Hel hadn't done very much traveling since her arrival here in this strange land but that was fine with her as she ventured back to the gateway of it all. Or so she assumed as Hel would stand in the opening so that she could see if anyone was coming or why not just call out for them as she would do. All to curious to know who resided here and who she would know. Indigo jewels watching around her surroundings just in case she was ambushed.

avreya rurik

Heavy paws carry Avreya toward the wide sands of the Passage. The Firnen Noble advances at a careful pace, taking in what has changed since she'd arrived here almost a month ago -- not much, beyond the tides being at a different place than last time. And this time, she approaches from the other side, and another stands in her place.

Further ahead, she sees the deep red coat, and the dark top of a black mane. Avreya does not yet approach the lioness -- simply pauses in her gait, stands, watches from an ample distance. She's still not certain of this whole "pitch-the-pride-to-strangers" thing -- and agrees with Kimagure that random strangers plucked from the Passage were likely a liability more than anything else -- and so she doesn't do it, doesn't waltz up and try to cater to the lioness' every whim. Instead, she watches, waits to see if the woman will approach her, or if someone else will come to make their move.

photomanip by mono / table by k'sariya

It felt almost as if he acted on autopilot sometimes; his trips to the Passage had been successful enough, as a whole, to justify his regular pilgrimages. He would not hunt them down like a hound on a scent, but when they popped up on his radar - especially the ones that looked lost and aimless - he did not ignore them. He saw potential, and knew better than to waste an opportunity. @Avreya was not noticed; not just yet. Instead he deliberately put himself in the vicinity of @Hel, dark form cutting a looming silhouette against the horizon. Judging by her demeanour, she seemed to be lingering for something. Maybe Magnus could assist. Do you look for something in particular? He fixed Hel with his unwavering attention, keeping a careful distance for now.

the finest fury is the most controlled

code by corvus

Truly, she had no business putting her nose where another Hollow nose already was but Zu simply couldn't help herself. Not when it came down to seeing another cat with the blood red fur. Yet another reminder of her past self was the rogue lioness' own stature. Zulema having been considered rather runt-like when she was a yearling but having matured in the last bit of her growing months. Not by much, but enough not to be seen as instantly weak - Zu never believed that and neither did anyone that knew Zulema personally. She was a force to be reckoned with and had all the fire in the world burning behind bright, candy eyes.

The lioness was a shaded version of a dark and lighter red, with a contrasting dark mop of hair running from the top of her head and down the back of her neck. @Magnus was given a respectful nod of her head and a smirk while settling in at the right of his flank. Sorry, couldn't help but be drawn to a woman of such beautiful color. Because flattery was an important concept in social interaction sometimes and those gathered would surely benefit. Zulema, by the way. Zulema Kivasante, noble of Obsidian Hollow. Because names were important, as were ranks, and she desired to know information, too, and what better way than to offer some herself!

@Hel & @Avreya , whom Zu hasn't taken notice of either!

The thing with Hel is that she takes note of her surroundings for very many reasons. So she takes notice of the female who arrives first but stays far from her and it catches her attention, granted her attention is swiftly taken by two others who smell the same and Hel let's her attention slide to them with ease. The first to speak is the male - @Magnus, whom she does not know the name too - and ask if she is looking for something in particular and Hel let's silence form as the other speaks. Indigo jewels goes to @Zulema who gives her a compliment but her pelt and markings remind her of Renozuki. There is hesitation there but a small smirk is formed regardless as she looks back to Magnus. {Perhaps a home. What are you rules?} She knew the drill.

@Avreya

avreya rurik

Avreya watches two familiar figures approach the lone lioness -- Magnus and Zulema. She stands her ground, observing, ears cupping forward as the woman speaks, asking about a home. The red lioness seems to have an idea about the customs of Amaryllis already. Avreya can't shake the strangeness of the Passage, of the way lions flock to it to show their hands so readily. She'll admit, though -- it seems effective.

This is her first time revisiting the sandbridge since her arrival here. She lingers for a little while longer, then slowly turns and takes her leave. A red woman who is familiar with the lands already seems like a big risk to take when Vine bore a similar coat -- if she'd not met Zulema on her first arrival and upon the Rainforest's borders with Magnus, she'd perhaps be suspicious of her as well.

( exit avreya )

photomanip by mono / table by k'sariya

@Avreya would take her leave swiftly, still unnoticed by the Obsidian King, her sleuth mode proving effective. His attention was consumed more-so by the rogue before him, as well as the hasty approach of his Noble @Zulema. He would regard her with a quick nod of acknowledgement. She never missed an opportunity, did she? The brazen compliment is noted - it is not to his tastes, and it sets his teeth on age, yet he says nothing. Excessive ovation to strangers was not his way, but the red-pelted wraith had her tactics and he had this. He would not condemn them; not until necessary. I am only interested in those who pull their weight; I have no time or room for slackers. The fit and the strong excel in my ranks. There is plenty of opportunity beneath my rule. He would tilt his head as he regarded her. Magnus, King of Obsidian Hollow. Making his affiliation to the striped Noble clear, in case it was not already. What is your name? And what could you offer the Hollows in return for its protection? His attention lingered on @Hel as he waited for a response.

the finest fury is the most controlled

code by corvus

There was a hidden and unsettling feeling that enveloped the carmine Noble. A faint realization that while the woman had given what looked to be a smirk upon her compliment, it wasn't reciprocated. Zulema had not gotten quite the reaction she had hoped for but alas, she wasn't about to show her disappointment. Instead, she resumed a strong stance beside her High Sovereign and was ever the statue. Magnus had much the same approach as he had when he had come to her own coming-of-Amaryllis so it felt much like a deja-vu. While the Hollow was the only pride here to represent, it didn't necessarily mean that the woman would choose them. It was very easy to say no thanks and continue onwards, especially when it was clear through scent alone that there were plenty of other distinct prides laid scattered.

@Hel @Magnus

The lone female left and Hel was still curious about her but once again her attention was taken back from the male and female that shared similar scents. And it was. The male was the high sovereign or in her world, high king but Hel would stick to calling him that if he wished. Ears twisting at his words as Hel would let the silence form between them as she spoke. Should she tell him hat she is reincarnated? Would he even believe her? {My name is Hel Ashai. I know many trades. Healing, poisons, fighting, hunting, etc. I am much wiser than my age let's on.} She would bluntly state to him. Hel didn't really need the Hollow's protection but there was someone else that did.

@Magnus

The introduction was smooth and concise. @Hel proclaimed herself to be a woman of many talents, and Magnus would scrutinize her quietly. He'd be the judge of that. An asset to any pride you pledged yourself to then, hm? The High Sovereign felt the corner of his lips curl; it was his turn to smirk now. How long do you wish to be a rogue for is the question? How long before you get bored, or restless? How long before you want more? Beside him, @Zulema was quiet; there was not much for her to say that he had not already broached, after all. It was all down to the lioness now, unless she had further questions; did she want to join or not?

the finest fury is the most controlled

code by corvus