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 Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 12:11 pm
 Dalla was feeling restless. There were so many thoughts and plans that tumbled through her mind, and yet she'd not set anything in motion. Baby steps, she kept telling herself, do not move too fast or this is over and you will be as good as dead. It was frustrating to see Aesir in control of the pride, frustrating to see her dearest sister tossed aside like yesterdays trash. While Dalla had found a niche in crafting the jewelry that most of the Vikings wore, she still knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she wanted to see the Warlord fall. Or, at the very least, she wanted to make his life a little more difficult. Being the strong, virile and utterly careless lion that he was, Aesir had begotten a pawful of handsome sons. Young and impressionable, or so Dalla had hoped. And while Dalla was not the most beautiful lioness in the pride... she was determined to work her claws into one of these young, impressionable sons. These were the steps she would have to take. And so, with that thought in mind, the lioness settled herself near the sparring sands. Perhaps, if Dalla was lucky enough, one of those young and impressionable sons would find her there, and she would be able to lead him somewhere a bit more... secluded.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 12:41 pm
The mighty roar of adolescence sang in his blood. His mane was growing in thick and heavy, and he was gaining that swagger he saw some of the young adult males using. It was a strut of power, one he felt he was entitled to, as he was a good fighter and son of the Warlord to boot. Full of himself and his growing vigor, he was also beginning to notice... the girls.
He had been watching the older boys, seeing how some of the females would cast them looks, or giggle to each other. The young, strong males would wrestle and spar, muscles flexing and roars shuddering the sand from the rocks, and the lionesses would swoon. He'd become very focused on this phenomenon recently, in fact, and was coming to envy the attention the older boys were getting. Shouldn't he have girls watching him too?
With this in mind, he went often to the sparring sands, seeking challenging opponents and attempting to not only hone his battle skills, but impress those enticing and mysterious females. That seemed how all the others did it, so he would follow suit. He hadn't yet found an opponent today, so was prowling the edges of the grounds, tail lashing and eyes bright.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 1:10 pm
It was remarkable, really, how lucky Dalla was. It hadn't taken long for one of mighty Aesir's sons to come to the sparring sands. For a moment she cursed her lack of graceful beauty - and for a split second, she had to wonder if she could pull off such an amazing feat. Dalla had never dallied with the males in the pride. They were too full of themselves, more often than not, and Dalla was not one to be impressed by the virile youths that were coming into their own. She much preferred the older males of the pride for companionship if she found herself lonely - which rarely happened.
Unfortunately for Dalla, the male she'd sighted was younger than she by quite a bit, and likely would fall under the category of 'annoyingly boastful' - perhaps she would be pleasantly surprised by this particular son of Aesir, but she dared not let her hopes rise too far.
She watched him for a long while. Dalla knew his name, just as she knew all of the names of the Warlord's offspring. She knew his name but she would not let on to it. Dalla wanted to see if he would approach her, if he would strike up a conversation - if he would be flattered that she knew of him, the lioness would play that card - but for now, she would sit on the outskirts of the sands, sending Hroarr long glances paired with soft, gentle lifts of her lips. All a farce, but all completely necessary to draw the lout into her web.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 1:21 pm
To Hroarr's frustration, there were no available sparring partners. Most of those sparring, in fact, were older than he, and tended to send him looks that said they thought he was nothing but a baby. This treatment made him growl to himself. He wasn't a baby! He had every right to be here, to show off, to train, to impress the girls! So he didn't bother with finding a partner. He began to shadow-fight. He leapt, dodged, snarled at his invisible foe, and slashed his claws through imaginary flanks.
It was during a particularly energetic lunge that he realized he was being watched. He continued his solo practice, but one ear kept pivoting towards his watcher. Every time his body gyrated that direction, he caught a glimpse of pale and dark cream fur. He managed to spot pale eyes latched onto him. The body was definitely female. A grown female, in fact! He paused his exercise, panting lightly, and turned to gaze back at her directly. Astonishingly, her expression was very beckoning. He in fact glanced around himself to see who it was she was trying to entice closer, but noone was nearby. Why, was she... was she... ?!
