|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:01 am
Fiametta had finally stumbled upon the great and legendary Motoujamii lands. All of the stories of her youth had proved true, and the great desert pride had been (from what little she saw of it) absolutely amazing. It truly was a land where brute strength and intelligence ruled, a land where everyone pulled their own weight, and no amount of hardship could bring them down.
So one might wonder why the petite rogue had chose to join. Certainly her coat matched the colors the pride honored so dear, but she was an outsider, a nobody at this point. She was of desert breed herself, having grown up in the harsh climate and severe lifestyle only the sandy desert could provide. . . . But just because she had survived a lifestyle in some of the harshest conditions didn't make her a firekin.
She was yet unworthy, and compared to some of the brutes within the pride, Fiametta's chances of winning were slim to non. But the lioness was stubborn, and though she laughed at the world and had a gentle nature, when she found something she desired she didn't stop until it was hers. Joining this pride, to become one of the legendary lions, was something she was bound and determined to do.
And if she lost this time, she would return. . . . Over, and over again, until she finally achieved her goals. Standing tall, the lioness flicked her tail, a small smile upon her features. So let the day begin, and let the one that was to duel her appear so she might take the first step toward a new tomorrow.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:35 am
 Ṭhaṇḍa'Lau was not actually on border duty, he was still on his own probation after being allowed to join the pride not so long ago. But he had been a rogue for a long time, had travailed form one side of the savannah to the other, and suddenly being tied to a pride had not quenched his need for movement, or the habit of walking for miles, even if he had no where to go any more. So this burning hot morning saw the black-coated lion padding along the outer reaches of the Firekin's land, blood-hued eyes squinting against the glaring sunlight.
He was a big male for an ex-rogue, which made him on par with many of the firekin, though certainly not the biggest since the desert-forged pride was generally bigger and heavier than most rogue bloodlines. With his coat of pitch black, red and white he was the classic firekin colour, but the patterns in his fur was far more elaborate than was common in the pride, marking him as outlander blood.
Large paws padded through the loose sand, muscular body held relaxed and loose, for the difficult footing was not new to the male and proved no trouble as he walked along. Squinting against the bright sunlight he caught the movement of a shape up ahead, which swiftly resolved itself out of the quivering heatwaves into the figure of a rather small lioness. Lifting his head he focused on her, wondering if she was a pride member, but she seemed to be approaching the boarder from beyond... and no firekin would look around as she was doing if they were on their way home...
After glancing over his shoulder towards the interior of the prideland, checking that there was no handy firekin around to sort out the situation, he huffed a breath and bent his steps towards her. He was a member now, it was his responsibility to handle the rogue. He wasn't afraid of fighting, indeed he had joined the desert pride because they were strong warriors and he hoped one of them would be strong enough to finally beat him, but so far he had survived every fight he had managed to get into, thus he as stuck with the current situation. And the closer he got to her, the more likely it seemed that her wouldn't finally be greeting Death this day either.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:56 am
To give up the life she had known as a rogue was a big change for the lioness, but it was something she was ready to do. She was no spring chicken, after all, and had lived a good portion of her life with no claim to pride or territory. Her own family had lived in the desert, but refused to settle in one place. And even after their deaths, with her siblings scattered, Fiametta followed in their paw prints. . .
She had seen so much of the world. From mountains so tall that she questioned what they might hide, to jungles rich in water and painted in colors she'd never imagined or seen. There was an entire world to be explored and conquered, and yet, ultimately, after years of roaming the lioness had returned to the desert. It was familiar to her, it was something she loved and missed while she had explored the world. The soft sands, the cold nights, the cruel duststorms that could blind a beast for days or bury them alive. . . . It was her home. It was where she lived, and it was where she would die.
But she was not so aloof as to stay a rogue. No, if there was one pride that she would ever join, the Motoujamii was it. She had learned of their history, of their stories, of the fear they could bring but also the pride they walked with from her family. They were legendary creatures, and she was determined to join their ranks. In fact, one of the legendary beasts themselves appeared to be walking her way. . . .
Fiametta paused in her walk, studying the large lion. He was easily visible against the golden sands, with a thick mane and a dark coat. He was predominantly black, with a white maw and underbelly, and also coated in stripes. She assumed he was a firekin, considering his coat colors, as well as the fact he was walking from well within the prides borders. Perhaps he was the one she needed to duel? To battle against? To fight?
