Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it all I've got
Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even
Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it one more shot
Let the game begin, need something to believe in
Ready to roar!

R A I O N
╜───────╓

A lion in a forest. It didn't feel natural to her, but then, maybe that's because it wasn't blazing hot. It was beautiful here though, she couldn't deny. She stuck out like a sore thumb though - A crimson dress to match her hair that fell lifelessly against her curves, accented by black leggings and boots. She had also let her hair down and straightened it for the occasion, to tame the normally slightly wild mane she had. A ponytail was about all she could normally manage to pull off unless she paid special attention to it after all. Granted, the outfit was more or less a little too flashy for the environment. She must have just come from some kind of formal event and needed to decompress before she returned to school.

The truth of the matter was indeed that she had been out. Tora had made a surprise visit very suddenly, something about wanting to catch up more, but he had gotten sick mid meal. She was ferried back to campus and he was taken home, but not before the two exchanged common pleasantry. He commented that she would 'do what Rai does best' to Spica, which was both nice and frustrating to hear. Yes, she had told him of her upcoming battle. How she challenged a martial artist to a fencing match. How she had been challenged by an English woman to a series of events.

Now, however, was a time just for her. Raion allowed herself a sigh before running a hand along one of the trees, looking up to it to see if it held any interest. Bird nests, blossoms, animals, something. This wandering would surely distract her from the raging thoughts that she wasn't truly in love with her fiance. Ordinarily she would just press those thoughts away by fighting even harder, but there was no competition to be had out here. In fact, there was nobody. It might be her chance to really think this through.

Nah, that would be too easy. She repressed it more with thoughts of horses. How did they work? What did they need to be winners? Would she find herself hurt upon failure? Perhaps she should be wasting less time out here and more time preparing. Yes, off to the corral with her. Or so she thought.

╖───────╓
H O N O O

It was always a welcome turn of events which brought Victoria Miller into the presence of pretty young ladies.  One could argue that she did in fact seek out such company, but any circumstances could be brought about to some degree by conscious action.  On this day she had chosen to go riding in order to show off her skills ahead of the eventual showdown with the Lioness of Vincennes.  She wanted to remind everyone just how gifted she was at horsemanship, which was a clear sign of someone's refinement and class.  Any girl might pick up the sport if they had enough wealth to afford a mount and support for its care.  A true noblewoman showed the world how amazing she was by the extra grace which she showed on the field of competition or even just riding around with maidens attending to her or riding in the saddle with her.  Today had not brought maidens into her company but at least she'd had the opportunity to get Evvy out for a jaunt which coincided with fine riding weather.

Now that she'd finished riding Evvy for the time being and was letting the steed rest, Tori had taken to strolling about Spica's part of the Hill.  Occasionally she would spot a cute girl and wave at them with a wink or smile which promised everything and nothing at the same time.  The Queen had to stay in contact with her public after all!  Dressed as she was, Tori certainly looked like a Queen of English descent, owing to the sheer British look of her clothes.  It was her special riding attire - a snugly fitted red jacket with black epaulettes an collar fabric, each with golden trim, accompanied by white riding pants and blouse.  Shined black boots completed the look of a British cavalrywoman, if there were such a thing.  She noticed increasingly fewer girls along the way which signaled a shift from the school proper to the natural areas around it.  Spica's woods were peaceful year round but as Spring was dawning they held a special promise for growth just as the year ahead did.  

With a spring her her step the Queen strolled deeper into the forest enjoying the view and absolute splendor of Spica's woods.  In the coming months she'd defeat a new  rival who'd appeared suddenly one day, then have a date with the same girl.  By doing so she'd demonstrate the superiority of her English upbringing to any French-styled schooling.  Such thoughts drove her to begin humming an appropriate tune - Rule, Britannia - as  she looked for anything new and exciting.  The most exciting thing did appear a moment later in the form of a redhead wearing a crimson dress which complimented her hair quite wonderfully.  Instantly Tori recognized the Fiery Lioness whom she was determined to defeat before taking on a date.  Today she looked quite lovely in that dress, which made up Tori's mind for her - she was going to take this chance to get to know the girl more.

"Why hello there, Lioness.  It's a pleasure to see you once more," Tori called out as she approached, "You needn't worry, I've not come to start an argument or fight.  I simply chanced upon you while strolling through the woods.  How has your day been, my dear?"

Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it all I've got
Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even
Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it one more shot
Let the game begin, need something to believe in
Ready to roar!

