She finally had a clue as to where to look - a shinning glimmer of hope in the darkness that her task might actually come for fulfillment. Her paws ached as she climbed upwards. They were sore from use and constant moisture as the rain never seemed to let up since she’d arrived. Currently the crashing of thunder and flash of lightning could be seen in the backdrop as she forced her way up the mountain. Avreya, the lioness with rather modest opinions about the man she sought had told her he could be found on the peak. She sure hoped she was right and that she wasn’t climbing that mountain, in the rain no less, for nothing. Her two colored eyes were narrowed against the rain as she looked for signs of life anywhere around her. At this point she’d settle for signs of a warm cave to hide in. He didn’t even know she were coming, she could afford to take a nap before she got there. She just needed someone safe and dry to rest until the weather let up.

@Fissure

Fissure didn't typically mind the rain, at least if he was somewhere warm and dry in which to wait it out. With how cold and bleak the early spring rains could be, he would not have expected a single soul to be out traversing it. In addition to that, climbing a mountain of narrow walkways on slickened stone. Even so, he thought he could hear someone out there.

Fissure would peer towards the entrance from the warm fur in which he was spawled out near the fire, listening closely. He would try to drown out the sound of the crackling wood and the falling rain.

Eventually he would drag himself up that he might wander over to the wide entrance and peer out. Sure enough, a sodden little lioness could be spied wandering the mountain path. She might have disappeared against the dark stone if not for the pallid blue frost that accented her face and backside. She reminded him of a type of Jay, primarily brown with stripes of bright blue on their wings.

Are you lost little jay? You will catch your death out there. He called gently to @Evanthe. Come in and get warm and dry. I can also get you a bit of wine to warm yourself if you wish. He encouraged her, waiting to see her reaction before he might withdraw back inside._{BG — ART — CODE}

The mountain pass was indeed slick and deadly under paw as the woman pressed forward. She could easily have missed where the man laid hidden amongst wine and furs while she trekked against the elements- duty bound to toil until task was complete. A sound in the darkness caught her off-guard, causing her to nearly stumble as she turned to see a lion peering from an opening in the mountain side.

A dark colored lion.

A dark colored lion who appeared to live near the mountain’s peak.

Eva held her breath for a moment as her duel toned eyes locked on to him for a moment. It took her a second to realize he was inviting her in. Not only that, but offering her, wine? Gods something to warm her up sounded absolutely divine as she turned and approached him, stopping just in front of his cave, still very much in the open but closer now that she might see him properly. Are- are you the one they call @Fissure sir? there was a hesitation in her voice, and just the slightest hint of hope in her face as she looked up at the dark hued man.

Given her hesitation, however brief, he anticipated a polite rejection of his offer. He wouldn't have held it against her, though he was very well prepared to further coax her if she didn't come in right away. His intentions were kind, but who trusted in the kindness of strangers?

Surprise when @Evanthe both approached and then spoke his name. Fissure would look at her critically for a moment, wondering if she was familiar with the band he was trying to revive, or if perhaps his mother had sent her his way. As much as he loved and adored his mother, she never seemed ready to give up on her vision for the kind of life she wanted for him. Fissure, yes. Sir, not so much. I am but a simple mercenary in the service of higher lords. He said with a small bow of his head and a fleeting wink, though she might not even see his facial expression in the dark and rainy haze.

He wondered who she was, but better to coax her in before further discussion was had. Didn't want her to slip or freeze to death in the cold rain._{BG — ART — CODE}

Heart felt ready to beat out of her chest as the seconds ticked by and ahe waited for confirmation this man was really him! A mixture of fear and hope as the organ seemed to pump quicker than the beating of a hummingbird against a hurricane. He sounded kind, modest, and skepticism quickly added itself to the jumble of emotions vying for attention within her.

So you are him. she breathed an almost audible sigh of relief as he confirmed she’d reached the right place. As he went on to explain himself as a humble mercenary she nodded, taking a single step forward and bowing her head slightly as she spoke, but still not crossing the threshold into his domain, despite the storm that battered her. Best not to be trapped in a small space in case he should find her inadequate payment once she found out what she was. Your mercenary work is why I’ve come. My name is Evanthe Bastet, and some years ago, before I was born you saved my brother for my father, under promise that as payment he’d send you his first born daughter to be your wife. she hoped to jog his memory as she explained, but it wasn’t a question, it was a statement. Here she was, payment for his success. Not that she wasn't well aware there was a high possibility her father wasn’t the only lion to promise a woman as payment. Perhaps the cave behind him had a full harem? That at least meant there might be a dry spot amongst them for her.

@Fissure

code: saph || art: moogle

The lioness would still linger outside the mouth of the cave, though Fissure was certain she must feel the gentle tug of warm air reaching out to caress her frigid and sodden body. He wanted to frown at her needless suffering, but he had to remember he was a stranger to her, perhaps intimidating even despite his casual manner in which he held himself.

