[PRP] "Where are your real warriors?!"

[GunSniper]

The red hot breeze of the fire mountain was a refreshing change of pace from the fire palace. Volga had become restless. It was not long ago that he had sent his young pupil, Edia, off on her first journey alone. He never would have outwardly expressed it, but he was concerned for her, she was like a daughter to him.

His nostrils flared as he took in the burning air. It was quiet. Almost too quiet.

Volga glanced up toward the the burning embers that drifted from the upward wind of the mountain. The lava blow illuminated the undersides of the thick gray clouds and the embers to a appear as a crimson snow fall on the land. Ash covered most of the land and had accumulated a little on his armor and fur.

He remembered the fist time Edia experienced the ash-covered side of the mountain, how she was quite enchanted by the red glow. Volga had seen it so many time it was not anything special to him, but now it was the start of a found memory.

*Tech* Volga scoffed.

How weak it was to be dwelling on such things.

[ Radical Dreamer ]

 

[[ Radical Dreamer ]]

Deep breath, taken step.

....

Release breath.

The sizzle that left the paw pad, was that of a chrisp hiss. A breath released Crucible as her ridged body, slowly relaxed. It was hot, but it was a pain she quickly over came. She was determined to no let such a little thing as sering flesh, get to her. It was something that would have to be tempered with the crucible of trail and practice. As the pain faded and was tempered under her paw, her white tipped tail flicked behind her. It was going to be easy enough, just took time and consistency was the key. Consistency, it seemed like the key to anything....

Okay, that was one paw down. Three more to go, all would be sizzled to a dry crisp, it was the only way to make sure, once the pads on her foot healed-they would be stronger for the next time.

Consistency..

Taking another step, Crucible's face remained concentrated and strict. It was mind over matter, her nerves were only telling her what she already knew. It was hot, and her paws were getting burned. Not a whisker shifted to the second 'hiss' that left tender flesh that worked on overcoming the heat of the mountain. Yes, she was of the fire tribe, her white scaved and worn horns shown that obviously enough. In being such, she was for the most part unhindered by heat, but the same was true for many others of their clan. Such fire resistance was only beaten by their magus. In time, she would be come one, and she was determined to over come them in strength and resistance. So naturally she had to over come heat that would other wise cripple normal fire member. Perhaps, in time the Weaver could look down upon her and see that she was worth to be transformed, just like others before her. Well, that is what she heard whisper of anyways. Not only the magus of their Tribe or others, but 'normal' woven adults have been transformed. There was whispers of it happening anyways. Normally, Curcible-the Stubborn and hardheaded Nahtill-didn't listen or believe such foolish rumors...however this one, it seemed worth listening to, or even worth hoping and deserving.

At least quietly....and privately

A breath huffed from Crucible, and she took another step. Halfway there. This time it would be her back paws. Two more to go, she could feel the sweat accumulate under her fur, the heat of the mountain it's self was almost too hot for her to handle....

Heart beat quickened, and started to pound with more vigor.

For now.

In time, Crucible was determined to over come the limit that was for her tribe. She was determined to be and would be as Stronger then magus. She had one advantage her leaders didn't, she knew the struggle to be come strong, and the discipline that was needed to get there. The Magus themselves where woven as such, they didn't know the work it took to get there. The edurance it took to prove themselves worth, no-they had been gifted and proven worthy by their creations. Perhaps, If the Weaver found her so worthy she could stand tall and among the greatest of them.

If any b'alam was around, it hadn't been noticed by the Nahtll that worked to climb one of the many lava peaks.Like wise, her own fur was as black as smoke making it easy to miss by any set of untrained eyes.

As the mountain ridge angled, Crucibles climb became more difficult. Though that didn't stop or hinder her by much. Pink claws dug deeply into the heated and scorched earth. Cracking and flaking broke under her paws, as crispy ground flaked from it's surface.

Just a little longer...She had to stay on the heated hill just a bit longer. A bit longer, and next time she could stay on and tolerate the heat even longer. Perhaps on day, she would be able to tread on lava! Yes, that was reasonable goal.

