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 Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:56 am
 The faded golden lion hadn't spent more than a day in the lands of the Stormborn, finding it difficult to do much else than sleep after his battle with the Reaver Taraxa. Of course, being of rogue birth the male was quite use to sleeping in the grass out in the open sky. It hadn't quite occurred to him that a den might be available to claim as his own, nor that it wasn't as common to sleep out in the open. But then, Don's energy had been sapped during the challenge, and had needed to rest in order to regain his strength as well allow his wounds time to heal up.
It was around early morning next day when Don began to stir, the chilly air tussling his mane and bothering his ear. Don gave a gruff toss of his head as if to rid himself of the nuisance, magenta eyes cracking open from the slow realization of the yesterday's events. That’s right; he'd joined the Stormborn, hadn't he? The most prominent memory of the day before was the feel of blood on his tongue and flesh ripping from under his claws and around his teeth. It had been a good battle and a good day in consequence; though, that left him a little out of his element. What now?
It occurred to Don that he hadn't much of a clue who these lions were, or what they did other than enjoy their thirst for battle. But if he was speaking truthfully, that's all that really mattered to the brute of a male. Blinking the sleep from his eyes and flexing his claws into the earth, Don gradually took in his surroundings. It would take awhile before he could get going, but luckily the day was still young.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 9:16 am
Skada had been watching the strange pale lion for a few moments now. He obviously wasn't a Thrall. There were wounds on his body that spoke of recent battle, and Skada could only assume that this meant he had recently won his way into the pride. She could only guess who this lion had beaten to acquire his position in the pride, and she sighed wistfully when she watched the lion rouse himself from sleep. Skada missed those Reaving days something fierce and she was reminded of them every night before she went to bed as she did the stretches that eased the cramping pain in her front leg.
Skada could never forget her glory days.
Snapped back to the present as she met the bright eyes of the pale lion, Skada furrowed her brow menacingly at the male.
"Someday I will kill you," she said in an off-handed fashion, keen on watching his response. She had gotten to him before any of the other lazy Reavers had, and with her guidance she could teach him about the pride that she loved, the pride that they both called home.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 9:44 am
It was his standard tradition to allow himself a few moments after waking before attempting to get to his paws. For all the muscle and power Don possessed, it did come with a lack of speed and quickness to get going. That usually never bothered the full grown male, as there weren't many things on the savana that would trifle with a lion of his size- save for other lions of course. But even then, Don was confident he'd get the upper paw no matter the situation. And so, it came as a suprise to the pale lion to discover someone so close by, their voice carrying easily in the early morning air. As strange as that was he could accept the fact that he was easily snuck up on after sleep, but it was their greeting that had him uncertain.
Don's heavy head craned around to get a view of who that threat had belonged to, though the lioness didn't seem to be in any way angered. The male's lips pulled back to expose the tips of fangs as his brow narrowed, the taste of confusion a bitter one to the newcomer. It was only a matter of moments before he deemed her a non-threat, despite the threat to his life her body wasn't holding itself tensely nor was she making a move against him. "No, you won't", he settled onto replying, his uncertainty subtle but clear to those paying attention. She seemed to be a member a pride, could it be that his first night here had offended her in some way? Don scowled at the idea, but nonetheless pushed his weight against the ground and rose to a luming position sat back on his haunches. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he didn't like the idea of laying down at the moment.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 10:06 am
Old habits die young, and the saying rang true for Skada. She knew the instant that he replied to her traditional greeting that, yes, he was fresh to the pride. Skada was the motherly type (though usually to females, and only because she'd once been a captain to a band of female Reavers). The black lioness made a clacking sound with her tongue as she rose from her seated position, a limp oh-so-slightly hindering her stride as she made a slow circle around him. Skada kept far enough away from the male so that he could not reach out with angry claws and strike.
Once her perusal of the male was complete, she sat before him once more and eyed him critically.
"I am Lawspeaker Skada," she began, her words carefully spoken, "and I will teach you the ways of our pride. But first, your name?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 2:13 pm
He followed her as she moved around him, the last traces of sleepiness ridding themselves from his eyes and his mind. The male was slowly becoming more aware of his surroundings, his body adjusting to the sudden start of the waking world. This could be seen as he flexed his claws into the dirt and while turning his head to keep an eye on her he stretched his neck far enough to wake up the muscles behind them. Of course he couldn't really get his chance to study her until she sat back down in front of him, the most striking part of this lioness seeming to be the bright orange in comparison to her hide. If anything, it was interesting, but he had seen much brighter pelt in the rogue lands with much more gaudy patterns. At least hers remained laid back and tasteful.
