Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Deep breath in. The white lioness waited, watching the group of stormborn quietly converse with one another, an air of anxiety and excitement rolling off them in waves. Finally, her eyes caught sight of an equally pale lion with a flaming orange mane. With his nod, she received the signal that it was time to start.
She made her way through the bodies of lions and lionesses to a rock that protruded from the rough ground. It was a dark night, barely illuminated by the sparse stars half hidden in clouds and a waning crescent moon. Despite this, when she leapt onto the rock, her coat was pale enough that she shined in the dim light.
"
Welcome!" She projected her voice, casting her eyes over the rippling body that congregated around the rock. It was difficult to discern exactly how many were here and all the better. She'd never had the obligation of public speaking and she could tell now she was not a fan.
"
Thank you for coming." Her voice was difficult to keep about the howl of the wind but she hoped she managed to be clear and distinct. This part wouldn't take long, thankfully. "
As you've been told, you were invited here because you may have had reasons to disagree with the new laws laid down." She paused, taking in the general reaction to this. "
Namely that we--lionesses--can no longer claim the position of reavers or captains! Instead," she sneered, "
we're told to 'prove' ourselves, as if there is some question of our abilities as stormborn! As if we are somehow less capable than the males of species!" She was becoming angry and her voice rose to reflect it.
"
You've been asked here today, this night..." she leapt from the rock, into the congregated group. "
Because there are questions that need to be answered. Are you less than a lion? Are you less of a stormborn?" She walked through the crowd, meeting the eye of every lioness she passed. "
Or are you a true warrior? Are you of Myrsky Syntynyt blood?" Her voice was rough now, having risen into a bellow.
Having made her circuit, Vígdís climbed back to the rock and glowered. "
Are you a Daughter of the Storm? If so, speak now." Vígdís’ muscles were pulled tight, clenched in anticipation. Perhaps there were no other lionesses willing to speak against their unfair treatment.