The Monster

Velasco X’uekai

Victory is a sweet addictive nectar and he'll drink it with no regret. He looms over her for a moment. To have her there, under him submitting to his might what a treasure. What a bore.

Part of him wants more, to feel the rush of the battle for longer. To see just how far they can push before something or someone breaks. He is tired, he is hurt, but something still burns in his blood. And it's demanding more.

However, as her gibberish words meet his ears the monster steps back, a rush of satisfaction at her next word. Win. Her submission is not quite as satisfying as he would have wanted but he steps off, his tongue darting over bloodstained lips.

A question lingers on his tongue, but another leaves his inky lips. "Señora your words, they are not the common tongue." what a bright observation. But it has him curious how much this little grey storm cloud actually understands. Is she just claws and fangs or is there a mind behind those blue eyes?

@Miaran

code by corvus, manip by wolfsi

Often she allowed @Velasco to slip from beneath her watchful gaze. He was an adult after all, even if at times his very core was unpredictable. Sometimes she caught him proudly following his duties and other times she found him in less favorable positions, such as napping away in the grove where she might not see him. Today, she had caught his scent trail as she did her daily round of patrolling and feeling curiosity probe at her she decided to follow. When she arrives to the pit, she immediately spots @Miaran pinned by the larger male and silently, the brook queen takes a seat. It appeared their battle was ending and her son was the clear victor. She was wondering if the X'uekai male was going to let their ally get up easily or if the darker corners of his mind would attempt to take over. Though she gets her answer in moments when he releases the Cove queen and steps back from her to exchange words. She would remain on her perch, towering over both of them from a distance sure that they would eventually take notice of her presence.

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Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Miaran was released from his tight grip and the heavy weight was lifted off her. Her ears were still pinned back, a clear sign of her displeasure as she forced herself to stand. Blood seeped from her wounds, staining her once pristine grey fur a deep shade of red. Despite the pain, she stood her ground.

When he made a comment about her language, there was a shift in her demeanor. A sly smirk played on his lips, revealing a hint of her sharp fangs. Without missing a beat, Miaran responded with a steely gaze before uttering, Oui, Français is my Mother tongue. It tends to slip.

But her attention was soon diverted by a movement nearby. Her eyes, coloured like jewels, turned to see @Icefang ♔ approaching. Her own tongue, now bloodied, darted out to wet her parched lips before she greeted the Vermeda High Queen with a sense of reverence, Bonjour, Mademoiselle Icefang." The words rolled off her tongue with a mix of respect and admiration.

@Velasco

table code by daanyen

The Monster

Velasco X’uekai

"Français" the monster echoes though his pronunciation is definitely off as his more Spanish accent toys with the word. But it also confirms she is more than just tooth and claw. And she'd smelled of old wounds when they started. Now he had to wonder what kinda fight they'd had if she'd been in pristine condition. "It is indeed easy to slip into one's native tongue Señora" he responds with a low hum to his words. He knew this, despite his travels Velasco had always used his native tongue. To charm or whisper secrets or just for the little pet names he tended to use.

As the woman's attention shifts, Velasco follows her gaze his madre's pale frame catching his eyes, and a grin forms on his lips. Had she seen his victory? Velasco turns towards the pale high queen of the brook. His coat bloodied from his fight with the cove woman and a painful sensation burned as he moves. However, his ears twist towards @Miaran as she addresses @Icefang ♔ and Velasco's head turns to study her expression.

He is pleased to see the other's face hear the tone of her voice. For even if the X'uekai matron is growing old and questionable she is still their matron. And he had not yet had the satisfaction of mauling someone for bad-mouthing the aging lioness.

"Madre" he greets her informally but respectfully dips his head to her, a grin still present on his lips.

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Her ally is released and Icefang shifts picking one of the many paths from the top of the crater to the bottom of the pit where she takes her time approaching the pair. They exchange a few more words, which she fails to hear before both are greeting her. "Well done," she rumbles approvingly at her son as blue orbs fall onto @Miaran now. "Miaran, this is my eldest son @Velasco. One of my finest warriors," Of course she would uplift him in front of a presence outside of their immediate family. She would not tolerate anyone believing that the X'uekai was anything but an united family. "Velasco, this is Miaran. High sovereign of Caladan Cove and our newest ally." She glances over the both of them, recalling that Miaran's rule was still rather fresh and unsure how much her numbers had expanded since their last chat. "I can offer a healer if you have not found one for your home yet." A kind offer as a small possibility sparks as she notes the pair were similar in age. She at least had a good spirit after being bested by Velasco. "What did you two think about the skills of your opponent?" Let us be a learning opportunity. Everyone knew Icefang loved those.

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Miaran was in agreement as she nodded slowly in response to his words about the ease of slipping back into one's native language. The stranger she had been clashing with showed no annoyance as her attention turned towards @Icefang ♔. Instead, he dipped his head towards the White Queen and uttered a foreign word that made Miaran tilt her head in curiosity.

As Icefang began to speak, Miaran settled herself down, her wounds throbbing and bleeding, yet somehow not a concern in that moment. She tuned in to the words being spoken, then turned to the male who had triumphed over her in battle, a genuine smile gracing her lips. Plaisir, @Velasco. A name to put to the face is always a welcome thing, oui? Pleasure,

Upon Icefang's suggestion of a healer, Miaran shook her head slowly. A smile tugged at her lips as she looked at the older lioness, feeling a deep sense of warmth and appreciation. Non, I do appreciate the offer, she began, her voice filled with emotion. I already have a Lead Medic, Khadija, who knows me better than anyone. She is always there to mend my wounds from the battles I face. Aphrodite, has grown accustomed to seeing me return home with new scars, a testament to my fierce spirit. A soft laugh escaped her, filled with a mix of pain and joy as she reflected on her relentless resolve.

