The shift would undoubtedly have some on edge — @Roarke is a face that Firnen ought to know, yet not all would be aware of the dragon’s might nor the true reason behind Cupid’s initial takeover of the Rainforest pride. He feels a swell of pride, clouding the strange unsettling loss of purpose that came with the demotion of High Sovereign. Dark ears swerving about at the dragon’s call, the dappled man tracks from the borders towards the clearing where the challenge had taken place those moments ago. Perhaps a fitting reminder of who saved Firnen from the clutches of someone else.

Cupid shows his face with a soft smile — hoping that any who’d worried about his wellbeing would ease with his presence. It is not a coup, nor something that should stir unpleasant feelings. Hopefully. He approaches @Namara first, “It’s how it should be,” he says under his breath — nodding towards the dragon before stone eyes filter back towards the Gentry. He does not linger long at her side, however, for he goes to @Lexa — reclining by her side nearby, despite his lack of leadership position, it seemed important to remain a united front before them during this shift.

art by rabbit

indra

Since moving to this new place, Indra hadn't spent much time getting to know the lands nor its inhabitants. He was perfectly content to only know his own family, but when a call came for the entirety of Firnen to attend, the boy was at a crossroads. Did he keep to himself as he had been doing thus long or should he obey the powers that be and show up to whatever boring adult-driven endeavor this might turn out to be? Decisions, decisions. With a huff to himself, the boy decided it was probably best just to show up, if only for his mother's sake. He wouldn't want to make her look bad in front of the ruling who-evers if he didn't show up, not that he imagined his presence would really be missed in the first place.

Begrudgingly, Indra dragged his feet towards the meeting area, hopeful to at least find some of his own family to sit with when certainly the rest would be strangers around him. Sure enough, the red sight of his older sister was hard to miss as his pink gaze locked onto @Sana. With @Jiera sitting next to her, Indra found no reason to step any deeper into this gathering if his siblings were not doing so either. He'd crudely make his way to weasel his butt between the girls, perfectly content to plop or step on anyone's tail or toes so long as it meant he could sit next to both of them. "What's this about?" Indra looked up in question to Sana, figuring the older girl would know more than them, as he flashed her an innocent expression.

She was sore. Her body hurt from lack of motivation to do much of anything. Having finally allowed herself to relax upon being settled into the rainforest the orange faced lady had fallen into a bit of depression for a time, plus she had been feeling rather sick. So instead of bothering @Namara like she probably should have she had been hiding away for the last little while. Coming out to do small hunts here and there but honestly nothing major. Arjana was weak as she answered the call looking a bit skinny as well as she made her way to sit with @Tanmay and give him a nuzzle with her head in greeting. “Hello darling. How you seen yours sister?” She questioned softly. Wondering where @Aryana and @Mina where. ’Are they even still in the pride?’ She couldn’t help but wonder as she scanned around. Grey eyes looking at @Cupid for a moment before sweeping over everyone else gently.

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Aarani had become a recluse. Healing from the loss of her mates was taking its toll on the woman, and though she did her best to keep her head high, it was obvious there was a dark cloud following her around. Gabriel, Fionn, Oberon, Vine, Dior. Five. Five that had promised to love her and had ended up leaving. It was true and absolute heartbreak that weighed her down. Oftentimes it was only her children that convinced her to leave the den, and even that felt like a punishment of sorts.

So did this meeting.

Aarani approached the small gathering of her cubs silently, offering the expected affection and settling into the ground with a muted sigh.

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The maned lioness had found herself not really engaged with the pride for some time now. A hunt here and there but nothing really meaningful. The promise to join the rainforest she had made with the woman Sangria had been meet even after the lioness’s death, but honestly the rainforest wasn’t the life she had hoped it would be. She didn’t have much of a drive here. It was beautiful yes, but she felt as if maybe there was something better out there for her.

So coming to the meeting she slumbered in and looked apologetic at @Cupid before turning to look at @Roarke. “I wish to leave. Fight for freedom I will if need be.” She stated simply. She wasn’t sure where she would go but maybe she’d try her luck elsewhere.

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Lexa arrives first, to Roarke’s lack of surprise. She’s even more bloated around the middle than before, the size of her litter and her small stature concerning him once again. But now is not the time to comment; he offers her a small nod, the ghost of a smile, and then directs his attention to the others that arrive quickly after that. A few members, a teenager, and the boy Roarke had recently brought in from the desert. Zayn is occupied with a bone, and Roarke doesn’t expect him to pay much attention to the meeting.

The loudmouth girl arrives, demanding to know if they will fight. At that, Roarke does grin. "That’s the plan. Sit and listen." He tells her, unwilling to reveal more until the rest of the pride arrives.

The dragon is sorely disappointed when few others arrive. Cupid is at least among them, taking his place at Lexa’s side, and a few other familiar faces. Largely youth takes up Firnen, apparently. Time to fix that.

