the caverns as less than comfortable. brighid's shoulder scores against the stone wall as she tightly turns the corridor, staring into the darkness that is the hollows. if not for the thick scent of lions she would have set pace elsewhere, deeming it unsuitable for life to thrive."this... is it." the porcelain queen remains in the entrance of the cave system, her face covered in shadow and her hindquarters warmed still by the midday sun. there's a certain flavor of disappointment in her tone - or is it distaste? - and her nose crinkles momentarily as she inhales the damp, dark scent of limestone and dripping stagnant water somewhere in the distance. with @Anya ♔ at her side, brighid figures that this should be an easy enough visit, especially if the hollow cats had any sense. and hopefully, they would not mind greeting them closer to the outside, where the air was crisp and the walls didn't feel suffocating. the sooner they could address the rulers of the pride, the sooner anya could get back to her cubs and the sooner brighid could leave knowing they had fostered a bond within the valley. she takes a breath and with a figurative knock on the door, brighid chuffs for the leader's of the hollow, ears cupping forward as her voice echoes into the dark recesses of the corridors. @Thella ♔ @Alexander ♔

art by drifty, code by javs

"Mom has to go check on our visitor, dears, but I'll be back soon enough." Her words came out soft as she gently nosed each of her spotted cubs, lingering a moment longer than they probably desired. They were growing so fast and it left a bittersweet ache she had to quickly push aside—there would be time to wish them little again later and smother them with all the cuddles they would allow. For now, she had duties to fulfill.

The voice that called for Alexander and herself had been just that: singular. So when she caught the scents of not just one, but multiple strangers, she felt a twinge of surprise. Rounding the final corner, it took a moment further to mask that surprise when she came face to face with the two women. Nonetheless, a smile still graced her lips as she approached the pair, studying them close.

The one that presumably called was instantly recognizable—she'd been the one to take the Summit crown—though the other was still unknown. Their intent? Perhaps a diplomatic gesture of sorts under her new reign? That's what leaders around these lands did, right? It wasn't something she had much confidence in, herself, but she'd be there to help Alexander.

"Welcome," she greeted, taking a seat opposite them. "I hope your trip here wasn't too strenuous."

@Brighid ♔ @Anya ♔ @Alexander ♔

art by moogle, code by lars

It felt good to be back in the world of politics where she felt she belonged. Or, at least, that was what she told herself when she felt the deep yearning in her heart to return to her sons. They were in the hands of Illyria's capable nursemaid, but all the same, she found she missed them deeply as much as she found she could not keep them off her mind.

Hopefully this meeting would prove fruitful.

As Brighid announced their arrival, Anya straightened, offering the woman a knowing look. The Hollows were not a placed she preferred either, but good diplomacy sometimes called for a little discomfort.

She waited patiently along side @Brighid ♔ until a woman approached, carrying the air of authority. The empress offered a courteous bow of her head. We thank you for meeting with us, she said. The road here was kind to us. Or perhaps she had grown used to the terrain.

No matter. Introductions were in order.

I am Anya, Sovereign of Illyria Summit, she introduced with a polite smile, And this is Brighid, High Sovereign of Illyria Summit. You are...?

@Alexander ♔

I am the killer
in your mirror

He had noticed @Brighid ♔ slipping from the borders on one of his many treks across the territory that was Illyria's markers. When she was followed closely by @Anya ♔, the scouts interest was piqued and like a ghost, a shadow... he slunk forward and moved to follow the ruling women. The pale horseman would take the time to roll - to mask his scent with the flora of the neutral lands... He ensured he rubbed against flora and the occasional terrified fauna he could reach alike.

To his white hide, he would pace through one of the lands many rivers on their path, and use the damp strands of his hide to pick up a fine layer of dust and filth to dull his coat from white as snow to dusty dingy grey. As he moved, he let his eyes take in the rocky outcrops of the tunnels around him, noting the formations with a keen, silver eyed gaze.

Once he was close enough to be able to see what was going on - but far enough away that he could still blend into the terra, the beast would settle behind a large rock, only his mud and dirt covered visage staring around the rock, through the sparce flora.

Rhesk is attempting to hide

---

+10 Learn something about pride/group/family relations
+5 Study the landscape of an area
+5 Infiltrate a group thread without getting caught

table by ryuu

the face that greets them is bright - smiling and warm, friendly and unbothered in demeanor. its an immediate sign that this could go better than expected (brighid had never been one fueled by blind optimism). the woman doesn't introduce herself right away, but the queen is content to let the empress fill in the empty space. she nods her head as she is introduced in turn, crown dipping slightly and ears pulling back against her head in regal expression. the obsidian lioness takes a seat but brighid remains standing and reminds herself to release the tension in her jaw, to urge some slack into her shoulders. her paws are tucked close to one another - modesty made authoritative by the upward tilt of her chin. "we are seeking an audience with prides among the valley," she begins steadily, "to establish relationships after illyria's previous long reign. they were not absent rulers and we do not intend to be either." its enough of a pleasantry in brighid's eyes to announce the reason for their visit now that names have been exchanged between them. "perhaps there are ways that we could benefit each other. an exchange of good will." @Anya ♔ @Thella ♔ @Alexander ♔ still leaving room for alex! wanted to post as sometimes these little threads get lost in the shuffle.

art by drifty, code by javs