So her dreams of a beachside pride to get away to with her brother at the helm were dashed, for now. That did not mean Deirdre couldn't still get herself down to the shore and all of its glory. The refreshing crash of waves, the warming air from the south, and a bit of greyness in the sky made today perfect for lounging around. And as she left she gave a good prod to her brother @Ronin. Hopefully he and his body would feel up to a day away from everything. Just the two of them for a bit. Deirdre had underestimated just how much baggage she'd find here with her bro's name written all over it. It was not frightening, but would require ensuring he got some TLC away from it.

With an antelope leg in tow Deirdre walked across the dark dunes towards an area of sand still yet dry. Low tide kept the ocean at bay and would buy time to lay around in the pale, weak sunlight from beyond the clouds.

Her prod would be answered with a grunt. Huffing softly as he watched his sibling wander off after nudging him awake. Clearly she wanted him to follow and so with a quiet grunt he would haul his heavy mass to his feet and begin to follow in silence. Curiosity would take hold as they wandered further and further from the plains, the torn warmonger keeping stride, but barely. He was stiff from another restful night of not having to watch his back, he’d need to seek out a healer again soon if he didn’t start moving around again. Fortunately @Deirdre was taking care of that by dragging him halfway across Amaryllis (okay maybe that was an exaggeration but it certainly felt like it was that far).

Ronin was about to protest, to tell her he was going to stop right there at the edge of the blackened shore but her path would change, turning towards a rise where the sand was still dry. Ronin would sigh again, following along until they got to the rise, then he would plop down with a huff. Lounging on his side to soak up the extra warmth of the sand and what little rays of sunshine he could gather. “So why all the way out here?” He would ask with a huff as he stretched his legs, hoping to push against his sister teasingly.

Deirdre was both merciless and worried when it came to her brother's healing body. She wanted to believe this wasn't a hard trek for him to make. Of course he could handle a leisurely stroll right? Her own refusal to see him as weakened or lesser kept her going, grinning back at him as they arrived upon the beach. Like she saw some great treasure ahead of them wild and wide was her grin. You don't see many beaches in the plains do you? Where else are we having our- She used the momentum made by his push to leap forwards, chasing after the waves and then jaunting back up the surf towards him without letting the water touch her.

She spread her forelimbs and lowered her stance just a bit. -first ever Svend beach day! Ta-da. She extravagantly leapt to the side to reveal... the beach. Same as before. Back to his side she would return to lay nestled near, relegating some kindness she avoided laying on him. I thought you could use a change of scenery, and some company.

Really, the warmonger expected nothing less from his sibling as she dragged him to the sandy beach. He knew she cared about his well-being, he’d caught more than one worried glance coming from her while he recouped in the plains and wandered to and from the pit and more scraps. It was almost as if he refused to allow himself to fully heal. He could understand why that would be worrisome to his dear sister. She’d answer his question in part, before using his push to jump at the waves before dancing back- untouched by the water. Ronin had no intention of trying that, he was far too stiff and sore. Instead, he would merely watch as she had fun.

Brown would raise as she called it their first Svend Beach Day. They were short a few Svend if they were going to make this an annual party but he would chuckle regardless. Amused by her enthusiasm as she gestured to the beach. “As long as I can just lay here.” He grinned, rolling onto his back to emphasize his laziness in the moment. She would also explain he could use the change of scenery and company and he would smile slightly, yes he wanted a reminder that he’d lost the beach front home he’d fought for. He knew she didn’t mean it that way though, she was merciless but she wasn’t a bitch- not to him.

“I’m sorry I lost…” he would rumble quietly, frowning. He didn’t like that he had let her down, let himself down.

Deirdre rumbles with a content sound down in her chest and she leaned over to begin to groom at her brother's mane and around his ears. Wherever she can reach gets a few good grooming licks and attention. Laying around sounds perfect. He'd done plenty of it lately but if he wanted more then more he'd get.

His deep whispered rumbles give her pause. She leans away a little so she can get a good look at his face, try to catch his eyes. Ronin- She says soft and then leans her nose gently against him for a soft, reassuring nuzzle. Her voice is much more serious than before with all the proclamations of beach day and casual pleasantries. Can't lose what we didn't have to begin with. Deirdre pointed out. Neither was really worse off (in the big picture) than before he'd tried for the Lagoon. His wounds, the physical at least, would heal in time as wounds always did. Hopefully his mind and confidence too would mend- she wasn't a trained healer but maybe those were the ones she could help with? The only way you can let me down is if you stop trying. For a pride, for his family, for anything. Giving up was the only way to truly lose. And if they didn't take this opportunity to piss on the beach before they left. That would also be a loss.

