[Viking - PRP] Worldwide Choppers - Bruten & Co.

[bipolar bee]

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Bruten really didn't have many friends, and while he would have liked Sjurd to have joined him on his first viking, the other lion was preoccupied. Bruten's second choice was Shaji - and to round out the small band, Bruten requested the presence of the half-brothers Svartis and Hansulter.

No reason in particular, really, aside from the fact that he'd heard word that there might be a source of tension between the males. It would be amusing if nothing else, if anything went wrong, and Bruten was only slightly disappointed when, two days into their viking, nothing exciting had happened.

On the evening of the second day, there was a scent on the wind. Assuredly female, and delightfully sweet. With a low, pleased sound, Bruten gestured for Shaji to take the lead.

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Thankfully Svartis had not confronted Hansulter over his talk with Jura. If he had, Hansulter would have been forced to sit this viking out - which was not something that he was fond of doing. He wondered if this made him a member of Bruten's band. Part of him was thrilled by the prospect of becoming a part of Bruten's band. The lion seemed to excel at bringing home thralls, and Hansulter hoped that by going along on this viking, perhaps he would learn the tricks of the trade, so to speak.

On the evening of the second day, it seemed they would finally have some excitement.

When Bruten gestured to Shaji, Hansulter's attention moved from their Captain to the other lion.

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Svartis had never gone on a viking, and he had to wonder why Bruten had requested his presence on this one. Svar didn't really know Bruten, and had no issue with the other lion. It was odd, in Svar's mind at least, to have been asked to come along on this particular viking - but when he saw his half-brother on the morning of the first day, a lot become strikingly clear.

First, Bruten was an a**.

Second, Hansulter was a d**k.

And third, Svartis had no idea who Shaji was.

Rolling his eyes when Bruten gestured to Shaji, Svartis waited semi-patiently for further instructions.

Light Atago

<3

 

[Light Atago]

There had been a cub-like excitement surging through the big male's veins for the past… oh, he'd lost track of how long it had been. He had suppressed it pretty well, but the confident spring in his strides made it obvious to anyone that he was pretty happy with the way things in his life were going. He had made fast friends with Bruten, who he had "met" not long ago. He clearly did something right, because he had finally been invited to come along on a viking. No longer would his life be bland and "default," and he would be able to pull with the big boys now. He often thought of the adventures he could tell of to friends in the roguelands, and maybe even put some of the lazy freeborn males to shame… Yeah, that was the life!

He didn't really know the other two who had come along, Hansulter and Svartis, but hopefully before the trip was up, he would have an idea of their characters, and whether they were allies or enemies to him.

They had been moving along for a couple of days, and Shaji had managed to show his enthusiasm as any adult would-be reaver would. Powerful strides, tensioned ready muscles, and hungry amber eyes. On the second day he too caught the scent of another lion- er, lioness- upwind. From the scent of it, she was alone… Perfect thrall material, right there.

As it was Shaji's first viking, he fully expected Bruten to lead the charge- he was completely surprised when Bruten gave the lead to him. A flicker of surprise crossed his face before he became determined. He gave a single nod while his head raced- this was what he had always wanted. To catch a thrall on his own, and a lion one no less. Male or female didn't much matter to him. While he knew the place of all females, he knew that rogue ones would likely put up quite a fight and were not to be underestimated- after all, they had to hunt and kill for themselves to survive, which made them quite hardy. And worthy to become a good thrall… All eyes were on him, so how he caught the female would be watched and judged by all 3 of his band-mates… And Svartis seemed particularly impatient. He could go in tricky, or he could go in boldly and on fire… Or he could treat her much like a preybeast- a mix of both.

