Much time had been spent on the opposite bank, observing the comings and goings of the various wanderers and those from within the semi-distant land, until he was certain he understood. It was a meeting ground, of sorts. A place where wayward souls were swept up and escorted inside. Probably avoidable, if he wished, but there were few better ways to learn about a land than to dive in head-first. Sink or swim.

Finally, he'd leave his small camp behind, and cross the sandbar when the tide reached its lowest point. An easy trip to the beach beyond, where he would pause once more. Bright eyes took in the landscape, analytical and calculating. Soon, strangers would come to greet him, but what sort of strangers would they be? Ilias fixed his face into something more neutrally curious, thickened tail swaying gently near his ankles as his ears twitched to capture any sound that might signal an approach before someone could be seen.

It had been many years since she last attempted to recruit anyone into her lands. The crown was still worn fresh upon her cranium, the ivory serpent gliding across the sandy and rocky ground as she roams the passage where she had once been picked up prior. Oh, how nice it felt to be on the opposite end of the stick this time. The one with power instead of letting her fate be chosen for her. Blue orbs immediately pick up on the figure in the distant. His frame easy to spot in the barren waste lands of Amaryllis. At least it made for a decent gathering area. She wouldn't have to try very hard to find any stragglers. She issues a small call at him in greeting and to announce her presence as she closes the gap to stand within a few feet of him. "Icefang X'uekai. What are you looking for?" She was always straight to the point and her method in searching the passage was always to evaluate its unclaimed. She was not going to just take in anyone now.

@Ilias

"SPEECH"

Art by Rabbit || Code by Zay

The first to come was pale, a ghostly shimmer in the distance which soon resolved itself into the solid form of an ivory lioness. Older, scarred, moving with purpose. He watched her approach with a mask of cautious curiosity - they were roughly the same size, and she was older, but her scars spoke of a lifetime of battle while his experience was limited. He supposed the odds would skew in her favor if she came with violent intent.

But she didn't.

She came with an introduction and a question, and he nodded in greeting. "Ilias Teivel, looking for a place to settle." At least long enough to get a sense of the land with a safe base to return to at the end of each exploratory excursion. Perhaps it would be permanent if the place proved a comfortable home.

@Icefang ♔

code by corvus

Typical and predictable. Just how she liked it. Icefang dips her skull in acknowledge and proper greeting once he provides his calling. "I'm the high sovereign of Vermeda Brook. I am sure you would find it quite impressive with its lush soil and fresh water access." She was sure he would prefer somewhere with amenities to settle permanently. "My rules are simple. Respecting my rule, protect the pride, be loyal, and fill up the food cache as needed. Any questions? Otherwise, I can lead the way." Always straight to the point in hopes they would get past the small talk and get moving before any other recruiters decided to show up.

@Ilias

"SPEECH"

Art by Rabbit || Code by Zay

High Sovereign, she said, and he made the connection to titles and ranks as he knew them. She was the leader, then. Interesting. Ember gaze skimmed her once more, wondering if female leaders were common in this new land or if there was something special about her. Though to the outside it might look more as if he was considering whether or not she seemed an individual worth following. It took little thought, really, and she did appear to be the only one interested in him.

After a few seconds spent weighing the options - to follow and see how it might play out, or to continue on unattached as he was - he nodded once. Reasonable. Very well, I'll give your pride a try. A nod for her to show him the way followed, Lead on, then. You can fill me in on any other important details along the way, yes? Any specifics that may be critical that she might not want to discuss in such a public space? Whenever she began to move, he would follow.

-exit w/ @Icefang ♔?-

code by corvus