she's got the devil in her eyes
pretty in the light, even prettier at night

Oh she was eager to tear her wife apart but at the sudden roar from @Reti ♔, her attention snapped away from her wife and towards her friend. Ears pushed forwards and it seemed that @Miaran was keen to stop their fight. Every bit of her wanted to keep going but Aphrodite would halt her own attacks but her jewels turned to stay focused on her wife as Miaran came closer. A growl erupted from her throat but she was in agreement before moving to stand beside Miaran.

Her violet jewels were blazing with a fire that hadn't been distinguished. Her claws still tearing into the ground but there was nothing but pure calm on her features as she glanced between them all. Miaran wanted @Haakon to answer and Aphrodite wanted to step in and defend him but this was her own doing. Ears twisted as she found herself irritated with the entire situation. She knew that the Hollows was cautious. But just how had always been the question and Aphrodite seemed to not have realized just how cautious the pride was. Consequences that she was here to deal with.

table by ryuu

His arm is around her, pulling her close. And she could not fight it. Could not find it within herself to stand against him. She needed him. Needed to be close to him. Lilliana let out a soft breath as she sank perfectly into @Haakon's hold. He also calls for @Lagertha. The Medic says nothing as the other woman approaches. Brushing against the male warrior with close familiarity. Her attention slides back to @Vladizmir. Appreciation softening her face. The two eldest of her clan holding equal parts fear and respect. There was indeed an indescribable comfort that only they could bring. No matter the circumstances.

When Lilli turns back she is quick to notice the look on @Teodora's face. A look she had seen too often enough. Always thankful it had never been aimed her way. Teod- She begins for Haakon. She had told him about the Blood Mother before. Always having to explain to him why he could never follow her from her garden to the Home Cave. ora.. She finishes as her distant aunt leaps for Lagertha. Teodora lived within the Home Cave. And she would have ripped Haakon apart first before asking any questions. Much like she and her brother Vlad were doing now.




Green eyes lift to @Alexander ♔. Sad and oh so full of guilt. Part of this was her blame too. I should have told you, Uncle. With both her father and adopted mother out of the picture, Alexander was the next of kin. The only other parental figure she had. I got so swept up in.. Her whispered voice hushing back down, willing herself to not start bawling right here in front of all these people. Instead she looks up at her husband. Eyes filled with admiration and love. So much love.
We are married before The Mother. And before all of his Gods as well. But she knew the Savante would not understand that. Most of the time she didn't either. No point in mentioning it. No point in upsetting and confusing them any more than she already had.

I knew he was going to come for me. But I assumed it would have been a proper, more civil, way. The last bit somewhat grumbled. It was clear that all of this stemmed from miscommunication. From more than one source.

@Miaran and @@Aphrodite, the two Caladan leaders having now apparently finished their squabble, join the group. Lilliana regards them respectfully enough but tenses a fraction to hear her uncle's words. He did not wish to part with her. It made sense. She did indeed have a vital role within the family now. Yet even if she didn't, no matter what Lilliana could easily guess that Alexander's reaction would have been the same.

The Queen of the Cove demanded answers and Lilliana shifts into the Savante's native language. Turning a pleading voice to her King. Tuham ín paterns, Sîr. A i nemak barit a Caladan, es erjeg aladi em asfandi a Obsidian. I carry his children, Uncle. If he is no longer welcome in Caladan, then please allow him refuge in Obsidian. Even if Haakon wasn't banished from his home, Lilliana desired to be with him. She just had no idea how she could go about living her life, raising her new family, and still remaining in the good graces of her elders.

art by Deej

Everything happens so fast that Levana feels as if her head is on a swivel that is close to snapping, her uncle loses the battle just as @Lagertha is speaking to @Lillianw, the man challenging for her sister comes closer and her twin rushes into his chest, @Teodora snaps the leash on her great uncle, only to lunge herself at the shield maiden, and Levana stands there dumbfounded for a moment.

She feels her jaws agape and closes them once she father's her senses, she sneaks closer to her uncle and sister, listening to the words Lilli speaks, her green eyes shadowed under furrowed brow, their gaze flicking to Lilli then to her sides. Finally the pieces click and she swallows the lump in her throat, eyes flicking to @Alexander ♔, unsure what to say or do in this moment.

Him? he asks of @Thella ♔ and motions with his eyes (as inconspicuously as possible) to the lion that she was looking at which he presumed she meant Vladizmir. He's my... there was a long pause, his eyes going to the sky as he tried to think about his relation to the male. It took him a few seconds to recall but eventually shrugged and looked back to his friend he's a Savante. He gave a stupid look that clearly addressed that he knew that that wasn't a great answer but he honestly didn't know the guy's relation to himself. I think he's like my Great Uncle? He couldn't be too sure if he was getting his information crossed or not but it felt like the right title.

ART • CODE

Haakon has heard enough of those strange words from Lilliana’s own lips to recognise her kin’s language, but not enough to understand it. He will, one day. For now, he cannot discern what Alexander says with that growl. When the conversation switches back to the common tongue, Haakon understands much better - that there is no understanding at all.