Finally he would be made to know the reason she was here, and it wasn't something he would have expected in his wildest assumptions. For a moment he could only stare, face suddenly serious as his gaze seemed to fix itself on something far away. Oh.. well sh- I mean, oh dear. He replied awkwardly. I recall that lion, but he didn't seem like an honest lion, just a leech on the belly. I did not expect he would honor terms after so many years. He explained.

Come inside little jay, we can talk more later, after you have had a chance to get warm and eat something. He insisted, turning to head back towards the fire. He hoped she would follow along now that he had vacated the entrance, even if in just far enough to get out of the rain.

@Evanthe_{BG — ART — CODE}

In the moments I’d silence while he took in what she had told him she burned with white hot inadequacy, stomach churning as her heart refused to beat and breath left her lungs painfully empty. When @Fissure finally spoke she lifted a brow, keenly aware of both what he had been about to say and the words - and implications about her family- that actually left his lips. My father is an honorable man, I assure you this sir, certainly he’s no leech as you so, eloquently, put it. her tone had a slight edge to it, a definite tint of insult as tried to forget the comment. Her father had literally groomed her for this her entire life, dedication was not something the man had lacked.

As she was beckoned in again she let out a sigh, duty bound to move forward as he moved from the doorway. If not duty, purely a sense of need as her soaking coat mixed with the wind of the storm chilled her to the bone. I appreciate the hospitality Mr. Fissure, I see now this is less expected for you than it was for me. she didn’t want to impose upon him, and it was a strange feeling to find out he’d written his father off as a bad debt long ago.

The fire drew her in as if she were a moth attracted to the flame. The heat seeped into her body and she couldn’t help but visibly relax. Her joints ached to collapse onto the floor and rest from the long trek through this strange land which had finally brought her to her ultimate destination, but she refrained for the moment, instead standing by the firing and looking up towards the dark colored man. So, is this your home then? Do you life here alone? she asked, unsure what else to do at the moment.

code: saph || art: moogle

Fissure was a bit surprised as she retorted against his comment towards her father. Was it the ignorance of a child looking up to their parent? Or had he truly changed to such an extent since parting ways with Fissure? Hmm.. It is possible he changed his ways since we last spoke. He admitted reassuringly. Let me ask you something darling, you love your father, as any daughter should love her father, but do you like him? There was no shame in secretly feeling hurt or disagreement in their upbringing. He had loved his mother and taken pride in being her son, but he did not agree with her on many things.

The dark lion would busy himself in a nearby den, bringing forth an uneaten fowl caught earlier that day. He would bring that, followed by a small turtle shell which served as a crude cup for the ruby tinted liquid inside. Not his best batch of wine, but he kept his best stock for special occasions.

I live here alone for now. He said, settling into a sitting position nearby. I hope to bring in additional lions to form a band of mercenaries, as I was part of once before. Perhaps such would suit you if you have any skill to offer? Even just keeping things organized and stocked would suffice. An offer, though he imagined she might feel she didn't have a choice in the matter.

@Evanthe_{BG — ART — CODE}

A sigh left her, barely audible as she did her best to hide her frustration at his line of questioning. My opinion of my father appears to be much higher than yours Mr. @Fissure, I assure you that. she insisted, skirting the question if they were honest about it. She hadn’t really thought about if she liked her father - he was just, her father. It was all she knew and so she didn’t know if she had any choice but to like it or not.

As the man reclined by the fire the woman finally eased herself to her haunches, the proper lady slipping off her metaphorical coat and gloves as she took a seat where the heat could begin to seep life back into her. She hide the slightest life if a brow as the man explained he was alone only until he built up his band it mercenaries. Lovely, exactly the sort of lot she’d hoped not to find herself amongst, yet inevitably really given the circumstances this contract had come about. At mention of her skills she nodded, My father made sure I had skills he felt would be of use to you. I have a grasp of medical knowledge and the rearing of children. if she were to be his wife they would of course have children to raise- a fact she didn’t bat an eyelash at as she left the fact unsaid but very much implied as she stared at him for his response.

code: saph || art: moogle

They were of differing opinion on the lion, though Fissure would not let it influence his opinion of the lioness in front of him. She reminded him of home, of the high class lionesses who occasionally graced the common folk with their presence. The only difference with this one was a lack of power, placed into a position of service, just as he had often been.

Hecwould study her silently for a time, noting her displeasure at the idea of living among a group of sell swords. It isn't so bad, you might find you even enjoy such a lifestyle. I have a friend who you can work with in medicine, the most takented healer I have met. She was a master by the age of two. He assured with his signature wink.

As for your father's payment.. if my rejection would displease him or put you at any sort of risk, I won't refuse. I would offer to marry in a month from now, that I might attempt to court you properly. Perhaps it might feel more like your own idea by then. He explained. As much as he might desire a mate, he wanted the lioness in question to like him first.

@Evanthe_{BG — ART — CODE}