ooc; please let kyra and nazar to post first

The days had felt so long ever since their departure from home. His fixation on @Nazar was something he should probably worry about. This time though they weren't even alone, he had to drag @Kyra with them. The female was so unhappy with the decision and with their presence that he remained the punching bag and the buffer between them for the whole trip. He had to admit he thought they'd never try and get home. He wasn't about to plead for mercy for being loyal to his blood, but he preferred punishment to traveling with those two.

The constant bickering and biting. The constant nagging. He was so tired of it all. His look was one of a tired man. Bruised, scarred and fucking tired.

Their pace was one of an injured buffalo with brain damage and probably that was the reason for the ache he began feeling in his feet. But at least these lands were familiar. His large, muscular body was hunched over, head lower than the line of his back and dark paws slightly dragging as he walked. On one side his wife and on the other his brother. His red eyes were fixed on the end, the passage he was familiar with. When he could finally see it, his head rose high to take a better look, but his pace never changed. Slow and dragging. His tail low and out of sight, he had gotten enough jokes about it from Nazar, he hadn't heard Kyra's opinion in the matter, but he was sure that under her bitch face, she was laughing at him too. A heavy exhale left his lips as he made a stop in the middle of the passage and took a look around. Ears retreated backwards into his mane. Maybe coming in through here wasn't the brightest idea they had.

""

html by castlegraphics; image by Eightysichs

Her tired, resting bitch face and dry, cracked paws accompanied with a semi-dusty pelt said it all. They had spent the last few weeks traveling in the middle of nowhere because of @Nazar's hasty decision to cause them to be exiled from their clan. Well, not them per say, but of course she was married off to his brother and her husband @Roman who insisted that they could not leave Nazar out on his own to the elements. Kyra was livid and she ensured that both men were well aware of it. When she hunted, she would leave them her scraps forcing the men to squabble over it or get off their lazy asses to feed themselves. Though she is mostly clean as they walk over the rough terrain of the passage, there are notable patches of grime that cling to her. Roman had offered many times to groom her and each time she had flashed fangs or her claws in his direction, stubbornly refusing his help.

She ignores Roman's defeated walk and quite frankly she wants to snap at him to fix his posture as they pause in the middle of the passage. She grumbles, her harsh features worst than ever as she looks around unsatisfied. "Добре дошли в ада," she huffs mostly to herself as she glances around wondering why they were just standing here. Surely, they needed to head towards one of the woods up ahead and find some water and somewhere to rest their tired paws.

1. Welcome to hell

"SPEECH"

html by castlegraphics; image by Eightysichs

Nazar

no man capable of greater evil than the one who thinks himself in the right

He marched onward with the confidence of a man who knew exactly where they were going. As if he'd been here countless times as if he'd walked every corner of this shithole and knew it as well as the back of his palm. Head high, chin up, a stroke of grass dangling from the corner of black lips, and a merry mood to contrast @Roman and @Kyra's... pessimistic attitude.

His rat-tailed sibling halted like a bull at a gate, heavy and decisive, and it took Nazar a few steps forward before he realized that the happy couple was no longer walking beside him. That is when he spun lazily around on his aching heels, his nonchalant smile turning to a quizzical lift of his brows. "Oh? A piss break already?" he jested. Kyra's voice grumbled something incoherent, but by the sound of her voice, he could tell she wasn't singing the praises of the wasteland below their feet. "I know, I know - such a bountiful land! Full of opportunity, don't you think? A fresh beginning!" His voice rose higher with every moment, as if he believed the nonsense he spewed wholeheartedly. "Now, I wonder where our adventure will take us, hmm? Kyra, Kyra... don't look at me like that - lighten up!" He grinned through the stalk of grass.

code by cala & art by eightysix

Elaine moved through the passage once again. Her last trip here had brought home a new member so she was hopeful that this time would be just as good for her. Her gaze looked for the normal signs of someone looking for a place but this time she only saw a small group. Two males and one female. They seemed like that were coming and she didn't feel like she had seen them before. Maybe a small family coming for a new life.

Elaine started to approach them, her gaze taking them in the best she could before she got close enough. One of the males looked beat the hell up. She wasn't sure who would be the one making the choice here so her eyes flicked between them. Welcome to Amaryllis. Are you looking for a place or someone? Her words were thick with a french accent but she made sure that she was easy enough to understand.

ART

He had seen the cubs, that was enough to get him back into his duties. They were beautiful cubs, strong and fierce. He couldn’t continue to sit around waiting for Icefang to leave so he could steal glances at the cubs. They were old enough to move around and he would run into them eventually. It was time he got back to work, he needed to recruit to keep his title. As he wandered the passage, he kept his silver gaze watching. Eventually he would find 3 lions- with another one approaching. He turned in the direction of them, coming up just as @Elaine ♔ spoke. He nodded to her, recognizing her from the meeting with Icefang and Louve. "Lovely to see you again, Queen Elaine." He greeted with a charming smirk. His gaze shifted to the travelers then. Two seemed to be a mated pair, but the third? Perhaps he was kin or a friend…or a follower. He would nod to them respectfully as well, though his nod was not near as deep as it had been with Elaine. "I’m Lathan. How might we help three wandering travelers, such as yourself?" He asked, head tilting curiously as his gaze shifted over the trio. Elaine and Lathan were of different prides, of course, but they were allies as far as he was aware and thus, the Bluffs Queen was to be treated with respect. This was a team effort until they decided who they wished to go with. @Kyra @Nazar @Roman "Speech."

