Leo - Who's the Bravest of Them All? - mini RP

[silvermoondragon]

“The Leo type is the most dominant, spontaneously creative and extrovert of all the zodiacal characters... They are ambitious, courageous, dominant, strong willed, positive, independent, self-confident there is no such a word as doubt in their vocabularies, and they are self-controlled.”
-astrology-online.com

Leo/Roar values bravery and courage. He wants to see yours and is holding a game to test these traits. Is your Samanayr brave enough to place a collar on an Oquiesa?

This game will be played out by one of your Samanayrs as a mini RP kind-of similar to the RP expeditions. You have two options on how to do this:
- The minimum requirement is to write up a little story/RP post as to how your Samanayr completes the task.
- The second option is more like an RP. As long as you leave enough time before the deadline, you may write a beginning post and I will write a response leaving you with a chance to write a second post. If you are choosing this option, please put in bold at the bottom, Response required, and try to have this first post done before Sept 7.

Here is your prompt:
Excitement is in the air with all the fun and games set out for the Festival of Falling Stars. A crowd has gathered around a medium sized wooden pen containing one rather angry Oquiesa. The Oquiesa had been captured the day before by a group a Sharians hoping to relocate it. Many of the gathered Samanayrs were here to sneak a peek at their natural predator in safety, others where here to watch the bravery of the competing Samanayrs keeping an eye out for a potential stallion or mare. Sharians and Healers also wait nearby just in case something goes wrong in the festivities.
Nearby, a line of Samanayrs wait to test their bravery in this test. Some stretching in preparation, others chatting nervously to their neighbours. Will they manage to collar the Oquiesa?


The bravest will go home with Roar. Entries will be judged on creativity, effort, and bravery of course. There are also two random prizes that will be drawn from all the entries:

Leo-inspired Mage Construct



Trait Amulet – Leonine Mane
When equipped to a Samanayr, a Trait Amulet gives that trait to the Samanayr. It is passed down to foals like a usual trait, and the trait will be removed if the Amulet is equipped. Once an Amulet has been equipped to a Sam it cannot be equipped to a different Sam.

Rules!

- There is a limit of one entry per person, either one or two posts(see above)
- Please try to keep true to the Samanayr world(i.e, the Oquiesa is not likely to just sit there while your Samanayr steps up and puts a collar on it)
- There is no word limit, but please try and keep it reasonable
- You may edit your posts for small things like spelling/grammar, but please try not to change anything major

To enter, just post your entry in this thread! This will be open until September 10, 3pm PDT/23:00 PI time - good luck!

[Origami_Dragon]

The milling, excited, nervous crowd gathered around the Oquiesa's cage filled most of the space around the pen. All around the hum of voices filled the air and heads constantly bobbed up and down as the Kin sought to see over or through the slats to the snarling beast within. At the very edge of the crowd a single mare prowled through a clear stretch, the others seeming to unconsciously stay clear of her path. Perhaps she carried with her some scent of warning, some air of menace from her dangerous Elemental stallion. Perhaps her own ferocious nature warned them off. But whatever the reason, Hum of the Waiting Ember was not tripping over the crowds as she pondered the challenge offered.

And it was a good challenge, a fine challenge, a lovely chance to show her stallion that even without magic she was worthy of being in his Song. Save only that the task was merely to get the loop of stiff cloth around the beast's neck rather than to remove the threat altogether. But perhaps...perhaps that could be an even better challenge. What courage it would take to face those snapping, slavering jaws without first disabling the Oquiesa! Oh yes, this she must attempt! Pity about the length of that line...

With a snort and a shrug Hum trotted down, ignoring the line and heading straight for the gate. She shrilled angrily and turned when something caught at her and turned her back, but held her attack when she saw that it was one of the Sharian. The tall draconian being shook her head at the fiery mare and pointed back to the line. And while Hum remained uncertain what Rend's view of the Sharian was, she herself had a grudging respect for them still, deeply instilled by her father and the mares who had raised her when her own mother had turned on her. Reluctantly, and snorting her distaste, Hum went to the line, muttering under her breath as she went.

"This is yridiculous! Ayre they going to keep taking the collayrs off eveyry time someone gets one on so we can all tyry?"

One of those near her in line opened his mouth, seeming ready to say something, but stopped when Hum mock charged him, sharp antlers brushing within a hair of his glossy coat and a look in her eyes that said she wouldn't miss the next time. After that, the stewing mare was left alone, though not without some highly disproving looks from her fellow competitors and the Sharian supervisors alike. Slowly the line worked its way through, bringing her nearer and nearer to the pen. Shouts and cries rang out as the challengers showed great bravery or narrowly escaped grave injury. A few dropped out of the line as they drew closer. A few more as the scent of blood suddenly filled the air from one particularly narrow escape. But more added themselves to the end of the line for every one who dropped out. And Hum didn't care either way. All that mattered to her was that there were fewer and fewer between her and the pen. Soon now she would see how she would fare against this foe.

Finally it was her turn. As magic gripped her to lift her over the rails of the pen Hum took stock of how things had fared so far. Several collars had already been placed around the Oquiesa's neck. Each collar was a thin thing, nothing that would actually restrain it. She gathered that once all had tried, magic would fuse all these thin bands into a single sturdy collar. Well and good. Less weight for her to have to manage while she fought. The Oquiesa was limping slightly from earlier challenges, but that seemed only to have enraged it further. It seemed not to have noticed her yet, being too occupied with trying to get at the last challenger as the stallion was lifted out. She'd change that soon.

As soon as her hooves touched the ground again Hum sang out a challenge, swiftly following up with a full out charge. The Oquiesa whirled, fangs snapping. It was faster than she'd expected, and one of her antlers was caught. She heard the ping as one tine snapped off, but also the squeal as the sharp tips cut the Oquiesa's tender gums and mouth. With a further burst of effort she surged forwards, knocking the startled and hurt Oquiesa onto its side. This had the unexpected consequence of sending her vaulting over, half thrown, half leaping, to fly upside down into the side of the pen. Sliding down she hit the ground in a slightly disoriented heap. Staggering to her feet again and trying to ignore the twinge in her side where she'd smacked into the pen, she shrilled angrily as she fought to regain her balance and locate the foe again before it was too late.