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It wasn’t often that he allowed anyone to groom him, but with his body still aching and still healing he would let his sister do as she pleased. Her agreement would cause him to chuckle, at least she agreed on that much. He’d done plenty of laying around, it was true, but his body craved that rest after all the fights he had been in- in addition to the challenge. Good. He would chime in, content to just lounge around on the sand.

She would lean away at his apology, trying to catch his gaze. Ronin would force his gaze up to find her own, her soft tones saying his name would have his ears fall back, he didn’t want pity or for her to be sad for him, only for her to understand that he was sorry he had failed. She would brush her nose against him in a reassuring nuzzle, but this time, Ronin would pull back, rejecting the affection. Her next words would cause him to snort softly. I know you don’t like the Plains. He looked at her pointedly, she was there because he had said it was a good idea to be in the pride. She trusted him, but he had still failed.

He would shake his head, I don’t plan to stop trying, little sis. He would assure her, but he could not deny that he was tired of it all. He’d forgotten how draining Amaryllis could be with its constant conflict and wars. Even for a warmonger who lived for the fight, he found it taxing on his mind and spirit. The conflict with his ex-wife was an entirely different emotionally draining thing going on as well. Ive been…testing the Mire’s soldiers, little by little. Some have taken notice. He would comment with a slight mischievous smirk. He was sure she would understand, especially after being there for his fight with Adalwolf and learning of why that fight had even happened in the first place.

@Deirdre

Dee shook her head a little to the idea that she dislikes the Plains. Not entirely true. But I'll drop them all in a heart beat if you want to go somewhere else too. She had just as little like of the Plains as she did dislike..except for one thing that worried her, picked at her brain from time to time. I don't like how complicated it makes your life though. Feels like they all might tear you in two someday and not even realize it. A sentimentality enters her voice and she glanced out to the waves for a moment. We both might be destroyed some day but it should be in glory, not torn bit by bit away. And that's what she saw happening to @Ronin. Death by a thousand tiny cuts.

She knew of his fight with the one Mire lion.. But he'd said soldiers. Plural. She gasped, feigning shock and horror for the few seconds she could manage until her mischievous and very pleased grin broke across her face. This was the @Ronin she expected and loved. Naughty naughty boy. Deirdre teased, lifting a paw to boop his nose. Just what are you testing them for? Deirdre leans in, voice quiet but craving immensely to be clued into whatever was rolling around in his head. After all she'd been told not to mess around with the Mire when she suggested using that lion to get information... This seemed a bit like a change of heart and Deirdre was all for it.

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Ronin would raise a brow as she shook her head, explaining she didn’t hate the Plains, but she would drop them all if he said they needed to go elsewhere. He would nod slightly, he wanted her to be happy though, not just complacent and ready to uproot at his word. He wanted….a real home, not necessarily one that he ruled over but he also understood that as the patriarch of his family he would have to take over a pride eventually. How else would he lead his family? As she spoke again, he would listen, frowning slightly. He would smile sadly to her, that’s why you are here, sis, to tell me when Im being torn into. He offered both playfully and seriously. The Svend leaned on one another, his time apart from his family had made him forget that at times but he did need her. He needed that outside looking in point of view.

When she spoke of being destroyed in glory, he would nod, smiling more mischievously. Don’t worry so much, Deirdre, I’m fine. A battle is the only thing that is going to destroy me. He tried to reassure her, but even he didn’t fully believe what he said. Of course, he understood what she meant, he was being torn between loyalties here in Amaryllis. Did he stay true to himself and his family…or did he fight it and continue to try to be loyal to those that had betrayed him? The logical answer was obvious, but his heart couldn’t bear another wound. It would break him completely. Thus, the reason for these dangerous games. Ronin was pushing for a reason to not be loyal to the Mire and well…war was a good reason, was it not?

His words would cause mock shock and horror to appear from his sibling and he would roll his eyes, so dramatic. It was only a moment later that it would be replaced with her own grin and he would chuckle, that was more like it. Her teasing words would be heard, ducking his head to avoid her boop, but only succeeding partially as her paw booped him on the forehead. She would lean in, voice hushed as if speaking too loud would alert someone else to what they were speaking about. Maybe it was best to speak quietly, one never knew when someone was listening. His own voice would drop low, leaning in to complete the scene, two conspiring lions laying in the sands, plotting and scheming. What do we test anyone for? He would whisper, his mismatched gaze glinting darkly. I have to get Caillen and Iona out of the Mire, but til then, we learn what we can of the Mire and their allies.He would give her the short bit to start. Going over the surface of his plans. He knew some things about the Mire, but not enough, it had changed too much.

