[ORP] Extending a Welcome - OPEN

[Yin-Bug]

Styx couldn't help but to smirk as he was invited to strike at the other lion. His tail flicked around behind him and he turned toward the Warlord and gave him a nod. He waited as he watched another member strike out toward the creature. At that point he decided to take his chance to move forward and strike at the male. He watched as the other male made a strike on the newcomer and he couldn't help but to smirk as the male only got one hit in.

Then he took the moment to take his turn. He moved forward and took a moment to prepare himself and then at that moment he took his change to move forward and reached out and started with a strike to the male's shoulder. After that he took one more chance to hit the other shoulder. HE smirked and got ready to take his last chance for a strike. His paw reached out and he aimed straight for the male's face. He had his turned and with that he turned around and let out a small laugh. "Vosrasec ekm's ra?" He asked insulting the new comer before wandering toward the Warlord's side. "I sruisrs ra vuird vis iv kura uk o kesrs." He commented about hoping that male would put up more of a fight. He was kind of expecting it, he was surprised when he didn't really get one.  

[Kimaria]

With an approving grunt, the warlord waved a paw of welcome and seated himself to watch. It seemed a powerful braak had seen fit to test him first. Goign first, no doubt, would be the most difficult. The newcomer was certainly not as strong as he could have been but the longer this went on the more tired he would get.

Tolui, in a half crouch, stood his ground as the unusually-marked male approached. He was big and dark and the sneer on his face--it told of one who would hurt him if he was given the chance.

He dodged the first swipe with a speed that surprised even himself, though no sooner had he done so did a mighty paw score down his shoulder. Perhaps the strength of Mkhai's second blow was what had led him to miss his third. A hit that might have only staggered a Nergui sent this one sprawling which meant the third attempt flew clear, missing him and saving him from further pain.

Perhaps no one else would offer?

But even as he was picking himself up off of the wet mud, another was stepping forward to take Mkhai's place.

What happened next was too fast. Much too fast.

The blazing red lion caught him across his already wounded shoulder, sending him sprawling to the side yet again. But Styx had obviously watched from the first 'test' to know just how far the strike would send him. The second struck him across the other shoulder, sending him staggering back the way he had come.

Somewhere inside Tolui came a flicker of anger but it came too late to do much good. Just as he set his hind paws into the mud to launch himself at his attacker, did Styx throw his final punch. It cracked him across the jaw so hard his vision burst with white light. And for a moment he lay stunned before dragging himself back to his paws.

He might not win himself any friends today but he wouldn't just lie there and let everyone think they were right about him.

The warlord nodded, flicking an ear. "Is is amsarsoemems, if musrems else." It was entertainment, at least.

And then, in a louder voice, he called out if there was anyone else who wanted to try their luck. Perhaps the hyena? Or, for real entertainment, one of the women?  

[SilverLutz]

Los watched as two lions stepped up to the challenge, leaving their marks on the new member. The smell of blood and watching his fellow Nergui attack made his blood roll, though, and soon he couldn't help himself.

He stepped forward, eyes glowing with anticipation. "I verr seqa rek o su...kaa ruv ra koerk osoemks kae iovk." The male had faired against powerful paws, but a hyenas jaws were a different animal all together.

Los stepped forward in front of the lions, a twisted grin on his face. He loved fighting, he really did. He got incredible pleasure out of winning, but also the pain that went with it. He doubted he'd be experiencing that this time, though. He gave no warning before he stuck, jaws snapping down on the lion's cheek and tugging before letting go. He drew a bit of blood, but it was more to throw his bigger opponent of balance so he could strike again.

Los was quick on his paws and dashed to the side as Tolui stumbled. With a leap he was on his back, teeth sinking in to his skimpy shoulder. The taste of blood drove him wild and, with a deranged cackle, he let go.

Los was under the lion just as quickly as he was on him, no fear of the claws and powerful paws just inches from his head. He leaned up with a laugh and clamped down on the inside of his front leg, going for more vulnerable areas that paws couldn't reach. And after he taste blood again he was gone, back among the Nergui, licking the blood off his muzzle.  