((Yeah, Hum's a little nuts... And that was a bit longer than I planned.))

Response required

[RikkuGirl]

(Im assumming each of our stories are our own? O.o;; and you will reply to each separately? (if we request it) ^_^;; Just making sure and also when you said pen... to me a pen is like a dog crate (We call them pens) I wasnt sure if it was opened like a bull pen or like a cage.. :/ I did my best.)

The sun shone brightly on the land below. The previous day proved promising for the Samanayr race as an Oquiesa has been caught and was now angrily waiting to be collared in a medium sized wooden pen for relocation. As news of its capture spread throughout the land, sams flocked to the location. Some in search of honor, others love and some just plain curiosity. Amongst the group stood a tall Kirin-Desert stallion, a silver medal hanging from his neck. He was the spawn of Glint and was proud of that fact.


Mischief of the Gleaming Desert stood still, his eyes focused on the long line of which he stood in. His face went sour as he realized how far back in the line he truly was. Someone was bound to collar the beast before him, he needed to do something. With a swish of his tail he removed himself from line and started to make his way towards its front. As he walked closer and closer to the front of the line he began to hear whispers. "What does he think he's doing?" "Wheyre is he going?" were the easiest to decipher from the mumbling mouths. He dismissed their hatred and flicked his ear as he continued to strut towards the front of the line.

As he neared the front of the line he came upon a large lion looking sam who stood tall, his mane on fire and his demeanor strong. His back was towards the captured Oquiesa pen. Obviously he was in charge of this "test". Mischief approached the lion-like Sam and bowed his head, his silver medal almost touching the ground as he did so. "What do you want?" the lion sam asked as Mischief finished his bow. "I come to test myself against the beast" Mischief said as his eyes locked with the lions. "You ayre not fiyrst in line...You must go to the back" He said sternly. "No..." Mischief said with a scowl on his face.

"I will NOT go to the back of the line...If I do that I will neveyr get my chance. Anotheyr will win befoyre me foyr suyre..." His words faded as he turned his head to see the line, it had gotten longer. He snorted and grumbled a little. He was not going to go to the end of the line. The lion roared loudly at Mischief's reply. "You WILL go to..." as the lion was angrily yelling at Mischief, the Oquiesa in the pen began to move. Large roars and angry sounds came from its mouth as it began to push against the pen. Its muscles began to flex as the beast pushed its back against the top of the pen. Wood began to splinter as the beast kept pushing.

Cries of fear emanated throughout the area as sams realized that the beast was about to escape. The lion sam roared once more and ran to a group of sams and Sharians, barking orders loudly. Magic began to fly towards the pen as the wooden bars of the pen began to snap in half, they were too late. The creature took a deep breath and with one hard push, exploded out of the pen. Wood flew in all directions as sams scattered in fear. Mischief stood there, shocked. The Oquiesa was monstrous and towered over him, its hot breath flowing into Mischief's face. "Run!" The lion yelled to Mischief as he stood shocked.

The Oquiesa let out a growl which snapped Mischief out of his shock. His eyes narrowed as he did what the lion commanded, he ran. As soon as he dashed away from the beast, he began to hear something he hoped he would NEVER hear. The sound of large foot steps behind him. The creature had began to chase him. He headed towards the thick trees that were just outside the gathering. He figured it would have a harder time maneuvering among the trees. As he neared the trees he began to try to think of a way to outsmart this creature and get it collared and captured. After a few seconds of forest maneuvering he came up with a plan. He could hear the Oquiesa behind him still and started to turn to run back towards the gathering, he would need some help.

As Mischief rounded back to the gathering he let out a high pitched whistle. As soon as he did this, within seconds, a Kreenasa dragonet appeared and flew by his side. He whispered to the dragonet and it flew ahead of him. The dragonet was going to warn the sams still at the gathering that the beast was on its way back. Mischief's heart pounded as his legs ran as fast as possible. How was he showing his pride and strength when he was running?! He narrowed his eyes and began to run faster, the Oquiesa still behind him. "Heyre it comes!" he shouted as he came towards the gathering area. "Chaos!" He yelled as he stopped abruptly. As he stopped the large beast ran right over him, entering the clearing angrily. Chaos the Kreenasa dragonet darted at the Oquiesas face, narrowly escaping its mouth. Mischief who was now behind the large animal jumped on its back, clasping on with all of his limbs.

He looked to the Lion for one last bit of help. "Thyrow me the Collayr!" Mischief said as he hung on for life, the Oquiesa began to buck and move in all directions. Spazzing out because of the "thing" that was now on its back. Mischief held on as tightly as possible until someone could help him secure a collar.

Response Required.

[Janalee]