Releasing a breath, Crucible paused and turned her head to look down at the progress she had made. Looking back she noticed she was higher up then she has ever been able to stand before. Looking back down at the flaking earth before her, she had done it. She was the furthest she had even been before. Now all that was left to do was to make a mark. So others would know, if they dared to try and do the same, that someone before them had already made the climb. However what was more important, it was for her for next time, to know when she had gone furthered then the last time. It was a goal to do more then she did the last time. It was a far simpler goal then being able to walk on lava.

Cub steps....Then Lava steps

Picking up her paw, Pink nails were dug deeply into the rock and she made her mark. One that was simple and easy to distinguish for the next time she dared to climb. Tomorrow after all was another day and a perfect time to try and get higher. Looking up to the hill peak, she was almost to the top. When that day came when she could reach the top, she would have to find a more heated and taller peak. One day, she should be able to climb the home mountain with ease. Just like the magus...

Releasing a breath, Crucible turned herself. Dark smoky tail swished around with a sharp white tip flick. pink claws remained out as she mindfully made careful steps to make her way down the heated hill. Arrogant tail angled ridgedly behind herself to help keep her balance as she made careful paw steps to travel safely down the rough slope. Ears angled and poised forward as she meditated on the great job she had just accomplished by herself. She had set herself a goal, and had completed it. There was nothing like that in the world. The satisfaction was like none other.

(1021)  

[GunSniper]

Volga only had a moment more to pull his thoughts away from his adopted pupil (one he considered more a daughter, but would never outwardly say so) before something broke the silence. His ears perked forward before he turned his head to the heated hillside of the fire tribe. There was something out there...

Without any thought on the temperature beneath his paws, Volga turned his course toward the noise that broke the ambiance of the valley. Boldly and without wavering even a fraction he treaded over the hot coals, this place he knew too well. It was a place he visited often when he needed to think. Very rarely there was anyone here... not when he was around. This noise was something new and exciting to be out of the ordinary. That is what had his mental focus.

"A lone adventurer out of a leisurely stroll?" Volga called out toward the Nantil.

The spirit was unmistakeable. It was another B'alam. Fire, those white horns stood out against the darkened hillside, unlike her fur coat which almost blended in perfectly. It was no wonder she had managed to come into the area undetected. The next question was "why"?

"This is an odd spot for such a thing." He added after a moment. "But I must admit, quite impressive."

[ Radical Dreamer ]

 

[[ Radical Dreamer ]]

Slow steps down the hill took in every siring coal under paw slowly, the heat scorched and tore her raw paws. Yet, with each pinch and bite Crucible was determined to remain unflinching. She wouldn't allow it to show on her features, no-she was a warrior and unmoved by little things such as her body telling her that something cruel and harming was happening to her body. She knew it was, and allowed it to be so.

She was the master of her own frame, the master of her own reactions. Nothing in this land could cause her to flinch but herself. There was no fear. As long as she believed that there was nothing that could get to her. No, it wasn't a belief, it was a fact. She was the master of her own body, she was the master of her fate. Really, when one thought about it the body was a silly and weak thing, that was easily over come by the mind. It was where all of it started and ended, as far as she was concerned. So these coals were meaningless, this burning sensation in her toes meant nothing, the heat around her was at her will and no one else's. This is why no one could truly overcome her. She was t he master of her own body, her mind was the master and controller of all she was concerned with.

A white ear turned to the faint call of another, it was thing that she picked up another spirit. It was Tahtll. Hmm, she didn't sense him sooner, taming the silly pain must have consumed her focus. Perhaps she had put too much thought to controlling the reaction to the elements around her. It was something that she needed to focus on changing. It would be devastating if she were to be attacked while training. Her mind would not have been prepared for a random assault. Mentally she shuffled the thought away before she prepared to deal with this Tahtll. It was something she could work on later, now was not the time to seem distracted. Especially when in the presence of a stranger. One must never look or actually be distracted when in the presence of someone unknown. Training on none.

"Something of the nature." Crucible answered back, her head raised proudly her piercing eyes narrowed and remained focused on the Tahtll that called for her. She didn't' like that he had been able to 'sneak' up on her. Be it her own carelessness or not. The thought of being attacked while she had been so focused almost seemed like a failure to do something. She hated to believe that. No, she had been careless. This one should not have been able to sneak up on her as he had. All she could do now is assure him that she was not a distracted cub, she had focus, and she was quite dangerous.

