+10 Successfully stay hidden for the duration of a thread
+10 Learn something about pride/group/family relations
+10 Remain undetected in a large thread (5+ characters)

---

Now that he was here, settled snugly against the sand, and mostly comfortable, he could turn a lazy ear toward the continued exchange of pointedly polite rhetoric. The chimera @Zabrina claimed that the other had wrongly assumed a crown. That recalled the challenge for Sovereign prior that he had heard but not attended. He wondered if it had been won by combat or if it had been awarded on a basis this challenger presumed unfair. Either way, pertinent to him was the fact that @Sunder no longer wore the Sovereign helm. Perhaps a falling out between her and the king? The handsome devil may wonder and the conman rubbed his fingers, making plans; the spy in him, astute and trained, noted that regardless of internal turmoil the queen appeared well-composed. The other two lionesses strived to impress her in a manner that he considered hasty, tawdry. Could they be otherwise when both were willing to fight? That was not the way women should acquire - or maintain - power.

A floppy-eyed yearling @Pyrrha ♔ approached the former queen, obviously familiar, and it took little to surmise that this was a daughter. There was the more regrettable approach of @Kvare in violent thunder as a protective husband. Evidently he supported Sunder and, further unfortunate for George's aspirations, cared for such things as her agency. It was easy to please a lioness physically and materially but forget about allowing her the illusion of freedom. Kvare was wise. Unfortunately. And strong and handsome, commanding, a leader he could respect. He saw the infighting for the threat it was. Obviously all agreed that Sunder should possess the throne. Why, then, did she not, and seem self-confident while doing so?

His first suspicion was that she had farflung relatives with troubles to manage. Such would not cast a shadow here, but would require her priority time. Internally? Oh, he would love to be privy with whatever shadowed her mind, but he did not suspect those shadows to have already moved.

Her reaction was composed. @Sunder spoke words he could not catch to her daughter. Perhaps calming advice. Then an entrance of one he could not miss, simply because of her size and the absolute contrast of abyssal color against the sand @Khadija. Beyond them all the true sea teemed. She carried a medicine pouch but did not act as he expected a healer to. aka neutral, calming, nurselike. She had an opinion, following upon the words of the king, and he confirmed that the prior challenge had been a fight but Kvare had made sure to place his stamp upon it. Did the squabbling lionesses now think they could unstick it? Perhaps they believed they might only sway his heart, and not have to fight. Maybe this one now thought to lick his heels to gain power. There shouldn't have been lionesses fighting for a throne in the first place. Kvare should have laid this law down without giving the women reason to suspect there could be any allowance. Kvare was wise enough not to give in, but unwise to allow the lionesses such spirited battles in the first place.

The pale @Lagertha arrived and oh, how the others could learn from her example. Familiar with both king and rightful queen - poised, and silent, this lady's posture and position spoke of confidence rightfully won. When she was still and passive, she was cold. Sunder's stillness had a warmth. Yet they were similar restrained women, deserving of a high class and his regard.

What he saw was strange. A diversion, but strange. A cheetah @Aria? Small. Familiar. His storm-grey eyes flicked over the others to see their reaction. It was not predatory or territorial. Seems the pride, or at least one lioness at the outskirts that he now noticed, had a pet. An anxious, whining pet, huddled so close that he wondered how it would survive the winter. Maybe this was an avenue of aid if he wished to pursue the melanistic lioness. Charitable of him to offer company of the same species, hmm?

A female voice with a coiled edge snagged his attention back. It was the reigning Sovereign @Yuna and she was bold. Clever. Spinning drama upon Sunder while appearing gracious in doing so. This would have been considerate behavior - was considerate behavior - when done by Kvare, but when performed by someone lower than the king and not by her husband it was quite presumptuous! George leaned forward and tried to catch Sunder's expression. This was potential to drive a wedge between Kvare and Sunder. He wondered how all would respond. How all the prey would scatter, some running, some fawning, some - like another lioness he now spotted, a sickly green compared to the purer sand - simply watching. This was all court drama, of course. The most important thing, for one of his profession, was to keep tabs on the demeanor of the king. Determine whether he was worthy of George's true loyalty. And on the far opposite horrible end, whether he was a danger. So far he was not incompetent. He was strong and decisive, but did he deftly manage internal affairs?

This was something to pursue. A long term goal. In the short term, the challenger was pretty angry. Pretty, and angry. This combination did not escape him. Her words wished to lash where her fang and claw were forbidden. A line of blood stood out on her cheek. Uncleaned, unheeded. She wanted to storm off, and George stilled his joints from rising to follow her. Emotional, pretty women were pretty great if you didn't get emotional about it. He might convince her to return, or perhaps not; what mattered the gaping void after a fight where he might provide steady reassurance. He might also learn more about the happenings of the former fight. Maybe he could claim credit for calming her down. Yeah, these were good honest reasons; and if @Zabrina was male, or ugly, they would never be given heed.