"I know relations between prides have been… tense. That is why I sought permission." Haakon does not feel that he should be explaining himself, that this is all rather ridiculous. But he is beginning to understand just why his wife thinks herself as delicate as this, that she would think herself incapable. She’s been coddled and protected and shielded by these… men. If anyone dares look at her the wrong way, they respond like rabid dogs.

"You think I want her only for my bed, to - how did you say - tend to me? She would not be my wife if that were the case. Why would I keep her from her duties in her family?" Haakon’s lips tighten, but the words escape anyway, "What sort of man would sequester and coddle a woman, and keep her from her potential?" It’s a dig, whether they realise it or not.

”I knew he was going to come for me. But I assumed it would have been a proper, more civil, way.”

"Uncivil would have been to turn up with an army at your borders, käraste." He says with a bloody smile, a low laugh in the back of this throat. This is quickly becoming a headache, something that Haakon cannot take seriously anymore. "All I’ve done is propose."

Lagertha attempts to be civil, something Haakon knows is difficult for the warrioress. He means to have her at his other side, but from the corner of his eye he sees a flash of snarling red.

"Till vänster om dig," On your left, he snaps a warning, seeking to push Lilliana away from the pair and ensure he remains between the new fight and his pregnant wife. "Are all your clan like this?" He mutters to her, one of his ears flicking in irritation. Lagertha might have shown restraint before, but he doubts she will now - and he wouldn’t hold it against her.

In the chaos, Miaran splits from her fight with her queen and approaches, and when she addresses Haakon, the viking’s eyes narrow.

"With your queen’s permission, I challenged for the right to my wife and unborn cubs." He seeks out Aphrodite in the crowd - had this been the reason for their fight? Gods above and below. Her ignorance is not his fault, and her tone is scathing. It tugs at Haakon’s few remaining strings of patience. They are liable to snap. "If my ambition and ability displeases you, I’m sure I can find a pride that will appreciate it."

When Lilliana addresses Alexander, Haakon’s attention turns back as well. He has no idea what she says, but the words Caladan and Obsidian are clear. Is she pleading for peace, or his mercy, or to be allowed to leave the Hollows without further bloodshed? Does Alexander have any intention of honouring this outcome?

"I would be your ally, for Lilliana if no other reason." He says simply, and then he adds very, very softly. "But keep her and our children from me, and I will be your enemy."

@Lagertha @Alexander ♔ @Lilliana @Miaran

art © drifty | code © hinter

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

Had she been anyone else, maybe she wouldn't have jumped so easily at the bait. Of course she knew she shouldn't have. But impulsivity so often overruled the more rational part of her mind. And she was not one to simply let it stand if anyone spoke to her in such a way. And that...that was her weakness.

Though her attention had long since moved to the situation before her, tail flicking slightly as she listened. Verdant gaze lingered on @Alexander ♔, briefly wandering over the wounds both he and Haakon had suffered in their fight. Though outwardly calm and collected, the way taught muscles strained under silken fur, the way claws flexed against the ground, it was enough to show there was still something more beneath that carefully guarded mask. "A simple suggestion, is all," she purred, though her gaze already darted between @Lilliana and @Haakon. Yes, she could see it. But what exactly could she see? In truth, she wasn't sure. But there was...something. "He is right," the warrior queen lowly purred towards the other lioness. Perhaps in time there could be more understanding. But for the time being, it really was quite the misunderstanding and a quite obvious difference in culture.

Ears twitched, drawing closer to the sides of her skull as the growl drew closer, louder over those speaking and the snapped warning was all she needed. No more masquerading. No more playing the diplomat now that the Queen had approached. No more restraints. Verdant flames burned in the Valkyrie's gaze as she moved. The smaller woman crashed into her side, claws digging into her skin. The sting of soft flesh parting beneath ripping claws, the scent in the air growing stronger as crimson essence tainted pale fur. It made her purr. And that purr still vibrated through her entire body as she threw herself to the side, away from the others to bring distance between them. With that force, she sought to slam @Teodora against the nearest rock as if to crush her between them. Generally a good idea, if she'd have been much bigger than the red woman and had more mass to throw around. But the difference between them wasn't that huge, so attempting to squish her against the rock was all there was. Though the other lioness was attached to her side, it didn't stop the Valkyrie from snapping viciously, twisting her head and neck to aim for the smaller woman's throat, the side of her neck, anything she could reach while aiming to slam her against the rock again and again while unsheathed claws struck out, aiming to slice at anything she could reach.

Lagertha vs. @Teodora
For Minor Maim
Round 1 / 4
Hits:

Rolling 5d20: 10 + 11 + 13 + 5 + 17

Dodges:

Rolling 4d20: 5 + 19 + 6 + 7

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 18 + 4 + 16 + 3 + 9

code by flea, art by irish

@Aphrodite had turned away from her before moving beside her, and despite the tumultuous clash of marital discord, Miaran found herself drawn ever closer to her Black Widow of a wife. Her wounds seeped with blood, her body ached with pain, but Miaran held onto the belief that @Khadija would mend her, would heal her once this ordeal was over.

