Smaug had been drawn to the Mire for quite some time now. The lands that surrounded it only did so much for the beast, satiating any sort of need to feel more at home. The crocodiles that inhabited such a territory were vital to him and his beliefs, having them so close by made it all the more easier to execute more... delicate situations. But being a rogue was not enough anymore and the dragon king knew that. It was what brought him to Ecrosia's doorstep, to see how he would fare with whoever ruled. He wasn't privy on the happenings as of late, oblivious to who rose to take the crown and how there were fights for freedom. No, Smaug would much rather leave others' problems alone. His toes flex as he reaches the borders, ember gaze smoldering as they stare deeply into the Mire. He takes in several deep breaths, taking in all the scents that wafted in the wind before releasing a bellowing call, one for the ruler to come and meet a potential.

@Luther ♔

DRAGON KING

ART BY GUNNER, CODE BY DEE, MODIFIED BY GUNNER

And so he came, answering another rogue's call upon his borders. Luther had not anticipated so many seeking him out so soon, and especially not when the whole valley was apparently against him, and yet he couldn't deny the power & charm that exuded from him. He was different. He brought change to the status quo - change that many valley inhabitants had long longed for.

At his thorny borders stood a man of large stature, his athletic shape spoke volumes of his abilities, and Luther was quite pleased with having such individual as a potential joinee. "Hallo," he greets with a curt nod and a small smile. "My name is Luther Rike, High Sovereign - how can I... be of service?" And more importantly - how can you be of service?

@Smaug

coded by flea + art by drifty

He's not left waiting for too long, but in that time Smaug allowed for his eyes to flitter this way and that as he continued to examine his possible new home. Nostrils flared as he took a deep inhale of the scents that wafted in the stale air; it was a stench not all could endure or care for, but to the Dragon it was what he would usually call home. His attention shifts once a white furred male appears, a brow rising slightly as he took in the other's appearance. A bold move to live in a place that was filled with muck and swamp water when you had fur the color of his.

"Smaug Valkoinen," he begins, reciprocating the greeting with his own nod of his skull. "I'm in search of a place to call home, and this one is exactly like the one back where I am from." Shoulders roll as the brute stands a little straighter, ember eyes watching the other. "What does your pride align with?" Were they chaotic as he himself or were they more tame, a place it would dread to live in?

DRAGON KING

ART BY GUNNER, CODE BY DEE, MODIFIED BY GUNNER

To @Smaug it may seem a bold move for Luther to live in the swampland of the Mire with his pale features, but Luther was born here. Molded by it. He didn't see the light until I was already a man. The Rike monarch was used to the mustiness of the air, or the dampness of the soil underneath his feet. His hairstyle was perpetually slick-haired, with that 90's boy band split in the middle.

He observed the older man with unfiltered curiosity. Smaug, he called himself. The surname was unfamiliar, and perhaps for the best. All surnames Luther was familiar with were those of enemies or to-be enemies. There was no in-between. Smaug seemed to have some sentimental attachment to the land, apparently so similar to his homeland. Luther may be similar in that regard, but he had a sentimentality for power rather than the territory itself. "Unlike the other prides, Ecrosia is a traditional place. I value strength above all else." And gender, of course, but Luther was not so self-aware to think that didn't come as a given. "I allow my men to take what they please, however they please. In fact, I encourage it." his lips split in a toothy grin. "As long as you don't cause trouble with an ally, but considering there are none of those... everybody is free game." It didn't seem to bother Luther that he was very much alone against the whole of Amaryllis. He was cocky, always used to getting away with everything.

coded by flea + art by drifty

The click of teeth is heard as he listens to @Luther ♔ speak. Ecrosia continued to draw him in more and more, finding that his own alignments and beliefs fell within the same bracket as the pride's. "Nice to hear tradition still reigns." And by the sound of it, this was the only pride around that was ruled in such fashion. Hearing that Luther didn't have many allies made Smaug give pause; did he want to pledge his loyalty to one who had very little comrades to help him when things got tough? Or did he want to take that gamble and see where his chips fell? "It sounds like you need more allies, then," comes the drawl of the dragon's voice, a subtle grin curling his lips. "Perhaps I can assist you with that, if you'll allow me." A way to ask to join the Mire, to connect with what he was used to once again.

DRAGON KING

ART BY GUNNER, CODE BY DEE, MODIFIED BY GUNNER

If it came to Luther, tradition would always reign. It made things far easier, far less complicated when everybody knew their role in this world and acted according to it. He was surprised that the laws of Amaryllis had not yet fallen in disarray and that women could still be claimed if they bore no allegiance. He would do his very best to keep it that way, and to hell with all those that stood in his way. "It will reign forever if it was up to me," he smirked.

He certainly did need more allies. Both politically and within his pride. "I do, and yet there are far too few sane men left in this valley." A chuckle followed, the man was clearly ready to join. "Very well. Shall I give you a tour?" Whether or not @Smaug wanted one, Luther stepped into the land with a clear invitation for the man to amek himself at home. "I have a good collection of fermented fruit in my stash." he grinned. A little welcome drink was mandatory.

exit w/ Smaug?

coded by flea + art by drifty

Where the dragon was from, men were far more superior than the women and they both knew their places in the world. While the men kept things safe and secure the women kept their bellies full and kept the cubs at bay; who wanted to deal with pesky little creatures, anyways? Smaug was particular to collecting unique women, as well, and it was a shame he had to leave his homeland. He had several shiny things he loved to boast and showboat. Whether or not the beast was sane was up for speculation, but it surely seemed as though the two of them were likeminded and thus, sane enough.

"Might as well," he agrees to the tour, letting out a deep rumble at the mentions of fermented fruit. "I hadn't had a good drink in a long while." Wetting his lips with the sour nectars that alleviated his tensions would do him some good - and fraternizing with the leader himself was even a better way to spend his first moments in his new home. Smaug begins to follow beside @Luther ♔, ready to open up the next chapter to his chaotic life here in Amaryllis.

exit Smaug w/ Luther.

DRAGON KING

ART BY GUNNER, CODE BY DEE, MODIFIED BY GUNNER