There was more to watch here, though he did plan on tracking her down if nobody else convinced her to stay or ran after her. It would be quite foolish of him to follow her only to have someone else pop into plans.

--- attempting to hide, don't mind George or my word count

For a moment Sunder sits in contemplative silence. She mulled over how it would feel to see yet another wear her crown and instead chose to disregard the thoughts. This was a part of life, and eventually in time @Pyrrha ♔ would hold the crown. It was the way things were meant to be, but even still Sunder felt that familiar tug to want to take. She yearned for her place as Queen, it was only natural after all. She had carried the Cove on her shoulders for so long, to simply relinquish it and let that responsibility fall in another's lap was unspeakable. Which was exactly why Sunder remained tight-lipped on the matter. She'd made foolish mistakes before, but now she had processed everything and was better for it. But admittedly @Yuna catches her off guard when she asks directly what she wants. It might have been odd to Yuna that Sunder had so many allies, but it was because she had earned their loyalty through hard work and dedication. She wasn't propositioning for anyone to challenge Yuna, the truth of the matter was that @Zabrina had made this decision on her own. "I do not wish for others to fight for me, I can fight my own battles as I've proven time and again. If you want a truthful answer, I do want the crown, I will always want the crown. I've carved my own way here in the Cove, just as you will do. But this decision is not solely mine. @Kvare needs to speak his wishes, as he was the one to grant you Sovereign in the first place." Her steeled gaze would then shift to land on her husband, waiting expectantly for him to answer. Her claws flex slightly beneath her, gripping the sand as she exhales slowly. There was no tension, just a steady resolve as she waited.

art by hush

She stood her ground not caring if she was being rude or speaking out of turn but she didn't see it fair for them to judge someone who nothing wrong had done. Who had just as much right for the rank than anyone else who was from this pride. Remembering Kvare's words. That despite how she came here as a prisoner she still was given the opportunity for going for a rank just like anyone else. So if a prisoner could why wouldn't a regular member be given the same chance? She stood quiet for the rest of the event as she observed the fight with her dried herbs she had prepared ready for use should someone need it. Checking in for any wounds yet thankfully none were issued. She nodded and sighing stood up to leave. Having nothing else to say she was done here. Exit x2 +10 Attend a spar or challenge to assess the wounds +10 Dry or prepare herbs for use +10 Observe a fight

Art by Shaz - Code by Shaz

Aria closed their eyes, glad of Analía’s reciprocal touch. The tangle of worries which seized his throat loosened, and with it, his breathing became more regular. His eyelids flickered open as the lioness spoke gently, and he basked in the pleasant feelings Azhira brought with her. The tigress's visage and voice formed easily in the bard’s mind; clean and elegant, all floral perfume and soothing words. Aria smiled, letting the glowing sensation rush through his body.

In a state of reverie, they watched as the fight fizzle out with Zabrina’s swift retreat. The lioness’ words troubled Aria, but he made no move to follow her. His new-found sense of calm told him the Zabrina could resent his concern as interference. This conflict existed outside the cheetah’s sphere of influence, so he would concentrate on matters he could change. Their gaze rested on Sunder, her voice rising to address the pride. He nodded in agreement as she outlined her feelings on the matter, and called for Kvare to answer. It was a reminder to the bard that he did not need to get involved.

Nestled against the melanistic woman’s side, Aria felt himself returning to a more level-headed state of mind. Aria rested his forehead against Analia’s neck as he said, “Thank you for your kindness. If there is anything I can do to return the favour, please come and find me.” They wanted to process through his thoughts in private, so he turned to leave.

/Exit

@Analía

Potential exp
+5 Attend a challenge (Bard)
+5 Learn something interesting about a character (The drama between Sunder/Zabrina/Lagetha) (Sleuth)

bg x art x code

Everything unraveled precariously around her. These two women who challenged for the crown consecutively seemed intent on acquiring it, one way or another. Steady heartbeats thrum against torrential anger, awoken through her own ambition. Only one among them stands for her, and she glances @Khadija's way, intrigued by the stranger's kindness.

Others murmur, jostling each other even as @Lagertha's intentional gaze lingers upon @Kvare, whom has interrupted the fight for her benefit. Discourse follows, as is expected over such decisions, but it's @Sunder's opinion she seeks. Whatever fit @Zabrina chooses, walking across the sands under sulking mannerisms, is left to her. Now it is she and Sunder, face-to-face, finally opening something between them long needed.

