Set after Andal Pride Meeting
(40p Make an Alliance
10p Explore New Territory
+20 Join in a discussion to establish pride or family relations
+10 Organize an event between prides or families)

Winter in the Bluffs brought icy winds and long cold nights. And this year... it brought something else. Something promising, with the potential for bounty and bright futures. Something though, that was not quite equipped for the cold. Mirza shivered as she made her way up the path, finding it more and more uncomfortable the higher she got. Oh no, this simply will not do, any future correspondence with this Pride would have to be done at the foot of the Bluffs where it was much warmer. She let herself shiver while she could, knowing that she would have to put that on lock when she was face to face with the ruler of this land. Show no weakness and all that.

She glanced behind her to see if any from her own Pride had seen fit to follow her here, knowing that it was a true test of loyalty to do so. She had met with this King before, and they had formed a tentative pact with her sister, but that did not mean that there was no danger in coming. Any from Andal who saw fit to attend this particular meeting would surely have their rank enhanced. As she only wanted the most loyal of her subjects closest to her and needed more ranked members to keep the Pride strong and well functioning. Not to mention, she had grown so used to Ari's constant company that it felt odd all the time she had on her own lately. But, his new role had been far too important to allow him to spend all of his time trailing after her everywhere she went.

The strong scent of masculine male distracted her from her deep thoughts and she looked out at the landscape ahead of her. This was a place she had never been, and it was all so different than what she was used to. Taking in the sight of tall peaks and jutting outcrops, she reminded herself that she did not know what type of lions lived here. Despite her meeting with the King and Gentry. She would be on high alert from here on out, lest someone get the jump on her. Thrusting an air of authority into her voice, she chuffed out a call for Zoticus. They had business to discuss, and... as the chill of the air began to cut through her soft coat... she had an idea. She was going to secure an alliance with this King, and propose an idea that would make a strong bond between the two Prides. Because... what good was an agreement between a King and a Queen if the subjects were not also on board?

Now we're in the ring, and we're coming for blood

There's a hummin' in the restless summer air And we're slippin' off the course that we prepared But in all chaos there is calculation Droppin' glasses just to hear them break You've been drinkin' like the world was gonna end (it didn't) Took a shiner from the fist of your best friend (go figure) It's clear that someone's gotta go

code by corvus

The gentry heard the call carried on the cold wind. It was namely for Zoticus, but she was nonetheless an extension of him. Especially now, in the face of his recent injuries from Manes' challenge. There was no way she would let him attend a discussion at the border alone, even if it was from a familiar and allied face.

The authority in the call wasn't missed by her ears, either. A many things had been going on recently to distract her from the news that Andal had a soft change in leadership, but perhaps she just assumed for the moment that the woman was here on Ashelia's behalf. Either way, her appearance and the timing of it was curious. Maybe an opportunity, given the position they were in now? Maybe. She hoped it would be that, rather than any more not-so-good news to dampen the morale.

With that in mind, she was pretty glad she arrived first.

"Mirza." She greeted, with a polite dip of her head and a genuine (albeit tired) smile. She didn't know much of her, but she did remember her name thankfully. "What brings you here? It must be something important, to come up here when it's so cold." She mused softly, knowing it couldn't have been a nice switch going from the Oasis to here in the middle of winter.

@Mirza
+20 Join in a discussion to establish pride or family relations (1/2)
+10 Organize an event between prides or families (1/2)

Stock Image | Manip by Plant Sighs

Ashelia would want him to be here. That was what he kept telling himself as he trudged up the mountain path in the wake of his cousin. @Mirza had business here, and while Ebrahim had not ventured this far out before he was loathe to miss out on anything interesting or exciting. So here he was, whether she wanted him here or not. The palomino drew to a halt at the borders and was soon met by an unfamiliar woman. Presumably one that lived beneath the Bluffs banner. Ebrahim would draw up alongside the High Sovereign with one smooth movement, attention shifting sidelong to the dappled woman before moving to focus on @Circe. Hello, we haven't met. He would dip his head. Ebrahim Azar - I am Mirza's cousin.

^{_{CODE & ART BY D}}

ZOTICUS XANTHOS
survive or suffer


It hadn't been long since the fight, and the sound of a call from the border brought Zoticus to attention. It made him wonder, was the call from an ally? From another pride? Was it going to be another challenge, because lions had gotten the perception Wolfbron was weak due to their inner chaos that had erupted? It made him tense, and in his wounded state he knew he could do only so much to defend Wolfbron's honor... but he would.

