As sudden as sunlight had drenched the land, so quick was she to take it from it, leaving nothing but shadow and winter bones behind in her receding wake. It made no difference to him, as he much preferred the indulgence of the night. The wind stung at him with numbing cold, threading its slender fingers like blades through thickened fur, but he barely felt the chill upon his heated skin. Rime was nothing new to him after having nearly spent the entirety of his life within it; little to stir over and fitting for the purpose at hand. It would mean less of those who could not withstand it, and only those who were strong enough would be left to undertake such brutal elements. If he were fortunate, however. Dark, golden eyes narrowed warily in their sockets, scanning the surroundings ahead as his hardened frame sauntered on ahead, sinew rippling vibrantly like coiling serpents under swarthern hide. The scent of others hung like heavy perfume upon the air, some more recent and pungent that made him tense with caution as his steps drew further along the bridge. It was difficult to know what he would encounter here, perhaps far more than he bargained for. Yet, there was no familiarity of the highland mark etched deep from what he could tell, and truly it was all that mattered to the young Ruane. He had left that far behind, and that was how he wanted it to stay; permanent and forgotten without any hope of resurrection. He had had enough of his fill with following someone who did not deserve his integrity and fortitude.

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Violarum Frei

The fleshy wounds from his pride challenge had sealed over, leaving bare skin, most attempting to regrow, others sure to scar. His leg however, even with the splint now removed, was not it's self. It was weakened, the muscle in his forearm needing time to develop. It is evident in his stride, yet he does his best to conceal it upon approach of the teenage boy.

"Want a home?" he asks, matter-of-fact, his muscles somewhat tense beneath the chill of the night sky. The yearling seemed strong enough, a worth while pursuit, though he could only see the basics. "Ecrosia Mire will have you, we are strong, good number, some yearlings like you," Violarum came to stand nearby, somewhat lazily, looking expectantly at the panda-eyed lion.

@Sebastian

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It didn't take long for him to find himself company, and the boy slid languidly to a stop at the immediate approach of the other male, chilling gaze shifting coolly to meet @Violarum's own. He knew it would only be a matter of time with the way this land was soaked to the brim in perfumed spice, and underneath his apathy, a faint gleam of curiosity had sparked out of the embers of a dying fire as to the purpose of this encounter rather than that of hostility. Though muscles still remained coiled with tension, Sebastian knew from a single sweep of a glance that this man was not of the highland. There was no familiar mark upon his shoulder that would betray identity of clan as he knew it, and as the man started to speak his proposal, certainty was had. While it could be watered down, the accent could not disappear entirely. Aye, things were already beginning to look up.

A home had not been on his agenda, he would admit, but as he allowed Violarum to continue his bid, it was at the forefront of his mind more than he cared to allow it breath. He had nothing at the moment in a strange land, and here was someone giving him opportunity to rise above a mere rogue. Not many would be so inviting, especially given his numbers appeared healthy. Yet, he was not so easily swayed into decision, pale lips curving faint into the ghost of a devilish smile. It wasn't so black and white as the earthen hued king made it seem. "Tempting, truly." The deep brogue of his voice answered gruffly, a pause given before the entirety of Scots rolled off his tongue. "But whit else daes yer mire have tae offer?"

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Violarum Frei

It is not until Violarum is standing before the youngster, with the male's full attention that he realizes his size. Of course, he is still a baby with a lot of growing to do, and yet compared to most teenagers he looked particularly large. That was good. Big boys fight good, yeah?

He's a cool enough sort, down to earth perhaps, the kind that Violarum could ease into knowing quite happily. He is not quick to answer the boy's question however, pondering it with a quiet look of discontent - never really pleased when he had to think all too hard. "Friends, beds, food, fighting, mud... girls?" he shrugs then, not sure what he wanted to hear.

"Depends what you put in I guess." That felt like a wise statement.

@Sebastian

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talitha did not like being out here after dark. the shadows always seemed too long and too dark, especially here in winter. it seems like a slog to come all the way out to the passage on nights like tonight, but it is worth it. it is, even though her toes and nose seem frozen solid. she isn't the only one who's come out to the passage tonight, though — up ahead there are two males. their shapes stark against the passage's sands; one smells like the island itself but the other one, not so much. @Sebastian is tall, even taller than mordecai, but there is no hesitance as she steps forward.

tufted ears tip forward as she chuffs out, intent on joining them. i'm sorry to interrupt! she says with a cutesy little grin once she's close enough — on anyone else it might come across as condescending, or worse, disingenuous. but on talitha's delicate little face she truly does look sorry — but she butts in regardless. but — if you need a place to stay, might i offer firnen rainforest? she says, little bobbed tail twitching behind her.

my name is talitha caelinus, and firnen is mine. she says, a soft smile tipping her lips — looking between both of them. an offer extended to both of them, should either of them want to listen. she does not know @Violarum by name but recognizes him from his fight for andal, but the rainforest would take any in need. and it could be yours, too, if you'd like.

it was a haven, and there was a couch there with his name on it, if he so wanted.