The last to arrive is Rose, coming to him immediately and demanding release. He had liked the woman, from their pride hunts together, she had seemed the responsible sort. His lips curl up over his fangs, almost preparing to smack her down for the insolence, but the giant composes himself. "Aye, you can fight me for it, or organise a trade with me into another pride. You have until the end of the meeting to decide. Now go and sit down." He will not have her interrupting his meeting for a beat down. With that, his attention turns to the group gathered before him as a whole.

"I have taken over from Cupid. He is now Firnen’s Barony until he wishes otherwise. He is not to be challenged for the rank. However, all other ranks bar sovereign can be challenged for. This includes heir, but Lexa and I retain the right to deny you, if you do not prove your worth."

"If you have a rank, you’re expected to use it. Claim, challenge, fight. We have no allies as of yet." Things would return to the ways Roarke is most familiar with - winner takes all. "Everyone is expected to hunt, patrol the borders - if you don’t fight, learn to heal or hunt. Everyone is useful."

"Anyone that does not agree with this change is welcome to find a trade into another pride - any pride except Wolfbron. I will not hold prisoners, or slaves, but you will not leave Firnen to dry after it has housed you."

He pauses then, gazed travelling the meeting.

"Any questions?"

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She could have been more elegant about her request to be released from the pride but it was what it was. Ear perked at his words and she dipped her head politely before taking a seat. Honestly she had hoped he would have just told her to get out, almost expected it, but was secretly happy he hadn’t. Was she scared to fight @Roarke? No. She was a proud lioness fighting was in her blood. She was comfortable in the pride but even so it didn’t feel like home. Which was honestly her fault. Being that she wasn’t the most social lioness out there. Perhaps she could find a place in another Pride one willing to trade for her, but she didn’t know anyone who would want her like that. Perhaps she shouldn’t have been hasty and requested leave like she had but there was no taking the ask back. So she would fight for her freedom. Maybe someone wanted rank for lead fighter she could fight with. For now she just sat silently to one side looking at @Cupid for a moment than allowing her eyes to fall on each other face there.

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Oblivious as he was to the goings on around him, the child continued to lounge upon the large grey paw, entertaining himself with his chosen toy of the hour, rumbling small purrs with his 'vicious' mauling of the bone. Tail flickered near his rear, but he was far too interested in what was going on to notice he had one. Such a discovery gone to waste - oh the shame. Zayn stared at the gethered lions with his mismatched gaze, blinking in confusion before he looked up towards @Roarke, a question silent upon his lips.

Who where they? Why were they here? What did that mean for playtime? A frown marred his small face as he glared out at those gathered, unhappy with the fact that they were taking up time he could otherwise have with his father. Go away and let them play!

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Purring with contentment next to her son she was sad to see neither of her daughters nor Sole there at the meeting. She did hope that they where all still around just off exploring somewhere. Some was a big boy she knew he was able to take care of himself, but she worried about Aryana and Mina. Though she worried about all the youth in the pride not just her own.

Listening to @Roarke give his speech she let a soft snarl slip from her lips as he mentioned Wolfbron. Claws digging into the earth her hackles raised thinking back to her last encounter with the pride. With him and how much she loathed it being in the paws of the coward king. Eyes looking at @Tanmay his presents calmed her. Looking at @Cupid she eyed him for a moment than looked at @Namara before she spoke up.

“With the pride having so many youths mayhaps it would be prudent to host some training sessions for hunting and fighting as well?” It was spoken sort of like a question but it was more of a statement. “As well as maybe a run down of herb safety and uses?” That question wasn’t aimed at Roarke but at Namara as she turned her gaze to look at the peach woman once more.

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A tightness had formed in the woman's jaw as she heard another's question answered with promise. Promise of fighting just what they needed. Perhaps her nose would have wrinkled at his demand with one of her own to challenge who he was, but before she could utter a word it was Cupid who spoke into her ear. A blink of surprise was all she had time for before her friend slunk to another's side.

How it should be?

There were several questions now going through her head, but this was something Cupid had approved of apparently. If she had to beat some answers out of him she could do so later, but for now, she would sit and listen just as they all had been told. Others filtered in one by one, @Arjana, in particular, catching her eye. She looked so worn and thin now...how strange for a huntress as skilled as she to look...hungry. It made her feel guilty for eating if she had not been given a fair share, but she would be sure to make it up later by ensuring she had something to eat.

It would be revealed that Roarke was their new king, a throne gladly given up by Cupid, though for what reason still seemed to be a mystery. There had been times where he seemed unsure of his position, sure, but he had been doing fine so far. The rules laid down left something bitter in her mouth, though really they were...fair. Everyone should be useful, but trading freedom into another pride or claiming was something she could only roll her eyes at. Sometimes men were all the same. Well...most men.

Arjana was next to speak, though to her surprise it seemed her suggestion was for her not Roarke. Their eyes met if only briefly, though she would nod. She wasn't sure just how many medics remained in the pride, but anything to prevent a repeat of Wolfbron with her running around like a headless chicken. "That could be arranged for those interested. It's always good to know enough to at least last until a medic can arrive."

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