Of all the answers he might've expected @Colsun ♔ to offer him, that wasn't exactly one of them. Well, maybe the part about not wanting to fight Hubert isn't unexpected at this point - he'd not attacked him eveb when Hubert had 'trespassed' into the Lagoon. But that first part...Really? He blinks, not quite managing to hide his surprise. Would the larger yearling really throw himself into battle if the Starke Prince demanded it of him? Seemed strange, all things considered. But then again, Colsun had been a source of bemusement since the very beginning. It would be a lie to say that Hubert didn't like the idea.

Even if I wanted you to fight her? He asks with false flippancy, head tilting curiously as he flicked his tail in Isla's direction. Come to think of it, Colsun's probably more evenly matched with the Summit Heiress when it came to physical strength. Though that imposing musculature was far more appealing on the Valentine boy than the mountain woman.

Er, because males were naturally supposed to be stronger, of course. That must've been why he'd had that thought. Probably. Ahem! Moving on.

The theme of bemusement continues, as Colsun offers his opinions about the challenge, which seem vastly different than the ones Hubert would probably have, were he in the other's place. What, you really don't miss being a Prince? Hubert absolutely would. A fact that would likely surprise absolutely no one who had ever interacted with him at length. At the mention of 'family' his gaze would flick towards the snowy white male Colsun had glanced towards, briefly catching on the distinct, scarred form of the old Lagoon King too amidst the crowd. Neither were lacking in viciousness, it seemed. Doesn't seem like you have much to worry about, there. He comments dryly.

Was now a bad time to mention what Luther had done to that one Valentine boy? Probably.

The challenge reaches its natural conclusion, with Tiamat maintaining her crowd. The general havoc and bloodshed winds down to a stop and the crowd begins to disperse (Isla among them). With another glance towards Alaric's current entourage, Hubert is quick to decide that Vater is perfectly capable of dealing with that aftermath on his own. Hmph. I guess there's no reason to hang around here anymore. He glances towards Colsun once more, a silent invitation before he turns away. I'm going hunting. Or...something, more exciting than this.

Of course, the other yearling might choose to stay and make sure his family was alright. Naturally, Hubert wouldn't be bothered by that at all. Liar

/exit Hubert

ART + CODE By Dee

The brute had expected a simple fight between a queen and her challenger. He was far from that conclusion. As more decided to flood inward to the heart of the commotion- the more that would unfold. Like a sea of bodies that were churned by the onslaught of a storm. He watched from a short distance behind them. He needed no attention from this uncultured bunch. The land of Amaryllis was worse off than he initially expected.

Various maims broke out in the crowd and it was hard to watch one fight from the other. All had their points of interest, but he lost the will to continue in their mess once the original challenge had ended. it would seem the queen, whomever she may be, would keep her title and home. He noted the various smells and familiarized himself with the scent of the pride itself.

As well as mentally noted the appearance of the queen, for use at a later date, before he would turn to take his leave.

-exit-

Barbarian

2/2 +5 Observe a fight

Ambassador

2/2 +5 Observe a challenge and learn the results

2/2 +5 Observe and study a new scent

code by corvus

[/quote]

Lyric knew when to accept defeat. The lion was larger, he seemed older, and it was clear he had experience in the ways of war. Growling lowly, the lioness disengaged with panting breaths as she stared upon the stranger with reluctant admission. Even still, he announced his intention to leave, though he insisted he had wanted to see Tiamat prevail as leader. They quirked a thoughtful brow as they panted with heaving breaths there upon the sand, uncertainty kneading at their gut at the notion of this.

"Pick a better pride, maybe," Lyric suggested to the oasis cat, though the sentiment lacked the heat of personal investment. She acted as a pawn for her leader because it was the price for a sprawling beach and a plentiful cache, not because she had sworn loyalty or blood oaths. Perhaps it was the same for the desert stranger, she considered. Watching him leave, Lyric took assessment of their surroundings and noted most other battles had concluded. Content to know her duty was done, the cat slunk off to clean her wounds.

---

-exit-
+10 - Intercept a trespasser (Fernweh)
+10 - Intercept a trespasser (Alexander)
+10 - Participate in a raid or war_{BG — ART — CODE}

Tiamat's eyes narrowed at @Drena as she passed by, after her fight with Caelum's captive. The scent of the Mire filtered its way into her nose and she glared even harder at the woman, who seemed to not be taking the situation seriously. Tiamat could easily see that the fight had not been friendly. She leveled her sea-colored eyes to @Alaric. "You might want to rethink that one," she warned him, displeased that her own members were being attacked by an ally. Her displeasure was clear in her voice, but she was hardly a threat to the Mire king and the large pride he led. Either way, she was chaotic and more than willing to make decisions on a whim.

Her attention was drawn to the fights around her that were coming to a close. Unfortunately, it seemed that her lions had come out on the losing end. They would need to work on their skills. There was clearly room for improvement, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. @Alizabeth had the nerve to yell insults, but Tiamat merely looked over at her and grinned. "And yet, you're still leaving," she hummed, pleased that the woman was getting off of her land. Something she had noticed was that Nero had stayed away from her, and that pleased her. He was staying out of their conflict. And, for what it was worth, Tiamat was not actively seeking out conflict with Alizabeth anymore. She was satisfied with what she had for the time being.

@Dagge had fallen unconscious after his fight with the white bitch. Tiamat heaved herself to her feet. The rest of the onlookers were slowly scattering and Tinuviel had made sure the challenger was safe. Though she, too, had lost, @Lyric was okay and was also heading off to lick their wounds. That left Dagge to her, then. She grabbed him by the scruff and grunted, dragging him as well as she could the short distance to the dens, where he would be safer and could be looked at by one of the healers.

