Sky vs Sea

[minifun990]

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[minifun990]

Day One
Your hero has come a long way, what do they think of the land? Do they look on it with disdain? Do they remain open to new possibilities? How do they view their new "pride/group/clan" mates? How does it effect how they interact with them?
Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Tail spines & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC
The land. Every single thing in Merridan’s life had lead up to this.
But it wasnt really her life. Everything has already been decided for her. No matter how much she had rebelled. No matter how much she had pretended to fit in and to hide from this fate. No matter how good she tried to be at non-hero things it had always lead up to this.

It was heavy. The weight in her chest. The weight in her heart.
And the weight on her body. The air was thick, pushing down on her from all sides. So unlike the skys above. Trees crowded her, even before she was supposed to be crowded by the felines of this land.
There was no water to support her either. Not like when she was just a pup and buoyed by blue. It was just heavy air, and trees and scents of-
Something musty, and harsh and -
Earthy.

No one had ever described what the land might smell like and now it overwhelmed her. How was she supposed to stay here? How was she supposed to adapt to a third-place which was so different from the last two. Meridian just wanted to turn around now. Either bridge, it didn’t even matter.

The only things this place held for her was more pressure. More stink. And more expectations.
But then again. Maybe that wasnt so different from her previous homes. It was only now that it was so obvious, so horribly obvious.

Besides. It would only be a death sentence to run away. She had no clue of how to survive on her own in such a place. She had heard tales of huge creatures with poison-tipped claws, small rodents impossible to catch, huge horned and hooved mammals that could kill with one kick or final swing. She had no clue how much was fact, or how much was fiction. But she knew enough to know that she couldnt survive long by herself. It rankled against her, knowing she was dependant, at least for now.

But if the supposed wildlife didn’t get her, it would only be only be so long until someone found her. Because, if there’s one thing both sky and sea seemed to agree upon, it was that the land was absolutely crawling with others. Other lions, other hyenas, other cats, other foxes. Other sentient beings who would take one look at her and Know.

That she did not belong there.

Merridan was silent as she approached her new ‘family’. The leader and his mate smiled at her but she didn’t return it. She could smell them too, fur and dust and forest and sand.
For ones of the land they reminded her too much of the sky. A golden sun and starry expanses.

There were others too, unseen in the distance to all but Merridan. Her eyes clearer like a bird of prey, or perhaps just one used to murky waters. They were more like what she had expected from land Sentients. Browns and oranges.
But it was this colourful ragtag group that had her first. There was likely petty feuds and politics in these lions groups and clans as there was in the sea and sky. It didnt matter to Merridan. She didnt really care where or who taught her.

She would learn what she had to and then -
Well something. But there was no point getting attached to these lions now nor this place. It was a temporary stop before the final battle. It was going to be her fight alone. A singular hero against a giant threat.
What a bunch of stink. (605/600)

Username: minifun990
Pride/group link: Mystic Isles
Hero link: Merridan
Link to completed prompt:
Sky prompt : Day 1A
Your hero is like a fish out of water here... why don't you do something to make them feel at home?
Requirement: 200 words, or 1 fullbody sketch
Reward: Color: White & 1 AC
Alt: 2 AC
Ladon frowned at the young blue hyena as she stormed past him. Allana hadnt been joking when she said that their Hero was looking a little plain. Ladon didnt think it suited the hyena at all. But the frown she wore looked far too used to being on her face.
It was simply something Ladon would have to fix. He would crack some jokes, show her around his pride, properly welcome her into this new world the Ladon way.

“Ladon.” Mysrek admonished, stopping him with a tail. Ladon froze, looking at his beautiful mate. He knew that tone all too well. Telling him to slow down, and to think things through more carefully.

“How about I go talk to her.” Mysrek murmured softly. “I have a feeling, that perhaps a more delicate touch might be better.”

And so it was Mysrek who first goes to talk to their mysterious new pride member. The first hyena for the pride to include. An outsider in many ways.

“Im not from this world orginally either.” Mysrek offered to the sullen blue hyena. Their blue eyes perked up a little at this.

“Are you from the sky originally?” The hyena asked, a stubborn lilt to her words. “You look like it.”

“No, not quite. Im from somewhere even further outside of these realms. I can tell you if you like, but then Id love to hear a little about you. Is that alright?”

The hyena huffed a little bit. “Maybe.”

But that was good enough for Mysrek. For now. (255/200)



Sky prompt: Day 1C
Your hero tells your group/pride where they came from. Were they born in the sky city or sea city? What was it like for them growing up? Did they get along with their parents?

Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Tail feathers & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC
Mysrek spends most the rest of the day telling Merridan about her childhood up in the stars as a goddess. She tells the hyena what it was like to feel so separate from everyone else, so alone and yet powerful. Having everything she couldve wanted but never the things she truly desired. She told of her rebellion against her parents. Hiding and falling in love far too fast.

Of getting so lost that even her mind faded. Only to recreate herself in the place she once ruled over. With a golden lion who had always seen her for who she was. And slowly, though it all she gained Merridan;s trust.

But mostly she gained her respect. And so when it came time for Merridan to tell her own story she didnt refuse as she had originally decided to. It would be too harsh, and more than a little unnecessarily. She didn’t have to be quite as open as Mysrek was anyway. She could hold some of the truth back. Maybe just tell her the parts that were what she was probably supposed to tell these land dwellers.

But then again. Mysrek was sometimes known for getting others to open up more than they originally meant to. Merridan wasn’t quite aware of what she was getting herself into.

“Well you heard about the prophecy right?” Mysrek nodded.

“Yes, but Id prefer you told me. Assume I know nothing.” Merridan had to hold back her snark about Mysrek knowing nothing anyway. She had been kind and Merridan wasnt one to be so cruel as to respond with bitterness before it was due.

