He'd known that Hecuba had come here, and Drakon as well after a time, but he hadn't come to join them until now. He'd been getting the lay of the land, seeing what options were out there and waiting to see if Drakon truly would take a pride for himself. He'd made a worthy attempt, but in the end had returned to the cove. And so here too was Seraphiel, standing on the borders. He opened his jaws, letting a booming call ring out for the leader of this place, a woman if he remembered correctly. He was eager to be a part of something again, it seemed.

@Jewel

[OOC: Patrol the borders 1/2] With the pride growing, Jewel had more time to spend within the pride itself. Today, she was spending her time pacing the borders to ensure that they were well marked. She had been queen here for a few months, but that didn't mean that there weren't places that the border needed to be crossed to ensure that it would remain strong even in the winds that shifted the sands across the open parts. Pausing where she was marking a tree with her jaw (And scratching that itchy spot), she heard the sound of the lion calling for her. Making her way that direction, the ebony lady noticed the brown male standing beyond the borders. "Hello my friend.. What can I do for you?" Jewel knew that the lion standing at the borders was either here to join, or here for information @Seraphiel""

irish

It didn't take long for the woman he recognized to appear, and he was pleased that she had been able to hold onto the pride. Life could be difficult for a female ruler, he thought. He'd never seen one before coming here, but he at least was willing to change his ways and his mindset and be accepting of it. No doubt there were just as many in these lands who weren't. Hopefully, she didn't have to deal with any of them.

She certainly didn't today, as he bowed his head to her respectfully as she appeared and spoke.

"I am Seraphiel Kriger," he rumbled in response. "I've come to join you, if you'll have me. Perhaps you remember me with Hecuba and Drakon at your pride challenge? I would say I hope you don't hold my presence with them against me, but from what I can tell they're within these walls already," he said with a faint smile. He had stood with those who opposed her, after all. It would seem odd for him to not mention it at all if she did recognize him.

"I'll not lie and say I'm not here because of them, but I assure you I am willing to defend all those who call this place home. One might say I have... practice with such things," he explained, not wanting her to believe that his allegiance wouldn't lie with her despite coming to the Cove in search of those he had called King and Queen before. He was a defender of all those in need, first and foremost. It was high time his strength, ability, and sheer mass did some good, instead of being used for fear.

Honestly though, what he really needed to do was shut up, because he wasn't all that good at this whole talking thing. He'd said far too much already, most likely, and he was well aware of it as his ears briefly flicked back and he shifted uncomfortably. He didn't like having to talk.

@Jewel

Jewel watched as the lion spoke, her expression growing curious as she let him finish what he had to say. Her lips twisted into a smile as he commented on Hecuba and Drakon's presence within the pride. "I wouldn't hold it against you. In fact, Lady Hecuba is one of our Nobles, and Lord Drakon is one of our Gentry. I don't hold the fight against Drakon... he was only trying to do what he felt was best for his family. The same that I was trying to do for my own." The lion before her seemed nervous that she would turn him away and she wanted to assure him. "You're more than welcome to join the Cove, Sir Seraphiel. Even if you were to stay only long enough to remain with Drakon and Hecuba, I would be honored to consider you as a member." So far, she hadn't had any issues with the other lioness that had come with the pair, Arcania. Jewel knew that it was only a matter of time before the once king and queen made their way into another pride - but she would be happy to have them with her for the length of time they chose to stay. She was even considering making Drakon the heir of the pride - for the time being. He had been proving himself, and she knew that he had the experience, but she wasn't sure if he would be able to refrain from his normal habits long enough - yet.. it would ensure that her family would stay safe if something happened to her. "Have you spoken with them enough to know our laws?" Jewel would fill @Seraphiel in more than happily, but she didn't want to 'bore him with the details' if he already knew them.""

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It seemed as though his concern was unneeded, judging by her smile before he was really even finished. If he wasn't so stuck in finishing what he had to say, mostly because he never really spoke anyway, he probably could have stopped halfway through and it would have been fine. Oh well, he was nothing if not honest.

Apparently, both Drakon and Hecuba held high ranks within the pride, clearly showing they were highly regarded by Jewel despite the initial challenge. She earned his respect for that. Too many that he knew would hold a grudge. It was somewhat difficult to wrap his head around the fact that there were others who thought differently from how he had been raised and taught. The Seraphiel of years ago would have balked at the idea of a woman leading a pride, let alone the idea of serving under her. It was a good thing that he could change as well.