Stay away from Adalwolf. He would warn, his tone firm and resolute. He didn’t doubt that the male would do anything to get back at the warmonger and he fully expected him to go after Deirdre if the opportunity presented itself. The Brook would be their main enemy…but seeing as I fought against them too I don’t think they would be eager to ally with us. They were allied with Wolfbron and they have expanded to consume two other prides. The Mire has a lot of friends we will need to be cautious around. Ronin would shift using the sand to draw a vague map of Amaryllis, marking the Mire, Wolfbron and the two other prides they had taken over. He wasn’t sure about the other prides and where they stood. Ronin’s gaze would shift to @Deirdre, wondering what she thought or if she had anything to add.

She thrived with their closeness, their stealthy plotting. Whether or not it was necessary it definitely made the whole thing more fun to pretend like they had to be careful. No one needed to know their schemes. We test either to see if they pass, or to push buttons. She twists her paw, wiggling her fingers threateningly in the air. She'd tickle him if he was in better physical shape. But right now he was safe from such things and need only suffer Deirdre's chaotic mind and ravenous want to hear more of his plans. Do we need to steal them? Because Deirdre is on board if so, she's not questioning how or if it's a good idea to do that. Life was not made by taking the safe routes, and damn it her brother should have his daughters around more.

But he seems like such a gem. Deirdre mutters with disgust, shoulders shuddering like she's just tasted something gross. I'd love to make him bleed more. Why did Ronin get to have all the fun? But quickly she's bounced back from that momentary disappointment. Plenty of other lions around her to take pieces of for herself.

And unfortunately plenty of spiderweb alliances to navigate. At least Ronin has drawn a picture for her this time and it's easier to understand things than when they'd first arrived at the Plains. Any we can turn from supporting the Mire and win to our side of things? Handsome Kings or Beautiful Queens I can do a few favors for? She innocently smiles, halo above her head cracking in two.

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They scheming was quite entertaining, even he found it enjoyable, reminding him of when they were younger and would scheme and train. It was something he missed dearly, having someone that thought as he did and could keep pace…or come up with something worse. His ears would twitch and he would nod slightly as she answered his question with two different answers, a grin pulling at his lips. Ronin was doing both, pushing buttons and seeing if they were as strong as Slaine had said. So far, he was not too impressed. His smile would widen as she twisted her claws, wriggling them threateningly. Only she could make something serious turn into a joke.

At the mention of stealing the children, he would shake his head. He didn’t think that would need to be done. Slaine knew that he would come for one daughter, the second child would be a surprise. No, I don’t think so. Iona wants to leave….and I think so does Caillen. He would answer, shrugging slightly. Her worrisome nature is her own downfall. She has smothered Iona, pushing her away…and Caillen? I think Caillen just misses me. He would smile fondly at the idea that his adopted daughter missed him being around. Stealing will be a last resort….but if the opportunity presents itself…we could still other children? He would leave it as a question, a dark, mischievous glint in his eyes. He knew Slaine was against the idea and he’d given in to her ideals long ago. She wouldn’t suspect Ronin of stealing a child…hopefully.

The warmonger would snort at her sarcasm, but he would relent as she mentioned wanting to make him bleed more. He’d regard her with a guilty expression for a moment. He had to stop seeing her as his baby sister, it wasn’t fair to the warrior opposite him. I’m sorry, Deirdre… I just…I want to protect you. He offered, smiling sadly. He knew he was wrong, she didn’t need protecting. Just be careful, okay? I wouldn’t put anything past the Rike.He didn’t trust the man, it was clear in his tones and the way he looked at his sister. She was a warrior, she could handle her own, he had to remember that.

He would shrug at her question, could any prides be persuaded? Not Wolfbron…I think they have been allied too long to turn on Alaric…but… He would shift, drawing in the sand again to form the lagoon and cove. The one that beat me is no friend to the Mire. We could perhaps cozy up to them…Maybe the Cove…I fought against its leader in the war Ghyslaine talked about… so we will see.He purposely avoided the Plains, he didn’t want to draw them into the conflict. We might be able to steal some of the Mire’s members though…. He would offer with a grin. She wanted to schmooze someone, she could work her charm on the Mire lions, learning who was loyal and who was iffy.

Nephthys is off limits. Tinuviel is a healer in the Mire, she is timid, but she might be tempted…a dark colored soldier I fought, I don’t know her name. He would shrug. It was possible, all of this would be so much easier if he had a pride of his own. Until then, they would just have to do things slyly. Building friendships as they could.