@Etain would offer him a shrug in answer to his silent question. Well. Wasn’t she super helpful today. He didn’t bother asking again, now was not the time for these questions, he could ask her later if the Oasis was cannibalistic…or maybe…if @Parthena was not on her best behavior he would find out today. He glanced towards the little princess, he was sort of fond of her rebellious ass, he hoped she didn’t become a meal today. It wasn’t long before a grey female appeared, pointed ears striking much like his own. His ears flicked forward, giving the woman a quick appraisal. She was interesting. Smaller than what he was accustomed to, but he doubted that would hinder her. He listened as she greeted them, introducing herself as @Helah, the queen of the oasis. He didn’t move, though his manners would dictate that he bowed in greeting to her, he did no such thing today. Icefang had ordered them silent, so he did not try to introduce himself. Even when she looked over him, calling him handsome. The most he offered was a smirk and slight tip of his skull in a nod to her. A large, dark merle, man (@Harou) with red eyes came forward. Lathan turned his attention politely, regarding him with an intrigued expression as he took in the fluffy fur that would obviously not make the desert comfortable. What made him want to live here…it was hot as hell and with such a dark and thick coat…he did not envy the King. Ah but then a white male with gray shading came forward, his underbite drawing his attention more than the scars did. He couldn’t help but wonder why he had been allowed to live with such…mutation… in his homeland such things were culled at birth. He listened silently as the Queen and he exchanged comments, paying just as much attention when she addressed the King and Queen as well. She made her request, aide in the impending war. Though Lathan was curious about the so called attack that had happened after the challenge, he gave none of that away as he listened, keeping alert as if he was only there to be a body guard. "Speech."

Art by Rabbit and code by Shazaki

Obsidiana observed the surroundings carefully, quietly as if she wanted to memorize it, save it within her psique. This was one of her first jorneys to another pride along her mother ir not the first. So there was many new places and lions to meet and even though it brought her great enthusiasm and excitement she knew better to keep her emotions in check and just be patient and enjoy the way. Learning and simply saving her words for later as she wasn't interested in ruining it for her mother by being reckless or speak out of turn. And thus she simply observed and listened to the adults exchanges. Eyes resting on those who came after, taking into their features and worfss. Yet again keeping her mouth shut and simply let mother handle it as she saw best.

artwork • coding

a little wicked
that's what he calls me

There is not part of her who thought she would have a taste for politics, and yet... she has found it to be rather delectable. Especially in such... handsome and beautiful company. When @Icefang ♔ speaks and greets her, she lets her lips curve into a sinful smile, and as she offers her name and rank- Helah nods in something that could be called a respectful greeting. "It is always a pleasure to meet another beautiful Queen." She would rumble. Her gaze would move to rove over @Harou as possessive as a caress, but she would not move to lean into him, or to step closer to him. She could stand on her own four legs- and he to his. They would compliment each other, not rely on the others strengths to function.

It is an assessing look she gives @Luther ♔ as he arrives, not a flirtatious grin as she is so accustomed. She is.. curious as to why he has been called. He was the King of the Mire, but... why was he summoned. She says nothing, remaining silent about that to let the Queen speak, and when she does...

Oh Helah's heart halts, as she hears the name Cassandra and it is not fear. It is a reminder of whom she refuses to think of. It brings that name swirling back into her memory. Revna Lips curl over her gums as she remembers the Queen who beat her in a fight, and she lets her claws flex into the sand. It seems the Brook Queen requests help in taking a war to the Lagoon, and she tilts her head considering that. Would she pledge the Oasis to her cause?

"Fucking Cassandra." She hissed lowly. She hadn't liked the female purely because she'd beat her in a fight once. Helah was a sore loser after all. "You only had to say her name really." She adds, with a grin. "Good for you for taking her throne." The Brook not being in her hands anymore- not being... a place where Revna would haunt her every breath if she were to visit... well, that that was good news.

