Mirza gets the hint. Focus on his small companion shifts instead to him, and perhaps it is silly (he, too, had been attacked — the still healing cuts on his face and forelimbs show hints of this) yet he feels the starting ebb of relief wash over him. If Cupid could keep her attention, then Riptide is safe. His smile starts to grow into one more geninue in nature; the sharp edges of his guard rounding to his naturally soft features. Maybe she isn't so bad, not unlike his mother in her bluntness and the intentions of good—
It is short lived.
Cupid clicks his armor back into place before he's even begun the process of peeling it off; he glances beyond the Andal ruler and towards the next who approaches, having slipped close enough without him initially noticing to hear his name. The auburn woman, too, offers her compliments to his name ("See, dear? It is a good name," Cupid could imagine Bellona chiding her husband with a look much too smug). She offers her own as well — Arjana — and a soft greeting to Riptide.
"Uhm, thank you... Miss." Cupid keeps polite; they are being rather nosy but the women have all been relatively non-threatening thus far. The spotted yearling appreciates the information too, though finds it rather bizarre that lions from two very different prides (by their names and smells) found their way here... to say... what? hi to them? There is more, and that gut suspicion has him stiff like he's getting his yearbook picture taken for the first time.
After Arjana, another appears; Aarani, she introduces, and she is clear about why she's here. Food, medical assistance. He supposes that they're growing group catches attention and those social enough would be willing to see what the commotion is all about. Cupid glances to Arjana, and is about to gesture to her for medical assistance — she looks the most beat up out of the group and Cupid doesn't know if he wants to know why — but it seems like they're already acquainted. Mirza seems to know Aarani, too, and that helps since now the attention isn't on Riptide or him.
"I'm not really sure what's going on, if I'm honest," he finally speaks up in regards to Aarani's curiosity, and the question that gets echoed by the latest new face: a girl that looks more like his age than anyone else around, and he's never seen someone quite like her before. Reminds him of the night sky on the clearer nights at Witchlight. Mirza calls her "Cress" and Cupid notes that down. Granted, he's pretty overwhelmed by everything right now, they can't expect him to remember all of this.
Especially when Mirza finally unloads the real reason why they are here. They want them to join their pride, and he doesn't miss the hint that Riptide is potentially their target to snatch.
"Uhm, right... okay," Cupid stumbles, clearly out of his comfort zone here and suddenly wishes he had a way with words like Swiftfire. "This is... a lot, and I, uh, appreciate everyone's, uhm, offers?" He shifts over the entirety of the group, and almost wants to hide himself. Riptide is shivering against his leg, however, and it grounds him; reminds him he has to move forward with this. "I know the benefits of a pride far outweigh being on your own, but I..." insert glance to Riptide "we don't know any of you or your prides. You all seem like nice people, but... we've been through a lot and I don't think it's possible to promise that we won't go through further hardships even if we join a pride. I... don't know." He wishes he had an answer; wishes he could pick one of them and go all "ah yes I choose you!" but he can't and he stands there overwhelmed and uncertain. Each one have an opportunity, a path that could lead to a dozen more branches.
So he decides to ask a question on his mind that's been lingering since the proposal began: "Why do you want us?" What do two beat up kids have to offer for a pride?

table by sentinel / meme-tastic

she felt as if her confidence in herself was weaving. Her shame for how she acted at the pride challenge trying it’s hardest to act up and slap her in the face. Still she kept herself calm. Grey gaze turned away from Cupid and his friend as she noticed the little one seemed nervous and she didn’t want that. @Aarani than arrived and she gave her a nod. “It is good to see you again to Aarani. I owe you my thanks a million times over and my life.” She said gently as to not startle either of the younger ones as to why that was.

She didn’t say much herself after that. Instead she allowed @Mizra to speak and of course everyone else as well. When asked by @Cupid what they wanted Arjana softly spoke without thinking. “I just want to cuddle someone.” Her gaze fall to the ground and she looked so sad and depressed. She honestly didn’t realize she she had even said it out loud. The Gentry had a lot of soul searching and rebuilding of self worth to do. Honestly she really shouldn’t be out here.

Art & Table by Autumn!

Goodness gracious. Her eyes sweep to @Mirza as she spoke, introducing herself as the new high sovereign of the Oasis. Ashelia was tending to other business, it seemed, and Rani nodded a greeting before taking a back seat to the tsunami of information she dumped on the poor children. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Mirza, go easy on them. They look like they've been through enough for now." It was said with a brilliant grin, one not to be confused for mocking. Just a polite suggestion for the overly enthusiastic recruiter.

Her ear swiveled towards @Arjana as she mumbled something about wanting to cuddle, and Aarani felt the wheels of the situation deflating by the second. Jesus take the wheel, because Rani didn't know who the fuck else was driving.