[Andranis]

Ngoma let out a yawn. "I think I'll sit this out... I've done enough tail-kicking today." He pointedly looked at Mahiri, smirking at the younger lion. The white lion found a spot, sitting down. "Let's see if you do a better job than you did against me, Mahiri! He looks like he could fall over right now, that should be easy for YOU!" He lay down, crossing his front paws as he continued to grin, the taunt extending into his eyes. He couldn't wait to tell Ramla about this when Mahiri failed, as he was sure the dust-colored lion would do.

He scowled at Ngoma, clearly still sore from his loss. Indeed, the wounds were still fresh - Mostly bruising, the ex-Firekin's claws being saved for more worthy opponents. He then turned to the former dhlurr, rolling his shoulders and exchanging his scowl for a grin. "I'm up to the challenge!" He shifted, then charged, a bold move for a first attack. His paw connected with Tolui's shoulder, and he moved away, before reaching out again. This time, he had his claws out, leaving shallow scratches on the skittish-looking lion's rear end. When he moved away, he was all grins, proud of himself even though he'd only landed two blows. Then he scowled again as Ngoma gave him a raised eyebrow.  

[Andranis]

Nuri scowled at the Warlord - If that was a bold move, she didn't care. Anybody who earned it got a scowl from her. Such a patronizing tone... She watched the males all take their turns, then went in for a swipe. Her paw only connected once, but she felt it was enough. When she was walking away, she pointedly looked at the Warlord, daring him to beat her one. "Baos sros. I dora aeui." She then paused, before nodding toward Stix, daring the Warlord to beat HIS number. "Or... Baos REK." Warlord or not, Nuri wanted to see him lose this little show of strength just to remove that patronizing tone when he spoke to her.  

[wooga Paes]

Drogon frowned slightly at the proceedings. They interested him little. He didn't understand why anyone thought the former-dhlurr would do well, given his condition. So he didn't really want to take part at all.

At the same time, he wanted to avoid criticism for not doing. So the young male thought perhaps he could give the poor fellow a chance.

Once Nuri was done he went in afterward and actually made a formidable show of a half-hearted attempt to strike the male. The idea was to make Tolui look a bit more skilled in evasion, though it seemed the other male hardly needed much help in that department!

He managed to land a solid hit, as Drogon wasn't entirely self-sacrificing, and stepped away looking a little frustrated, but feeling rather satisfied.  

[wooga Paes]

Having waited long enough, Negwin decided it was his turn to jump in. He would have gone immediately after Nuri, but somehow Drogon had been faster, so he made a point of bumping into the dark young male when he passed.

For all his confidence, Mokarakk was a rather uncreative fighter, and he failed his first two attempts. Growling a little with irritation, he finally managed to land one good, strong hit. It irritated him that he hadn't done too much better than that stupid female, but Ozzirven refused to let his frustration show as he stepped away.  

[Whimsical Blue]

Kivuli watched the 'sparring' with excitement and growing amusement. Before too long, she was laughing outright at those who missed their attacks. Her cackling was harsh and chopped by her beak, the sound of it meant to be annoying and goading. Oh, how she loved to heckle other creatures...

"Such big, powerful lions... ganging up on the newcomer. Gotta show him who's boss, eh?" She laughed, more to herself than to anyone in particular. Fluffing up again, the grey raven began to preen her wing feathers, keeping one bright green eye on the proceedings so she could get a laugh in at the right moments.  

[Kimaria]

Tolui's success at dodging was mixed. His attempts against the hyena had been pitiful and had left him more wounded than his 'duels' against the lions. Hyenas had a strange way of fighting. Different. Perhaps even more dangerous. He'd have to make a note of that for future reference. Do not annoy the dogs.

Limping back away as the hyena trotted away he shook his head to loosen the torn mane hanging in an annoying clump at his neck. And now that the first lion had moved forward it seemed they were eager, these brethren of his. His jaws snapped at air as Mahiri as he dodged only one attack of the three, shifting his paws and wincing at the wound inflicted earlier by the hyena. And to make matters worse, one of the females had chosen to face him. Even the ones who had posed as friends seemed eager to win the warlord's favour, though from the way the large, bone-armoured lion rose onto his paws and snarled back at the female, it was clear he was far from impressed.