Hopping from the hill, Crucible approached the fire Tahtll. Her gaze ever so carefully watching him, Did he think she was crazy? Like how unfairly most Nahtlil of the tribe had been thought. The thought once again caused her fur to stand on end as a surge of heat raced around her heart. The nantlil of this tribe had surely caused trouble for anyone of the tribe, especially the other Nan's. Word had gotten out and now it appeared as if it were not going to go away. It was infuriating. It was inexcusable. The thought was set aside. Skillfully she was able to ponder on her burning hatred for the thought of being thought a fool because of one poor example while keeping focus on the one before her.

Hearing the rest of his compliment, caused her white paws to halt. Her head lifted and turned ever so slightly to show her sharp green eyes.

Impressive? HA! She had done more than that. Perhaps this milk drinker had been a hermit of sorts and yet to see any kind of impressive feats. She had seen little cubs who could possibly have made this. Perhaps it was the thought of the magus' nan and the fact that she had been snuck up on that had caused this scoffing reaction to a compliment. Or perhaps there was some other reason. Still, Crucible did not think it was such an impressive feat. Every day she would improve on how far she had gotten and every day she would get better. To think this was impressive was to settle on something less than what actually was. Settling was hazardous to one's mind and health. No, this was not impressive. Not in the least.

"You, must be easily impressed then. A new carved cub could make that trek, with enough determination Tah."

She spoke with an upward tilt of her chin. Hopefully this milk drinker would wander off back to where he had come from. He had no room here and certainly his presence was fowling up the area. It certainly was doing no good for her mood.

Percing eyes remained square on the crimson Tah standing before her. Every breath he took and his very stance Crucible took note of. She wanted to be sure that she would not be in for a fight. If it turned to that she would be ready for anything that came, but she still did not wish to engage in anything of the sort right now. Not after scaling the hill, dealing with the frustration, and overall just not wanting to be around such a pathetic excuse for a fire b'alam. The fact that his stance seemed to be so proper had to indicate that he thought very highly of himself, or maybe he was in some position of a high rank in something. Would that not just make sense if he had worked in the palace with the poor excuse for a ruler? He certainly would fit the role of the stooge with that ridiculous getup....

GunSniper

 

[GunSniper]

Likewise, Volga held his sharp gaze upon the nahtill. His own head held high and proud while he watched her. The compliment was not something he would have tossed out on w whim. He had not seen another soul make that trek. An impressive deed deserved to be noted as far as Volga was concerned.

This one though, this one did not seem to take kindly to words. He only offered the nahtill a brief frown before his former expression returned to his face. Perhaps the fumes had gotten to her head? Regardless.

"I see, no, I am not. However, I am inclined to apologize for a mistake. I thought I might have encountered someone worthy of my attention. So, you are a newly carved cub seeking to prove herself? How quaint." He scoffed, a grin formed on his maw to top off the words.

"Be on your way than fresh cub. These burning hills are too dangerous for you."

Volga continued to hold his head high as he nodded toward the path away from the hills.

[ Radical Dreamer ]

 

[[ Radical Dreamer ]]

Crucible approached Vulga without any sense of insecurity, or worried that he might do something. After taking careful note of his posture, stance, and tone she had determined he was not a threat. If he was not a palace lackey than he was surely just an obnoxious snob of the sort. He seemed to be all talk, with that showie piece on his head. Ones who could use their mouth probably had no other skill. Crucible's green eyes glanced more about his armor and how it covered more of his facial features. It was made of metal of some sort and seemed to be very durable. However, there was one thing that she had noted about it, it was a disgrace! How it hid his proud horns, protection maybe? Hmm. Who would want protection like that if it covered up what was to be such a proud metal of honor for any true fire b'alam? The horns were what made the fire b'alam who they were. It was a pitty to cover it up with anything, even if that would be fore defense. Perhaps the horns were so weak they could not do their job effectively. Or maybe he was so full of himself he only thought the elite were to see his horns. Either way, it seemed to be over compensating for something.