“There were wars. Fights and bitterness, and then there was this- hope. And there were stories of a Hero” Merridan couldnt help but sneer a ltitle at the word. “They think it is me. I guess it is me. My patterns, my appearance always wasnt quite Sky or Sea.”

She looked out to the distance. It was so green here. Not dark blues nor blinding whites. Instead, it was green and brown as far as she could see.

“I grew up in the ocean. Among the kelp and mermaids and sirens and feasting on shellfish and fish. “

“Sirens…” Mysrek murmured, looking into the distance like her own mind was far away too. Merridan just gazed at her for a moment, watching as she shocked herself back to her thoughts, and prompting Merridan to continue.

“Yes. one of the more dangerous creatures in the sea, sharks are predictable… Sirens, not so much.

I made friends, made myself a family from scratch. Even as they kept training me and showing me so much. I thought, maybe that I was being spoilt. That it was because I was special.

Especially stupid.” Merridan said, laughing bitterly. “I realised my error as I got older. I wasnt one of them. I was always a central character even as I tried to hide from the limelight.

It was almost a relief to go to the sky. To not watch those ones I knew from my childhood start to see me differently.
Ive spent the last while mostly in the sky, well at least with all the teaching I have to do. It takes up a lot of my time and they didnt know me when I was hop- young. They didnt know me when I was young. It was easier.”
“They both tried to make me the best fighter they could, and the best healer, and the best everything and I just-
Theres too much to remember. They want me to be a whole clans worth of knowledge and ability in just myself.
And now, Im here to add another realms expectations onto myself.”

“You dont have to-”

“Yes I do. I always do.” (631/600)

Your hero needs to be strong! How does your pride start working to keep them ready to fight? What fighting abilities to they try and teach the newcomer?
Requirement: 400 words or 1 flatcolor fullbody
Reward: Marking style: Wavy stripes & 2 AC
Alt: 3 AC
“You may be a hyena, built for strength but I reckon it wouldnt take much to take you down.” A brown lion drawled from up in a tree. He was alone, and Merridan hadnt seen him around the rest of pride before but that didnt mean she hadnt simply forgotten his presense.
“What a kind and lovely welcome.” Meridian snarled back. Not keen on letting anyone talke down to her. Everyone else had been kind to her so far but that didnt mean she was going to let anyone away with disrespect.

“Its about as kind as the one I got when I first arrived.” The brown lion said shrugging a little. His tail swayed below him, smooth and a bit different to the others Merridan had seen within the pride. It had no tuft at the end for starters, and now she looked closer at this mysterious figure she could see other differences. His face was a different shape, more muscular and his body was smaller yet lithe.

“Ill bite,” Merridan said, flashing her teeth a ltiie. To his regard he didnt flinch. “Who are you? And where did you arrive from.”

“Gedeon. And none of your business.”

“Great, Ill be going then.”

“No- uh-”

“Yes?”

The figure, Gedeon, shuffled a little. Looking around shiftily. “Its dangerous here.”

“And?” Merridan asked, stretching out the word.

“Ugh you are useless.” His tail lashed. “Ihaveafeelingsomethingbadisgoingtohappenetoyou andyouremindmeofsomeoneIonceknewsocouldyoujustshowmeyoucanfight.”

“What.” Merridan shook her head. She had only grasped snippets of what he had said but it was enough to know that she didnt have time for sorting out this stranger.

“Fight me. Right now.”

“Im good.” Merridan stated, moving out of this stragne lions way. Only to come face first to him, his fur risen and mouth drawn back into a snarl.

“It isnt a suggestion.” Merridan’s ears flattened against her skull. How dare he be so disrespectful? She pulled a paw back, intending on just shoving him to the side. It wouldnt be the first rough and tumble she’s had but she hadnt intended to do so in this land.

That wasnt what happened though. Instead the lion twisted around. Grabbing onto her paw and bending in a way it wasnt meant to go. Merridan let out a bark of pain, twisting her back leg to aim for Gedeon’s stomach. Forgetting about not causing him too much harm and just desperately wanting him to Let Go.

He did, stepping back with a grin.
“Good enough, glad to see you dont have dumb ideas of honor.” He flicked his head towards the forest, seeming to see something Merridan couldnt.

“Ill see you later. Be prepared.” (441/400)

[minifun990]

Other Prompts
Username: minifun990
Pride/grouplink:Mystic Isles
Day 1 Prompt:"The group that created this shrine is long lost to memory and history... but I still think about them. What virtues do you think they valued if they created a place like this?"

3 Ancient Coins: 300 words or 1 flatcolor fullbody
“They were afraid.” Aysa said. Staring up that big columns. The others turned to her, a little surprised at the accusation.

“Of what? It looks like they knew what they were doing to me.” Didina said, coming to stand next to the pale lioness. Didina was taller than her, and looked even larger just due to her luxurious mane.

“Of course they knew what they were doing, someone doesnt do this accidentally. Nor without lots and lots of effort and coordination.”

“Well then how could they be afraid? I doubt they would’ve done something this intricate in the middle of a war”

“They weren’t afraid of that. They were afraid of being forgotten.” Seeing the still un-understanding faces of her pridemated Aysa sighed. “Look- why would you need to write down so much knowledge like this- in such a permanent manner if you were afraid that one day you would be forgotten.”

“Oh, like we dont need to write down stuff because we tell others.” C said, said, surprising Aysa with his insightfulness.

“Yes, exactly. If you trust oral storytelling enough, the tales we pass down from lion to lion. Why would you need anything else?”
“This, is a monument created by people scared that their culture is going to be forgotten, and with it them.”