R A I O N
╜───────╓

Chance encounters were often not chance, in Raion's world. She would only see people who were determined to see her, or vice versa. Spontaneously running into people out of nowhere was not commonplace, and when it did happen she would always expect some part of one of them wanted the encounter. She wasn't entirely wrong, this time, as she had wanted to extend the usual Vincenness hospitality to her foe to show good faith, and speak of the devil.

"Salutations." she responded, a traditional Vincenness greeting for every occasion. "You've caught me as I arrived back on campus actually. My lunch plans were cut short." she responded, in a way that was 100% true and left out information at the same time. Why bother explaining her fiance? Tora was a good guy but he wasn't important to the conversation. Sorry, Tora.

"Things are going great for me. What about you?" she asked, actually hoping for some casual conversation. It wasn't that she was against it in the past when they first met, but they had met during a point at which Raion was very heated about something. That passion would still be there if one prodded the lioness, but for now she kept composure and retained her general attitude at the same time. A quiet fury one might say. She threw 100% of herself at everything, even casual chitchat.

╖───────╓
H O N O O

One thing which Tori was learning she could count on the Lioness for was polite interactions befitting their status.  Even though this was an incredibly unexpected meeting she was perfectly happy to engage in conversation with someone who might prove a worthy adversary.  Of course she hoped they would not remain merely adversaries in the long run.  Ultimately they should become more than that - she rather liked the cut of Raion's jibb, whatever a jibb was.  There was much she wanted to know about this girl which would help her form a fuller picture of who this Fiery Lioness was - who the girl she wanted a date with was.  Since her victory was pretty much guaranteed in there competition and all.

"A lucky stroke of coincidence has brought us across each others' paths then, my dear.  While I am sorry that your original plans  for lunch were cut short, I hope that my company will be sufficient to make up for such an unforeseen circumstance?  It's not every day that you get to spend your lunchtime in a quiet forest with an Englishwoman," Tori responded with a smile.

Desiring something pleasant rather than competitive herself Tori answered the question casually, "Oh, things are perfectly good for me as well, thank you for asking.   It's not often I have the chance to come out here and simply enjoy the scenery.. so this is a wonderful opportunity to relax.  To let your hair down, forget what others expect you to be and simply.. be.  Does that make sense?"

Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it all I've got
Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even
Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it one more shot
Let the game begin, need something to believe in
Ready to roar!

R A I O N
╜───────╓

Perhaps there was a truth to that, but for Raion it wasn't possible to be more of who she was at any given moment than any other given moment. She was Raion, the Flaming Lion of Vincenness. That was her, both on the surface and within. She would appease the idea of the conversation's flow for now.

"I suppose. It's hard to be anything else for me though." she made a point to turn her eyes away at that statement though, as the only time she could think of when her heart wasn't entirely in it had just passed, causing her to be here. "After all, people will break you right down to nothing if you let them."

That statement came as a bit of a morose one from the usually fiery girl. She said it in a way that sounded less upset and more fired up.

"They'll insist there's a million others like you. What makes you better? But you never back down. Never stop. Never pause."

Uh, Raion? Back down to Earth please?

"Oh, pardon me. Musings of someone who hates to lose."

╖───────╓
H O N O O

"You are not the only one for whom expectations are ever present, Lioness.  It is nearly impossible for those such as ourselves to avoid such pressures no matter where we are, is it not?  What I meant was that we do not have need of worrying over being viewed by the public at the moment.  Though we carry ourselves in a noble manner befitting our titles and reputations, there's no call for conflict or competition at the moment," Tori responded, still managing to maintain her casual tone despite Raion's nearly getting carried away with a more serious matter.


She stretched her arms out over her head as she debated what she might do in order to keep the discourse light and positive between them.  Talk about expectations others had for them would likely lead to dispute over whose was more important, more integral to the girls of Astraea or even just more meaningful.  This should be an opportunity for the pair to learn more about each other without getting at each others' throats over contentious issues.  So if reputations were off the table, what should she talk about?  Her eyes flitted around, trying to identify some point of discussion which would prove more pleasant to speak of.  Finally she settled on the girl's appearance, which she greatly admired now even more than when they'd crossed paths in the Rose Garden.  Raion's current attire suited her so much better than just a school uniform could.

"I must say, that is a very lovely dress you're wearing.  Its color accentuates your natural beauty in quite an alluring fashion," Tori began, always liking to start a conversation with a compliment.  
Then she leaned up against a tree and asked, "So tell me more about Vincennes.  What was it that led to you acquiring such a suitable title from your peers?"

Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it all I've got
Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even
Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it one more shot
Let the game begin, need something to believe in
Ready to roar!