He approached, his stride slow, for his wounds were still in no condition for him to really be moving around. His shoulder was the worst, the skin mangled and even the muscle a bit damaged- he hadn't found Rue yet for healing and so he suffered in the wake of the pain. Limping to the border, he was pleased Circe was already there. At least if things went south, maybe she could help him defend the pride.

Eyes landed on the two frames and the scent of Andal was familiar, some tension leaving his body to know it was a pride they had a pact with. Hopefully, that wasn't about to change with the recent events. Zoticus stood next to Circe, gaze carefully looking to the others. "Has something happened?" He asked, testing the waters carefully with his words.

@Mirza @Circe @Ebrahim

Injuries: Bruising to chest, deep lacerations to shoulder, deep puncture wounds to other shoulder, shoulder basically mangled, lacerations to bottom/side neck area.

""

Iofiel had followed along, hanging back behind the other members of the desert pride. He wasn't one of rank as those that traveled before him were. He was only hear because of what had been mentioned at the meeting. It was a sense of duty that had him moving along. A few things had been brought with him for the trip. Aloe had been the top priority to bring along as it helped with dehydration as they had to trek across the desert to get anywhere. He didn't want any of the others passing out during the trek across the badlands. The rest of the lands might have a chill to it but the desert could still remain unrelenting.

Eventually their way was made towards a mountain peak. Another pair were met there, a lioness and a mangled lion. Just the sight of the male made Iofiel wish he had thought to take more than what he had with him. Aloe would certainly soothe most of it but three was also more that could have been done if he had brought the supplies with him.

"You will have more need of this than I." The pale male spoke up after laying his bundle of aloe at the paws of the King of the Bluff. Even as he stepped back and kept his head lowered his eyes danced over the other's wounds. He meant no disrespect, but merely the healer in him assessing what damage had been down and where it would be best to start treatment.

It was not long before a familiar red face was peering at her from across the way. Circe dipped her head politely and gave a smile that held something behind it. Was this not a good time for visitors? Mirza made sure to tuck that bit of information away, to pull out if needed during their talk. Perhaps they needed the strength of an alliance more than she did... She returned the lady's polite greeting in turn. "Circe, nice to see you again. Yes, I just..."

Her words were cut off by the appearance of Zoticus, who looked worse for wear. Her brows furrowed as she took in the sight of the large male. Someone had beaten him all to hell. She glanced at Circe as if to say "Is he ok?" before making eye contact with the poor bastard himself. "Yes well, probably not as noteworthy as whatever has happened here, friend. But, Ashe has seen fit to return to our homelands in search of answers and as such has named me High Sovereign. I have chosen to use this time to strengthen our bonds with our neighbors. I have come to talk about an alliance between our prides."

She took pause as she looked over the King's large battered frame, wondering what exactly transpired here. His wounds seemed fresh perhaps not even a day old. Had she arrived at the worst moment... or perhaps the best? "But first, perhaps some reassurance that there is a pride left here to align with? It seems the new year has maybe not gone off with the best of starts for you and yours?"

She could feel her cousin's presence before she heard him speak, the warmth of his closeness, not something she would usually bask in. But, damnit it was cold. Her muscles visibly relaxed ever so, finding the position he took shielded her a bit from the chill in the air. Not that he did it on purpose of course, no, never on purpose. Still, she was not about to send him away any time soon. Just as he had probably not come in an attempt to back up or support her.. rather to babysit and be sure that she didn't screw anything up. That's fine, let him follow her around, let him see that she was not who he assumed. She even smiled respectfully as he addressed the others, giving the outward appearance that she was pleased with his pressance.

When they were joined by a third, Mirza's reaction was more genuine, she was impressed. She hadn't known the quiet lion who always sat in the back with his head down had followed along. She hadn't directly told him to come, and yet, here he was. Notable in comparison to his usual behavior. She regarded him with a warm smile as he offered up his healing herbs to Zoticus, proud of his initiative. She would have to make a point to remember his name... once he said it again...

Now we're in the ring, and we're coming for blood

There's a hummin' in the restless summer air And we're slippin' off the course that we prepared But in all chaos there is calculation Droppin' glasses just to hear them break You've been drinkin' like the world was gonna end (it didn't) Took a shiner from the fist of your best friend (go figure) It's clear that someone's gotta go

code by corvus

"Pleasure to meet you, Ebrahim." She said cordially, dipping her head and looking back to Mirza with a curious expression that only heightened once Zoticus had also joined her side, prompting the woman to begin explaining her new acquisition of the Oasis. Mirza was High Sovereign now where Ashelia was not... Passing a calm but inquisitive glance to her own Sovereign. There was a flicker of positivity in her eyes. Hey, at least they came to speak of an alliance.