An approving nod comes from the tawny head, directed towards Sunder. "Then let it be. Your crown awaits when you are ready, not when others wish to steal it for you." Again, she relinquishes the crown to Sunder, publicly nonetheless, for a second time. Let these women squabble amongst themselves out of jealousy, or some other ill will; it was she who'd won the rights to the crown besting Lagertha, and it was she who would stand proud under her accomplishments. Unless Sunder deviated, wished for the crown back now, then there was nothing for anyone to do.

"I hope these petty feelings don't get the best of those who feel slighted by Sunder's loss of her crown. It is still here, and it is waiting. Perhaps we should all take some time to reflect on what is best for the pride." Emphasis drags from nutmeg lips, irritated by Zabrina and Lagertha, even if the chimera lioness had vacated the region, just as she was about to do.

With a smile towards Sunder, and next @Pyrrha ♔, she moved to find herself peace. A place drawn into quiet and not belittled by women who wore vindictive feelings across tainted sleeves. /exit

art ♥ code

The spectacle before her had taken a back seat to the act of taking care of @Aria and their needs. Wishing for their comfort rather than attempting to watch the fire that brewed because of love and power. Sunder's words were what she expected; a crown was what she wanted but she wanted to be fight for it, not for someone to do it for her. As beautiful a thought as that was, ousting someone for the sake of giving it to someone for "being more worthy" was not helpful. Yuna and Pyrrha were doing well in their positions and Analia wanted to see more of it.

So with the anxiety slowly leaving and deep breaths to be had, she bowed her head to her "patient". You're most welcome. She gathered, and any time you feel overwhelmed by anything, feel free to call. Ana was always happy to help someone when they were feeling the pressures of what life was handing them. She liked to think that Maua or Vellen never handed anyone anything that they were incapable of doing. Maybe it presented a challenge but rarely ever was anything impossible.

With another glance towards the others and with Aria's leave, Analia took a deep breath and made it a move to exit. Lest she get too wound up in the drama that she should continue listening to but did not have the capacity to take now. exit ana

^{ART • CODE}

Time kept ticking into the future and it did not take a long period of uncertainty for George to decide to act rather than wait. He kept an ear tipped but heard nothing that suggested any more than continued female pettiness. Female pettiness likely continuing along the lines of what he had already heard. He, on the other paw, desired either solitude or direct action. Each would be best found outside the Cove for now. Better energy out there. He crept back and away until he could see no tracks other than his own scuffling, and the background oceanic stage smelled stronger than the little whiff of lions from the gathering. Then left, shaking out his fur and metaphorically also dropping himself away from all cares.

-exit

I put my armor on, show you how strong I am

She'd sat in silence, watching, listening. Paws softly kneaded the ground as she simply observed, nothing more than a silent guardian. But there was something in the curly furred lioness' words that had her hackles raising. Claws unsheathed from soft paws, digging into the sand as the fur on the back of her neck rose. Still, she made no sound. Ever so silent. Why would she even bother to say anything? It would all come in time. For now, she'd simply bide her time, wait and listen.

Verdant gaze followed @Zabrina when she left, but even then she was silent. Briefly, with a soft rumble, she brushed her nose against @Sunder's cheek and then she stood. Once more her gaze landed on @Yuna, eyes narrowing as lips peeled back from sharp fangs in a silent growl. Gracefully, she moved a few steps towards the pale woman. No words came from her, only a low snarl before she walked past her and left, without looking back.

Exit

code by flea, art by irish

Pyrrha was unsurprised by her mother's wishes. Sunder wants the crown but not like this. Evidently it was not only the phenomenon of men to think that things like power and rule could be handed over without it being earned like from wife to wife, from father to son. She is confident her mother will earn the right again when the day is right, part of her is itching and hoping it is today. Would that not be quite the turn and comical series of events?

Unfortunately the world rarely gave Pyrrha such little delights to indulge her petty side. And with most beginning to leave. Pyrrha does as well.

/exit

code by me & art by rabbit

The buff lioness charged and Imago's deep eyes observed the ram of her weight into the other's shoulder. One pointed ear casually observed the arrival of the king and the subsequent words, though attention remained on the dwindling fight. Imago's tuft twitched. Whiskers dipped briefly, then pressed back to the naked face. "Two places," the scholar grouched, only counting one slice to the challenger's face and that with an amount of bitterness. Such a light wound would heal regardless of method. And this test subject stalked off with a flounce, conveying political annoyance and leaving the scholar with nothing gained.

Imago padded back toward the den area with a hitch of impatience in each step.

-exit