He decided on the latter- she would fight back like a preybeast, so he would stop just short of killing the lioness if necessary. Hopefully it didn't come to that. He indicated for the other males to join in once the trap was sprung, and he lay himself flat to the ground before proceeding forward. His speckled pelt had always helped him sneak, and this time was no different- a natural gift from the gods. As he got closer, he could see what the lioness was up to…



Ildü had spent her day lazing around- she had gorged herself on a large kill yesterday, and she still felt heavy and full… Though, ever since she had caught it, she had felt a little under the weather, making the lioness wonder if she had caught an ill antelope. It mattered not, it was not a debilitating bug, but a small annoyance that had slowed her down. She woke in the evening and wandered down to the water hole that was nearby. Each day of life had been just like the last, and that was the way she liked it. Little did the lioness know, this day would be very much unlike any day in her past… Her ears were still quite sharp for danger, but as of yet, she had not picked up scent, sound, nor sight of the trouble approaching her in the tall grass nearby.

pinchmonster

 

[bipolar bee]

Bruten

Bruten aligned himself to the ground when Shaji did, a feral smile flitting across his muzzle. He was pleased with how quickly Shaji had taken control, and a Reaver's ability to bring home a thrall reflected on his Captain's ability to lead a band - that was how Bruten thought, at least.

Shaji could keep the female. It would be a reward for a job well done, as far as Bruten was concerned.

Without daring to speak, Bruten gestured with a paw for the half-brothers to circle around so that they might provide a wall of sorts should the female choose to bolt - which she undeniably would.

They always did.

Hansulter

Hansulter caught sight of the female and slowly came to a stop, using the tall grass as cover. He was a dark-bodied lion, and so it was not difficult for him to blend in, much like Bruten.

When Bruten gestured for them to move, Hansulter slowly made his way in a broad circle towards the opposite side of the lioness.

When they were a fair distance away from Shaji and Bruten, Hansulter glanced at Svartis.

"I said I was sorry."

His voice was low - though, if the female was listening, she'd probably be alerted to the fact that she was no longer alone.

Svartis

Svartis said nothing. He had no reason to say anything at all to the jackass of a lion he had the misfortune of being related to. He kept his belly to the ground and his ears perked, eyes focused and mouth shut. There was no way in seven hells that he was going to be the focus of Bruten's wrath if the capture of the thrall went awry.

No way in hell.

He blatantly ignored Hansulter but continued pushing onward. Part of him wished he'd declined the invitation to join this particular band, and part of him was relieved that he wasn't at home back at the stronghold pining after Jura.

Light Atago

 

[Light Atago]

The cool water felt so good on her tongue… she felt all sense of dryness fade away. There was something about the water that also was making her feel better, perhaps it was the cooling effect inside her, or perhaps that her tongue didn't feel quite as rough. One way or another, she-

Her thoughts froze and her body stiffened, only a single twitch of her tail's tip escaped her as she froze. That was a voice in the distance, undeniably. She darted her attention sharply to the location where the sound had come from, yet all she saw was grass…

And that was a problem, she knew it. In her life as a rogue, if someone wanted to have a conversation, they had nothing to hide, especially themselves. If someone wanted to do something ill-willed, they especially made sure that they would not be seen. Though, most were smart enough not to be heard. Suddenly, the predator in this area felt uncomfortably like the prey. Without waiting around for her suspicions to be confirmed or denied, Ildü's hackles rose on instinct. She roared out into the lands, looking right at where the voice had come from, "Show yourself and get out, now! Or I'll come get you out!"

Ra'Shajirr had been slinking around her, then closer and closer, body low, just his eyes peeking out over the tops of the grass. He had positioned himself so that the lioness was between himself and Hansulter and Svartis. If she ran from him, she would run into them. She had been sideways to the silvery lion until… From where Shaji was, just the quietest whisper of a voice could be heard. He wouldn't have paid it any mind, except that immediately following this,his target's body went stiff and she gave a single flick of the tail. They had been spotted. He would either need to change tactics or make his charge now. Really, it kind of worked to his advantage- like a diversion. Her attention was now focused on Svartis and Hansulter- though there seemed to be some friction there, they seemed to make a good team, he thought quickly to himself with a smirk.

The lioness' back was turned to him and Bruten, and he could only hope that Bruten had been keeping as close of track on the situation as he had been. He wouldn't have time to communicate or signal- Shaji still had a chance at the element of surprise, maybe even better now than it had been before, and he didn't want to waste it. He sprung from his hiding spot, he was relatively close, and his ground-eating stride was kept as quiet as he could… For high speed, that wasn't very quiet at all- just no snarling or roaring. Yet.