      Oh. Samanayrs.
      Envy of the Triumphant Skies looked at the group with disappointment and perhaps the slightest detesting sneer; she'd really been hoping that after months of traveling, they had come upon a Tribal celebration of some sort. The sounds coming from the crowd had certainly been wild enough for one, anyway. Instead, they had stumbled upon...this. Whatever this was.
      She chewed her lips, still gazing at them from amongst a farther clump of grasses; it would probably be best to simply leave now, and head out in search of familiar places and familiar company. The plains had been calling to her for some time now, and it had been so long since she'd seen any other Tribals to cavort or fight with, whichever the situation called for. How long had it been since she'd had to get pushy with a mare who was getting too interested in Force of the Fire Plains? She missed it, missed having everyone see how devoted she and Force were to each other. She wanted to show him off, and none of the Samanayrs here would understand.
      Still, the two of them had gone off in search of adventure, and it hardly seemed sporting to leave when there was the potential for that here. Perhaps they'd better get closer to them after all.
      With a barely perceptible sigh, she turned to look at the stallion, asking her question silently; certainly they knew each other well enough by now to not even have to bother with words half the time. With a shrug of his shoulders, and a slight nod, he agreed with her- there was no telling if it was worthwhile or not, so why not go?
      Satisfied with that response, Envy stepped out of the grasses confidently, no longer troubled by the situation, and what they should or should not do; action of any sort was enough to convince her that what they were doing was always right. That attitude had gotten her into trouble more than once, but she would never have dreamt that it wasn't true; there was just no way it could be. Who could look at her life and claim otherwise?
      Coming up the group, she finally understood what all the excitement was about- they'd managed to get an Oquiesa trapped inside a pen somehow. She looked at the creature evenly; it might be her enemy, but it was an honest one. It was the cage that disturbed her more, far more, than the Oquiesa, and she had to admit she felt something akin to pity for it. Caution, yes, but pity too. Her ears flicked back and forth as she tried to eavesdrop on the conversations around her; she might want to know what exactly was going on, but not enough to speak to anyone just yet. Luckily, the talk was almost entirely focused on the spectacle before them. Apparently the Oquiesa was going to be released somewhere else soon, and they thought this would be a safe place to keep it till then. And...something about collars? She couldn't tell if they had something to do with keeping the creature tame or not, but for some reason they wanted to get one on it. And why the Sharians couldn't just do it themselves, she had no idea; but whatever the cause, the Samanayrs were trying to do it themselves, and as far as she could see, were failing at it. No wonder, looking at the timid face closest to her. She snorted in annoyance, and in an impatient moment, she snuck underneath the bars of the pen; whether her speed in doing so was due to adrenaline, or a desire to cut off anyone else from trying, it wasn't entirely clear. She certainly wanted to beat Force to it, anyway- let him be proud of her first, before doing whatever he wanted to here.
      She stopped at the pen's edge, trying to get ready for the Oquiesa before it noticed her. She quickly checked the quills in the fur of her back feet, making sure they were placed in a way that if it managed to snap at her there, it'd get a painful surprise for it. Another quick adjustment to her feathers, pointing them out farther to make herself look larger and to give it something harmless to attack if need be, and she was ready. She sidled up to the collars, giving a quick, fiercely loving glance to Force, before grabbing one and dashing across the enclosure; no doubt she'd have to confuse the Oquiesa into thinking she was somewhere she wasn't, in order to succeed. Speed and stamina seemed the surest way to her, particularly after all the galloping they'd done as they traveled, and if it wasn't, well...she'd get to that then.


Response required

[silvermoondragon]

Replies! and yes, each person's mini RP is their own

Origami_Dragon

The foaming spittle from the Oquiesa’s mouth was now a deep red froth after its quick encounter with Hum’s sharp antler and now that it had been injured it was a little more wary of this new adversary’s weapon.

The Oquiesa sprang up from where it had landed, the limp slightly more pronounced as it began to charge towards Hum from the side, fangs dripping. There was an almost audible intake of breath from the watching audience as Hum struggled to her feet and shook off the disorientation seemingly not noticing the Oquiesa as it charged towards her.

~~~

RikkuGirl

“Thyrow me the Collayr!” Mischief called as he hung on for dear life to the back of the beast.

Roar sighed as his simple game of courage had so quickly deteriorated into a chaotic mess of terror and confusion before he sprang into action. He grabbed the collar lying down by his feet and tossed it over, perfectly aimed. Unfortunately, the moment Mischief went to grab it, the Oquiesa gave an enormous heave, launching poor Mischief right in the direction of a nearby tree. With its back free once again, the Oquiesa shook itself before turning its attention towards the little dragonet that had been darting around, licking its lips in anticipation.

~~~

Janalee

The Oquiesa let out a fierce howl when it noticed Envy entering the pen, another foolish Samanayr come to challenge it. Its eyes followed her carefully as she dashed across the pen as it settled down its body down into the grass attempting to hide.

Remembering a previous Samanayr with feathered wings that had tried the challenge only a few moments ago, it dashed towards Envy as she slowed ever so slightly to turn around. An audible clack could be heard as the Oquiesa’s jaws snapped together, crushing the decorative feathers lining her back. Fortunately for Envy, the feathers were only decorative, however as the Oquiesa pulled back on the feathers, one of its sharp canines caught on the harness, threatening to pull her off balance.

[RikkuGirl]

Mischief was thrown from the Oquiesa like a cowboy from a bronco. He flew into a nearby tree and hit his head rather hard. His world when from bright vivid colors to a dull blur. His eyes shut and he lay there, knocked out. Chaos squealed in rage as she saw her best friend hit into the tree. She darted at the Oquiesa whose teeth were bared, licking its lips as the dragonet flew past. The creature lunged for Chaos and snapped its jaws tight, a terrifying snapping sound was made. It missed.

The others watched in horror as the Creature tried to devour Chaos. The Oquiesa had tossed Mischief in a spot where they could not reach him without passing the threat and its hungry mouth. They dare not if they valued their life. Sams cried in horror as they watched the dragonet dart towards the Oquiesa over and over, narrowly missing her doom. Drool dripped down the Oquiesa's mouth as it jumped and lunged for the airborne pet.

Mischief?! Are you ok?! the dragonet tried to connect mentally with her best friend, who was still asleep under the tree. Wake up! She yelled in his mind, hoping it would jumps start his awareness. She was in luck. A second later, his eyes began to open. Slowly he blinked a few times, his eyes barely open. Then once the ringing in his ears subsided, he could hear the growls of the Oquiesa. The sound caused his eyes to shoot open. He shook his head and spit on the ground, standing up as he looked for the threat.

His eyes locked on the Oquiesa. Wheyre is the collayr?! he said to himself as he looked around. It was laying to the left of the snarling beast. He nodded and began to run towards the collar. Chaos gave off a loud scream as she darted in for the Oquiesa's eye. Claws bared and teeth clenched, the dragonet darted in for a blinding shot. She was confident she could blind the beast with one deep scratch. Her screams echoed until the creatures paw collided with her small body, just before she reached its face. She was knocked to the ground a few feet away, unconscious.