His momentary astonishment was erased in a huge surge of testosterone. Of course she was wanting him to come over to her! Finally, someone saw him for the lion he was! He gave his fur a shake, raked his claws through his half-grown mane once, and then padded towards her, trying to act nonchalant. It didn't matter that he didn't know her name, nor did it matter that, now that he was closer, he saw she was a good bit older than even he had thought. With his blood singing in his ears, all he knew was that some female was attracted to him, and that was enough for him. "Hello, beautiful," he greeted her with his best smile and a clumsy attempt at a compliment.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 1:42 pm
And Dalla had actually been hoping for something of a challenge with this one. Even if she was not the most beautiful of females in the pride, all she had to do was settle her body in a rather fetching position, flick her tail in a becoming way, bat her eyes most bewitchingly... and males would flock. It was almost flattering, if nearly all of the males in the pride weren't so abhorrent. So... graceless.
So unlike Uhtred.
When Hroarr approached, Dalla forced herself to swallow the contempt she harbored for his father. This was all for a just cause, and this rather striking male before her would be nothing but a casualty in the pursuit of justice. This had to be done, and he was so willing. It would be so easy. Too easy.
"Mmm, Hroarr, yes? Son of the great Warlord." The words were incredibly bitter on her tongue. "I have seen you sparring here many times before... please, forgive my staring - I know it is rude, but I cannot help but watch such an apt and handsome male do what he does best."
Was it too much? She would measure his reaction and go from there.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 5:08 pm
He knew of course, the moment the words had left his lips. It was a completely lame attempt at being grown-up. He flushed at his failed attempt and prepared to turn away at whatever scornful thing the lioness was about to say. He actually turned away, ducking his head slightly, before her first words registered. Once they had, he stopped dead, jaw dropping in amazement. She knew who he was? She had been... watching him?
Now at this point, he felt of two minds. His hormone-crazed self preened and soaked up the adoration, thinking it was only his due, and about stinkin time too! But another part of him was skeptical. He'd never seen her down here before, he was sure of it... at least, not watching him. He'd been dying for this chance for some time now, and he'd have noticed if what she'd said was true. It seemed like she was not only fibbing, but laying it on quite thick. But why?
He stood for a few moments, confused and uncertain how to react. How would his father react? He closed his eyes momentarily and centered, almost like he was preparing for battle. Ah. With confidence, that's how. Regardless of whether what she said was true or not, he needed to have confidence and self-assurance.
So he smiled at her warmly and gave an elegant bow. "Why thank you, my lady. I am honored to have the attention of the likes of you." He leaned forward just enough to graze the tips of his whiskers against her cheek. "And what is the name of my lovely admirer?" Perhaps her name would help trigger his memory as to the real reason why she was watching him. Or maybe it would just provide enough identity that he would remember her better next time. Even if she hadn't been watching him before, perhaps she would be from now on? It felt good to think he would be appreciated.
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Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:18 am
Dalla was a little bit shocked by the warm smile and the elegant bow. There was no way that she could stifle the look of surprise that flashed across her face. For a small moment she felt a little rattled, especially when he was so bold as to brush his whiskers against her cheek. The scent of him flooded her nostrils and a genuine hitch interrupted the rhythm of her breathing. Dalla had not expected the reaction her body gave, these small tell-tale signs that a more experienced lion might be able to read. If he was well-learned, Hroarr himself might be able to catch the little signals that she gave so unwillingly.
No, this was unacceptable.
Dalla cleared her throat and exhaled brusquely, making an attempt to clear her head. She hadn't expected to be swayed - he was young, far younger than she, and she was doing this only to get at his father. Control here would be important, and at the first sign of losing control, well... Dalla was weighing her options. Stay, and take the chance that he might completely sniff out her ultimatums? Take the chance that he might speak to his father about her? Or leave and scrap everything that she'd been planning?
Her sister's face flashed in her mind's eye, and Dalla met Hroarr's pale golden gaze.