R A I O N
╜───────╓

Yes, right. She could cut loose here. Unfortunately, this was pretty much her normal, but she could at least tone down the dramatic speech. Right?

"Vincenness was a lot like Miator." she growled the rival school's name out without thinking. "It was founded by French missionaries, and is a generally Christian place. You're given a Rosary when you enter, as well as a phone that can only work within the grounds or for family."

What else to cover? Maybe the reason Titles worked?

"Popular girls are given Titles based in French. We are also taught manners in such a way. It's why I use Salutations, Non, and Oui." but then, her Titles was also a story wasn't it?

"I became Lion D'incendie because I furiously fought for the Red Rose Society, and was dedicated to all school activities. I also dominated the Tennis courts back home. Many people saw my constant victories and the way I carried myself and gave me the Title. I knew that this meant I was popular, but I really didn't think much of it until I transferred and was cast off by the entire school. Everyone knows everyone at Vincenness, as the student body is only about 470 students." she mused using the word family, but decided it wouldn't be easy for an outsider to understand.

"What about you? Surely you've got a story beyond Spica."

╖───────╓
H O N O O

Tori knew there was a time to flaunt one's qualities and experiences and a time to listen to others discuss their own.  Given the dynamics between herself and the Lioness she was willing to do this at a level appropriate to an equal.  Even if she had come from a heavily French school environment, she was still a very respectable girl.  Hearing Raion's reflections on Vincennes would almost certainly allow Tori to get a better read on the redhead herself.  Sure enough she started seeing that pride was definitely a strong quality Raion carried with her.  Good.  A proud rival could make a lovely date, and she'd said herself she was a determined competitor.  This would surely translate to interesting competitions leading to a very capable ally (or more!) afterward.

"From what you've said and what I've observed you do appear quite deserving of the title which you earned at Vincennes, Lioness.  You have my respect for your hard work and dedication to being as strong as you can," Tori stated, then smiled when she was asked about her own background.


"Very perceptive, Lioness.  Indeed, I have history beyond Spica's hallowed grounds," the blonde explained, "My family is of the upper class from Britain, though it took great effort, cunning and ability to attain our current societal status.  For primary school I attended private institutions in England, though I learned Japanese because I have family in this country as well.  From my very arrival at Spica I've been recognized as an important lady due to that heritage.  However much this fuels what others think of me, I am not simply satisfied with existing as an Englishwoman-in-residence.  Rather I prefer to fight hard to better not only myself but those I compete against.   It does not hurt that there are many lovely ladies here whom I can spend the day admiring or being admired by."

Then she added, "Life is a short matter, so I believe we should reach out and take whatever enjoyment we might find - so long as we do not infringe on others' enjoyment too much.  As such I have taken to various athletic activities to broaden my horizons, including both the noble art of horsemanship and that of ice hockey.  Anything to perhaps better myself."

This raised another question, "So tell me, Lion D'incendie, what clubs are you part of?  I'm certain a lady such as yourself has many interests."

Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it all I've got
Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even
Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it one more shot
Let the game begin, need something to believe in
Ready to roar!

R A I O N
╜───────╓

There wasn't much she could have expected, but it was nice to be surprised sometimes too. Nobility huh? That would explain many things, and certainly add credence to her certain air. This brought a smile to her face, which was not something she expected to be doing this much unless she was fighting someone. It was nice to socialize sometimes. That being said, she still had her temper, and she still had her pride as well. She wouldn't allow her aggressive reputation to falter.

"I suppose that clears a lot of questions up." she nodded, her arms folded as she rubbed at her ring again. The hand motion was thankfully pretty normal looking unless one specifically looked for oddity. "Nobility must be hard sometimes. All that publicity, expectation, having choices made for you, even the most important ones like marriage."

She continued, and Raion's interest increased. It was hard to maintain an aggressive personality against someone she had to admit that she was enjoying.

"Ah, so you understand the real point of competition." she smirked, unable to form anything more than that in this context. "The fight to better oneself should never end. The moment you look in the mirror and you're satisfied is the moment you've lost. I'm so glad someone else understands that."

Clubs though. That would be the next thing to come up. Sure, why not? She could give some information here. What could go wrong?

"Due to my personal love of the sport, I joined and currently dominate the Tennis Club. Due to the raw pleasure it gives me, I also fence, though I am new to the club itself. And finally, I have Archery to fill my spare time. It was fun to do back home as well. It was where I first--" she cut herself off. "Ah, nevermind. Ah, I wish I could do more but Spica limits clubs to three."

