Arkuss Neflari makes his way among the many individuals milling around, returning the nods of those who acknowledged him and likewise leaving the rest be. The looks of some were a bit familiar, reminding him of the change in regard that came when he first was raised from a House slave back in Gallus. What of his spirits had been raised began to falter as he reaches the staging area, needing a moment to take in the various elements of that current scene, the herm especially he would have found momentarily of interest but it is quickly swept away when he spots the covered form of the female zebra, the lion immediately figuring out what had happened and not even having to look towards the crocodile to know the culprit. He pauses there, taking a few deep breaths to push the raw emotions down to a controlled level, making a note to check on the two other slaves later...many things he could not help but perhaps he could do something there to help. Having collected himself again, he approaches to where the Amazon was currently being restrained though mindful of the others keeping hir at bay, the agitation he could sense made his own calm all the more important. Arkuss Neflari felt a wave of relief when the Amazon responded to his presence that way though he knew that like himself it was really only controlled and likely not so much as his own, given shi had been witness and was the one who would face the croc. He largely ignores the other fighter, his attention more on the form closest now. The words spoken towards them somewhat grated on the lion but he knew them for the foolishness they were and his Amazon responded quite well. Feeling that strong hand on his shoulder he follows hir lead, proud of the restraint and wisdom shi was showing. Once gone from the staging area a paw comes to rest atop the hand, the lion exhaling gently but remaining quiet for now. Arkuss Neflari blinks at the sudden impact of that fist with the wall, the outburst startling him though he had partly been expecting such. The lack of damage to that hand was of little surprise to him though somewhat impressive even as used to hir durability as he was. He listens to hir words, committing the instructions to memory even as he meets that darkened gaze. While he never feared hir in regard to his own welfare shi could still be intimidating and this was one of those times. He nods slowly once shi was finished. "Y-yes, Athena. I will do what you have asked." He gives a slight bow, a formality he usually did not use with hir except in more serious circumstances before turning and heading off to find both Masters though sparing a glance back at the Amazon for a second before continuing on. Arkuss Neflari shivers a little as he hears hir wail, it was rare indeed shi would reach this degree of distress and rage and it made it all the more crucial to carry out hir wishes, even if it left him rather nervous. There were some things even the most experienced of slaves knew to be cautious in and Narro was still something of an unknown for him and Athena both. Once he had gone through the process of passing word of his Amazon's demand and being allowed into the chamber the winged lion proceeds with little of his usual flair and careful not to meet either gaze directly. Coming to kneel in formal position he awaits what words or commands might be given, hoping this would not become too troublesome a situation. Arkuss Neflari found himself fighting to hold his composure, the intensity of Master Lannus' stare and the probing he could feel from Master Hourne were almost overwhelming even for him. He waits though until the Master of the House comes out from behind the desk, bidding him to rise and speak, the lion doing so though respectively keeping his gaze slightly averted. "Yes, Master Lannus. My Chain Mistress Athena wishes both yourself and Master Hourne to meet with hir this day as soon as is reasonable. Shi has said that if either of you refuse...shi will not fight." He returns to silence with that now spoken, wondering more now exactly what it was shi needed them for. Arkuss Neflari might have agreed to hir losing hir senses if he did not know hir so well as he did. It was more likely for the lion to be the one who overstepped bounds than for hir to do so. He listens to the two speaking back and forth with each other, the withdrawal of that Flow and the final response easing his fears somewhat though things could easily go any number of bad ways yet. "Of course." He rises and bows to them both briefly before turning and proceeding from the chambers once given indication. The distance back to the area he had left hir was thankfully not great, a few short moments were all that was needed. "Athena? Master Lannus and Master Hourne have come." Arkuss Neflari smiles a little to the Amazon and gives a nod. "I would like to stay for now if that is alright." He glances to the two men before moving off to the side a little, settling into a kneel again though not as formal as before. Deciding to watch whatever might play out here and wishing to remain in the presence of his Amazon, whatever condition it might be. He tensed slightly when shi brought that gaze to Hourne but more of the lion's worries faded as shi gave hir apologies. Arkuss Neflari settles in to listen then, eyes widening a little as he hears what hir request is, the lion himself rather uncertain that such a thing would be wise. He