Facing the tahtll, a single swampy green eye over looked him again. She studied him as he spoke his hot air. The more he opened his mouth the more she was convinced that he was not worth her time. This could not have been any warrior worthy of her time. He had the stature of one, what appeared to be the calmness of one, but there was no way that he could have been serious. Crucible took a closer look at the Tah. It was impossible to see anything of his own eyes beinieth the shadow of his helmet. She could not engage the window of his soul and truly engage his spirit. Perhaps that was something else that set her off about this Tah standing so boldly before her. She could not look into his eyes. That was poor form. All she could see about him were his physical traits; He was taller, and bigger...full of confidence, yes. She had come across his kind before.

With that thought in mind the fight with another burned brightly in her thoughts. Yes, she had seen his selfish kind before. So arrogant. She thought back to that fight she had engaged in with that large fire b'alam with the armor. Though, his armor was less elaborate that was now standing before him. Still, either or, they were both of the same tree. Arrogant and had nothing but their sheer weight to throw around like a rock tumbling down a hill with no direction. It was truly pathetic. Crucible inwardly felt proud as she recalled winning that fight against the one who had taken her eye. That served him right. If it came to a fight with this one she surely would win.

As he finished his words, Crucible's dark tail flicked behind her. Unamused as his words simply glided of her back like the droplets of water of a duck's back. There was nothing he could say to set her into a rage. This was another lesson on mind over matter. His words had no more affect on her than the hot coals of the land had on her paws. No matter how hot they were, her mind and will were stronger and she would always arise victorious. "Well." Left her maw flatly, his words didn't do anything to effect her, she was more of a action kind of Nahtlil. Actions spoke much louder than words and right now, his own actions were barely above a soft whisper.

"I am sure the Weaver would forgive you for such a poor assumption." Crucible answered as flatly as she had spoken before. This was proving to be nothing short of wasting her precious time. There was so much more that she could be doing right now than prattling on with one who probably had never seen the inside of an arena. It wasn't her place to judge, but she was defiantly sure that this one was not worth an ounce of her time. In fact she felt that she had given him more time than he had deserved to have in his own life.

"Perhaps." She added simply. "and after all quint enough to get your attention, Tah..." The Nahtlil answer and let herself turn away from the tahtll. Normally she would not allow her back to face to an unknown entity, but by this point she was convinced that he was not a threat. He was not worth the time nor the worry of having to fight. Though, she was not past giving him a simple taunt. Her tail lingered in the air and tease at slapping the other across the maw as she started to walk away. Her ears remained backwards while she listened to his movements for a bit, just to be sure he wasn't underhanded and would dare try to attack her while her back was turned. That would be a poor move, but she was ready for the situation should it arise. Crucible had other things on her mind to deal with at the moment and did not wish to waste the rest of her day in the presence of some overcompensating no one. There was nothing that would get her to stay. He did not even have the capacity to carry on at least an interesting conversation. At least the big oaf with the black markings was enough fun to carry on a meaningful conversation in the form of combat. Crucible had to inwardly feel proud again about that victory. Oh how he had tossed around his words and how she had put him in his place in the end. No, she was not worried about this cub one bit. In time her ears perked forward, he would not do anything...

GunSniper

 

[GunSniper]

"A simple mistake." Volga noted just as simply.

While the nahtill walked by Volga continued to hold his ground. His posture remained unchanged and his focus continued to be held upon her. This one did not seem as weak as others he had seen. And she certainly did not seem out of her mind. Certain of her abilities perhaps, but not crazy.

If anything, Volga hoped that this was not just a show of confidence. One thing that made him sick was someone who threw their words around and had nothing to back it up. The mere thought was sickening.

Still, he was not going to take the subtle venomous banter without striking back.

"Scamper off now... you have no reason to be here."

[ Radical Dreamer ]

 

[[ Radical Dreamer ]]

Crucibles ears bounced to the sounds still coming from over her shoulder. It was as if the wind itself were trying to push her over, and just about as effective. Actually, she would have commemorated the wind more than she would the hot air generator standing behind her as if he were standing on a high cliff. His words were ineffective and pointless, he was wasting his breath. At least he was not trying to pursue her. That would end so poorly for him.

