cain

savante

Life had been quiet within the Hollows. So when Cain noticed voices not too far off, he quietly began to make his way over to investigate. His curiosity only grew stronger when he heard Alexander’s voice. Slowly he would approach the group that had gathered. He only picked up what @Alexander ♔ said and what the red-striped lady said. Her name was @Teodora and she was the Blood Mother. She wanted to return to the Hollows, to be the Lead Fighter.

She didn’t seem too pleased with @Reti ♔ being High Sovereign now. She honestly seemed quite scary, so Cain couldn’t help but scoot over closer to @Angelo. He remained quiet and respectful, feeling the tension in the air. It was like at any moment the woman was about to explode into aggression. Then Reti spoke again, explaining that the position of lead fighter had been taken up. Cain couldn’t help but feel his muscles tense and his jaw clench. This did not seem like it was going to end well.

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Thella received an answer to her question quite quickly and it was no surprise that it came from the mouth of their High Sovereign; there wasn't much that happened as of late that @Reti ♔ was not keen on. She turned to watch as he strode to position himself between them and their visitor and introduce himself, thankful for his presence; while the woman was no larger than she, the way she eyed Thella was uncomfortably familiar and the sight of her tongue, skating across bared teeth, began to stir memories from months ago. But she wasn't alone this time; she need not be afraid.

@Angelo and @Alexander ♔ followed shortly after to finally put a name—and title—to the woman: @Teodora, their Blood Mother. And just in time, it seemed, as she had begun to intrude further into Reti's domain. With their arrival, the red woman paused. And demanded. Thella, who'd been returning Alexander's smile with a stiff one of her own, narrowed her eyes at the curt request. Until such time that Alexander was able to once again take the title, they were NOT under Savante rule. Who was she to think she could barge in amidst a whirlwind of aggressive behavior, and make demands? A small step brought Thella just ahead of @Syanna and @Clara and she stood tall, despite her own worries.

But then Reti... welcomed her in? To fight alongside them? A quiet hiss of incredulity escaped her. Sure, those of the woman's blood had reason to trust her. But Thella was not of the family. Who's to say she might not find herself staring down the snout of the woman in the middle of the night with teeth to her throat?

art by moogle, code by lars

Not long was she standing alone. Of course she knew she wouldn't be. The viper's ever present shadow lurked and it filled her with pride. She knew her son would show himself in his own time. A silent shadow like his father. And one day, a dangerous blade of the Savante. "Nézd és hallgasd, az én kis éjszakai harcosom," the midnight cloaked viper softly murmured to @Artem. Watch and listen, my little night warrior. Pointed ears flicked slightly, the presence of another registering. The paler coated @Thella ♔ was greeted with a quiet rumble, though her attention remained where it had been. On the Blood Mother. A question reached her ears, but the response came from none other than @Reti ♔.

She'd not spoken to him since that meeting, a meeting that had shown her distrust quite openly. Only now did her silken furred form shift, a subtle step to cover where her son was hiding. Elegant as ever, she'd placed one front paw slightly before the other paw, a shift in posture enough exude royal authority, even if she was not the one to wear the crown. After all, had she not originally been raised to bear one? Laced back ears were the only thing giving away a slight displeasure. Though there was something about the way he arrived that had her hackles raising as she gave an indignant snort.

It was the arrival of both @Angelo and @Alexander ♔ that drew a friendlier noise from the shadow cloaked viper. There was relief on her features as she looked the, to her, true king over. Even a gentle purr slipped past her lips. Though with their arrival it was @Teodora who had her full attention again. Though there were no words spoken between them, communication occurred in a different way. For to the eyes of the Blood Mother, she opened herself. Not a sight for others, but vibrant sapphire eyes darkened, drawing her in and showing her the shadow's truth. Not a meek woman, no weakness. A shadow cloaked beast of vengeance, bound to the Savante in blood now, forever loyal. A glimpse of the darkness that had sung to her husband's soul and brought her to them.

