+5 Study the weather or an astronomical phenomena
+5 Attend a spar or challenge to assess the wounds

-- near @Cassandra and co.

---

The roar woke the dead in the frigid black of night. The silver lion, aware of the broken pact but not understanding politics enough to worry beforehand, didn't understand why this had to happen. Why bloodshed over and over? Why not peace over and over? It should all be the same. Yet another challenge and yet again Parvati would slip behind, small and feather-wisped between toes spreading on the ice. This was an easy duty to fulfill: observation. Suffering the cold would be a hindrance. Soon they wished they'd brought a blanket. Parvati settled for aiming to nestle with the others from the outpost of the Brook. They were close together for comfort from the cold.

The fight was but recently started. The black queen was easier to see; the snow had not settled on her, like it had on the other. The ground was relatively clear of blood-smudges. It seemed neither had gotten the jump on the other. Face wounds would be easy to clean up and keep from infection. Parvati wondered if the cold would help. Not as many flies and maggots and buzzing things to worry at wounds sustained in the winter. Snow settled on the bridge of their nose and Parvati didn't notice until it blurred their vision. They shook it off. This snow was sticky, almost like sleet, and the air seemed more snow than air. It was slow to melt. Maybe it had come from over the ocean, picked up moisture there, rather than descending from the mountain like it would in a better metaphor.

She had been waiting for this moment.

It hung over her like a black cloud, shrouding her mind in darkness every time the thoughts began to stir. A life without Morrigan was a life Isla could not picture, and she wasn't sure if she ever would be able to. Of course death wasn't truly the end, her other mother gifted in spiritual prowess and one with Maua. But what was a life if you couldn't travel with others, be able to feel and touch them in physical form? The thoughts were daunting and exhausting, and when it finally came down to it, Isla was not prepared for this day.

She never would be.

She sought out @Morrigan as the whistles of the booming roar carried in the snowy wind, heart hammering in her chest and blood rushing in her ears. Eyes were narrowed to help her better see, following a few paw steps behind the High Queen as they made their way toward the pit. With each step she felt dozens of emotions whirling inside her chest, but the ones that made themselves louder and felt the closer they got was anger - pure, unbridled anger. Ears have twisted back at this point in their journey, saving them from the onslaught of being pelted inside with the snow. Thick fur held its purpose as a thin layer of snow blanketed her, shifting and falling with different movements.

Isla brings herself to a halt once the two arrive, watching her mother with a hard stare. She couldn't allow for her emotions to win over today, especially if the worse were to happen. She would need to stay strong, if not for herself but for the Illyrians that were already present, as well as other family members. She had to be strong for Morrigan. Colossal frame prowls toward @Cassandra, tail sweeping behind her. She feels her nerves go numb, her toes flex to allow claws to unsheathe. She nods to those that are next to her older sister but does not say anything - not yet. Instead, attention is drawn toward the battle that was beginning, worrying the inside of her cheek for but a moment.

"Illyria," the Heiress finally speaks, the word barked loudly in the cold air to gain the attention of pride members that had already arrived, "do what you must to ensure him and his followers feel our power." There was a reason the lions of the Summit had a reputation, and tonight would be no different. As she speaks, the wildcat's body slips seamlessly into its defenses. She stays hyper aware and focused, watching and waiting to welcome tooth and claw to come her way. She needed something to distract her, to give her an outlet for what she was feeling. She couldn't bare to witness Morrigan fall, because if that happened here tonight, a part of Isla might die, a part of her that she may never be able to save.

i'm open up to major maim with her, just make sure you tag me both on here and discord so i know

HEADS WILL ROLL

ART BY 86, CODE BY DEE, MODIFIED BY GUNNER

The world began to tremble around her, the dark abyss rumbling with a low and terrifying sound - it was almost as if the universe was crumbling, quaking in the nothingness that encapsulated the once-mortal woman. nymeria had not risen from her slumber in a long, long time (too long), but now she awoke with a startled gasp as the iron shackles snapped, falling away from wheaten ankles as purgatory forced her hand and her consciousness. It took her a moment as the haze fell away, dark tendrils fading from the corners of her vision as her bones creaked, lashes fluttering, and her toes flexed absently into the snow that had materialized below her body. It took her a moment to find her footing, to grasp where it was that she had been gravitated too - and more importantly, why. Blurry vision finally came into focus as she noted the presence of other bodies, with more filtering in. She was on the outskirts, beyond view and maybe blending into the winter landscape should one not be looking for her -- but it was only then, looking at the twisted faces of the observers, that the distant ringing in her ears faded and that man's - doused in plum and night - intentions became all too clear.

