[Duel] Calming Nerves

[SilverLutz]

Qual was. Fine. That was a good word for how he was at the moment. He'd been walking for what seemed like ages on the advice of a few rogues he'd come across, altering his path now and then to keep his nose pointed towards the sands of the desert the Firekin called home. He wasn't a particularly strong lion but the sense of community the large pride had called to him. In his old pride he felt like he belonged, he was comfortable with his life, and had even thought he found himself a mate. But when uncertainty pulled his former home apart Qual wanted to find somewhere where he and his lioness could settle and be safe.

Unfortunately for him, she had other ideas and didn't want to join him. It was hard to make a decision but her loyalty to those of their former pride was stronger than their bond and rather than linger, Qual set off on his own. He'd had a long time to think about what had transpired, time enough to feel sorry for himself and move on (at least, that's what he'd told himself), and how he was ready to start with a fresh slate.

If he could earn his way in, of course.

"Greetings," Qual called as he spotted a red lion. He fit the description of the Firekin very well and he could only hope this was someone who could help him.

"I hope I've stumbled across the right desert. I am Qual, and I'm seeking entrance to the Motoujamii."

Ecavi

 

[SilverLutz]

Qual stood a bit taller as the other male looked him over, hopeful that he was at least visually impressive enough to warrant a shot at being allowed entrance. He nodded slightly to let him know he understood, and although the journey had been long he'd taken his time so as not to show up ragged and worn on their doorstep. Yes, he was a bit thinner for having been hunting on his own for the past few months, but there was a desire burning in him to call this new place home and he hoped that would be enough to get him in.

And hopefully this male wasn't a known warrior who would kick his sorry behind across the sand. Qual wasn't a fighter by nature, but hopefully his skills were honed enough to impress.

"As ready as I shall be," he said, rolling his shoulders a bit as he let his claws dig into the sand. He'd been walking on the stuff for a few days now but it was still a strange sensation. Hopefully it wouldn't be too much of a deterrent.

Once he felt like he had sure enough footing, Qual began to circle the other male. It was difficult to start a duel, he decided as he quicken his pace, looking for a moment to dart in. Finally he timed it so the other male was mid-shift of his weight when he lunged forward, striking out with a paw to try to land a hit.

Roll 1: 2
Total: 2

Ecavi

 

[SilverLutz]

Roll 1: 2
Roll 2: 2
Total: 4

Qual watched the other male pull away, his paw swiping mostly through his mane and only connecting slightly with his shoulder. He was rewarded for his efforts by a sturdy swat to his own shoulder, one that almost made him lose his balance. It startled him enough that he jumped aside a bit too late, swiping again but for the other male's rear haunches this time.

"Someone as big as you shouldn't be able to move that fast," he joked, though there was a bit of a strain in his voice. He knew fighting was a big part of this pride but surely the entrance 'exam' wouldn't be too tough to pass. They needed all types to function, didn't they?

Ecavi

 

[SilverLutz]

Roll 1: 2
Roll 2: 2
Roll 3: 3
Total: 7

Using the sand to his advantage, eh? Qual wasn't the best fighter, but he was a quick study, and as the Firekin dodged his attack to limit his strike to a glancing blow, he studied how he moved rather than being too concerned with the attack he knew was coming in. He mimicked the motion, feeling his paws shift in the sand almost as if it was water, and he found the large paw coming to meet him only grazed by his leg.

Now that he'd gotten a taste of what the sand could do, Qual decided it was best to try to work with it than against it. He shifted his weight and lifted his paw quickly, flinging the sand into the air towards his opponent's face. He wasn't aiming to actually blind him with it, though it was a tactic he wasn't above using when hunting or if he found himself in a battle to the death. For this purpose, he merely used it as a distraction so he could finally land a solid blow against the Firekin's side.

"It does come in quite handy, doesn't it?"  

[SilverLutz]

Roll 1: 2
Roll 2: 2
Roll 3: 3
Roll 4: 2
Total: 9

Qual was beyond pleased that the little trick had worked well enough for the hit to land and for his opponent to flail a bit and miss him completely. He knew better than to get too comfortable, though. This was the male's home and he was sure he had more tricks up his sleeve than Qual could imagine. Hopefully he'd be able to learn them all and be able to utilize them, but for now he could only hang on to what he gleaned from the moment and his meager experience in the desert thus far.

"Thank you," he said, his tone earnest. It was something he prided himself on and something he hoped to bring to the pride, for as lacking as he was in battle skills he made up for with a tactile mind. Hoping to land another hit while he was off-kilter, Qual lifted a paw to try to swipe at the Firekin's ankles.  

[SilverLutz]

Roll 1: 2
Roll 2: 2
Roll 3: 3
Roll 4: 2
Roll 5: 3
Total: 12

The Firekin was on the defensive now and Qual had to use that to his advantage. He had to prove himself to be worthy of joining after all and to lose after coming so far and giving up so much...no. None of those thoughts. It would only serve to distract him.

Bounding forward, Qual followed his opponent as he backed up, paws quick as he struck out for one more blow. He had to do this. He didn't want to spend another night alone.  

[SilverLutz]

Qual found himself breathing heavily as he was ready for another blow, but it never came. Instead his opponent declared him the winner, and just like that Qual was no longer prideless. He stood for a moment in surprise, disbelief clear on his face that he'd actually managed to pull it off, but finally a smile crossed his muzzle.

"I am?" he breathed, a little laugh leaving him of relief. "Oh...that...well." He cleared his throat and lifted his head a bit higher, trying to gather some sort of dignity about him. He couldn't let his disbelief and relief bleed through and ruin the image he'd just created for himself.

"Thank you. I'm looking forward to learning more about my new home." Hopefully he'd be able to rest up a bit first before heading into the heart of the pride, but if he had to go in now he would. He shook his head to rid his mane of sand, though he felt that might be a problem he'd just have to get used to, and gave his new pridemate a smile before stepping away, looking to relax just a bit after the spar.