The call that had first gone up was one that had Talisa as still as a statue. Uncertain as to whether or not she wanted to be the one to answer it because she wasn't sure if she could control her emotions. The last few months had been a whirlwind of them and she wanted to be as pleasurable as possible to those within @Aquila's social circle. The details of how her cousin had found @Furia remained unknown and for now, she felt that that was best.

The only reason that she eventually got up was knowing that she wanted things to be better and that she shouldn't base her thoughts of the maned woman purely on that first impression. Even if it was one of the worst moments in her own life to date. So as she struggled to leave the cozy den that was swarmed with playing children, she kissed each one and left. Though, her sadness at her distance away from them was instantly soothed by the arrival of even more little beans. Even her uncertainty of Furia had flown out the window.

Oh my! she said as she wandered closer and rubbed against @Nymeria's side for comfort and support, look at these little guests! Her gaze flew to Aquila first as she begged to ask the question of if these were his but then remembered that there was another male involved. Eyes cast to Furia and @Actaeon then as she began to make heads and tails of the situation.

Each cub was absolutely adorable but she'd be lying if she didn't say that she was going to have a hard time not just attaching herself to Aquila's blood child. Hi! I'm Talisa, sister of Nym here and cousin to Aquila. Family, family, and more family! It wasn't her fault that she just gravitated to the small bundles that they had brought with them as that was one of her main priorities in life was loving and teaching the young.

Though, it didn't stop there. @Dero and @Hanneth had showed up to in an effort to show their support for their family, too. Talisa couldn't immediately remember their relation to Furia but knew that they all sported the Hodari name. To each she gave the fondest of smiles as she was pleased to see almost everyone at the very borders in good health. Nymeria having already said her sympathies and apologies, whereas Talisa did not wish to burden any of them with questions about Kiton. Seeing as he wasn't present -- the thought of asking didn't seem like the right moment.

manip & table code by k'sariya

Deimos knew the Brook. The lions were nice and so he would follow @Hanneth and crew. She was everything Mother had told him about and more. He willingly followed her and when they did make it to the Brook he grinned at the familiar faces but stayed silent. He wasn't sure what else to do. The adults were talking but there were things he picked up. Thwy were joining the Brook officially. That was awesome! He loved it here to be frank. Pink jewels went from each adult until it landed firmly on Hanneth as if asking for permission to go have fun.

table by sylph | stock 2

nymeria’s eyes continued to twist, moving slowly across the gathered faces as they petered in. she felted saddened that they had been brought here by the hands of tragedy, yet thankful that she, at least, could maybe offer them some sort of shelter amongst the storm. her smile grew as the man’s name became clear, her crown dipping in a polite gesture as that bubble of uncertainty fled her chest. "@Actaeon — the pleasure’s mine," she assured, before @furia’s words caught her ears, and the druid’s attention was quickly grappled back to the newborn children. "safia, stelios, and scipio; beautiful.” she murmured absently, half to herself and half in awe, as she spared a final glance towards the trio small, sweet bundles. the surprise of their joint litter still lingered, but was irrelevant beneath the veil of family and of fealty, and nymeria could not be happier for them.

there was, of course, a larger question still looming amongst them, one that nymeria would look to answer without hesitation. "of course, everyone. this is our home now." she assured, welcoming them into vermeda brook with a small gesture of her paw. "i know that we have all suffered loss, but i want you to know that i will always do what i can to protect you and keep your family safe." and oh, she meant it time and time again sadness had befallen them, violence outstretching its greedy hands and snatching something cherished from their lives. they could not let it happen anymore — nymeria would not let it happen anymore. but being able to keep that promise would also require a few others things.