Giving a small laugh, for Fiametta was almost always laughing, she gave a nod towards the other. "Salutations, stranger," she spoke, her words light. The closer he approached, the larger he seemed to grow, and Fiametta was already beginning to take note. Where would he have the advantage, how did he appear to move, what could his weaknesses be? While he had strength and power behind him, Fiametta hoped she had speed.
Still, she was not afraid.
"I have come to join this pride of yours. . . " And she would too, if she had her way. "Are you the one I will fight?" While she was not a member yet, she had learned of how the system worked. At least a little bit. It was well known that those who wished to join the Firekin had to duel members and win. . . Any other details she had yet to learn. But she would. This would be her new home, no doubt about that. . . . One way or another.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 11:53 am
As he drew closer to her, he scanned her. Pretty for sure but small, even for a rogue, she would be petite among the pride if that was her goal, which seemed likely. The other option, she was here by accident, didn't seem right as she spotted him and looked over with interest, certainly not acting as nervous or uncertain as any rogue who turned up here unintentionally. So when she spoke, her words were not altogether a surprise to the large male.
Dipping his head briefly in return he replied to her hail, though his low, roughened voice was more of a grunt than anything else."Greetings." Drawing to a halt some strides from her he looked her over again, his crimson gaze distant, evaluating. Yet it wasn't a scornful look, rather, it proved he was paying attention, giving her serious consideration despite her limited size, just as he would a male he was about to battle.
Nodding his heavily maned head at her words, as if there was no other reason to be loitering on the boarder of the firekin territory, and really there wasn't... He flicked his gaze over her body again, his own tensing, claws sinking into the sand as he went from relaxed to battle-ready.
"I will be your opponent." His deep, earthy voice rumbled in reply a moment before he started to slowly circle her, his lean, muscular body relaxed but held in readiness, crimson eyes fixed on her, waiting for the slightest indication that she was about to attack. Unlike most males who rushed in, he was the embodiment of patience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uta generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 12:10 pm
Fiametta watched as the lion studied her, evaluating her in a similar way in which she was studying him. She appreciated the fact that he did not scorn nor sneer at her, for he was and would be a formidable foe. Fiametta was quite aware that she would not be the strongest lioness in the pride, and would have much to prove when she did become accepted. . . .
But what she lacked in physical prowress, she made up in both speed and intelligence. She was too stubborn to quit, despite how she might get beaten or how large her opponent might be. And she enjoyed learning. With every loss and every blow, she could learn a little bit more about her opponant, about how to best avoid another hit. It was the only way she had ever learned to survive in the desert, because a land so harsh did not tolerate a fool.
And Fiametta was no fool.
As the lion began to pace, she waited a few moments, curious to see whether or not he would strike first. Instead, she made sure to keep her eyes on him at all times, body tense as the minutes passed by. After concluding the best course of action, Fiametta decided that she would bring herself to make the first move.
The laughter that lit her gaze had lessened, a more serious expression on her face. This was no joke to the lioness, make no mistake. This was her life goal, this was her dream, and no lion, no matter how large or vicious or fierce, was going to keep her from it. Like lightening, the lioness sprung at Thanda'Lau, teeth bared and claws unsheathed. She would force him to fight, to make a move, so she might respond in turn. But instead of going for his throat, she went for his side and hind quarters. She hoped this would give her just a moments advantage, to either startle him or force him to turn before he attacked. . . .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tanakako generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 12:15 pm
Thanda'Lau knew she would eventually make her move, for no lion, leopard or cheetah had yet proved to have patience to match his own. And just like he thought she would, she turned and leapt at him, showing an impressive display of speed and agility. Yet if the move was supposed to take him by surprise, it failed, for he jumped smoothly forwards, his long legs and large body bounding well out of her reach and twisted round in preperation ot counter attack, the male making the whole movement look effortless and smooth, that was until his twisting weight made the sand suddenly cave in under him, forcing him to scramble tot he side rather than finishing his attack, leaving a dent in the landscape behind him where the burrow had collapsed under his weight.