"Thank you," he replied with a polite head bow, reining himself in from speaking too much again.

She asked if he knew of the pride laws, and while he figured he could guess at them he shook his head and tipped his ears forward further to signify that he was listening intently.

@Jewel

He went from almost adorably talkative, showing his nerves to near silent in one fell swoop. The female bit back the chuckle, but instead would watch his body language and when he shook his head, she would shift to settle in to tell their laws. "The cove claims none by force - outside of the rare case that it is life or death.. We keep no one against their will.. Once you wish you leave, you may do so - I only ask that you inform leadership of your need to leave so that we aren't hunting to fill the bellies of those that no longer reside here." She would watch his face, trying to judge his reactions to her laws as she spoke them. "Our ranks are all open for claim if they are empty, or challenge if they are not. Pull your weight, don't simply take from the cache and not replenish in some way.. If you are more inclined towards the art of battle, simply strolling our borders every so often is all I ask... We are currently allied with most of the prides in the island, don't do something that would bring trouble on the pride from another ally." The ebony sovereign took a breath, knowing that none of the Cove's laws were really strict or anything that might cause someone to buck them. "Outside of that.. we have few laws.. If you choose to stay, you are welcome to do so - I will be honored to have you as long as you decide to remain." @Seraphiel was likely to come and go with Hecuba and Drakon - just as Arcania was. And Jewel was well aware of that fact.""

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"Understood," he said simply of her rules. They were simple and to be expected, and he had a feeling he could work within them. Was he interested in challenging for a rank? Perhaps, perhaps not. He wasn't even certain if any of them were open at the moment, and he had no desire to oust someone from a title they deserved to hold. He would consider it after he knew more about the pride and those within it, he decided.

"Trouble? I think I can handle that," he said with the faintest of smiles. Back in the day that would have been an impossible request. "As long as no one starts anything with me, we'll be fine. And I'd imagine most would think twice about that," he commented, glancing down at his sheer bulk and then back to her.

Truthfully, he had a feeling he would like it here. Jewel seemed a fair and just ruler, one who had a firm hold on the pride, but not so much as to be stifling. Yes, he certainly wouldn't be spending his time hoping and wishing that Hecuba or Drakon would take another pride. It seemed like the Cove would be nice.

@Jewel

A smile touched her lips as Jewel would give @Seraphiel a nod. "Well, I think we'll get along swimmingly, Sir Seraphiel." The ebony female would cast her gaze around the lands around them before turning her attention back to the large male standing upon the borders. She stepped to the side and gave him space to pass by her. "Welcome to the Cove.." The lioness's tail twitched near her haunches, the expression on her face a gentle, kind one. "I look forward to having you with us." She would wait for him to officially accept her invitation into the pride or to decide that he'd rather move on elsewhere. The lioness knew that not everyone who came to her borders would be interested in staying long term - but she would be glad to have the extra paws to help however long he chose to stay. Once he made his decision, the lioness would get back to finishing the patrol along the borders and make sure that she caught any further stragglers coming up.""

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He dipped his head to her deeply out of respect before he rose. "I look forward to being here," he rumbled, which was very true. He might have initially only come here to follow Drakon and Hecuba, but now that he had been able to speak with Jewel he came to the realization that he would probably like to be here for his own reasons. It seemed nice, peaceful, and welcoming. All of that was a welcome change.

He moved past her, crossing the border officially for the first time and heading deeper into the cove to find a place to set up camp and get a good feel for the place. Yes, this would be a lovely place to call home.

-exit seraphiel-

Overrun, you're under the gun

Sound the drum, the Great War has come

[OOC: Patrol the borders 2/2]

She waited until the lion had crossed over the borders and made her way through the territory once more to make sure that she finished her original path. The ebony female paused long enough to scratch her claws on another tree rising from the sands before moving on down the beach. It was pleasing to be able to look around and know that they had safety. To know that the pride had stood long enough that her borders were well patrolled and well marked.

She would cast her gaze towards the newest member, and watch him disappear into the sands before she would move away. Once this pass was done, the sovereign would need to make her way back to the claiming sands once more..

//Ext//

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