"We hold an alliance with the Lagoon." Gaze shifts to Harou, "But I did not know that Cassandra lived there." There is a lingering pause that likely says so much, as she turns her gaze upon her King.

table by ryuu

Part vampire Part warrior
Carnivore and voyeur

politics is a messy concept, one he absolutely loathes. infact, harou despises it quietly. drama was stupid and all this bullshit included, especially when he had no issues with the lagoon. why go through all of this trouble? why not just single this cassandra out? he had no idea who Cassandra was, however, and this made him appear all the more detached, although outwardly, his ears would flick forward, asserting his interest, especially after icefang claims she had been jumped by more lagoon members. just as helah stated, they were friendly with the lagoon, allies even. they had no issues with the lagoon. did icefang really demand such punishment? such open spilling of blood? all he saw mainly were women and children from either side. his crimson eyes would land upon @Luther ♔, acknowledging the pale man with a light nod, before turning to speak to the brook queen. others would be here, but for now, harou had eyes only for icefang.

"why not just call a hit on this cassandra and her followers? i doubt the actions of a few individuals makes up the sum of the entire pride. perhaps, you need to speak to isla, one on one." he would have no idea whose connection cassandra would belong to, but he's listening. plus, he finds friendship in isla. crimson eyes would land upon @Icefang ♔, questioning silently. he will not jump to conclusions here, but attempt to be civil, despite his hunger to answer everything in blood and violence. being reactive would never solve anything as harou tries to navigate these new waters.

ryuu

@Icefang ♔'s grin at his jest seems to ease him in the conversation. He did not expect to be greeted with open arms at the head of political discussions without an ounce of power to his name, yet his presence is not outwardly denied. Of course, he had only himself to thank for that - he'd established a name stronger than any title, and his alliances were not such fickle things that they would break when the thorny crown toppled from his head.

Once a King, always a King.

The Rike's lips twitch further in a smile, eyes following the way toward the Andal ruling pair at Icefang's assumption. "Small world, eh? Not old, but I would hope new." He nods courtesy towards @Harou, but his eyes momentarily touch on @Helah's presence. Later he will need a long bath to wash away the stench of harlot from his pristine coat. He had half a mind to ask Icefang if the Oasis were her old friends, but that would be beside the point. Why ask when all will be revealed if only he is patient enough? Patience - annoying virtue, but a good tool.

The Vermedan Queen continues, unveiling the purpose of her large posse, and of her visitation. Luther was intrigued by the mention of an ambush done by the Sigrun rat herself and her Lagoon friends. So that is where she'd crawled to? Small surprise, considering that the Sigrun stuck to the sea like a fly on a turd. "Fucking Cassandra." Luther realized the ugly snarl came from @Helah's way, the anger contorting her face. So Cassandra shit in your cereal too, eh, Harlot Queen? It was becoming evident that the women were caught up in a catfight. Too bad he will fight on Helah's side. The things I do for the Sigrun's ultimate destruction.

He listened, for once, silent in his observations as the trio conversed. Assessing. Creating schemes of his own. He could take advantage of this catfight. An issue arose, however, when the ruling pair mentioned their allegiance with the Lagoon. Well, that wouldn't be the first time someone has broken an alliance, and certainly won't be the last. He must seize the moment, he must turn Harou and his harlot on Icefang's side. On his side. "Certainly a hit against Cassandra would be a wiser option —" he began, his eyes diverted from anyone in particular, faking as if he thought out loud. Unbiased. After all, what did Harou know of Luther's wars and feuds? Of all the Rike blood spilled on valley grounds? Helah was not difficult to sway into war - she was already ready to tear out Cassandra's throat without a second thought. That saved him some trouble. "— but Isla and Cassandra are relatives. They are both Sigrun." He had seen enough of the grey bitch to know she was as obnoxious as Cassandra. Perhaps more. "The actions of one individual are, without doubt, the sum of the entire pride. The Sigrun always stick together. If one of them is upset that her crown was taken, they will not stop." A pest on this earth. He glanced at @Harou for that last statement, then looked at @Icefang ♔. A prompt. Your turn.