╖───────╓
H O N O O

Even while the redhead spoke Tori was studying her, wistfully wondering what a date with the girl would be like.  A traditional candlelit dinner almost certainly would not  be suitable for Raion's personality, lest she show a surprising taste for such things.  Something more active would suit the competitor in the crimson dress - but what?  For all of her flirting on campus the blonde had not actaully been on amny dates with girls.  Maybe one or two at the most before the two girls she'd liked ended up with together of all things.  Though her heart had been stamped on by fate she was back on her feet and ready to pursue the newest lady to catch her eye. Raion could match wits and ability with Tori, which made her all the more intriguing as they spoke.  There did seem to be a bit of a misunderstanding, though, about just what kind of upper class lady Tori was.  In fact, Tori laughed a little at the idea of decisions being made for you.

"I'm sorry for laughing, but you needn't worry about important things like marriage being decided for me.  My family is not quite that kind of aristocracy, you see!  The subject has never been broached with me, so I assume I am free to choose whomever I desire," Tori responded before adding, "Anyone who simply declares their child shall marry a given person is a fool for not waiting to see what sort of person their child is!  Such an important decision should be one which the child should be consulted before arrangements are made."

Then she changed gears as Raion became interested in discussing competition, "What is the point of competition if we simply become complacent?  There's no reason to go out and compete if we're certain that we are already the best in the world.  Were it true we would know that the outcome was predetermined - the best would not lose.  Those who sit in an ivory tower and don't challenge themselves and fight to improve will be forgotten by everyone.  What kind of Queen would I be if I were to just sit around drinking tea all day?  Certainly not the kind I wish everyone to think of me as."

"Spica simply wishes that we do not overextend ourselves, I imagine.  As for myself I am the top rider in the Equestrian Club as well as the Ice Hockey club.  And it seems our lives have another cross-section, Lioness: we are both in the fencing club, though I am fairly new as well," Tori remarked, then raised an eyebrow and mentioned, "My dear, if you have anything you wish to say, feel free to do so.  I will neither hold it against you nor use it against you in any way.  I respect you too much to any such thing."

Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it all I've got
Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even
Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it one more shot
Let the game begin, need something to believe in
Ready to roar!

R A I O N
╜───────╓

Yes, exactly.

"That's right. You can never know how what you'll do will turn out in the world, so you do it for the doing, not the fruit." she happily agreed, looking into the sky as if in thought. "There is no point in worrying over results until you've actually done the work. The worry leads to inaction."

Surely she was venting some of her own frustrations in this conversation, and it seemed she was given an opening to do so again.

"Arranged marriages are quite common back home. Though most of us reject them with help from our friends, parents can be stubborn. Who could reasonably be happy knowing such an important chance of the heart was already determined at such a young age?"

Yes, who indeed?

"Ah, then I look forward to our battles to come." she had held a rather stiff stance in most of her interactions with others here since coming, but not, she relaxed a bit. Her posture shifted from the sturdy cross armed position to something a bit more casual, a hand on her hip and another hanging freely. I guess that's as close to casual as Raion gets.

"There's nothing really. I just almost dug into history unrelated to the topic and caught myself. No point in rambling, right?"

╖───────╓
H O N O O

"Arranged marriages are common where you're from?  Please accept my condolences for that being the case, Lion d'incendie.  Some traditions are useful ways to give a sense of purpose and tradition to everyday life, a continuation of things which ties us both to the present and past while laying the foundations for the next groups who come through.  This is not one of them," Tori responded sympathetically, "No one could be prepared to deal with such important news at the age of a primary school student.  In ages past marriages were arranged for political or business purposes and made early due to how young people might die then.  In this age it makes no sense for that sort of thing to be in force anywhere."

She smiled at the redhead and motioned to a tree nearby, suggesting the Lioness follow her example and relax at its base.  Granted she would have preferred to have the girl take a place next to her, but Tori knew herself well enough to know this might be a bad idea.  Some girls were fine or cutely flustered by having the Queen make amorous moves toward them.  Raion would probably resist her at first or think it bizarre that a rival was suddenly slipping an arm around her.  At least at the moment, she'd have to rein herself in a little and let things develop before she made her move.  The more she talked with the girl the more she respected her as a rival, as a counterpart and as a lady.  Meeting in the presence of the princes had served to introduce her to a rather intriguing girl she might not have met otherwise.

Then she added, "If anyone I knew were stuck in such an arrangement and were troubled by it, I would take decisive action to help them.  Whatever I could do in order to break that arrangement so that she might be able to make her own future.  That sort of audacity is fitting for an Englishwoman, I think."