Morrigan. @Morrigan. Why, and how? And where was Talisa? Frantic thoughts raced across her mind as the druid's eyes burned, tears and frustration quickly swelled in their corners, chest rising with a sudden bout of flames. She did not know if it was fear that surged her forward, or pain, or agony, or all of it combined into one terrible whirl - but she found herself lurching through the shoulders in the crowd, panic staining the soft corners of her features as the guardian pronounced herself there, and present, and real. A testament to death all her own. "It's not worth it! There is no salvation to find in death," She cried, without even knowing what it was that they fought for. Because it wasn't, whatever it was -- ego, pride, love, death, revenge. She knew the pain of loss all too well, for it was scarred upon her heart and etched into the fibres of her being. and she did not wish it on them, on any of them; And especially not on Morrigan, who had always been a pillar of strength not only for her, but all of those that they had loved and loss together.

She often found it difficult to show herself, to see those that she had left behind and the next generations of her family that she had never gotten the chance to know, or to protect - but this challenge froze her all the way down to her core, and she held no reservations now as she stood there amongst the others. They would not listen. She was almost sure of it, and the way in which these things often had a way to lacing itself across all semblances of rationality and of temperance. But she cried out to her, to Morrigan, regardless, withholding the choked desperation that was oiong up within the back of her throat.

It was not time for them to be reunited in the afterlife.

Not yet.

Not now.

Finally, Morrigan appears, and with that, a sensation of dread and anxiety strikes her soul. Feeling cold and as if her nape hairs rose in response to how scared of losing her queen she felt. Yet she didnt let those feelings reflect in her eyes. She knew not to show weakness, even more around enemies and strangers. She wanted to show she was just as strong as any other Illyrian should be.

Isla also came, and her words were a song to her ears; she wanted to show them. To show this bastard and his fucked up family what messing with the Summit was like, and the payment for it was blood. Luckily, she had previously poisoned her claws with Wolfsbane's home-made extraction. She was not going to play around. Not today. "Rip his fucking throat!" She cheered Morrigan while she also observed the other fight between a yearling and male.

((Looking / Open for fightsup to minor maim))
+5 Observe a fight(Sei vs Kvare)
+5 Observe a fight(Morrigan vs Aest)

ART BY SILVERWOLF866, CODE BY DEE, MODIFIED BY GUNNER

Among an ocean of comforts did he forever rest beside the only thing that ever truly kept his heart beating and his body moving. Nestled in the comforts of their spirited chains were they tugged at. With @Nymeria's body being vacuumed into the ether of tunnels between the living and the dead, Gareth's body went with. Even in death he would follow her wherever she went if not as a mate or a friend, but as a guard for her and all she would ever desire of him.

So as she entered and they surrounded by a crowd of lions, there was a quick inhale of air as he viewed the unmistakable. Many tens of lions gathered but it was to the arena that his eyes fell first. To the grey and white woman that had been his friend through many things, the two introduced to the family and near the same time. @Morrigan had always been a great strength in all the time that he had known her but when he had been without Nymeria as his living constant, he had degraded quickly. Only Morrigan to see his pains and his loss so freely on his face as he caved in on himself. She had been the reason that he had reached Nymeria now, in the afterlife.

We must have faith. He quietly told his wife so that she might find some solace in spectating. Truly, as a spirit, they could do nothing but use their words since their physical actions would be met with only an awkward swing. Maua would help her, and if They failed then there were plenty of family, friends, allies and the like that would be ready and willing to help where it was needed. They were strong, after all, and Morrigan was not without her connections. Not today.

^{ART BY AURORA, CODE BY CALA}

The call was unexpected. Death. She had seen her fair share of it, and caused plenty of it as she sliced the throats of the old and unwanted. She had seen her sister fight to stay alive to lead the family and her brother in law openingly tried to take the life of a male who dared to threaten the family. She was no stranger to this. Her own father's death lingered in her mind as she walked behind her mother's scent.

As she arrived and looked around, she found herself looking for a single figure before shaking it away. It was Isla's mother that would be fighting for her life and a distraction of any kind wouldn't be a good idea. Still, she couldn't help but notice her as she arrived. Her focus was between Isla and Morrigan as the large lioness launched into her fight. Elaine moved to her mother's side having caught the words of the little girl who then tried to attack a full-grown male lion. Elaine raised her brow at her mother not fully aware of what was going on or what the rules here would be. @Isla ♔'s words filtered in and while it didn't seem that she was talking to her directly, she would heed the words.

With her gaze locked on @Seifrienriosa she spoke. That one will come with me after her fight. It seems that she wanted to find out what lurked in the Bluffs and now she will know. She glanced toward her mother. Speaking just loud enough for the gathered group to hear her. For Isla to hear her.Maybe it will draw out some of the adults or those who support him. She stole a glance toward the large gathering of lions that would normally be across from them. Would any of them falter as she took a step to claim a yearling?

Elaine stepped in front of the crowd slightly and let out a bellowing roar to let those of the Oasis know that she intended to take @Seifrienriosa. Come out, come out, wherever you are. Her icy gaze snapped around looking to see who would answer the theft upon the yearling. They normally didn't go after cubs but this one was bold and seemed to think herself big enough to take on a King. She could be treated as such then. Would the mother of this cub let her become a prisoner in the Bluffs? Not much of a mother if that was the case. Her own would burn anyone that tried to touch her family, maybe the Saxe weren't the same?