could not help but wonder if Athena was at a point shi was ready for that to be unsealed even as much as shi had grown. He notices that look the Magus got and speaking of making hir more malleable, a light growl emitting from the lion as he recalls the memories of the previous encounter though he manages to bring it back under control quickly. Arkuss Neflari most certainly had not expected all the events of this day and the surprises for himself as well as others seemed to just keep coming. As Master Lannus began speaking again he brings up the question he himself had wondered, though he already had a guess as to why shi desired to have that extra advantage and indeed shi confirms it before long. As shi speaks of hir reasons he finds himself growing nervous at the apparent line of thought the Amazon had though shi had a point regarding Toma. He had to agree sooner or later it would be necessary. He meets hir brief gaze, remaining silent for now though his eyes gave away the desire for reassurance in how shi would use hir power. Arkuss Neflari is in agreement with the Magus for once, a fact that irked the lion slightly. It was a relief to hear Master Lannus agree to give it a night and hopefully cool down the emotions that had been running high much of the day. He rises when bidden, though looking a little surprised at the further instructions. He really would have preferred the freedom of their normal quarters and those who would be around them but there was little to do in this case. He glances over to Athena then back to Master Lannus and nods. "Yes...I understand." Arkuss Arkuss Neflari had found sleep difficult as well earlier in the night, largely because of Athena's obvious worries whatever they were. He had a good idea of at least part but could sense there was more weighing on hir. Frustratingly he had not gotten much out of hir but nor had he been able to comfort the Amazon in a meaningful way, knowing hir well enough to see through the excuse shi had eventually given but realizing there was little point in pressing the matter further. Once the two had settled down to rest his mind kept him awake for a while but eventually gave in as the mental and physical strain of the day forced him into slumber, disturbed only by the sound of hir moving for the door. His instincts and awareness had certainly improved in their time together. The lion shifts in the bed half-conscious, a few seconds for any further response. "Mmm...Athena...?"" to Arkuss Arkuss Neflari blinks sleepily as he leans up in the bed, managing to focus on hir as shi speaks though he was slow to take in the first words shi gave him. His mind catches up when shi pauses, hir own guess being a good one as his first instinct was desiring to follow though what shi said next put that back to rest. He nods slightly with a soft sigh. "Alright...I will see you in a while, my Amazon." He was mostly awake now as shi leaves the room, sitting there in the bed and pondering all the thoughts and worries that had initially kept him from sleep returning now, though many had faded with the clarity of a decent rest. Uncertain of how long he remained like that and resisting the temptation to settle back in and sleep more the lion finally gets up to begin his day." to Arkuss Arkuss Neflari was not a fan of crowds when being entirely honest and especially the kind that tended to pack in together like this. Despite that he actually found the extra space given to his passing more disconcerting than enjoyable. One of the many things that had been on his mind was how to fit into this new status and that at least he had found resolution for. Contrary to his mood he kept a smile for those he passed, acknowledging several briefly as he made his way through. The lion desired respect but had no wish to be on a pedestal nor to look down on others, even the lowest House slaves. Acquiring a rather nicely sized meal he begins searching out a good place to eat, feeling a chill as he encounters the pudgy bovine though the fear of their first encounter was largely gone, the lion only feeling a noticeable wariness. The fight yesterday had apparently affected him more deeply than he had believed. He took the chance to consider all three of the forms in front of him, unable to keep from blushing slightly as there was much to like about all of them physically at least. A pause at that question then a nod. "Very well, I can join you for now." Arkuss Neflari fully expected such a response to his wording but it seemed to have done what he intended, however small. He follows the trio towards their table, giving a smile again as he sees the large bovine and nods slightly in response to hir. Shi was always a pleasant face for him to see. Arriving at the table he notices the blue-skinned slave, a bit of curiosity sneaking forward in his mind though as with all associated to Toma it left him a bit more uneasy. The mature woman at the table drew his interest most for the brief moment, his instincts responding the same as with the others though in her case it had a different feel. It was the presence of the huge Amazon that almost brought down his poise though he manages to keep himself together as shi addresses him, giving a nod of deference before settling into the offered chair. "Thank you, House Champion Toma." Arkuss Neflari made note of how the rest of hir Chain responded and it spoke considerably given the