"Excuses." Crucible corrected Volga over her shoulder as he restated his 'mistake'. Oh yes, that was all It was. He was making up excuses for his own lack of any sense of tact. That ridiculous helmet, armor, and over all posture. There was nothing about him that screamed that he was anything more than a collective pile of excuses, standing there with nothing better to do than call out a nan who was training. What a cub... What a milk drinker, what a sad waste of space. Truly he would fit in with the tribe's leadership! Crucible was now banking on that being the place of his origins. That place seemed to be a cesspool of insanity and excuses. Her dark tail flicked about behind her as she delved deeper into thought about the corrupted leadership of this land. They were the reasons so few remained in these lands, they were the reasons that so many needed to fight. They had not done anything in particular, but Crucible could see why people would be just mad enough to claw something when dealing with the monarchy within the tribe. The armored being who tried to give her grief was the shining symbol of that.

Her dark and powered tipped tail turned and swished behind her as she continued unhindered on her tail. Her ears perked forward as she need not listen to anything else that spewed from the maw of that miserable creature standing behind her. That's all he was, behind her. His life must be so terrible that he had nothing better to do than stand there and insult and sneak on Nans that came that way.

Than he said it... A devious grin formed on her maw. Oh? Is that how it was going to be? She had told herself to stop listening, but his voice was as obnoxious as his presence. There was little she could do to not hear such an unfavorable sound. She turned around to face the armored Tah. Her careful eyes staring at him with the intensity of the volcano that made this land so hot no matter the season. With that prolonged grin she gave the Tahtll a wink with a single eye. She waited just long enough to where the notion would sink into that thick skull on the tah's. Once she was satisfied that the gesture had sunken in her head turned back around. Without another word she pressed forward and continued on her way. That soundless act was something to get at any tight minded air headed milk drinker. She didn't turn about to see the look on his face, but inwardly she felt as if she had accomplished something great. Sometimes the most devastating attacks were quite subtle. Smoldering paws kept her path as a smirk rested on her maw. She had found a bit of satisfaction in knowing that she 'ruffled' the unnamed Tahtll's fur, if even just a little bit. He had to have been ruffled a little bit. Gong off that former air head that she had gotten to fight a while back she was sure that her words had gotten to him. Though he did well to hide it. They always did well to hide it beneath that thick layer of ego that they sported. Crucible was sound in the fact that she had likely gotten under his skin and the thought of their encounter would no doubt stay with him the rest of the day. There was no way that it could not affect him as such. The milk drinker was so spoiled that he likely was not used to dealing with the likes of her. Who was? She was her own force and knew how to handle those who were filled with hot air. She was fire after all...

Oh well, Crucible wasn't one for random small talk. Especially not with those who had nothing interesting to talk about. And those who seemed to have an ego that was so big that they had to contain it with a helmet. That and she had no reason to stay at -her- training grounds. Not with that oaf watching her. In one hand, he should be thankful that she had not used him as her training ground. That armor had to have made the perfect scratching post. Hmn, the armor... Perhaps, she would head back to the tribe and visit the forge. Then again, maybe not. What ever she choose to do she didn't need to be at the lava flats anymore. The rest of the day was in her paws and she need not be around those who would provide poor company.

So.

For now her paw steps took her father away from the Tahtll. The more she thought about it the more she had found the encounter at least a little fascinating. Just a little. He had not attacked her and he was not pursuing her. All he had was insults... and armor. Stil though the encounter was one that was fascinating, but not fascinating enough to keep her attention. Why would he? He as only a Tahtll, and the weaver made him just as he made her. That and no doubt he had already preconceived thoughts about her, because of a certain Nahtlil.

Perhaps it was because of that he had treated her in such a manner? A predetermined bias because of a loon that claimed to rule the land about them. It was than her thoughts brought her round about to the fire tribe's leadership. That did seem to be the root of a lot of problems in this land... still, it should not be her focus. There were other things she needed to tame her mind on.

(1042)

GunSniper

 

[GunSniper]

Excuses? Volga released an amused chuckle. This one had spark and some wit, but she was still not worth the time to pursue a conversation. This one was a mere cub with a sour attitude. Certainly he was mistaken in thinking her presence at these grounds was anything extraordinary. Perhaps she felt she had something to prove to someone? Perhaps herself. Who knows. Regardless, she was not worth his free time to engage in any conversation.