"You are wise for your age to be so cautious," she said with an almost sad smile. "You needn't worry about picking a pride right this moment, or at all if you would prefer. Naturally, we all want to help the two of you out, but we certainly will not stop you from doing as you please. Just know that should you ever need somewhere to sleep or food to eat, my Scilla Lagoon is open -- as guests or full-fledged members. You would be free to leave at any time you choose, both of you." Rani glanced to Mirza, wondering if she would take offense to having been bulldozed.

Oh well.

"As for wanting you, well.. I'm a mother of six, a healer and a priestess. It's in my nature to help others thrive." She shrugged, not.. entirely sure whether or not that was an acceptable answer.

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code by corvus

+5 Learn a character's full name and rank (2/2) - Cupid
+5 Learn a character's full name and rank (2/2) - Riptide
+5 Learn a character's full name and rank (1/2) - Arjana/Aarani (?)

Cressida suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at Mirza'a words. She liked the queen, a lot, the affection she got from her made her feel weird inside, almost like something she was missing. But after all, she was stubborn as hell, and a pride was not for her. "Sorry Mirza, I'm gonna have to pass again. Me and Fenrir are gonna make something great." she said confidently.

As they spoke, it became quite clear that the two younger lions there were rogues- or rather, vagabonds. Fenrir said 'rogue' was offensive. He was cool, so she believed him. Her red eyes met the oddly colored ones of the cub first, their faces not meeting truly, and something seemed off about the way their eyes stared into nothingness. Were they blind? It was possible. She had heard of blindness, but never met anyone afflicted with the ailment.

And so her attention turned to the male, not too much older than the pink nebula herself, and she smiled, listening to Mirza's words in the background about prides and whatnot. "Well, yeah, that sounds about right. You are just surrounded by women right now." she laughed. "I'm Cressida, I am the co-leader of a band of vagabonds like us. Prides have so many laws and restrictions, so many..... Expectations-" she said, scrunching her muzzle a bit, "But we survive just as well out here, without any of that- just each other. You and your, uh, cub would fit right in." she smiled brightly, her dark mauve tail lashing in excitement. Maybe she would have her fist recruits to being back to Fenrir?

@Mirza

Things were getting to be just a little too much for the new Queen's attention span. She was not fond of rubbing elbows, to begin with, and found this back and forth to be exhausting. She did not compete for attention, from anyone. So she stretched lazily and once again addressed the older boy, her voice soft and casual. "Well, all that being said, you are always welcome at the Oasis, even if it is just to sit for a spell and warm up on your journey. We have a bright young healer and an abundance of food should you come calling. I hope you both find whatever you are looking for in Amaryllis, best of luck to you. Ladies." She gave a nod to the other three women and started a slow and lazy treck back towards her home. She was beyond ready to get out of the cold and lay down at the water's edge.

-exit-
(sorry, too many posts piling up on me lol. I'd love a post with everyone individually at some point though! Hit me up whenever ^_^)

Now we're in the ring, and we're coming for blood

There's a hummin' in the restless summer air And we're slippin' off the course that we prepared But in all chaos there is calculation Droppin' glasses just to hear them break You've been drinkin' like the world was gonna end (it didn't) Took a shiner from the fist of your best friend (go figure) It's clear that someone's gotta go

code by corvus

Riptide's ears twitched, and they finally thought they had everyone straight as the ladies continued to speak calmly to Cupid. Riptide's tension slowly seeped out of them, and they relaxed onto the hard earth as they thought about what was happening. All of these lionesses were offering shelter, in one way or another; and Riptide knew Cupid would never accept such unless they did, too. They would have to be brave for a few minutes.

Yet when they tried to speak up, offer their opinion to Cupid, once again the words seemed...blocked. It was too hard for them to make noise; when it became clear that the lionesses were beginning to disperse, as the first to arrive was also the first to leave, Riptide quickly slid out from underneath Cupid and started toward the voice that sounded most similar to Swiftfire's. Riptide could always trust their mom; anyone who sounded like her had to be alright as well, right?

Tide managed a chuff at Cupid as they slipped past him, but otherwise were completely silent as they moved forward--hopefully in the right direction, toward the one who'd been named Arjana. They only went a few steps before they paused, hesitant almost as soon as they weren't touching Cupid anymore.