She rumbles lowly at @Helah, a purr of sorts when the woman comments that she is a beautiful queen. Same to you. If they weren't in the midst of a political discussion, the high sovereign would of been inclined to take the conversation a step further. Perhaps to a spare den in the Oasis, but she would do nothing more than give her stamp of approval for the compliment. The response to Cassandra's name is even juicier, Icefang's ears perking forward with interest as the hiss stings through the air. The flexing of the claws and feral sounds emitting from the sovereign has her excited. Shit, she was so happy to hear someone else's distaste for that foul name to the point she wants to kiss Helah. That is until the alliance is mentioned, the decision shifting from wild queen to stoic king. However, there is still hope. Helah was ready, maybe her feelings could sway Harou in her favor.

The seconds that tick by feel like an eternity, Icefang tense as her gaze shifts to @Harou, praying that their moonlit dinner is enough to make him consider. To hope that whatever dark presence she had felt in his soul was enough to throw away a silly little alliance. They had attacked her. Here she was - a disaster on his doorstep - begging for a savior. However, her hope falters once he begins to speak. That electric spark she had felt moons ago when they sat huddled in this very Oasis shatters when he suggests that he speaks to the very being that is causing her grief. It is a spit directly in her face. Icefang digs her talons deeper in the sand, maimed tail twitching in the slightest betrayal of her aggravation. To be humiliated in front of the others. In front of her daughters, noble, and Luther. Her façade falters slightly as she feels compelled to demand that her party physically hold her back before she burned this bridge to hell.

Then, he speaks. @Luther ♔ - her shining knight in armor. When she expects the dethroned Mire king to laugh at her for this failure he is instead charming his way through the gasoline that has been poured while stopping her from throwing the burning match clenched in her hand. He confirms that while the pair are not old friends (they are rather new), that in the midst of his unfortunate position he has not forgotten his pact with her. She steps forward, another step away from her protective party giving a small nod of agreement when Luther finishes his statement. "Isla was there when I overthrew Cassandra. She was also there when Cassandra lost again." Another step, this time betraying that annoying limp. "It is clear she knows what they are doing. The Lagoon does not wish to be on peaceful terms with me." Natural and torn ear pin back as the high sovereign lets out a soft breath, skull dipping slightly in a defeated manner. If her lie didn't work, then perhaps she needed to try a different tactic. He had shown a weakness in stating that the pride could not be held accountable for the actions of a select few.

"It is against my nature to come begging for help." Blue orbs flicker to the ruling pair and gently brushing over Luther. "What will they do next? Ambush my members? Harm the children? I cannot sit around and let them bully me because they feel entitled to the Brook. We are past the point of a discussion. When they attack again, do I have to worry that the Oasis will also march against me?" A pity card. Think of the children for fuck sake. If this didn't work, Icefang wasn't sure there was anything Luther could say before she threw down her match.

ART BY INK1GREEN, CODE BY LARS, MODIFIED BY GUNNER

he can hear their words before his growing body arrives on the scene.

kjartan slinks into the shadows surrounding the meeting, making out the form of his father and sovereigns meeting with a woman of alabaster fur who calls herself the queen of vermeda brook. however, it's what the woman says next that has him salivating. war - this icefang brings war to their doorstep.

being so young, kjartan has yet to experience such things but feels the thrill of it shooting through his veins nonetheless. so much blood, so much opportunity to prove himself. the boy hangs back for the time being, keeping himself hidden to eagerly hear out the rest of the conversation.

kjartan is hidden and observing

And now the kingdom comes, crashing down undone
and i am a master of a nothing place, of recoil and grace

trigger warning: mature language

a wolfish smile plays over the beast's lips, but inwardly, he entertains the ideas of murder. he hides his savagery beneath a disturbing calm, the surface of an ocean twisting in rugged howls to violence. beneath the icy facade of stoicism, however, the beast's blood boils.

the winter titan can feel the wrath curling in his blood, the bitterness seeping through like venom. hearing them talk - @Helah, @Luther ♔ and @Icefang ♔ - silently begins to grate upon his nerves. harou may be solemn, but he is of thin patience; his salivating jaws all too quick to answer in death and in blood. all their voices would thus press against his mind, converging upon flesh like sticky honey. teasing him with bittersweet ideas all the same, harou feels half-indifferent, but within; his thoughts were saturated in ungodly wrath. here, he is pulled left and right, as wars wage in his mind; he may either side with isla, or he may side with icefang - and it is clear that neither one present would give him any middle ground. this petty squabble among royalty would fall short. harou feels disturbed, roused, strangely enlightened, and a dark grin begins to slowly curl his barbaric lips.

