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 Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 7:39 pm
The festivals atmosphere had the petite lioness' nerves on edge. She was equally excited and afraid. There was just so much going on that it was so hard to focus! Awendela clenched her muscles tight against the urge to flee from her parents' sides and hide in their den until the crowds dispersed, but that wasn't what she'd come here for. She was looking for a particular face in the crowd; a male that she had become friends with in the Bird clan.
She picked her way around other lions, staying as far away as she could without drawing attention to herself until she was close to the area where the Sky ceremony took place. The groupings were tighter and there were more lions, so he should be- "Oh!" There! With a relieved smile, Awendela squeezed past two chittering females to get closer to the rogue born male. "Hakizi, hello. I hear about your match; I'm sorry for your loss."
Despite his brutal loss in the third round, Hakizimana had stuck around the area to see who would be the victor. He had his money on the female who had taken him down, but that was just vanity talking. After all, she was strong enough to beat him, so why shouldn't she be strong enough to take home the glory?
Still, as serious as he'd been while looking over the candidates, he instantly gave the brightest, goofiest grin at seeing his little friend. It was no secret among his friends which lioness he had come to favor, but he'd been planning on making his move after winning the Sky ceremony. Now he was forced to be slick, and that was going to be hard.
"Oh come on, Awen, try not to smile so much when you say that." He teased, pleased to get a full flush out of her. "I'm sure you're as happy as a cub to see someone from your own clan advance so far."
"The last winner was a Mantis too, so it's very exciting, isn't it?" She lowered her eyes, still unable to make full contact with anyone outside of her family. Well, and one other male, but he was...he was different.
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Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2013 5:46 am
Azria had never been the jealous type. Jealousy was petty and weak, and Azria was bold and more than a little self-assured. He didn't worry about losing things to others, mostly because he knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that he wouldn't lose and if he did, he could get it back. He didn't shy away from a tumble, and he had grown up knowing he could defend what he felt a duty to protect. That attitude didn't always garner fans, but Azria had seen more of the world than he had ever wanted to see, and he understood full well that surviving was more important than being popular. If a lion or two disliked him and thought him too dangerous for their society, then so be it.
But that didn't mean he wasn't cautious. His eyes scanned the crowd that had been brought together by the festival, spying Awen's familiar blue tattoos as she wove through the gathered throng of lions. He had seen the lioness from their clan take down that one... that one lion Awen seemed to have become friends with - if "friend" was indeed the word for it; he had seen the way Hakizimana looked at Awen, and Azria did not like it one bit. And if Awen wanted to remain blissfully naive, Azria was not prepared to do the same. Hakizimana had ulterior motives.
And sure enough, he saw her strike up a conversation with the brown lion, saw him flash the silliest grin that made Azria's fur bristle. He pushed his way through the crowd, instinctively sizing up the other male as he stalked to Awen's side, not caring that it was rude to simply invite himself into a conversation. "Tough loss... friend..." he said, his voice dangerously soft. "What a shame there won't be another fight for you."
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Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 12:42 pm
The way she smiled was if the sun itself were being presented before him. Hakizimana had never been thought of as a conniving sort, but in his pursuit of this lioness he would do all that it took. There were only a few short days left before their clans separated, and if he hoped to remain with hers then his moves had to be swift and precise.
And like the moon during the eclipse, that brute Azria blocked him off. He'd heard about the lion long before he'd had the pleasure of seeing him, and something about him set Hakizi on edge. He seemed to much like his mother; loose, vicious and unpredictable.
"A shame, but a worthy loss, since it was to a female Mantis." Hakizimana gave Azria a once over, quickly sizing up the male. He didn't want to give into a fight, but if he started anything that upset Awen... "You fought too, as well, didn't you? In last years ceremony?"
As she had matured Awendela had become a more solid version of her younger self. She tried to help out as much with the clan as she could from the sidelines, and though she was still as socially awkward as before, she could interact with others much easier. Her hare, Rhea, no longer chased off those that wanted to talk with her, and all because Awen had put her foot down against such rough actions.
But like always, every time she saw Azria she felt as if she were a youngling again. Her tongue felt dry, and puffy, while her muscles wavered in her legs, causing them to wobble. When he came up beside her she felt so very small, but so very safe.
