[PRP] A strange encounter (Lucivar & Fuuenken)

[Tanakako]

The day was cool enough to make his fur prickle, the wind tugging at his youthful mane, tossing the thick mass of it into his eyes. It was a fine day and Lucivar had spent much of the morning around the pride boarders, watching the comings and going of the reavers, raiding bands setting out on the hunt for loot and thralls, those returning home with their prizes either carried or walking along between them.

Eventually the young reaver had slipped over the boarder and set off, not going far, but rather, along the outer edge of the pride's land. He was not looking for a thrall to capture or a treasure to steal, rather, he was looking for experience, any kind of experience, and he knew he would not get it within the pride. He had to train, to learn, everything had to be experienced to be understood and he refused to be caught out ever again.

Thus, Lucivar, son of Gunner, padded through the steep-floored forest, ears pricked and eyes watchful. Unsure what he was looking for but he knew he would recognize it when he found it.
 

[Neon Fly]

There was no telling just exactly how the seed had first been planted, but in time it had bloomed into an idea that was just itching to be tested. Everywhere the redhead looked there were possible candidates ripe for the plucking, until his gaze was pausing at length to examine each herd he passed. Weighing the pros and cons of the build the gods had chosen for them.

Giraffe? Too tall and sloped.
Gazelle? Too delicate and flighty.
Elephant? Hardly worthy of the rogue.
Wasn't there anything that would suit him?

After spending the morning completely determined to see this half-cocked plan into fruition, Fuuenken was ready to give up on the possibility of finding a cohort to aid him.

And then, as though stepping straight out of his mind's eye, there he was. The perfect steed. A cape buffalo the color of a sunset in bloom. An epitome of masculinity in his wildfire pelt, standing proudly upon the grassland dotted by his harem of darker colored females.

Aaah, there you are. Fuuenken's been looking for you everywhere. He chuckled fearlessly. Producing the same lordly air over the savanna as the bull the brazen lion approached head on, gaze never wavering nor averting from the piercing black stare that had suddenly pinned him.

Despite the weight of that glare--a proverbial boulder attempting to crush an unwanted intruder beneath the burden of its weight, Fuuen never faltered. Ignoring the females and calves that sprung out of his path like tides. My my.. flinchy things aren't they? Even with such a big, strong bull around. Fuuenken can only wonder... if that means that Fuu's killing intent is more fearsome than yours, ne?

A devious grin revealing fangs that his opponent stared at watchfully, but with no obvious sign of distress. This was going to be one hell of a battle of wills, mismatched hues narrowing with a ferocity that was reserved for only the most serious of challenges. How fun...

~(o x o)~

It had taken a great deal of convincing, but in the end Fuuenken had his way and the pair were lumbering through the heavily shadowed forest out of the eye of the sweltering midday sun. That's how this relationship worked after all, but he'd be sure to treat the bulky--reluctantly obedient--buffalo to some branches off a berry bush once they came across one. This is far better than dieing of heatstroke out on the shadeless plains, isn't it?

Lynx-point male offered while crooking a wry grin from where he lay, comfortably lounging upon the beast of burden's wide backside. Patting the top of the red bull's flat skull with his paw. You should quit being so belligerent, though Fuuen thinks you just enjoy butting heads. Stubborn animal, heh...
 

[Tanakako]

Finding experiences was not as easy as one would have imagined and Lucivar was fas becoming annoyed at the absolute lack of anything even remotely interesting. There had been a snake eating eggs in a nest, the enraged parent birds circling helplessly above. He had come across a lost klipspringer fawn and then had to spend the next half hour avoiding its furiously protective mother, despite having been trying to drive it back to where he had scented the aforementioned parent's den. Escaping with his hide intact and no 'thank you' to speak of, he had pressed on, skirting a small cliff where a felled tree had caused a small rockslide. With nothing remotely interesting there he kept going, paws moving quietly, his young, lean body barely feeling the distance as the earth passed by under his feet.

Eventually he had stopped to catch a quick bite, chasing down a fleet-footed ibex that did go some way to relieving his boredom until he had finished eating. Finished with the carcass he stood and continued on his way, having climbed up a small bluff he plunged back into the forest. Finally, something made a sound off to one side, and it was a big something. Intrigued and hoping this would be the 'experience' he had been searching for all day, the young lion set forth to track the large sounds.

