Ah, perfect. Aarani had been looking for such a place in these new lands, and now she was grateful to have stumbled across an area she dubbed the most sacred of all -- so far, that was. There was plenty more to be discovered as the days came and went, but for now? For now this would be where she meditated and prayed, where she basked in the sunlight and warmed herself and the children growing within. Being separated from her husband and wife had been difficult at first, particularly considering she was expecting, but Aarani had managed to find herself through the hardships and was back on track with the spirits. Perhaps they hadn’t fated her to find love with Gabriel and Dior for long? Perhaps the cubs in her womb had been the meaning behind all of it, though she knew seeing either of them once more would be a delight. Aarani would pray for them regardless and hope that one day, both would find their way back to her.

For the time being, Aarani simply set out to tidy up the area for her needs. She collected a few gemstones and set them aside, humming softly as she prepared to make this place her newest home. Kinda.

His venture into the lands beyond the beach were methodical and balanced. The brute was categorizing what was and was not useful to him as he ventured. The first thing he had found was a black sand beach. Now, pacing in the other direction he finds a cave. Open mouth yawning by the seashore, a cacaphony of bird calls filling the space and bouncing off the walls. He almost walked by it, not inclined to be shat upon by the birds, when he noticed a scent.

A feminine scent.

Now that was something he was always interested in. Large man pivots, heading for the cave mouth and finds a small pale woman. Collecting gemstones? Yes, that was what he thought she was doing. And cleaning maybe? He isn't sure, but settles upon a boulder that was sitting on the ground like a missing tooth from the spires above. Or perhaps like a giant had been playing marbles and one had gotten lost in this alcove. Either way he settled upon it and began to watch with an unwavering gaze. Both curious about what she was doing and waiting for her to notice the snake in the grass nearby. ""

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@Aarani

Aarani’s thoughts were distracted by the unnerving arrival of.. someone. It wasn’t uncommon to feel the spine-tingling sensation of another coming into a shared space, though oftentimes it was appropriate to at least announce an arrival. She wasn’t singing or dancing, so she wasn’t entirely sure what the looming figure found so interesting about her activities that he wanted to stay and watch. Still, she wasn’t going to ignore him and carry on about her business -- not when there was a potential friend to be made! Or perhaps he would end up being wicked like the man from the forest? She didn’t know, but Aarani was confident enough in her capabilities to safely navigate the situation.

“Hello,” she called to the man, glancing over her shoulder as a ringlet of mane drifted into her vision. She tossed her head to dislodge it and flashed him a gentle smile, eager to learn what had brought him to her shiny new den of worship. “What brings you here today?” And although she wanted to politely inquire about what he was staring at, Rani refrained and instead lowered onto her haunches instead. Killing the bitch with kindness.

@Gwyn

Many considered his mannerisms rude, unpleasant even, but Gwyn had never truly cared as to what they thought. He did exactly as he pleased, how her pleased and the world could either adapt or break around him. As such, he was silent, a gargoyle in the eaves. Waiting to be noticed for the terrible beauty of his presence but the small woman below. The small, rather attractive woman.

So sue him. He was a male and a greedy one at that. A pretty lady would always cause the dragon within to stir and considering collecting for his hoard.

He is noticed, her gaze warm, tone cheerful as she looks over her shoulder at him. He ponders her and her mane flip, weighing his words before answering. The silent creature toying with the time between her words and his. "Curiosity" he finally rumbles. Somehow weaving both his interest in her and the lands around them into the single word. He has always been efficient with language.

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@Aarani

Curiosity. What a funny word. Aarani knew there was a labyrinth of meanings behind it and although none were likely heroic, it was not for her to decide his intentions. Perhaps the spirits had brought him into her life for a reason, the same way Gabriel had been brought into her life in order to give her children. There was no shortage of love for the man that nor the wife they had shared, but she knew the gods work in mysterious ways. If it is destined for them to reunite one day, they will, but until then she will continue to live her life the way she chooses. Freely. Freely meaning she did as she wanted with whomever she wanted, thanks.

“Is your curiosity sated?” Aarani hummed pleasantly, tilting her head ever so slightly to see him better in the shifting light from above. “Perhaps I can help with what you seek, if you tell me what it is.” She was nothing if not helpful, after all, and the man had yet to prove he was unworthy of her time.