"there is one more thing, while we are all together." the queen started after a small pause, allowing the words to register for a moment or two longer, before angling her shoulders towards her sister and cousin. "i have been thinking about for some time, but, i would like to offer @Talisa the position of sovereign — and, @Aquila, i want you to be the new heir of vermeda brook, if you would like to be." the words fell warmly and seamlessly from her lips, effortless in fashion, because they were. Talisa had grown so much since first becoming heiress, and nymeria knew that aquila would do anything to protect them if something were to ever happen. it became evident, however, that that was not all that nymeria had to say, as the her body shifted anew to better face the hodari. Her gaze slipped across @Dero and @demios with a brief smile, continuing on before her finally settling upon the familiar, and much beloved, bronze woman. "and @Hanneth, if you would, i would ask you to be our noble. I know it all seems very sudden, but i want everyone to find a place that they are comfortable in, here, after the dust has settled." instinctively, her ears would twist forward to catch the incoming replies, hoping that she had not overstepped her bounds in any way, shape, or form. irrespective if they would all agree or not, however, nymeria hoped to wrap up the formalities of this meeting quickly, so that they could all find repose, and hopefully a moment of peace, within their new home.

Furia shifted between everyone who gathered, listening attentively without much else to offer. It seemed things would finally be calming down as the peaceful family was integrated into the native pride, and she was happy enough to settle. Vermeda was a beautiful place, no offense to the mire, and the golden lioness was eager to get her children comfortable. @Aquila was offered heir and @Hanneth noble, two well-deserved ranks. Furia couldn't help but feel pride for her friend yet wondered if it was something he would want after the disbanding of Andal. She said nothing but watched him expectantly, curiosity running through her veins. When all was said and done she gently clasped her daughter by the scruff and slipped into their new home.

/Exit

There was a time when lions actually knew him. Leaders knew him. In Amaryllis, though? Dero was nothing. It had never been a need to have this recognition, but with its absence, the Hodari could not deny the sense of purpose it had brought him. Of these natives, he only knew @Nymeria, and to a lesser extent, @Aquila as well. @Talisa's arrival was barely registered beneath the dark man's dulled senses, but he'd manage to offer a nod in return to her polite smile. Frankly, though, the lack of recognition from the natives was probably for the best at a time like this. Dero didn't want attention at the moment. He didn't want to have to talk about Ecrosia or Kiton, not yet anyway.

Nymeria's words about wanting to keep the family safe in the Brook sounded nice, but Dero had his doubts if that was ever possible again. He couldn't protect his own family. To have to rely on someone else now? It hurt. It made the Hodari patriarch feel like that much more of a failure, but what could he do now? The scarred knight just remained silent at his wife's side. Only when the native queen started issuing ranks did his brows raise. @Hanneth was being named noble? That was great. At least one of them would have a purpose again, if the bronze woman accepted, that is. Truly, he was happy for his wife, but it would also only further cement the thought in his head that Nymeria might only see him as the battered man she had patched up and refused to let the family join the Brook. Whatever the case had been back then, he hadn't the will to hold a grudge. Dero just wanted a safe place for his family to come together, be it long term or temporary. With an idle ear flick, the Hodari lion would simply wait to hear what the others would say about their new ranks, eager to simply get into Vermeda and hide away.

Table by Amanda | Reference by Celestial-Drift (Permission given to add scars) | Background from unsplash

❝

He watched with overwhelming pride as his cousins met the little Valour child. His face harbored a smile, purer and more innocent than any of his usual facial expressions. If it wasn't obvious before it was now, this little thing had his father wrapped up around his tiny paw. His mind was adrift thinking about his son when Nymeria posed her offer, and it drew him back into here and now. Reality coming back into focus.

You're sure? He knew that she was. In every fiber of her face he could tell this wasn't an offer made lightly or one she had any doubts in. He had his doubts, they swelled up through his gut and into his throat. Heat, pressure, like he'd just been thrown deep into a volcano or down into the depths of the ocean. Silent at first, Aquila shut his eyes and let loose a warm exhale from his nose.

When he opened them he looked up to his pale Matriarch and dear friend. I accept Nymeria. He'd trust her decision. If she needed him to serve, if she wanted him to, then he wouldn't refuse. Whatever reservations and worries he had he would need to set them aside, overcome them the best that he could. There was no time to rest, to enjoy his young son in the peace and stillness from the world of yesterday. A pale son who was beginning to protest and squirm along his dad's foot.