It wasn't long until he came up on the buffalo. Odd.. that it should be all the way out here when they usually roamed about on the flat grasslands.. Puzzled and not a small bit intrigued, the young viking slunk forwards, trailing behind the massive beast, body low and ears pricked.

What on earth was it doing? And where was it going?

 

[Neon Fly]

Under the canopy of the shaded forest, lit by warm banners of streaming sunlight and cooled by the brief gusts that rippled through the trees, this was a small slice of heaven. The lumbering gait of his new companion as soothing as the whispering sounds of the creatures around them, lulling Fuuenken into an easy slumber.

Perhaps it spoke volumes of the beast's rider that he could be so at ease in such a situation. Allowing the tamed buffalo to carry him without fear of where they might wind up--or who they might run into.

So, naturally, the creeping sound of paws trailing behind Fuu's steed failed to rouse the proud feline's attention at more than a sluggish prod of curiosity. Lazily lifting himself to stand upon the buffalo's backside, seemingly disaffected by the swaying pace as he remained perfectly steady, examining the curious youngster that had chosen to tail them. Rumbling humorously, Well, well, well.. seems Fuuenken is developing a following. Sooo... how can we help you stranger?
 

[Tanakako]

The lumbering, but steady an purposeful walk of the beast had Lucivar completely perplexed. Not only should the buffalo be out of the forest and on the plains with its herd, the thing was walking in a direction almost directly away from said plains and said herd. It was at that precise moment that something even more startling revealed itself.. the beast was being.. ridden! By a lion!

Flummoxed and flabbergasted, Lucivar didn't even realise that he had stopped stock still, mouth agape as he watched the most unlikely pair move ponderously through the undergrowth.

"What the...?" His voice finally escaped in a poor approximation of his utter shock. Shaking himself out of his stunned stupor, the youngster jumped into a run and chased after the vanishing pair, for through the grass-eating beast was large, it wasn't as slow as one would have guessed. So, trotting along behind it, still staring in bewilderment at the lion atop its broad back, Lucivar could only gape dumbly.

Well.. this is certainly an 'experience' anyway...
 

[Neon Fly]

Ahh.. Fuuenken understands. You're speechless! Thumping his paw upon the rotund hindquarters of the beast decisively, a grin broadening across his dark muzzle in a way that was both debonair and unpredictable. Rich, rolling voice lifting to carry further when he realized that not only had the kid been stunned mute by his appearance, but paralyzed by his entrance as well. Offering good humored words of consolation. Don't worry, it's perfectly normal to be awestruck by a guy as grandiose as Fuuen...

Intrigued by his new acquaintance the red head hopped effortlessly to the ground, giving the buffalo a dismissive nod when it actually rounded its head to gaze at him questioningly. Be a good fella and shove off for a bit, eh? Don't worry, Fuu'll be sure to find yah when Fuuen's done here.

And as simply as that the pair parted, for now. Ambling in opposite directions as the cream colored lion strolled with a lazy yet nonchalantly majestic stride towards the curious but attractive teen he'd stumbled upon. Allowing his gaze to rove shamelessly over the slighter male figure in a way that was more sultry than threatened. As if he were examining a potential lover instead of sizing up a possible opponent. What's a kid like you doing out here on your own? D'you belong to this pride?

His shaggy head nodding over Lucivar's shoulder towards the direction of the more heavily scent-marked area.
 

[Tanakako]

It was all very well watching the beast plod along with the lion upon its back, but the words that spilled forth from the red-haired stranger struck Lucivar utterly dumb, his paws freezing to the spot in complete stupification.

Such a braggart!

Though it was painfully obvious that the weird lion had a very solid claim to his bragging rights, but still blowing ones own horn after the whole damn brass band had just rolled in was a bit over the top in Lucivar's opinion. Though he started to doubt his own sanity when the massive bull looked at the strange lion as if for permission to leave. Why didn't it run for its life? Utterly stunned and painfully confused, he could only watch as the redhead male wandered over to him.

