His face scratch felt itchy but he knew that was just a touch compared to worse results. This was just a challenge for a rank, should this be a more serious match wounds could even mean death. He stood up, a bit beaten up but fine. Scared of what @Seneca would express after seeing his fall, he was already getting on the mind set of being denied the rank. He would accept whatever the verdict would be, he could always try again later right.?

Surprisingly though, the king had more positive than negative words to him. That helped him ease the anxiety that was building inside. Even though he wasn't given the position of Noble, gentry seemed just as fine for his purpose to learn the roots. He gave a quick glance to @Ashelia. Nodding as he would definitely reach out for her for learning under her should she want that. I accept the position. I won't let you down. He promised serious on his statement.

He felt like dying after the fight. A fight thay did teach him important life lessons but left him quite exhausted. He turned at his mom, happy to see her there to support him. He approached attempting to nudge her left cheek in affection. Thank you...for the support you had always given me...i love you. I will visit you and Sana. He would once he had rested and settled on the role he was about to start. Giving the rest a nod he felt ready to go rest. Thank you all, for the trust. Even if he had heard complaints toward him. And like that of Seneca allowed him, he would go for now.

Exit Ivaan unless stopped.

Ah, how it must be to be young and naive as to the politics and rankings of adulthood. He's not fond of the idea of Diantha being so disappointed in him, but he also doesn't want to uphold a rank in a pride he doesn't intend on situating in for a lifetime. Whatever might be in store, Ashelia had awoken something in him, enough so that he sought larger dreams beyond serving under Seneca. That and he wasn't necessarily acquainted well enough with the king to know if he was the type he would want to serve under. Not that the charming little daughter of the king would understand these more complex thoughts of adult workings.

Instead he would face the king, content to let @Ivaan take place in the pride where he wished to. Youth was not always folly, though youth coupled with ambition could bring folly to a pride. To hear the youth's explanation was enough that he felt a pang of guilt for challenging someone so inexperienced, though he knew that a lesson had been learned today. Valuable time would give Ivaan further experience in fighting, in life. If an ambassador was what he wished to be then fighting wasn't always the best option to climb those more slippery slopes of political ties.

Then, without further ado, he had turned to address @Diantha. Why should I keep a rank I do not want? Glacial eyes glared into the young form of Seneca's daughter with whom he looked upon as a daughter of his own. Of course, it was not to ignore Seneca's desire for him to take up the position of lead fighter. He was truly curious as to why Diantha thought he shouldn't just relinquish the title. A title is just a word tied to responsibility, perhaps I don't want the responsibility that a noble has. It was said more gently then, for he did indeed care for the girl to a point that while Diantha could be a hot-head, she also was still young enough to not be sullied by the more glum parts of the world.

Once he had addressed his young friend his eyes turned back to @Seneca. I would take this role. Diantha is already behind on lessons after all. Since he didn't emote much there was really no change to his facial expression, though he said the words out of amusement for officially becoming the fight teacher of Andal. This meant lessons would be twice as hard for the princess of the sands. On the morrow then, Diantha.

With that he moved to leave the group behind, not really impressed by the king though he was not all too familiar with Seneca in general. Instead of concern himself over further pride links he would go to retrieve Ashelia and perhaps take an afternoon walk with is lover.

Exit

CODE • BG

@Diantha's scornful voice caused the middle Princess to glance over at her, inwardly agreeing. If she had won that fight against her sister for that flower crown all those months ago, she sure as hell wouldn't have shared it, given it back or split the winnings with the loser. It was all or nothing for the Miroslav Princesses, but then they were just selfish little girls. @Seneca doles out alternative ranks instead, granting Ivaan Gentry and suggesting he talk to the Ambassador's of the pride to learn. Rielus had his own opinion and Victoria blinked softly at the venom that came from the man regarding responsibility. Never the less, the challenge concluded with the brown male taking the role of Lead Fighter and immediately setting his sights on Diantha. Victoria took this as her cue to leave, briefly giving her father and @Aarani a sceptical look before turning and sauntering away. /exit victoria

table by koi

i fear no evil

Both men accept their new roles, though Rielus earns a fair amount more scrutiny than the departing form of Ivaan. Behind on her lessons. Seneca inclines his chin, meeting the Azar's gaze with his own darkly burning expression, lips pursed. Diantha's lack of learning is her own fault — her own insolence. If she thinks Rielus has more to offer her than her own father, then so be it.

Ultimately, he doesn't say a word, though his irritation is notable where it spans across his features. A slight jostle of his skull dispels his annoyance and he offers a dip of his chin to Aarani before excusing himself, feeling somewhat in need of some time to himself.

Exeunt Seneca

the shadow is mine, and so is the valley

code by corvus