Tolui wondered if Nuri realised how dangerous a game she was playing.

Panting heavily now, he fell back as the dark male, Drogon stepped forward. He wasn't sure whether it was sheer luck or perhaps an awakening skill that had him shifting away from the two of three blows that were thrown his way. Thankfully, for him, he dodged two of the strikes that the strange-eyed one threw his way, too.

When Mokarakk had stepped away, the newcomer collapsed, gasping for breath - his sides heaving.

Muunokhoi raised his head and growled out: "Saa how uir training kodak him o better brusrar?" This was, perhaps, a 'be cruel to be kind' situation here. The new emkurcar had a long way to go but he was dodging better now than he had been at the start. His tail slapped against the mud as his gaze scored across any others who might be willing to step forwards.

"Any roks challengers cuka forward muv."

If there were any other Nergui who wished to duel Tolui, they had only a few moments in which to say so.

--

Mawasii, not completely enjoying the 'entertainment' was surprised at a small, chirping voice above her head and looked up: blue eyes wide. She hadn't seen the raven up there before - or maybe she had become so accustomed to them that they simply faded into the background.

"It is the Nergui way." She murmured back in the common tongue. "It's not...easy, but it will make him strong."

She had seen it before, even having only been in the lands for a short period of time.  

[Whimsical Blue]

Kivuli fixed the female on the ground with one bright, round eye, giving her a look filled with seemingly perpetual mirth.

"If that is the sort of strength he seeks, then it will." She chuckled, stretching a wing out to dig in it with her beak, preening the feathers smooth. "Graos Oma is no doubt pleased with the devotion shown here. I still find it amusing."

A flicker of a vision, something looming over her, dark and threatening, had the raven shaking herself all over till she puffed up like a ball. A couple small grey feathers fluttered down as they were shaken loose, the rest only slowly settling again to leave her sleek and sassy. She kept up appearances here of serving him devotedly, of course. No one need know what she truly thought.

"But what do I know? I am only his eyes. Eyes need not share their thoughts, only what they have seen."  

[Andranis]

Kivuli wasn't the only 'gift for Graos Oma' to join the apparent festivities. Since her last interactions, their father had cured Baa of her habit of half-formed sentences... And so had his 'master'. There was a spot in the bird's feathers that seemed just a bit rougher for it... The pale-winged raven landed on a branch, watching her sister before fluttering down to sit next to her. "Did he finally come to his senses? What rank is the dhlurr now?" Much like Vunde, Baa clicked her beak a few times, turning her head and fixing a bright green eye on the new lion to the pride.

As she took a seat, there was no doubt in the flash in her eyes about Nuri knowing just how much she flirted with danger. But that was how she operated, how she did things. The spot-marked lioness preferred life with a touch of the dangerous, something she didn't hide on her coat. No, her trappings and belongings were purely to hide the spots on her shoulders, should anybody she knew run across her. Then again, if she ran across somebody she knew, she'd be dragging them back to the Nergui... Her ear flicked as she noticed the ravens, smiling just a bit at the birds. She liked them... They were useful, and they brought good memories.

(I may edit in Ngoma and Mahiri in after work surprised )  

[fuKurohane]

Tuhka hadn't had any visions in a long time. Not until she once again fell into the earth-shattering experience of being drawn to the Nergui - a mysterious, shadowy land calling to a higher power. The Graos Oma was no god, but it was the one thing which all beings on Earth should fear and obey. That was all she knew. The Graos Oma couldn't be a god - her father was one, and he had no such power among beasts. He gave her sight, made her kaar, but that was the furthest his power reached, so far as she could tell. She meditated under the watchful eyes of the kaar oma, waiting for her moment to come. This was her purpose now, to seek the will of the Graos Oma through her visions. And so she waited for the visions to come.

