The dawn brought a cool wind with it, but the heavy air was still hot. It was summer, well and truly now. It was a bit of a relief to be out fo the forest when the sticky air clung to one's pelt.

Apsen let her eyes fall shut as she followed the narrow trail down toward the watering hole, enjoying the sensation of the wind on her face and through the thick fur of her neck. There was responsibilities at home, of course, but they would wait until later. For now, she would take in the light and open grasslands... and maybe do a note of herd-watching if she could find a comfortable vantage point near to the large savannah lake.

— for @Markus

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MARKUS RIKE

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Markus had never boded well in the summer months. His overly large frame found it difficult to cool down, particularly when there had been little cover from the sun and the rays that seemed to radiate down from it. Today was no different.

Ecrosia had become humid and uncomfortable for the Rike, and so he was quick to depart from his home for a place that would provide some escape. He travels out to the watering hole, eager to bathe in the cool water that provided relief for others. His merle paws carry him into the water as the wind danced around him, the water providing a temporary relief - that was, of course, until his eyes fell upon the figure of @Swiftwillow.

What was someone as pretty as her doing out here? A smirk falls upon his features as he rises and wades out from the water, closing the gap between them and standing directly in front of her to stop the woman in her tracks. You shouldn't be 'ere ah-lone. He comments briefly, keeping his words short as his German accent laces his tone.

The slosh of water to her left alerted the Alacine woman to another's presence. Her long ears twitched at she turned to face the source of the noise. The man who emerged, dripping, from the waters of the lake was broad and toned like mountain slate. He was also a behemoth, towering over her as he padded to the sandy shallows and onto dry land. An Outsider. she thought. No Alacine had a dark pelt or that size, and his inky shoulders lay bare of any ceremonial scarring.

As @Markus approached, Aspen halted. She hadn't expected for him to block off her path. When he spoke, his voice was deep and accented. Aspen did not retreat, even a step. "I go where I please, buitenstaander." she declared, tone crisp. "And I am not alone." The confidence of the devout filled her curt reply. Maua leads my every stride. Despite the height difference, she met the lion's gaze with her own.

art © rabbit

MARKUS RIKE

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Markus takes a quiet moment to study the pretty little lioness that stood before him. He was mildly impressed by her boldness and inability to step backward as the man closed the distance between them. Anyone else might've stepped away from the intrusion of personal space, but it seemed that @Swiftwillow was quite the opposite.

Oh, He remarks as she declares that she would go where she pleased. And who deems it that you zhould 'ave zuch freedom? Markus asks, watching the woman a little while longer. Though, her next comment made him snort. He looks first to his left, and then to his right, before looking directly back at her. I zee no one. You lie, He confirms with an idle flick of his tail.

Aspen frowned, long ears tipping back in a deeply displeased expression as the inky lion delivered further questions. “I do.” she replied with a voice like splintered wood. Her amber gaze had taken on a severe edge; the sort she usually reserved for badly out of order cubs. She did not snarl or growl or posture, but she had grown still and sharp. Every muscle in her body was tense.

“Then you are blind.” she answered flatly, watching him look about and deliver the accusation of falsehoods. “My ancestors and Maua stand with me. Move aside, outsider. I will not ask twice.” And Aspen was not accustomed to being disobeyed.

@Markus

art © rabbit

The stench of the Mire was obvious as he drew closer to the watering hole, it made his nose wrinkle and his muscles tense in annoyance. From afar, the Savante peered at the scene unfolding before him. Any fool could see the Mire male's intent - as Alexander had seen it first hand before with the very royalty that corrupted the place.

Pale eyes burned with a cool fire as the beast quietly, calmly approaches, coming up beside @Swiftwillow as if he'd known her his entire life. A smile curves dark lips, nose pressing against the woman's hip in subtle warning before he leans a massive, broad shoulder against her own. "There you are, my love. Sorry for falling behind, it is not easy to keep up with you." He muses warmly, before those cool blue eyes dart toward @Markus, a brow arching in question.