usual nature of the others. Given too was consideration to Toma's behavior, openly toying with the woman on hir lap. Finding himself quite hungry he settles into eating, uncertain exactly what to talk about for those few moments of silence until the one breaks it, drawing the lion's attention and a faint smile of his own, though his eyes spoke more strongly in this case. "I seem to hear that often." He was cut off from anything further as Toma responded to the woman and sent her off for whatever preparation was to be done, though it did not take much to guess. He catches her gaze again before she is lead away, his attention turning to a few bites more of his food before given that question, one not unexpected. "I have no certain plans as of yet though I have received an 'offer' or two. I see no reason shi should fall in this battle but should such a thing happen, my own more immediate plans will likely depend upon the exact nature of hir defeat." Arkuss Neflari having answered that he returns to what little of his food remains for that moment of silence, ignoring Cee-Cee's reaction as it was one he found not unfamiliar. The blue-skinned one gave the most interesting of responses though, the lion blinking as she spoke, a very direct yet largely accurate assessment and a rather simplistic name to go with it. Looking up to the Amazon across from him he nods slowly. "That seems a...reasonable assessment. I have thought on some of those points myself though I still have confidence in hir abilities." He finishes the last bit of his food, feeling comfortably full and a bit more relaxed though he hardly let his guard down. Arkuss Neflari can't help but find hir words of compliment somewhat pleasing, despite the source. The reaction of the other two slaves present did not hurt of course, lending additional weight to what was said. He glances down for a moment as shi continues, finally giving another slow nod before looking up again. "It is a significant matter. Should shi emerge victorious against Zebek I already expect at some time shi would eventually challenge you or you to hir. I do not know everything about my Chain Mistress but enough I believe to make good decisions of my own when such times come about." He smiles a bit though not one of the genuine, deeper ones, only something that would fool most others. "I have been given much to think about, House Champion." Arkuss Neflari hmms and nods respectfully to the Amazon as he his dismissed, glad to have this encounter over with. He did indeed have new things to consider, or rather to think on in more depth than he usually did. He already knew the true decisions would be no different than they ever had been from the first day under Athena, however. A glance towards Cee-Cee at the reaction given though his attention was drawn more to the one named Blu for a moment, taking in form and her analytical gaze before he felt the familiar and comforting presence of the felinoid. He looks up to her then back to the large form still seated as they speak to each other. He works on that polite smile again, standing. "I shall attend to my duties now. Thank you for your time, House Champion." That said he turns to leave with the felinoid, finding himself eager to be out of there. He pauses as he is about to leave, feeling the sudden surge of Flow took him by surprise and even if not directed at him it was an intimidating thing to feel though he showed little sign of any reaction outwardly. He glances about the group and takes note of their varying reactions, that of Blue in comparison to Cee-Cee something of an additional surprise for the lion. The next moment he looks to the tall felinoid, noticing the strain it was taking on her and the fact Toma had already picked up on it. Holding the strong poise he'd adopted since finishing his conversation with the large Amazon he reaches over and rests a paw against her upper arm. "Mistress Thirty-Three? It would not be good to keep Athena waiting longer than shi already has." Arkuss Neflari lets the felinoid pull back the Flow she had been using, keeping an eye on the varied reactions, finding much of this encounter a learning experience even if he did not know how he could or would need to use it. While Toma's endurance was not really surprising the two other slaves were certainly a telling difference from what he expected. Tucking that away he turns back to the large Amazon and nods, still in his polite mode. "It has been an interesting meal, House Champion." He looks back up to the felinoid and nods to her as well as he turns to leave again though giving her deference in the matter. "Shall we go, Mistress?" Arkuss Neflari follows slightly behind the felinoid, glad to be away from that situation before it became volatile. He waits with her as she finally lets the strain of that exertion show itself, nodding a little when she speaks though he does not leave just yet. He smiles gently as she then hugs him, returning the gesture and speaking more softly to her. "I will tell hir. Take care of yourself though...nobody is invincible and I meant what I said when we last spoke." He mrrs lightly as he parts from the hug and gives a small bow before turning to head for the staging area, eager to see Athena before shi began hir fight. Arkuss Neflari mmfs and blinks as shi kisses him, it was uncommon shi initiated more than light kisses though he had little to complain about