But there were other purposes of the day. A dhlurr had decided to join their ranks - but there was a great deal of risk involved. He had to be tested, and thus far, the teal-eyed lioness had watched silently from the sidelines. It wasn't exactly her place to challenge him - as a female and a kaar. But if this Tolui was to truly experience welcome, shouldn't he feel it from all sorts of pridemembers? And it seemed as if his testing was coming to and end - this was her last chance. So with a snarl, she leapt forward, challenging, "I will challenge you, Tolui!" She was still new enough herself to know only very few words in the Northern dialect, so her challenge was in the common tongue. Tuhka clearly wasn't the only seer here, but perhaps as the only kaar in lion form present, she might hold prove to be some kind of threat. Would status scare away a newcomer? Perhaps not. If not threats, then violence: The ashen lioness swiped a heavy blow at his face, knocking his balance just enough for her to charge forcefully into his shoulder, throwing him back and down to the ground. She stood over him, growling almost mercifully as she resisted his countering claws. He was not doing very well with this series of challenges. Tuhka wasn't even a particularly skilled fighter. Perhaps this Tolui was too weak to become one of them. She raked her claws down his belly, watching his body heave as the muscles resisted her claws, and jumped back. It didn't prove to be much of a challenge, really.  

[Yin-Bug]

As Styx watched the other approaching challengers as he sat next to the warlord, he knew that most of the pride found it just as amusing as he did. He settled himself back on his haunches, and watched as many others took their time beating on the new comer. He knew that it wasn't too much of a big deal. Everyone had gone through it, everyone still went through it now and again, the Nergui wasn't really a place if you never wanted to be knocked around honestly. There wasn't really a chance for avoiding it. Not only that but many others in the pride saw it as fun, something enjoyable.

As the female approached though he couldn't help but to let out a laugh. He watched with interested ad couldn't help but to be extremely more amused. As he waited though he smirked and couldn't help a chuckle now and again. As she glanced toward him and the Warlord as she finished he couldn't help but to let out a comment toward the warlord. "Sra duakm's dmuv vros kra'k sassems rarkark emsu." He commented about how she didn't really know what she was getting into. She didn't really know what she was getting herself into. It was interesting that was for sure, watching the lioness fight, along with the males. It was pretty funny to him.  

[Kimaria]

[No more rolling now, please! Tolui is now beat!]



The warlord growled under his breath and, to Styx alone, said in low tones: "Sra steps uis of rema again omd I verr kill rar." It was no empty threat again. He didn't take disrespect from males and he certainly wouldn't take it from females. His teeth were already eager to find her throat and one more twitch from her would see them there in seconds. His own mate, Sarangerel, had tried to stand up to him when they had first coupled. She had learnt, quickly, that it was not going to happen. He wasn't warlord for no reason.

Thankfully, another stepped forth to strike a challenge against the flagging Tolui. Another female, though this one a kaar. He curled a lip in distaste but sat quietly as the female batted the poor emkurcar around the duelling ring.

And, when it was done - the female having made three successful strikes - the worrurd rose up onto his paws and boomed: "Emuisr!" That was it. The testing was over. Any more and their newest member might become their newest casualty.

Tolui sank to the ground, panting and shaking.

"Our mav member ek fully emdicsad. Now ra knows vros it ek to ba Nergui" He sneered, showing all of his teeth. And then, with a low growl, he loped away with a slow and purposeful gait. He wouldn't stay for small talk. He had better things to do.

--

Mawasii, still blinking up at the bird, gave a slow nod. "Graos Oma would be proud indeed. We have to be at our best. Every one of us." A feather landed on her nose and she sneezed, sending it fluttering down to the ground. "You must know a lot." She continued. "But the world of lions is different from that of birds."

Though she had often seen them squabbling over a carcass...

And then the bird was joined by a second and the dark female turned her attention back to the duelling to find that it was done.

"I think our brother did well." And, as she moved to rejoin him, she hissed under her breath. "Stand now, Tolui. Show them you aren't beaten."

And the brown lion did rise - his legs shaking as he steadied himself.

"I hope." He cleared his voice. "That someday I might be as strong as all of you. I thank you...for the training you offered me today." He tried to sound genuine. He truly did. But he was afraid and in pain and he just wanted all of this to end.