All that small talk and he hadn't realized that the whole time he had been in the presence of someone who wanted to deter him. Truthfully, he hadn't been looking for a pride but he was interested to see what was out there at least. The great thing about joining a pride was that he could leave at any second if he wanted. So there was no harm in ever joining one so he couldn't see the fear in Bjorn's eyes. I'm not sure, he answered honestly to the striped youth, I didn't come here purposefully to be recruited but if they come, I don't see why not let them try. That was, if they showed up.

In a matter of moments they did and while Gareth was pleased to see a lioness who had a title. Presumably one of high rank, then. Ah, yes. A powerful title - a Sovereign. Thank you for coming, Jewel. The trip must've been a long one. Echoing her own words with his own while showing his gratitude that she be the one to meet them all the way out here. If it isn't a bother, could you tell me of Caladan and the other prides, too? That way he could learn about the pride that was recruiting him as well as learn what the other two were like and where. The more information the better.

Another seemed to perhaps be eager to listen, too, as she sidled up nearby though Gareth only offered a simple bob of his head to her.

everybody knows my name now

but somethin' 'bout it still feels strange. like lookin' in a mirror, tryna steady yourself and seein' somebody else and everything is not the same now

code by corvus

The lion questioned what she knew of the prides and the ebony female would dip her head in agreement. A smile twisting her lips as she shifted to adjust her weight so she would be more comfortable for what she was sure would be a lengthy conversation. "Caladan is to the northeast - settled in the cove.. There's a cliff face that provides den and protection from the winds.. Otherwise open sands and copse's of trees. There are places to den in the sands if you desire such things. To the east of that lies the pride of Scilla Lagoon - an ally of ours. They have more trees than we do, but less hard shelter... Though they are better protected and I believe their lagoon may be freshwater where ours is the ocean." Jewel glanced between the pair before she continued. "To the west is a pride that lives primarily in the cave systems of the mountain.. They are Obsidian Hollow. The leader of Obsidian is a lion named Gwyn Casimir.. The Lagoon is led by a lion led by Durius Yeager.. and the Lagoon is ruled by myself and another female named Jyzara Donnor." She would wait for them to decide what these lions said about the living situations, before forging onward to tell them what she knew of the prides. @Gareth @Bjørn @Viper""

irish

Bjorn notices right away his attempt at creating a coalition of understanding goes completely unnoticed. He purses his lips in frustration, watching Gareth with dismay as he laps up any information Jewel can give him. Selfish lion, Bjorn thinks. Prides... who needs them? The life of a rogue is free and without restraint, and yet this male seeks servitude under pride law? As he rolls his eyes, Bjorn sits down boredly and looks at his claws. Perhaps I'll take my leave, he mutters, giving Jewel a peeved stare. I don't have any interest in your knowledge, nor do I need it. Although he usually isn't so disrespectful, Bjorn is frustrated having a potential friend yanked away by a pride lion.

Viper watched the dark colored lioness carefully making mental note of how she differed from someone she looked similar to.

Her ears occasionally moving in the direction of the voices around her, ears sometimes even moving independently of each other. The words of the dark feline and brown male intrigued her and so she listened more closely. When the female spoke of a group of lions living within a cave system her eyes lit up as, a cave system spoke of home to her.

Viper opened her maw and this time says more than a simple hello. "I'm quite fascinated by the lions that live in a cave system within the mountains, but since i was not here first lets see what this gentleman is interested in first." she says as she inclines her head towards @Garath For now she was being as polite as she could muster. She wanted information above all else.

Viper casts her steel like gaze at @Bjorn before she speaks to him directly "Go then youngling, if you do not wish to hear about prides, then leave, no one is Forcing you to stay are they?! But i'll have you know that is information may prove to be far more useful than you think."

Information was key and part of the only reason he had bothered to stop in this gateway. If there were scents then there were lions, and where there were lions there was useful information. The youth had given him next to nothing in terms of what was around in terms of the lay of the land or the prides, but more so an outlook on the life he had lived with his family. Though, that wasn't exactly a pride that Gareth could use. Bjorn hadn't said anything about his family accepting strangers into their fold nor had said much about why he had said they were filled with soul-less promises. Perhaps if he'd been more clear, Gareth would've made a different approach.

As it were, he had been raised to believe that the pride is better than the solo. It was better for him to thrive with them than on his own. It wasn't like he could pick off what the vultures leave behind forever. Jewel was more than thoughtful in her depiction of the prides around them. The news that she lived within the cove was something that immediately caught his interest. In the fair bit of time he had spent wandering down by the waters, the ocean was a place he wouldn't mind sticking around to investigate further. Something about the water that extended and never had an end left something to be desired. A mystery that he wasn't keen on solving, per say, but that he wanted to know more about. The lagoon sounded like a good place to set up, too, but as it turned out - neither the Lagoon or the Hollow were here to persuade him otherwise.

