"If the previous ruler refuses, i will be the one issuing you a challenge for Firnen." Deep voice would boom from behind brush, pink frame pushing through it and showing himself. After @Aquila and @Onyxia took their leave The Viking fought an inner battle on whether or not he should follow or allow for them to have some sort of sibling bonding (for that was what it looked like it was going to turn into when he noticed the Valour woman rush off in his King's direction). But as he took his leave would the rumblings of growls and words catch his attention, bringing him to the trio. The Oasis Noble would walk with a steady, confident gait, golden eyes unwavering as they stayed upon @Sangria. He'd cease movement once he were at the bronze male's free side, shoulders rolling forward and skull holding itself high.

"Amaryllis will always and forever be native land, and I will sink tooth and claw into whoever thinks otherwise." The sudden series of events at the Rainforest challenge only rekindled the massive wildfire Valhalla felt for these outsiders, the ones who thought these lands were theirs simply because Maua had shown it to them. And her reasoning for challenging for the pride would have caused for blood to boil if he had gotten here moments earlier to hear it. "Numbers mean nothing if your members are inept in the art of war." A pride could have dozens of lions, but what good were they if they weren't battle ready? Did he know which lions that would call Firnen home were well-versed in fighting? No. But war was what Valhalla was bred for, and although during his time he hadn't seen one it didn't change the fact of how he were brought up. After a moment would he adjust his attention to give both Aquila and Onyxia a glance, scrutinizing their faces to see if he could read their reactions if they had any.

Amaryllis was native land, and the more prides they clenched for themselves the more known it would be that they were no longer rolling over and allowing for others to call them theirs.

table by sentinel / lion + cliffs

❝

He glanced over to his cousin as he began to speak again, her support was encouraging. She was a more tempered and calm presence than he was but he didn't feel like she disagreed either. When he did speak it was as much to Onyxia as to Sangria, still and calm was his voice. I want to allow a chance for this offer then and hear what he and his family want to do. After the whirlwind of the last year in their lives, of which he'd only been afforded a small glimpse into, it sounded fair to give @Sangria's offer the light of day. I will stay out of your way until then. If he wants to take you up on it then so be it, we will see where things stand in two months time. Surprisingly though another joined them. Aquila was more ready for his sudden arrival but was not at all prepared for the gauntlet to be dropped. @Valhalla's promise and admission of his own thoughts and plan could throw a wrench into things. But Aquila smiled towards his brother in arms with pride. He'd love to see another victory for his people; on the eve of this conquest it would be even sweeter.

Aquila seemed a little more bolstered when he spoke again, more energy and passion than the steeled and stern facade @Onyxia's words had driven him into. Valhalla fought for the Rainforest before and they chose another ruler then, the first of the women whose footsteps you wish to follow in. If Maua want you to rule as she did I do believe they will ensure your victory over him just the same. Do you agree? Victory was not, would never be, a one and done thing. And he did so too believe Valhalla could smash her into the dirt like Aquila really wanted to do right now...

❞

@Valhalla's sudden arrival gives Onyxia pause, her gaze swiftly turning in the direction of her counterpart as he ambled onto the group. Dread flooded through her, ice clenching her veins and causing her heart to still and shudder with dismay. Though she had long felt that the potential of stability with @Sangria was minute at best, she had held onto the fleeting hope that they could rectify the passionate threat @Aquila had bellowed at the challenge, but now it seemed all but lost as Valhalla blatantly threatened the newest Rainforest Sovereign. She could do nothing but balk at the desires of the King and her fellow Noble, knowing too well she was now outnumbered. And yet, Onyxia did not want to appear as if she would not support her family; should this truly be what Aquila wanted, then he was have the striped Valour's full support.

She remained silent, resigned to the sides of the group as she no longer took part. There was nothing left for her to do; and she could only toil in the disappointment that thrummed in her chest as a sharp and resonating pang. Aquila's words lessened the frustration, thankful that perhaps even the most momentary of pauses could be taken in the next two months to follow, but there was little else Onyxia could do but watch, and wait, and listen for the Queen's response.

table by ferus, art by ale-tie

She tried to keep her more base emotions under control. The woman did her best to attempt to ensure that she didn't jump the gun and start tearing into the three standing before her - and so far she had done a halfway decent job. She truly did have intentions of offering the suggestion to Roan after things had calmed - but it was the words of the two males that finalized it. @Aquila made it sound like he would be amenable to simply leaving them be - let bygones be bygones. Which she was perfectly fine with. But, it was in the next breath of @Valhalla that spoke that had her eyes flashing with barely repressed anger before they narrowed on him. "You can explain to your allies why you ruined their chances." Her tones were icy, the rage that flowed through her veins beating like the thud of a war drum. They had single handedly - or rather.. the ill tempered red one.. had single handedly ensured she would N E V E R make the offer. As it didn't matter in the end, she would face a challenge and not even from the Hodari. "Get out." Lips curled as she bared her fangs at the three - not caring if she was outnumbered. Claws bit the earth as the snarl grew in volume from deep within her breast. "The next time you show your face in this rainforest, you will leave with one less body part!" Her fur along her nape and shoulders started to stick straight out, a fine tremor rumbling along the sovereigns limbs. The world had slowed nicely with the rush of adrenaline, prepared for one of them to attack her - which on Firnen soil? She knew they would be stupid to do so right now. With so many others in attendance still within the confines of the trees.

code by koi

Attention was only settled upon @Sangria, having to hold in a chortle of laughter at her attempt to to try to backtrack the trouble she herself had caused. And although his blood was at its boiling point and every nerve in his body were on high alert he wouldn't allow for Sangria to see that he was seething. No, he would keep that internally. Instead, the Viking appeared calm and levelheaded, gaze not once leaving her face. And her empty threats would only cause for inky lips to curl upward. "I'll be counting down the days before I take back what is rightfully ours." If she thought she could intimidate or spook him she was highly mistaken. Valhalla was born of battle and hellfire and he would never be chased from a fight.

Holding back an eyeroll would he finally tear his narrowed gaze upon her to glance over at both @Aquila and @Onyxia. He was sure that this little 'meeting' was adjourned but he wasn't going to make his exit until his King did. He wasn't going to leave him open for any attacks if the thick headed woman thought it would be a great idea to start a war prematurely. His shoulders would roll forward and his muscles would tense, ears flicking backward but not pinning themselves entirely into his mane. Toes would flex, allowing for claws to unsheathe and slide back into their pockets as he did so, attention then going back to Sangria. Try me.

table by sentinel / lion + cliffs

Ruined? He couldn't be convinced she'd been sincere in the first place. But there wasn't sense screaming that to her. She'd get the time anyways. @Onyxia was not entirely wrong- it didn't benefit either pride to throw themselves at each other right now. Should she change her mind while they each prepared their own eventualities then so be it. He was still of the mind that he wanted to see the offer made, @Valhalla's promise or @Sangria's hissing words of ruin didn't change that. I suppose I'll see you in two months regardless. He said then with one last angry look upon the seething new Sovereign. Angry as she was, Aquila delighted in the rise that came out of her with the bristling of her hair and snarling in her voice. He was angry, he liked that she was too.

He reached to Valhalla and nudged his shoulder before turning and doing the same to Onyxia, it was time to go. Without qualm he turned and began his exit from the Rainforest again.

/exit