It was a long trip across uneven ground and through deep snow drifts. Her smaller stature and shorter legs meant she had to hasten her step to keep up with the clan leader's relaxed step.

It likely didn't help that she carried with her a lot of weight, as much of her collection had come along as she didn't anticipate they would ever be returning home again. Wrapped up snugly in animal hide and dried grass was her collection of many trinkets. She would have been happy to leave it all behind her truthfully, but she served a purpose in the coming months. Dried flowers, colorful gems, medicinal herbs, vines, bones, feathers and even sticks had been carefully rolled up within this oversized bundle upon her back.

She would ignore the small voice in her head that told her to make a break for it. She imagined he would be distracted by this new place they had come to, it might be easy. If she were to run, the tether around her would only tighten, she might end up unable to leave the shadow of the family she was indebted to. No, she would not risk trying to disappear into this unknown place, she could not hope to make it on her own.

Cicada would take a moment to observe her surroundings, checking first on her tiny bushbaby companion. He too, served a purpose, and while he never spoke, she had grown quite fond of him. As he was asleep upon the rolled-up hide, she made a point not to wake him.

She would stop, falling in line behind @Himura, awaiting his decision about what to do next. Eyes would wander absently as she stood by, taking in the oddity of this place, of the expanse of ocean in either direction. Was it a dead end? Did this land bridge connect to the mass of land ahead of them?

(please wait for Himura to post before offering invitation)

And maybe tonight we'll fly so far away

We'll be lost before the dawn

code by corvus

Traveling away from the homeland he moved silently. Taking in the sights around him he saw endless possibilities and opportunities for the Hima Clan. They could bring great things and honor to the dragon emperor. The clan could have a fresh place to live and be happy. First he would have to find a place for them to settle. Right now they could only go forward on this land bridge and if at the end it is a dead end then they would have to turn around and retrace their steps to the last fork in the road. Hearing @Cicada stop behind him he looked over his shoulder to check on the girl without saying anything. 'Very well' he thought 'We shall take a break.' Scanning around them for another moment he finally spoke. "Rest. We she set off again in a bit." When exactly the bit was, wasn’t given.

code by corvus & art by moogle

SIF

It was time to do her part in the rainforest. And thus she had made her way to the passage wondering if she would be able to recruit a few lions as her pride was growing up. But she wasn't going to simply accept the first who came around, she wanted to make sure who she was inviting would be an assest to the pride and no a trouble maker or somone who wouldn't pull their weight.

With that in mind she came and explored the place until she spotted a pair. A male and a female. She approached respectfully. "Greetings," She said calmly. "Is there anything I can assist you with?" She asked as she took a seat.

@Cicada @Himura

coded by flea

Cicada might be worn down by the long journey here, but she was prepared to push onwards at a moment's notice. It was not for her to decide anything, not even when she was tired or hungry. She would be fortunate to have @Himura grant her a moment, bowing her head low in a show of gratitude.she would sink into a sitting position, eyes downcast.

Ears would perk with surprise as an unfamiliar voice called out to them. It has been some time since they encountered anyone. That she was here would suggest they were close to civilization after weeks of traveling across barren lands.

She would dip her head to @Sif and keep it held low as she silently waited for the pair of them to converse. She would be glad for the distraction if it meant she could sit for awhile.

And maybe tonight we'll fly so far away

We'll be lost before the dawn

code by corvus

He wasn’t blind he knew that the journey was taking a toll but didn’t care much. It was a honor from r the clan to carry out this task and he wouldn’t allow dishonor upon them. Yet he could allow some kindnesses and give the Geisha some rest. He could use a break himself. Though it seemed like he would have to wait for a bit for a true break as a stranger appeared. @Sif was an interesting looking woman though not really his taste. Might make a fine Geisha though with her looks. Looking for a moment at @Cicada as he thought about that he cleared his throat and looked back at the stranger.

"Greetings. I am Lord Himura Shimada of the Hima Clan." He started by introducing himself in a stern and serious manner. He wasn’t afraid of her and was trying to give off friendly vibes, but being offered or asked if he needed help by a long woman had him on edge. What tricks was she playing? "Perhaps you could tell me what land do we find ourselves in?" He asked. Might as well start by getting information

code by corvus & art by moogle

SIF

The large woman gave the two a respectful bow but that was it. A calm expression was given to the pair as she took in their looks but also giving a friendly demeanor, though for a battle hardened woman such as herself, that wasn't an easy task. She lacked the delicacy of most females, always coming as brunt, yet she had no reason to feel bad because of that.

She nodded at his introduction. Lord? Interesting. "My name is Sif, Noble of Firnen Rainforest, one of the many prides you can find past this passage." She began as she took a seat. Just to not look too robotic.

She nodded once more. "You had arrived to Amaryllis, a continent where you might find a diverse range of individuals, paths and even aligns." She spoke with a lot of property and confidence, no doubt in her voice. "If you seek a home I can offer my pride who had been presently claimed by the king Lucifer. But I can also point out at other prides." She said calmly.

