Redsand Canyon Stand-off

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a warrior.

she looks the part, ajaw thinks ... but does she harbor the skills? scars mar her otherwise pristine fur like badges of honor but ajaw needs to see proof of skill for themselves.

there is a prickle of their nerves, displayed in the bristle of their hackles at the way in which she asked if tikal could offer this. as if she were calling the shots here.

a snap of ajaw's teeth follows the rumble, perhaps tikal can and will. but it is this one that determines that. not you. if she sought to be apart of tikal, she must learn. ajaw's word is law: divine and resolute and to question is to evoke the wrath of the feathered serpent ... and their holcan.

if you wish to join tikal ... there is potential for you to become so much more than you can imagine, ajaw continues. this one's holcan are the strongest, fiercest women warriors. this one's personal guard, defenders of the nation, spies, diplomats, trusted council, bringers of justice ... they are this one's right paw. by ajaw's words, it can be foretold that they revere those they handselected for the title.

but to become holcan ... there is much training, there must be absolute obedience, a flick of ajaw's doe-like tail. it is not for many.

a pause; an assessing sweep of ajaw's frostbound gaze.

or you could join tikal as a simple border guard. the choice is yours. the unspoken offer: or you could leave the canyon and not look back lingers in the words left unspoken; between the lines.

the offers are made, set upon the air between them: transparent and waiting.