Ildü's attention was still focused on the half-brothers' location- by the time her ears and nose picked up on Shaji's charge, he was seconds away from her. The lioness had no time for words or thoughts, only actions- she was running purely on instinct at this point. She knew there were hostiles in the grass ahead, and now she couldn't run from them. Her only option? Leap into the deep water hole, maybe she could swim across. How many of these lions there were, she had no way of knowing. How had she gotten caught off guard? And what exactly did they want of her? It wasn't territorial, or they wouldn't have surrounded her- they would have chased from a particular direction. Desperately she started paddling through the water hole, looking back behind her to see what she was up against.

pinchmonster

 

[bipolar bee]

Hansulter

Hansulter let out a low groan. This hadn't been a part of the plan, but he was smart enough to know that thinking on his feet was of utmost importance when on a viking. It didn't matter at this point. He knew that they were close to flanking the lioness, and Bruten and Shaji were likely on the other side of the female. If he showed his position then and there, it would only offer the Captain and Shaji a chance to strike.

Cuffing his brother on the shoulder lightly, Hansulter jerked his head towards the female's voice. By the time he popped his head out from their cover of tall grass, Shaji was already almost on top of the female.

Watching the lioness, Hansulter kept his muscles ready to pounce as he made his way from the hiding spot in the grass.

Svartis

Svartis would never admit it, but the sight of Shaji barreling after the female in the pond was one of the most terrifying things he'd ever seen - second only to the expression on Bruten's face as he followed after the reaver. It was, after all, his very first viking, and Svartis would have like to be involved in trade or the herds - not taking down an unsuspecting female who had been indulging in a sip of water.

He knew, deep down, that these were necessary things that had to happen to keep the pride moving in a rhythmic fashion. He knew that thralls were a necessity. Svartis simply didn't enjoy bringing them down and forcing them into submission.

It was a rather startling and unsavory admission to have to make to himself.

Bruten

The instant the Shaji was moving, Bruten was moving. It felt good to have someone strong, capable, and smart at his side. He was not disappointed in the male's ability to plan out a capture, and to execute said capture without a moment's hesitation.

He was interested to see just how Shaji took the female down, and even more interested to see how he spoke to the lioness.

His muscles worked seamlessly as he tore towards the female only a few steps behind Shaji. They were quick and almost silent, and deep down the Captain knew that they would return to the pride with a thrall in tow.

Light Atago

 

[Light Atago]

Ildü had turned around to see a total of four big males- two of which were much closer to her, and closing in fast. Her heart was pounding- it would have been one thing if it was just one or two males, or if they were young… These were healthy, adult, full-grown and clearly-practiced males. And the look on the nearby black lion's face… She needed to get to solid ground. Had she not been ambushed, Ildü may have been able to outrun these four- she was lighter, after all, and very much practiced in the chase. As it stood, though, she was currently falling further and further behind.

Damn, she went into the pond. Shaji slowed, but did not hesitate as he reached the edge. Ra'Shajirr raced through the water's edge and dove right in. He hoped that Svartis and Hansulter would be able to move positions as needed should the lioness get out of this water hole on her own. However, in Shaji's mind, that would never get to be the case. He intended on dragging her out of the pond backwards, or at least sideways. The powerful male strode for as long as he could, he was making headway. To their benefit, the water was clearly too deep for the white lioness, but it was juuust deep enough for Shaji to keep his paws in the muck on the water hole's bed if he positioned himself right.

Knowing that he had the backup of Bruten, Ra'Shajirr took one lunge forward and brought his paw down heavy on… water. That was supposed to be her rump- she was good so far. One more try to go- he had time- he regained his footing and went to hook her back leg under the water, and was pleased to feel his swipe connect. Even more pleased when she couldn't move forward. He pulled himself in and got a better grip on her, but he could tell he wasn't going to be able to pull her out without some help. "Lend a paw, Bruten?" He asked through gritted teeth, keeping his concentration on the lioness, who was now kicking powerfully and snarling deeply.

pinchmonster

 

[bipolar bee]

Light Atago

Hansulter

Hansulter was certain to follow the lioness where she moved, his eyes locked on her. She couldn't stay in the water forever, and if she did come his way he'd simply take her down with a well-placed paw. Hansulter had no qualms with taking a thrall by force - while he'd never taken his own, he'd helped out on a few.