The Oquiesa seemed to smile as it stalked towards Chaos. Teeth bared and drool dripping the monster loomed over the small creature, its breath revolting. The monster leaned over to devour the dragonet but was distracted as Mischief jumped on its back. Mischief rushed to the creatures neck, collar in toe. As the beast realized what was going on, it moved its head to the sky. Allowing Mischief to perfectly collar it. "You leave my best fyriend alone!" he head butted the Oquiesa's head, his horn splitting the monsters skin.

The beast cried in agony as its head began to bleed. Mischief leapt from the monster and said "Now!". He rushed to his dragonet and lifted her softly onto his back running towards the spectators. Awe struck the watchers as the collar began to glow. It had magic laced into its threads. The creature, still growling, stopped silent. Its eyes closed and it fell to the ground, its stomach moving up and down softly. It was asleep. Mischief let out a loud sigh as he watched the beast go down. "Chaos!" he screamed as he placed his best friend on the ground, her skinny body slinking like a rag doll. "A healer please!" he called out, hoping a healer or other magical Sam was around. He stood there as she lay lifeless, a tear rolling down his cheek.

"Son" A voice said from behind him. There amongst the others stood Glint, his father. Mischief looked with teary eyes as his father stepped forward. He was glorious. Mischief looked down at his fallen companion and then back to his father. "Help Dad..." he said simply. Glint smiled and stepped to the side, exposing a Healer. The healer was gorgeous and walked up to Mischief. "She is not dead..." The healer said simply, looking at the grounded Chaos.

The healer leaned over and studied the Dragonet. Pulling a few herbs from her pouch, she placed them on the Dragonets tongue. A small spark of light lit up from the healers heart as her eyes closed. A beautiful song flowed from her mouth as the glow got brighter. As her song ended the small dragonet opened her eyes and gave off a comforting squeak. "Chaos!" Mischief cried as his best friend awoke. "Youyr all yright!" He said. His face lit up with happiness as he helped her to her feet. Did we win? the dragonet asked Mischief internally. "Yes we did....Yes we did."

(I edited it just in case! ^_^;; Though im not too sure how healers heal... but I did my best . That was a blast! Thanks for all the fun silver!)

[Origami_Dragon]

Lashing her head angrily from side to side Hum only managed to regain some semblance of control when a rustling wave of gasps rippled through the audience and she caught a whiff of blood on the sudden gust of air the Oquiesa brought with it. Yanking her head up to spy the beast nearly upon her, Hum reared and squealed, hooves flailing in an attempt to ward it off. She hadn't noticed it until far too late to counter-charge or veer to the side. At least not with her head still spinning from that first blow.

Though the Oquiesa was still angry and determined to add Sam to the menu, that earlier cut to the lip seemed to have made it slightly more wary, and the beast turned aside rather than face the sharp-edged hooves. However, it still had a great deal of momentum, too much to avoid Hum altogether. Its attempt at turning away meant that rather than facing the drooling, foaming mouth Hum now had the beast's shoulder heading straight for her. With another squeal she twisted and turned, managing through more luck than anything to take the blow on her own side. This meant that while she was trapped between the heavy furry side of the Oquiesa and the unyielding slats of the pen, at least her front legs had not been snapped by the force of the blow.

With a yelp, perhaps caused by striking a bruise left by a previous competitor, maybe even the same one that had it limping, the Oquiesa jerked away from the fence and retreated to the center of its pen. The leg it had been favoring was now tucked up against its belly, its sides were heaving, and there was a hint of whine under the snarl in its voice. But it was still mad and determined to get this little meal. Hum herself wasn't in the greatest of shape either, with the breath smashed out of her again and her ribs aching in a way that meant bruises at the least. But when she turned back to her foe there was something akin to madness blazing in her eyes; a fire that meant the mare wasn't about to back down yet.

As the Oquiesa began to circle for a more cautious attack Hum braced herself. Something like battle fury began to overwhelm the pain. Hum would pay for this later, but now she shrieked defiance and took the offensive again. Head low she charged, aiming straight for the injured leg, oblivious to the cries of the Sharian as they tried to prevent her from getting one or both of them seriously injured or killed. Before anyone could interfere she had slammed, hard, into the Oquiesa's leg. The beast yelped and lashed out, deeply scratching the back of Hum's neck before she could dance out of the way to repeat her charge.

Finally the Oquiesa seemed cowed and slunk off to the furthest corner of the pen, snarling and limping heavily. Head held high in triumph Hum pranced forward, tossing her antlers at it every time the Oquiesa looked to be moving towards her again. Once she was close enough to the cornered beast Hum snatched the collar from around her own neck and tossed it over the Oquiesa's head. As she stood proudly in place admiring her handiwork a pair of hands finally snatched her up and a disapproving Sharian hauled her away. "Just look at you, what a mess. You weren't supposed to try and kill it you little fool. What did you think you were doing there, hmm?"

There was more in that vein, but as she was hauled away to safety the battle madness began to fade and Hum stopped listening as all the aches and pains of her injuries began to make themselves known once more. Before slumping down into the Sharian's arms Hum murmured, "I did it Yrend, I fought it. I dyrove it off..." Slowly she faded into semi-consciousness, the Sharian's scoldings a gentle lullaby as he carried her off to be treated.

((Eh, I think Hum's more crazed and savage than brave here... But it was a good excuse to write her without her trying to hurt another Sam. Good luck everyone!))

[Echos]

The day was pleasently warm with just the faintest hint of a beeze to ruffle one's fur and keep the day from becoming too hot. However it was no match for the crowd of samanayrs that milled the sturdy pen the Sharian's had set up. The large number of sams that had gathered to watch the collaring event made the area around the pen hot, sweaty and dusty as they pressed in for a chance to see one of thier most dangerous predators behind the safety of wooden slats.

