Welcome to Gaia! ::

Thema had been lurking about on the outskirts of the pride for what seemed like ages. From her perch atop a swelling rise of sand, she'd seen the pride coming and going, talking amongst themselves, fighting, hunting... They were like a huge family, and she felt all her fur on end at the thought of becoming part of that family. Being meshed into the fold. She'd never had a family before, and this one would have her gladly...if only she could show her strength.

And so she'd agreed, and settled in to wait. But duels weren't held every day. And the pride was at odds with drought (at first) and others, outsiders. She'd had to wait. And wait. And wait.

Now at last it seemed she'd have her chance. A white and black lion (more like ball of fur--he was the shaggiest of the lot she'd seen!) was rolling up her hill like an oncoming storm, the look of steel and fire in his alarmingly blue eyes. She was on her feet at once, flexing her toes and bobbing her head.

"Come at last? I'm Thema...Firekin-to-be."

The male slowed and paused, looking her over. She was small, next to him, and sleek. Certainly thinner looking, but then, he himself was so very fluffy. He knew how duels worked. It was not a real fight, simply a test of strength and skill. As long as she did her best, and proved herself...it was not his place to judge her. Even if she had the strangest markings he'd seen since coming to the desert.

"Lumt'vena," He rumbled, his voice like stone grating over itself. A smirk then, "Firekin." He stepped to the left, beginning to circle her. There wasn't much of a reason to delay--this was his duty for the day, and he'd no more dally at it than at driving out enemies or hunting for a meal. He would allow her the first move, but he continued to pace; if she herself delayed, he'd mark that as a score against her, and do it himself. A firekin knew when they were being given an opportunity, and were not afraid to fight.

Lumt'vena was pleased when the lioness took the initiative--but her movements were too obvious, and too bold. He dodged to the side with ease, only the barest hint of a smirk lightening his usually stoic face. Obvious, yes, overconfident, yes, but she'd had speed, and someone who wasn't intending to get into a fight might not have moved so quickly. Now it was his turn, and he swung a paw at her hind end, meaning to knock her a bit off balance...but here she surprised him again. She was a bit faster than he'd expected at righting herself, and his claws too found nothing but air to pass through.

As Lumt danced back (his own automatic swing in retaliation went wild and missed again!) he nodded to himself. She'd scored a fair hit, and her restraint was good, though if she were to be a real firekin he hoped she'd learn not to hold back when the other opponent could clearly stand a blow or two. Not that he wanted her to hit him hard, but...love taps wouldn't help cubs grow stronger, or warriors harden to pain. But it was a good start. Something the pride could work with, and that was what he was looking for in the end.

Deciding to press her brief advantage, Thema chased after the male (ducking his swing) and snapped a paw out at him. She caught only air and a few long strands of his mane though--she really was shocked at how much fur he had. Where was the body in all that mane? And how on earth did he survive the desert? Still, she pressed forward, trying to find something solid in the wall of fur to strike.

Thema felt at once the difference in the male when he stopped stepping back. Was he going on the offensive? She now stepped quickly back, ready to defend herself from whatever attack came. She circled a few steps to the left, eyes locked like lasers onto the male. Bring it on, she seemed to say.

When no attack came, Thema made up his mind for the male. If he didn't want to attack, she would. And she felt that it was clear she could hold her own at this point. They'd definitely let her in. With a triumphant call she leapt at him--just as he leapt at her.