The company of friends

[Deleted]

Today had been a good day. An easy victory with minimal losses for Yujleda. Even better than expected. And it showed in the attitude of the camp. This was the sort of night Cara loved, the nights where she didn’t have to work hard to lift the low spirits of her comrades. Tonight they could relax and enjoy themselves. The camp was full of laughter and drunk singing and stories from the older warriors while the younger ones puffed out their chests and exaggerated the tales of their own exploits. There was already some form of wrestling happening across the way. But Cara had eyes only for the four warriors gathered around a nearby fire.

She lifted the jug in her hand as she reached their side. “I come bearing drink!” Just what they needed. Sav was the closest, and Cara gave her a playful shove as she squeezed in beside the other warrior. “Scoot over.” Once she was settled, she took a drink from the jug. Then she held it out to the circle for whoever else wanted a turn. After all the blood and sweat they had shared over the years, surely no one would mind drinking from the same cup. “What did I miss?” There was always something with this bunch, even if it was just Sav giving someone grief. A pastime Cara was more than happy to join her in.


Aro, @kiawah, Savannah, @vero
(Just a chance for our clan to have some fun together. This takes place shortly before everyone finds out who Kia really is.)

[Savannah]

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE LIONESS
SHE HUNTS AND SHE NURTURES; SHE IS THE HEART OF THE PRIDE
TAGGED @kiawah - @vero @cara - Aro	Savannah sat, already full of wine with her arm resting on Vero's shoulder as they watched Miamee and Laxia fighting. It was entertaining; a way to unwind after the fighting was done. They had lost three in an attack of exiles seeking to claim lands to call home. The wastelands and the deserts were impossible to survive in, so it wasn't uncommon for them to venture east towards the bountiful seas. Fish, woods, weapons and armor were luxuries that were frequently sought after, but nobody would invade their lands without a fight. Still, they had lost three of their warriors and a villager was burnt beyond recognition moments before the fighting started. The screaming was difficult to purge from Savannah's mind so she drank. Heavily. Miamee took a harsh blow and Sav snorted with laughter. "I could take them both-- and you while I'm at it!" she grinned as she grabbed Vero's shoulder. She was jesting of course but that didn't mean it couldn't be fun to try. As Cara wandered over, Sav saw only more wine where her cup had dried up. She smirked, even as Cara squeezed her way onto the bench. Savannah threw her arm around the warrior and wrapped it around her neck tightly as it rested around her shoulders. She grabbed the bottle and kept her grasp tight. "We were just watching the games," she said with a teeth bearing smirk. They clashed together; biting at the air, close to Cara as she pressed the bottle back into her hands after filling her cup. "I wonder Cara are you brave enough to fight me?" a teasing grin played across her features with an almost predatory gaze. She stood up, spilling her cup of wine on both Vero and Cara accidentally. She giggled a little, expecting a curse from Vero. She grinned at Kiawah, knowing that he probably would end up having to calm down the situation-- as usual. "I THINK WE SHOULD PLACE BETS! WHO WOULD WIN! CARA OR MYSELF!" she called out, head spinning. She was still confident. "We need a judge," her gaze fell to Kiawah. "Kia!"

pyxis ★

[Deleted]

Kia was a little tipsier than he should be, but there were times that it was easier to drink than think about the day that had lead to where they were now, sitting and enjoying watching the other fighters spar. He could feel the warmth of alcohol in his cheeks and only hoped Nolia didn't show up and drag him home. He wasn't supposed to be drinking, but Kia didn't often care what he was supposed to do these days, as long as he was not putting himself in too much danger. There would be a time soon when what he was supposed to do would be all consuming. But for now, he laughed at Sav's antics, threatening she could take Vero down. His friend had drank far more than himself, obviously. Kia just felt a little warm and loose.

He continued to laugh as Cara approached the group, thinking she was probably in for more than she'd expected with Sav. Still, Kia only reached across Vero's body for Sav to fill his cup again after she refilled hers, though with the intention of drinking much slower now. He tried to ignore the back of his arm brushing past Vero's ribs, a temporary distraction from the revelry, if only because Aro was sitting on the other side of him. No way could his thoughts get carried away when practically wedged between the brothers where they sat.

He laughed as Sav sloshed her drink over Cara and Vero, and when he manged to control that, he actually found himself cheering when Sav got to her feet, shouting about placing bets. No way in hell was he going to place a bet and piss off either woman, so he was almost relieved when Sav declared him a judge. His eyebrows lifted as he decided how to respond, and then raised both hands in front of him. "I solemnly swear to be as impartial as possible," he agreed, noticing his words were slowed a little more than he expected, nd knowing his expression was far from solemn. He took another sip of wine, nudging Vero with his elbow as he looked up and winked at Aro. He never could have imagined this life when he'd been moved from his family home so many years ago, but he wouldn't trade it for anything now, he thought.