when shi did. He parts his jaws, letting hir press deeply into the kiss and banishing the stray thoughts in his mind for that moment. He breathes deeply as they finally part from the kiss, blushing a little as he looks up to hir again, seeing that glint and youthful presence, something he had not really known of hir since their early days in Gallus. He listens to hir words, nodding slowly at the weight yet comforted by them as well. "I trust you, Athena. And I believe in you. Win this fight and come back to me, my Amazon." He eeps lightly at the swat and smiles again, watching as shi went out onto the sands, feeling more confident than he had in a while. It was a few seconds before he breaks his attention and heads for the viewing area, glad to finally have this underway, however it may turn out. Arkuss : Neflari idly listened to the various sounds of the excited crowd as he made his way at a steady pace along the walkways. He largely ignored the specific insults and compliments, all such things were to be expected after all and while another time he might have had a bit of fun he did want to get settled into watch before too much of the fight was over. As he spots Masami the lion smiles and nods to the ocelot, his own dress a better set of silks with medium-length ribbons trailing from his wrists and a silver ankle bracelet but otherwise nothing of particular note. "I have had a rather full morning thus far and I could hardly let Athena go into battle without a little time together first." He reaches out and taps the ocelot on the ear briefly before nodding in the direction they needed to head and starting to walk again. "You'll understand in time." Arkuss Neflari smiles a bit more and flicks his tail lightly against the other feline's leg. "As I said, you will understand in time." It was a brief time before they came upon the friends and allies gathered there, glad to see Que-Tee present as well and looking quite good at that. He returns the smile to the felinoid, moving to the place she had signaled and rests his paws against the rail, taking in the status of the fight for a moment, glad to see things progressing well. As the fight continues he keeps his confident smile, feeling only brief hints of worry when the croc gained the upper hand temporarily but so far the battle was a good back-and-forth. He speaks softly after a moment more. "It has been a long time since Athena has been as steady and confident as shi was when I spoke to hir. It was like the days when I first met hir in Gallus." Arkuss Neflari was among those taken by surprise at the sudden turn of the match, even he did not expect Athena to gain the true upper hand so soon. He watches as shi efficiently destroys the croc's ability to fight before taking him down permanently, the lion cringing slightly at the method used but even he couldn't help grinning a little at hir victory and especially hir final statement before those final blows took the croc's life. He watches Athena's gaze, briefly glancing to the Champion as well before seeing hir bow to Master Lannus as well as the smile he gains and the loud chants of the crowd, this moment being a victory in many ways. As then chanting fills the arena he glances over to his companions on the dais. Arkuss Neflari takes in the greatly varied reactions, able to read into most of them with little difficulty, Masami's perhaps warming his heart the most as the ocelot broke into a show of emotion he had probably not felt able to express in a very long time. He hoped Shanna wouldn't need too much reassurance from himself or Thirty-Three after seeing more of what his Chain Mistress was really capable of. He glances up at the felinoid and grins some, finally turning back to look out on the sands, seeing the Amazon there and letting go of his usual control, giving enthusiastic cheers of his own, the lion rarely so vocal or openly excited about anything. Arkuss Neflari mrrrs as he feels the strength of the gentle bovine embracing him, snuggling into hir arms for a moment and returning the affection. He looks up to hir as those confused questions come out, the lion giggling some. "Athena is not big on showing off in battle. If a fight seems spectacular it is simply because shi has a very good opponent. Zebek was a monster and a threat so Athena trained hard for hirself and me and for the others he has hurt. And shi won." He pulls back a bit though remains partly in the bovine's arms, the pride he felt showing clearly. "How you feel about this is personal. There is no wrong way to react. Just what comes natural and true to yourself." Arkuss Neflari shakes his head a bit. "It is true directness such as hirs is not common among gladiators. Give it time, you will come to understand hir as well." He shifts a little and looks to Masami, grinning again for a moment. "I am still very much a silkie but it does not mean I am stupid or weak. Nor is my Chain Mistress. Don't go spreading my secret around too much, though." He winks at the ocelot before slipping from the bovine's arms and briefly straightening out his silks. "And do not worry too much about being on the receiving end, Que-Tee. I don't think you would ever be able to do something which would truly draw hir ire." He looks to Thirty-Three, his gentler smile settling in though pride and enthusiasm was still quite evident. "Mistress, I should go to see hir, before shi is mobbed by fans."