It had taken only a few well placed prods of her horns to get Snap a prime viewing spot of the snarling Oquiesa that had been captured for the days spectecle. Since she had arrived a score of samanayr-kin had vied to prove thier bravery by placing a collar around the beast neck - and with little success too. Each foolish attempt had only served to further enrage the captured animal Snap noted scathingly watching as yet another competator fled the pen.

If they'd just stop and think for a moment rather than rushing at it head on they might have more success. But no; each was so determined to prove themselves they didn't bother to think of the disadvantages of charging repeatedly at a large, angry, moderatly intelligent animal.

Finally growing exasperated with the lack of success Snap left her spot and pushed her way through the crowd to the edge of the line, her small dragonet flitting between the tangle of legs in order to keep up. Joining the line Snap grinned. It was a good thing Whip wasn't here to see this. He'd have worked himself into a fit to see her facing such a challege and without him able to defend her.

The line moved along quickly with some challangers last only seconds while other seemed to put up a good fight. By the time it was her turn the Oquiesa was breathing heavily, foam and sweat streaking it's fur. As the magic lifted her into the cage she whistled for Reisling to stay put, the silly creature was likely to become a snack if he entered the pen with her. After that her attention was all on the Oquiesa, eyes locked with it's own. It was bigger than her and much heavier, speed and timing would be her best chance of getting the collar around it neck.

Keeping her gaze steady she slowly circled it, weaving slowly as Whip had taught her and talking in a low voice, the same tone she'd used to calm her irrate daughter on more than one occasion. If she could calm it down some she'd have a better chance of predicting its movement's.

Reply Required

[LvSoulFriend]

((Whip: *sputters* What are you doing?!?!))

[amazondreamer]

Bite of the Chocolate-coated Rainbow clacked her beak impatiently as she waited in line near the Oquiesa pen. Rumors had been flying around the Rainbow Hotsprings about the captured beast and the informal contest to collar it, and Bite knew that she had to compete. All morning challengers had come and gone, and now Bite's turn drew near. Only one green speckled stallion stood between her and the sturdy wooden gates of the pen.

“I heayrd the Shayrians mean to yrelocate the beast,” a young Samanayr spectator whispered nervously, “I hope they do not put it too neayr the lands of my Song.”

Bite flicked her long ears and hissed under her breath, Mewling weaklings, she thought contemptuously, what’s life without a little danger?

Just then, a collective gasp went up from the crowd and Bite stood up on her hind legs, ignoring the protests of those around her and peered over the fence of the pen. A dark gray and blue mare was facing down the Oquiesa, and blood was streaming from a large gash on her flank.

The mare lowered her head; accepting defeat and signaling the two waiting Lamanyrs to harry the Oquiesa from above while the wounded mare made her retreat from the pen and into the care of the Healers. The assembled crowed cheered her brave effort, and safe escape.

The stallion whose turn it was to challenge the Oquiesa eyed the wounded mare, his nostrils flaring with the scent of blood. In a trembling voice the stallion whispered, “I… I withdyraw. I have a Song and lands to guayrd… it would be foolishness to jeopayrdize all that I have foyr this.” With his head held high, the stallion walked away from the pen, towards his waiting mares.

The odd leonine Samanyr who had initiated the challenge gave Bite a wry look. “Sometimes discretion is the greater part of valor,” he said, holding out a fresh collar in one paw, “Do you accept the challenge?”

“I do!” Bite retorted, snatching the collar in one talon. The collar was little more than a long leather thong, large enough to slip over the Oquiesa’s head. It certainly wouldn’t be enough to restrain the beast, merely a symbolic gesture.

Rather than waiting for the gate of the pen to be opened, Bite leaped skyward, her massive wings straining to give her altitude. As the Sa'grisayr rose above the pen she circled it, studying her foe with predatory intent. The Oquiesa bayed in frustration, and paced the perimeter of the pen. It’s limping Bite noted, the right rear paw. I can use that! Bite let loose a piercing raptorial shriek and folded her wings tight against her body, trading altitude for speed. Down and down she fell, the wind whistling in her ears.

The Oquiesa, seeing the approaching rainbow missile planted his feet firmly and bared his teeth in a fierce snarl. Just at the last second Bite snapped open her wings, slowing her fall and soaring over the Oquiesa’s head. The Oquiesa leaped for the taunting Sa'grisayr but Bite had gauged her height just right and the snapping teeth did not connect. The Oquiesa landed heavily on his hind feet, the right one collapsing underneath its weight, and it howled in pain.

Bite banked her turn, and once more faced her foe. The Oquiesa struggled to its feet, its side heaving in exertion. In a moment of clarity, Bite noted the array of scratches and cuts on the Oquiesa, and the way its tongue lolled from its jaws while it gasped for breath.

This… this is not a challenge. Not a real challenge. My foe is trapped, exhausted and injured from those who came before me. What crime has this beast committed to be tortured so? He is merely a hunter, as am I. Am I to be held accountable for my nature?

Circling above the pen one last time, Bite made her decision. She cast down her collar, the leather landing at the feat of the Oquiesa. With one more raptorial shriek, Bite flew off, her head heavy with questions.

[silvermoondragon]

For those of you who have finished off you're second post(or chosen to do the single post option), I'll be putting together the final posts at the end along with the prizes and who get's what.

Echos

The Oquiesa stared menacingly as this new challenger entered the pen. It let out a low grow as Snap began talking to her, the calming voice confusing it slightly. The Two circled each other cautiously a few times before the Oquiesa decided to move in for the kill. It faked a charge to the left before leaping to the right, it's giant clawed paw reaching towards Snap's flank.

[Seren]

Rush of the Tidal Dragon was mildly aware of his surroundings, looking around at all the other mares and stallions, the Sharians towering more overhead, and the occasionally dragonet, catgryph, or other creature darting within the masses of others come to frolic at the festival. His Song had already dissipated to look around and mingle, with promises to meet that evening for a star-watching session. A gentle sense of contentment filled him, he trusted his mares, and knew too much rein wasn’t good for them. He also doubted that they wanted to tag along while he discussed creatures with others… oh well, his dragonet companions were company for him, as they glided along beside him.

