The feel of level ground beneath paws always left a taste of vertigo as the shifting grains were much different the hearty earth that sprouted grass on the majority of the island. Though he hadn't attended Alaric's challenge for the mire pride land he had heard of it, thus marching forth to congratulate the other man on victory. Ages ago he had met the other lion on the outskirts of the desert pride and they had tussled for the fun of testing each other's mettle. Life had carried two separate directions for the men, leaving a question mark as he'd always intended to re-challenge the other male to another match of strengths. Socializing was not his strong suite, especially maintaining relationships outside of the Azar circle. Now endowed with the Azar name he had the ambition to rightfully catapult the Azar family into a respectable position among the island's life. Such endeavors had proven tricky as he'd lost to Amara of Wolfbron in his pursuit of a proper life for he and his family. Rocky footings with other lions had now bloomed due to action. Allies felt important. @Alaric had come from Andal but that didn't mean he'd maintained a bond with the pride and Rielus was intent on solidifying security for his family. Alliances would prove important even in future times and the new leader of the mire might find that having a friend or two on his side was just as important. Whilst the flat lands to which surrounded the deep chocolate form were in full growth beneath the welcoming rays of the sun there wasn't any interest in the landscape other than which direction marked the road to Ecrosia. Hopefully the new king would appreciate his remembrance of first impressions.

if there was one thing Alaric had learned it was that Amaryllis was very…. Connected. Alliances lay like a net across the lands, and while he recognize the reach of the Sigrun and their many connections he knew, too, the value of personal alliances. Small bonds that grow in the wake of a good fight, much like the one he and @Rielus had had. It was his first impression of this land and it was an impressive one.

Alaric would start small, baby steps, and he knew he would grow from there.

He felt some small measure of guilt for having detached himself so much from the oasis, but he was unsure of where he would stand with the king, now. A conversation for later — for now he had to heal and rest.

He spotted Rielus and moved forward, ears tipped towards the familiar male and a chuff of greeting offered. “Hello old friend,” he rumbled, curious what had brought him so far from the desert.

where innocence burns in flames

i'm frozen to the bones

image by yumpy, code by corvus

Think of the devil and the devil will come. Across the fields he had continued his walk. Most of his wounds were nearly healed from his serious brawl, though scars webbed above his eye and across his back. Trophies of his previous endeavors though only additions to those already there. Movement caught attention, drawn to the sole form that approached. Eventually it was clear that it was Alaric and just the smallest bit of relief flooded his breast as he had worried about retaliation from the bluffs lions for a time. Those that lived on the rocky outcroppings were questionable characters. 'Hello old friend.' Neutral planes remained neutral at the approach of the other. Happy to see the other lion an answering chuff had left his lips. "It's good to see you," he'd greeted in return, "I've heard you've been busy." Brow quirked at this, hoping that Alaric would enlighten him of those accomplishments of recent times.

he was pleased to be well received, settling before the other man with an easy stance. There was no perceived threat, here, and Alaric felt no reason to be on full guard. His ears would swivel from time to time, keeping in touch with their surroundings, but for the most part his focus was entirely on his company.

A low chuckle, at that. “You could say that. And you as well, hmm?” he had not been at the challenge himself, but gossip was… rampant. “I’m sorry for your loss, but next time?” he paused, there, waiting to see if the man had further ambitions for securing a throne of his own.

where innocence burns in flames

i'm frozen to the bones

image by yumpy, code by corvus

Strange how once one angered a group of lions it felt as though constant vigilance was needed. Glacial eyes would flicker to the backdrop occasionally, sometimes ears twitched at the perceived notion of something nearing them. Being out in the open admittedly felt uncomfortable. Nothing to the effect would be announced, though perhaps both males remained noticeably vigilant. News around Amaryllis carried quite far at a rapid pace. Lips remained a thin line as Allaric had spoke. Losing his own challenge remained a sore spot. "I was not too lucky with the lioness who presented herself as the leader of Wolfbron but Andal was already not on great terms with the pride. I've yet to speak with Seneca on the matter." Upon challenging for the pride he'd hoped not to walk away so empty handed. With nothing to show he'd surely be chastised by Seneca. "But I would like to go back. The Azars are on the rise." Spoken as a promise more than a dream he would watch the other man for anything of interest. Friendship was loose here yet and he didn't want Alaric to think he might be seeking a throne beyond Wolfbron.

he remained tight lipped about his own opinions of wolfbron and it’s leader, merely giving a small nod at the conversation. “Have you considered other prides, as well?” He pursed his lips and frowned a little. “There seem to be alliances every way you turn — perhaps we could discuss something more intimate?”