“They didnt do a very good job of it though. I cant read a single smudge of it.” Bern said.

“Yeah well, maybe they didnt think it would be left for this long undiscovered. Or maybe, it simply wasnt us who was meant to find it.”

“Well who do you think was supposed to find it then?” Aysa asked.

“Someone less cynical and projecting.” Yalina said, a little cruelly to Aysa. “Im pretty sure the only virtues the creators of this monument were worrying about was knowledge. Its a blessing to see something like this, showing forward thinking and a sharing nature. Not fear.”

Aysa huffed. “Agree to disagree.” (325/300)

Username: minifun990
Pride/group link: Mystic Isles
First Cycle: Heart
Before you, mist forms a silhouette at eye level. Eerily similar to your own appearance. As you watch, the mist separates and reforms into three sections. A skull, a set of four paws prints, and a heart.

The darkness urges you to choose. Which one for you? Heart, Body, Mind? Why is one calling to you more than the others

Merridan had needed a moment alone. A moment to think and plan and relax and embrace the darkness of the night. With how different everything else was in this world Merridan was glad that at least night was something that kept the same in each land.

Well except for this place. Whatever it was it was calm and welcoming, even with its darkness and lack of defining features. One moment it reminded her of the sea, the next sky. It should've been slightly frightening yet it wasn't.

Instead, as she watched a shadow wisp of herself fade into three Merridan wondered if it might finally be a place where she could just be her.

She almost reached for the mind out of habit. Everytine she had been told to use her head. To think things through.

She was smart, not emotional like a heart. At least she was only emotional in ways that others didn't like, snark and cynicism and rebellion.

And the body? Well that was what had gotten her into this mess of a prophercy in the first place. Merridan would never choose it if she had the choice.

But then Merridan hesitated. It was logical for her to become the Hero they wanted. It would be smart for her to fall in line. To shoulder the burden.

And yet that wasn't what she desired. She hadn't figured out what she wanted. What she loved and liked and wanted for her future. But maybe it was time she did get a chance to not follow logic and rules.

Maybe it was time for the chaos, independence and rebellion that only her heart could lead her to.

(338/300)

Username:
Pride/group link:
Day:
Prompt: (200 words)

What is your character/hero's reaction to Edgar? Did they find his club on purpose or was it by accident?
V is hungry. And bored. After all, if she was only hungry she wouldnt of been so fussy. She woulve taken the first bird or other prey she had seen. But she didnt, because she wasnt that hungry. But she was hungry enough to find the challenge of this unusually smart bird, intrgiruing.
So she slunk off without her dedicated group of followers on her quest. She was going to have a rather satisfying snack. And the others would simply ruin her hunting.
She liked them of course, but sometimes there was simply nothing like a good hunt.
Creeping through underbrush, over a small stream. She was just starting to get a bit unsure of the distance she travelled when she smelt, someone else.
She knew this was someone elses territory but this was different. This wasnt a lion. Instead V found herself face to face with a cat. And of course, a facefull of black feathers, as the raven V had hunting took that exact moment to spite her, laughter-like cawing in the face of danger.
And the cat introduced himself, happy and excitable.
And even though V wasnt supposed to be able to communicate with cats, she smiled, understanding him perfectly. He was lucky she had been the first lion of this land to join this little cats club. Many others would be doomed by the curse of translation that befall cats and lions but V. V was the perfect clubmate. (243/200)

[minifun990]

Your group/pride sends a scouting mission to get a glimpse of this so-called-titan in the distance. They can hear the rumbling far off- who's brave enough to go? Who's loyal enough to be trusted? How far do they get before they give up? Do they see it through?

Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Shoulder feathers & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC
“Maybe we should send someone to go have a look at this titan.” Jovano suggested, his gaze looking down on Ladon from his slight height advantage. “Find out as much as we can about what we might be fighting.”
Next to him Amas nodded along happily before putting in her own two cents. “We dont really want a repeat of the trinity tree do we.” She laughed but it made the gathered lions tense a little. Especially Ladon. It was his story after all, and his mistakes that he was often still blaming himself for.
“No. We dont.” Ladon said a little testily. “But the titan is far in the distance. Too far for any of us to get close. Unless you have any suggestions?” He looked at Amas and Jovano critically. Amas was bouncing to volunteer but Jovano halted her.

“Neither you or I could swim out that far Love.” Jovano stated, Amas went to protest. “We cant even see it yet from here.”

“I will volunteer to make the deadly journey.” Kinaaz decreed. “Over the surf shattering waves, battling gusts, doing everything I can to survive. I will drink the nectar of the skys when it rains, and face down that titan by myself, bringing back the best tales known to lionkind- Whose with me!”

The gathered lions looked at each other, eyes wide, while others rolled their eyes. Pulin looked down from his upper position on a ledge. It was reserved for elders and he made every use of that status and ledge.
“We are not sending Kinaaz.”
“No” “Uhnuh” “Definetly not” “Sorry Kinaaz” “Maybe next time Kinaaz”
“So who do we send?”
“Ill go.” Derora said, walking forwards. Jovano and Amas tried to disagree, not wanting to send their daughter but Derora just smiled. “Come on guys, you know Id be perfect for this.”

“Ive been practising with a small sailboat hidden on the east side of the island.”

“A boat? You know those have been banned since-”

“I know. Im sorry, but isnt it perfect for this? I can sail out there, using some of the inventions Jelsa and Lakviar have been working on and”

“You two have been helping out with this- this nonsense?” Ladon exclaimed, whirling onto Lakviar and Jelsa with a glare. Lakviar flinched back, eyes averted and mumbling apologies. Jelsa wasnt so meek.