The Nan did not appear to be much of a talker in any case. Not with anything interesting to say. All the better. Volga disliked useless chatter. Unless, of course, it was from his adopted pupil (though he did warn her not to speak endlessly). Deep down he missed her conversations.

Volga watched the nan walk away. His eyes refused to move elsewhere until she was completely gone. A young cub walking among the fire. It was still quite amusing and continued to cause him to grin, even when it was obvious she was no longer looking.

(TWC: 886)

[ Radical Dreamer ]

 

[[ Radical Dreamer ]]

The sky was heated with a warm rouge, the billows of smoke gave welcoming heat to another normal Fire tribe sunrise. There was truly nothing else like it. Crucible, a Fire Nahtlil was once again, and just like every she did every morning was training on the volcanic mountains. It was -her- stomping grounds, regardless of what some metal head claimed. It was her's alone, she wasn't about to share to those that did not prove themselves worthy to do so. And just like the day before she was tempering her paws with each step, as well as making sure her claws were sharp. Focusing and training her body to be ready for any battler, brawl or fight that may come her way. It was her daily continuation, something she would never miss out on. Ever. So it was best to say, if one was looking for the smoky ebony Nahtlil they could find her there every morning. In her roaring sanctuary, her unbais lava flats.

Pink claws, where once again dark with soot as they tore open the earth under her paws. Her green eyes remained focused on her target. Watching, and preparing. In a instant they narrowed themselves on a very large bolder ahead of her. Her target, one of which that stood tall and alone on the heated rocky flat. A rumble left her throat, she was determined to have it bow down to her. She was determined to have it be torn down adn turned in to rubble by her own strong horns and sharp claws.

With another snarl, The Nahtlil let out a roar and took off like a shooting star across the hardened lava fields. The thunder of her paws pounded across the lava flats. White socked paws pounded in a heavy thud and mercilessly on top of the scorched earth. A focused brow turned her crown of horns down in a smooth and focused procession. In a solid 'clap' impact was made against bone and rock. The tempered pointed tools caused a loud 'crack' that sounded in the air as white horns collided with solid rock. The impact was so great it had done well to bounce her back, and almost in a stumble. Hind paws sent her back wards as she caught herself from a fall. Dark Tail 'c'ed and angled it's self. Balance.

Not a second before her paws touched down, that she leap forward once more into the rock. With a growl she stuck the rock with body and paws with pink nails out.

*SCREEEEEEECH*

Echo'ed loudly as brightly colored claws dug themselves viciously in the stone, as if it were flesh. Tail whipped wildly behind her. With another snarl, She leapt once more and slammed her horns into the harden earth once more. There was another 'SNAP!' of sound that clapped through the air. The tower of stone was going to fall!

A frustrated growl left the Nahtlil as she back away from the stone. Shaking the impact off of her head she let out a huff, It was going to be hard work. Which was okay, if it was easy every b'alam would be smashing rocks to pieces with their face. Releasing another huff, Crucible let her shoulders bobbed with each step as she hung her head past them in a prowl. Her eyes remained focused on her lifeless target. It was going to be turned into rubble. Consistency was the key. If you couldn't beat one's challenge in strength, then one just simply had to out last them. It was important to master that thought, she knew that Tahtll's would always be stronger then her, it was how the Weaver made them. However, how long her own strength lasted was up to her. If she was stronger then a untrained Nahtlil, she could at least be almost equal in strength with a untrained Tahtll. That was the theory anyways and even if not that-she just how to out last the other, be more skilled and clever in thought.

Though in truth, slamming one's horns against a lifeless rock, was nothing like engaging another in a fight-or brawl; but it would keep her horns hardened and ready. If she could stand the impact of tempered stone on her horns and claws. Flesh and horns would be easy, and it would be all the more delightful to work on such when she had the chance. She just only had to be ready.

Charcoal tail flicked behind her, before Crucible let her hind hunches lower to the ground. Dark tail still swished about, kicking up a mild dust behind her. It went unnoticed. Picking up her paw she inspected her claws. Flexing them, she turned her paw over checking it over with her eyes making sure her 'gear' was ready and handling the training okay. It had taken her a while to get her claws to this point-where they wouldn't split so easily against the rock. She needed them that way, sharp and ready....Her claws were a extension of herself, and she did need to make sure she was taking care of them so they would always be strong. She wasn't lucky like some to have armor and metal claws crafted for her. She was determined not to need them, that and she figured that the Weaver gave her everything that she would need. It was part of the glory to be just as deadly if not more so when one had less then another.