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The fighting bit was what interested him most out of it all, his attention drawn back to @Violarum with renewed regard. Combat had been as much apart of him as a heartbeat, and from the moment his eyes were open, his father had taught him everything he knew about it. The highland country was vicious and unforgiving, much as it's people, and it was a necessity to know how to skirmish if that particular situation came along. Many of the neighboring clans were war bands, and could easily be swayed to take what they wanted when weakness presented itself. He wondered if the same could be said of these lands, of the very home Violarum was trying to offer him within the Mire. Enemies were a given anywhere, but it did well to know them as close as one's own pridemates. Bastian was on the verge of presenting another question when the abrupt interruption of the woman turned him from it, yellow eyes focusing intently @Talitha in silent bemusement. He had never seen someone of such small stature before, not even those he met in passing after he ran away from home. His own kin had been large and formidable, even the women did not lack in size; and she held the weight of a crown.

He would not show nor tell her that he was slightly impressed, his features kept as rigid and cold as stone. She was more than aware of what she had overcome, of what triumph she had tasted, and did not need his mere acknowledgement of the fact. He could see the confidence she exuded as plain as day, much like the man beside him as they presented their home open to the yearling if he so desired it. "Ye baith hae considerable offers." He began, tilting his head to the side to focus upon the smiling features of the Firnen queen. "What might your forest have that his mire does not?"

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Fortunately for her, the rogue did not seem too upset with her butting in. Up close like this, she can see the boyish shine to his features. He looks to be even younger than Elke, and idly she wonders if the two might get along. Still, his youth is not a bad thing! Her smile widens to see it, tufted ears twitching as she relaxes -- though perks up immensely at his question. It was fair -- why would he pick one over the other? It was a big decision, talitha knew, and she hopes to help him make the best decision possible.

I am sure the mire is a wonderful place! She murmurs, looking to Vio with a smile. She hasn't heard much of it, and is blissfully unawares of the war that transpired there ( bc lol timelines ); still, she thinks every place is wonderful and would not dare to slander this man's pride. I am biased towards Firnen, though, she admits as her voice drops -- a glint of mischief in her eyes as if it was a well-kept secret finally laid bare.

I rule the rainforest with my mate, mordecai. There are only a few of us at the moment, she begins -- her gaze turning back towards the rogue. She couldn't possibly name the differences between firnen and the mire since she didn't know the similarities, but she could tell him this. But we hope to be a place for everyone to come and learn and live. A family, a haven, for all those who need it. She finishes with a smile -- looking curiously between the two. He is new to the island and seems to be alone. Was it by choice? Talitha has found that even the crabbiest of hermits still like being around others.

Everyone needs a family, after all.

And she could be his.

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Violarum Frei

He had seen her fight; her victory earnt through being slippery, small and fast. Still, he cannot help the wild fixation of his eyes upon her fluffy form; wondering how on earth, this diminutive, happy little soul had so managed to beat Violarum to a throne. She was hardly the making of a King, or a queen at that.

Still, despite a subtle jealousy of her standing, he cannot deny the odd curiosity that comes with her uniqueness. "Violarum, Sovereign of The Mire," he offers plainly to @Talitha, crimson gaze pulling from the vibrant woman back to the young male. His ears perk, expression expecting - what will it be?

@Sebastian

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Amara wandered around trying to see if she could find some others to join her pride and fill out her numbers. She was always on the lookout for members who could end up being more and enter her inner circle. It was unlikely she would find someone of that level so she would settle for someone who could fight. She came upon a small gathering and decided to join it. Seemed like things were still just getting started so hopefully, she would still stand a chance. Her golden gaze looked over the yearling. He looked like he could be a good fighter, his size reminded her of a certain someone, and was young enough that he could still be shaped into something useful. If you are looking for a stable pride with strength. Mine is just that. She glanced at the others. Amara. High Sovereign of the Bluffs. We have wars and are always looking for those who can carry their weight. Amara didn't sugarcoat shit. If that wasn't the life he wanted, at least she would leave with everyone know that she knew her own strength. the lost art of murder

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Which, oh which, should he choose. The question turned restlessly over and over in his mind, his eyes slipping between the two sovereigns in the manner of feline clockwork. He too was feeling the edge beginning to consume him, that he had stayed in one place much too long, and that it should have been settled many minutes ago. Though, that was the thing about Bastian, he never desired to be so hasty. A home in a strange land was certainly nothing of the sort to be in a hurry over, but a valuable asset to start from and only further ambition on down the line. There was strength in both these lands that could very well be key, even if Firnen did not have the numbers that the Mire did yet. @Violarum and @Talitha were both considerable choices, and it was only making it more difficult a thing to sort between them, but he had in the end. He had made up his mind, or so he thought.

Yet, it would seem the decision would deepen as another would approach, introducing herself as the lead of the Bluffs, and his attention would be swayed in her direction as her words rose in offering. War. The familiarity of the word struck him, resonating a chord deep inside that he thought he had severed. His old homeland had been well versed in such things, unrest a constant among the clans with little to no peace. From what he had witnessed so far from the other two, it did not seem as if their prides were in any kind of strife or anything that demanded warriors. What had @Amara entangled herself into, and why did he find such a pull on it to know? Or was it that he desired the havoc he had known all his life? His impassive gaze was heavy as it glanced back towards the other leaders before it refocused upon the flecked sovereign, watchful and cold. "Then perhaps, what I seek is in the Bluffs." And there it was at long last, his answer to them all. He would turn to give a nod to both Violarum and Talitha, an acknowledgement of appreciation given to their offering before his solemn attention was given to Amara once more. Show me your war.

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