/Exit Tiamat via dragging Dagge

image by rabbit, code by anyu

Fretting in the periphery was Hera's speciality; her claws and teeth were as sharp as any, but she couldn't imagine using them against another lion the way her braver pride-mates did. She winced every time a blow was landed, and gasped at every spill of blood, she was as useless here as any of the on-lookers. Though this was her home, Hera was unable to defend it. Instead, she tried to keep track of the injuries, her yellow eyes darting from fight to fight as she made a list in her head -

wormwood for that, frankincense there, oof...that will need aloe...

It was a relief when the challenge was won, both because her pride remained in the right paws, but also because the worst of the fighting had ended. Hera could stop worrying her metaphorical pearls and finally be of use.

Lyric had disengaged, and seemed to be set on leaving before Hera could even look them over. Their wounds needed to be bandaged before the salt could settle in. The lion Tiamat was valiantly dragging across the sands would also need to be assessed, as well as Tiamat herself.
"Wait -" The healer called out, though it was unclear if she was heard. She picked up her herbs and quickly followed after her retreating pride-mates.


/exit

+5 Attend a spar or challenge to assess the wounds

there is bravery

in being soft

code by corvus

Her body stung, the bruises from the much larger boys hard blows leaving marks in their wake in return to her flurry of assaults against him. With her feet finally on the sand, and blood thoroughly dripping from him, Lunaire felt satisfied with the outcome. He would learn, he would remember to never try such a thing with mire royalty again. Or maybe he'd just be afraid of her, that would be kinda funny too.

With one final smash to her side from @Aurochs, the starry woman hit the ground, wheezing air back into her lungs once again as she scrambled to get up, a wide grin on her face. Yay, that was fun. She said cheerily, a maniacal laugh following suit. You were so easy to beat up, silly goose! You should get stronger, so next time you stand a chance. She stated, stretching her sore body and simply walking off. She was tired, and her bloodlust was satisfied for now.

//Exit

His eyes are drawn to the fight between @Markus and Leonie, his expression one of barely restrained horror when the girl falls. The sickening glee that he sees on the face of the man makes his stomach turn, and he knows there is yet another chat he will have to have.

Perhaps it is time for him to cut ties with the Rike, after all. Or at least lay down some clear rules regarding what he expected of his pride. A meeting, then; he makes this mental note as @Vághan leaves his side and rushes to aid the girl. @Tinúviel is gone, too, to aid the fallen challenger, and he feels an unexpected unease slither across his skin.

Alaric might have aided them (much as they would have likely meet him with teeth and claw) but his attention is torn away by @Tiamat, who has a sharp inquiry of her own. Confusion rears its head, then, as he looks to @Drena and the women she fought -- a woman of the Brook was she not?

But then she sees that very woman slip away in the aftermath and sees Caelum race after her and he wonders...

"The Brook is our enemy," he answered, though there is a furrow on his brow when she continues on, warning him of his member. "I must be misunderstanding something," he meets Tiamat's gaze with his own, unflinching from whatever threat she carried. Another meeting to add to his growing list, then, and he feels tired at the mere prospect.

Without another word he turns from the scene and leaves for the Mire, mulling over all that had happened in the short span of time.

-exit-

coding and art by dusk

(2/2) +10 Sneak into another pride's territory without getting caught
(2/2) +10 Remain undetected in a large thread (5+ characters)
(2/2) +5 Observe a fight (fernweh vs tiamat)
His eyes would continue to shift and watch his surroundings, going from the fight to certain crowds of lions and then to making sure that no lion was sneaking up on him or getting too close to blow his cover. The fight was coming to a close, though, and there seemed to be a bit of tension with the way it had ended - but whether or not there really was tension was unknown and, therefore, assumed by the Mire Prince. Vulferam would turn his body around while still crouched and would begin to creep back toward the border and neutral territory. Another pride challenge spectating in the book for the male, the Lagoon keeping its current rulers for the time being.

exit Vulferam.

ART & CODE BY LARS, MODIFIED BY GUNNER
*DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION!!*

Eventually he was satisfied in assuming that Caelum would not throw any more blows. Especially as he got up to limp after an unknown lioness.
As his wife did her usual thing, he simply stood in, pained, silence. His eyes swept over the rest of the gathered; praying no one else got any bright ideas.

Yes. He rumbled in agreement to getting the fuck out of there. Never in his life had he been so ready for a long nap. And vaguely he wondered if this was how Ransom felt all the time. How utterly exhausting this all was.
/Exit

Paladin
+10 Maim another character in self-defense
+10 Win a fight
+10 Participate in a pride challenge

coded by flea + art by Wogh + background credit

The Lagoon thankfully remains in Tiamat's paws, bringing the Scot queen at least a sliver of satisfaction, the only continuity amidst the chaos that affronted her senses on all sides. Once, she would have lived for this, the exhilaration of fights breaking out and never knowing what opponent you would face next. Perhaps a part of her feels that elation still, her heart pounding excitedly in her chest, her claws excavating the sand beneath her paws in anticipation.

But the presence of her daughter would stay her whims, obligation and duty had become a familiar chain around her neck. Though when it is for her cubs, Slaine does not feel the resentment those chains usually bring.

"They fight fer th' thrill o' it." The mother replied to her child, rolling her eyes and ignoring that voice inside her, the one that sings out for just such a match. @Artis indicated her wish to depart and Slaine rather agreed.

The Scot gave a last glance to her husband and his wife and all the others gathered, feeling a tightness in her chest but turning and following her daughter home all the same.

-Exit-

ART BY KIM, CODE BY LARS