This wasn't right. They hadn't gone far enough South for it to matter. For it to even make a difference. But this was familiar - or at least, it felt like it. Sinking sands, blistering heat, a lack thereof, war amongst the sands. Blood that had been shed and long since washed away. A scent that no longer lingers - or in this case, never existed in the first place. Their internal compass has shattered, magnetic forcefields deflecting their judgments in ways that almost but don't quite point them in the right direction. And perhaps it is a hopeless endeavor to continue searching - one that leaves the raven feeling conflicted. They were conflicted by the attachments forged through broken law and days of imprisonment.

Though the earth here dips in an unfamiliar, unsettling way and pressed into ruin. It leaves the sorceress questioning how much Amaryllis could and would change in such a short time. But the waters that fall are conjoined - the Lagoon, they recall, had not been so easy to access. Yet - they are here, and thus they stay. Settled amongst the linings of the sandy borders, before calling out with a quiet chuff of curiosity to whoever would hear.

+5 Learn the extent of a pride’s border
+5 Study the landscape of an area
@Pyrrha ♔ @Drauhir ♔

THE RAVEN WITCH

ᴀʀᴛ © ʀᴀʙʙɪᴛ | ᴄᴏᴅɪɴɢ © ᴋɪɴs

Many different voices come from the borders. Each is unique, each has its own owner and song. Cadence. Notes. Did anyone truly know how they themselves sounded to the world? How did Pyrrha herself sound when speaking to the pride? When speaking of politics? But- as different as they all were Pyrrha has learned that when it comes to voices at the borders there are three main buckets one could place a call into. The angry, the demanding. Ones that threaten the security of the Stronghold they were building. Another, sometimes as demanding as the first, was the urgent's siren song. A need, a want. Action that must be taken. And the last came the curious. Those who wandered the borders and sought an audience without much pressure and certainly not without the volume that got Pyrrha's hair standing on end with a bit of wondering what had happened.

She liked the curious ones.

The strawberry shape of the young Queen begins to come into view, wandering near to them from deeper within Caladan. She moves forwards with an intention and no need to hide her immanent approach. Welcome to Caladan Cove- my name is Pyrrha Tollaire, Sovereign here. She introduced herself with a slight nod and then gradually slipped herself into a seated position across from @Ixora. Can I be of assistance?

_{BG — ART BY RABBIT — CODE}

From the depths of the ocean, she ascends, a picturesque painting of Poseidon's legacy—heart, soul, and wretched judgment. Painted by the outliers of coral and the ocean's warmth. Tinged within the hues of strawberry seastars and as bright as the very reflections of delicate sun that twinkle over the capping waves - gentle hands that reach outwards and call. Beckoning - closer, closer, closer. Until there is nothing left, it is all but hypnotizing. To see the culmination of a God's supple flesh materialized in the mortal realm. One that does not come with a reigning hammer of violence and greed. It is all but a breath of relief for the sorceress. To not have to sully their day with a guard set so high - a string pulled so tight that it may snap with even the smallest breeze in the palms.

A coolness runs throughout the raven's spine, ruffling pricked pin feathers into a combed and kempt position as their soul finds relaxation within the Queen's court. There is no contest here. No fight is to be won for the rights of their own choices. Just two souls conversing in the fields of time and space. Embers intercross within the pathways of this fragile seam called life. An honor. Lips purse within the offer, volcanic eyes taking their time to survey each dip and crack within the Queen's stature as Ixora allows themself to finally breathe. My name is Ixora. a beat, a heart, I'm looking for someone. But - I do not believe that she is here. And - while that may be true, it is all but rude to request a council without invitation. Without security. The gored creature had lacked something since the entrapment within Vermeda's borders. I'm also seeking shelter. Somewhere warm, somewhere safe, somewhere that Vermeda could not touch. I can pull my weight, so as long as you are open to stragglers. But whatever could you offer little bird?



