His wounds had healed from his fight with the finned mare. Isabella was growing steadily and silver eyes gazed down fondly at the small hippo. Of course, he had no idea what shape she was currently taking was called, but he didn't care. She was beautiful no matter what shape she was in, a bat, wolf, monkey, or hippo. She waggled her little tasseled tail at his feelings, but her eyes were somber. She knew what he had in store for the day. They had wandered the Throat for several days watching who was doing what and what was being done. She could feel his irritation as they searched for the ranked to see what they were doing. Einnar had seemed to disappear, and the leads were both busy with their families. He had told her how the Throat had been assigned patrols and other tasks each season, but this time was different. He wondered aloud to her often, if the herd was growing lazy in this peaceful times. He feared this was only a lull in the workings of evil. Megaera herself had stated the same fears at the last meeting, and he wondered why nobody else seemed to feel the same.

Silver eyes turned to the slowly rising sun as he stood upon the sandy field of battle. He was ready to lay out his hand. How would any ever take him seriously if he never tried to prove himself. He lowered his head to nuzzle the hippo's smooth pinky grey skin. "You must sit out once more sweet Isabella. You are still much too young to take on the wounds of war." He could feel her annoyance, but pushed it aside. She touched his leg with her odd snout for a moment before huffing and waddling away to wait for him at the oasis. Silver eyes watched her quietly as she wandered off. He had chosen this place on purpose, it wasn't far from the fresh waters and green grass; where the loser might want to rest and heal. He had no idea how badly off either of them would be after this.  He turned to look at the sun once more, praying silently as he did so. 'Lord of the Sun, give me strength as I seek power in your name and light.' He wasn't doing this just for his personal gain, and he hoped his lord and leaders would see that. He wanted the power of course, all young males wanted that, but he also wanted his desert family safe.

Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes and gathered himself. The golden stallion drew up a mental image of his leader picturing her body in his mind. He had watched her move and studied her build often. He was sure his body held more muscles, even though they were matched hand for hand. She was leaner than himself, surely faster, but by how much? He doubted there would be much of a difference, but he wasn't sure. She also had more experience than he did. How angry would she be with him for this and what about the rest of his family? He was determined, hopeful, and scared all at once. If he lost would his leaders banish him from his home? A lump formed in his throat at the thought of leaving the only place that had ever truly made him happy. Shoving the thoughts away he took a deep breath; gathering every scrap of skill he had locked away.

He had to make his intentions clear, he didn't want repercussions for attempting to gain a title. As the sun crested the horizon fully he opened his eyes and called out strong and powerful. "Megaera, my Sultana, come and meet me on the battlefield! I wish to challenge for the right to be called Gladiator." His neck arched proudly as he waited for one of his great leaders to meet his challenge. Ears swiveled and eyes blazed as the heat of battle slowly lit a fire within his belly.

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Talk
Words;; 676
OOC/Tags;; @Megaera Ilios is challeneging her for the rank of Gladiator. Companions and magic allowed
0/4 attacks
Early morning set in the Dragon's Throat by the oasis, warm, clear skies, and clear land.