His ears flicked back in obvious surprise when she spoke again, thinking it the luck of some god or goddess that had been bestowed upon him. Had he not just been thinking of the pride, and not knowing anything of it? "I am Don'zaraasir", he replied, the name sounding long and complicated in comparison. Perhaps, he considered, he'd just go by Don from now on. The shortened name seemed to suit him more than his birth name.
To say the least, he did not mind that this lioness was bothering him in the slightest. Though that did make him wonder as to if it was a bother for her. He hated the idea of asking or needing help, but he supposed if Lawspeakers were suppose to do so than he would be alright with it. Regardless, curiousity got the best of him. "Is it a Lawspeaker's job to inform new members on the pride?" Her voice remained casual, deep and slow as the male took his time so as not to have a point missed. That was the usual way he spoke, slow and steady with a hint of power behind his words.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 2:43 pm
"Don'zaraasir," Skada said slowly, one single brow raising as she pondered his question. "It is not necessarily our job to inform new members on the pride, really." She looked thoughtful for a moment before she continued, "It is our job to keep records of our pridal laws." Her head lifted almost regally as she continued watching him.
"Since you are new to this pride, I have taken it upon myself to verse you in the ways of the Stormborn. First of all, I welcome you home, brother." The Lawspeaker smiled sharply, dipping her head in greeting. "Many things will come with time and practice, but I will tell you of our history, I well tell you of our origins, and I will tell you of our traditions."
She gestured that he follow her as she slowly moved away, the catch in her gait obvious. Outwardly the lioness showed no pain, but each step was rife with discomfort. "Your life begins now, Don'zaraasir," she said softly over her shoulder, glancing back at him with intense eyes, "for today you are reborn as a child of the Gods. A Stormborn, as it were."
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 5:57 am
So it was a mercy that she was taking upon the task of teaching him the ways of their pride, something that still did not sit well in the gut of the previously rogue lion. Deep down he disliked the need of requiring help on the subject, but even he could see the advantage of her willingness to share this information; though, he didn't have to like it. Nonetheless her ears listened attentively as she spoke, making it at least somewhat obvious that she held his attention and interest. Fortune must surely have smiled upon him this crisp morning, for this was a better alternative than having to ask around for the same information she was offering up so freely. With that decided, Don allowed his ill-feelings to leave him for now, his large form seeming almost content with how he held himself.
It was when she beckoned him to follow that Don gave heaved himself onto all fours, his back arching to stretch the sore muscles from yesterday and his maw opening wide to yawn the last dwindling remains of slumber from his body. "If that's the case, then I must thank you for allowing me to steal this time away from you. I welcome the chance to be more informed on my new comrades," he paused for a moment before adding "sister," to the statement. Both Taraxa and now Skada had called him brother, and so the pale lion assumed it was to be expected of him to return the formality.
The brute lumbered forward, magenta eyes catching the mis-step in her gait. He was perhaps curious as to how she had become injured, but swallowed back any questions that may have arisen in favor of asking at a later time. Its not so much that he was concerned about seeming rude, but the lion was far more interested in the current conversation. "And which gods would those be?" the striped male inquired offhandedly, having heard many tales of many gods. He hadn't been quite certain in the past if they had actually existed, but he had heard enough tales from rogues and various prides alike to consider their existence was more than just myth.
Nonetheless, the Gods weren't currently something he was too interested in, as he would rather know about the lions and lionesses of the mortal realm. For when it came to priority, he'd be seeing them on a day to day basis, interacting. "I have heard little in the way of the Stormborn, any information you can share with me would be greatly appreciated," he settled onto saying, remembering only that they were suppose to be blood thirsty ravagers of the lands around them. Don, being lover of combat and power, had been drawn to their shores for the sheer promise of constant battle. Now that he was here? It seemed he was growing more interested in them as a whole, not just his desire for combat.
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 8:38 am
Skada laughed, the sound rusty from disuse. After becoming a Lawspeaker, Skada had felt almost like a burden on her pride. She could not go a-Viking, and because of this she could not bring glory to herself and to her pride-family. Today, Skada felt as if she had a purpose, and that purpose was to help this new lion understand the pride that he now called home. There was glory in that, as far as Skada was concerned. There was honor in teaching the ways of the Stormborn to a newly reclaimed brother.
"You are welcome, Don," she said after her laughter died down, though a smile remained on her face and her eyes were bright.
"There are five gods that we pay homage to as a pride. The first is Mrost, god of war." She paused for a moment, canting her head to the side as she came to a stop and seated herself, lifting her paw up without realizing she'd done so. It eased the ache in her leg.
"Mrost's son-god, Mkhai, is the god of warriors, and also another that we honor. Shinda is the goddess of conquest, and also a child of Mrost." She grinned, giving him a chance to take in all the information she was delivering to him before she continued. "Nix'Annada is the goddess of lightning, and her son-god Raiden is the god of thunder. These five are the gods that we, as Stormborn, are descended from."