"He still fought very well, didn't he, Azria?" Her voice was small, and clear, oblivious to the testosterone coloring the air between the two males. "You made it look so fun. Maybe I should enter next year." If the boys could, then she should be able to! Then again, the thought of actually fighting another lion already had her heart clenching inside of her chest.
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Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2013 8:53 am
That Awen was maturing into a stronger, more confident version of her old self was a happy realization for Azria. Every day she seemed a little more comfortable with herself and with those around her, and whenever she dared to step out of her comfort zone, he felt a swell of pride that he knew meant, against the odds, that something about her had made her matter to him.
"Maybe you should," he agreed, smiling at the idea of a fight as fun. "Next year, when you feel ready for it." That she didn't quite meet Hakizimana's eyes when she spoke to or of him didn't escape the black lion. He took it to mean that for all the other's attempts, Awen still remained happily oblivious to Hakizi's advances. So much the better for all of them. A year had passed since his entry into Ela ranks, and still Azria thought first to resolve problems with his claws - especially problems like Hakizimana. It was the most effective way. He didn't have a way with words, but fought as if he had been doing it all his life.
His gaze slid back to the other lion, returning to the questions he had chosen to ignore before. "Last year's fights are irrelevant," he answered. He had seen the look on Hakizi's face when he'd appeared, equal parts disappointment and unease, as if his presence was something to be regarded with caution. Azria had worked to rid himself of that image, but times like these reminded him how handy a reputation could be, and it made him wonder how fully he could leave his old life behind - and how much he wanted to. For Awen, he was willing to change (or at least try), but it was easier said than done. "But maybe you'll enlighten me as to why... a female Mantis makes the loss worthy? A friend of yours, is she?" And there again was that edge to his voice, almost like a threat.
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Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 5:51 pm
Awen beamed, her eyes brightening with the prospect of a fun match. And to hear Azria agree with her, no less! "Maybe the two of you can train me? I'm not a very good fighter, so I'll need a lot of help." She laughed sheepishly. A sudden thought hit her then, and she turned to Hakizimana, stumbling over her words as she spoke. "O-o-of course, that would be when our clans meet up next. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to...I..well..." Awen bit her lip, and sighed. For all her efforts even the least bit of social communication was terribly awkward for her, even among friends. She suspected that she used up all of her luck during the festival, and now it was coming to an end.
The sheer fact that this lion would support such an act said enough for Hakizimana. He frowned, and shook his head. "Do you really think that's wise, Awen? Like you said, you've never fought before and some of the contestants this year were experienced." He gave a sharp, pointed look to Azria. What if that brute decided to enter? What would he do to her, then, under the guise of a tournament?
The downward cast of her eyes burned him like wild fire. If he did not turn the tides soon, she would truly be wrapped up in the image that Azria presented. This was a problem, a serious one, and he couldn't let it go on any further.
"An acquaintance, and nothing more." Goading now, was he? Some may think him tame compared to the thing that had walked in, but Hakizimana knew better. He knew beyond a shred of a doubt that this thing would ruin what bits of Awen remained sweet, and taint her. He smiled, seemingly with ease, but every part a step up to Azria's threats. "It shows that Mantis females are able to see the truth, even when surrounded by other obstacles. I was only focused on the battle, but she saw through that and beat me. I would assume such a mentality would carry on to other things as well."
Looking between the two Awendela had to wonder what this talk of Mantis females was about. Was it true, did Hakizimana have a special friend? She perked up a little. If he did, then he might join their clan, and she could have her friend with her all the time instead of at the festival! But a part of her knew it wasn't just that. Something more was going on here, and it made her uneasy.
"Why don't you fight me and find out?" She posed, smiling brighter at the slightly horrified tint to Hakizimana's face. "If what you say is true than out of all of us I should be able to win in a fight. So, why shouldn't I enter the next Sky ceremony, that being the case?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 7:56 pm
"Yes, unfortunately, it doesn't seem like Hakizimana will be able to contribute much to your training from his clan," Azria agreed, although his shrug suggested that it was anything but unfortunate. And which clan? Azria realized he didn't care. As long as it was not the Mantis clan, he was happy. In a few short days, they would all part ways and flies like Hakizimana need not cause him trouble again for a long time.