Another would have taken her words differently, but Syanna simply waited, tail flicking idly. To her it was only natural that the Blood Mother would retain her place. A place to be respected. Though Reti's reaction drew another from her. An unexpected one perhaps. Or perhaps not so unexpected given her distrust. But easily, the viper moved, tail lashing as she stepped slightly past @Thella ♔ as the other moved, fangs bared at Reti in a warning. While Teodora did not need any aid, that much she knew so very well, Syanna did make it quite clear where she stood. The revelation that it was her husband who had been given the rank was something surprising, though she did not let even a hint of surprise cross her features. And it was then, that the shadowed viper finally spoke.

Her voice, though calm and collected, held something cold, a venom laced warning, a glimpse at what lay hidden behind the facade those of the Hollows had come to know. "Don't forget that your crown doesn't last forever. You wouldn't want to turn the Savante against you." More words were not spoken, but the viper remained, a silent shadow once again, waiting to see how this would continue.

A face that hides a secret

Dark lying mirror

code by corvus

Any outsider would look at Teodora and assume the worst. She radiated aggression, the mere sight of her displayed her past with violence and more often than not she was a force of fury that made many amongst her presence uneasy. Those within the family, and those who had been around for some time - would know that the edge of her fangs and the rip of her claws were reserved specifically for those who called Savante - and those within the Hollows - enemy. Teodora was a protector. That was her role as Veriemä, the Blood Mother. But she was used to ignorance winning and making others blind. Fear controlled the masses and made them into mewling sheep.

Teodora did not concern herself with the likes of sheep.

Jaws snap shut suddenly, seemingly content with @Reti ♔'s response. The tension rolling off of him was palpable and in truth, the small, vibrant woman and little to no interest in feeding it. @Syanna quickly drags her attention toward her and instinctively the ghoul slinks forward to place herself alongside the woman. A low rumble of appreciation is offered. There is no need for it, but the Blood Mother approves. No words need spoken, the dark woman would know. She would understand. Thick, muscled limbs carrying her into the territory, moving toward Reti with her head lowered, yet the approach was not aggressive.

It seemed the woman simply walked this way.

"I will test my nephew." A simple statement, nothing else need be said. That single, blood red eye shifts toward @Angelo and @Alexander ♔, lips quivering as she growls in a low rumble, "Our name crumbles. It is time to make it known once more." The words are almost a hiss, a command. To which she expected to be obeyed. As the ghoul inches further into the Hollows, that slitted eye settles upon @Thella ♔, a single brow arching. "My teeth are not for you." She drawls, as if reading the girl's mind. But no, Teodora was used to such looks. Of disdain and distrust. Not from her own family, but those who met her and always assumed the worst.

And it was exactly the reason why she was the way that she was. Untamed.

/exit Teodora deeper into OH

coded by flea + background credit + art

Alexander slips up toward his Aunt, offering her a nod of affirmation. He'd appreciate testing Zsolt, he was a capable fighter, but keeping him on his toes would help ensure the safety of the pride. As the Blood Mother leaves, those blue eyes turn their attention toward the remaining group. @Syanna steps up, having words for @Reti ♔. There is a darkness that flickers in the depths of his gaze; annoyance perhaps? The Savante slips up beside the younger woman. Syanna had been loyal to his son, and to the Hollows for some time now, perhaps even to himself. It was truly an honor, and something he appreciated more than anything else. He could only hope the same of @Thella ♔, but since his accident, he hadn't been in contact with many.

"Syanna, Reti is an honored member of this pride - your High Sovereign and thus, should be respected as such. He did not have to take on the burden of our home, he very well could have taken over and refused to give it back, but that has not been the case." He murmurs, his tones firm, leaving no room for argument. "I understand how you might feel, but he is someone to be trusted, please treat him as such." With that, his attention returns to Reti, the man of the hour - now that his Aunt had left. A long pause holds the air as the beast contemplates his next words carefully. What he decided would mean a big change.