Pale blue eyes tracked the cream lion intently, sharp and attentive despite his inner confusion and shocked mental monologue. It was only when the stranger had stopped in front of him and was looking him over like he wanted to eat Lucivar (no not in that way either!) that the younger finally managed to shake himself out of his frozen state and actually react. Lucivar opened his mouth to ask who the weird buffalo riding stranger was, what was he doing so near the viking's boarder, was he coming to join them? How the hell had he gotten a buffalo to agree to be his personal mode of transport... But what came out was none of these thoughts.

"I'm not a kid."

Mentally wincing Lucivar wanted to crawl into a hole and hide until the weird-one left again. Utterly mortified he felt his cheeks warm up. Not only had he just confirmed his kid-status to this grown male, but he had sounded particularly childish in doing so.

Alligator Butt!!

Angry at himself for his behavior the youth took a calming breath and tried to shake off his mistake, hoping that maybe the cream stranger had missed his comment. One could only hope right? Try and try again...

"I am Lucivar of the Myrsky Syntynyt." He replied, relieved when his voice sounded more normal and less whiny-child-like. "Are you here to Challenge?" The capital on the word 'challenge' was audible in the youth's voice and it was clear there was more to it than just a beat-down with some young male warrior-in-training.
 

[Neon Fly]

One could tell a lot about a lion or leopard or a wild dog or really any animal in Africa based on their reactions to a situation. Their expression. The carriage of their body. The tone of their voice.

Fuuenken was excellent at reading these telltale signs and understanding almost anyone after only a few moments exposure, but it wasn't as difficult a task as it sounded. Given the flame point's propensity for flamboyance it was a rare instance when a stranger didn't react on a level equally as loud. There was a wide variety of responses to his puzzling behavior, but more often than not those he met fell into one of three categories.

There were the ones who were quickly agitated and made impatient by his presence.
Others expressed a genuine sense of camaraderie and amusement at his offbeat antics.

And then there were those like him... obviously bemused and perhaps a little uneasy, but undeniably curious underneath it all. As an inexplicable force of nature, it was to be expected.

The grin upon his maw held an increasingly cheshire flair the longer the youth stared at him. Taking note as he moved in a tight circle--just small enough to brush the edges of his target's personal comfort zone--that a heavenly blue gaze never broke away. Guardedly observing every motion.

A chuckle bubbled in his throat in response to the quick retort that assaulted him, completely unfazed. Time will tell...

Rather than ruffle his fur any further, the red head kept his thoughts to himself. Pausing in place when he had once again found himself face to face with his nervy friend, granted he was rather a bit taller than the boy, but he proved to be filling out nicely. In no time at all he'd be a striking adult causing the local ladies to swoon undoubtedly throw themselves in his path, if they had any common sense anyway.

Lucciivvarrr, huh? Immediately the deviant rogue decided he enjoyed the way the name rolled off his tongue, smooth as silk. It was a shame it had to be followed by such a harsh sounding... well.. whatever the hell a Myrsky Syntynyt was. Furrowed brows made an otherwise light-hearted expression darken with obvious distaste for such a travesty as it was given more consideration than was probably necessary.

It didn't last. Head raising again to cant with an ever so leisurely sort of puzzlement, as if the male could afford to express himself openly. His statement as nonchalant as if he were discussing the weather despite bluntly stated affront. Challenge? What would Fuuenken challenge for? It doesn't appear like you have much of anything for Fuu to take...
 

[Tanakako]

Just when he thought he had gotten a handle on the situation, the stranger reversed direction and sent him spinning again. Did he have some kind of mythical power? Was that why he could command the buffalo? Did he want to do something similar to Lucivar? Growling at himself in his head he shoved all the confused, tumbling thoughts into a little box in the back of his mind. He could deal with the mess later, right now, he had a living, breathing headache staring at him... or he had been...

What the hell was he doing now?!

Thoroughly exasperated already, Lucivar practically twisted his own neck keeping the stranger in sight as he circled the viking youth. Positivity frowning as the cream male drawled his name then seemed to find something wrong with it, judging from the distaste on his expression. Lucivar was about ready to throw himself on the older male and get the Challenge over and done with, when the red-head spoke again.

Well... ok... so he wasn't here to challenge. Then what in Odin's Teeth was he hanging about for? His buffalo pack-mule was already long gone! Releasing his tightly held breath between clenched fangs, the youth fought to hold in the exasperated growl that tickled his throat. This weirdo was all the way out here on viking territory.. without knowing it? Lucivar wasn't prideful, nor did he expect everyone under the sun to know about the Myrsky Syntynyt. But one didn't just 'happen' to wander all the way up to this sheer cliff-top land without a reason. Taking a deep, calming breath he leveled his gaze on the strange male before him.