“Yes we have, and Im not ashamed. Derora should be able to sail if she wants. She is careful.”

“It doesnt matter now dear,” Mysrek said, placatingly. Grooming Ladon gently. His posture slowly relaxing under her ministrations.

“I guess not.”

“Im going too.” Phaedra stated, a little delayed. She had only just arrived to the meeting though, only just been caught up by her mother, Kinaaz who was still a bit upset about not being able to go herself.

“I dont really-” Derora started.

“I’d feel better if you werent alone.” Jovano said, even as Derora and Phaedra eyed each other up. They werent friends, but neither did they know enough about each other to dislike each other except on principle.

And so the set off on a trip on a boat they werent meant to have to go witness the titan. The waves and wind worked against them as they headed out into the distance. Waves slapping the boat as the two struggled to fight off unease. It was a lot of shouting and biting remarks as they struggled to keep the boat stable but slowly they got closer.
When they saw the titan looming in the distance neither could quite believe it. So much focus on the ship they sailed and yet this titan would have no clue of such things. Its name inspired ideas of a monstrous size and yet- This was a bohemith. Though both lionesses were braver than most they were so psooked by the feeling of - Of insignificance that they almost turned back then.

Almost.

They got closer, hearing it groan under its own giant mass. Seeing the stone and harsh rock it was born from. Its cold eyes and unrelenting gaze forwards.

And they felt hopelessness descend upon them.

It was time to turn back.

And tell the rest of the great horror. (702/600)



Land prompt: Day 2C
How does your pride interpret the newcomers on their land? Do they favor one city over another, or just dislike them both? Do they have a preference/bias towards one based on some element? (They're more unusual to them/they seem more aggressive/ect)
Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Chest and back fur edit & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC

Cero has reservations about the Sea

Land prompt: Day 2B
Assess the situation: How much damage has the earthquakes caused to the local area? Has it caused wildlife/prey to flee? Has it damaged your pride's home?
Requirement: 400 words or 1 flatcolor fullbody
Reward: Marking style: Face mask (raccoon style) & 2 AC
Alt: 3 AC

The Maker’s cats didnt really pay much attention to the earthquakes. It wasnt their land and they had lost their oracle and leader at some stage (temporarily hopefully) and so a bit of shaking and destruction of other peoples properties wasnt really their concern. Maybe they would worry as the land started to shake more, as the danger became more clear. But for now, they hadnt met any heroes, nor many ways of war. They were focussed on smaller things, cute cats clubs and interesting islands

However, the Mystic Isle pride was rather concerned. This was their territory. This was the home they had always lived on and things seemed to be changing. It was just small things for now, a stream shaken sidewards. A nest nestled nicely falling down. A old ancient tree that had rotted falling sooner than it meant to.

But it was the potential future impacts the pride worried about. For now they tried to calm their young ones, they tried to assure birds to return to their younglings and a couple of lions dug the streams back onto course.

That was, until the big one struck. It sent a large wave, dragging the water away from shore for a moment. It was the only warning the Mystic Isle lions had. Some called out quickly for everyone to go to higher shore and then-

A huge wave. A tsunami arose from the deep, taking kelp and sand and salt with it. It erupted onto the land, mixing with the mud, truning a dark brown, taking the wharf, the wooden buildings, the crab pots. It wrecked destruction, taking underbrush and dirt and everything it could reach. Only the trees seemed safe, and the lions of the pride fled. Hills became islands, a sludge of death rising and rising. Reaching paws and -

It stopped.

There was quiet. And then

It slowly started to ebb away.

Families reunited, lions carefully moved away from the high ground and inspected the danger. There was debris everywhere, kelp in bushes, bushes in trees, and sand and dirt everywhere.

It was a mess. But admittedly, it had happened before. Maybe not due to a titan but still. The pride knew how to deal with this. They started tidying up even as the sky and sea convoys tried to get in the way and help themselves, apoligising. But it wasnt really their fault.

Well a little bit really, but Mystic Isle wasnt one for pettiness. (411/400)


Being a soldier isn't all fighting and wars...theres a mental part to it too. Is your hero ready for this fight? How is their confidence? How does your pride/group help them to improve or maintain that? What is their biggest fear of the situation? Failure? Disapointing others? Losing their own life? all of the above?
Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Back fin & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC

Merridan doesn't want to fight, nor does she want to plan. She is confident it wont go to plan at all.

[minifun990]

Username: minifun990
Pride/group link: Mystic Isles
Day 2 Prompt:
The Maker’s cats are rather used to things appearing when they arent necessarily supposed to. But even then the sudden appearance of a tapestry is surprising and lends far more credibility and trust to this statue like lion. Silently a few of the lions decide to make sure Aysa stays relatively quiet and out of the way. They dont want to offend their host any more than nessasary.
Especially not with the shaking in the distance.
So with a little bit of shuffling the group shove Bern and Yalina to the front to mostly listen while the others bicker. If anyone could use a peace maker it would be this argumentative bunch.
Bern sighs, looking at Yalina. “Do you know of any great warriors? Im afraid Ive been following around V for so long that Ive lost touch with most myths.”

Yalina rolled her eyes. “I think you forget that I am much an oracle as V. Im not from here, I dont know either.”

What were they just thinking about arguments. Bern breathed in deep. Count to ten. Dont smack your pridemates. Just pray to the Maker and hope that V returns soon.

V. Warrior. A large lion that was lost.

“Viktor”

“What?” Yalina asked. Bern didnt pay her any heed. Viktor, the largest lion Bern had ever met, and one who had taken down some attackers with hardly a breath. And yet he had never responded with anger. Not while he walked with them.

