[CHALLENGE] A Different Perspective (Hila x Proserpina)

[Epine de Rose]

The third challenger stepped forward, and at a glance it would have been difficult to detect that the young lioness was the sibling of the second. Nevertheless on closer inspection the faint markings would have given this away.

Unlike the first two challenges, the lioness clearly had an entirely different demeanour though and did possess a measure of honour. While Persephone might never have met their father she definitely took after him, meanwhile it seemed Proserpina was much more inclined towards her mother's ways of working.

"Are you sure you do not require a rest?" she asked calmly as she regarded the darker lioness and shook her head. "You have several of us to face and one would assume that as you tire, your capabilities will falter," she warned.

The Nergui knew a thing or two about battle and while she might have been more considerate this didn't mean she was incapable...she knew that Hila would face an uphill battle if she pressed herself too hard.

Vashtya

 

[Vashtya]

Shock had reverberated through her, jostling her rather sensitive ego. It hadn't been as if she'd had her face ground into the dirt, but it still stung. Shaking out a paw that felt...somewhat tender, she took a moment to draw in a few heaving breaths, trying to force her heartbeat back under control. Eyeing her next opponent, she held back a snarl, fighting down her temper at the other's eminently practical words. She's doing you a favor, offering you a short reprieve, even if it stings your pride after that loss... she reminded herself, inclining her head slightly at the courtesy, although she didn't give herself very long, waiting only until her breath steadied.

"It's always a good day to die, so while the...courtesy is appreciated, I'm ready now." she responded. The upside to not giving herself too long of a rest was that her injuries from her first two duels hadn't had time to fully set in, as adrenaline still coursed through her veins, making it easier to ignore the many small injuries that marred her pelt (both visible and below the surface).

Epine de Rose

 

[Epine de Rose]

Proserpina wasn't convinced that a small chance to steady herself would be enough for the darker lioness, but it wasn't for the pale lioness to dictate how Hila conducted herself. There was no doubt that Hila was still tired and Proserpina remained unconvinced that she would be provided with a duel that would be worthy of either of them... But if Hila was determined to go through with this then Proserpina would honour her with her best.

In the future perhaps they would cross paths and duel again, and during that time the battle would be more even as neither would be winded or suffering from more than their share of bruises.

...Suffice to say that her darker sister had not been kind, but Persephone had never been one to 'play nice' in such serious matters. Duels were something that should not be jested at, particularly when one was defending honour, glory or borders.

"All right," She said finally and gave a bow of her head. She regarded the female for a moment and then began to circle, watching and waiting for an opening before she made her move. It wasn't long before she took a swipe at Hila's hindlegs, though Hila would find Proserpina much easier to read than her sibling!

Vashtya