"To Challenge into the Myrsky Syntynyt. It is the only way warriors can be accepted into the pride. Its not about taking anything... At least, that only occurs once you become a reaver and go out a-viking under a Captain."

Maybe now he would get a straight answer out of this male.. preferably before the sun set on them.
 

[Neon Fly]

Knowing eyes watched the young male unintrusively, taking interest in those small ticks. The way he exhaled in a sharp hiss of air between gritted jaws. That disapproving frown, though even still he seemed to try and remember his station. Just what was this pride of his teaching him? Fuuenken could only stand to wonder a while before the thought depressed him. It seemed unlikely there would be a place that could ever effectively chain him down. Most would sooner ban him given his libidinous nature.

As Lucivar spoke of the Myrsky Syntynyt, the flamepoint could only glance away in feigned disinterest, to avoid an outright expression of disgust. The gesture itself shown only in care of the cute adolescent’s feelings. He obviously had a great love and respect for this place, even is Fuu couldn’t understand why. When he was sure he would be able to meet his companion’s gaze without scowling--and not a moment before then--the rogue finally addressed Lucivar. Trying hard to temper the revulsion that sat heavily on his words like a mouth full of rancid meat. Into..? Ah. Fuuenken understands now. You’re asking if Fuuenken will fight to earn a place in this so called pride. Sorry to disappoint, but Fuuen is a lover not a fighter, though it would be good for your pride to rethink their method of admitting new members. They’ll turn away a lot of new blood with a greeting as cold as that.
 

[Tanakako]

Lucivar was not a lion of quick temper, but even he could feel the frustrated anger slowly bubbling deep within his chest. This round-a-bout conversation was almost more than even he could bare. The look of distaste on his.. acquaintance's face could hardly be missed and just as Lucivar felt his temper finally heat to boiling point, the cream-hued feline finally answered him. With a great whoosh of breath, Lucivar closed his eyes and felt the tension rush from his body, muscles relaxing after being held so tense.

So... He really was completely unaware of the pride and had no intention of joining...

While it was not the usual situation, in this case Lucivar felt a great sense of relief. If this one had wanted in and won... he simply couldn't see any of the more hot-blooded reavers ever having a scrap of peace ever again.

But now that the business was taken care of, Lucivar's personal curiosity was aroused. This rather odd stranger fascinated him and he wanted to know more about the red-maned male. Who was he.. where had he come from, where was he going... The very fact that he wanted to ask such questions was a surprise all itself, as Lucivar was usually a close-mouthed, stoic kind of youth but this lion was just that bit different to warrant closer examination.

Ears lifting to p***k upwards intently, he regarded the visitor with a curious expression, pale eyes intent but no longer at all hostile. If anything, he looked his age, a young adolescent almost in his prime with the world ahead of him and endless possibilities at his paws.

Tilting his head he watched the other male intently. "It's to make sure only strong warriors join." He replied almost absently, no longer focused on the subject of his own pride's traditions. "Where are you from.... its along way out to this place... " Flicking an ear he seemed to be trying to calm the storm of questions that had suddenly sprung up in his head. "... Why a buffalo?"
 

[Neon Fly]

The change in atmosphere was so sudden and unexpected that, for the briefest moment, Fuuenken was certain the world had stopped spinning. Cocking his head briefly to examine Lucivar. Everything about the mousy brown lion had changed, from his body language to his demeanor. Was all that irritable posturing out of anticipation of a Challenge? The redhead righted his tilting visage with a thrumming chuckle, uncertain whether or not he should feel a little insulted by the youth's newly relaxed pose.

As if he no longer considered the stray wandering through his home a potentially threatening suitor. Well, he was dead wrong about that. It just didn't happen to be a pride Fuuenken was after.

The now dismissive way his companion spoke of the customs of the Mysky caused mismatched hues to examine the other with curiosity. Cheshire grin returning with vengeance in response to the interest that was reflected in Lucivar's tone. Draining his desire to speak of the pride lands upon which they stood. Heh, interesting.

