Dragoncrest Cliffs we are one kru

Artaax smirked proudly as the others filed in, even as he stood passively in deference to Eske. The presence of Nomi did cause him to straighten a bit, but not enough to cross a line into insubordination. He nipped affectionately at Bobby's cheek in greeting and offered a grin to Portia's and Dio's pair before his attention was swept back to Eske as she began to address them.

Excitement turned to sharp, focussed attention as the Cheka informed them of the day's activity. Pride and determination swelled in his chest at her words. Though she informed them it was not required to become Gona, Artaax became 100% convinced in that moment that there was nothing else he could ever possibly want to do with his life - much in the way kindergarteners go on a field trip to the museum and decide they all want to be artists until the trip to the zoo where it is determined that their life's passion is to be zookeepers (I may or may not be speaking from personal experience).

He was anxious to get started, but hesitated to answer the question. Eager as he was, he was not one to rush into things too quickly as it was not lost on him that speed increased the likelihood of errors. Artaax wanted to be right. He also wanted to look good and to be the best. So, he listened to Dalia and Bobby as they gave their answers, considered them, and then gave his own, "To take care of each other, and to be helpful and protect Drageda. And get strong." The idea of getting strong intrigued him most, but it was driven by an honest desire to protect the territory and those within it. Plus, it was something else he could be the best at - that was its own reward.

The question answered, his eyes hopped quickly to Bobby who he assumed would be his sparring partner. Bobby, however, was walking away from him to Eske, and Artaax felt his eyes narrow at the sight. Jealousy rippled through him, followed quickly by resentment. Why didn't Bobby want to be his partner? Why was Eske so much better? And how come he got to be Eske's partner? Artaax huffed softly to himself and glanced around, hoping Blixen might have joined them. Instead, he spotted Dalia smiling at him, and his negative emotions settled as he smiled back and made his way over to her.