Art by Rabbit and code by Shazaki

The last time Thella’s paws had touched this ground, they had not ceased their walking. She’d passed straight through and not bothered with what it had to offer her. And she was thankful, for she may not have found her way to the Hollows had she been picked up by any other. It was strange to think of how long ago that felt.

This day, though, she was there in hopes of bringing more back with her, to expand their ranks and pseudo-family. A duty she had, so far, neglected since her ascension into the role of Sovereign.

When she’d passed through, it was an empty land, but such was not the case as she approached now. Instead, many were in attendance, and one such group grabbed her attention. A trio? And already hounded by two unfamiliar faces and accompanying scents. She neared quietly, listening to what they had to say before she, herself, spoke up. Queen Elaine. Lathan.

"If it’s a home you seek, I offer you the tunnels of Obsidian. Thella," she nodded in greeting to all present.

@Roman @Kyra @Nazar @Elaine ♔ @Lathan

art by moogle, code by lars

It's his first venture out into the passage as a titled man. The last time he was here, he was younger and without a home, leaning supportively against the hip of his husband. Now - aside from still being very much married - a lot had changed. Time had passed; his features were now more weathered, his hide more battered and scarred. It didn't bother him, though. To Ilarion, that was something to be proud of. He was surviving - with each and every day that passed. But when would survival turn to thriving? Progressing, advancing - making a stronghold for his kin, as they so rightly deserved?

And when he thought of that, he thought of Kazimir. Him, and any other spouses - though aren't you getting a bit old for that now, Ilarion? - and children that may come from them. He'd never entertained the idea of any of the others finding them here. Not because he'd be averse to it. Quite the opposite, actually. But the Rurik had been so established there, in the place he and Kaz had called home before coming to settle in Amaryllis... Leaving the clan - especially when you were young - was not uncommon. But they never went far, and often times they never left for very long.

So why was that scent so familiar?

Ilarion frowned at his vile brain playing tricks on him; he knew logically that these drifters - their silhouettes small and dark on the horizon, already flanked by recruiters - would not be of his blood. Even as he got closer, he doubted it still - their thick brown pelts and scarred hides did not mean much. But then he caught a flash of dark blue beneath the brow of one man, and fierce blue beneath the other. The lioness - pretty, strikingly so - was not a face he recognised, but the men? Pace quickened, until he was stood amongst the other ranked lions. He stared, expression bold and fogged with disbelief, at the rogue trio.

"Nazar? Roman?"

My brothers. My brothers. His heart would swell with joy as he ignored the nasty little voice that whispered in his ear. They were teenagers on the cusp of their one year trial the last time they saw him.... The likelihood that they would not remember him was a fairly strong one. His face blended easily into the backdrop of the rest of the Rurik mass; shadowy, scarred. Ilarion could not fault them for any confusion, or scepticism.

All he could do was hope.

ART BY NORTHFOXX — CODE

Shoulders rolled with the heaviness he felt in them. Between Kyra's words and Nazar's overly cheerful mouth he felt like he was about to puke his insides all over the dry, cracked land they were standing on. He shook his head and forced himself to stand up and took another look around. His head turned to meet Kyra's eyes and stare for awhile, before he tore them away with a sigh. "Let's just go--" He barely spoke usually and as he did, his voice sounded raspy and deep, but he was cut off when an unfamiliar scent entered his nostrils. His brows furrowed and he looked in the direction of the scent, his body instinctively moving in front of Kyra. His tail rose and flicked from side to side. Another step forward and there stood a woman. His eyes locked on hers, without paying her a single glance more than it was needed. Moments later she was straight to the point. A welcome and then what they wanted. Ears flicked and his lips parted again. "We're just passing through." As little information as possible was given to strangers and this woman was one. Before he could say anything more, more lions appeared, his muscles pulsated with tension. His head turned slightly so he could take a look at her.. maybe she will calm him down. They've been on and off with bickering and fighting, but there were times where it was only calmness and peace. That's what he wanted.

"Lovely to see you again, Queen Elaine."