+5 Learn the extent of a pride’s border
+5 Study the landscape of an area
@Pyrrha ♔

She takes the moments of introduction to study Ixora. A stranger, Pyrrha can't place the face from anywhere. They were unknown, more welcome than enemy and less welcome than dear old friends. But there is potential that emerges and the Queen's mind begins to wander to the options. Some good, some bad. A lot hinging on Ixora's intentions here and what she seeks.

A someone. Pyrrha feels the lightest pulse of sympathy in her breast. The beast that was longing a mighty one indeed. Sad to say Pyrrha could reassure Ixora that in time the want to find someone does fade as does their face and voice... If you have a name of this someone I can let you know for certain if she is here? Pyrrha offered. Besides perhaps Neeha there is no one Pyrrha is aware of in Caladan who may be trying to keep their presence cloaked and veiled from wandering eyes. Most certainly the name @Ixora is not one Pyrrha knows reason to fear either. Thus- if the Queen can help she will, this manner of favor is little effort on her part and may mean a lot to this stranger. Low risk, high reward. We have room to spare, and room to grow if you seek something more long term Ixora. My my, Pyrrha grinned a little with warm welcome and pleasurable surprise. This was easier than stalking the borderlands for rogues and trying to convince them to come home with her.

_{BG — ART BY RABBIT — CODE}

A sorceress is feared

This. This was much more comforting. Much more acceptable. It was allowed space. Dissonance that was welcomed, considerations that were taken with genuine thought and care. Much unlike their first brushes with the likings of prides. Was it always supposed to be like this? Was choice something that was supposed to be given freely? Or - was this woman just being overly kind? Non. It couldn't be just that - no, there was something...something genuine in the way that the diplomat carried herself. The poise and punctual mannerisms - while typical, and assumed of such generate creatures. It holds something that beckons the raven in. Something safe. Something that would not cage them. Tether or hold them down.

Valour They offer with caution, longing hanging upon the frayed and kemp wings of the avian creature. Diomedeida Valour is her name. Acquaintance. Friend. Sister in the Spirits. A divine creation that was taken from them too soon, a face, and name that they would never soon forget. They had been forged together by fire after all. How could they ever forget her?

That...That would be nice yes. Somewhere comfortable, somewhere safe, at least for now. Somewhere to grow, and thrive, to learn and yearn. Somewhere just close enough to the place where bloodshed had united the two wayward creatures, somewhere unsuspecting to the Brook's eyes and just far enough from their grasp. But no claims. Stern. The words spill from their lips with a quivering crawl, I want to be of use to you - but I do not want a mans claim on my body again. I want to be loyal, but to be free. I am a woman before I am a number. But - above all I am a devout follower of the Mother's teachings. Woman. Woman. It makes their skin crawl - the supple reminder that they are nothing more than a piece of flesh to be used. My expertise is within spiritual matters, but I also indulge in the art of information gathering....If that would be of use to you.

@Pyrrha ♔

A Goddess is worshipped

code x art

Valour. The family name seems to stir recognition within the Sovereign even if the first does little. I can't lead you to this lion directly but I may know someone who can. Pyrrha is glad she can be of some use. Offer some favor Ixora's way. The ruler of Scilla has Valour family. It would be where Pyrrha herself would start a search, although since her Aunt Morrigan lost and left Illyria there's no real telling where the family has spread to. Where the feet did carry them if not to their family in Scilla Pyrrha would not have a clue.