Monsieur Velasco is a formidable opponent who holds nothing back, Miaran remarked, her tone sincere and filled with admiration. He has earned my respect even before I knew his name. It was clear she spoke not out of obligation as an Ally's son, but out of genuine admiration for his skill and sportsmanship in their battle. In a land where her losses were few, those who truly earned Miaran's respect were truly a rare breed.

table code by daanyen

The Monster

Velasco X’uekai

Icefangs slow descent would have been met with a questionable glance if not for the stormy lioness by his side.

Old hips troubling you madre?

Instead, he waits patiently for the pale high queen to join them.

He grunts at her praise before dipping his head in a show of gratitude. Let the cove queen see them as unified, as a strong family with a loving son and powerful mother. Just don't let them look too close, and keep the curtains drawn.

He is greeted by the storm cloud lioness and the monster purrs pleased "A pleasure indeed reina @Miaran" he responds assuming her first word to be the same as his own. It sounded similar enough and she did not seem unhappy with their encounter.

As the two queens talk the monster takes a seat feeling the wounds on his side sting and burn as the moment causes the torn and tender skin to move. Maybe Miaran didn't need a healer but he'd rather like one, not that he was about to say so out loud. So the monster sits steeling his face and listening to the women speak. He finds himself growing bored quickly until @Icefang ♔ opens the conversation once again with a question.

"I can say the same" he echoes with a pleased purr as the woman comments on him not holding back. He had not for neither had she, his bleeding side was a testament to that. "She's strong. A force to be reckoned with. I think I'd like to face her again, when the scent of old wounds doesn't linger" he speaks honestly not holding back the fact he'd smelled old blood when he'd first arrived. If this was how she fought when injured he almost longed to see her true strength. To feel just how much power this little stormcloud could command.

code by corvus, manip by wolfsi

Both take turns and each state their praise of the other's strength and positive initial impressions. Icefang listens, blue orbs darting over each in turn as the idea slowly festers in her brain. "Very well," she rumbles also nodding her skull slightly when @Miaran mentions having a lead medic. Good, it was an important position to have filled at all times. "I have a...proposal then." There was a chance this could be taken in a negative way, but she was aging and slowly her grasp on power was slipping. She needed to take every step possible to ensure the X'uekai would survive without her valuable guidance. "I have concerns about the X'uekai line continuing. Most of us have been wiped out traveling to these lands and I have been slowly solidifying my alliances through betrothals. Perhaps, Miaran, you would be interested if I ask to arrange one between you and @Velasco? It can be strictly political, I ask mostly that the cubs be named X'uekai if any are had." Curiosity would have her glance between the two, wondering if her eldest son would object. Maybe he was being polite in the face of an ally about how he truly felt about Miaran or maybe this idea would interest him more than she expects. Though she is also trying to carefully trend on how the Cove queen might feel. Icefang already knew she had one mate. Did monogamy bound her and Aphrodite together?

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Miaran's heart raced as she listened intently to the words of the Vermeda members. The knowledge of @Icefang ♔'s bravery in battle filled her with admiration, her loyalty to Louve unwavering. And when @Velasco expressed his desire for another fight without past wounds, a fire ignited within her.

With a mischievous grin, she couldn't help but tease Velasco for his eagerness for combat. Ah, but Monsieur Velasco, I am always looking for a challenge. Fighting is in my blood, a part of who I am, she purred with a hint of danger in her voice, her French accent dripping with venom.

But it was Icefang's proposal that had captured Miaran's attention. The thought of a political alliance with the X'uekai family sparked a whirlwind of emotions within her. She paused, considering her feelings and her promise to Aphrodite. I must first consult with my mate, Aphrodite. Honesty is key in our relationship. But if Monsieur Velasco is willing, perhaps there is potential, she mused, her gaze flickering towards the lion in question, her brow raised.

table code by daanyen

The monster hums in a laugh at the storm cloud's words "Then let's not make this our last" he laughs pink eyes shining with excitement as he looks at the storm cloud lioness. He wanted more. Even with her teasing, fighting was just as much part of him as it was her. To feel skin tear and fur soak with blood. So few understood his joy in it and even fewer would partake.

The monster's attention is returned to his madre as she speaks again and his brows rise in unhidden surprise.

She was suggesting what now?

How did the old hag reach this conclusion? How did @Icefang ♔ get a potential marriage candidate from them discussing tearing into each other with violence... Then again they were X'uekai... Violence was part of them, it birthed them. And so far @Miaran had not disappointed with her show of strength and violence. Perhaps this would not be such a bad deal for him after all.

The Cove queen speaks and Velasco composes himself with a smile on his lips as he listens. She was already married with a wife at home, well he was not against it, he himself would not be limited to one partner. Then again he had never actually had a more permanent partner and the idea of sharing had never been all that pleasing to the monster. "I don't see any issues." he says, gazing at the stormy lioness "I'd like to meet this wife of yours as well. If there is no issue then we can discuss the terms of the arrangement more in-depth" Even if just for politics marriages came with rules and boundaries and the monster had never been any good at keeping those. But perhaps if this were done right there would be more benefits than disadvantages for him.

Velasco X'uekai

code by corvus, art by eightysichs (DA)