Now that he'd significantly increased the danger between Andal and Wolfbron it was his duty to protect his family within the folds of sands. It would do no good to break bonds or crumble alliances at this moment, for if the pride were to seek his blood he didn't wish to leave his wife and children vulnerable to attack. They knew the lay of the land here, an advantage that the bluffs lions did not, if they so chose to attack at the forefront of Andal's doors.

Slippery grains made it at times hard to traverse, an always shifting landscape. Espresso body baked beneath even the late autumnal sun as he jogged the desert sands, a pre-workout to the training he wished for the fighters of Andal Oasis to endure. The pride should be ready for anything, regardless of whether a threat were posed or not. Each use of his muscles would find them toned, oiled for the counter strike he was almost certain Amara might issue on the pride. Dunes were not easy to climb and thus gave ample strength training outside of sparring.

Satisfied with a place for those of the desert to toil he bellowed a call. Bring forth those who knew how to fight or wished to learn. They would test each other today, discuss tactics and advantages over others. Whomever approached as a soldier for the oasis would garner respect in the grizzled soldier's eyes.

+5 Exercise to gain strength (not including spars)

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The call for fighters was one that he would answer, though he would admit that he didn't know why the man was calling. Perhaps for training, he thought. Given how much time he had spent sparring recently, he was getting in quite a bit of practice already, but he would freely accept more.

He was the first to answer the call, making his way up the dune to join the other man. "Greetings," he rumbled, leaving it at that for the moment. Introductions could be had once the others gathered, presuming there were to be others. He was sure there would be, though. If he did turn out to be the only one, he would be sorely disappointed.

He knows not who the caller is but the call is for those who wish to hone their fighting abilities. This ticks a box for Leander Miroslav who, with his lumbering gait, finds his way towards the small gathering. Mismatched gaze takes in the appearance of the caller, wondering what he might have in store for them. There is another male present, heeding the call as Leander had. He approaches and comes to a stand still near the pair, offering both a simple nod in greeting. He has yet to meet the pair and so offers a simple introduction, "I am Leander Miroslav." He hopes that they might introduce themselves too but does not outrightly request it. Patiently, he waits to see if any more would arrive to join them.

IMAGE COPYRIGHT NESLA

And there they were. Rigid, large, each wearing austerity as one might a shield. They resembled a row of gargoyles—each stonier than the last—and Aidoneus knew for certain this wasn’t going to be exactly her idea of fun. Curiosity once more getting the better of her, she approached soon after Leander. Still, if not to participate, at the very least, she would spectate. As though they were in need of the added sunshine, her own shield was raised this one made of smiles and warmth. Giving each their own separate helping of that wordless greeting, she took a seat opposite of their Lead Fighter, looking appropriately interested.

+10 Participate in a group training event

Her husband's call sparks something in her breast. A knight, through and through, but there was now more to protect than just her. @Rielus calls for the pride, for its fighters, to come to muster. A show of prowess, to shake off the dust of a summer spent beneath the mist and it's strange fog. An ear tips as she joins the mild crowd -- out of interest more than duty. She is no fighter, no matter how hard rielus tries to change that. Still, though, it's always good to see and take stock of such things. The island always seemed to be in a state of flux, dynamic and expanding. Better to do this now than before it was truly needed. Settling herself on her haunches she joins them, sunlight eyes lingering on her heart. The warm sun helps soothe her from being away from the girls as she waits, quietly expectant.

code by cloudy, image by wallflower

Seneca and Rielus have had their differences, but on a whole, the sovereign holds a modicum of respect for the older man. Much like the Miroslav, Rielus is a warrior before he is anything else — and though Seneca has adapted to a crown with grace, it is far from the favorite thing in his life (even if it is the most prominent). He has always valued initiative, and he values it now.

Curious to see what more the Azar has to offer the Oasis, he heeds the call as do the others, chuffing lowly to add his summons to that of the lead fighter. Battle-minded or not, growing tensions on the island means they must be prepared — even those who would rather not get their claws dirty. Chaos is liable to come for them, and Seneca is just one man; he cannot stop it.

He shoulders up alongside @Leander, his expectant gaze settling upon Rielus. He has no intention of stealing any thunder today, and his silence speaks volumes. Rielus has the floor.

Seneca Miroslav

table by ferus, art by sleepykyju

It is Seneca's call more than anything else that draws Iofiel out. He isn't a fighter. He doesn't have the heart to cause harm to another. But the High Sovereign was requesting the pride to be in attendance and Iofiel was the dutiful sort.

The medic made his way towards the gathering but remained upon the outskirts of the group. He wouldn't be here to fight but he was in attendance regardless. He supposed he could always give his expertise as that of a medic should it be needed. After all fighters would need healing afterwards. He could always contribute that way.

The Desert Orchid

She is gloriously ignorant to any unfolding drama. Yet she answers Seneca's summons dutifully. The bone-white woman slinks toward where the group are gathered, her stride slow and easy. Yet for all her grace, her apparent ease, there is a fluttering in her belly. She was so ill- versed in fighting that she is sure not even the light training @Leander had given her before would be enough. Her gaze tips towards him and she moves forward, to take the side Seneca had not. Sea-green eyes lift to find his, her brows rising, knowing this might get very awkward for her very swiftly. As if in answer, a grin begins to spread, beautiful, yet humorous with its self-deprecation, across her lips.

eve
if our demons cannot dance
neither can we.

They come, trickling in one after another, though none of which he knows to fight for Andal's name. Not even Drakon showed in the heat of things, though he is eager when Seneca joins the group. Both leaders are there, he notes, though he is uncertain whether either would partake in honing their defensive or fighting skills. Troubled by the lack of soldiers among the desert group he hopes that those able come tardy. Surely those gathered would create opposition for any invasions or otherwise trouble for the desert pride, but he is almost certain that with a lack of preparation they would be overrun in no time.

Slowly glacial eyes would peruse those present, making note that his wife had also come to attend. We may not be worried of enemies at this time but it is always good to keep a prides defenses up, he began in a rumbled tone, hoping others would arrive as he spoke, it would be wise for us all to practice our defenses and for those willing to fight for Andal, we should spar to see where skills lay. Skilled comrades would be noted, even encouraged for the Azar man. He wished to see the pride handsomely set with those who could fight for a cause - especially with his wife and children among the pride members. Is there anyone here willing to demonstrate with me?

(Next post hopefully Wednesday (04/27) this next week.)

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Fashionably late to the party, Seneca's sister slips quietly into the scene to sit near her brothers as @Rielus explains his reasoning for calling them together. Vesuvia preferred to use her words to avoid violence whenever possible, if only because it made for a less intimidating marriage prospect, but that did not mean she couldn't find enjoyment in the sport when necessary. She wouldn't take Rielus up on his invitation, expecting one of her brothers to choose to take that spar, but Vesuvia did look around to her fellow women present to see if anyone invited a sparring partner. vesuvia is welcoming a sparring partner

table by ferus, art by grav3wolf