the challenge is over and, following that, is a strange peace. ulla cannot describe it, as it somehow feels like more turmoil is to come within the rainforest. she's not worried, but she's curious to know what happened during the tail end of the challenge. lions stormed off, words were thrown, and drama ensued. but it's truly not her place to delve into such when she's here on another business. an alliance. with the bluff increasing in membership, it's time for ulla to find powerful allies that can tip the scale in battle should vermier announce war. she stops just before the scent barrier, inhaling the earthen odor of the forests, and tips her chin up, calling for the leaders. @Cupid @Roarke

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Ongoings aside with emotions high in Firnen, Cupid is still High Sovereign and thus, must complete his duties as such. His crown feels crooked — offbeat compared to the other monarchs in Amaryllis, but he bares it nonetheless. Steps forth lack energy towards the call until he knows he is in view. It is an acquainted enough face — that of @Úlla, a once member underneath Magnus’ Hollow reign. He sways to a halt on his side of the boundaries; “Hello. Is all well?” Despite never officially pledging friendship between the Hollows and Lagoon, he sees them as a decent people and has respected the relationship between them and his former Sovereign, Zoticus.

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seeing him brings the memory of her previous work as a noble. two rogue children, a man from the oasis, and the former leader of the bluffs. if not for her late arrival, the brawl wouldn't have happened and she may have had two children in her care. but that's all in the past and the current is what she ought to be worried about. it doesn't seem as if @cupid still holds any ill sentiment towards ulla. although, did he ever? not quite, and indeed, some troubling prospects is why i've come to seek you and your sovereign she's inclined to believe both cupid and his sovereign know of vermier's ascension. even if they were not present, word would've spread from one pride to the other in rapid time. what is your relationship with the current bluffs king?

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Concern furrows the Firnen High Sovereign’s brow; to hear that the Hollow is also experiencing troubling circumstances leads him to believe that the majority of Amaryllis just might be in unrest. He nods his head slowly, dark ears perked attentive towards @Úlla with interest. Though curious of her to question when she knows he was Wolfbron’s Gentry.

“I do not like him,” he is blunt — honest in his opinion as if they are sitting at a kindergarten playground. “He caused issues with the Bluffs before his takeover, as he’d taken a child from one of our members, Dorian, against the kid’s wishes.” Whether they end up honoring Roarke’s request at the Riptide mess is To Be Seen. He does not have to speak about his disapproval of Home Snatching — it is obvious he disagrees with it.

The Hollow, however, poked the bees' nest; having acted out to snatch the home away from the creepy lot while a tentative peace might’ve been offered. Had they left the Lagoon alone, perhaps the Bluffs would still be standing. It is much to think about.

“Have they caused issues with the Hollow?”

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if the rainforest and the hollows can forge a bond from an already built foundation, then their mutual dislike for vermier — now the new bluffs king — could be the one who seals their deal. still, úlla is aware of past transgression and the desire to learn more about @cupid in how he is as a leader. no doubt he is a good one, for he has kept his throne for a while now, even gaining loyalty from his sovereign, who fought in the challenge in his stead. that alone piqued úlla's interest enough that she came here, hoping to settle for a pride alliance. when cupid speaks of vermier taking a child against his will does úlla feel the need to speak. and has he been taken back? she would have offered her own assistance in the matter, but sometimes it is best to withhold lest the other party asks. though it would be a strategic plan to solidify the alliance by saving dorian as the queen of the hollows. betrothals and political litters can only happen sparingly and úlla doesn't believe cupid is the sort to appreciate either. not yet, but i fear war is imminent. hence why am i am here, hoping to seek strong allies. úlla's admission is laced with bitterness at the situation, however exciting it may be for her. the notion is a secret, one that is kept locked and keyed until allies and enemies alike see the woman on the battlefield.

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A nod is given a beat later — pleased by Úlla’s swift interest in ensuring Bait’s safety. Though he knows little of where the child went following his absence in the Bluffs, he is certain that it is safe from the clutches of Vermier.

“He has since left, where I do not know, but if you happen upon a cream boy with dark markings named Bait… please let me know.” If he is well, then Cupid would be happy — if he is not, then Firnen would offer their services in gaining the boy’s freedom once more. Just before everything happened, there had been a promise of a friendship between him and Riptide, too.

The sound of war is bittersweet. Dark ears twitch backwards, a disgruntled expression showing on round features. Cupid knows though that sometimes it isn’t up to the pride keeping their head down if war is to happen. Vermier no doubt wishes to cause trouble with everyone else who lived here. “I see. I cannot… say I am a fan of war. It often just creates an endless cycle of hurt and chaos from what I’ve seen, but I also cannot stand by and allow Vermier and his pride to do as he pleases.

“Should they cause issues with the Hollows, I can see if Firnen is willing to support you and yours. I would personally assist, but my members have the freedom of choice on the matter.” A small smile curls on his lips. He’s got a bunch of war-torn members and pirates. “Of course, we could assist further with medical aid and sanctuary should any of yours be in the area.”

@Úlla

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she can sympathize with @cupid when it comes to a missing child. even a missing member causes ulla to wonder where they went. when aster disappeared, she had trekked throughout the neutral lands for any signs of him. while she didn't go to the individual pride lands, she also knew that the young cub-pup wouldn't just cross the borders. she had taught him not to and she thinks aster never did. of course ulla says. i'll keep an eye and ear out for him. she listens to the rainforest king's words about war, which is the opposite of her own. and yet, ulla can see where he's coming from. some individuals are not made for war; they prefer peace and compromise over fangs and claws. but she cannot do the latter without performing the former first. war is one of the sigrun's values and it is something ulla will die for to win. your members will not be pushed to partake she says, as a promise. realizing that maybe cupid will be the only leader she'll meet for now, ulla dips her head as a way to end their conversation. that is all for now, cupid. i will come back once i have a pride event for us. she deliberately leaves out anything else, for she knows that cupid has it in him to know when a call of help will be needed. that's something no adult can miss. [exit]

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“Thank you,” he expresses with a soft smile — pleased to have an extra pair of eyes and ears out for Bait should the child show up anywhere. For now, however, it would seem that their conversation would come to a close with information passed and a pride event promised. What it might be, Cupid has little knowledge of; they did not have those with Witchlight between allies, nor did they have them at Wolfbron. “Safe travels, High Sovereign @Úlla.” And with that, the Firnen monarch turns back towards his home in search of some grub. There’s a zebra leg with his name on it.

— EXIT —

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