“Do you know anything about this peace makers appearance?” He asked the Scribe. He tried to catch a better glimpse of the tapestry. Was that a flash of red? A stripe of white? A bobbed tail? A long lost ancestor of the lion he once met? Or maybe the lion himself, lost in a different time. Bern wasnt sure, and maybe he was on the wrong track but it was closer than the squabbling the rest of his pride were doing. (327/300)

Day: 2
Prompt: (200 words or 1 fullbody sketch)

“A scavenging club…” V purred thoughtfully. It sounded rather fun, and yet V wasnt sure if this is what she was supposed to be doing. She had been led here, which simply spelt The Maker all over it. And yet, she did hate to over assume what her godess wanted from her.
But of course, if something is meant to happen the Maker Isnt shy on leaving signs. V was sure if she was meant to be part of this club then it would become quickly obvious. She nodded to the cat, agreeing that she would see what she could find.

But she didnt get that far, the moment her paw stepped down was onto something hard within the grass. Curious V picked it up, a old looking, solid bronze coin. There was no way Edgar had missed it.

“Did you drop this?” V asked. From the cats shocked look she could tell he hadnt.

“Wow you are a natural!” The cat excalimed, excited. Even his bird companion seemed happy about V’s find.

“I guess I am.” V responded with a smile. Because, that was one of the most in your face signs she had ever seen. She had a feeling this would only be the start of the trinkets she would find. (213/200)

Night prompt done the day before

[minifun990]

Sea prompt: Day 3B
Look at you! Your hero is finally making some progress, I can even count a muscle or two- What has your hero learned about themselves through training, and what part of training is their favorite/favored element?
Requirement: 400 words or 1 flatcolor fullbody
Reward: Marking style: Toe markings & 2 AC
Alt: 3 AC

“Why are you back again?” Merridan asked with frustration at the site of Gedeon. “Im meant to be training.”

“I can see that.” Gedeon said, looking skeptically at the dust and wood splinters that covered her. Plus the fact that for the last five or so minute she had only been staring into the distance. “Looks like it is going… So well.”

“Yeah well it is. Ive pretty much already done it alright. I had years of training, I can summon a swirling gust, drain water from the air itself. I can take down three lions at once. Before you try to attack me again answer me this. How is any of that supposed to work against a titan. The land doesnt seem to know anymore than sea or sky. Its useless. “

“Well maybe Ive found someone who can help anyways.” Gedeon said. Merridan looked at him surprised.

“You arent going to randomly attack me again then leave?”

“Nope. Im going to do something far worse.” The brown half lion bowed his head, closing his eyes and murmuring under his breath. The air itself changed, a prickle of awareness, a sense of encroaching danger. Merridan backed away a step, her eyes trained on Gedeon.

It was too late. His head snapped up. Vivid purple eyes latched onto her and everything exploded.

Someone was in her head. She could feel it. Rifling around, changing things. It was taking her apart at her core. It wasnt Gedeon. She could feel it. She pawed at her head, her ears changing now to reflect what she used to look like even as she growled out in pain and frustration and fear.

“Get out get out get ougetoutge-” Merridan pleaded. The movement stopped a moment and the presence apolisged. I am sorry dear. It sounded deceptively mothery and real. Kind and forgiving. I would be far more gently normally but unfortunately Gedeon doesn't make the best conduit. Wont be long.

“Wont be long! Get out right now.” Merridan snarled. Another moment and then, thankfully her mind felt solely hers. She glared at Gedeon- except he was gone once more.

Everything around her pulsed. It was still the forest. The dirty land and smell soil but now it was different. It felt- alive.

Like the water. Or even the air did when she reached out to it. Feeling silly but also like she was onto something Merridan Reached out. And the land replied. Vines snaked towards her, the trees groaning, and the land itself shot up into spikes. It was power. It was easy.

It was one way to train, Merridan supposed. Though not one that she would recommend and not one that had really been much of her own doing. (455/400)



Sky prompt: Day 3C
We really need to find a way to deal with these big brutes, otherwise they'll take us out before the titan even gets here... I propose traps..anyone got any plans?
Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Feathered ears & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC
Gedeon likes the idea of traps

Sea prompt: Day 3C
Surely, by now you're working on some battle plans: Do you have any ideas on how you'll go up against this titanic beast? Are you laying out a battleground...some weapons to give you an upper hand... creating battle parties? Are you going to go for its head or wait to find a weak point? Knowing the plan will help with your training!
Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Fin ears & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC
Sea prompt: Day 3C
Surely, by now you're working on some battle plans: Do you have any ideas on how you'll go up against this titanic beast? Are you laying out a battleground...some weapons to give you an upper hand... creating battle parties? Are you going to go for its head or wait to find a weak point? Knowing the plan will help with your training!
Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Fin ears & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC
“So what do we know about this titan?”
“Big”
“Angry.”
“Dangerous.”

“Alright, do we know anything about its weaknesses?” Ladon looked around the gathered. There was not a single response. He sighed. “I thought so.”

“We will need every able bodied lion and other creature we have avaible. Amas, Jovano I would like you guys to gather the other pride that has trespassed on our territory.”

“What are we to say?”

“Theres some trespassers?”

“Yes, they came a little bit before the chains, I seriously doubt they have anything to do with this. They seem a little… Disorganised at best. Thats why I havent held it against them that they havent asked for my permission to be on our land. Aside from all the other chaos as well.

“How will we get them to come with us and fight?”

“I think they’ll find it wise to not be crushed by the tian.” Ladon said, his head down a little. “I didnt want to scare everyone before but the land bridge is gone. We cannot leave the path of this beast.”

Gasps. Shock. Fear. Anger.

“How long have you known this Ladon?!”

“That shouldnt matter right now. We need to plan.”

“Youve been hiding stuff from us. How could you.”

