Welcome to Gaia! ::

The day had started out much like any other for him. Chores and checking up on the health of those in the pride who required his aid had taken up much of his morning, followed by a bit of training on his own part. He would be no good to anyone if he did not keep his strength up. With those completed he now made his way towards the edge of the lands, mentally going over a few verious routes he had been testing in search of herbs. They had thus far not amounted to much, but anything was better than nothing.

A roar cut through the air, pulling Tulen away from his thoughts. Annoyance at having his thoughts interrupted was quickly replaced by the realization that this must surely be a rogue seeking to join them. He had yet to be lucky enough to duel a rogue wishing to join, and eagerness quickened his pace. A black and white male was what awaited him. The medic looked the male over as he approached. "Looking to join?" He spoke, managing to hide the excitement of a fight from his voice. "If you wish to join our ranks then you will have to beat me." He shifted his stance, readying himself for whatever move the rogue may take.

Tulen simply smiled at the male's response. At least his first duel against a rogue had him against someone confident, though that was certainly no indication of strength or skill in a fight. The medic watched the male closely, eyes narrowing as he studied his opponent. He'd soon find out just how tough this male was. The darker male readied himself, and did not wait long after to rush forward. Tulen was surprised by his speed, and perhaps that surprise had caused hesitation. Whatever the reasoning the older male hit him hard, with Tulen getting only a short time to at least turn enough to keep his head out of the way.

The force of the attack had nearly knocked the wind straight out of him. Somehow he had managed to keep himself on his feet though, and even as he gasped for air he swung a paw out at the male. If nothing else he would try to gain a little space between the male and he to allow him to catch his breath.

The rogue's attack fell short, missing Tulen completely. With breath still short he surged forward. There was no more time to wait, he would beat this lion! That first hit had bruised his ego, and he was determined not to lose to some rogue!

Perhaps his small rest had not been enough, for a sharp pain in his chest caused the male to falter. Jaws snapped closed as he staggered to one side, quickly turning to keep himself facing the other male.

Claw tips grazed the male's maw. Tulen pulled back, snarling a reply, before pushing forward to counter. His own attack swung lower, aimed at the black and white male's front legs, however between his staggered breath and the male's unsteady movements it failed to connect.

Tulen braced himself as the male rushed forward. The pair collided and Tulen was sent crashing to the ground. The other male's weight pressed down on on him, sinking him slightly as the sands shifted away from their combined weight. He squirmed a bit, trying to inch his way just far enough out to make his move. With a snarl his head flung forward, snapping at the male's neck. He readjusted his attack at the last moment. This was just a duel, after all, and it would not do well for it to end with a dead rogue on his paws.

Tulen rolled out of the way, quickly pulling himself up onto his feet. He shook sand from his mane and snorted. It seemed he had indeed lost. As much as he hated to admit it it seemed he needed more practice, or he had underestimated this rogue.

"I think we are done here." He spoke, eyeing the rogue curiously. The pain in his chest started to subside, his his ego would take a bit longer to heal. The firekin male turned and walked away, pausing for but a moment to snarl back. "I suppose I should welcome you to the firekin then." With that he walked off, not eager to stick around any longer.