The look of pleasure and confidence upon Pyrrha however then quickly flashes to surprise and an eager look of want for but a moment. They spoke, unprompted mind you, of being more than a body. Of being more than just what the world prescribed to the likes of them. There's vulnerability in Pyrrha's gaze- the ideas they say connect to a part of Pyrrha that has been more quiet of late. She comes in close and leans toward Ixora's ear quickly. They shall not have you. She whispers with resolution. A truly kind creature may turn away @Ixora here and now, knowing that the world of Caladan was not entirely without the likes of men and their ... habits. But selfishly Pyrrha now wants this delightful soul to stay. Hearing the contents of her own heart echoed back by them was a balm upon the soul. I will warn you- She pulls her head back a bit but stays close all the same. Just in case, Pyrrha wants to keep her voice soft and low. - my younger brother, High Sovereign Drauhir is a ... work in progress. She places a heavy emphasis on the too kind words she uses for Drauhir. They're honest- he has his moments of good after all. But they're intentionally indirect and allude to the truth rather than saying it plain. She lifts a single brow and Pyrrha's expression cocks to one side if you catch my drift. Subtlety, treading a line and walking the tight rope. If that does not dissuade you, I would love to have you. Hopefully she shall not lose Ixora.

_{BG — ART BY RABBIT — CODE}

Scilla. Scilla. So, that was what the sandy bank off of the coastline was called. A place where the priest had bargained for the lives of others - had taken loyalties and shred them before the altar of red for redemption. Sands that were perfect, and impure that had been tainted by greed and injustice. This - this is where they would find their beloved friend. Or - atleast, find some solace, some answers unto their disappearance. But the Lagoon was too close, too obvious. A target willfully placed upon the backs of their beloved black coats, a death sentence breathed into the existence by life itself. It is the first - the only, place that the Brook would come to look. It was too dangerous, too risky. Ixora had martyred themself amongst a pyr of fire once, but could only withstand the flames. In time, they think, their oppressors will fall. In time - the woman of icy exterior and men of gluttonous greed would grovel before the teachings of a goddess.

A shiver trapezes throughout preened feathers, pricking pins at the collars of their coat at the Sovereigns willful promise. like a soothing balm ot the soul, a blanketed bandage to temporarily cover the wounds of generations past. A distant reminder of what, who, they were destined to be. They were not kind. Yet - they are not cruel. Simply - poignant. Diplomatic. Devout. And, what better cause to be devoted to than that of their own happiness. Their own growth?

A catish grin plays upon the corners of the raves lips as the strawberry visage blurs into something alluring. A man. A challenge. A boy. Something to persuade, something to mend, something to grow in power - and perhaps, even the righteous can be taught too. Then we will work on him together. Ixora assures, a teasing gimp to coil at the ends of their impish gaze. And learn from each other. The raven trails off, eyes casting into the borders beyond the Cove with a welcoming, and relaxed demeanor. A sentiment that is true, and genuine as a curt and ample nod tilts the crowning of their brow. Very well then. I would be delighted to join you Pyrrha. A curtsy sweeps dust from the grounds as the priestess allows stage for the woman to carry them inwards. Shall we?

Exit w/ Pyrrha into CC
@Pyrrha ♔

THE RAVEN WITCH

ᴀʀᴛ © ʀᴀʙʙɪᴛ | ᴄᴏᴅɪɴɢ © ᴋɪɴs

A promise easily made. How easily it would be kept was yet to be proven. If they should be so fortunate it would be simple and the banner of Caladan and of Pyrrha would be enough to ensure Ixora would never be owned. But if not? There were fights that could be won, wheels that could be greased. So far they seem a lion of use and one worthwhile of keeping around by more greater means if necessary. (If for no other reason than someone Pyrrha could have conversation with and lament the harsh reality of the world.) Ixora need only just promise today to join and the rest would be written in time.

Pyrrha is not left with baited breath long. And she's brought to smiling once again with a warm approval, a joyful welcoming. I look forward to seeing what we can do together Ixora. What they could sculpt and influence. Would it linger only in Caladan or reach further still? Come, I'll give you a tour. She shifts to move beside the witch and then let them take the first steps further into Caladan in their own time. Eventually Pyrrha would take the lead and begin actually showing them around. But this first step? It would be all Ixora's to take.

/exit

_{BG — ART BY RABBIT — CODE}