Shio’s bright blue eyes looked around joyously, as he happily trilled and quickly conveyed his enthusiasm for the event. He darted away with a happy little shriek, but when Misa voiced her quick complaint he streaked back, eyeing her reproachfully.

Rush shook his head with slight amusement as his two tamed dragonets, when a loud snarl vibrated through the air, sending Misa ducking between his legs, Shio peering warily around his draconic wings. A throng of Samanayars, Sharians, and other species were gathered around a pen of some sort, some hushed and gasping with shock, while other gave cheers. The blue, silver, and white stallion’s ears pricked forward, causing his shiny head wings to perk forward as well, starting to walk forward to the crowd, Misa and Shio gliding along beside him, eyes still narrowed warily.

The wooden pen was high enough to contain the creature inside, but all the viewers could still watch. Rush arrived just in time to see a stallion being rushed out, limping on one leg, his head lowered, a collar being dragged out behind him. Rush’s gaze lingered over him for a moment but was quickly captured by the beast standing in the center of the pen. The Oquesia almost took his breath away, its battered form still standing strong… it was easy to see why this creature was a deadly predator to his own kind, the adrenaline humming in his veins spoke true enough for that. But there was a sort of beauty to it as well, a fierce wild indomitable spirit that Rush admired almost immediately. After all, his dragonets were lovely to behold in flight, Sharians were clever with their fingers and fashioned many amazing items… wasn’t there beauty in everything, even a wild carnivore?

It was a contest, that was easy to see, to see which mare or stallion was bravest, who could collar the larger beast. The line had dwindled greatly now, and the crowd was getting antsy, eager to discover the winner, arguing over their favorite pick. The desire to prove themselves the bravest or strongest or most clever… Rush could understand that desire, of course, he had always wanted to make his Song proud. But something else drove him to walk up to the end of that line, as he peered over the heads at fellow contestants to watch the Oquesia battle off the challengers, a wild look in its eye as it snapped and charged and dashed about the arena. He wanted to see the Oquesia calmed, for sure. He had always wondered about getting an Oquesia pup to work with… to train and tame as a close companion. This one was far from a pup, grown into adulthood, already a fierce wild predator. But maybe, there was the slightest chance that if he collared it, he could try to gentle him, coax him into being tamed, like he had worked with his Shio and Misa. Reminded of them, he turned and softly spoke.

“Go stay over there. Alright? I will be back for you. No following. Stay.” He repeated his command a few times, making sure that they understood, and walked forward as his turn came, nodding to the lion-like stallion who offered him a collar, grasping the stiff leather in his jaws, then thinking better swung it up over his head to settle around his neck, making sure it did not impede his forelegs’ and wings’ movement. He turned to look the amber eyed stallion in his fiery eyes with his own, and cantered into the arena, not even taking in the cheers as a fresh competitor entered the pen.
The Oquesia was standing opposite to him, panting heavily, past some pink foam, obviously having injured his mouth. A stab of pity hit his heart mixed with the admiration for his fighting spirit. He assessed the situation and how most of the others had charged right in, manes flying like banners, trumpeting battle cries, but had been chased, carried, or had limped out. Perhaps… a different approach.

He lowered himself some, his neck curving some, his wings laid flat on his back, being carefully not to move in stalking motions, but instead in confident strides, slow but steady, approaching the Oquesia as an equal, not as predator or prey would. He knew that his wings being held down and the collar around his neck was a risky move, as they could potentially hold him up if the canine attacked, but knew that steady calm movements were the way to approach a wild creature if you wished to make friends.
He avoided looking the Oquesia in the eye, knowing that in the natural world that was a sign of challenge, and made some soft low noises in the back of his throat, approaching the Oquesia from the side. Softly he said so no one but the Oquesia could hear. “Stay calm, I will not hayrm you…”

His voice seemed to set off the beast, as it let out a snarl and charged at him, slavering at the maw. Rush reared up and flared his blue-skinned wings in an attempt to look larger and intimidate him into submission as a quick attempt to stop him, already knowing it was futile and pushing off the ground as the Oquesia ran at him, barely missing snapping teeth, hearing the clack of them and almost shivering at the animal’s raw power. He barely had a moment to twist away as the Oquesia leapt up on its hind paws, its paws almost bludgeons waving in the air to club him down. He felt one connect with his hindquarters with a painful thwack that threw him off balance, making him duck in the air.

He landed hard on the Oquesia’s back, biting his lip, not wishing to handle things this way. The Oquesia twisted at his heavy weight, and in an last attempt his wings wrapped around the dome of its skull, making it howl in confusion and try to snap at his wings, though Rush just moved with its thrashing movements, keeping it blinded, its raw rough pants making him sigh inwardly. The animal was in panic, and being under more stress would not help. But he was focusing on twisting his neck so the collar slipped off and grasped it in his teeth, suddenly withdrawing his wings and sliding the collar over his head quickly, and holding onto the soft leather leapt off to one side, causing the beast’s neck to turn to one side, staying close to his shoulder so he couldn’t be bitten, but still in control, forcing the creature to dash in maddening little circles around him. Its legs weretrembling weakly, its breathing becoming more labored, finally slowing to a stop and staggering, as Rush quickly let go, backing up some to survey the tired beast and his heart drooping, knew that he didn’t want to tame him anymore. He wanted him to be free. He dropped into an eloquent bow suddenly to the tired out Oquesia, to odd murmurs from the crowd for bowing at a wild predator, and turned, walking from the arena, face downcast and only looked up to say slowly to the tall fiery figure of Roar.
“Can he not yrest? Foyr a moment? It is only fairy, no?”

He glanced back at his battered opponent. He did not win this. No one could truly win this contest.