“For your own safety” Ladon said snarling. “ I only learnt the news myself yesterday.”

“Were you trying to flee, run to save your own hide?” Yema asked, voice filled with anger. Ladon snarled at her, but before he even had a chance to defend himselfs others were already on the case.

“How dare you.” “Ladon would never.”

He couldnt help but smile a little. At least some were still on his side. He looked out into the distance again.

“Gather anyone you can find really. And Mysrek, call any of the gods you can still contact, be careful but -”

“Of course.”

Ladon sighed in relief. Mysrek understood him like no one else. He looked at the rest of his pride, gathered now and thought hard.
“Lakviar, Jelsa. What do you have?”

“Wires, nets, we have some technology that Bahira brought us.”

“Bahira?”

“Yeah, and whatever she brought… Its definitely from the future. She had to leave again though”

“At least there is a future then.”

“Don't be morbid Pulin.”

“You know what Im like.”

“Show me what Bahira brought.” Ladon said. He followed Lakviar and Jelsa back to their cabin, only to be led to The Warehouse. When they opened it his mouth gaped open.

Weaponry everywhere. Far more advanced than what they had now but with small tags with instructions written in the current language. Lakviar picked up the nearest one, oblong in shape with a shimmering blue around it.

“Jet blaster. High pressured water, like a waterfall but smaller and sharper. Dont point at eyes. Or non-enemies.” He passed it to Ladon who handled it carefully. There was enough of these to arm everyone, hopefully. But he was a little concerned that if they werent careful there would be almost as much friendly fire as enemy.

“Do you have any maps of the nearby seafloor. I think I have some questions for neptune.”

“We need to make a titan trip over.”
--
“And what is the Hero going to do?”

“Huh?” Ladon turned to the blue hyena, less plain now but almost as angry looking. “Merridan?” She looked surprised that Ladon had remembered her name. “She’s going to fight with everyone else? Maybe by the cliffs first, trying to tangle the titan in wires first and then-”

“That doesnt sound like a hero job.”

“Why not? It is the most use she can have for us, we need to work together.” It was then that Merridan stepped forwards, head bowed.

“Do not worry, I will fufill my hero duties as the time comes.” (633/600)


Land prompt: Day 3C

These rock creatures are a menace...How does your pride handle fighting them? How difficult is it for them to face such an unusual foe? Who figures out a weak point, and who gets hurt in the crossfire?

Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Bat ears & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC

[minifun990]

Scribe and stuff day 3

[minifun990]

Day 4 Hero prompts

Sea prompt: Day 4C
What is your hero doing to help out around the pride? Along with training, have they taken up any other duties or made themselves useful in other ways? What do they do when they aren't working on their fighting skills?

Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Leg fins & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC


Merridan is cleaning up branches

Land prompt: Day 4C
Your pride/group takes the time to explain their history to their hero, sharing their side of the story. What elements are most important they think the hero should know? What means the most in their path to becoming who they are?
Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Horns (on the head) & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC
"So with Sea and Sky warring, what was land doing this whole time?" Merridan asked. "I thought it mightve been developing technology but you are obviously lacking there too."

"That's a bit unnecessary Merridan. We have plenty of technology, it is just different to your own." Mysrek admonished.

"Sorry," Merridan said, feeling a little chastised. "My question still stands though, I don't know much of your history other than what Mysrek told me when I first came here. I think I've gathered bits and pieces but it doesn't quite make sense."

“What have you heard?” Ladon asked, head tilted to the side a little. He felt like he didnt know as much about his prides gossip as he used to. Especially not with all the war planning. There had been too many wars now in his lifetime, Ladon thought. Too many fights.

“Did you have a sister?” Merridan asked, frowning. “Or a brother?”
“Yes, I did. I was adopted by our mother.” Ladon looked hesitant now to answer questions.

“Who were they?” Merridan asked, her voice softer as she tried to be a little tactful.

“Eleri was my sister, but she was greedy and harsh. She didnt accept our mothers decision for me to become leader.”

“So did you brawl or debate?” Merridan asked, thinking back to how fights seemed to be settled in the sea and sky. “You obviously won.”

“Neither, Mysrek stepped in and Eleri created her own pride on the second island.”

“Second island?” Merridan asked in confusion “There’s no second island.”

“There is, we just- Cant access it at the moment for some reason. We’ve been informed the others are safe, just… We cant see them.”

“Oh. Does that happen often?”

“Not really.”

“Theres a important lesson here Ladon that you are missing.” Mysrek said, interrupting and eying Meridian thoughtfully.

“Is there? It seems the only thing I see is my own mistakes.”

“Yes, mistakes that can be learnt from. You see Merridan, we didnt do what the other realms did. When a greater threat came the two islands here, they didnt put aside their differences. They were stubborn, especially Eleri. She wouldnt ask for help, instead her arrogance ended up hurting many lions.”

“I see.” Merridan stated. She stood up, feeling frustration build. There wasnt anything for her to learn from the land dwellers that she didnt already know. It was useless.

Thats not true and you know it.

Merridan froze. That voice. She thought it had left but it echoed in her mind.
“Why are you still here?” She growled. It didnt answer for a moment.

I’m not sure

“You should leave. “

Not until you understand what you are meant to have learnt

“Theres nothing to learn here!” Merridan shouted. “Theyre all so -”

Stupid?
“No-” Merridan argued weakly. “Naive maybe, hopeful.”

When was the last time you were hopeful?

“Theres nothing to be hopeful about, they are going to get crushed.”

Are they? Look at them.

Merridan did. She saw the training and the weapons. She could see some heading up to the sky city and longed to follow them. To flee to safety. It would be harder for the titan to reach them there.