He smiled downwards at Scipio, deep and quiet chuckle coming out of his bronze lips. We should get them somewhere warm. He said and turned over his shoulder to @Furia and @Actaeon both. Aquila leaned downwards to scoop back up the pale child into his firm but gentle grasp for the last trek back into home.

/ exiting when others do

❞

Nymeria would place lofty offers to Aquila, Talisa and Hanneth. They were however welcomed and he was glad. Actaeon would wait patiently beside @Furia as those mentioned would take or refuse such offers. Eventually he would be distracted by his spotted child that squirmed at his feet. Stelios was getting impatient and probably hungry by now. Aquila would mention taking them someplace warm and he agreed. A quick glance was spared towards his wife to gauge whether or not she was ready. Once determined, Tae would gently pick up their son and move across the borders to their newly appointed home.

-exit

one little moment set this whole thing in motion

I don't ever wanna come up for air Maybe we can just stay right here til' this world is over I try to hold back but I let it out I'm not even sure what I'm on about I guess all I'm trying to say is That I will love you even if we're just energy If we're just energy I will love you even if we're just energy Out in the universe

code by corvus, image by driftyworks

Despite the ever looming presence of countless somewhat strangers, Talisa was happy to be pleasantly distracted by the children that had been brought to Vermeda. Absolutely twisted into her life as she drowned out everything and everyone around her in lieu of talking and cooing at the babies. She couldn't help it! This was just who she was when it came down to it and sometimes the company of a child was far more entertaining than that of an adult. Not to say that these adults weren't great, because they were... mostly (eyes on Furia, really) but Talisa could give friendliness as long as it was given back to her and her family.

So when Nymeria spoke up and said her name Talisa's head raised and she stared for a long moment as though she'd just woken up from a very extensive nap. Sovereign? The word continued on repeat in her brain as @Aquila's sought to accept his and eventually forced a hard swallow. The words were prepared and on her tongue yet her mouth couldn't quite open. As surprised as the day that she had received Heiress, she was surprised by the promotion now even if it meant little in terms of extra work. Of course, sis. Anything you need of me. As little sister she had always been supportive of Nymeria and all that she did, so she would be ready to lay down a few extra work hours if it was necessary. So Talisa grinned as the promotion gave her a tiny little skip to her walk as she escorted the large family inside of Vermeda. Happy to have a few more children to pay attention to. exit talisa

manip & table code by k'sariya

Hanneth Hodari

---

Hanneth looked at @Deimos when he arrived, happy to see that he would be joining them as well. He needed a steady home and she was ready to give it to him. Hanneth looked toward Nym as she started talking and addressing her family first. She was happy that things were getting sorted out and that room was being made for all of them. A look of surprise crossed her features as she was offered a high rank in the pride. Hanneth nodded Of course. Anything I can do to help. She looked at the now three leaders. We can help you learn about the families we know of and maybe help understand what is going on. She looked toward Dero for a moment between them they would be able to educate the Brook leaders and maybe find a place within the pride together. She leaned against her husband for a moment before taking the first steps into their next home. Come on Deimos. Let's go find a den for all of us. She looked back at Dero and nodded for him to come along. They would figure this out together.

Exit

---

Line art by Adoptadpoles | Image and table code by Amanda

the rest of their affairs seemed to fall together effortlessly, pale eyes passing between their faces in even succession, and nodding along with their various agreements. thankfully, for nymeria's sake, her offers to talisa, aquila, and hanneth were well-met, and her smile grew brighter and warm as she dipped her head in their direction. "well, now that all the formalities are done, how about we get everyone settled in?" she hummed after another moment, straightening her spine and casting another look towards the cubs as they are carried off by their parents. she hoped that this could be a new beginning for all of them, and a safe place for them to rest their heads, temporary or otherwise. they deserved at least that much, in the grand scheme of it all.

content with their newest arrivals, nymeria would wait for the rest of the hodari family to take their leave and pass over into the confines of the territory, before finally following behind them. exit.