[Echos]

Snap could read the hesitation in the Oquiesa's movement's as they circled eachother, apparently thrown off by her lack of attack. It still took all of her courge to stand her ground when the animal charged as every natural instinct told her to flee. As it broke it's charge and lept at her flank Snap whirled and darted to the side, missing those claws by a hairs breath as she danced just out of the Oquiesa's immediate reach.

Apparently unhappy at having it's meal escape the Oquiesa lunged at her again, lips curled back in a snarl that reveiled an unsettling number of large pointy teeth. Jumping back Snap quickly dashed to the far side of the pen, forcing the Oquiesa to turn if it wanted to chase her. Each time the enraged animal came at her danced out of its reach, leading it around the pen until they both panted, sides heaving. Snap was betting that the Oquiesa would tire first, having already faced more than a few challengers and bore a number of small injuries from those encounters. Already the game of chase was slowing down. Any moment she would have her chance.

Another dash around the pen brought them both to a halt as the Oquiesa stopped, tounge lolling as it eyed the prey that proved so hard to get. Rearing up Snap taunted it and as usual it answered the challenge charging foreward as she danced back only to find the wall of the pen at her back. She heard squeals behind her as she tried scrambled away, only just managing to miss those snapping teeth before the full weight of the Oquiesa slammed into her against the fence as the wind was knocked from her chest. The collar dropped from her mouth as she fought for her breath and her footing before the hunter was on her again. Gasping she frantically backed away antler's lowered defensivly as it twisted around, trying to take advantage of it's weakened prey. As it lept at her again, eyes gleaming in victory she lunged forward, snatching up the collar and holding it up so that the beasts own momentum carried it through the hoop. The sudden jerk around it's neck pulled it to the ground and Snap off her feet as they both tumbled over each other, each just as suprised as the other.

Finding her feet first Snap scramble up and out of the Oquiesa's reach as the Sharian's herded the Oquiesa to the other side of the pen. Magic again lifted her up and over the sturdy wall but it wasn't until all four hooves where firmly planted on the other side did her pulse start to slow and satisfaction start to settle in. Brushing proudly though the crowd Snap limped over towards the Sharian healers who where busy patching up the other contestants. Best too get her bruises looked after now - it would be better if Whip never found out about this particular adventure.

[Novanight]

Looking around the small town Fever had come to for the Festival of Falling Stars she couldn't help but smile in wounder, appeaently this far south the sun and moon set everyday instread of the normal six months! She would get to be able to see the star once again without having to wait for another four months to pass, what a treat!

Hearing the cheering of a crowd in front of her Fever blinked as she her way towards it only to see a woodedn pen with something in side of it and other trying to put a collar around it. Slowly making her way thought the crowds, with great care so that she didn't burn any of the samanayrs around her, she sat as changers seemed to step up to try and collar the great and appeantly flaming beast in front of them as she wondered what the creature was with its short fur and small body. She could tell that it was some type of predature just from the way that it moved but it was unlike any of the ones she had seen in her life before.

Watching as some of the changer made there way towards the creature she tited her head. What an odd thing to do, to bring a predatory creature into town and then leave it there as she walked away from the center of the square. What odd samanayrs they where to bring one in town of all places.

[Pathos]

Nobility of Ancient Stone was ready. Ready to face the jaws of the beast, the terrible claws. Ready to collar the monster.

He stood in the entrance to the Oquiesa's pen, his red cape fluttering in the breeze, with a coil of rope clenched between his teeth; from it dangled a red collar with a golden tag attached to it, gleaming in the sun. He would not fail this day.

The Oquiesa sat in the centre of the ring, chained to small metal peg in the ground. It's coat was heavy with dust, it looked to be a dark brown or possible black colour, but it was impossible to tell until clean. Drool dripped out of it's gaping maw, and it's predatory eyes were fixed on the little Sam as he entered it's domain. As the door to the pen locked shut behind him, a signal was given and a fiery elemental took careful aim at the Oquiesa's chain attached to the peg, severing the chain with a small blast of fire. Instantly, the beast leaped towards Nobility, it's massive paws outstretched as if to rend him limb from limb, but Nobility scampered out of the way, running around to the other side of the pen. The Oquiesa turned and assessed Nobility, before taking a few cautious steps towards him. Nobility readied his small rope, mentally preparing himself as again the beast gathered his powerful haunches under him and leapt towards the Sam; Nobility threw a coil of the rope around the Oquiesa's left front paw, before quickly rolling underneath it's great belly, coming to his feet behind the beast. As the Oquiesa landed, the rope around it's paw tightened, causing the beast to stumble, landing face-first on the hard ground with it's front paw underneath him. Quickly, Nobility acted, tying each paw tightly together before the Oquiesa could get his bearings, effectively hogtying the animal, rendering it unable to move! As the Oquiesa struggled to stand and whimpered pitifully, Nobility strode forward and *carefully* wrapped the collar around the beast's thick neck.

The crowd erupted into cheers, Nobility had done it! The little Sam was exhausted and dirty, but he had managed to get the Oquiesa under his control! He staggered out of the pen, relying on the shoulders of his mares for support, leaving the panting, whining Oquiesa behind him.

[Janalee]