like whispering devils on the playground, they bickered around him; yaking and talking freely. these were powerful heads of figure - but here, in this moment; harou sees nothing but snakes surrounding him, and if they were this vengeful and eager to crow their enemies, who knew what they would say or do behind his back? the army's wolf feels on edge, but in the most delicious way possible. he feels the shudder calls to violence slip hungrily down his spine. even the presence of helah would quietly get under the wolf's skin, for his queen revealed her intent far too soon - when her lips should be coy and sealed behind mystery - helah would lay down her cards for show. harou's lips twitches over his fangs, his wrath and annoyance curling beneath the flesh, a subtle display of teeth. helah would lack brighid's sense of control, and in this moment, he wished his winter queen were here to smoothen out the situation instead of the chaotic banshee. even so, harou would not outwardly show this. instead, harou would gently and lightly seek to press his frame against helah's side, the low rumble shuddering down the column of his throat as an easy smile touches his mouth. enough, helah, as if to quietly say, silence.

perhaps, however, it is icefang's attitude alone that grates upon harou's nerves the most. here, harou tries to see it from icefang's perspective - but - her words seem more demanding than suggestion, more emotional than calculative. it is enough to narrow the titan's gaze, that devilish grin - half good, half evil, all teasing - slowly forming along harou's angular features.

"isla is a fair queen." his voice remains steady and even - his wrath lying in wait - unruffled by their presence as he lays this blatant truth down with all the conviction of a sword hungering through rent flesh. harou remains poised, his icy lips curling over his misted breath as his stare moves from luther's face (considering the man's words with a thoughtful hum, dismissing it entirely), and finally locks hungry gazes with the blue eyes of winter queen's.

the wolf is devouring the queen's flesh now. he is almost hungry for it. half of him wants to destroy her, now, while the other half begs for him to stay calm. harou would say nothing more in this matter, refusing to speak ill of isla, and quite frankly, he's had enough of their motherfucking theatrics. "we once talked of an alliance between our two prides, icefang, and you have been nothing but generous in our meetings. but to approach us now, and like this? i cannot help but feel mighty curious of your motives. now, if you won't give andal the middle ground - for i refuse to turn against a friend, against isla - i will have no choice but to meet you on the other side. it makes me wonder, then; is vermada strong, or is she weak? can she fight her own wars, or do you need the help of others to lift you up? tell me, icefang, are you and you kin not warriors?"

because all i see is begging.

what will you do next?

bend over?

spread your legs?

his talons would dig into the terrain beneath his massive paws, his frame shifting across his hulking weight. perhaps, it is arrogant and hypocritical to think less of icefang, arrogant to think of her as nothing more than another whore straddling upon her precious throne and moaning her way into power - but in truth - harou quietly respected icefang. respected her, admired her. this respect is thinning, however, the more and more she presses him, the more she bickers and talks ill of isla. harou didn't a give flying fuck about their familial wars, but isla? he gave isla his word. he made love to isla.

"you should leave."

the final words fall from his mouth, cut-throat, blunt as fuck. it is the final command given, as gently as harou could put it. he would not turn his back on them, expecting a full on retalliation, but he will not be cruel unless it is necessary to be cruel. as for helah? he will deal with helah later.

icefang

She waits, basking in the deafening silence that penetrates her ear drums. @Luther ♔ only holds so much power here as he holds her back, cautioning her to use wits over brute force. Unfortunately, much like @Helah she could not stand when a man told her no. The bomb drops in the pit of her stomach when @Harou speaks, his words causing a scowl to form on her lips. Fair? Is that what he was basing his judgment on after she groveled to him? His answer is a harsh slap to the face, his claws tearing at the thin flesh as she stands there, the possibilities all racing through her mind as she pictures his bleeding body beneath her. “Fair?” She snarls, the reasonable diplomat gone as her fury takes over. Fuck politics. Fuck the tender line of their “alliance.” Fuck their dinner. Fuck their time together. And most importantly, fuck him. “All’s fair in love and war?” The words are spat out, foul against her tongue as she clenches her teeth. Mocking him.

