The air had finally lost some of the harsh temperatures as summer gave way to the beginnings of fall. Those not paying close attention might not even realize the change in the season just yet, but Fissure had been waiting for it with bated breath. As much as he could escape the heat by laying around on a beach with wine, his stock of the latter was running low.

With his brief and lofty title of noble since stripped from him, along with his home, thoughts again returned to life in a band. He missed the Crows, wished to bring some semblance of their teachings here. All he needed with like-minded individuals to join him in building one from the ground up.

In the past month, he had set to work on his desire, starting with finding this unique cavern, conveniently located in the center of Amaryllis, overlooking the playground of warriors. Here and at the pit below, he began spreading the word of a mercenary guild, a place for warriors and comradery, a place of soft beds, firesides, and wine. Who could resist such an offer? He hoped at least a few couldn't.

Anyone that might have overheard would know to look for the light in the mountain above the pit, a fire burning within the large cavernous space he had selected. Here he would sit comfortably aside the fire he had made, which he would continue to feed wood as the sky above began to darken.

(Band forming thread for anyone interested. No posting order. I will post again when there are at least five supporters. If you would like more information about the band, check out 'The Gold Crows' planning thread.)

And I'm feeling good

Birds flying high, You know how I feel, Sun in the sky, You know how I feel, Breeze driftin' on by, You know how I feel, It's a new dawn, It's a new day, It's a new life, For me

code by corvus

Fenna Yu

Quitting is not an option

Mercenary wasn't really a title Fenna had ever considered. She'd been born and bred for battle service true but never to choose her own battles. But there was something about belonging to a group that had started to pull at her. She'd enjoyed her time as a rogue, with no masters, no titles, and no responsibility. But it wasn't what she was bred for, wasn't what she wanted in the end. She was after all a lion, a social creature. So when a dark stranger had started spreading words of a guild for warriors she'd listened. It sounded good, a bit too good, but the Yu's interest was stirred and she wanted to know more.

So when a location was given, or rather a waypoint she keep her eyes on the mountain as it darkened with nightfall.

Fenna had to admit she wasn't sure what kinda light to expect but a light there was. A moving glow from above had her eyes widen and a smile spread on her lips. She'd be damned, @Fissure actually had a light somewhere up there.

Excitement colored her step as she climbed her movement springy and fast. She wanted to see just how he'd managed to make light, even if she had an idea from the way the light shifted just a bit. Even so, her eyes only grew wider as she made it to the cave and saw the fire burning brightly within.

"How did you get it in here?" were the first words out of her mouth as her gaze finally landed on the dark lion. A tone of curiosity and amazement laced her voice. Fenna knew fire to be a dangerous force, not that she was complaining, the cavern was warm and bright, cozy almost.

Fight on

code by corvus

WOE to those

The plains had disbanded, her former King - as powerful as she had thought him to be - reduced to nothing but a pleading mongrel at the foot of his adversary. If he had not been suited to take on those who would fight him for his throne, then he shouldn't have taken it for himself to begin with.

His prior advances on her were now looked upon with disgust, glad that she had only laid with him once. It was all he deserved... perhaps not even that. Either way, she had no desire to stay with the new King. She knew him not, nor did she care to.

In fact, she was beginning to see now that perhaps it was time for a change. She hadn't reached her full potential, no would she if she continued to follow false Kings.

Interrupting her thought, as she strolled aimlessly near the battle arena in the dead of night, a spark of light caught her eye. At first she thought perhaps a fire had sprung to eat at the vegetation in the distance... but where this light shone, there was only mountain.

A curious thing to her, as she had not been fortunate enough to hear the recruiting efforts of a man named @Fissure... all the same, she ventured toward the strange flicker.

Upon her arrival she heard the sound of a female voice, then laid eyes on the woman who had spoken. There was a man inside the cavern... "And how do you command the fire?" as Mavour approached she allowed her presence to be known as she struck up yet another inquiry, eyes wide in wonder and intrigue.

@Fenna

Who Call Me A Friend

code by corvus

The cold is gradually stealing back into the air, subtle but unmistakable. The imposing bluffs of the peak are outlined boldly against a stark blue sky, and he scales them laboriously but steadily. The air is hung with the unpleasant smell of charcoal, and it makes his eyes water and his nose tingle even as it dissipates into the open air.