"I believe it is time I take the throne back, if you have no objections, Reti. If my husband is fine with it, I would be honored if you would become my Heir." He did not think Angelo would mind, but just in case he would discuss it with him later. After all, his husband was much more versed in relaxing and being a generally hot commodity than having to tend to any responsibilities. Something he loved him dearly for. The Savante falls silent, his features somewhat impassive as he awaited the others reaction. This wasn't a punishment, and genuinely had nothing to do with Syanna's words.

The woman would be reprimanded further if she thought to speak further on the matter.

@Syanna 's snort was faintly heard as Reti entered, yet her reaction and presence was unimportant at the moment. Reti's focus had remained fully on the recently returned lioness of the hour.

A deadpan, cool and unmoved glance was spared briefly for Syanna as she took a place next to the crimson Savante - not dissimilar to the expression he would give a yearling tossing a fit. To say he was unbothered a vast understatement. Having scantly heard, never seen, nor spoken to her in the months that followed his taking up the crown - her mood and opinions meant nothing presently to the flame licked chimera. Save a reminder once again, to keep an eye on his back - as he always had.

"I am quite aware." the smooth, black silk words slide out unbothered. Calmly. But a steely edge lingered beneath the placid seeming surface of jeweled eyes. It was about time - he removed what was not upkept. What had only remained as long as it had - due to her associations.

Although it seemed as if thing might take a violent turn at any moment - the red and white feline @Teodora did not escalate with growing aggression. Instead apparently taking his answer as acceptable and stating that Zsolt would be tested. He offered a slight acknowledging tilt of his head, a respectfully polite gesture of parting while he watched her take her leave.

Then his gaze became shifted back to the dark lioness, a nearly imperceptible incremental upturn at the corners of his maw as a spark lit behind Reti's gaze. Now, onto the other bit of business.

And she she is spared part of the impending offical judgment by @Alexander ♔ speaking up. Reti's attention shifted slightly to the larger male, the icy faint smile that touched the corners of his maw thawing and becoming more noticeable as he listened to the once and future High Sovereign's words.

"Thankyou." he murmured in gratified acknowledgment. It was good to see, that the one he had been pulling the most weight for recognized and appreciated the amount of effort that had gone into Reti's task.

As the mention of it being time to take the throne back voice the black and bronze lion did not appear shaken or ruffled in the least. His crown tilted slightly to one side and dipped a couple inches in acknowledgment. "Then it is yours once again Alexander, as promised. Long may you Reign." he was, above all else, a lion of his word.

Now the offer of Heir WAS a surprise and his brows twitched upwards a hair at the offer - should @Angelo not object of course. But even if Angelo wished to keep his crown Reti would not take offence, Reti would simply move to secure his own elsewhere should the call of a throne still sing to him.

"I am touched... and accept the great honor offered. Should Angelo not wish to hold it of course." a pause "I do not wish to put him on the spot of course. I will take my leave and check in later to see the verdict. Offence will not be taken regardless." he cast a glance and faint smile to Angelo then. No worries. You are doing a good job. Do as you wish.

"I will be patrolling the borders for the bit if needed for nothing else at the moment." so they would have time to talk privately, and it gave Reti himself a useful task to preform while letting himself adjust to the lighter weight on his shoulders. A little nod and smile is offered @Thella ♔ in parting - he still had her back, crown, crownless. It would not matter.

--- Exit Reti ---
(so Teo can be tagged proper)
@Cain @Artem

code by corvus

Angelo felt relieved when Alexander showed up, but that relief was short lived. He'd hoped his mate's presence would help smooth things over, and they did... but still Teodora stepped forward and Angelo instinctively stepped sideways to match her, angling into her path towards Reti just in case he needed to intervene.

