[JRP] It's time to d-d-d-d-d-duel! (Beyla x Fashaq)

[Puhterodactyl]

(what? it's a good title)

Beyla had just gotten back from her first viking, so she was officially a reaver. It felt good to have reached that next level of accomplishment, but it had not been easy. Spending time babysitting Deimos and Phobos had really taken it out of her, but she was ready to move past it. Maybe she could brawl out some of her frustrations by dueling. She padded down to where rogues challenged for their Askoruns, maybe she would answer one today.

The salty breeze blew lightly through the reaver's black mane as she waited patiently, expectantly, but she worked on stretching and practicing in the meantime.  

[oo Ded]

He had been waiting, but not particularly long. Fahaq was just contemplating whether or not to let out a roaring call when the pale figure of a lioness caught his attention. He peered at her, eyes tracing over the markings that ran up her leg before he went to meet her eyes.

"I've come to prove my worth and enter this place," he called once he figured she was in earshot. His voice was rough and gravelly. Fashaq wasn't a huge lion, but he was bulky in his form. He didn't really know what to expect from the fighters of this place, but he figured that he shouldn't take anything for granted.

The lion glanced back, looking into the greenery where he figured his sister was watching from somewhere. He didn't spend long looking for her, though, and instead turned back towards the pale stranger. "Do you accept my challenge?"

Puhterodactyl

 

[Puhterodactyl]

Beyla nodded to the strange-marked lion.

"It is a good day to die, rogue." She greeted him with in common way of the pride. He's learn that for himself soon enough. She measured him up with a few quick scrutinizing glances. They seemed about the same size, maybe he edged her out a little bit, which was odd even for a male. She stared at him intently with her burning orange eyes. Was he perhaps related to a god, too? But in truth it didn't matter much to the lioness.

The reaver circled him a few times, letting him figure the fight had already begun, and she seized the first move. Beyla ran towards him, hoping to get him to make a move so she could change direction at the last second and hit him while he was open. However, she realized almost immediately that she had not gotten the correct angle on her approach. Hopefully it would do something, though.  

[oo Ded]

Puhterodactyl

The first thing he noticed was her size. Fashaq wasn't a huge lion--not as large as his godborn uncle--but this lioness was larger than many that he had met. The stormborn had a reputation, though, so maybe they just bred them large here.

The second thing that caught his attention was her greeting. It made for a furrow in his brow, but the navy lion didn't question it. He didn't respond, only narrowed his eyes and gave a grunt. As she circled, his purple eyes remained pressed to her. His claws raked into the dirt as he stood. Patient and quiet.

When she moved, his muscles tensed. Instead of dodging out of the way, Fashaq turned and jumped towards her head-on. It was perhaps a tactic learned from battling foes smaller than him and he hadn't really thought through how it might pan out against a lioness the same size as he, but he went with it anyways. He was a better grapple than he was a tactical lunger.  

[Puhterodactyl]

Beyla grunted in dissatisfaction that her blow was weak and ineffective. Fashaq's aim, however, was true. Beyla rolled backwards and in her disorientation she only managed to let loose a wild swipe of her paw, aimed at his face. Her ears were still ringing as she staggered to her feet.

So he got lucky... Or... Maybe he was just better than her at fighting. That would all be revealed, soon. Hopefully he wasn't too significantly better than her at fighting so she wouldn't have any long-term lasting aches or pains from their scrap.

She was panting heavily and staring intensely at him. He would be a great asset to the pride, that was for certain. His blood would make strong reavers and captains for generations to come. But wait. That was weird to think about... now... of all times...

oo DeD