It was more than a little thrilling watching her move through the water. She was small and quick, but Shaji could barely reach the bottom of the pond from the looks of it. Having been raised in the Stormborn, they were all powerful swimmers, of that Hansulter had little doubt.

Svartis

Svartis, too, was getting caught up in the action. His heart was pounding, and his skin felt electric. She was a pretty little thing, and for a moment he was a little surprised that his thoughts had turned that direction. His heart belonged to Jura even if she was clueless about it.

Shaking himself free from his thoughts, Svartis focused once more on the female. Thankfully it didn't seem as if Shaji was going to have any trouble bringing her ashore, especially when Bruten was right behind him.

Snarling softly under his breath, Svartis merely waited at the ready on the off-chance that the female did make it out on their side of the water.

Bruten

The instant that Shaji requested his assistance, Bruten was moving easily into the water. Shaji had done the hard work, and Bruten was impressed by the other lion. He was also impressed by the tense way the brothers watched them from the other side of the pond. They were absolutely attentive, and for a moment Bruten felt a surge of pride.

Sluicing quickly through the water, Bruten dove beneath the surface once he was close enough to reach the female. There was no sense in using his claws to snag her. He needed his feet to swim - and Shaji had a good hold on her. Besides, kicking feet weren't pleasant when they made contact with his face.

If he was lucky, he'd be able to sink his teeth into her hind leg, regain his footing, and help Shaji drag her to shore.

 

[Light Atago]

Ildü snarled loudly as her back leg was captured- she struggled even harder against her assailant. Much to her dismay, the banks ahead of her, her intended target, became lined with the two she had initially spotted. She looked them both in the eye with a look of utmost disgust, with a hint of confusion mixed in. She could tell at this point, quite easily, that these guys had bad intentions… But just how bad? She had nothing of value- she never had. She didn't even have a kill.

As the other lion sunk his teeth into her flank, Il growled in pain. Once she was let loose, though it was uncharacteristic of her, she would let these two have some of her front claws, so help her!

But her strength was waning. These two lions were healthy and strong, and she was starting to feel fatigued, an end result of fighting off the little bug she had caught. It had not been enough to stop her, but… Its timing was terrible, and now that she had little energy left to fight them, Ildü was being dragged ashore. She was useless in the water, why had she tried it? Her back legs were stiff, there would be no running if she didn't slow her opponents first.

There might not be running at all- even if she were to escape, she would be unable to catch anything… This was grim. Defeat could be seen in her eyes, but the exact opposite was written across her muzzle.

Ra'Shajirr grinned to himself as she struggled- softer and softer. She was running out of energy to put up a fight, he couldn't believe his luck! She was truly a fine specimen, if a bit lacking in the common-sense department for dragging Stormborn into a struggle in the water. Perhaps she had no idea who they were- an insulting notion to the lion, who thought they were renowned throughout the savannahs. With Bruten's help, it was much easier to pull her to the shore. He changed course to where Svartis and Hansulter were standing, and kept a good tight grip on the lioness as they approached the rest of the band. The white lioness was struggling now, with himself and Bruten keeping control of her, and her wounds, she had a fair limp. For the moment, she wouldn't try to escape. Once into shallow enough water, Shaji decided to take the lead again. If Bruten indicated otherwise, he would back off, but for now, the light lion was rolling with the moment. He moved to the lioness' shoulder, placed his paw on her back and pushed down suddenly and solidly. He had intended to squish her down into the shallow water and lord it over her, but she had other plans…

Had she lured them into a false sense of security? It was impossible to tell for sure, but as the water got shallower, and as she limped towards the other two lions, she felt more and more like a trapped preybeast. When she felt a paw on her back, she knew it was now or never, Ildü would not give up the only treasure she carried with her easily- her freedom would be fought for. She went down easy- and quicker than the lion's paw, and she managed to begin to make a getaway. How long could she make her getaway last?

pinchmonster

((Feel free to let any/as many of yours stop her- she obviously won't be getting away. :3 Just felt she should put up more of a challenge. >8D ))

 

[bipolar bee]

Light Atago

I am so sorry it's taken me this long to tag you!! <3

Bruten

Bruten was shocked when the female broke free. Shocked, and admittedly more than a little pleased. He loved a good chase. He really did. He loved to see the fire slowly flicker before dying completely. Bruten thoroughly enjoyed the first real moment when a lion knew they were caught and captured completely, with no chance for escape.