Snorting his irritation at the inconvenience, he swung round to face her, refusing to let the desert distract him, even if it seemed hell bent on sabotaging the fight.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uta generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 12:26 pm
Fiametta was surprised at the movements of the large lion. What she had hoped would get him to turn towards her, instead had him leaping out of the way. His large body was out of reach before her paws touched the sand, and she found the lion behind her.
Whirling around, expecting him to follow through in an counter attack, she instead witnessed where he had slipped beneath him. It was only through pure luck that she hadn't gotten hit, and the lioness decided to not give him another opportunity. No, she had to focus . . . focus! She was not going to give this stranger a sloppy battle.
With a small snarl, the female didn't wait for the lion to gain his bearings. His slip was to be used to her advantage, and she once more pounced. This time she went straight for him, prepared to land an attack. She would use her own speed to her advantage, and keep up the assault.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tanakako generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
3!
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 12:37 pm
This time the black male was more wary of the shifting sands. At the very least, he had learned a valuable lesson in this fight, even if nothing else came of it. So, with paws placed more carefully, he braced himself, watching her spring forwards, waiting until she got a hair's breadth form his fur before jumping sideways, muscular body rearing up on his back paws as he lashed out with a heavy front paw, boxing her round the face with enough force to check her momentum, aiming to disorientate her or even knock her down onto her side, making her vulnerable and giving him a belly shot. Though even as he swiped at her, he kept his claws sheathed, no need to turn the duel into a fight to the death, despite the fact that such a thing was his first instinct. This was a fight for entry into the pride, it would be pointless to truly injure her if she indeed had the skills the pride wanted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uta generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 12:45 pm
Fiametta had expected the lion to rear and attack. She had counted on it, actually. But she hadn't expected him to be so quick. Perhaps she was putting too much faith on her speed, and would need another angle. But before she had time to duck out of the way, his paw clocked her right across the cheek.
His strength was something she knew, but to feel it was . . . astounding. Before she knew it, she was thrown away from the large lion and on to her side. Instinctively she knew that she had to stay on her paws or else risk a count attack, but for a moment all she saw was stars. Struggling to her paws, knowing full well if he had used claws she might have suffered a fatal wound, Fiametta was bound and determined to get a hit on him.
She leaped forward, but unfortunately the blow had left her reeling longer than she would have cared to admit. So instead of leaping back at the lion, she missed her mark and pounced more at an angle, leaving herself a bit exposed.
Damnit. This was not how she wanted to battle.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tanakako generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
3!
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 12:57 pm
He could tell his blow had affected her as she struggled to her feet, but he also had to admit that she was stubborn as heck and as brave as any true-born kin. Admiration for her wormed its way into his chest, despite his attempts to prevent it.
As she pounced and missed only to land behind him, he reared up and spun on his back legs before surging forwards, slamming into her still dazed body with his broad, muscular chest. He didn't want to use his fangs or claws, didn't want to hurt her for some reason he could not fathom and did not really wish to analyse, afraid of what it meant, so instead he used his large size to drive her to the ground, she may be battered and bruised later, but there was no true danger to her health unlike if he had truly fought her with all his skills. This was a duel, not a fight to the death like in the roguelands.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uta generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
3!
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 1:00 pm
Fiametta knew she was in trouble when she misjudged her mark. This battle was not going well, though she found the strength of the stranger admirable. He was quite a fighter, and she knew well that she had much to learn from those in the Motoumajii. There was no shame in defeat. . . if she didn't make it in now, she would return later, wiser and perhaps not as proud.
Before she had a moment to react, the lioness felt the ebony maned stranger attack. He rushed into her, quick to whirl around and throw his weight upon her. Giving a snarl, the lioness hadn't the time to dodge and once again was thrown from the stranger, rolling in to a heap a ways away.
Up! UP!
Though her head was pounding and her body sore, the lioness was not going to give in to defeat yet. Though she was getting knocked around by this lion like she was some play thing, she refused to give up. She still had breath, she still had spirit. . . . No. She needed to attack and she needed to do so now!
Pulling herself to her paws, the lioness gave a small shake of her head as she refocused on the other. She kept space between them, beginning to circle . . . Honestly, he was big, he was fast. She had to avoid his paws at all cost. So once again, the lioness leaped at the male. She aimed to land next to him, simultaneously whirling to swipe at him with her paws, before leaping away again.