"Congratulations on your new leadership Mirza, and I hope Ashelia finds success in her venture as well." Not that she exactly understood what that venture was, but she could respect the need for it regardless. The situation around the transfer of leadership was at least willing and Andal (she assumed) remained mostly unbothered.

However, that little flicker of positivity hesitated with her next words. That. That right there was what needed to be squashed here and now- because there was still a pride here. A strong one.

"We are still here. Zoticus recently defended the Bluffs from a challenger, but we remain standing." That was the reassurance she could give, and the Sovereign's scars could prove it themselves. Everything else that happened that day need not be said here. A softer look was passed to Mirza too, between the formalities.

He'll be fine. She would personally make sure of it.

And she was thankful for the offering one of their other pridemates made, perhaps he was a healer? It wasn't exactly preferable to see the reactions of everyone else when seeing her beaten King, to doubt his abilities despite his victory simply because of the wounds it left in its wake. The sooner he could heal... The better. Until then, she was perfectly fine being the one to take up the mantle as a protector.

@Zoticus @Mirza @Iofiel @Ebrahim

Stock Image | Manip by Plant Sighs

ZOTICUS XANTHOS
survive or suffer


The words of Mirza entered the air and the lioness explained her reasoning for appearing. She mentioned how Ashelia returned to their homelands, and left Mirza named as the High Sovereign- something that was interesting to say the least. Even more so when Mirza spoke in desire of looking to make an alliance between their two prides.

However, her next choice of words rubbed Zoticus wrong.

Acidic eyes narrowed on the woman and his lip twitch in obvious aggravation. Circe spoke first and explained his wounds, how he was challenged and he had won, and Zoticus let out a breath of air. If Mirza wanted to be blunt, so could Zoticus. "I'm sure you can smell our scent markers, Mirza, you knew our pride remained here before you even summoned us." His words were gruff and part of him wanted to add to it- to tell Mirza to not underestimate him, that he'd fought twice for this land and each time he'd come out as the winner. "My pride remains standing so long as my own four legs do." And that was the easiest fact he could of ever stated.

His attention, however, was taken away by a familiar male. Zoticus felt his aggravated mood sedate some with the male's offering, and he found himself smirking slightly at his words. "Iofiel, long time no see, huh?" He spoke with a shake of his head, eyeing the aloe that was placed near his feet. "Fate sure does like uniting us at the cost of my health, hmm? Unfortunately, like the last time, I still don't know much on how to use herbs... would you mind?" He gave the open invitation for Iofiel to treat his wounds, but of course Zoticus wouldn't be offended if he denied. It would just mean the King would have to go off and find Rue with the offered Aloe, or figure out if he should just slam the herb onto his wounds... that could work, right?

The matter at hand came back to the forefront of his mind and Zoticus turned his gaze back to Mirza. "There has been a lot going on. I've received word of rogue attacks happening around the lands, namely targeting lionesses." He informed the new Sovereign, knowing the news would be necessary to have. "And with Winter being as strong as it is, no doubt the season will be rough on everyone. You speak of an alliance, what would you require out of Wolfbron for this?" He asked to her, curious what she had in mind, and what she would want of his pride if their tied both their Kingdoms together so cloesly. He wouldn't mind it, though, Wolfbron needed the allies even more so with Winter and the lingering doom around the territories... who knew what could happen?

@Mirza @Circe @Ebrahim @Iofiel ((Was told skipping Ebrahim is okay since Rhaps is on LOA))

Injuries: Bruising to chest, deep lacerations to shoulder, deep puncture wounds to other shoulder, shoulder basically mangled, lacerations to bottom/side neck area.

""

+10 Heal a character’s sickness or injury

Iofiel was surprised to have been remembered, to hear his name spoken. It caused him to drop his large head further. He wasn't certain how Mirza would take it that he had been called out. That he had been recognized when he was just a no one among a group of someones. It had him hunching down and trying to make himself smaller, like maybe if he crouched more then no one else would remember he was there.

But it wasn't just his name and a greeting. Zoticus continued to speak to him. It left Iofiel torn. The healer in him wanted to rush right over but he hadn't been given leave to do so. But he really just couldn't walk away from someone in the state that Zoticus was in. The Wolfbron High Sovereign did make it known he knew nothing about medicine, and aloe wasn't one that really had to be worried about unlike other plants where one can accidentally harm themselves while trying to heal themselves.