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 3:58 pm
The sound of laughter was quite surprising to the newly dubbed Stormborn, as it was a sound he had not expected to hear in a pride that was supposed to be ravenous in bloodlust. Obviously, rumors of the pride had spread and grown, much like all tall tales did. That's not to say they weren't deserving of such a reputation, but those rumors neglected to mention anything about the heart, the soul of the pride. It seemed they were more than just snarling monsters that attacked their neighboring prides. It was oddly reassuring to the pale lion, as he hadn't realized their reputation had held such weight on his mind. Despite himself and his apathetic nature, he felt pleased to see the smile remain on her maw, a reminder to how rumors could get out of hand.
Regardless, as she sat the large male took it upon himself to do the same, bright eyes focusing on her as she spoke once more. He had heard very few actual tales of the gods, despite knowing of their existence, and though he would have preferred to know about the pride itself he realized through the way she spoke of them that they must be a very prominent force in their life. "They sound strong, gods and goddesses I could put my faith into on the battlefield", he considered, pleased that the pride worshipped such mighty figures. He had come here to fight, and to bleed for his new comrades, these deities were reassuring to the future reaver.
That leg had not gone unnoticed by the dull golden lion, and he had to wonder at the circumstances. His own leg was tender from the battle with Taraxa, but then most of him was sore due to the ordeal. His tail flicked out behind him, now that he was feeling more awake his body was feeling restless, eager to get on with the rest of the day. Don resisted the urge to move further, still intently interested in learning more of his new brothers and sisters in arms. And right now, that started with the Lawspeaker Skada. "The way you favor that leg, have you seen combat recently?" He had not said it to be rude, but already feeling the dull aches of his own body had intrigued his curiosity.
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:56 am
Skada dipped her head in acquiesce, her eyes still bright and warm. This lion was what this pride was missing -- full of fire and honor with a will to fight, a lion who did not fear spilling blood be it his own or that of an enemy. This lion would not be one of the Reavers who have gone soft and lazy -- a few came to mind immediately -- but instead would be active in his pride.
This lion was a true Stormborn.
When he spoke of her leg, her first instinct was to clam up and brush off his inquiry. However, the fact that he took so much interest in the pride and their beliefs warmed her to his question, and so she gave answer to assuage his curiosity.
"I was once a Captain. My Reavers were all strong females and we had a bond that was more like a sisterhood. I was injured badly and was forced to drop rank as Captain. My injury causes me discomfort often in the mornings, but after the air warms I am left with only a slight limp." She smiled at him, though the action didn't reach her eyes. It was obvious from her tone that she missed her days as a Captain.
"And you, Don? How did you find the Stormborn? What brought you to us?"
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 6:28 pm
The expression on his face remained intent on focusing on her, the male still quite interested in learning about his new pride and its members. Of course he did recognize the term she had used, for it had been what Taraxa had called himself. A reaver, whatever the formal rank meant he was certain it had something to do with combat. The fact that Skada was a captain, for all intensive purposes in charge of many reavers, impressed the large lion greatly. He had not met many lions out in the rogue lands that had been able to take care of themselves, and had in fact grown quite tired of them and their 'delicate' ways. This was the deciding factor for the pale lion, this reason alone was enough to deem the respect he had shown thus far well worth the effort.
"At least it was a warrior's injury", Don reminded her, and though his voice remained deep and somewhat gruff, he did speak genuinely. "I have heard of and have seen many dying or simply injuring themselves beyond repair by running away like cowarding fools." It was quite obvious that the pale lion respected strength and the will to fight about most else. It was a simple belief, almost barbaric in his thinking, but that was the way of survival. You either fought for it yourself, or died expecting some white knight to come in and save you at the last second.
When she asked about him the lion merely smirked, a quick little reaction he had very little control over. "I grew up in the rogue lands, believing I could live for myself and expect others- at the very least other lions, to take care of themselves. I can't tell you how many times I've had lionesses, and some occasions even males, expect me to go fight their battles for them 'out of the goodness of my heart'. It was all very... weak", he went on, shaking his mane in a disheartened fashion. "I heard rumors of a pride that thrilled in combat, and was suppose to be as tough as savannah stone in the middle of a drought. It was refreshing to hear of a pride that was self-reliant, and I set off on my journey to find it", he paused to incline his head in her direction. "And obviously, it was not a poor decision. My battle with the Reaver Taraxa was quite the thrilling one, which left me with high hopes for the rest of the pride." It was a simple as that, fed up with the rest of the world and how they relied on others to take care of them, he had sought out a pride he believed to be reliable. Comrades he could trust on the battlefield to have his back.
