Things had settled since the last time she had been here to help support @Alaric keep his crown. Having been called to join the battle by @Zoticus she had been pleased with the outcome for their ally, but the faces they had fought against had been those of important standings and ones she had hoped to have remained friendly with. Life seemed to have other plans. Whatever those they had battled against thought of her now mattered not at the moment. What did matter was why she had come here to the edge of mire land. Head lifting she called out for an audience with a man her husband had struck a deal with. Her goal? To collaborate a joint hunt between the two prides. Why? Because she wanted to see what they were made of and test them in her own way. Plus hunting benefited them both.

code by shelby

alaric did not know @Arjana personally -- she was the mate of his ally, though, and would therefore garner a touch of respect. as much as could be earned by a female at least.

already he was growing used to the summons at his borders, though it was the part of being a king that he least enjoyed. perhaps that was just the exhaustion that had sunk in to his bones, though. the last weeks had been a whirlwind of activity, what with his successful challenge, gathering allies, and then facing an uprising. the wheat king was certain it wasn't over yet, but he did his best not to think on it too much.

if he was a bit grumpy when he showed his face, well, hopefully she didn't take it too personally. alaric gave a simple chuff of greeting, before pausing to hear what it was she came for.

THE THUNDER OF THE DRUMS

table by sentinel / art

With all that has happened in what seemed like just a few short weeks Arjana couldn’t and wouldn’t hold @Alaric in ill contempt if he got short with her. Nor did she plan to take up too much of either of their time. Honestly if he had a Sovereign at the mire she would have reached out to them instead. Why? Well the way she felt at least in the rainforest was that she took care of the hunting side of pride and Zoticus took care of the more fighting part. She wasn’t sure how Alaric felt things should be run but meh.

Hearing the simple greeting she dipped her head to him. He was quite the handsome fellow. “Greetings. We have yet to properly be introduced. I am Arjana Huntsong. Zoticus’s mate and Sovereign. I have came to check on how you are faring in the aftermath of your victory.” She spoke calmly and with pose. Sure she had come to mostly speak about a joint hunt between allies, but there was no foul in checking up on allies either.

code by shelby

though he knew who she was he was expecting a proper introduction, and is not surprised when one is given. "a pleasure to finally meet you properly, @Arjana," because he could be charming even when he was foul-tempered and exhausted. even if alaric had little patience for politics he knew how to smooth talk, and his silver tongue had gotten him out of trouble more than once. after all, here he was with an alliance already nestled on to his belt.

"i am as well as could be expected -- my wife has given birth to three healthy cubs, and my pride is slowly growing. i hope the rainforest is faring just as well?" alaric knew there would be more trouble to come his way -- he had heard the threats and the anger even after he had held off the uprising -- but he tried not to concern himself with the future.

THE THUNDER OF THE DRUMS

table by sentinel / art

Settling in and finding a groove could be rather expensive on one’s energy plus he was in no doubt a busy man. That much Arjana was sure about seeing as that was the same for Zoticus and he had help. Therefore she didn’t expect to hold up too much of @Alaric ‘s time. Giving a polite greeting and a bit of small talk of course to be polite she gave a smile. “I am glad to hear it and congratulations. If she should need herbs for healing for her labor or birthing please allow me to offer a paw. I am skilled as a nursemaid.” She offered her skills elude of a medic because the rainforest no longer had one other than the small knowledge Aryana had and she didn’t know if his pride had one either.

“On that note I shall keep my reason for this visit short. I have came to invite you and your pride to a joint pride hunt in the jungle that runs between both our prides.” Speaking clearly and calmly she was to the point as to what she wanted and where it would take place.

code by shelby

"I appreciate that," he was quick to respond, "very much. She seems well -- as do they -- but I will let you know if anything changes." He could easily send for her assistance, a benefit to the closeness of their two prides.

With that thought she spoke of fostering the relationship between them, and he found no reason to disagree. "That would be an excellent thing," he agreed, "it seems our cache's empty faster than we can fill them." Alaric would host a hunt of his own in the pride soon enough, but a group hunt was a good idea for more reasons than one. "It would be good to foster the relationships between us, too."

@Arjana

THE THUNDER OF THE DRUMS

table by sentinel / art

Not having nor being a true medic was a hinderance, but knowing some knowledge of herbs had been important to her. Having learned what was good and bad for mothers and cubs had helped the orange faced lady out greatly over her years. She should probably seek a true medic out for the pride soon though as once upon a time fight club was a thing Zoticus was leading with the bluffs. If the rainforest would become fight club two point’o well she didn’t know. It was a matter for later and she tucked it into the back of her mind. Hearing @Alaric speak she nodded. A leader after her own heart he seemed so far. Someone who didn’t beat around the bush with honey dripping words.

“With both prides reforming under new kings I find hunting an interesting way to figure out where bonds are lacking.” She commented. Hinting that watching others during a hunt could show who is a team player for their pride and who is really just pushing boundaries within the young leadership. Trust is earned and it is only natural for one to see how much a new leader will allow their members to get away with. “I do hope this relationship to grow. Though perhaps in the future once you’ve had more time to settle your ranks these hunts shall be decided between Sovereigns or even with lead hunters.” It was spoken calmly and no malice towards him. Surely he would understand her desire to not feel as if she was taking up his time. She was sort of asking if he had anyone in mind for a Queen yes, but didn’t wish to pry outright.

code by shelby

there was a lot to take care of when a pride was new, but this part was the part he did not like. the tedious conversations, as if any of this really mattered to him. as important as alliances were he had little patience for them -- likely because he had never had to deal with things like this back home.

"i never considered watching hunts to study the pride," he admitted, though it was an interesting through. being a hunter himself he was often out there leading them, or at least playing a key role.

as for the future -- "time will tell." a sly twist of his lips, aware that she was perhaps digging for more information but not being able to help with that. alaric had no plans for the future, not yet.

THE THUNDER OF THE DRUMS

table by sentinel / art

Being done with giving him her invitation for the joint hunt she was feeling a bit bored. This talk of hunting has made her want to go hunting. So much she was feeling it in her toes. Keeping calm she focused on listening to him and nodded. “The way one hunts says a lot about them.” Her words left her lips smoothly but she was simply making a comment for him to think on. Was she expecting him to answer back with a full conversation? No.

Hearing his answer about time will tell well she took that as her cue to stop pushing her welcome. Giving a smile she nodded her head. “Yes of course. Well thank you for sharing a few moments of your time. I won’t keep you any longer and will call in a few days.” Dipping her head she politely excused herself. Turning from @Alaric and the borders of the mire she made her way off towards the jungle to go on that solo hunt she was now itching for.

-exit-

code by shelby

@Arjana seemed to grow as bored with the conversation as he was, or at least she was antsy to leave. Alaric did not seek to draw out the talk, only nodding when she commented on hunting. It was something he agreed with, and he made a mental note to pay closer attention when the pride next came together.

"I shall look forward to it," he did say as they parted ways, another nod of farewell as the Rainforest leader turned away from the swamp. With little else to consume his time at the moment he aligned himself with the border, heading south to refresh the scent markers before he returned to his den.

-exit-

THE THUNDER OF THE DRUMS

table by sentinel / art