"I apologize I..." The large male cut off with a shake of his head and offered Mirza an apologetic look before he approached Zoticus once more. "Aloe is simple enough to use. You just have to cut it open and use the sap from the inside. You can also drink it to prevent dehydration, that is why I had brought it." Iofiel explained the natural uses of aloe as he used a claw to cut a line into the thick leaf of the plant and sought to gently peel away the layer of skin covering the sap inside.

The sap was collected upon the pad of one of his toes. "May I?" Permission was asked to apply the sap to the cut upon Zoticus's shoulder. Sure, the leader had already asked for his help but he wasn't about to just jump into touching a King. The other could always change his mind and wish for someone else to actually apply the sap.

@Mirza @Circe @Ebrahim @Zoticus

A smile is given to Circe as she speaks, a mental note taken that she rather liked the other woman. It seemed she was rather invested in the wellbeing of her King, and Mirza liked that about her. She wondered momentarily if Circe were not in fact the brains behind the operation, a light-hearted notion that she would store away for when things were friendlier in the future. This train of thought had her completely unprepared for the harsh tone in Zoticus' voice as he spoke, snapping her out of her reverie.

Her mouth opened to protest his tone, realizing she had been taken a bit too seriously. She closed it however as he continued, unsure of how to address the shift in energy between them. She certainly hadn't meant to offend him in any way. She forgets sometimes that not everyone is as used to her dry humor as Ariham. If she could blush, she would be, her face doing little to hide her chastisement of herself. Damn it, Mirza, can't you be less... YOU... for just a few minutes? She hated feeling uncomfortable in her own skin and cleared her throat in an attempt to redirect her brain and try to start over.

"You must forgive my dry humor, I did not mean to set you on edge. It is very good to hear that the Bluffs have such a strong and determined leader. This is certainly what I have heard of you in passing, and I see it now in your eyes." She dipped her head slightly with her words, knowing that an alliance with a man like this would not be gained through a pissing match. And truth be told, she was honest enough with herself to know that would not be something she would win here anyway. So she smiled again and decided that honesty was the best policy here.

Zoticus addressed the young male who had followed her here, Iofiel, was his name. She would be sure to remember that this time. She beamed at the boy when he seemed to request permission from her to come forward. They would have to have a chat about his self-confidence. He clearly knew what he was doing, and she was proud to have him step up and offer his aid to the King. His timidness, on the other hand, left something to be desired. She would like to see him more confident, and then perhaps... a rank better suited to his skills could be had. The gears in her head turned as she decided on a test of his confidence.

"I would like to leave him here with you Zoticus, as a show of good faith. Let him help you with your wounds, and send him home when you are feeling better." She gave Iofiel a nod of encouragement and pondered the King's next question. "I honestly don't know what I could ask of you and your Pride besides the security that having you and yours as an Ally would bring. We are a small group and having a strong Ally on either side of us would surely add a level of safety that would allow us to thrive and focus on growth. Especially if what you say of the rogue is true, which I don't doubt, considering the source. An alliance would mean a more open flow of information between us, such as this instance. I might not have found out about the threat had we not been speaking just now. I'd like to take that flow of information forward, keep each other in the know."

It occurred to her that she might not have enough to offer him to keep his interest. His mention of the harsh winter stuck out in her mind, however, and she couldn't help the excited glisten in her eye as she came up with an idea. She shivered in the cold air to drive home the point she was about to make. "The winter seems to hit you much harder up here than it does in our home. It is cooler than normal in the Oasis, but still warmer than here by far, I'd even venture to call it fair weather. I'd love to welcome you and yours to our home, where you will find comparable warmth and good company. I know the idea of leaving your home empty might not appeal to you after recent events, so why don't I offer to host an event for our Prides that lasts about a week? That way your Pride can trickle in and out at their leisure, to enjoy the warmth without leaving your home unprotected. What a better way to celebrate an alliance than with a festival of sorts? We could hold it at the beginning of February, when Winter is at its harshest, to give you some respite from the cold."

Now we're in the ring, and we're coming for blood

There's a hummin' in the restless summer air And we're slippin' off the course that we prepared But in all chaos there is calculation Droppin' glasses just to hear them break You've been drinkin' like the world was gonna end (it didn't) Took a shiner from the fist of your best friend (go figure) It's clear that someone's gotta go

code by corvus