Being deflected, Tori shrugged, "Conversations that flow naturally tend to meander more than we'd like or intend.  Unless the topic is quite serious it can make for pleasant conversation and a way to learn more about an interesting person.  You are very interesting, Lion d'Incendie.  But if you'd rather not drift into unrelated topics I shall follow your lead."

Finally she grinned and offered, "If you ever wish to just chat like this, my door is always open and there's always fresh tea to make the meeting pleasant."

Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it all I've got
Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even
Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it one more shot
Let the game begin, need something to believe in
Ready to roar!

R A I O N
╜───────╓

It was odd, how she was allowing herself this level of vulnerability with another student. A rival no less. It felt like home - Even if there were heated rivalries, everyone in Vincenness were friends. This had that same air about it. They may be competing in a trio of trials in the near future, but here she was, feeling the desire to open up to someone she had only just met. Something caught hold of her at the moment she was beckoned, and she obliged, taking a somewhat less than dominant position as she rested hugging her knees. She was closing off, or trying to at least. Pride was something she valued a great deal, and this was not a situation she felt prideful in. What made it worse was that she walked into it. She inadvertently walked into this tense subject. From her position, she rubbed at her ring once more before speaking up.

"Yes, I think making one's own future is important." she agreed, her voice not wavering despite her current position on the ground against that tree. "But I suppose there's some people out there who just don't know better. They usually get trapped in vague ideas and lose themselves in it."

Maybe it was her own words, but she sparked herself back to life and relaxed her posture to sitting with her legs folded instead of hugging them.

"Then there's people like us, who just burn all of that away and get what we want with hard work." she turned to face her fri-acquaintance. "Am I right?"

╖───────╓
H O N O O

Tori was already watching the redhead intently out of her increasing interest in the girl as a rival and potential friend (or more!).  It was heartening to see the girl accept her invitation to relax at the base of a tree, though she had to admit she hadn't expected Raion to look so adorable in doing so.  Her keen eyes also picked up on the hand movement that the redhead once again made while discussing making one's own future.  That was odd.  Tori wondered if she'd scraped her finger or maybe injured it in some other way which would make such a gesture necessary.  That didn't seem to be it, though.  She then picked up on the fact that something was probably around the girl's finger, and given the topic of discussion it was possibly a ring.  Which meant that Raion might be stuck in an arranged marriage herself, which would make this a very delicate topic of discussion.  As the girl looked to her again Tori smiled in response and sat in a similar fashion at the base of her own tree.

"We certainly do forge ahead without concern for what stands in our way.  The world is our oyster and we are not going to let up until we have a necklace made of its pearls!" Tori replied with a nod before softening her tone, "But even the most charismatic, forceful ladies can still find themselves stuck in things they would rather have no part in.  In such situations it may seem hopeless and depressing, but a lady should take heart in knowing that there are others who want to help.  Others who will do everything in their power to make her life better and rescue her from that awful, dreary circumstance."

Then she shrugged and decided it wasn't out of place to put forward a new idea.  Looking right at Raion she asked, "What would you say to us becoming friends, regardless of the competiition's outcome?  I must admit, I find you fascinating and it would be an honor to be considered close to you."

Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it all I've got
Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even
Ready to roar, ready or not
Ready to give it one more shot
Let the game begin, need something to believe in
Ready to roar!

R A I O N
╜───────╓

"What about pride then?" she began, her eyes igniting again. "Sure, it's nice to have support, but some of us prefer to handle things themselves."

It was about that point that she had to take a moment and compose herself again. What would be the point in trying to dig deeper into that? To prove her own stubbornness? To cement her isolationist attitude about herself? To push someone away who seemed to genuinely share a sense of mutual affection? That's what friendship was after all, and it was the first and only prerequisite. Mutual affection was key for such a bond, and she couldn't deny she felt some kind of that for this girl. Perhaps she was getting soft, being away from home. Was it like this with her Cub too? Yes, to a degree. She felt protective over the older woman for, well, reasons she didn't fully understand. That about summed this whole thing up didn't it? Pushing herself away for reasons she didn't understand. Fighting everyone on campus for a cause she wasn't sure she believed in.

"Friends, huh?" she said unconsciously. "I haven't used that title since Vincenness. You'd best be prepared to take responsibility for this." she let out a small laugh. her phrasing was definitely off, and she didn't care.

"Then, if you're serious about that, I suppose I'll share with you. My lunch plans were with my... Fiance." where she would have growled the words out normally, she said them with detachment.

"There, there's a secret. That cements it. You can't take it back now."

╖───────╓
H O N O O