Harou glances at Luther, but his words have little effect to sway him. Icy blue meets flame burning red, but there is a different ferocity today. One burning of anger and hate versus the lust they had shared initially. His next statement and the prodding of his questions only fuel her rage. Vermeda was filled with nothing but warriors led by the queen warrior herself. It is clear she has hit a weak point. A nerve, but her own nerves are hit as he comes for her ability to lead, questioning what she is capable of. Instead of storing this information to produce a stealth move later against the Oasis she turns and submits to her impulsive demons instead.

His respect for her might be thinning, but the moment he turned his back on her she declared him dead. When he tells her to leave it is at this point that she throws her burning match down onto the gasoline flooding the ground. It is just the two of them now. “Fucking make me,” she spits, drool nearly slipping from her bared fangs. There is nothing that can be said by anyone present to extinguish the flames burning around her.

In a decision she cannot take back, Icefang launches herself at Harou, charging forward and quickly eliminating the distance between them. The greed to overpower and force him to eat his words is intoxicating and with the flames screaming behind her she forgets the pain of her injuries. The weighing down of her limp. She would show him the warrior holding down the throne. Make him realize his deadly mistake in choosing another over her, especially in front of so many scrutinizing eyes.

The ice wraith slides to a stop in front of him, upper half swinging back and upwards to balance on strong, muscular hind legs. Chin tucked down to protect her delicate throat as she gets up close and personal, blue orbs locked onto him. Her right front paw lashes out in an attempt to swipe sharp talons at his eyes.

It was obvious that they were defective. Don't worry - Mommy will fix them.

Icefang vs. @Harou
For Major Maim (TBD)
Round 1 / 4
Hits:

Rolling 8d20: 4 + 13 + 6 + 7 + 11 + 1 + 15 + 20

Dodges:

Rolling 5d20: 14 + 9 + 10 + 16 + 11

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 4 + 9 + 1 + 5 + 2

ART & TABLE BY AURORA

Part vampire Part warrior
Carnivore and voyeur

TRIGGER WARNING!
This content might touch on topics that are sensitive or triggering for some readers. Trigger Warning for mentions of [ strong language, graphic content ]

intial attraction dissolves into vehement distaste. where once he saw her in an elegant light, now; he only sees her rage, her tantrum. everything spirals into a chaotic frenzy, as the queen spits her aggressive words, her facade twisting into a banshee's. only, it looks terrible on her - her temper - her chosen words spat out like the words of an insolent brat. surely, with age comes wisdom. but icefang would show neither grace nor intelligence, here, and in harou's opinion, icefang looks like an over-sized toodler barreling towards him with her proverbial fists aimed at his face.

isla wears her crown better.

a sadistic laugh erupts from the wolf's lips, humored by this as she comes charging for him just as he makes to leave. as he turns around to meet her, he would feel her claws slicing across the bridge of his nose - narrowly missing his eyes - as the white woman all too quickly descends upon him. blood drips down his face and a guttural snarl escapes the wolf's lips, the pain flaring outward with sharp intensity.

harou would attempt to reposition himself, attempting to smash his forehead into icefang's face as they come to breath against one another. simultaneously, he would thrust a forelimb towards the queen, attempting to hook his talons into the side of her neck and drag his nails down their flesh.

Harou vs. @Icefang ♔
major main / partial blindness
1 of 4

Hits:

Rolling 8d20: 2 + 10 + 18 + 7 + 1 + 16 + 17 + 9

Dodges:

Rolling 5d20: 5 + 19 + 13 + 10 + 20

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 5 + 8 + 3 + 13 + 2

Rolling barbarianberserk 1d30: 21
You have failed to go berserk!

Rolling paladinbuffer 1d30: 13
You have managed to buffer the attack! (+1 to dodge roll for the next round of your fight)

ooc: set before the death match, so harou has his full dice here.

ryuu