Welcome to Gaia! ::

It could have been luck that had Kalju crossing paths with the younger female again so soon - or maybe just the fact that the sky festival brought lions together in greater mass than was usual for their pride. Whatever the case, he noticed her where she stood immediately, and a pleasant smile pulled across his mug. He wasn't the most sociable of lions but it wasn't because he had a lack of manners - he was just quiet and shy. That changed, a little, when he knew someone nearby.

"Amaris!"

His deep voice carried past the few lions milling about - they glanced at him and then went about their business, dismissing the typically quiet stranger. Unperturbed, he made a beeline for the younger lioness, carrying himself forward with a passive gait.

"I thought I might see you at the festival this year."

"I'm quite alright, Amaris," he replied politely, smiling as he did so. For one who was not so used to friends or conversation he was at least very glad that she seemed to always be such a bright ray of sunshine. It went a long way to keep him comfortable even if he didn't admit to such.

"Oh, the sparring?" His words faded to a chuckle and he shook his great white mane, letting it toss haphazardly about this dusty brown face. "No, no. I'm not any more willing this year than I was the last, or the year before that, or the year before that.."

The words trailed off playfully as he sat, tucking his tail around him in the same motion.

"I will come cheer you on, though, if you would like that? I hope you win, whoever it is."

For a wonder, Kalju felt a soft pluck of sympathy as she gave voice to her worries. That same nervousness was why he never played a part in the duels but even still, he didn't want to show her that. Instead he just smiled and leaned forward enough to nudge her shoulder gently with a paw. It was a touch awkward from such a socially inept lion but it was meant to be comforting, at least. He hoped it helped.

"You've got nothing to worry about. We aren't a violent pride, it's just a test of skill and I know you've got enough fire in your heart to want to prove yourself. Just do your best, okay?"

As his paw dropped, he looked past her to the lions milling about the area. There were so many of them gathered in one place - he always forgot how many their numbers were until he saw them all together. It was easy to dismiss them when they chose to remain as separated as they were usually.

"I'll be waiting to tell you how awesome you are at the end!"

Even if I lose?

Her words and the nudge of her paw brought a smile to his face but instead of dismissing it with a playful laugh, he just shook his head at her.

"Of course. Even if you lose, you're still trying aren't you?" He pushed himself up to his feet, all of his bulky weight balanced gracefully on four paws. If he'd ever had the mind for it, he probably would have been a decent warrior. His father was a rogue and he'd been taught how to survive after all. It just wasn't in his heart. "There's lions like me sitting on the side just watching - anything you manage will be great, Amaris."

He did chuckle then, deep and rumbling, filled with all the amused wisdom an older lion had earned in his lifetime. She was a bright little light, he had to say.

"I'll be there, I promise."

"There is no way you could make a fool of yourself, Amaris," he chimed, immediate and pleasant and so very full of confidence for her, "being brave enough to participate means you could never be a fool. There is nothing foolish about trying, only giving up."

He stood as she did, content to let her make the decision without a second guess. The white mane bobbed as he nodded and swept his paw out before him, indicating that very thing.

"Lead the way," the smile on his mug was charming and, for once, not terribly forced. He found that he did actually enjoy her company when he found most others to be overbearing and draining. It was a new feeling.

"I'll be right beside you."