But he was... discouraging Awen? The thought baffled Azria, and he stared incredulously at the other lion. Surely, this was part of Hakizi's ploy to keep Awen blissfully ignorant of everything and stop her from maturing into the confident, well-versed lioness she had every hope of becoming. A shy, innocent, overly trusting soul was easier to manipulate, after all. The thought so enraged him that he was everything he could do the keep his glare from turning downright hostile.
"Like she said," he echoed pointedly. "She's never fought before, so it's worth the experience. And a friendly match with pridemates is a great place to gain some experience." In the unhappy event - and Azria hoped with all his heart that it would never come to pass - that Awen somehow ended up in the world beyond, he wanted her to be at least somewhat prepared. Perhaps fear might still send her cowering, but if her claws knew what to do, she would be alright.
"Surely you don't expect the lions in this pride to hurt anyone else?" He added, knowing full well that some - probably Hakizi included - were wary of him. Azria had done nothing, really, to dispel these misgivings but neither had he proven them right. Let them fear, he thought. In particular, let this one fear. Perhaps it would do them all some good. "Why, you must not have a very high opinion of your own pridemates."
Part of him wanted to comment on the inherent flaws that must exist in Hakizimana to allow him to focus only on his obstacles, but Awen had spoken. Azria allowed himself to shoot Hakizi a half-smug, half-angry look, knowing the other lion's words had certainly not been meant to convince her to ask for a fight. He sat back with a contemplative nod. "Ah ha..." It was almost worth it to be here to watch Hakizi worm his way out of this one.
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Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2014 8:12 pm
"You forget that the Mantis and the Bird clans will meet more often than not in travel, friend." If he thought to be rid of him just because of clan separation, then he had best thing again. The distance would give him time to ponder on their meetings, and monopolize on the time they did have when they were together.
Why should Awendela be turned from this soft, adorably sweet lioness into something harder? Sterner? He had seen the change as well as any other lion in her blossoming into adulthood, an it worried him. Change was good, as was maturity, but how far was she going to go? Frowning, he gave into a little slack jawed gawk before closing his maw to a firm line. Why that- "I don't expect it to happen, but accidents are just as likely to happen between family and clansmen as they are with enemies. I merely wish to keep her safe."
Then came Awen's question and he felt his gut fall out of his chest. "No!" He pulled back, and took a deep breath, clearing his throat in the process. "I mean, Awen, I didn't mean it like that. I didn't mean strength of clan so literally. Sometimes it's the paw, and others the heart. Besides, I would never raise a paw against you. Rather, I could never do it." Damn it, did Azria have to look so smug about this?
"I guess you do have a point..." She hadn't thought of accidents, and in a fight it seemed as if they were likely to happen. After all, wasn't she the one who had seen the large bleeding bruise Hakizimana had sported after his fight? What if she got one, or worse? She'd been hurt before, but never like THAT.
Still, she gave into a laugh and shook her head. "It's alright, I know what you mean. I was just teasing you. Please, don't be offended, I just couldn't help it." Her heart warmed to see how relieved he was, and turning her attention back to the darker male, she quipped, "You shouldn't tease him either, Azria. It isn't nice." She also didn't add that it wasn't like it WASN"T fun, but her mother had warned her against it, so she tried to be mature about it. Still, the grin she proudly wore said it all. "Still...you shouldn't take things to heart, Kizi. I know you wouldn't hurt me, but I don't think they would, either."
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 3:31 pm
The smile that graced Azria's face was a wicked little smile, but he nodded all the same. "You're right, Awen, I'm sorry. We shouldn't hurt each others' feelings, hm?" When his gaze shifted to Hakizimana, it was obvious the smile did not reach his eyes. This lion was a schemer, Azria could tell. He could almost see the wheels churning in the other lion's mind, plotting constantly to steal Awen away from the safety of Azria's company.
There was no denying, after all, that with him was where Awen ought to be. She had invited him into the pride, and she had grown so much in his presence. She was comfortable around him and he around her. If not for Awen, Azria had few doubts that members of the pride - members like Hakizimana - would have found a reason to have him pushed out.
"I'm sure what Kizi means is that he couldn't hurt you if he tried," he said, and he did his best to make it sound like a joke - for Awen, of course - but the lingering drawl in his words and the slight fade in his smile told the careful observer that he meant it as anything but a joke.
