F: Achak Dikanodi vs Bahati

[Epine de Rose]

She'd watched some of the duels, flitting between each of the 'arenas' to see how each had done. She'd been surprised to see some of the younger blood, but in the grand scheme of things it was a good sign. After all, the young were the future and to have some of them embrace tradition with such fervour was enjoyable to watch. In the end she hadn't seen who the victors were in all but one duel (for obvious reasons), and it came as a shock to her to realise she'd be facing a rather upcoming and prominent figure going forward.

...Or at least she thought he was if he was that Achak.

Still, the tiny lioness had padded diligently into the arena to take her usual position. It had now become tradition for her and she was a common place sight in these duels even if she very rarely proceeded much farther than a step or two. Today it seemed it would be the old versus the new, and on this occasion she might very well be beaten based on endurance alone - the young did have more energy after all!

Vashtya

 

[Vashtya]

As surprised as anyone else that he'd moved on to the second round, the lithe teen made his way into the ring to face his next opponent, his posture giving only a hint (or perhaps stating clearly, to those who knew him well) that he was uncomfortable being the focus of so much attention.

Stepping forward, he finally saw his next opponent - an older lioness, her dark coat dramatic compared to the generally lighter-pelted ela that circled them loosely, excited to see who won this match. Smiling tentatively, he inclined his head in her direction in greeting.
 

[Epine de Rose]

So it was that Achak! His coat was rather distinct and difficult to miss despite the fact that there were several families who embraced such vibrant colours. She knew of him, though some of his significance was still lost on him and as a result she afforded herself a moment to offer a small smile and a hint of a bow.

It was of no surprise to her that in light of so many young lions taking part this year, she'd have the opportunity to duel with one of them. Admittedly he was just a bit taller than her but hey, that wouldn't be hard, given that she had always been a runt and her growth had been stunted. At least on this occasion Achak would be evenly matched provided he kept his focused!

"Hello," she spoke at last and waved her paw.

Evidently, she'd forgotten that pleasantries were a bit boring to watch and she really should have been focusing on what the audience wanted; you know, some sport...

Vashtya

 

[Vashtya]

Achak hesitated for a moment - his brother had led into his last match much more...aggressively, and her mild greeting threw him off-kilter. However, taking in her diminutive stature, and the friendly expression on her face, he found himself waving back at her, a rare, if tiny smile flitting across his face, easily missed.

"Hello," he replied, more easily than usual. And then...he shifted from one paw to another, waiting to see what she did next. He wouldn't feel right, initiating things.
 

[Epine de Rose]

She still wasn't quite on board with the fact that the audience were expecting a spectacle and as he greeted her, her smile grew. It seemed that he was just as awkward as she was, or at least he gave off the vibe of being awkward. This was definitely his first time and she wasn't entirely certain he wanted to be there... maybe it was nerves?

She knew that feeling.

"No need to be nervous," she reassured him and waved her paw again. "I'm not very good," she added with a chuckle. "I'll barely make a dent so you'll still look handsome after," she promised. After all, some of the younger ones did it to impress someone and maybe there was a little lady on the side?

Oooh maybe she could help with that! She'd have to keep a keen eye out just in case and then maybe, just maybe, feint and allow him the victory. She'd have to wait and see, for now all she could do was keep half an eye on him and the other on the audience for signs of that potential lady.

And all the while she had still forgotten that no one was there to watch general chit chat...

Vashtya

 

[Vashtya]

Achak hesitated, as if uncertain as to whether she was poking fun at him, but then gave her a small smile, deciding that no, she seemed genuine. "I'm not worried about a mussed mane - please feel free to do your best," he said, not wanting her to hold back - he may have been reluctant to sign up for this, but it wasn't because he was concerned about injury, or a mussed mane - it was more around how well (or poorly) he was representing the pride, instead.

Of course, his hesitation, and continued conversation had the same effect as hers had, with neither of them having initiated the actual competition that made up this particular part of the Sky Festival.

Epine de Rose

 

[Epine de Rose]

It was at this point that the lioness finally remembered herself and she cast a sheepish gaze towards the crowds before finally leaping forward to make her opening assault.

While she had no intention of doing permanent damage, she'd learnt from last years performance and knew better than to throw a match. Her behaviour during last years Sky Festival had caused some to tell her off for not taking it seriously. It was better to keep her head in the game and her opponent deserved a good show.

...Thus she swept forward and made for his legs, making a small feint at his front set before making a genuine swipe towards his hind legs.

Vashtya

 

[Vashtya]

annnnd, this one's for Achak's first attempt at an attack - here's to hoping he has better luck than he did with the attempts at going first! xD.  

[Epine de Rose]

Annnnd...next swing!  

[Vashtya]

annnnd next attempt for Achak!  

[Epine de Rose]

It's a close one folks!