As he arrives, he hears snatches of conversation, breaking the perturbing silence of the unconquered mountain. He stands there for a moment, taking stock of the two lionesses and then the ebony man by the fire. He's seen what wildfires can do to woodland, but somehow, this one had managed to stoke a fire all by himself.

He doesn't venture too close just yet, the flames kindling a primal fear within him. "Wondering the same thing myself." He adds, flatly. "I've never seen a controlled fire." Never one to give credit where credit is due, he continues. "It's some kind of trick, right?"

code to pine

Arkadi had not arrived in these lands alone, but one, he woke to realize that they had all gone. He wasn’t sure where, or why, his father and siblings had vanished without a trace, but he felt his blood boil at the thought that he had not been included in whatever their plan was. He let out a huff, frustration seething through him. The plan had been to find a pride that they could all join together, but if they had all moved on without him, he wasn’t about to sit around and continue waiting for them. He needed something to do, some place to put his focus towards.

He had heard whispers of a group forming, a band of mercenaries. When he’d had his whole family to consider, a pride had made the most sense, but on his own? There was no reason to hold himself back from whatever he wanted. He waited until it was dark enough for him to be able to spot the glow, and once he did, he made his way up the peak. A few others were there, the sound of their questions reaching him as he drew near enough to watch the flames himself, heart hammering in his chest at the sight of it. As bold of a warrior as he was, the fight of the flickering red light had his nerves set on edge, memories of fleeing his birth home flooding his mind. He said nothing, taking up a quiet position near the edge of the group as his attention fell to the melanistic male who seemed to be the one in charge, waiting.

Call it basic biology or just an acute case of wandering feet: the dreary day finds the vibrant male on the move again, ushered on by a bright tumble of spinning autumn leaves. Freyr Peak boasts the same extraordinary views as usual, from its looming, mist-mantled ranges to its deafeningly roaring waterfall below. The sheer force of the water crashing down raises his fur on end, but though he may be a middling adventure seeker, the biting mountain chill is something he could do without. As the dark comes down, he begins sweeping the area for possible shelter. A remote pinprick of red-embered light catches his eye, and it's not much more than curiosity driving him as he labors steadily uphill. He finally makes it, gasping for air as he regards the gathering of lions. Some of them are talking in relaxed, conversational tones, one of them stands lurking on the outskirts, and one of them he even recognizes; the colossal killjoy is hard to miss. He imagines he won't be exactly thrilled to see him, but the coziness of the fire draws him in all the same, and he pads toward the cavern with his heavy, careless tread. "Hi. He says, so as not to startle anyone with his presence, and like a house cat, rolls onto his back, bathing by the warmth of the fire opposite of @Fissure. "Ahh. Much better." He casts a fleeting look around. "Feel free to keep talking. I'm just listening in."

code by shaz

She was not entirely sure about joining anywhere new so soon after she had left the Bluffs. She had thought perhaps a band would be more comfortable, its size considerably smaller. Being a valuable part of a small group of warriors could keep her safe, and keep her fed during the leanest months.

She perhaps felt compelled to some degree because of the lion who seemed to be forming it. She had not met the lion personally, but he had once given her mother a medicine bag, which she had then gifted to Bordeaux. She wore it now, carrying within it many of her medicinal herbs. She had been very fond of the thing and the craftsmanship that went into it. Perhaps she could learn how he made them.

Nearing the cave, with a bit of climbing effort to get there, she would poke her head in, looking at those present before nervously moving in. All of them seemed fixated on the fire, which she would join at staring into, finding the act strangely hypnotic. "I.. am not a warrior, but I could offer to serve as a healer.. when the fighting is done." She offered, a shy smile offered as she looked around at everyone before turning her gaze to Fissure.

code: corvus || art: yumpy

Little birds speak loudly, if one knows how to listen.

Whispers of a band forming in the heart of Amaryllis have drawn out the clay colored male from his residence within Aniadar. A newfound drive alight in his stormy eyes, Kovirah moves with purpose to Freyr Peak, hoping what he had heard was true.

It might seem odd to those who knew about him (no one knows the full truth), considering he's spent most of his time in these lands running from something just like this. But he knows this life best. It's what's been engrained in him. It's what runs in his veins. He is a killer with a moral compass, who remembers the faces of the taken and weeps in silence for those caught in the crossfire.

