If these damn waves dared to spray him in the face one more time, then so help him, he was going to...!

Splash.

Hmmm, now that was something of a conundrum actually. How would one go about setting the ocean on fire? Rainer would have to spend some time thinking that one over. Would probably solve a good chunk of his family's problems if he managed it, honestly.

Ugh, but for now, all he could do was wrinkle his nose at the overbearing smell of salt water and pick up the pace, snowy paws cutting through the sand at a rapid trot, eager to trade the choppy waves and greying skies all around him for the open land he could see ahead. Whatever was to be found on this island better be worth the trouble. Maybe he shouldn't have cut ahead on his own, after all - if his brothers were here, at least he'd have someone to complain to. Would be less boring that way.

But there we go, his paws were finally back on sweet, solid earth once more. If only he were a more affectionate man, he might truly kiss the ground at his feet. Instead, his attention is drawn by the flood of scents that permeate this entryway, the first clue Rainer has that he might not be left alone here for long if he wasn't quick about things. But why skip out on such excitement? Doesn't he deserve a grand entrance, after all he's endured? It would improve his mood nicely.

With a low hum, the Rike male would settle himself comfortably atop a flat stone that bore the luxury of being in one of the last patches of sunlight not yet covered by the darkening clouds, stealing a little bit of warmth to dry the dampness crusting his thick fur while he waited. (Still closer to the water than he would like, mind you, but at least he's avoiding the spray.) His own stormy expression smoothed out into something more relaxed, a little warmer and more open. The image of a perfectly chill young man lounging by the beach.

It's a mask he's used to wearing.

+5 Sunbathe or take a nap

Show me the fear under your skin

Life is a game, are you gonna play now? Should I run away? Are you gonna stay now? Who can you trust? Are you one of us? Tell me where you got your gun. Tell me whose side are you on. Line 'em up and tell them run. Light 'em up now one by one. Are we the hunters? Are we the hunted? Are we the monsters? Show me the fear under your skin.

code by corvus

Was this the first time he'd ever been out here? Actually...now that he thought about it, he'd entirely bypassed the area when he'd originally arrived, and he'd never bothered to do any actual recruiting for the bluffs. So yeah, it was the very first time he'd set foot on the sands of the passage. Felt fitting that it was as a king.

After the disaster of a meeting, and losing the entirety of the pride, he'd briefly considered just holding the territory, empty, as some kind of taunt. But that was boring. He'd decided it was far better to build it up better than before as a sort of 'fuck you' to whoever might be rooting for his downfall.

Which brought him, finally, to the passage, and the grey lump ahead that quickly became recognizable as a lion. "Hey," he called out as he neared, slowing to a halt a comfortable distance from the stranger, "you new here?" Or someone who'd lived in Amaryllis a while and just liked to lounge by the beach? The latter seemed less likely; the passage was more a place for newcomers to filter in than for rogue residents to just...chill, unless they were in the market for a new home. If the guy wasn't looking for a pride, Ryker would move on and not waste more time.

@Rainer

I'm a friend of the devil I'm a dangerous rebel

Fighting my way through the sins of the street I'm feeling psycho, psycho Where did my mind go? Biting my tongue and I'm loading my gun Back to the wind, better run, better run I'm feeling crazy, crazy Go 'head and make me It's the life that I can't escape, can't walk away There's blood in the ocean And I'm losing focus I'm a friend of the devil I'm a dangerous rebel

code by corvus

Ah, and here they come. Or well, here he comes, singular. A bit of an underwhelming welcome, perhaps, but Rainer supposes he couldn't complain. Much. Anything was better than being left with only the company of the salty sea air for an eternity.

The Rike male remained seated in the rare sunny patch he'd claimed for himself, leisurely licking out the sand caught between his toes while he subtly watched @Ryker's approach out of the corner of his eye. Such an odd-looking man - Rainer couldn't imagine having to live with such a sorry excuse of a mane as that one, more like a zebra's than a lion's.

Only after the other male spoke would Rainer acknowledge his presence, turning his pale blue eyes fully towards the stranger with a charming half-smile. Another one of his well-practiced expressions. "Hmm, yes, I suppose you could put it that way." He answers, the thick tones of a German accent spilling out into the open air. "I could also regale you for hours with stories about the frosty mountain ranges I've traversed, the grand rivers I've forded, and the damn ocean I had to cross to get here," He jerked his head toward the sandbar behind him for emphasis "...But I don't feel like it." How lucky for you.

"However, maybe you could help me, stranger, by informing me of exactly where I've arrived?" This island better be the right place, because there was no way in hell he was going to walk back through those waves so soon. Either he had family here or he didn't - if searching proved that the latter was true, well. Maybe he could send someone else to let the others back home know he'd tried. Rainer himself is no longer in the mood for mountain-traversing and river-fording.