Seeing as you are the only representative and swayed me with the idea of living by the ocean, I would like to join your pride. He would be honored to live amongst her and her pride, assisting them where and when he could so long as they should have him. I am a trained defensive warrior and an ambassador should you require those services of me. It was best if she knew what she getting but he hadn't expected the pale yearling to practically spit at the dark woman. Blue eyes squint in confusion and disgust for the disrespect that was given. It was unnecessary and quite honestly, immature, which should have been expected.

The woman that had joined them last, however, gave a good choice of words. Information was always useful and just because you didn't agree with it, didn't mean that you had to sour the experience. No one would have forced him to leave and he could have gained a lot of respect and knowledge from simply being around a few individuals. Learning was key, especially at that age but Gareth had no interest in teaching those who didn't wish to be taught. So he would allow Bjorn to go on his merry way in the hopes that they might cross paths again perhaps when he was a little older and more eager to learn.

everybody knows my name now

but somethin' 'bout it still feels strange. like lookin' in a mirror, tryna steady yourself and seein' somebody else and everything is not the same now

code by corvus

Jewel turned her attention to the male that spoke, and smiled at him, her expression softening. She was familiar with his antics - she had seen such in her own children as they grew and it didn't bother her. "Pride life isn't for everyone, my friend...but knowing what prides are where and their general laws is beneficial.. Especially if a drought or famine came to these lands. Knowing where you would be welcome for a short while while it passes would be helpful.." The lioness gave him a considering look, her cerulean optics passing over his pelt to assess his physical health. "If you change your mind... you are always welcome to come visit the Cove. We don't keep anyone against their will - you can come and go as you please... No questions asked." The beast seemed to have an aversion to prides - and she understood it having had her own issues in her youth. To Gareth and the other female, she spoke. He spoke of his skills and Jewel smiled, looking between the two. "I can take you to the Hollow if you wish, Lady? I'm sure the king there would like to give you his laws and the option of joining." Though Jewel wondered if Gwyn would even give the girl the chance to do any choosing. To Gareth, she grinned. "Your skills would be welcomed, my friend. We stand as one of the two vanguard prides into the lands of Amaryllis.. and vanguard to yet another pride to our east, the Lagoon. Defense is certainly high on our list of needed skills." Though, Jewel knew that they were short of warriors right now - and hunters. She would welcome the extra set of claws. "I, myself am a seasoned Paladin..I also have some hunt experience...So it would be welcome to have someone to test and sharpen my own skills with." And help hold pride trainings.. She had been ignoring her cubs too long as it was.. And Jewel would welcome the help. "We have many ranks open if those are your calling - you simply have to ask...Or challenge the one that holds it." She also passed her gaze towards the female - the words were for all three of the lions.. but she wouldn't hold any upset if Viper wished to choose the hollow instead. @Viper @Gareth @Bjørn

Table coding by Jolee

Since 6 days have passed (Rudi said that their last post was an exit, so I waited 3 days more for Viper), I am given permission from the general rules to skip Viper and reply :)

Sometimes, knowing just the right information meant the difference between foe or friend. It could even be the difference between starving or being fed, as it was a crucial currency in troubling times. Perhaps as he grew older he'd see it that way but for now he'd simply hope to see him again eventually. Though at the moment, he was simply itching to get a move on. Standing around and chatting wasn't a huge hobby of his and he'd much rather be doing something more productive with his time. Consider me your soldier, then. Not that he expected to be thrown into any army any time soon but in the very least she would have someone willing to defend those within the Cove. Ranks were nice and quite appealing, but he wanted to get his paws in the right place first before he looked to take his own or oust someone out in a challenge. Given that he was quite ready to go, Gareth waited until Jewel was ready to take him to his new home and followed her in quiet, stoic silence. exit w/ jewel

everybody knows my name now

but somethin' 'bout it still feels strange. like lookin' in a mirror, tryna steady yourself and seein' somebody else and everything is not the same now

code by corvus

She would take her time and when the other lion took his leave, the ebony female gave a nod to the other feline present, her expression softening. "If you ever change your mind, simply come to the borders of the pride and we can talk more." The female left, bringing the newest member of the pride with her. She was pleased at the acquisition - for however long Gareth would remain in the Cove. Having another warrior would only be of a benefit to them in the long run. //Exit//""

irish