@Himura @Cicada

coded by flea

Oni

A k a i

There was nothing but water and sand around him, nothing but desolation and death. Had they found the end of the world?

The Oni follows behind them, silent and unseen but there watching and keeping track. He was not sure why they had left but knew his orders. So he followed. His master's striped frame before him, a pristine individual compared to his own appearance.

But it was part of the job. To be unseen and unnoticed. His colossal red frame, an eyesore, had been coated in sand and mud. His fur was matted and dulled by the earth and grime his scent hopefully concealed by the stronger scents of ocean and dirt. He has slowed some and fallen further behind the others than intended but he catches up in time to notice a strange lavender lioness standing before his lord.

The Oni sinks low, hoping his fur is well enough dulled, his scent weak enough for him to disappear into the landscape to an eye not looking for him. He moves closer, close enough to hear what is being said while also hopefully being out of sight.

The woman speaks, rambling. Claiming a title he does not know which causes the assumption that she is geisha to form. Why else would a woman be parading herself around in this manner? That does leave him wondering where her lord is, or her escort. Who is keeping an eye on this woman? Snake-like eyes narrow against the sun and its brightness reflecting off against the snow. But he saw no one and the scents in the air were so thick and plentiful he could not tell if someone was actually nearby or they were just lingering trails.

@Himura @Cicada @Sif
-Akai is attempting to hide-

Potential xp
Assassin
+10 Successfully stay hidden for the duration of a thread
+5 Gather information about a character (Sif Noble of FR)
+5 Practice speed or stealth

code by corvus

The chilly night was making her arrival harder than it had to be, as the snow and the cold breeze made her bones hurt and her body trembled due to its losing warmth. But she had to keep going and catch up on her master and mistress. Her steps rushed yet elegant, she didn't want to dishonor her clan in anyways even in something as simple as the way she held herself.

She arrived to stand behind them but visible enough to be spotted. Eyes of blue fell on the large woman before turning at Himura wondering what he would say about this. Ready to follow him in whatever he picked as home, it was her duty to follow him anywhere regardless of her own wishes and desires.

@Himura @Cicada and @Akai

code by corvus

Watching and listening to @Sif he was a bit uncomfortable with this Firnen Rainforest pride and questioned silently the judgement of King Lucifer sending a woman out to retrieve recruits. This was a strange position he found himself in. Perhaps this Sif was like Cicada in this King’s pride? Still he wouldn’t dare sent the Geshia out alone like that.

Standing there taking everything in he wasn’t stupid. Winter was upon them and the cold weather had gripped them. The womenfolk would be cold and whereas he could cuddle @Nagi at night to keep her warm he wouldn’t @Cicada. "It would be foolish to just accept an offer so quickly. Tell me what you know about these other prides. How many are there? How many kings does it have? Who is the Emperor here?" He requested the information. They were just one clan they needed to know about who’s lands they had stumbled upon.

@Akai

code by corvus & art by moogle

Pain was grounding. Pain reminded him he was alive, of lessons learned, and mistakes not to be repeated. The King was not so wounded he could not travel, even through the snow - the wound that had 'killed' him had been a mixture of blood loss and a throat hold.

Once revived he needed to keep track of how much energy he expended until blood levels reached normal measure once more, and he must use care with his left shoulder and the flesh on the left and front side of his neck beneath his mane as scar tissue hidden beneath the thick hair had yet to form atop scabs and knitting flesh - but travel was still possible.

The ratcheting up of tensions had drawn Reti's attention to the fact the Plains lacked enough seasoned warriors, skilled healers and hunters. A fact he intended to try and remedy while waiting for his battle ability to repair itself....as best it would be able to.

It was not difficult to notice the activity in the passage. A whole little group gathered. Black ears pricked forward to catch words spoken by a dramatically marked lion, an Indepth request for rather detailed information.

A tactician then? Someone with a particular goal in mind certainty.

One particular word caught his attention most. 'Emperor'. That was an uncommon word to use in combination with 'Kings' he had only met two cultures who had both ranks in use simultaneously.

Moving to stand a polite distance facing the lion and his group, but off about five feet from the Rainforest lioness offered her a nod of greeting - and he waited his turn to speak. No need to be rude. The questions had not been asked of him, and he saw no reason to respond before she could. It would be fascinating to hear what sort of information the rainforest lioness would freely offer.

He would however give an introduction when there was an opening in the conversation. "Reti Hodari, Sovereign of Lorien Plains pride territory." he tilted his head slightly in polite greeting.

The scarred warrior then gave pause, hopefully so he would be given a introduction in return - and to allow answers to be given, and of course, should the new arrivals wish to - questions could be asked of the chimera king as well.

Reti's gaze drifts over to the others gathered, giving them a little nod as well before resting back on whom he took to be the group 'representative' given his positioning at the head of the group.


-------
@Himura @Cicada @Akai @Nagi @Sif

code by corvus