[DUEL] Open Challenge

[In Good Faith]

The pair of lionesses found great relief in the — long awaited — abatement of the sandstorm. They'd found each other in their travels to Motoujamii and in the interest of self preservation, had stuck together waiting out the storm. Now the females were finally making their way over the desert to what they'd thought to be the border of the pride's territory. Their exact location was questionable, however, as neither had been to the Firekin before. In the days leading up to the sandstorm's abrupt end, Manyara had taken the liberty to train the younger, less experienced lioness in the art of combat. While both were rather sore, neither were the less excited to finally arrive at their destination.

"I... think we're here." Manyara murmured to her companion, noticing the distinct shift in the odor of the air, as it had been marked specifically. "I wouldn't be surprised if they had a guard of some sort near at hand." In fact, Manyara would be disappointed and rather critical of that fact.

"Surely they would." Thabisa added, her eyes scanning the horizon for a figure that could relatively be taken as a lion. The next moment she jumped, however, nearly coming out of her skin.

Manyara filled her lungs and let out a roar that reverberated her body. Grinning at Thabisa, she shrugged. "Well... they'll know we're here at least."  

[Pandorus Sphinx]

Aden had removed herself from her mother and Zara's company for the evening. It wasn't her place to stay and chat, not when the day was escaping her. Slowly the large female walked until the unfamiliar scent of others crossed her puzzled nose. Fierce eyes would narrow as the lioness turned to walk toward the newcomers, stopping only when she could see them fully. Golden eyes narrowed as she stepped closer, speaking again.

"Welcome," her words were deep, laced in a underlining respect.

"Have you come for a duel?" this would be Aden's first duel with an outsiders, still, she stood confidant in herself.

"My name is Aden." she offered her name, awaiting the name of her would be challenger.  

[In Good Faith]

After sharing a brief glance with Thabisa, Manyara stepped up first and dipped her head in a respective gesture. "Greetings Aden. I'm Manyara, formerly of the Indlovukati. With me is Thabisa, formerly of Ithambo'hlabathi. We have come to duel."

The lioness recognized, and appreciated, the look of a warrior lioness. She'd heard that Firekin women were built sturdy and powerful and the example before her was evidence of that. It would be a tough fight but she she felt her stomach quake in eagerness. "Do you accept?"



Thabisa watched the exchange with wide, and interested, eyes. The lioness called Aden was much larger than herself, built with thick muscles in the legs, back, and neck. She was bigger than Manyara, too, and that sent a little nervous worry in her chest and stomach.

Duels were traditionally one on one and therefore she knew she would not be interfering in Manyara's duel. She wondered... would the lioness even be willing to duel her next? She'd seen Manyara fight and she was highly skilled and knowledgable. Aden wouldn't get off easy with her and therefore may deem herself inadequate to accept the challenge from Thabisa. Would they then allow Manyara to fight her? The thought sent another, stronger shock through her.

All she could do now, though, was watch and wait... and hopefully learn because she wasn't turning around now.

“Pandorus Sphinx”