In and out. . She couldn't risk getting too close or another attack. She had to stay on edge, and wear him out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tanakako generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 1:01 pm
Skidding to a stop as the lioness went flying he hunched his shoulders and watched as she scrambled back to her paws. She had spirit, more than enough to be a firekin in that sense, and she could fight, for she wasn't backing down but kept coming at him. The question was... could she fight well enough to become one of the red-pelted myths of the desert.
He had let his mind wander as she gained her footing, a rookie mistake as he realised she was rushing at him with that lightening quick speed of hers. His solid body tensed, leaping to the side but he wasn't fast enough this time, feeling her claws score down his side before she was gone again, quick as a flash.
A low rumble spilled from his throat as he twisted his body sideways, facing her now, keeping his flank away from her as he felt warm blood trickle through his fur. Not a deep wound, but enough to bother him as it instantly began to itch. Still, she had marked him and he had to give her credit for it, not many proved quick enough or skilled enough to get past his defenses.
Gathering himself he launched towards her, fangs gleaming in a silent snarl, claws extended wit the intention of knocking her form her feet again with a blow to her unprotected shoulder.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uta generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
3!
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 1:09 pm
This time, Fiametta was ready for the attack. She was pleased to have finally struck the other, though the wound was superficial and not enough to cause any lasting damage. Still, she knew she had to be careful. If she wanted to land an attack on him, she couldn't let her guard down, even if she had finally managed to get close enough to touch.
The large lion came after her, as she suspected he might. But this time, she was prepared.
As he launched his attack, Fiametta jerked out of the way. Without being knocked by his force, she used the momentum to spin and leap at his back, hoping to sink her teeth in to his back and her claws to rake his side once more. She wouldn't hang on long, as his power was too strong and he coul easily throw her off, but one solid bite and pull would do before she, once again, jerked away.
She refused to give him the upper hand.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tanakako generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 1:10 pm
He landed in the soft sand where she had stood a second before, but she was no longer there. Hissing he swung round to face her, only to hit a deep patch of sand and loose his footing for a brief moment. His great strength also meant his body was dense, and in the soft sand of the desert, sometimes his ability just couldn't counteract the effects of mass and gravity. The fraction of a second that the sand slowed him down was enough for the female to launch her next attack, and he felt the sharp pain of fangs sinking into his back.
Growling he wrenched himself round, maw open wide as he lunged at her, but she had already danced away. Paws spread wide, head low he bared his fangs, waiting for her to attack again. When she did not, he took a step back and lifted his head, still wary, still watching her for any sight of the fight continuing. Once he was sure she was not about to attack he spoke. "You did well." For she had, she had gotten two hits in on him, something few others had managed so far. "You seem worthy of the firekin. If you still wish to join." His low, gruff voice almost sounded as if he didn't use it often, which was indeed the case, only speaking when absolutely necessary, like now.
Jerking his head he motioned towards where the firekin's main territory was located, further into the burning desert. If she was waiting for any further invitation, she would be out of luck with the close-mouthed male.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 3:24 pm
Fiametta couldn't believe that the battle was over. One part of her was relieved, as she was unaccustomed to fighting such strong opponants; but the other part of her wished to fight longer, to prove herself. They both had made hits on one another, but Fiametta still felt as if he had bested her.
Still. . . . that didn't mean she couldn't actually duel him again. Or learn from him, as well as others within the pride. She had the spirit, but she had to be stronger, or at least better prepared. There was still much to learn within the pride, but the good humored female was sure that all would be well in time.
As the large male spoke, her ears pricked and she gave a small smile. Did he really mean such a thing? Part of the lioness had been expected to be turned away, but she supposed it hadn't been completely one sided. He wore a few of her marks, just as her own body was still terribly sore from the strength of him.
Dipping her head, chuckling (despite the pain it caused her head), the lioness gave a nod. "Well then, my good sir, I suspect we shall cross paths again. Next time I won't be so easy on you." Whether or not she was serious, or teasing, remained to be seen as her eyes sparkled with mirth. Dipping her head, she gave him a wink. "Until then. . ."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