Tag: Aro , @vero , @cara , Savannah

[Aro]

TAKE AN ANGEL BY THE WINGs
BEG HER NOW FOR ANYTHING; Ask her for the strength to stay
TAGGED @vero - @cara Savannah @kiawah	The festivities were exciting; a victory against those who would take all that they had. They chose the wrong village to attack. It had been a violent battle that Aro had enjoyed far more than he should have. Celebrating now, while almost everyone was here and just as excited about the victory had Aro grinning ear to ear with reddened cheeks from all the wine he'd been gulping down. Savannah's challenging was hardly out of the norm but when she said that she could take the sparring women and his brother he laughed loudly. "I'd pay to see such a show," he grinned as he leaned back with his hands on the bench. He lightly pushed Kiawah into Vero as he spoke. "I'm assuming your bet would be on Vero," he grinned; his loose tongue a result of the wine that warmed him. As Savannah stood; riling up the others he raised his cup with a wide and rather excited smile. "Cara ought to catch up at least!" he teased as he took another gulp of his wine. He didn't know who would win, as both were formidable enough. Without weapons though? It'd be interesting enough. "Leave it to Kiawah not to play favorites," he chuckled as he winked back at the warrior. Aro shifted to give them a little space, more out of expecting the unexpected. Savannah could decide to start a fight without warning and he didn't feel like getting kicked on either of their way down. He reached behind Kiawah and nudged Vero with a curious grin. "And where do you place your bet brother?" he asked. He'd been against both of them in a fight and he knew they were talented enough.

pyxis ★

[Deleted]

Tag: @cara , Savannah , @kiawah , Aro

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Victory had been upon them, and with it, came the celebration. Truthfully, it warmed Vero's heart to see those he was closest to enjoy the aftermath of a winning battle. They all deserved to bask in it; to celebrate their lives, still intact. Wars and battles had their scars -- both physical and psychological -- so moments like these were of extreme importance. To keep the morale and spirits high of the other warriors. To give them reason and reminders to smile, and not let the burden of bloodshed darken their worlds. So while Vero had not had as much to drink as the others, he was thoroughly enjoying watching them. Celebrating with them. But as more drink came, so did more recklessness. Though it was harmless . . . for now.

Savannah moved her arm that had been casually rested on Vero from him, to greet Cara to came to join them, asking what she missed. Savannah seemed more than capable of filling her in, so Vero watched them silently. Though, the suggestion of a challenge caused Vero to watch with a slightly raised eyebrow. He wasn't overly concerned . . . but combat mixed with drink could certainly be unpredictable. Even if it held the most innocent of intentions. He was quickly distracted from these thoughts when he felt the warm liquid on him, shaking his head a little as it trickled from his hair, small drops flying from it as he tried to shake it off from his head.

"Jok of!" Clearly proving Savannah's assumption of a curse, correct. Perhaps the only thing that kept him calm was Kia's presence next to him, all too aware of the brush against his chest, and trying to withhold any reaction to it. It was difficult, and yet, had become rather normal. His brother's nudge and words to Kia did not help in the slightest, and were met with a brief glare casted toward Aro, before he looked to Savannah who had a hold of Cara. "If you want to challenge me, drink will be replaced by dirt from the ground," he teased her playfully, suggesting that he would have her on the ground in victory. It was just playful banter of course, as he knew she was quite skilled. Feral even. Vero turned his head to look at his brother, posing the question of where his bet would be placed.

"On the fact that you'll be passed out joken drunk before you see the end of the match," he mocked as he reached out toward him, hitting the bottom of his cup up with such impact that the liquid from it splashed on Aro's face. A little playful revenge -- perhaps slight warning -- in his teasing of Kia; verbal and non verbal in his hinting to who Kia would be betting on along with the nudging. The action caused his arm to extend over Kia, ignoring the way it never failed to make a thrill run through him over any physical contact with the younger male.

He then turned back to face the two women, shaking his head a little. "Ready yourself, Kiawah," Vero began to say. "This match is going to hardly be within any rules of combat." Rules, including fair fight and what was honorable or what they learned during training. It was a joke, a tease toward Savannah considering the drink she had, mixed in with the unpredictability and competitiveness. Cara didn't seem too influenced by drink though he could be wrong of course. Either way, the match would make for interesting odds.

[Deleted]

It wasn’t a surprise to find Sav already getting drunk, or to see her take the bottle anyway. Wine washed away the horrors faster than anything else. Cara herself had only had a few sips so far. She preferred to make her rounds first just to be sure those she cared about were all in good hands and there wasn’t anything useful she could do anywhere else. But with that out of the way, she was ready for whatever lunacy ensued. Sav bit the air in front of her, and Cara responded by reaching up a hand to push her face away with a smile. Some people thought Sav was crazy. Maybe she was. But Cara had learned to just go with it. So long as the arm around her neck didn’t try to choke her, she was perfectly content to enjoy the closeness of her friends. It reminded her they were alive.