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 9:14 am
Skada could not help but enjoy the way that Don spoke. He was strong of word and conviction, and it was something that Skada enjoyed about him. He was opinionated but not brash, strong but not overpowering, capable of holding conversation but not chatty. He was certainly a breath of fresh air, and Skada was very pleased that he seemed so intent on learning.
"Reaver Taraxa is a fine warrior," she agreed, "though his personal life is oftentimes a mess as I'm sure you'll discover. There are quite a few whose lives are in disarray," she said sadly, shaking her head as she spoke. "We are a strong pride with strong warriors, though, and we are not to be toyed with. A brotherhood of champions, despite those of us who have issue with day-to-day life."
"Now," she continued, intent on imparting a few tidbits of important information to Don, "our Warlord is Aesir. He is newly risen after a few unfortunate events that took our previous Warlord from us." She did not want to go into details after extolling the virtues of her pride. Another could give Don details of Aesir's rise to power. It would not be Skada. "His mate is Morrigan, also our head Priestess. Nine other females study beneath her. We have the first Speaker, who is the head of the Lawspeakers. After that follow the Captains who lead the Vikings and their Reavers who follow them."
She gave pause so that he could drink in all the information before she continued once more.
"Freeborn are lions who have not taken any other position in the pride. They are our healers and cooks, crafters and hunters, dancers and bards. Finally, the lowest rank in our pride belongs to that of our Thralls, or slaves."
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 4:36 pm
The male's ears swiveled in thought as she spoke of Taraxa, but no other sins of discontent showed themselves. His battle with the reaver had been quick to claw and their exchange fierce, he could not imagine what sort of personal life a lion like that led. But then, it wasn't really his concern. Perhaps, if he was feeling curious, he'd pay the reaver a visit. As it was though, Don had no interest in making social calls until he had a good grasp on how the pride operated.
"Aesir, is it? I'll need to remember that name", he confirmed, though he didn't think it wise to seek out the warlord any time soon. For the most part, the Stormborn seemed to be structured in a way that put the strong above the weak or at least that how Don chose to interpret it. With a title like 'Warlord' for their leader, how could he not come to this conclusion?
Though, it wasn't title of priestess or the idea of slaves that grabbed his attention the most. In fact, it was something quite different, a word he had never heard before. "Cooks?" the lion questioned, having lived on his own the entire time he ate only one thing, one way. Meat. Bloody. Raw. And with nothing but his claws and fangs to tear it from the bone; nonetheless, the males hook his great mane, not willing to dwell on the strange position.
"Thank you, Lawspeaker Skada. I have learned much of our pride from what you have told me, but perhaps it is best if I walk the grounds to see things for myself for awhile." With a grateful nod of his large head, Don rose from his haunches and prepared to leave. Though, the pale lion did pause to return his attention back to Skada, inclining his head once more. "May I seek you out should I have further inquiries about the Stormborn?" He thought it prudent to ask, as the last thing Don wanted to be was a bother to others. Least of all, to someone he respected.
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Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 9:26 am
"Aye, cooks. While raw meat is delicious, there are a few lions who have learned how to season the meat with berries and spices that are native to the land." She grinned, "It does sound strange, but wait until you taste minted klipspringer. I admit, it is my favorite."
When he thanked her, Skada dipped her head. "You are most welcome, Don. I see potential in you. You are strong of will and eager for blood and yet your desire to learn more about the pride you call home shows an intelligence that one such as myself can truly appreciate." She paused only briefly before nodding.
"I encourage you to bring all of your questions to me, yes. There is much to learn about this pride and the lions within it, and while many of the questions can be answered by anyone within the pride, most of the lore and laws behind the rules we abide by are easily skewed by those who do not know as much as Lawspeakers do."
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Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:55 pm
Berries? And spices? Don's outward expression was merely another large shake of his thick mane, and a snort to boot. "Perhaps in time I'll give it a try, for now, I'll stick with what's normal." There were some things he knew he would have to get use to, as many prides upheld their own standards, but he never imagined food would be one of those issues.
With the compliments she gave him he said nothing, feeling more inwardly relaxed than pleased or flattered. Don was simply being himself, a straightforward kind of guy that knew what he wanted and did not hesitate to see that it got done. In this case, it was learning about his new home and the lions who he would now call his brothers and sisters. "Rest assured, I will keep that in mind. All questions I will now bring to you." That was good, she seemed reliable and the information she had given him so far was simple enough to understand. Once more the great lion bowed his head and turned to leave. "Bring glory to this day, Lawspeaker Skada." And don't let that injury become a total hindrance, he added mentally. It would be a shame if she lost any of that fire, as he had seen the way she looked when talking about her reaving days.
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