Show me the fear under your skin

Life is a game, are you gonna play now? Should I run away? Are you gonna stay now? Who can you trust? Are you one of us? Tell me where you got your gun. Tell me whose side are you on. Line 'em up and tell them run. Light 'em up now one by one. Are we the hunters? Are we the hunted? Are we the monsters? Show me the fear under your skin.

code by corvus

Sure enough, he seemed to be a newcomer, and Ryker's ears twitched forward briefly at the accent. Interesting. As the stranger spoke, a small smirk formed. He didn't feel like telling stories? That was just fine. "And I don't really care." It didn't matter much to him if the guy had explored every last inch of the world.

Considering the other man seemed to be lounging rather comfortably, Ryker saw no issue with reclining to sit while they chatted. "You're in Amaryllis. Specifically the main entryway where pride representatives come to badger rogues to join their group." Of which he was one. Possibly of many, but it seemed fairly empty at the moment. Not that he ever really complained about a little private time with a pretty face. "Soooo, yeah, you lookin' for a pride?" As was his habit, he maintained a casual air, a sort of relaxed confidence only recently enhanced by having a territory of his own, at least for a little while.

@Rainer

I'm a friend of the devil I'm a dangerous rebel

Fighting my way through the sins of the street I'm feeling psycho, psycho Where did my mind go? Biting my tongue and I'm loading my gun Back to the wind, better run, better run I'm feeling crazy, crazy Go 'head and make me It's the life that I can't escape, can't walk away There's blood in the ocean And I'm losing focus I'm a friend of the devil I'm a dangerous rebel

code by corvus

MARKUS RIKE

---

The merle male had hung behind his brother @Rainer, observing his determination to cross the watery banks into the new land that lay before them. He could not fault his determination, but his brashness of rushing into something was much more... annoying. His fire-like eyes observe the darker figure of his brother as he seems to freely cross into Amaryllis, and eventually perching himself atop of a flat stone that seemed to be the perfect basking space.

Markus hadn't been as keen as his younger brother to jump into the limelight and reveal his presence to the strangers of Amaryllis. He much preferred to simply observe in silence before making himself known to the likes of @Ryker, who had been the only lion to approach his idiot brother in a bid to recruit him. Naturally, Markus was suspicious of all strangers that did not affiliate themselves with the Rike, and this black male was no different. Remaining in the shadows, the elder brother simply watched, craining his ears forward to listen to the words that fell from the mouths of his brother and the stranger that had joined them.

It was in fact the awkwardness of Ryker that drew the colossal male out from his hiding place, and the merle man made his way to stand alongside his brother's rock. What's it to you if we are? He asks with a harsh tone littering his voice, eyes studying the man carefully as his muscles twitched underneath his glossy skin. Who are you? Markus eyes, evidently suspicious compared to his more relaxed brother.

@Corvus ★

It was need that drew him back to the passage. Need for more bodies, more teeth, more claws. Healers and hunters as much as fighters, but Alaric was not picky. There were many cubs within the pride, and he was beginning to worry they might start to outnumber the adults.

That, he mused, just would not do.

The sight of two strong males was enough to draw his interest, unbothered that he was not the first to find them. The fact that the newly crowned Oasis King was the only other face present was encouraging -- he liked two to one odds better than four to one, after all.

"Hallo," he greeted, noting immediately the thick accents of the males, reminded of his late wife and his lead fighter. "Alaric Starke, of Ecrosia Mire." An introduction, enough words to let them hear the same accent that marked his voice.

"Are you looking for anybody in particular?" A gleam of interest in those vivid green eyes, wondering if his suspicions might prove to be correct. Though if they were he highly doubted they would be quick to divulge; if anything they would be all the more secretive.

coding and art by dusk

Seemed that the mohawked man wasn't much of a curious type, was he? Ah well, that was just as well, all things considered. Even if Rainer does feel just the slightest bit offended, contradictory though it may be.

@Ryker makes up for it in record time, however, by giving the Rike precisely the information that he wants to hear. So, this is Amaryllis, indeed. The stranger also explains the custom of this land, the purpose of this little gateway that carried so many different scents. It makes an odd sort of sense, Rainer supposes, for a pride to bolster their numbers in such a way. If it worked, it worked.

Yet before Rainer can offer an opinion as to whether or not he would want to be one such number, @Markus finally worms his way out of the woodwork like a big, grumpy shadow, all gruff words and furrowed brows. In the space it takes for piebald male to shoot his darker brother a narrow-eyed, exasperated look that reads half 'Oh, so now you show up to keep me company' and half 'Must you always be so dreary?', another unknown male arrives on the scene.

@Alaric and the thick tones of a matching accent that color his voice, partnered with the strangely knowing gleam in his eyes, are quick to snag the Rike's attention, icy blue gaze subtly sharpening as he turned it upon the wheat-furred man. Rainer would speak to both Kings after an exaggerated clearing of his throat - because clearly Markus wasn't going to be the one to do it. Not well, by his own estimation.

