if you complain once more

Elaine stood, listening. These sorts of things weren't really where she could shine. There were far too many things that Elaine wanted to pick apart when it came to giving trust to anyone. She had been burned and it would be hard for her to give that to anyone again. She listened to the pair go back and forth, offering nothing in any way. Elaine was slightly impressed with her sister, she herself was finding it harder to trust anyone that would attach themselves to the Brook and Elaine was all too aware that this lioness was the one who had killed her daughter's father. It was something that would, at some point, become an issue. That much she knew. She gave the smallest nod movement to show she would support Louve's promise, more was asked of them and Elaine felt an annoyance building. She was asking a lot from a whole family, a whole pride when she offered very little but to be a spy. Maybe that would be enough, maybe it would not be. Depending on how well @Miaran kept up her end of things.

Is there anything you think we should be aware of happening within the Brook now? She asked as she looked between the females. If she was going to ask them to withhold being allies, she needed something upfront. And what is your plan for Reti and his family? Elaine only weighed in when she needed to and this felt like two things that needed to be asked.

*all in french, phone post

you'll meet an army of me

code x art x inspo

here, now, she walked a dangerous line. while @Miaran was only one and louve led an entire pride she knew well what broken promises could do. obsidian was a good ally to have behind them, one that had similiar goals in mind, and louve wasn't quite ready to give that up. especially not for only one, no matter the connection she felt.

"i know alexander well, miaran. i have for many years. perhaps... i can help... quiet the drums." maybe. maybe not. louve had no idea how much sway she might have when there were so many that seemed to have risen up against her friend. it isn't the promise her friend would be looking for, but maybe it would give her some hope for the future.

"they stand against the rike as we do; i have to be careful what alliances i sever when my family may well be the next target." if they weren't already.

@Elaine has her own questions for miaran and so louve falls quiet, waiting to hear the answers without pressing any more of her own for now.

CODE•ART•BG

( I exit Miaran in next answer if want exit Elaine and Louve next or after Miaran leave . )

The Executioner stood between the two sisters, those fierce Queens of the Bluffs, her tongue flicking against her lips in a dance of deep contemplation. Each glance between them was charged, electric with unspoken histories and heavy significance. In a not so distant memory of mine, during one of my many journeys to Vermeda, to confer with Icefang while I still wore the crown of High Queen of Caladan, I was introduced to a lion—Cassius, his face recognized before. I witnessed his defeat in the challenge against Isla. He is now the Heir of Vermeda and the Patriarch of the X'uekai. But here, in the embrace of their ranks, I have the chance to unveil the mysteries that weave through Vermeda’s land, should you desire it. Her words was clear, imbued with a conviction that placed the Dieudonné above even the very family she had pledged herself to. She would be the catalyst to her enemies.

But there lay a question that was asked by @Elaine — Reti. An agonizing silence fell heavy, her gaze drifting to @Louve, who claimed familiarity with Alexander and the potential to quell the tumult threatening to consume them. For now…nothing. But a Savante dared to steal my sister from me, and I refuse to forgive such treachery. Should Alexander shed his pride and release Khadija, I promise to let the Hollows remain untouched. The Hollows but she would not to forgive the transgressions. If Reti gives me the space I need, I will keep my distance from his realm. But make no mistake, I am a patient storm, and Luther is little more than dust in my eyes at this moment. I hold no allegiance to him and will never again if any thing would happen to my connection to the X'uekai.

She inhaled, the air thick with promise, before continuing, Let me lay bare the truth: any call for my death that resonates in my ears will summon me forth, and I shall meet the challenge head-on. If victory is mine, the challenger will share the tragic fate of Reti. And if I fall, then I will welcome Death like an old friend, unversed in fear, embracing the void that is Her inevitable touch. Her words dripped with an icy resolve, void of trepidation or regret for her actions against Reti. The Dead, in their eternal slumber, must remain undisturbed, their shadows fading from the lives of the Living. Yet the haunting truths she gleaned from the War donned her with knowledge—shrouded in darkness, she became an opponent not merely feared in light, but also in the elusive whispers of twilight.

table code by daanyen