"Dalla. I make many of the trinkets that you see worn about the pride." Control, Dalla. Take it back. Throw him off guard, if you can. Dalla gave a low, deep purr, brushing her nose against the fluffy mane that was just beginning to fill in. "I must admit, I am surprised that one so handsome noticed the likes of me with so many beautiful lionesses about." She waved a paw towards a gaggle of young, pretty females admiring two sparring captains who trained at the far end of the sands.
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Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 8:17 pm
It was a pleasant glow to have her giving him such affection, and not being his mother, or aunt, or some other family member. Although the very idea of Kazul giving him such affection was distracting enough to nearly make him burst out laughing. He stifled it though, for the sake of Dalla's feelings. It couldn't feel very nice to have a young upstart laugh at her when she compared herself to the younger females. He had to admit, he was a little puzzled why this mature lioness was interested in him when none of those his own age were. He cast the gaggle of females a puzzled look, clearly giving her words some serious thought. Should he be trying to woo the younger lionesses?
He looked back to her, fumbling mentally for something kindly and complimentary to reply with. He really wasn't any good at this! He agonized for a few more moments before trying to channel his father again. "Beauty knows no age," he finally managed to gasp, not quite sounding as smooth and convincing as he would have liked. "Besides, they have no eyes for me." It was honesty, plain and simple, though it stung a bit. He cast his eyes downward, hiding the embarrassment as well as his attempt to get a grip and decide how he felt about all this. It was very confusing for an adolescent!
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 10:37 am
Excellent. He was looking quite confused, and Dalla pressed forward. Confused was good. It was very good. He was such a sweet thing, truly he was, trying to compliment her as best he could. So touching. Truly.
"Mmm. Silly females with eyes only for those more experienced." Dalla watched him with pale eyes for a few long moments, one brow lifting as she continued. "They do not have eyes for Hroarr, the son of the Warlord, because he has yet to prove himself. They do not see the potential that I see. They are fickle fools," she purred, moving past him with a flick of her tail against his jaw.
"Or perhaps," she went on to say, "they are intimidated because they know you are the son of the Warlord. Perhaps I dare approach because I see no need to be frightened. Perhaps they know they hold no chance with you." Too bold? Likely. "Or perhaps it is far more simple than all this." She canted her head to the side, watching him carefully. "What do you think?"
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 10:48 am
He watched her prowl past him, blinking at her tail flick. It was all very... contrived. One part of him was hugely flattered and swooning. Another, more analytical part was beginning to take interest in her in an entirely different way. She seemed to be working very hard to get his attention. She posed many questions, even statements were coming out as questions. But why? His over-heated body wasn't helping him think very clearly at all.
"I think... it doesn't much matter," he replied slowly. "Why should I care?" Well, that was truth to be sure. If he had a lovely, mature lioness interested in him, distant pretty faces would mean little. "Who my father is shouldn't have any bearing anyway," he added decisively. "I am just another Freeborn seeking Reaver status." He lifted his chin a bit more proudly, unconsciously taking a gallant and bold stance. He was determined to go on his first raid soon, and then it would be raiding until he could manage the rank of Captain.
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 11:05 am
Dalla paused, looking away from him for a moment. Perhaps she'd chosen the wrong son. Hroarr was not stupid, that much was obvious. Time to reevaluate the situation, Dalla supposed. Had she moved too soon? It was certainly difficult to say. She would have to focus on the more... carnal side of things. To refocus him, to draw him in. If it didn't work, well, Aesir had plenty of spawn that she could work her wiles on, and one of them had to be stupider than Hroarr.
"It doesn't matter," Dalla agreed. "Forgive me for speaking out of turn. I find myself frustrated by the blindness that so many young females in our pride seem to be effected with." She cleared her throat quietly.
"In all honesty, Hroarr," she continued, her voice taking on a raspy quality, "I find myself plagued by ...needs." Dalla peered over her shoulder, one brow lifted delicately. "Needs that these old and foolish lions cannot ...keep up with."
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 11:25 am
He opened his mouth to assure her that she need not apologize. If anything, it was exactly the opposite of what he'd just said he'd rather be treated as. She had as much right to say whatever as he did, didn't she? But before his confused brain could put together the words to reassure her, she had moved on to... needs? Old lions?