It was a dangerous game he played, and he did his best to navigate it. “I can support you in future endeavours — but I cannot promise to do so if an alliance is brokered before then. Could you keep me informed as to any that you eye up?” Alaric weighed his words carefully, then. “I expect backlash from the Mire, and I am hoping to find support in keeping the position I have fought to win.” Straight to the point as always — yet doing his best to navigate the politics of this new position.

the thunder of the drums, dictates

image by yumpy, code by corvus

Consideration of other prides would have meant having knowledge of other prides. Wolfbron had been a prime choice due to the factors of which they'd made themselves firm enemies of Andal. Outside of the grudge he held for the lions of the bluffs there didn't seem to be other bones to pick. "No, I chose Wolfbron due to their treatment of Andal's cubs. It's a long story." Cubs could be the bane of one's existence he'd learned. Trespassing on Wolfbron hadn't been his plan yet the events had unfolded, only to deteriorate any relationship between the two prides. Suspicion crept into the back of his mind, though he assumed Alaric would seek an alliance with Andal. Ties to Seneca's brood would prevent Rielus from seeking to take over his home pride. "At the moment I've got no eyes on any particular place." Despite the wounds having knit shut there was lingering pain throughout his nerves. Further rest would be needed before he sought further physical ambitions. "But I will let you know. Have you allied with Andal yet? The desert may aid you in keeping your position since you lived there once." Not knowing Seneca well there was no real expectation of the king towards whether or not a past pride member garnered loyalty. "I can at least offer my claws should you need help. I can't promise the other Azars will share my sentiment."

He was curious as to the story, there, though he found it strange that a man might have chosen an enemy based on a spat between cubs. Of course without knowing the full details Alaric would reserve judgement, but would keep in mind that @Rielus had an issue with the Bluffs.

Ugh, politics.

Things were so much simpler at home, and he found himself longing for the distant land for the first time since he had come here. While he was proud of the position he had fought for he loathed this part of it -- this delicate balance of interwoven alliances that rattled his brain.

The oasis would seem like the first choice, naturally, but Alaric knew that Seneca would not support him when he learned of the Rike wife he had taken. It was this deep seeded feud that would very likely be the undoing of him. "I have considered visiting Seneca, but I am hoping to earn my place on my own merit. I would prefer to form my own alliances rather than having to take some only because they are allies of my prior home." Alaric wanted to make his own name, and he knew it was a dangerous line he walked.

"Your help would be appreciated, Rielus -- and I will do what I can to support you in the future." Promises without making promises -- Alaric spoke the truth, but was taking care to not back himself in to any corners.

the thunder of the drums, dictates

image by yumpy, code by corvus

Indeed, he himself was not particular to the politics that overtook the life of a pride leader. Those things were naturally left to Ashelia or Ebrahim. Azars that had been born into the graceful roles of navigating conversations. Out of them all, he was just a man that held the brawn and watchful eye over one of the most important family members. To form some kind of pact with @Alaric didn't feel wrong, but it did hold implications that he was uncertain the family would appreciate, for he was no leader (his failed attempt at the Bluffs showed him as much). Unlike Alaric, Rielus had not versed himself in the dealings between families well. Miroslav was the only surname he knew of importance, if only because Seneca heralded the name. Anyone else outside the Azars were not important to him, though perhaps now Amara's name would forever be etched into his mind. An enemy, someone he could never trust nor find a liking to. Rielus could, however, appreciate Alaric wanting to make a name for himself. It was something he had attempted to do as well. "I can understand that sentiment. I wish you luck in finding those you might call friends." Even he couldn't call Seneca a friend, only the king's daughter held importance to him, someone he held a bond with and emotional ties to. Something that kept him driven to keep a watchful eye on the silver girl. While he appreciated the other lion's extension of support for his own endeavors there was no certainty he would go after a pride again. Ambitions had seemingly faded with the attempt to pry Wolfbron from Amara's claws, solidifying his place in the world by tooth and claw. Now his wife was pregnant and he couldn't do anything that would risk her health, nor his unborn children's lives. "I hope you do not misplace yourself in the rulings of queens and kings, Alaric." From the way the other lion spoke it was possible that he had certain ideas in mind on who Ecrosia Mire would ally with. While he had no real position among politics Andal Oasis was his home, and he hoped that his prior pride mate and friend wouldn't position himself to become enemies with a home Rielus had found security in.

whether or not alaric's silver tongue would serve him well in the coming weeks would remain to be seen. if he could at least secure the mire and earn his future family some safety for a time then he would be content -- if he made a dozen enemies on the way then he would deal with that as it came. alaric was not trying to ruffle feathers, he did not wish to stir the bee's nest wherever he went, but his nature and upbringing had created a man ill-suited to amaryllis' politics.

it would, inevitably, blow up in his face. one day.

for now he considered @Rielus a friend, of sorts. an ally, perhaps, and a man who would help him earn what he felt he had the right to -- a home. the oasis was home for a time, but he had outgrown the place, and for erna he would fight for the damned swamp if he had to. again.

"i will do my best," was his answer, with another wry twist of his lips, "politics has never been my forte." he was not very good at this balancing act, and he sensed that it was only a matter of time before it all came crashing down.

"i must head back, but listen for my call?" alaric had a feeling it would be sooner rather than later, and he was keen to be safe and home when the wolves came to his door. with a friendly tip of his head he turned back towards the mire, hoping that he would never find himself on opposite sides of the Azar.

-exit-

the thunder of the drums, dictates

image by yumpy, code by corvus