@Gwyn

His gaze never let up, never wavered, his interest absolute. Gargoyle watched as she processed his single word answer. She let very little slip, so her words were a mild suprise, one which he hid, but a bit of a curveball never the less. He considered them for long moments. "Perhaps" he muses, tone lighter than usual. Still flat for he refused to give anything away. She seemed content, adjusting to watch the wraith perched above. "Nothing in particular" he mused, toying with ideas of what to do to her, with her in his head. He could potentially claim her. Wouldn't that be interesting? However he had to gauge what she wanted; he suspected she might want a home. A place to settle. There was a scent of pregnancy about her, her sides swelled with more than just a hearty meal. Pity those within weren't his; it was easily remedied but still. "And you?" he queried back, testing the waters to see if taking her home would be worth it. Seeing if she wanted a quiet place to raise the spawn not of his line. If she found the king before her interesting enough to entertain. He was certainly interested; luring someone who already had a mate into his grasp was a fun little diversion for him. Particularly when the scent of whoever owned her had long since faded from her pelt.

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@Aarani

Ah, another silent and mysterious type it seemed. Men of few words were the most dangerous in all the lands, but she did not fear them -- or him, for that matter. The spirits held her within their grasp, cradling her and her unborns close to their chest. Aarani would not be harmed by this man, whoever he was. He didn't seem inclined to offer his name, either, and so she did not press the matter. Instead, she simply gave him the information he sought in return. "I seek nothing that the spirits have not already given me. Perhaps a new cache of herbs would be lovely, but nothing much. I find that wanting leads to disappointment, so I do not want. I gladly take what is given, but I do not want." Perhaps he understood.

@Gwyn

Dangerous as he was, he is not inclined to hurt a woman. Far more interested in toying her and fucking her than anything else. Regardless of what spawn lay in her belly, the man would sleep with her all the same. She was available as far as her scent told him; he would have fun changing that to unavailable.

Her words were full of religious bullshit. Something that had him internally rolling his eyes. Outwardly he did not stop his staring, considering her. "You do not want a home for the welps in your belly?" he queries, brows raising slightly. The beast then rose from his perch, sliding from his rock to approach her, his confidence rolling from him. An easy stride that told her he knew exactly where they stood. "I can't imagine you not wanting that. Good thing I'm inclined to provide that."he rumbles as he approached, stopping just outside her reach and within his. "Welcome to the hollow, I am Gwyn Casimir, high Sovereign. Who might my newest member be?" he asks, stating his claim smoothly. There is almost a challenge in his gaze. Dare she buck against his authority like the woman he defeated and endanger her kids or did she wish to go with the flow? He hoped the latter; he wasn't in the mood to cause the smaller woman grief. She was too attractive for that.

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@Aarani

Poe and I agreed to set this post pride claim <3

Aarani's head tilted ever so slightly as she watched him approach, the aura around him emanating danger than she was not keen on testing. Still, she had no real fear of the man and was happy to let it show with a gentle smile at his approach. It remained in place as he abruptly claimed her and her cubs into his pride -- goodness, she hadn't been claimed in quite some time! It was more concerning that her cubs would be born into captivity, but she supposed a title meant little in the long rung. "I should tell you my husband and wife may not approve, but I am powerless to do anything about it at the moment." Aarani shrugged. Dior would have been able to beat his ass easily, let alone Gabriel. Alas, she did not know whether or not they had survived the journey. Oh well.

"My name is Aarani. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to what I was doing." If that suited his fancy, anyway.

A gentle subtle smile marked her lips, despite the danger he oozed and he found that interesting. Someone who didn't mind a bit of spice hmm? She spoke in response to his claim and he nodded. Smart woman, not disputing his claim. "I'll handle that when it happens, but it seems to me you may be waiting a while for them to come and join us or attempt to rescue you" he rumbles, not missing a beat. Or the faded scents on her pelt. He blinks a bit as she continues, and then offers her a smirk. Such spice in this one. "Aarani, follow your nose into the heart of the caves. You won't miss it."he says eventually, looking her up and down once more before turning with a swagger in his step. The pride was growing nicely was it not?
-Exit via swag walk

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@Aarani