dalla indeed purred. Don wasn't easily riled, and therefore relished in the pleasantness that he had come to find among the Stormborn's Freeborn, as it was something he wasn't use to out in the rogue lands. It was different, and when he wasn't currently engaged in bloody and ruthless combat, he liked to think he could surround himself with calm.
His lips twitched into a partial smile as he dipped his head, and his heavy blonde mane, before stepping to walk with her. "Its a lot to take in", he replied at her urging, ruby eyes glancing around the territory. "Not just the structure of a pride, as I've been a solitary rogue my entire life, but I'm very curious about many things." His eyes once more returned to the fair lioness at his side. "I have spoken with Skada, the lawspeaker, and have learned of the pride's history and beliefs, but that can only tell me so much. Dalla, what can you tell me about the pride itself? About its people, the culture? I want to know the heart of the pride I fight and bleed for." His voice was a low rumble, though there was the quietness of conversation to it. He had never been one for small talk, but this was a topic that piqued his keen interest, and to him it was a serious matter.
For a Reaver, Don knew when and when not to be the blood thirsty monster that raged in his veins, as he had always held discipline against his strength. For the strength of spirit was just as powerful as brute shows of force. And with a seemingly gentle lioness to speak with, now that she wasn't spitting venom at him, certainly this was a time to remain collected.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 8:55 am
Dalla thought about Don's question for a long, long time in silence. How could she answer such a question after having just faced the sort of dismissal that - while it had been polite - had a way of making her feel like some sort of pawn in a game too complex for her to understand. It frustrated her, and despite the Reaver's wish for her to refrain from frowning, Dalla could not help the expression that contorted her delicate features into something else. Her otherwise dulcet voice rang out with harsh bitterness. "Loyalty is important," she grumbled softly, her hackles lifting just enough to be obvious. "And you may, at any certain time, be asked to give up any and all of your personal freedoms in order to do something that might benefit the pride as a whole - as opposed to pursuing any personal endeavors that might keep you happy and well-adjusted." Did she sound personally slighted? Absolutely.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:47 am
Ah, and that was exactly the kind of answer he didn't want to hear. Not for the answer itself mind you, but her reaction to it. Don tilted his large head, watching her with a single, insightful eye. He had the mind to ask her just who she was loyal to, but decided against that course of action. Truly, her delicate features were obstructed once more with the crease of a frown, and her tone was bitter and venomous once more. It made his claws slide out and grasp the earth with every step, to know that strife was present in his new home, and to know that it could make an otherwise bright lioness darken. That annoyed the reaver for some reason.
"If there's ever anything you need, you may ask me if you think it's something I can help with." If loyalty was such an important part of this lifestyle, he might as well start now, with a lioness he knew could be warmed, and sounded as though she had been slighted. He didn't know what she might require, but the reaver was not unaccustomed to atrocious acts of violence or even murder, such things he did not even blink an eye at in fact. As a rogue... well, his life had been filled with such things. It was why he had joined the Stormborn, as he had been told of rumors of a pride that took what it wanted, without remorse or regret, and it had appealed to him. Dalla, on the other paw, was a freeborn, and it sounded as though these things had been taken from her, from within the pride. That did not sit well with the large golden lion, she was of the pride, an asset to be protected in his mind.
In due time the reaver's muzzle twitched into what might have become a snarl, but he held it back through force of will alone. He wasn't one to get riled, not usually and not often, but from how she spoke and how her demeanor changed so drastically it rubbed him the wrong way. "I'm serious about this. Anything at all, and I'll lend you my claws and my courage to wield as you will." From what it sounded like, she could use someone on her side, fighting for her personal endeavors.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 3:04 pm
Dalla was impressed by Don in that very moment. He earned her respect; her friendship. Dalla had only just met the male, but she knew that he could be counted on if she needed him for anything. It was frightening to think where her future might land her, and because of that all she could do was sink her claws in and be taken for a ride. Thorgrim's return, especially, had her feeling rather frazzled and disjointed, and there was nothing that she could do to set things straight once more. "I appreciate such an offer, Don," Dalla murmured softly, visibly warming to him. This was the sort of lion she needed in her life - a lion who did not appear to be interested in powergames and politics, a lion who understood what it meant to listen, what price loyalty paid; his courage alone drew her to him, his blind offer of his claws and courage both igniting something deep in her chest. A lion like Don was one best kept close, of that Dalla was certain - but she did not wish to share him with Thorgrim. No, no, Don would be something - someone - she kept to herself. In some secret little way, he would be hers and hers alone - not by pact or anything official just.. her ace in the hole. Someone in her corner. "You are an admirable lion, Don. I am glad to have come across you this day."
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 3:41 pm
He chuckled at her compliments, a gravely sound that rattled in his throat. "I am as I am, I do not strive to be admirable. But thank you." He never thought of himself as anything but a cruel brute, it was a strange that someone might think of him some other way. He would not argue these views, as they would do nothing to change how he saw himself.
The ex-rogue bowed his head to her, his great mane shifting as he did so. "I am glad as well, Dalla. As long as I can bring some measure of comfort to you." It was an offer he did not make lightly, but it felt right. At the very least, she didn't seem so pent up anymore, just from the changes to her tone. He had some idea of what was troubling her, from what she said about the warlord's son, but he wasn't certain how deeply her issues went. From what he could tell though, it had to be more than just a simple slight from a young lion who knew no better, but something else more troubling. The dull, golden reaver would not push this issue though, it would likely be revealed to him in time if she needed him.
She had warmed up considerably and the large lion remained steady in his pace next to her. He wasn't sure where she was going either, but he had no where to be. "I have yet to find a den for myself, but if you need me, I can usually be found near the sparring grounds", he offered. Eventually he'd find himself a place to sleep permanently, but as of yet he choose to sleep under the stars, as he was use to.
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Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:20 am
Dalla was silent for a long moment as she watched Don closely. He might not be of old blood, but he knew how to speak to a female with respect and grace; that was something that she could appreciate. Don was a male that she could appreciate, as well. He'd done nothing untoward or unsavory, and Dalla yearned for that sort of interaction in her life. She did not want to be Thorgrim's personal whore-for-profit, carrying out his orders because she was the only female he trusted to listen to him implicitly. "My den is near the shore," Dalla said softly as she moved past him, dancing the tuft of her tail along his side. "You will always be welcome," she added - how he chose to take such an offer was up to him, but her voice was laced with a low, carnal tone that implied... certain things. "I am glad to have met you this day, Don. You've lifted a great weight from my shoulders with your gentle words and generous offers."
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Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:36 pm
pinchmonster I think that's a wrap? <3
He had met many of the Stormborn already, but none had been as interesting as the lioness Dalla. Her swings of mood had caught his attention, and he was pleased that he could lift her mood as he did. For this was his new home, and he should not think that his new companions and comrades should have such stressing lives. Particularly beautiful lionesses like Dalla. Shaking out his mane and flexing his claws, the golden brute moved off at a trot, his heavy limbs carrying forward in a brisk fashion. It would be good to rip into an opponent right about now, and who knows, maybe the warlord's son would be there. What a pleasant thought.
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