She snorted in response to Sav’s question. “Are you sure your pride could handle such a beating?” In truth, they were quite a fair match, although Sav’s ferocity tended to give her the upper edge in the end. But Cara was scrappy enough to make her work hard for it. And with Sav already drunk, well, maybe the scale would tip in Cara’s favor. Besides, she had never been one to walk away from a challenge. The wine suddenly spilled across her lap might have been irritating were it not for Vero’s cursing. Laughing at him might not be wise, but Cara couldn’t help it. “Now there’s an idea. Both of us against Vero.” Knowing Sav, it was really only a matter of time before someone else got dragged into this fight. Her small competitions had a habit of becoming all-out brawls as her attention abruptly changed its focus.

Aro made a joke about Cara being behind on the drinking, and she responded by lifting the jug in her hand to down several long gulps. When she finally lowered the jug, she shook her head hard. She might come to regret that in a few minutes. “How’s that for catching up?” She flashed a teasing grin Aro’s way as she shoved her jug into Vero’s hands. “There better be some of that left when I’m done,” she warned, pointing her finger threateningly at his chest. Not that she truly cared. It was all about the show, about using their energy to wash away the battle that had been.

Cara stepped out toward Sav, flashing a grin Kia’s way as she did so. “If you're not, you might find yourself her next opponent.” She turned her twinkling gaze to Sav while giving her arms a good stretch. The two women had always been competitive, feeding off one another’s energy even as children in training. Their fights might get crazy, but they pushed each other to be better. Had this been a formal sparring session, they would have looked to Kia or each other to be sure they were both ready before beginning. But Sav had clearly had more wine than Cara, and there was a chance it might have dulled her reflexes. A fact Cara was too competitive not to take advantage of. So for once, she took a page out of Sav’s book. She charged with no warning and no dance, ducking low to hit Sav right in the torso and bear her straight to the ground. Game on.

Savannah, @kiawah, Aro, @vero

[Savannah]

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE LIONESS
SHE HUNTS AND SHE NURTURES; SHE IS THE HEART OF THE PRIDE
TAGGED @kiawah Aro @vero @cara	Savannah smiled with a predatory gaze upon Cara as she gulped down wine like a fish missing water in its gills. Such speed would surely hit her hard enough before the fight was over; which was a fact Sav wasn't about to forget. She'd be there when the room started to spin. Not many things surprised her, even though Cara literally yanked out a page in Savannah's book of techniques and jammed it down her throat with a violent thrust. She gasped as Cara collided with her and the two hit the ground far enough and hard enough to cause a stir. Savannah's snarl was interrupted with a drunken laugh. "And here I thought I was the impulsive one!" she yelled as she grabbed a fistful of Cara's hair and yanked her head back to get a hand around her throat. With a violent twist of her hips and legs she threw Cara off and stood up with her fists clenched and ready. "That was very unfair of you Cara I'm soo disappointed!" The room was spinning violently; twisting and turning as Savannah stood. The ground was much more forgiving, but her eyes never left Cara. The warrior had been fighting with Savannah too long to fall for tricks such as the joken shit she pulled, but that didn't matter to Sav. The unfair fighting tactics that would see her disciplined in training pits were perfect for moments like these. She lunged at her hard enough that it threw them both back towards the men. They knocked over tables and sent empty bottles crashing to the floor. She delivered a punch; hitting her in the jaw, though she left herself a little too open to retaliation. "I say Vero takes the winner," she growled a little with a smirk. "Prove lack of size is an advantage," she made a move to grab her wrist in an attempt to pin her down along with the knee against her stomach. The wine made her unsteady, but her mind dared not notice where her body was failing her. "Isn't that right Kia!"

pyxis ★

[Deleted]

Kia found himself instinctively leaning toward Vero, almost conspiratorially, as he told him to ready himself, having already forgotten the very slight awkwardness of Aro's tease. Especially given Vero's revenge. He only snorted at Cara's words to him, that if he wasn't impartial, he would be Savannah's next opponent. "You think I remain neutral out of fear?" he called back to her. "Consider it a kindness," he added in a teasing tone, though it was the truth. He held opinions on who would win, but did not pick sides so that no one would have hurt feelings.

He sat back watching the girls as they started to fight, watching as Cara tried her hand at a move that seemed far more like something Savannah would pull. Of course Savannah retaliated brutally, and Kia tensed for just moment, ready to have to jump out of the way of the fight as it came crashing back their direction. He found himself grinning again at her words, absently sipping his drink. It had taken him a while, trying to pit himself against larger opponents to build his strength, attempting to match them, to learn the truth of her words. It was only after he'd started to train more with Sav that he'd realized he would never beat his larger opponents with brute strength, and that he could learn to use his body to its own abilities and strength, coming to view his size as more of an asset than a hinderance. "Even giants fall!" he called back to her with a laugh.

He leaned back on one arm and took another drink, watching the girls and sort of wishing he was fighting with them. "In fact, I'll join the winner and and we'll take on both brothers," he said, only half-teasing. ""Show these ogres we're not to be messed with." He didn't look at either brother, keeping his eyes on the fight, though his grin went a bit mischievous.

Tag: Aro , @vero , @cara , Savannah