For a few moments he blinked at her in complete blankness. What needs was she... oh. Oooooh. OOOH! His eyes widened and he flushed from tailtip to nose. Those sorts of needs. And what she wanted suddenly clicked into place with her odd behavior. She wanted... well, he wasn't sure what such a relationship would be called. But he knew some older lionesses preferred the vigor and passion offered by younger males.
The question was... did he want to be one of those sorts of younger males? What would his father say? And what would his mother say?? The whole situation was embarrassing, flustering, and very out of his comfort zone.
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 11:34 am
Dalla watched the various emotions shift across his face. He wasn't easy to read, but she picked up on a few of the physical cues. It was frustrating, really. She hadn't expected to have to work this hard. Perhaps if she were as beautiful as her beloved Ragnhild, this would come easier.
It made Dalla all the more determined to follow through on her plans.
"I am quite discreet, Hroarr. I have my own den on the outskirts of the pride. I am also.. quite inventive. I do not fear the forest, I do not fear being caught in the open. I am.. eager to teach you things, Hroarr, if you are open to.. ah.." her brows twitched upwards as a soft smile toyed with her muzzle, "...learning."
She turned where she stood, making her way back towards him. Dalla lifted a paw to toy with the rich mane that was growing in across his chest. "I do not wish for your cubs and I do not wish to be your wife. I am just looking to enjoy all that you can offer me, Hroarr... and perhaps you will enjoy what I can offer, as well."
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 11:47 am
Unfortunately, that did it for Hroarr. He pulled away from her, ears angling backwards. Perhaps what she offered would have appealed to a more carnal lion, one who wanted pleasure without responsibility. But for him, responsibility ws a great deal of what made him who he was. How could he follow in his father's pawprints if he did not willingly take on such responsibility? Granted, his own father was not exactly faithful to his mother, but it was a fault in Hroarr's eyes, not a quality to mimic.
"I'm sorry if you thought that is what I wanted, Dalla," he said quietly, with dignity. "I still am honored you were so interested in me, but that is not the sort of thing I want for myself, or my future." Always the future, that was where his focus was. And this situation had the potential to spin his future off track. He gently reached a paw to cup the lioness' face. "You truly are a lovely female, and I do regret not being the one to provide the happiness you seek." He shook his head. "But this is not the role for me, I'm afraid." A surge of sorrow and sympathy for her difficult situation shone through his eyes. Clearly life was not as kind to her heart as it had been to others. How sad that his father could gallivant around with numerous females, but this one couldn't find the relationship she sought. It almost made him regretful enough to give her a chance. But no. What she wanted was far from what he himself wanted in a mate, someday. For that is all he would seek out. A mate. Anything else... well, to his mind, anything else would be shameful.
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 11:56 am
It is because you are ugly, Dalla. These pretty words? They are skirting around the heart of the matter, the true meat of the situation. He finds you ugly, unattractive. If only you held the beauty of Ragnhild... and now he thinks you some simple trollop. Most excellent.
Dalla's pale eyes narrowed as she pulled away from the younger lion. Her ego was bruised and aching, her heart was thudding in her chest. She wanted to lift her paw in anger, to scratch his pretty amber eyes from his face.
You moved too fast, too harsh. Are you really so desperate for the touch of a male? There was a plan to follow here, Dalla, and you have ruined any chance at success. Admit it. His gentle words and soft touches ignited something within your chest that you could not ignore. Perhaps you seek passion more than you seek vengeance?
"You are a fool, Hroarr," the lioness hissed, her eyes hot with rage. Having said all that she felt necessary, Dalla spun around and stalked away.
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Dalla was feeling restless. There were so many thoughts and plans that tumbled through her mind, and yet she'd not set anything in motion. Baby steps, she kept telling herself, do not move too fast or this is over and you will be as good as dead. It was frustrating to see Aesir in control of the pride, frustrating to see her dearest sister tossed aside like yesterdays trash. While Dalla had found a niche in crafting the jewelry that most of the Vikings wore, she still knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she wanted to see the Warlord fall.