The fact that she felt a surge of hope burn bright enough to encourage her to break free, well. Bruten would bide his time, give chase, and when the time came he would watch those eyes grow dull and exhausted.

"After her," he hissed, though really he had little doubt that they would catch her. With the wound on her leg caused by his own sharp, gnashing teeth, she would not last long before collapsing of pain or fatigue - or both.

Hansulter & Svartis

Hansulter and Svartis had both moved around the watering hole, each of them moving around to come together on the other side. Perhaps they were a little too relaxed, or perhaps they felt confident enough to know that Bruten and Shaji would bring the female down on their own.

However, once the female broke free, the brothers stood there a little dumbfounded. Bruten's hissed whisper finally spurred them into action, and they chased after the female just behind the big, dark Captain.

Hansulter pulled into the lead, and not to be outdone, Svartis soon followed. Probably Bruten was already tired from hauling the female out of the water, or probably he didn't want to have to give chase. It didn't really matter. They moved in sync, large clawed paws churning the earth beneath them.

They drew closer, and closer, Svartis moving just ahead before being eclipsed by Hansulter. It was almost beautiful how they interacted, sensing the movements of the other - a strange sort of well oiled death machine. Neither brother wanted to hurt her, but they would if they had to - and at one point, Hansulter moved close enough to swipe a meaty paw across her backside, his claws catching on that pretty pelt of hers.

 

[Light Atago]

Shaji did not wait for the hiss, he was so shocked that the smaller white lioness had gotten away, his face contorted to an enraged hiss immediately. He took a fraction of a second for reaction time before he was on the move again, but the two brothers were ahead. Perhaps the swim had fatigued him a little, while these two were fresh, but whatever the case, all lions were in chase, with Ra'Shajirr in third position now. He got to admire how smoothly the two worked together, even if they did seem to have an icier air between them before. He could not help but smirk watching them. They were all Stormborn, and all something to be feared and, for the brave, admired.

He watched as Hansulter made a swipe and landed a blow on her flank, Shaji caught up as the chase slowed.

Ildü was amazed at her luck, she had managed to get a little ways away! Maybe she could get out of this unexpected predicament after all, if only she was at full strength. If only she had not had that brute of a male land a blow to her leg. If only conditions were more fair to her, one female against four males was a little outbalanced, she thought to the gods, imagining they could hear her thoughts. Perhaps they would make things more balanced. On an ordinary day, she would never have thought these thoughts. She knew, begrudgingly, that gods existed, but she never would have prayed to one in her head.

This was a special kind of day.

She was slowing down quite a bit, suddenly- blood from her hind leg staining her white fur as she ran- she knew her slowness was as a result of that wound. It did not take long, honestly, for her to receive another blow to her hip. Even more, defeat sunk from her eyes across her muzzle as she went down, snarling loudly in pain from the hurt in her leg. She hit the earth on her side, her ear ringing from the impact her head made with the earth. Momentum from the chase rolled her onto her back, where she quickly curled as much as she could to protect her throat and belly. The black and red-and-purple lions loomed over her, but it was not long after she spotted them before the light spotted male arrived over her. Despite being taken down, unable to continue to fight, and unable to run, she still snarled, but there was something different about it. She had a certain air about her, the fight was gone. Now she just snarled from pain and disgust combined, with a good amount of fear mixed in.

Shaji chuckled a little as he saw Hansulter bring her down once more. "Nice one!" he called to the male as he approached, slowing down. "You're more trouble than I thought you were, a little fire is good in a thrall," Shaji said, addressing the pale lioness, now covered in mud, dirt, and blood. "Have you any idea who we are?"