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 3:48 pm
She was a little suspicious now, since Azria was being so agreeable, but it felt so nice that she didn't comment on it. Her smile just brightened and she leaned up against him. "That's exactly right! Where's the fun in a friendly fight if it isn't friendly?" When she straightened up in her own space she couldn't miss the darker tint Hakizimana's fur had taken. He was either embarrassed or upset, both of which were becoming odd traits for him in her book. Since when...?
Coming from Awen his nickname sounded precious, but from Azria it sounded just as the lion likely meant it to; demeaning. He breathed in heavily through his nose and tried his best to calm the rage building in him. There would be a time that he could take the male out, but he couldn't do it now.
"Chatting aside, I think it's time for us to go back to seeing to the bouts, don't you think, Awen? The next rounds should be starting soon." The time that he could deal with this amount of bullshit was coming to a swift end.
The petite lioness frown a little awkwardly and shifted her gaze around. "Actually...I think the clans are getting back together for a while, so we should be getting back to the Mantis. Maybe I can come back and see them with you tomorrow?"
In all honesty she hadn't spent what she deemed an adequate amount of time with Azria in the past couple of days since there was so much to do with the festival that she wanted to catch up. However, it would be rude to say so in front of a friend...
"I had a lot of fun with all of us together, though. We should do this more often." Awen chirped.
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 4:03 pm
The only thought that he and Hakizimana would ever share, Azria could tell, was the resounding "NO" that rang through his mind at the idea of the three of them spending time together again. Snide comments and barely-concealed insults aside, there was only so much Azria would stand, and he didn't want to have to beat Hakiziman to a pulp in front of Awen. Which he would, if he had to.
So he was all the more grateful for Awen's suggestion that they return to their clan. Disaster averted - for now. This time, Azria's smile was genuine, and it was because he knew he had won and even dear Kizi wouldn't need to see the smile on his face to recognize that. Because at the end of the day, Awen was the one who got to decide and she had chosen not to spend the rest of her time with Hakizimana.
Tough loss... friend, he thought to himself with little sense of remorse. Truth be told, Azria couldn't care less what happened to Hakizimana. The other lion was but an insect in the grand scheme of things, as inconsequential as the flies that buzzed aimless through the grass. He would learn soon enough.
"Yea, there'll always be more to see tomorrow," Azria agreed. "We'd better let your friend get back to his own business." We.
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 5:12 pm
Hakizimana's pride took a hit. Even though she hadn't so much as said it, he knew. There was a look upon her face that wasn't meant for him, and Azria's smile, as grating as it was, was true. The youthful aspect of the lion wanted to rage that this was a mistake she would regret for the rest of her life. Surely he wouldn't make a good father, or a good son to her parents. He would lead her astray and watch her burn.
So it was as it was. Awendela watched as a few other lions passed by them, more aware of the tension than she. She rearranged the leather pouch around her neck and bowed respectfully to Hakizimana. "Take it easy if you get in more fights. You'll never find a mate if you're covered in bruises." She teased.
Turning her head to Azria she said, "Shall we?" And with a little wave she turned her back to Hakizimana, walking with a little easy stride with her head held high. Today she would be sure to tell Azria everything that had happened, and maybe she would get to hear what had gone on with his day as well. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't spare a second look to her 'friend'.
It stung him enough to force a growl from Hakizimana's throat. Couldn't she see that it was her that he wanted for a mate? And the bruises...he would train until he never got another in his life time. He wanted no more false sympathy from lionesses he couldn't save from themselves. Bitter and resentful, he showed Azria the full extent of his hate before going on his own way. The next time they met there would be no false pleasantries.
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 7:46 pm
As they walked away and left Hakizimana standing alone, the little voice in Azria's head cautioned him to beware the next time the two of them crossed paths. A suitor scorned was not, after all, to be trifled with. Then again, caution had never particularly factored into Azria's actions.
He didn't miss the hatred in Hakizimana's gaze when he turned away, but neither did he look back. Things like this, they weren't worth dwelling on. If a fight materialized the next time they met, then so be it. He figured he could handle himself. He had come this far and he could go a little farther if need be.
But for now, he would put Hakizimana out of his mind. The other lion was just a distraction. Azria turned to look at Awen and marveled at how much she had grown. And it was her, she was the important one.
She was always the important one.
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