"Ah, don't mind my brother. He's been snapping at shadows since he was a cub." A sharp smirk is sent Markus's way with the rib, a hint of cruelty unveiled only to him. It's not that he thinks his brother is wrong to be suspicious. He just doesn't understand that it's more fun to play along. To pretend, for just a moment, that they are civilized creatures, before revealing the merciless beasts within as a bloody surprise. "You could say that we've come here for...a purpose, of sorts. It may be that joining a pride could help us find what we seek. It depends on what you have to offer." He drawled out, icy gaze sliding from one King to the other and back again. "Sag es uns, König," The outermost layer of his casual demeanor falls away, eyes affixing to Alaric with a spark of intensity. "Kennst du andere, die diese Zunge sprechen?" A test and a gamble for information, all in one.

Show me the fear under your skin

Life is a game, are you gonna play now? Should I run away? Are you gonna stay now? Who can you trust? Are you one of us? Tell me where you got your gun. Tell me whose side are you on. Line 'em up and tell them run. Light 'em up now one by one. Are we the hunters? Are we the hunted? Are we the monsters? Show me the fear under your skin.

code by corvus

Gaze flicked to the larger man that emerged, seemingly from nowhere - which was impressive, considering his size and color. "Well," he shrugged one shoulder, unintimidated by the tone and stature of the new stranger, "you are in the local recruiting ground, and I happen to be ruler of a local pride." It was tempting to let the man stew, let him wonder, but he really didn't care to spend any more time than absolute necessary in the passage, so. "Ryker Dantanian, current High Sovereign of Andal Oasis, just that way," a nod over his shoulder followed, in the general direction of the oasis.

Which gave him plenty of time to spot the pale figure of @Alaric arriving. Hm. He probably needed to visit the mire at some point. Weren't they allies to the bluffs? Maybe they'd extend the same to Andal now that he'd ousted Seneca. Ryker wasn't actually aware if the mire'd had any connections to the oasis beforehand.

He remained silent as Alaric spoke his piece, then pointed ears flicked forward in interest. Whatever their mysterious 'purpose', Ryker imagined that all that could come of it was entertainment for him, at the worst. The foreign words were strange to his ears, no flicker of recognition in his expression, but his smirk returned, lighter than before. He had something to offer that, he hoped, might lure them to his group. "My offer comes with a certain amount of freedom, and the opportunity for power. I'd be happy to discuss both on the way back, if you decide to give Andal a shot." But he wouldn't detail his laws and expectations out in the open.

@Rainer @Markus

I'm a friend of the devil I'm a dangerous rebel

Fighting my way through the sins of the street I'm feeling psycho, psycho Where did my mind go? Biting my tongue and I'm loading my gun Back to the wind, better run, better run I'm feeling crazy, crazy Go 'head and make me It's the life that I can't escape, can't walk away There's blood in the ocean And I'm losing focus I'm a friend of the devil I'm a dangerous rebel

code by corvus

MARKUS RIKE

---

Markus stands by his brother's side and waits for @Ryker to answer, but before they could get the information they required, another entered. Eyes turn to @Alaric as he stands before them, tall and confident. Mismatched eyes narrow as he studies the scarred man, intrigue building. Alaric Starke, Markus repeats, taking a step closer to the Mire King. You are a veteran of battle? He asks, noting the myriad of scars that seemed to litter his body.

But before he could ask any more, @Rainer speaks up. He looks to his younger brother and raises a single brow, curious to know what the purpose was that he spoke of. Perhaps they had different ambitions, but whatever it was, Markus would be there to pick up the pieces. Ich bezweifle, dass er unsere Sprache spricht. Markus comments, before falling silent.

Ryker. What can you tell us about this place? What does your pride stand for? He asks, before turning to Alaric. Same to you. What can you tell us, and what does your pride stand for?

Alaric found he rather liked this game.

@Rainer pulls his attention first, but Alaric does not immediately speak up. He lets @Ryker speak first, and it is only when the language of his homeland reaches his ears that he becomes doubly interested.

@Markus's retort amuses him, a wicked grin bounced between the two males. "Das tut er, sogar ziemlich gut." He does, quite well in fact. For a second his mind is elsewhere, remembering the surprise on his late wife's face when he had first spoken their shared tongue. It is not so surprising that he thinks of her now, when faced with two that he suspects might be of her blood.

More Rike, if his suspicions were correct -- Adalwolf would be pleased. "Es gibt andere, von denen die meisten in meinem Stolz leben." there are others, most of whom live in my pride. It was a stretch to say most, but he figured that they might be interested in meeting the newly crowned Jarl if they were who he suspected.

For the sake of the Andal King he switches back to the common tongue. "Ecrosia Mire values ambition. Come and fight for what you want; all I ask is that while you stay you fight, too, for the pride." Fight and hunt, but he didn't feel the need to specify.

coding and art by dusk