Varin had been around the lands long enough to grow tired of not having a permanent residence. He recalled what was mentioned to him at the Passage, the prides that were around… how would he handle joining one? Could he be of use? He didn’t want to freeload and would be more than happy to aid where he could- but he also didn’t want to blindly join someone.

The scent of a pride came to his nose as he neared the sands. He stopped at the border, silver eyes taking in his surrounding and observing the land, studying it as he let out a chuff for the leaders. The scent made him think the pride was small- and to him, this was probably the best time to try and join. To be part of the roots and foundation of a new pride.

Seneca is rarely anywhere other than the pridelands, given his extensive injuries and inability to go very far. For now, Andal Oasis is both his haven and his prison, and so he is growing to know it quite well. Someone calls out from their borders, drawing the attention of the Miroslav who alters his path in the direction of the summons, his curiosity piqued. It is there that he finds a man of average stature and coloration, his clay fur all but blending into the red sand. "Seneca Miroslav, heir," he rumbles his greeting, halting on his side of the border, "how can I help you?" @Varin

image by k'sariya, code by koi

He wasn’t alone for long, and Varin’s gaze shifted carefully to the male that approached him, having heard his call. Varin takes careful observation of him, noting his darker features, and the clay rogue soon lets a friendly smile caress to his lips when the brute introduces himself.

Taking note of his rank and name, Varin also notes his scent smelt strong of the land around - the same scent he was observing earlier at the border. “Heir Seneca, I hope I haven’t taken you away from any important duties.” Although, when Varin paused to think about his words… patrolling was quite important, wasn’t it? “Varin Blazedawn, I couldn’t help but to catch scent of these borders. You see, I’ve been roaming around Amaryllis for awhile now and it’s grown quite… lonely. I’d like to find a place to settle down.” His words were honest as he spoke them to the heir, finding no reason to need to lie. “Is this pride accepting any new recruits?”

@Seneca

+5 Learn a character’s full name and rank 1/2
+5 Observe and study a new scent 2/2

The other man is amicable enough, if a bit placating. Seneca is used to such behavior, however -- there are those who are happy to take up the mantle of political discussion, and then there are those like the Miroslav. Those who are bored by such conversations. Alas, he recognizes the importance of them, and so he will suffer through them time and time again. His ears twitch idly towards the other at his explanation for being here, his face betraying no sense of emotion, deadpan as usual. "We are," he answers @Varin evenly, his gaze looking the other lion up and down. "What skills do you have to offer us, Varin Blazedawn?" he queries with an arch of his brow.

image by k'sariya, code by koi

The male before him didn't let down his guarded face- not that Varin could truly blame him. He knew how prides worked, at least well enough, not revealing all your cards was quite smart. "I can hunt, patrol, defend- but my true skills lie with politics." He replied evenly, his tone still respectable enough. "I tend to enjoy dealing with relationships with people- although I also understand that's not... err.. really a need for prides much." Not when things like food and survival could be top of the line. "I'm willing to put effort to whatever is needed most with the pride." He added, nodding his head to his words as if to confirm them. Yes, Varin was ready to contribute to something again.

@Seneca

He listens on with his usual quiet stoicism; Seneca is not a man of many words, and the more that someone else spouts out before him, the less likely he is to offer more of himself. Why should he, when they've made it so easy to get the information he desires with so little effort? He relaxes one hind leg as he remains sentinel guard dog on the pride borders, his gaze unwavering from @Varin's face. "We need trustworthy and hardworking men, Varin," he finally states, his heading tilting an infinitesimal amount as he studies the other. "Are you -- trustworthy?" A quirk of his brow is offered, his curiosity piqued. Seneca needs to know that the lions he allows into his home are worth his while, and furthermore, that they will not present a threat to the children of the Oasis.

image by k'sariya, code by koi

Was he trustworthy? Varin’s friendly features never wavered, even when faced with the heir’s stoic ones. “Will you believe me if I say yes?” Tricky it was- how could Varin vouch for his trustworthiness when he had only his word to prove himself? “I like to think myself as so. But, I know my word is only my word right now. Give me the time to prove it to you.” Because he could, and would. It had been far too long since Varin had a home- and he was more than ready to settle. “What is… your pride like? What do you stand for?” He figured it was his turn to ask some of the questions- after all, the more he knew the better.

@Seneca

ooc: wrapping up cus messy timelines are messy "Probably not," he admits with an idle twitch of his lips, offering a ghost of a smirk. There is no reason to lie -- and no reason why he should trust the word of a stranger. It's all par for the course, however, and @Varin hits the nail on the head with an appropriate response. "Very well," he agrees as the other presses for him to give a chance to prove himself. Seneca is all for proving one's worth, and has little difficulty with giving Varin such an opportunity. "Our queen, Aarani, is a peaceful woman. She values autonomy and protection of those who cannot otherwise defend themselves. We are still small in numbers and in a foundational state. Your wisdom as an advisor will be valued," he answers, stringing together more words than he most often does. "Come, I'll show you around and tell you more about the pride," Seneca rumbles, dipping his skull and inviting Varin in officially. Exeunt Seneca

image by k'sariya, code by koi

It seemed he and the Heir were on the same page. Varin could say anything- but it wouldn't earn him the trust of the royal so easily. It would need to be proven, and that much he understood. "Aarani. I look forward to meeting her," Varin replies with a smile, relieved to of been accepted in by the male- happy to follow him. "You know how long it's been since i've had my own den? Oh! I can't wait." He spoke aloud, letting his internal thoughts slip lose as he followed along into the land, curious to see how things would go.

/ exit /