Miaran could hear the whispers of the Hollows lions, some of their words veiled in a language foreign to her ears. Yet, the mention of Caladan and Obsidian caught her attention, prompting a quizzical raise of her brow in their direction. Haakon's voice finally reached her, causing her to lick her bloodied lips before casting a swift glance towards Aphrodite.

Aphrodite's words ignited a fire within @Haakon, empowering him to challenge for the Hollows lioness with a newfound determination. As he exhaled slowly, Miaran realized that she had not been clear enough during the meeting about avoiding conflict with the Hollows pride. Despite the past misunderstandings, there was nothing to be done about it now except moving forward.

Closing her eyes briefly, Miaran took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking with a mix of disappointment and passion, Non, Haakon. I am upset by the misunderstandings that have occurred, but I believe in your ambitions She glanced towards @Reti ♔ for a split second before focusing back on Haakon, I am not removing you from Caladan. Instead, I offer you the opportunity to become Noble, standing alongside @Lagertha.

It may have seemed unusual to grant such a title to a male who had caused tension, but Miaran had witnessed Haakon's bravery in battle on more than one occasion and recognized his potential. Alternatively, if you prefer a different position, I can appoint you as Lead Fighter, she added, a faint smile appearing on her lips. The decision was now in Haakon's hands, a chance for redemption and a fresh start in the eyes of Caladan.

@Alexander ♔ @Lilliana

table code by daanyen

Teodora was a relentless force of violence. She'd been in war after war, she'd taken life after life - no doubt others had as well, but it had become all she knew. The entirety of her being. There was more hate and resentment within her body than anything else. There was never room for anything else. Until Riven. Yet even with the love he gave her, it did not temper the ferocity of her heart. Of her pain. It was etched so deeply within who she was that it could never be erased.

As her opponent moved to slam her in against a rock, Teodora doesn't relent. The crash causes the wind to get knocked from her lungs and for a moment she can't breathe. She can't think - there is a second of being stunned; where she almost relents, but she snaps back to reality a second later. Her ribs and spine throb with pain, knowing that would be severely bruised later.

A snarl erupts from her as she inhales a deep breath and attempts to latch herself onto the other even more tightly, like a snake squeezing tighter the more it's prey struggled. Teeth attempt to shift up toward Lagertha's spine, wanting to latch down onto it while her limbs and claws try to keep their grip on the woman.

Due to her dedication to this vicious attack, Lagertha's teeth were able to slice into the side of her shoulder - prompting a thick laceration to blossom on her flesh and immediately gush a pretty crimson.

Teodora vs. @Lagertha
For Minor Maim
0 1 2 3 4
Hits:

Rolling 5d20: 12 + 6 + 19 + 3 + 17

Dodges:

Rolling 7d20: 18 + 5 + 2 + 20 + 8 + 3 + 19

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 1 + 3 + 15 + 10 + 9

coded by flea + background credit + art

This whole situation had turned into a mess, and while the drama was of some amusement to the boy, he was eager to get back to training. He would observe the fight @Lagertha was participating in, her attempt to beat down a lioness smaller than herself. He would envision himself in a similar situation, wondering if all of his training would serve him well when put into practice.. he would find out soon enough.

Rising to his feet, the pastel lion would turn and depart the scene. The Caladan Queen's voice would sound faintly in his ear, offering the rank of noble to the lion that had brought trouble and tension in the simple act of theft. Interesting..

/exit Daedric

And I'm feeling good

Birds flying high, You know how I feel, Sun in the sky, You know how I feel, Breeze driftin' on by, You know how I feel, It's a new dawn, It's a new day, It's a new life, For me

code by corvus

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

The gaze of a youth lingered briefly before the feeling was gone. But it was nothing. Not important for the time being. Perhaps in time she would meet the one who'd so briefly watched. But now? Right now everything else was nothing more than a haze. Blurred beyond recognition. A void where it was only her and Teodora.

The smaller lioness was older, had more experience. No matter the battle Lagertha had been in, no matter how long she'd been fighting already, this woman had done it longer. And there were some things only more years of battle, more years of war could teach. Delicious life essence left its taste on her lips, on her fangs, on her tongue. Barely a taste when she left a deep mark on the other. But it was enough. Enough to fan verdant flames, to push her further into the fog. Claws sank deeper into her, but she didn't relent. Instead, she slowly lowered herself before pushing off hard, using the rock to push herself further. And with the last push, she aimed to throw them both over, to crash onto her back while pinning the smaller woman between the ground and her back. If successful, though even if she landed on her side, she sought to move, to turn in the woman's grasp and aim sharp, unsheathed claws at her soft belly while a vicious snap of sharp fangs aimed for the woman's neck to reach anything there or her shoulder. No matter how this would end, she'd leave her mark on the other.

Lagertha vs. @Teodora
For Minor Maim (Dislocated shoulder)
Round 2 / 4
Hits:

Rolling 5d20: 3 + 2 + 17 + 16 + 4

Dodges:

Rolling 4d20: 13 + 5 + 19 + 1

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 13 + 7 + 17 + 2 + 4

code by flea, art by irish