Releasing a breath though her pink nostrils, ears remained perked and poised to her surroundings. Even when she was training she had to remain keen to the world around her. She couldn't and wouldn't allow herself to be so distracted that she wouldn't notice another around her and give them the ability to sneak up on her and claim the extra edge over. If she did, she would only have her self to blame....

And she wasn't about to blame herself, if she could help it.

(1002)  

[GunSniper]

Before the sun's light had even spilled over the jagged horizon Volga was already out to seek out some solitude in his favorite thinking spot. The encounter from yesterday had not gone unremembered. In fact, the fire cub from the other day had brought him so much amusement that the problems usually plaguing his mind were of little affect throughout the day. Part of him had hoped to encounter the young fire cub again today. Call it curiosity. Even Volga could tell she had a bit of spark about her.

Large boulders stuck out of the gravely ground around the entire area like a field of buried horns. Most were triangular in shape and jutted out at a slight angle to the left or right. Towards the base of the massive hill leading toward the volcano the boulders were rounder and on their sides. Most had a horde of smaller rocks at the base and a long narrow scar training behind them and up the side of the hill. The further away from the hill the gravel tapered off into rocks so fine it was almost like sand stretched out thin from a beach. The parched earth stretched past the sandy into the distant hills leading away from the fire tribe.

Thick bury waves of heat wafted from the top of the hill and over the tops of the large boulders. The more gravel on the ground, the hotter the air was and appeared in the distorted waves above the ground.

Volga took a step over the gravel, the heat causing him no trouble as he moved past the boulders easily three times his own size. Suddenly the air was alive with more than just the hissing of the steam or the rumbling of the volcano. A screech and crack clashed with the air.

Volga's ears perked forward while his head lifted a bit to catch the sound waves better. Once again he heard the noise sound from just on the other side of the field of crimson colored boulders. Keeping his head held high he moved forward toward the source of the noise. It was a nantil! There was no doubt in his mind that it was when he came closer to the loud noise. Perhaps it was the cub? Playing games on the scorching rocks of the heat fields? How quaint.

It didn't take long for this to be revealed as truth. Even a quick glimpse of the fur and Volga knew it was the same Nantil from the other day. A wide grin formed on his maw.

"The fresh cub has returned!" He greeted with an amused laugh.

It wouldn't have done him any good to hide. The Nan likely knew he was there as soon as he had felt her presence as well. Might as well make an entrance.

Volga halted his approach a good distance away from the boulder the Nan was using as target practice. Or what he assumed was target practice. The noised coming from her did not seem like she was playfully piling rocks for fun.

(514)

[ Radical Dreamer ]

 

[[ Radical Dreamer ]]

Crucible's left scared ear turned a little forward as her careful ears took in the sound of another. Taking in a slow breath her thoughts turned inward as she recalled the sensing and feeling of another's presence. It was the Tahtll from yesterday, once again here he was showing up to -her- training ground. That's right -her's- not his. Her spirit had been keen to pick up more on his as he approached, it was familiar and as he spoke-her ears only confirmed who it indeed was...

A deep sigh left the white maw of the Nahtlil. It was him...

Oh Joy....

Green eyes returned back to her paw and went back to carefully inspecting her nails. Ears turned forward as she didn't respond right away to the comment made by the 'hard head'. She found it was truly bothersome, why did he keep returning? A sigh left the Nahtll as she finally looked past her claws look back at the boastful Tahtll. Seriously, what was he doing here...in her space....again. White tail tip flicked behind her dark hunches. He had to seriously have a better place to be then just be loitering about, aimlessly. Grand Weaver Forbid, he actually be here for a reason.

"I was here before you...." The Nahtl answered in a flat tone before setting her paw down. Her brow narrowed and scrunched a little as he called her a 'cub' once more, and his eyes looked back to the Tahtll. How arrogant. Tail flicked behind her once more, another slow breath released her maw. As she carefully set her main paw down, her other one rose to go through careful inspection as well. Like stated before, her weapons-she needed to be in perfect condition. Especially, if she was going to have to deal with a certain metal head that would not leave her and her territory alone. She could easily assume it was not going to be easy to return back to her training if he kept coming around and distracting her.