The words tore his attention from his wife and his eyes landed on a male. Now he was looked over and their chances calculated if it was needed. He wasn't taking any reckless moves. Slow and steady. The man introduced himself, Roman's red eyes locked on his as his head lifted slightly, maybe he was subtly trying to show he was going to stand his ground if needed, but the man didn't seem hostile so he allowed himself to be calmer. "As I already said-" And then came another. A pale lioness that he made sure to lock eyes with and acknowledge her words and her presence. They were becoming quite the party, something he highly disliked. He preferred the privacy of his den and the company of his wife. Tail flicked behind him again and he unconsciously searched for Kyra, because the woman had found her ways to give him reassurance when he needed it, question was if she was going to do that now. It was comical to the nervousness he felt and the nonchalant boredom he showed on the outside. He tried again. "As I was trying to say, we're just passing through." He made sure to acknowledge each and every one of them that had come and greeted them to this place. They'd probably be disappointed. He only hoped this wouldn't end well. He was getting ready to move and get out of here and he was praying Nazar wouldn't stir unnecessary trouble when the familiar scent slapped him in the face.

Tired eyes widened a bit and frantically scanned the horizon. He would never forget this scent, sure it was faded in his brain, tucked away for nostalgic nights he had occasionally, but today wasn't that. And he was pretty sure he's awake and not dreaming. Ears rotated amongst his dark mane until he came into view. A few steps forward, the others forgotten.

Nazar? Roman?

Their names sounded just like they did all that time ago when they were kids. His mouth opened a slight tilt at his lips. "Well, I'll be damned." He began a slight cheer in his voice. "Ilarion." The name of his brother was said with fondness and care. His eyes scanning the man over and a smirk appearing on his face. "You've grown old, brother." He almost chuckled mockingly at the man, but it was said with a lot of tenderness and love for the man. They were gone for so long and he was sure he had forgotten them. Past mistakes and sure future ones to come were pushed aside, because this reunion was something he was hoping for, but didn't know it would happen in this life time. Guess fate had other plans.

""

html by castlegraphics; image by Eightysichs

The only thing that could make things worse was @Nazar's peppy jests. Especially when he told her to lighten up. Kyra growls, baring her fangs at the male. "Shut up!" Though she is interrupted and internally blames him for the sudden attention that has been brought to them. Though her servant husband rapidly intercepts her chance to speak to the sudden influx of recruiters that flank them. @Roman's burly form blocks her view and he attempts to dismiss the woman that had approached them. When he takes a quick peek at her, he is met with a disdainful stare her nostrils flaring in irritation. She wasn't a baby and she sure as hell wasn't going to be left out of this conversation when the word 'queen' is spoken on the other side of Roman. That caught her attention and silently she wonders if the lioness ruled her home the way Kyra had once been destined for hers. Before she was stolen away by the Rurik and forced into this miserable marriage.

The final addition of another male voice and Roman's distraction by a 'brother' has her side stepping her mate to fully view all of the strangers standing before them. Brown irises take in each and purposefully moving away from Roman's side, she stops in front of the others. She already knows based off the exchange between Roman and @Ilarion where this party was headed, but that didn't mean she wouldn't try to change her fate. Anything to get an opportunity away from them. Her cracked paw pads and crumbling sanity were begging for it. "Tell me more about these homes you speak of," she boldly addresses @Elaine ♔, @Lathan, and @Thella ♔. She pointedly ignores Ilarion, Nazar, and Roman hopeful that if she doesn't give them anymore of her time they might just float away. Forever.

"SPEECH"

html by castlegraphics; image by Eightysichs

Nazar

no man capable of greater evil than the one who thinks himself in the right

”Shut up!” @Kyra's fangs gleamed in the daylight, and he backed away as if he was about to her bitten by the most venomous snake. Someone shat in your breakfast this morning? As if she wasn’t always that way. Women, he sighed, looking at @Roman while shaking his head. Good thing he wasn’t the one dealing with Kyra’s antics day and night. When will Roman saddle her once and for all? "Let's just go—" They were interrupted by the approach of a large dark woman with speckled fur, welcoming them to... Amaris? Amalilys? Her accent molded the native language, shifting it into something mysterious. Nazar swooped in front of her, bowing low. “Why hello, my fair- dark lady. A pleasure. My name is Nazar Rurik” he put on his charming face, smirking wolfishly toward Elaine before looking at his companions. “And these are my fearsome brother and his… charming wife.” If charm was all teeth and bark. “We are looking for someone, yes—” @Lathan's approach places a name to @Elaine ♔, and more importantly – a title. A Queen! “My, perhaps I should’ve bowed lower?” Out of his many flames, a Queen had never graced him. Lathan introduces himself, offering his aid too. @Thella ♔'s arrival pulls Nazar’s attention once more, she too offers her… home to them. Before he can try and woo Thella too, the large familiar shape of @Ilarion distracts him, and Nazar’s face lights up in recognition. “Ilarion!” he cheered, approaching to bump shoulders with the older Rurik. "You've grown old, brother." Roman jested. “But certainly not less handsome, eh?” His teeth bared in a cheerful grin, seeking to nudge Ilarion. “Been a while! We’ve been looking for you,” Specifically, of course. Not as if Nazar had doomed Roman and Kyra to wandering, certainly not. Speaking of Kyra. He glanced her way as she pointedly ignored the happy reunion. “Roman’s ray of sunshine.” He gestured her way, an introduction.

code by cala & art by eightysix