But they were also smiling.

“Why are they smiling?”

Because they have hope.

“In me?”

No. In each other. They are families, friends, lovers. They have hope because they have love.

“But-”

Join them Merridan. They will accept you as you have never been seen before

“Are you sure?”

Positive. Just try to be more open, they arent here to hurt you. Forget being a hero for a moment and just be you.

“Im not sure I know how.”

Dont worry. Ill be here to help you. (640/600)

Land prompt: Day 4B

With the preparations underway, it leaves a little time for your group/pride members- and even your hero to relax. How do they take a break and what do they introduce to your hero?

Requirement: 400 words or 1 flatcolor fullbody
Reward: Marking style: Giraffe spots & 2 AC
Alt: 3 AC



Sea prompt : Day 4A
Your pride discusses visiting the sea kingdom... what do they think it would be like? What do they expect they would find?
Requirement: 200 words, or 1 fullbody sketch
Reward: Edit: Claws & 1 AC
Alt: 2 AC
“I think it could be pretty fun to go to the sea kingdom.” Amas remarked off hadnedly. Merridan looked up in surprise.

“I didnt take you for someone who liked getting wet, you screeched when Jovano flicked you with water early.”

“Thats cause it was rude! He’s lucky he’s my mate, otherwise I mightve had to do something drastic.”

“More drastic than pouncing on him and biting at his ears?”

“Yes.” Amas said petulantly. Merridan couldnt help but huff out a laugh.

“I was talking about the sea thoguh, before I was so rudely interrupted. I think it would be fun to go there, colourful fish, colourful corals, colourful rocks. I could find so many cool things to make decorations out of.”

“You would make a necklace of fish?”


“What no of course not! Too stinky.” Amas decided, as if that was the only reason a fish necklace was a bad idea. “Maybe the scales though.”

“The sea is more than colourful things though,” Merridan remarked. “Theres a lot of places where you cant see very much at all. Too dark, too turbid, its quite quiet though. Thats something I miss up here, its so noisy.”

“Quiet? Oh no no that sounds boring to me. “

“Youve changed your mind then?”

“No of course not! Ill just have to make my own noise as we go.” (225/200)

[minifun990]

Sea prompt: Day 5CThese whirlpools are causing a lot of problem to the local water sources and obtaining water. Its easy for a lion to get sucked in and if the water's deep enough- they can certainly get gravely injured as a result. How does your pride/hero handle such an inconvenient natural occurance?

Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background

Reward: Edit: Glowing & 2 ACAlt: 4 AC



Sky prompt: Day 5C

How is this introduction to the titan's magic faring for your pride/hero? Are they afraid of what it can lead to, or are they unphased? What else do they think it could do that could be a threat?

Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Halo (Up to 3) & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC

Raxton can see magic and the titan's is far too much

Land prompt: Day 5C
The earth around the territory seems abuzz with energy. In some places, the plants are entirely overgrown, as thick as a rainforest. What does your pride/hero do to traverse this area? How close to home is it? Are they easily lost, or do they have a plan? It's surely a good hunting ground for small prey..if you can avoid dissapearing into the deep plantlife...
Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Full mane/custom mane edit (lions) & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC

Merridan had messed up. She had been trying to work on her newest power. The earth thrumming with potential. With life that just begged for Merridan to pay attention to it. To command it and unleash everything that she could be.

And she had been about to. Mentally preparing herself as she was taught in the sky. Breathing in deep and relaxing her body like she was taught in the sea.
But then a bolt, strong and powerful like lightning. The same magic that spun the rocks and the puddles and turned things upside down and inside out and- purple.

There was a box. But then it was gone. There was a dream, or a memory long lost. It was faint and slipped from her grip as she reached for it, as slippery as an eel, as intangintal as a breeze.

And then it all exploded. The power leaching from her, the life and earth and dirt and plants and everything. She felt for a moment the strength of thousands of tonnes of rock. Of a gaze far too tall for her own.

And then it faded. Just like memories. Just like whatever thoughts she had had.
And she was completely and utterly trapped.

Vines crissed crossed everywhere and everything. Even the trees had extended branches outwards far further than before. Bushes had risen from the earth, thorny and harsh. Blocking off every escape Merridan could see. Even now the clearing appeared to be closing in, closer and closer. It made it harder to breath. Was there less air? Did plants take the air from her lungs? Closer and closer and closer and Merridan needed to get out right now.

The plants were still, only moving in in Merridan own mind. But she couldnt see that. Instead she saw horrors and tangled arms trapping her in with no escape. She bolted. Any direction. No plan in mind except getting out of this place right now.

She didnt get far before faceplanting. Snaking vines winding across the forest floor. She pulled her body forwards, swinging her hammer around as if that would help.
The giant weapon wasnt sharp enough to properly clear the way though. Instead it only got tangled as well. Merridan yipped in panic, eying the tentacle like vines. The grasping limbs and-

“What are you doing down there?” A voice spoke, sounding more than a bit confused. She slunk through the overgrown weeds and plants like it was what she did everyday. Maybe it was. After all, Merridan hadnt seen her around before and she had been trying to keep track. Especially now that she was trying to be more open.

“Im-” She looked at the plants she had tangled herself in in her fear. It felt silly now that someone else was here. Now that she had been knocked from her own mind and terror. She stood up, feeling more than a little ridiculous in front of this new stranger.

There seemed to be a lot of strangers around.

“I was training.” Merridan lied. The brown lioness raised an eyebrow. She swept her tail to the side as she sat down.

“I dont believe you. I think you are lost.”

“Im not though.”

“Then which direction is North?” Merridan stared at the lioness. North? What is North? Is it a who?

“I dont know that.”

“No?”