"So, " Crucible's green eyes slowly shifted over the the Tahtll, perhaps she had to clarify. " I am not doing any 'returning' in accordance to you." The Nahtlil's was icy to state in a tone that threaten to even chill the heated lava filled land around them. Her green and un-amused eyes turned back to her paw. Carefully her sharp pink claws showed themselves and soon went under the same careful inspection as the paw before. They had to be sharp and not split.

Dark smoky tail shifted behind her in a subtle movement, her white tip flicked confidently. She wasn't exactly as thrilled as the Tahtll seemed to be in their meeting. Why was he smiling? Another breath released it's self from the Nahtlill's maw. This meeting was proving to once more hinder her training. Which, she needed to do. Crucible needed to train so she wasn't easily bested in the ring, one she was put in charge for. One of which she wouldn't be easily defeated if at all in a true battle-A time when she didn't have to let her opponents 'win'.

(523)  

[GunSniper]

Volga threw his head back in a brief fit of laughter. The fiery Nan had some sass.

"Oh? Is that so? I could have sworn I saw you wander off the other day. Perhaps you had failed to notice me a second time on your return this morning?" Volga mused while his laughter quelled.

A wide grin still rest on his maw while he held his gaze sharp on the present company. Something told him he should especially keep his eye on her. One should always be aware of unknown company, but this one seemed as if that rule was even more important. Anyone could see she was a scrapper just in her posture alone! Her eyes were cold, yet passionate like a the fire from the volcano. It was intriguing.

The tip of his tail twitched while he watched her carefully. His ears were poised forward while his stance remained unmoved and bold.

[ Radical Dreamer ]

 

[[ Radical Dreamer ]]

White ears turned distastefully as the Tahtll spoke of her being negligent. White tipped tail flicked and whipped about behind her. Her white whiskers flared out slightly. So much arrogance, though it wasn't a bad thing if it was backed up with skill. A deep huff left the Nahtlil, such a thing wasn't likely though, the Grand Weaver surely didn't make another so much like her. Though, The Grand Weaver was free to do what ever He would like so....

Another huff of a breath left the maw of the Nahtlil.

"No." Crucible answered simply, she wasn't one to not notice someone so easily. Especially him and his big helmet and even bigger head. That and she like every other b'alam could sense his spirit. The Tahtll must have really taken her for a cub. An incompetent one at that. How insulting. Green eyes placed themselves on the Tahtll, with each passing moment her sight grew with discontent for him. The arrogant thing.

She felt she didn't need to say more, however-she also had a feeling he was going to find some way to twist her answer to hi
benefit

Setting her paw back on the hard heated earth, Crucible remained still as she looked at the armored beasty. Save for the light tipped dark tail. Her chest rose and fell with a released breath as she watched the Tahtll carefully.

What now?

She wasn't exactly going to move, and she had a feeling he simply wasn't going to quiet himself. That was obvious enough. However, he might surprise her and become just as quiet as she. Which, would get them both nowhere, how ever delightful that may be-she knew he wasn't going to become silent. Not that easily. Admittedly that wouldn't be any fun as well. Her tail shifted about once more....Hmm the possibilities.

(306)  

[GunSniper]

Volga chuckled to the blunt answer he received from the warrior maiden. Of course, he assumed she was so. What other personality would be out in these lands sharpening their claws and treading on hot coals? Volga could only guess based on his own behavior. He knew what he was.

"You know, I knew a young cub that had that exact same response when she felt threatened." Volga responded with an upward tilt of his chin. A grin still rest on his maw.

This was quite fun. It also gave him time to observe her reactions, how her body reacted, her eyes. Especially her- well, her eye at least. There was still one good window to her soul it seemed. Volga believed one could always gauge one's intentions by studying the eyes and how the body thereafter carried itself.

"And just as you, she tried carried herself as if she were unafraid." Volga continued to muse. Though, how could she know that the one he spoke of was one who was very dear to him.

With those words he waited yet again to give her a chance to speak. Or perhaps she would continue to remain in silence? A good skill to practice, to remain quiet.

[ Radical Dreamer ]