Too bad the handsome deviant wasn't yet ready to give up on driving his point home. No pride could effectively breed superior warriors by singling out those who chose to succumb to the rules dictated by others. There would always be variables like Fuuenken, who ran against the waves of stampedes. Who charged their prey head on. Who chose the unbeaten path and defied the laws of nature. Who could never be anything but the beautiful disasters they were born to be.

Do you think Fuuenken chooses not to join because Fuuen isn't strong? The respectable distance he had permitted Lucivar had melted away without any warning as the shaggy maned lion ducked his head. Resting his forehead against the other so that he could meet those striking blue eyes with the full intensity of his stare. At this distance, he could smell the heat of the young pride inhabitant and found himself wanting to bury his nose in the boy's pelt. Drinking in his scent as his rough tongue teased the masculine lines of his form. How damn distracting.

A suddenly husky voice rose from the quiet, not giving Lucivar a chance to answer before offering his challenge. Dare to give Fuuen a try, 'Civar? If you win Fuuenken will tell you anything you wanna know..
 

[Tanakako]

The chuckle made rich chocolate-coloured ears flick backwards briefly, though his expression remained questioning, certainly he appeared as young as he really was and not the young adult he did when ready for battle, the premature seriousness that the youth had been imbued with since he was small melted away in the presence of the unusual stranger.

Had the flame-point rogue pointed out his thoughts, Lucivar would have offered a reply but as he chose instead to keep such considerations silent, the youth was far more intent on his unusual visitor to ponder about his own pride's traditions. Pale blue eyes blinked as the cream male suddenly stepped close, indeed, getting closer to Lucivar than any of his pridemates except his family and the few friends he allowed himself. The question didn't seem to upset the youth, as pale eyes gazed back calmly, certainly he was not easily thrown off balance.

"No. I would think you are a more than capable warrior. Not all fighters are warriors and not all warriors are pride-minded." The chocolate-hued viking would have shrugged but the sensual tones of his companion glided past his fur, making his ears pin themselves against the thickness of his growing mane.

Lucivar came from a world where relaxed posture didn't mean a relaxed mind. The warrior's awareness had never left Lucivar, it was always waiting, ready to explode into controlled violence. That was the world in which the youth lived, and at the sound of those soft words the youth's hard muscles instantly went still, coiled and ready for action yet without the buzzing energy of either nervousness or eagerness.

With an equally quiet and controlled tone, Lucivar replied. "I would not dishonor you with a refusal..." The youth's tone was as soft as a breath of wind, his gaze steady and clear, no fear evident only the calm anticipation of a seasoned fighter. He was fairly certain he would loose to this rogue, not only was he larger than Lucivar, but he 'felt' competent and with his strange ways, Lucivar could only guess, and badly, at any tactics this one might employ. But the experience would be invaluable, and anyway, his battle blood was raising.
 

[Neon Fly]

It wasn't Fuuenken's intention to cause Lucivar to flinch, recoil or otherwise doubt himself by stepping into his personal space. Rather, the surprisingly intelligent lion was testing the bounds of his companion's defenses. Allowing himself gingerly inviting platonic caresses as the bridge of his nose slid against a less matured visage. Truthfully, the vagabond was both startled and secretly pleased that the pale maned youth neither recoiled nor responded with immediate violence. A promising start.

Without pushing his luck, dark paws carried the tall adult in several backwards strides to give Lucivar back the comfort zone he had taken away. Not entirely ignoring the alertness that coiled in spry young form, though it wasn't outwardly acknowledged either, Fuuen could remember what it was like to be his age. It wasn't all that long ago.

Some might have preened in response to the regard that was offered and certainly, the wildcat was sure his elders got off on being treated as superiors by this promising and well put together youth. As for his current company, Fuuenken could only flick his tail dismissively and sigh. Does Fuuenken look like the kind of guy who gives a s**t about that? Honor is a puffed up word used as an excuse to do as one pleases. The only one to be dishonored would be the one who considers honor a valuable asset.

Having turned away to lead his sparring partner away from their currently crowded position, garnet maned figure shook his streaked bangs from his eyes to gaze over his shoulder. A bobbing gesture indicated clearly that he wished for the viking to follow him. Besides, you'll enjoy this more if you lighten up..