New beginnings were always so refreshing. A time to leave behind past identities and reputations, to start anew in a foreign land. Much easier to do when the previous land was in shambles and the inhabitants either dead or scattered to the winds. A hint of a smirk came at the thought. Oh, he'd had a grand time while it had lasted, but trouble had come as it often did and Damien was not really one to put his own hide on the line when he could so easily coerce anyone else to fight in his name. He was civilized, not some brute. Violence was a hobby best indulged when there was little or no risk to himself.

He'd bypassed the natural gateway leading into the land, taking note of the mixture of scents in the area and deciding his time was better spent exploring than waiting to see who chose to trek out to meet him. Black on black, he might have been harder to see if the sun hadn't started to rise. The beach was intriguing - sands as dark as himself, cool, clear water, just enough salt in the air. He may well have been a living shadow, prints and scent washed away with each new wave as he let the water wash over his paws as he moved along the shore. For the moment, there was no solid plan. He needed to get a feel for the area, learn something about the lions and prides in the area, and figure out which one might offer the smoothest path to the sort of easy, privileged, life he preferred to lead. A secure land, maybe a nice title with just the right amount of authority attached.

code by corvus

[OOC: If you'd rather I not post here - please let me know and I'll remove it - Just surfing for un-replied to AW's. @Corvus ★]

She moved in silence, her pawsteps even and sure of foot. Jewel had spent the better part of almost two years living in a realm of shifting sands so the subtle movement underfoot wasn't a trouble. She was familiar with the ebony grains of Stygian's black shore - and often found herself returning to them to embrace the scent and sound of the sea. Singular Cerulean optic noticed the dark form and she did her best to give @Damien a wide berth. After all, if the other wasn't in search of any company, she wouldn't want to be the one to stick her nose where it might not be wanted.

Instead, the twin tail waded into the surf just enough that the foam could wash against her hide, to rinse the dirt of traveling here away. At this time of year, the water was getting colder, but she had wintered in the Cove - Jewel was no stranger to the icy touch of the ocean swell.

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"Speech"

Code by corvus. Manip by scarf