“No. Listen Im going to go now, you dont have any messages or nonsense to give me?”

“Hmm.” The lioness thought for a moment. “Stay down, stay slim and watch your paws and fur. Oh and you want to go-” She closed her eyes and waved a paw around before seeming to decide. “That way. It will take you to where you need to be.”

Meridian wanted to snark and walk the other way. But this was what she was supposed to be learning grom the land. Kindness, compassion.

“Thankyou.” She muttered. The lioness grinned, her eyes far too knowing.

“Good luck.” (661/600)

Land prompt: Day 5B
Your hero seems to know something about these strange occurrences. They don't know where they learned it, but they feel like they've seen them before. Perhaps a dream in a dream. Regardless, it stirs up some questions about who they really are. How do they handle this mini-identity crisis? Do they go to anyone to be consoled or just to find answers?
Requirement: 400 words or 1 flatcolor fullbody
Reward: Marking style: Ear dots & 2 AC
Alt: 3 AC

Even as she got back to the land pride Merridan felt out of sorts. The titan’s magic, it felt like it had targeted her. That it recognised her and that it knew her.

And Merridan had never seen the titan before.

Right?

She hadnt seen them while training in the sky, nor when growing up swimming in the sea. But what about the inbetween times. The times when she was alone. The times when no one had any expectations of her and her mind calmed and slowed.

She saw them then. She thinks. The whirlpools, the floating trees and vines. Even before she had seen a tree before. It shouldve felt even more alien to be upon the land than it did. But it was like a place she had seen once long ago.

Too long ago. Meridian shook her head. She couldnt trust those kinds of memories. They were too old, too faded. She could make them into anything she wanted if she tried. Which meant they were useless. Meridian was just overthinking. She was being silly.

Merridan stood in a puddle, it pulled at her, gripping at her with a strength a puddle shouldnt have. A whirlpool, within the confines of a watery indent hardly larger than her paw. It pulled, and then faded away.

Mustve worn itself out. Merridan told herself, even as she watched another one keep swirling endlessly. On and on and on and- Merridan tapped it with a paw and it stopped.

She looked at a rock, spinning in the air above her head. It even had a single blade of grass, desperaeyly holding on by its roots. Merridan reached up and- it fell down before she could even quite reach it.

The titan’s magic just- responded to her. Even faster than her learned magic. Like it wanted to do her bidding before she even told it what it was. Merridan was spooked.

This wasnt normal.

Was this part of the prophecy that Merridan simply hadnt listened to? A useful trick? Or something more sinister. Something to do with the titan, and something to do with faded memories that didnt quite feel like Merridan’s own.

Merridan didnt want to think about it too much anymore. She looked over the pride, and thinking fast decided to go back to join Amas. That lioness could keep anyones mind occupied with her jokes. Merridan would simply ignore the issue until it fixed itself or came too close to ignore. (412/400)

[minifun990]

Land prompt: Day 6C

How valuable is knowledge to your pride/group/hero? How important is it to them to learn and grow? What do they consider of written knowledge versus traditional experience or versus the passed down knowledge from others? How much care do they put into solving things they don't know the answer to?

Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Body alteration (shorter or taller) & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC


Knowledge is very valuable, at least to some. Its fun to know things, and keeps Lakviar out of troubke

This scroll is calling out to your hero in some way. Like a long ancient mystery some part of them is aware of. How do they respond? Are they intrigued- or afraid?
Requirement: 200 words, or 1 fullbody sketch
Reward: Color: Dark red/burgandy & 1 AC
Alt: 2 AC

Merridan does want anything to do with the scroll. It starts with whispering. Similar to the voice in her head yet so different. Then it just stops. Egging Merridan with curiosity. Like it already knew that to keep bugging her endlessless would make her stubborn and refuse to answer its call.

But the silence just left her with more questions and a desire to know more. It felt like something hidden. A dreadful secret she shouldnt know.

She even considered stealing it. She watched its movements, of which there wasnt many. It was cyclcilar. It was looked after by Pulin after all and he seemed like such an old grumpy lions in his routines.

And he definitely didnt seem like someone who was going to let her nick off with it.

Merridan supposed she could ask nicely, to see what it said if she could read it at all. Surely she would be able to guess. It would not call to her just to be illegible. And she had lived in both sky and sea. She could take it and read it and then-

Merridan would probably burn it.

It wasnt meant to be here, and not in anyones hands. (200/200)

Sea prompt : Day 6A
Who is entrusted with the scroll while its being investigated? Who is responsible enough to take care of something old, fragile, and important, and why?
Requirement: 200 words, or 1 fullbody sketch
Reward: color: Dark green & 1 AC Alt: 2 AC

The problem with a very valuable thing is that the more care a person would put into keeping something safe is often correlated with how likely they are to steal it for themselves, or know how much its worth and sell it to someone else. As well as this many many pride members were rather busy with their own things. Training, looking after their family, more training, hunting, scouting.
Ladon was too busy leading. Mysrek as well. Nemean was injured, was being treated by the healer. The two normally trusted with knowledge were busy decoding, and no one trusted them to not accidentally explode or burn it. Their hero merrridan seemed like a good choice, until her face at been shown the scroll.

No one was quite sure what she had seen or thought or whatever. But she definitely was not getting that scroll.

So who did it come down to. Someone trusted but not too busy. Someone who couldnt easily be bribed or duped or fooled.

Someone perhaps just a bit grouchy, a bit old, and a bit no nonsense.

Someone exactly like Pulin.

He was an elder, so not busy. He was too wise and pessimistic to be fooled or bribed. And he had been on the island and in the pride one of the longest. Plus he wasnt too keen to tae the scrolls so no likely ulterior motivated. Perfect(233/200)