They were back again, their large paws carrying them into the still-unknown land. In the past, they'd gone through the passage unnoticed or at least unapproached but this time, this time they stopped. Sandy dunes and ocean stretch around them and before them is everything and nothing.

The servant was alone, had been alone for so long. Long enough, too long.

Their oath was not broken but neither was it whole. A servant without a master was no servant and Felix had nowhere to go and no one to serve. They had no path ahead of them, no future. They could lay down and disappear allowing the land to take them. Punishment for failing as a servant, as their master's protector. But what use was it now? If that should have been their fate it should have been done long ago.

The servant sighs before they allow a chuff to echo from their lips out into the air. A call for anyone and everyone. They were here, they needed somewhere to go. Anywhere.

August Y12 || Maua's passage || Rogue || 6 years

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She trudges through the sands. Her body is fully healed if not decorated in scars from her fights. But the Cove was protected, safe for the time being as Miaran had fought and won. That much had been certain, other things were unsure of. But for now, Aphrodite focused on regaining the strength to travel to the Passage and find those willing to join their ranks and make their home a stronghold again.

Aphrodite had not been here for some time and so it took her by surprise that someone was calling for her. Since the fight for the Cove - and her own fight which is vague currently - she had come to realize that her thirst for blood was stronger than normal and it all was due to the growing children in her belly. Her sides were not yet fully swollen but if one looked close enough they could see ever the slightest poof, or the slightest movement of the children as she walked up to @Felix and greeting him with her own small call.

Welcome to Amaryllise, or welcome back if you have been here before. My name is Aphrodite Marvos, Queen of the Cove. Perhaps I can help you with what you seek? She would set the question out there for him to give an explanation. There was normally only a few that called out here for the recruits, and if it wasn't to find a home then what was he here for?

code by corvus

Someone arrives, a dark lioness with a pale back and tail her head crowned in a half mane. She approaches them with a call and the saber bows their head to the woman. She did not appear the slightest disturbed or surprised by their appearance, odd but not necessarily a bad thing.

I have the servant responds to her greeting briefly they add flicking an ear. They had been here briefly captivated by a lioness speaking the tongue of the rose. Then they'd faded into nothingness riddled with guilt at the prospect of serving someone else. Someone not of the rose. It was gone now. The guilt. Replaced with a void in their chest.

Felix they greet her with another bow of his head, this one more respectful as her title and name greet their ears. There is a pressure in their chest, building until they utter. Sub Rosa Even now, even with the acceptance that they can not serve the rose again they can't give up the name. Can't abandon it as they stare into what could be a new master. Someone new to serve, someone new to protect.

I need a home They speak bluntly to the point, their voice mostly void of emotions. I've been trained for combat. Both in protecting my master and fighting their enemies

@Aphrodite

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He explains that he had been here before. If only briefly and Aphrodite grows curious to know why it had only been briefly. But that is a question for another time as she returns the favor in dipping her head back to him. Then welcome back. She would muse at him before taking in the rest of his words. Her violet jewels kept scanning his massive size before focusing her attention on his gaze. He would be a great addition to the Cove. But his words struck out to her and she would tilt her head to the side. It is a pleasure to meet you, @Felix. I can offer you a home in the Cove. A place where you can thrive in your skills. She would begin to explain to him. Though I am curious on what you mean by master. Are you a prisoner of some sort? I am not familiar with all traditions in Amaryllis. And she wasn't.

code by corvus

@Aphrodite's words of welcome are met with a short nod of acknowledgment. Her words are followed by an invitation to her home but also a question.

No the servant replies shaking their head at her question. I am not a prisoner Not even once had they felt like they were forced to serve or kept against their will, not like they had been in their youth. Then claws and teeth had forced them to fight. Under the rose, they had been safe and happy. Serving my master was my own choice The sabered servant confirms debating how much they should share with this woman. Then again if she was to be their queen lying or hiding the truth would be a great crime.

I was raised a slave, a pit fighter, my master set me free Short and to the point, it was all she needed to know. An oath of servitude was my choice for an oath it had been one they had failed, one that brought them endless guilt now.

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He explained what he meant and Aphrodite would nod her head. Coming to an understanding with what he meant and she would allow herself to keep it that way. Well, if that is how you live then I will not deny you that. She would state before watching him closely. The Cove is not far from here and is bordered by the sea. It is ruled by myself and my wife, along with those we have picked to be in our council. The rules are simple. We don't claim unless necessary, we work as a team in keeping the pride safe and full of food. I specifically encourage working on your skills and mastering them. She was sure her wife did too but she seemed to go out and look for those who needed the experience. We do not hold prisoners so if you ever wish to leave, all you have to do is tell us. She would speak of their allies or enemies just yet.

@Felix

code by corvus

Deny them? As if she could, but the servant does not show his thoughts as they listen to her words. She ruled alongside a wife and their council, though they were given no names to know them by. The servant guessed it didn't matter they'd meet their superiors in time. Other than that they did not find their rules unbearable or impossible. Easy, it all sounded too easy.

But at least they would be free to go if the cove and its queens would not fill the void. As if anyone could, but they had to try. They could no longer wander aimlessly and hollow through the world.

My claws will be yours then my queen they decide allowing her title to fill their voice as their head bow in a deeper motion. I shall master my skills and will provide a sparing partner for any of your followers who may wish to test their strength or work on their combat skills They knew of their appearance, they knew of the joy some got from facing the beast. Not that they themselves did not find joy in the fights.

@Aphrodite

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She was well aware that she would not be able to deny them what they willingly wanted to do. Ears twisting on top of her head as she would listen to him speak and how he was agreeing to come with her to the Cove. A soft smile formed on her features as she would nod her head and begin to head back to the Cove at a pace she felt comfortable in. We have plenty who would enjoy a good sparring partner. Myself included if I wasn't currently caring children. She would state at his last words as they began to walk back home. If he asked any questions, she would answer them and explain further about the Cove.

exit

code by corvus

She was with child, the servant had not been able to tell. Then again they wouldn't have known what to look for. Childrearing had never been something they had partaken in. Not outside of combat training and sparring with those younger than themselves. Congratulations It seemed the proper response. At least while with the rose children had seemed a good thing, something to be joyful over. Even so, their time with the rose couldn't quite wipe away the darker memories of their former life.

As the queen set into motion the servant followed ever dutiful falling into pace with her yet never quiet walking at her side. As they walked they'd ask about allies and enemies, rules of the pride. Things that would become common knowledge with time.

Exit with @Aphrodite

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