Welcome to Gaia! ::

The two tough old lions stared at each other across the open expanse. A breeze rustled the long grass, and tugged at their manes and tails. They neither of them seemed to noticed, both intent on their prey—the male staring back at them.

Both were prime examples of fighters—large, well-muscled; all rippling fur and clear, undimmed eyes. One sported a myriad of scars, trophies from past battles survived. The other wore his fur untouched, a silent assertion that he'd won every encounter not only handily, but without a single telling injury. Both boasting in their own way, neither of them was foolish enough to underestimate the other.

This fight, at least, was not to be to the death. No, this was a test. A test of will, of ferocity. For seasoned fighters like themselves, there was no better way to test another's soul than with their own teeth and claws. It was how brothers found each other, in these harsh lands. And one of them had had enough of waiting. Almost in synch, the two dark forms tensed and then hurtled towards the center of the open grassy area, low rumbling building to crashing roars as the colossal brutes met, one just a step ahead...

It wasn't often that a foe didn't break and run before Shan-Yu. He was a terror in a fight, agile and far, far faster than his size would lead most opponents to assume. He'd run down prey and other lions alike, and even if this duel hadn't been just a test he would have felt no fear. The paw to the skull left his ears ringing, but a shake of the head cleared him enough to refocus those haunting eyes on this tank of a reaver. He wasted no time. Surely his foe would expect him to be staggered longer. Now, NOW time was on his side. He might still be a bit dizzy, and his ears would be ringing for hours, but that wouldn't stop him. He surged in and up, getting under the old reaver's guard and tearing a path up his chest. A new scar for his trouble, perhaps.

Mahewa took a turn then to be surprised and put off his balance. It almost NEVER happened that another lion managed to muscle up under him—he weighed far too much, and the prospect of being crushed beneath kept most at bay. Not only had this lion braved the challenge, but Mahewa was left momentarily feeling weightless before searing pain slid up his front. He staggered backwards, shaken, and probably only because this was not a real fight, his opponent stepped back, tail lashing as he waited for the elder lion to recover.

Only the sound of panting breath filled the air for a moment; Shan-Yu waited to see just what would happen. Of course, Mahewa was old and experienced enough to know that had this been real, the damage would have been greater. If the challenger hadn't broken off he could easily have joined teeth to claws and tore out his throat, thick mane fur be damned. Well, he'd clearly do JUST fine in the pride of stormborn warriors. No one would be able to doubt that.

Anyone watching might think the fight short-lived, but for those as born to fight as these two, they'd learned all they needed to know. He'd earned his place to join them, and fight for the rank of reaver if he chose. Somehow Mahewa knew that'd be a given. "I think that's enough now," He eventually sighed, letting himself relax and wincing at the pull of the new wound on his chest. No matter. The ladies would fawn over him later, licking it and soothing him. They did love scars, it seemed.

The golden-eyed lion nodded and skulked over, a smirk firmly on his face. "Then we agree. I look forward to seeing the lands you call home." His voice was even lower, rumbling and promising a threat to any who would oppose him. Mahewa would have to keep an eye on the fellow. Then again, might was right in this pride. He could very well end up following behind the gold-eyed lion into battle. That wouldn't be too bad, probably. There'd surely be ample loot in his future one way or the other, but he didn't seem the type to settle into a crafting, or even more laughable, a lawspeaking role. Still, appearances could be deceiving.

Determined to bear his wound with pride, Mahewa grunted and took the lead. "I'll show you around. You're welcome to any den, of course. There's thralls all over, so grab one if you need something. Try not to hit any that belong to someone else, unless they act out?" Sometimes you had to remind newcomers that thralls were slightly different than slaves. Often their keepers were fond of them, and it could cause disagreements, fights, that sort of thing. "I'll have to report that you're one of us now. What was your name again?"

The newcomer had fallen into step beside him, an easy gait eating up ground in the way of the well-travelled. "Shan-Yu," He rumbled, voice flanging slightly with an accent that was unfamiliar to the old viking. "I have no trouble with respect for someone else's property." Of course, that was as long as they were strong enough to keep it. Anyone too weak to hold onto what was theirs clearly either didn't deserve to own it, or didn't want it badly enough. They would have only themselves to blame.