It's Kill or Be Killed

And we must survive

Asphodel was not afraid of the fire and stepped closer on @Fissure clear invitation. "An offer?" He asked shortly but may not have spoken loud enough to be heard, instead watching the others' reactions. He was particularly interested in the way @Avreya had responded to Fissure's lack of acknowledgment.
Her cool response showed her ability to manage her temperature, and she moved swiftly and without room for argument. He would have to see if she stuck around in the area after he heard Fissure out, she had the makings of a good asset to keep around.
The other lioness, who had introduced herself as @Rosemary, seemed to know Fissure and he her, based on her conversation. She didnt seem very conversational, appearing to observe the others, and she asked the same question that he had.
The tiger seemed more eager, already giving his commitment to this group, these Gold Crows, without even hearing an explanation. He seemed impulsive, a dangerous characteristic. Asphodel would take care to keep a wary eye on, should he as well join up with this group.
Asphodel turned back to Fissure and gave a nod that he was listening. @Bordeaux had not responded yet, he kept his ears perked and held her in his peripheral vision.

@Wilson

code by corvus

He seemed to have kept the interest of those still remaining, was hopeful he might convince them to stay and give life in a band a try. Prides had value, but there was something terribly lacking in them.. stability. The Gold Crows is a band for mercenaries like myself, or those that wish to ply their trades in exchange for goods. Unlike prides, you will not have to fear of disbandment or unexpected change in leadership. You do not have to worry about what pride is friend and which is foe and behave differently with each stranger you come across, pending their pride scent. You can use your skill as a warrior to make trade for whatever you might desire, without distraction by mundane tasks such as hunting or finding shelter." He began, looking to each of them in turn as he spoke to gauge reaction.

"You will always have a warm fire, food and wine to return to, along with a small group of others you might form bonds with, fellow warriors. Those who do not wish to fight might serve as a healer or a silver tongued ambassador who would tour prides and tell of what we have to offer. Those lacking in these talents have a place still, their part being only to gather useful herbs, foods and crafting material and making the band territory feel like home." He offered, making it clear that all were welcome to serve in one way or another.

"If you wish to give this life a try, please tell me what role you might desire and take the lit path up to the Crow's Nest, where many small dens can be found within, a space you might keep for yourself. If this place does not suit you, I would ask no questions. You would be free to simply clear out your personal little den and leave without a word if you so wish." A motion towards he peak behind them then, the path easily seen and navigated to the large glowing mouth of the Crow's Nest.

code: saph || art: moogle

Asphodel listened to @Fissure's explanation and considered it carefully. It was certainly a lofty ideal, he appreciated the idea of the mercenary life. It would grant him the freedom to own himself fully while also being able to make use of his skills. He'd felt underutilized in the Bluffs, even as he tried to make it his 'home'. He worried, however, that the lion was overselling it. They would surely make enemies, political games happened whether you wanted them to or not.

He continued to listen as Fissure explained the roles available for members of the band and Asphodel frowned. While it certainly sounded good on the surface, he thought that having different levels of expectation for members would cause conflict down the road.

As Fissure's speech concluded, Asphodel pondered his own decision. It seemed like a lifestyle he would indeed pursue, and while it looked that there were some clear faults to be found, he was curious how it would play out. His nature warred with itself, the desire to observe from the outside and the desire to learn from the inside both coming to a head in this decision.

In the end, Asphodel decided that he would grasp this new opportunity fully in paw. He would take this chance to explore his talents under his own power, and watch how the Crows would grow and adapt. If nothing else, Asphodel was convinced he could learn much about the prides from this venture.

"I have skills in... well let's just say I know a thing or two about gathering information and making sure others cannot use it." He tried to speak in a more roundabout manner. Saying outright that you were an assassin was not a good way to ingratiate yourself to others.

@Rosemary
@Wilson
@Bordeaux

code by corvus & art by Shazaki

Bordeaux already knew what was coming next, she had heard this same speech before. The first time, she had been nervous and uncertain of the dark stranger and his aspirations. In the end, he had been more than just another face within a group setting, he had been like a brother to her. If he and Kovirah had not been there to give her encouragement and comfort in the agony of her birthing labors, she might not still be here today.

She took comfort in his efforts to rebuild their home, but she knew he might fail if they did not have the numbers to make it happen. "I would speak for Fissure and his band. I was part of the Crows in the past, was the first place that ever felt like home to me. You will find comfort and a sense of purpose there. I would also offer my talents as a healer if you should need it." She told the group encouragingly. With that, she would move off, following the trail at her leisure towards the Nest, to the warm bed that awaited her there.

/exit Bordeaux

I feel like I'm at a standstill

Waiting for you to tell me I'm okay

code by corvus

The pallid lion would have interest in a life with the Crows, which gave Fissure hope for the rebuilding of what he had lost. Pride life had its perks, and he had spent some time residing in one, but nothing could quite compare. A pride was an organized group of lions.. a band was a family, even if its members were all misfits.

"Your talents would be useful, be it as a Crow or perhaps an ambassador of sorts. Information is power that can be used as leverage, or sold for a high price. You could have either role, you need only accept my invitation and take it.. once you have parted with your current pride of course." Fissure told @Asphodel. The positions of Jay or Crow, both needed to be filled. Was he more of a warrior or a wordsmith?

code: saph || art: moogle

Asphodel's interest in @Fissure's ideals was strong, but he had his reservations as well. Could Fissure truly make good on his promises? The lion seemed to have great skills with words and a good understanding of what it was he wanted to create, but was it just words or were there solid actions behind them?

Asphodel would have to wait and see.

Ambassador, he almost laughed internally. That was certainly one name he'd taken on in the past to cover his skills.

"Information is indeed power." Asphodel nodded to the black lion, a ghost of a smile gracing his lips.

"Your offer is grand, but I prefer to take some time with these decisions. I will meet with you again sometime in the future." Asphodel told Fissure, before turning to leave.

He would linger briefly to listen to anything further Fissure had to say, but he would not reply. Then Asphodel would make his way back to where he'd been before spotting the smoke.

/exit

code by corvus & art by Shazaki

Fissure could only nod his head as the lion was left to consider his offer. For right now, he would be leaving along with most everyone else. Would the Crows be able to rebuild with so few? Would some of them come back after thinking it over? Fissure wasn't sure, but there was nothing more he could do or say here.

As the pallid lion turned to leave, Fissure would do likewise. Eyes would find the pastel lioness Bordeaux heading up the mountain path, silently following after her. He would just have to use this time to further restore the place they both called home.

/exit Fissure

code: saph || art: moogle