"Is something the matter, who is this handsome gentleman you have stumbled upon?" Tail sweeps around the smaller feline protectively. Perhaps she did not need his protection, and this could very well backfire on him, but Alexander at least needed to try and stave away yet another Mire claiming. The pride had too many fiends as is.

OOC: I am so sorry for the delay!

His sunset eyes study the woman as she grows increasingly hostile. There is a smirk that forms on his features as her muscles tense, as an underlying sense of fear seems to seep idly into the surrounding atmosphere. He snorts at her comment. Maua? What ah load of shit, He remarks, taking a step closer towards the pretty lioness.

No. He answers her demand with denial - why should he move aside? @Swiftwillow was in his way, so why should he be the one to move? If anything, she should turn her pretty ass around and come with him back to the Mire.

That was, of course, when his plans went south and @Alexander ♔ walks in. Eyes turn from the brown lioness to the white-maned man, and he snorts at his arrival. Come to save a woman who can't save herself? He retorts, aiming to wind the Oasis man up. Markus was not stupid - he knew why Alexander was here.

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A nonbeliever. She realised with a slitted gaze, annoyance growing in her breast. What he spoke would bring hushed, dreadful silence to any group of Alacine and she was momentarily taken aback. Then a cold anger took it's place. "Je pad zal alleen maar leiden tot lijden." Your path will only lead to suffering. she spoke calmly, despite the curse she laid.

She glares @Markus him from behind her brows, muscles bunching as if to unleash her displease with a physical strike, but the approach of another stranger halts the Alacine matriarch.

She doesn't welcome the unexpected touch, head snapping to bare warning fangs toward the red form of @Alexander ♔. She scans his face with puzzlement and irritation, long ears twisting back as she pulls herself clear from the two colossal creatures. "Do not touch me, tyfuslijer." she hisses and gives up her ground to poise herself defensively, peering with great displeasure at the two lions.

"Close your jaws, I tire of your voice." She snaps at Markus as he makes a remark, and levels her amber eyes on Alexander. "He does not speak for me."

art © rabbit

The smell of the Mire made his nostrils burn, the stink becoming something he truly disliked coming across every time. The one associated with the scent almost always reflected it as well. Ears sweep back as @Markus speaks up, a single brow arching. "Bold assumption." Is all he says before @Swiftwillow lays it on thick with irritation and rage. Had she not caught on to what he was attempting to do, or was her pride too big to admit she may need assistance?

Alexander was not one to force his help on others, he had offered it in his own way - subtle, not wanting to rise any suspicions, and the Alacine woman had quickly denied it. The hissed words were clear as day in his mind and his features twisted into mild irritation. It felt like a helpless situation, however, and the Savante was not keen on such a feeling.

Muscles tense, attempting to offer the woman a subtle dip of his head in apology. It hadn't been his intention to startle or displease her. Perhaps...she was simply not able to discern what he'd been attempting. Such a ploy might not be familiar. Regardless, Alexander was unsure on how to proceed, his lips purse gently in thought. It was not that he did not think her capable, no.

He had been raised to believe women were capable of anything they wanted to do, but it was his duty to ensure they had every opportunity. If she didn't have to deal with this male, why should she?

"You heard her, perhaps you should leave and speak not another word." Perhaps she would tell him to shut his mouth as well. Alexander would gladly take it as long as Markus left. There was a distinct feeling, however, that the Mire lion would remain simply on principle alone. That would be the real concern. The beast made no move to stand near Swiftwillow again, even though the desire to step in front of her protectively was there.

A proud woman was a dangerous one.

Markus could not deny the pleasure and satisfaction he was getting out of the irritation that both @Swiftwillow and @Alexander ♔ were displaying. It seemed so easy to wind up the lions within the peninsula - why would he deny himself such satisfaction?

His smirk remains as the woman clearly states to Alexander not to touch her. The Rike cannot help but chuckle at the matter, looking to Alexander. Seems as though you're not the knight in shining armour she needs. He remarks smartly, knowing full well that he was beginning to push the buttons he wanted to. Eyes fall then to the woman. My voice tires you? Now that is a shame. Markus comments with an idle flick of his ear. What's your name? A rather out of the blue question, no?

^{ART BY ALE-TIE, CODE BY CALA}