Well, it was already time for another tactic.
Sadly though, that wasn't the first thing to enter Envy's mind. Her very first thought was to mourn her beautiful feathers and remind herself to ask Force for some more; and quick though that thought was, it was still more than she could afford. Momentarily distracted, she failed to notice the tugging at her harness till it was too late to avoid falling over. As luck would have it though, she was near the edge of the pen at the time; sliding underneath it, she landed just outside the reach of the Oquiesa's jaws, though she paid for that safety with a rather nasty bump along her back.
She stood up quickly enough, wincing a bit- whether it was more from pain or pure annoyance at having been caught so quickly wasn't clear though; no doubt both stung her in different ways. Still, there was time to rectify one of those anyway...and perhaps she could get Force to massage her bruise for her later tonight.
Slinking along underneath the edges of the pen, without ever thinking that using that terrain to her advantage might be construed as unsporting, she came back up to the hanging collars and grabbed a second one. This time, she would watch it more closely, and wait, though patience certainly couldn't be numbered amongst her virtues. She kept her body moving around in her relative sanctuary to keep her hastiness at bay, taunting the Oquiesa with feints and false starts, and drawing it ever closer to the position she wanted. Finally, when she thought she could hardly take any more, she dashed out a little farther, and caused the Oquiesa to charge- perfect. With a deft twist of her head, she flung the second collar down the path she had been moving, before turning back towards the pen's edge, her first collar still held loosely in her mouth. Glancing back to watch and decide which way to go, she saw the Oquiesa take after the flying object, and realized it really was her chance. Without a moment's more thought, she rushed headlong up the other side of its body. As the Oquiesa's teeth caught and tore into her distraction, she jumped up and pulled the collar over its nearly closed mouth. Caught off guard, it paused for a brief moment- long enough for her to jerk it back over the ears, before letting it go and heading back outside the pen.
Safe once again, and adrenaline still rushing happily through her, she looked back proudly to survey her own work. Yes, ideally the collar would sit a little lower on the neck, and at less of an angle...but considering how sullenly vexed the Oquiesa seemed, she was more than willing to call it a complete win. And with only a bit of a bruise, too!
Jauntily, she brushed past the other Samanayrs, most of whom looked at her with annoyance for cutting in line, though a few seemed to think she might just be crazy. One of the Sharians did congratulate her politely enough though, before...wait, what was he doing? Before Envy had a chance to voice her dismay, he reached over the pen and neatly sliced the collar off, dropping it in a pile of similarly broken leather.
So, she wasn't the first after all. And maybe, just maybe, she should have actually found out what this was all about before rushing into it.
Mm, but Force's grin told her all she needed to know.

[silvermoondragon]

Thanks everyone who participated, it was great to see everyone’s interpretation of the prompt and make it their own.
The bravest and most creative story would have to be RikkuGirl and Mischief with the escaping Oquiesa. Congratulations, Roar of the Nemean Lion will be heading home with you.
And random.org has decided that Janalee will receive the Leo-Inspired Mage Construct, and Novanight will receive the Leonine Mane Trait Amulet

And just to finish off the stories, here’s your endings:

Origami_Dragon
The Sharian holding Hum gave the poor Healer an apologetic glance before resting her down on one of the soft beds that had been laid out, “Another one for you.” The healers certainly had had their hands full today with the game and all those foolish Samanayrs showing off rather than trying to accomplish the goal. This wouldn’t be the last Samanayr he’d need to bring over before the day was over.

RikkuGirl
Once the escaped Oquiesa had been dealt with, the dragonet healed, and the crowd calmed down, Roar walked over to Mischief. He nodded his head and bowed. “My thanks to you. Yrisking youyr life and that of youyr dyragonet foyr the Song of the Yrainbow was ceyrtainly a most byrave action. If you had not intervened, who knows what might have happened. I must theyrefoyre pledge my allegiance to you.”

Janalee
Reunited with her mate once again, Envy’s struggle having brought them even closer together, they returned to what had brought them to the Song of Rainbow in the first place. On their way out of the clearing, a very lion-like mage construct jumped out from the bushes and grabbed onto one of the broken feathers hanging off Envy’s back with a playful growl, its tail wagging back and forth.

Echos
The Oquiesa snapped at the Sharian a few times as she herded it to the other side of the pen, it was certainly still angry enough to go after anything. The Sharians were very well equipped for dealing with this however, and it was soon subdued.
The healer smiled at Snap as she made her way over. Having healed quite a few already, he could tell from her posture and the way she carried herself that she had succeeded at the task.

Amazondreamer
The crowd waited in silent anticipation as Bite circled above the pen, wondering what her next move might be. When she dropped the collar and flew off, murmurs began to run through the crowd, some mumbling about being too scared, others nodding in agreement with her decision. Roar waited a few minutes, just in case she decided to return, before turning towards the next participant in line.

Seren
Roar had watched this fight closely; few Samanayrs had tried to collar the Oquiesa with such care and respect. “Can he not yrest? Foyr a moment?”
Roar nodded, he hadn’t really thought about the Oquiesa, only about judging the bravery and courage of the challengers. It took courage to stand up to someone, especially someone in his position as a leader of an event.

Novanight
A few Samanayrs in the crowd shuffled to the side out of Fever’s way as she made her way to the pen to check things out. After having her look, Fever left the clearing just as confused as when he had entered it. On her way out however, she did notice a shiny amulet lying on the ground forgotten. No doubt someone had dropped it, but the crowd was way too busy to even notice as she picked it up.

Pathos
The Sharians were quite impressed by Nobility’s quick and efficient use of the rope to tie up the Oquiesa in order to collar it. Few Samanayrs had been able to master human tools so well. They congratulated him on his success but he was much more interested in returning to his mares.

[Janalee]

*Envy raises as eyebrow at the construct chewing on what's left of her poor feather, before breaking into a wide grin and taking it out of the harness for him*
Aw, he's so adorable...and I suspect he knows it too well too. XP Thanks Silver, and congrats RikkuGirl!

[Seren]

Congrats all!

Even though I didn't win, I'm sastified with my post. Hm. Got me in a writing mood now.

And on a side note, I just reread my post and realized I wrote "fairy" instead of "faiyr". *facepalms*

Feel free to participate in a shaking of heads and sighs of "Oh Seren..." >_<

Again, Congrats! All of these were so much fun to read! ^_^

[RikkuGirl]

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeee! *squeals with glee* ^____^ I got the lion! *flails*

I am so happy! Thank you so much silver! I really thought some of the others were going to win! They were all such great stories! Congrats guys! That was so much fun!

Mischief: O.o we have a ... lion?! oh boy...

Roar: Oh hush... now you finally have a REAL Stallion in your midst.

RG: O-O:::: oh boy... I see these two will be the BEST of friends already ^_^;;;

*The two begin to skuffle and mumble amongst themselves*

tytytyty! I cant wait to see how his song comes along <3

[Pathos]

Congrats all!