@Elaine ♔ vs. ???
Theft of @Seifrienriosa
Round 0 / 3

Art | Table Code | background

I put my armor on, show you how strong I am

The pale furred Noble didn't move or say much, responding to the nudge from @Kvare with one of her own and a low purr. A quiet reassurance that she too would fight if it came to that. For if the shieldmaiden yearned for one thing above all, it was battle.

With the arrival of @Sunder, she only too happily made space for her dear friend, seeking to give a small but affectionate nudge to her cheek before her gaze returned to their surroundings. Ever watchful. Claws continued to flex against stone, dragging against it akin to a beast of war pulling at its chains.

Emerald eyes found the dark form of @Amara when she joined them and others who did were greeted with a rumble, though she spoke to the Bluffs Queen. "If she shows herself, we will ensure she regrets it." Growled words, spoken with cold malice as opposed to her usual at the very least polite tone. "The Gods are not with him and never will be."

When the child came charging at them, she arched a brow, baring sharp fangs in a silent snarl. "Nothing but a spoiled little brat. To think herself so untouchable...delusions of grandeur perhaps." The warrior queen scoffed, tail lashing behind her. Her gaze lingered on @Elaine ♔ for a moment, a smirk on her lips. Though there were times where she would have defended any child, this was not it and she felt more inclined to join in support to the dark speckled lioness. One of Amara's daughters, she figured.

It did irritate her that this child thought she could so easily attack her king, but she trusted in him to handle the situation the way it should. With the force required to show the girl what would happen if she taunted those who already stood against her. Part of her attention remained on their fight, to ensure no harm would come to anyone surrounding them. But her focus was mostly on the main event, a sneer on her lips she watched.

---

+5 Observe a fight (Aeistrios vs Morrigan)
+5 Maintain your weapons (sharpen claws on stone)
+5 Learn a new fighting move (potentially)

code by flea, art by irish

GOD KILLS INDISCRIMINATELY AND SO SHALL WE

Now one hound among many, he would take honorary credit for inspiring the growing horde. Skull low, dark muzzle a mix of huffed ice miasma and lavender fur, he skulked at the heels of others, worrying at their trail and enjoying the melt of the snow in their pawprints. He didn't need to know where they were going and why. Someone was going to die. Although lions died every day, it continued to be a manner of controversy. The world's heart beat same as the Dieudonné, more and more chaos. A death spiral.

Vermier settled a distance behind @Amara, close enough to hear but not enough to have to smell her rancid scent. He preferred the cold emptiness of the storm. It was... clean. Like a plate. A platter. One metaphorical ear on the queen (his ears didn't swivel on command very well, any more), the gargoyle gazed across the dark grey scene and wondered which of the off-colored blobs would be for eating. One of the queen's children called for a claim and he settled his stare upon her. Inwardly he was ready to join her, either directly or by stealing from the same source, but outwardly he appeared uncommitted. @Elaine ♔ was not the highest ranking female here.

faustine was getting bored. sure, a death match sounded fun, but it was the actual killing that made it interesting. she was no vulture, but if it meant getting a chance to have lion flesh then faustine would wait. robin (@Evren) was quick to greet her and the heiress couldn't help but smirk at him, her eyes flashing with intrigue at how much of a follower the boy had became. good. let him know his place beneath her. you as well she said in her practiced smooth tongue, too normal to be actually faustine dieudonne, but merely a construct.

that quickly shattered the moment she spotted a familiar yearling - not in the sense of appearance, but smell. ever since that fateful day in the bluffs, faustine had wondered just who that scent belonged to. she knew it was an intruder, but neither she nor her family could oust the intruder. yet the smell stayed locked away in the back of her mind and it was now that it flourished. ah, it's you all along... she said, eyes honing in on @Seifrienriosa. faustine slipped besides @Elaine ♔, acting more as a barrier against the andals teen than just an onlooker. why, we miss you so.

elaine & faustine vs ??
theft of seifrienriosa
round i ii iii

ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY LARS

Khadija found herself doubtful with showing up here, with attending a death match her former king was issuing over a woman she didnt know too well but guessed was part of their old agreement with her. But again her king who never seemed to be the merciful type was here to already claim her life. Something she was not that happy with, when she was younger and clumsy, when the wish to impress muted all the common sense. Back then she blindly followed him and his ways. But now she was not that sure, she was loyal, but after the raid her devotion to the Saxe was weaving and evaporating. Finally, she walked into the ring, finding her new pride mates there. Quietly unsure if she had the right to come close, yet she took a seat nearby, close enough to be spoken to. She saw Kvare already being attacked, but by a yearling. She was here to support them and offer medical assistance should he and any of their allies need it. She brought a satchel with herbs of all kinds. She watched to assess wounds and even maybe get a tip or two for her own use. She took out one of the herbs and prepared it for use later on. +5 Observe a fight(Morrigan vs Aest) Medic EXP: +5 Dry or prepare herbs for use +5 Attend a spar or challenge to assess the wounds

Art by Shaz - Code by Shaz