The world was a big, scary place to be alone in.

table by sentinel / meme-tastic

After what these two have been through, he thinks it's valid to be suspicious. Each one of these ladies seem to have good intentions; each one has their own story and reasons behind the invitation they extend. Cupid wants to know, and he wants Riptide to hear it, too. Maybe it'll ease the nerves and allow them to make a decision. They are going forward no matter where, or who with.
All of them are given a chance to speak.
Arjana takes him by surprise; he's torn between being defensive over Riptide, and echoing a 'oh same'-like statement.
Aarani draws him in like a moth to flame. He finds that her words are what he needed to hear (not to mention the shy smile he gives when she compliments him). Dark ears swerve forth in her direction, and the child-like wonderment in his expression shows his age again.
Cressida offers an unexpected opportunity, too, one that is equally tempting and a bit more freeing. It gives them the security of food with more people, but doesn't tie him down to "pride loyalty".
Mirza decides to dip out instead of answering; and Cupid wonders if it's because she no longer approves of them after learning about his uncertainty. The extension of rest at Andal seems more an olive branch than an actual offer. He offers a stiff nod in response, and a formal farewell: "Safe travels. Thank you for your offer, Miss."
Still, he doesn't know which to lean more-so to. Cupid finds himself debating the options. It feels like he's about to sign their lives away and what if he makes the wrong choice—
He feels Riptide move. Cupid steps to the side in surprise, and turns towards them. They look to him. He doesn't expect them to decide where Cupid could not. Had he been comfortable with everyone, he might have even laughed in relief.
It's Arjana that Riptide chooses, and who is Cupid to disagree?
"Well, uh, I guess that's our answer right there..." He tries to make a joke of it in a way, with a chuckle that follows, but its a bit stiff. "Thank you, Miss Aarani, and Cressida, uhm... you've all been very kind and I appreciate the information you've shared. As you've offered us, if you ever need anything, I'm, uh, willing to do what I can." Cupid glances between the two with a smile. Then, he, too, steps towards the clay Gentry from Wolfbron.
"Miss @Arjana, if you're still willing to have us... we'll follow your lead." He looks to her with expectant dual-tone eyes.


— EXIT WITH RIPTIDE & ARJANA? —

table by sentinel / meme-tastic

may the beauty of the

fading twilight not be outshined by the rage of the scorned embers of the bleeding dawn

( 8 Years. Lvl 5 Ranger. +1 dice to hunt rolls. -1 dodge roll for prey. Gives every lion in the hunt a +1 to hit rolls. Counts as two lions in every hunt & Specializes in hunting African Donkey and auto-success a hunt with it as prey. )

For a moment she had been a bit unprofessional as a Gentry of the Bluffs. She allowed her shame and sadness to shine through her courage, but it was @Aarani ‘s words that broke her from her own mind. Shaking herself off inwardly but not moving outwardly the orange faced lioness smiled as she allowed everyone to speak. Waiting to give recruiting these two a better go after everyone else, yet was surprised when the Oasis Queen dipped out. What surprised her even more was when the child came towards her and @Cupid spoke saying they chose to return with her. Giving a tender, warm smile she dipped her head politely to @Cressida. “Prides might have laws but they aren’t as bad as you think, not all of them miss.” She said calmly before turning to face the way they needed to travel. Letting out a small chuckle at Cupid’s ‘I guess we have our answer’ comment she nodded to him. “Of course it still stands. Please follow me. Oh young one if you wish you are welcomed to hold onto my tail as we walk so you don’t become separated from us.” She sweetly offered @Riptide before leading the way towards the Bluffs.

-Exit with Cupid and Riptide-

code by corvus & art by hinter

Aarani can't help but feel.. sad. The two youngsters clearly chose Wolfbron, and Rani wondered what she had said to chase them away. Arjana does not offer so much as a goodbye before she turns and departs with the crew, at which point the palomino lioness sighs. She certainly will not hold the young lion to his offer of assistance; the two were so young, what could she possibly need from either of them? Still, she offers a weak smile and watches them go, downtrodden as she herself turns to jog towards Scilla empty handed. She was zero for two in her recruiting attempts, and even though she hadn't necessarily wanted the cubs to join, she can only hope Arjana has what it takes to act as a guardian.

exit

proin varius aliquam convallis

Integer lobortis purus faucibus nisi iaculis fermentum. Integer sodales sodales gravida. Mauris ut nunc ac dolor sollicitudin ultricies. Vestibulum nibh libero, imperdiet quis orci ac, porttitor volutpat lectus. Proin varius aliquam convallis. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Integer blandit malesuada purus sed sagittis. Proin nulla sapien, venenatis vitae lacinia sed, porta nec erat.

code by corvus

+5 Learn a character's full name and rank (2/2) - Arjana

Cressida felt her head spin from everything that was going on. There was so much talk of healing and prides and other things, she started to consider leaving. And to her mild disappointment, the two chose Arjana- the Wolfbron bluff's lioness, so she had said before. Cressida didn't hold it against them, of course- perhaps with time they would realize pride life didn't work for those like them. Well, so she thought, anyways. The words from the pretty clay colored woman had her ears flick back and she gave an awkward chuckle. She was hoping the others wouldn't even acknowledge, her, considering how weird it felt to be around pride lions. But regardless, she gave them all a broken smile and made her way off into he distance. She would meet Fenrir some other time.

--Exit Cressida