But the Prides of these lands were fickle. He finds he cannot bring himself to return to that life. Perhaps, one day, he might find the liking of it once more.

He stalks into this meeting silently, lingering at the back of those who already gathered. He keeps half himself shadowed from the dim light of the cavern, and leans lazily against its walls. Blue gaze sweeps those who were here, ab odd bunch but that was to be expected. None of them are faces he knows. There is....a welcome freeing feeling about being in the presence of strangers again.

code by daanyan, Art by Rabbit

He had to wonder just who might show up here, if anyone should come at all. He was not sure what he would do if nobody showed interest, pick out yet another pride perhaps, though he was already tired of the constant shuffle of leadership wherever he went.

His troubled thoughts would be interrupted as a lioness appeared, swiftly followed by another. He smiled at both @Fenna and @Mavour, dipping his head in a gentleman's greeting. Their curiosity seemed more for the small fire within a ring of stones as opposed to the original reason they might have come this way. Fissure often forgot how different things and Amaryllis, having been around firepits so much that it ceased to alarm him. Before he could respond, @Viggo would arrive and chime in. A young lion, but one that could grow into a fine warrior under the care of a group of more seasoned fighters.

"Where I come from, cold weather can be very severe, so someone harnessed the warmth of a fire. It is a curious thing.. but it has rules to govern it, the same as lions. So long as the ground surrounding it is rock and sand, it cannot leave this small ring of stones I have placed." He explained, motioning towards the stones. "It does not serve much purpose in the warm months, but you will want for nothing in the winter. So long as it is fed wood, it will stay alive. The more wood all at once, the higher the flames." This time he would motion toward the pile of wood in the far corner.

@Arkadi and @Kian were soon joining the group, perhaps hearing much of what was already said. Fissure was pleased to see so many had turned up, however young they all proved to be. He would dip his head to each as they made themselves comfortable.

A lovely little lioness was next, wearing a medicine bag, aged but most certainly of his craftsmanship. Bordeaux offered to join as a healer, a position that was very much needed if they intended to do a lot of fighting as their job and hobby. "Of course, a healer would be most welcome. I would even offer you a new bag if it pleases you." He offered.

One more than, an older lion, likely with a great deal of experience that could be useful provided he decided to join. Others might still come, but he saw no reason to keep them waiting much longer. "Welcome friends, I am called Fissure.. I offer you a new path, one not tied to the more fickle bonds of prides. Unlike them, none would try to take this home away from you, should you wish to join. Here you would live lavishly, exchanging your skills as a warrior to earn valuable items for yourself and the band as a whole. We would not dabble in politics, would have no friends or enemies. All would know our alliance is tied to what they have on offer, and that it only lasts until the agreed-upon contract has ended. We would need fighters, healers and ambassadors. All roles may fight, but healers and ambassadors would have additional tasks to do. If you feel you have a silver tongue and are oozing charm, perhaps you can be the voice of the band, speaking with prides, making deals, and offering a home to new members." It seemed a healer was already joining, but he did not know if the latter would get filled.

"If you have a desire to give this band a try, become a Crow, feel free to venture in deeper. There are a number of small caves branching off further in, feel free to go pick yourself one. If you have further questions, I will wait here for awhile to see if anyone else will be arriving." He said.

And I'm feeling good

Birds flying high, You know how I feel, Sun in the sky, You know how I feel, Breeze driftin' on by, You know how I feel, It's a new dawn, It's a new day, It's a new life, For me

code by corvus

Kovirah listened intently to the man known as @Fissure speak, quietly observing all of those who entered. It would seem he held the title of an old man among them, and wondered how capable they actually were. Lots of his old house members didn't make it past age 2 or 3, he was one of the exceptions. The clay colored man didn't wait much longer in the silence before pressing off the cavern wall. Slowly, surely, deliberately he is the first one to begin to slink his way further into the depths of the caves.

And Kovirah made a point to pass in front of most of them, but made no eye contact save to that of the supposed illustrious leader. Should the dark colored man want a break down of his own abilities he'd freely give, but this evening he decides it's best to settle.

Kovriah meanders half alight in the glow of controlled fire, until he finds a small alcove big enough for him and whatever supplies he may find. A mental note is made to retrieve his stores from the jungle, and a single claw mark tallies upon the wall the first night he was there.

One of many, he was sure.

--exit via den claim

code by daanyan, Art by Rabbit