When the lioness responded with an attempt at a degrading comment at Shaji's longer ear hair, he simply laughed. Bruten was nearby, he gave him a grin. He found her attitude and comments quite entertaining, and wanted to see what his Captain would think.

pinchmonster

I'm sorry too! XDDD;;; I think we can wrap this up soon? :3

 

[bipolar bee]

Quote:

Bruten let out a low, rasping chuckle. Yes, a little fire was good in a thrall - but not too much. Regardless, he couldn't help but find the lioness's attempt at a scathing response somewhat amusing. Despite a near loss, they'd come together and had brought the lioness down - a lioness who, upon closer inspection, seemed to be quite a lovely piece indeed.

"I must admit, you've done well on your first viking, Shaji. I do not think she knows who we are - we are Stormborn, and you are now his," Bruten nodded towards Shaji, "thrall - a nice word for slave."

He paused.

"You'll come with him willingly, or you won't. We do not mind the sight of blood, and we do not mind how it stains your fur."

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Despite the near loss, Hansulter and Svartis both were feeling rather accomplished. Neither Reaver minded that Shaji was given the lioness; as far as they were concerned, he'd done the majority of the work with Bruten, anyway. They both sat in silence, panting softly, and watched the lioness carefully. If she made any move - any move whatsoever - to escape, it would not end well for her. All four lions were big, brutish sorts.

"I would come willingly if I were you," Svartis grunted on an exhale. "Though I could use a bit more exercise if you find you want to run again."

Hansulter let out a loud guffaw.

"I do not need the exercise, thrall, but I do think I would enjoy watching Svartis try to catch you again."

"Shut up, brother."

The two fell into muted bickering while Bruten watched Shaji with a half-smile flickering across his muzzle.

Light Atago

GLUG I AM WORST RP PARTNER I AM WORST

 

[Light Atago]

Ildü lay between all four of them, slowly sinking lower and lower due to the pain. She had tried not to, to keep her dignity in the face of these foes, to keep herself at least somewhat upright, to appear proud and strong and still a threat. However… No matter how hard her mind commanded her body to do such things, she still found herself punished by her flanks for the very thought. She had sunk into a comfortable position while listening to the darkest lion's words, her ears at an odd angle between perked forwards and flattened against her skull- clinging to an explanation of this behavior while at the same time quickly coming to hate all four of them.

She had heard of the Stormborn, but all rubbish tales that were certainly exaggerated. Sons and daughters of war gods and storm gods, pathetic. Ildü had little belief in the mystical, if any at all. She never would have bought that there were lions that were related to the odd mutants called gods and goddesses that one occasionally saw on the plains of the world. The second part of their tale she had heard was quite apparently true, however. They combed the land outside their own for treasures and those that they would enslave. And the slaves are never seen or heard from again. It was this part of the tale that she had always believed, and this part that now struck a look of horror into her face, giving Bruten's words more impact. She could not care less who now owned her, only that at some point in the night, perhaps, she would find a way to escape. But at his next words, she knew they rang with undeniable truth, to attempt to escape would mean more wounding or death. She would still keep her eyes peeled, but she did not know that their eyes would be sharper. She would never find that opportune moment, it would never come. Her fate was sealed. She had no words, the panicked look in her eyes said it all.

She took a moment to respond, her eyes darting between points on the ground as her mind cranked with what she had heard, coping. "Now?" was all she had asked, wondering if she could rest here for a while.

Ra'Shajirr's muzzle was painted with a stern look his eyes piercing into the lioness. When Bruten had given him his compliment on his viking, Ra'Shajirr had felt a surge of pride in himself. He had performed well and without hesitation. And now, in the moment of truth, he had no regrets. He turned to Bruten, his expression lightening a little as he gave a curt nod in response. The look in his eye showed that he had heard those words with deep gratitude. However, now were also formative moments for this thrall to see him as someone to be feared, respected, and obeyed. "Yes, now." He said harshly, staring straight into her eyes. "Up." he commanded her with force. "I too will come to fetch you should you run, but you should remember that it is to me you will have to answer, and I will not take pity on a crimson coat." He knew those words were understood. None of them would take that pity, but he was sure that at this point she knew that. He looked to Bruten, but he knew that from here they would head out. Their work with this lioness was done- she was his.

pinchmonster

Tag and finish, methinks! :3