Ffffffuuuuuuuuck, of course she'd want Lead Fighter back. A position which was, as it turned out, recently filled. Okay, he definitely didn't envy Reti now. Perhaps the Blood Mother would be appeased that Zsolt was the one who held the title? He was fully prepared for it to go either way, especially as Syanna so helpfully added her two cents into the mix. Angelo gave her a pleading look, silently wishing she'd chosen a less volatile moment to offer her opinion. She spoke the truth, but did she have to say it like that?

Thankfully, he could see clearly the moment Teodora relaxed and accepted the offered station, and he too settled back, stepping out of the line of fire and out of the matriarch's way as she moved deeper into the tunnels. He watched her go, one ear flicked back to hear Alexander's words, ever politically deft. He wasn't surprised that Alexander chose to request the crown back, but he'd admit his mate's next words stung, and he was grateful he was facing away, though he saw the reason in them. Reti deserved to be rewarded for his work for the pride these last few months after all. He just wished it didn't feel like a slight.

There was no trace of it on his features when he turned back, though. He certainly deserves the title, he replied smoothly. He'd saved them from disaster, and with very little thanks for it. Maybe this way, if the unthinkable happened again, there wouldn't be so much chaos kicked up about it.

He too had things he needed to be doing, like letting his stress levels return to the correct level of zero after that, and so he dipped his head and headed off outside as well to get some fresh air.

-exit angelo-

( Sorry to skip, just want to get this finished up! )

He was acutely aware of @Angelo after his words, while he couldn't see his husbands face, he could guess that there were feelings hurt. Though, truly, Alexander had only offered the position because he assumed Angelo would much rather be lazing about. Perhaps he had been wrong? As @Reti ♔ accepts the rank and Angelo relinquishes it, Alexander feels his chest tighten a bit.

He wanted Reti to stay, to remain an ally and not feel as if he'd been taken advantage of, but at what cost? Of course, Alexander had no real idea about how his husband felt, he would need to speak with him. A smile is offered to those gathered - his mind wandering. "If anyone has any concerns about any of this, please let me know. I am going to go speak with my husband for now. I will call a meeting soon." He informs them all, dipping his head and turning to leave.

/exit Alexander

Syanna's words stung. Yes, the Savante made up much of their pride, but this was the Hollow, not simply a Savante stronghold; Reti had done them a service by keeping the pride together in Alexander's absence and Thella felt a great deal of gratitude for the stability and continuing to have somewhere to call home. Alexander's acknowledgement of this service filled her heart and she was thankful that he did not share the woman's sentiment.

The tension dissipated in one fell swoop as Teodora accepted the circumstances and began to head past them, further into the tunnels. My teeth are not for you. Words escaped her as the woman walked away, leaving her to simply stare at her retreat until Alexander began to speak again. He was stepping back in as High Sovereign? Her head whipped around at the exchange between he, Reti, and Angelo that seemed to pass in a blur. Alexander as their king, Reti as Heir, and Angelo as... well surely Alexander would grant him some sort of rank after stripping him of his title, right?

They all began to file out shortly thereafter, Reti offering her a smile as he passed. She returned it, though lost in thought, as she left in the opposite direction. She still had patrols to finish, so that's what she would do. It was hard to concentrate on the task with all that had transpired, but she did her best as she headed off into the darkness.

-exit-

---

double exp
paladin
+5 Patrol your borders x2

art by moogle, code by lars

cain

savante

Cain remained silent and respectful as the adults continued to work things out among themselves. He listened intently to them all, watching the changes within the pride shift right before his very eyes. The Blood Mother would fight for the title of Lead Fighter, and Alexander now would take his crown back.

Cain would now be a true prince once again. His eyes glimmered but he kept a neutral and calm expression. It was nice that Reti had protected the Hollow when they all needed it the most, but Cain was happy that his father was king once again.

The group then began to disperse, and Cain's tail twitched slightly. As much as he wanted to follow after his parents, he knew he needed to let them talk. He got to his paws and returned to his den, feeling pleased that he had been among the first to know about Alexander's return to the throne.

[ exit Cain ]

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