Mordecai was often busy ( a cruel thing, to be sure, that he did not spend every waking moment at her side! ) and tiegans arrival was too new to be trusted. And so that leaves little Tali to fend for herself, to make her way in this world. And that is exactly what she plans on doing! The passage is a wonderful place, welcoming newcomers and natives alike. The sand beneath her delicate paws was almost cool to match the autumnal breeze that missed with her mane. She stands, a lone dark figure against Maua's gift, armed only with bright eyes and an even warmer smile. She would find a home here today, a place where she could grow and thrive -- a task that would only help Mordecai's cause. And maybe, just maybe, he would be proud of the initiative shown! Finding a perfect spot she settles down, plopping her haunches into the sand as she waits -- impatient and excited, eager for a new chapter to begin.

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often ulla's fond of the lions with their strange appearances, especially those that give way to an attractive figure. male and female alike sometimes hold her gaze just by their oddness alone, but knowing they will forever be strangers to her is what forces her to look away. this time, ulla can at least talk to them under the disguise of recruiting. she spots the straight-maned lioness, colors the same as the deep dark forest, from her perch upon a smooth stone. ulla lands with heavy paws before she walks her way towards @Talitha, chuffing at her. greetings, i am ulla of obsidian hollows. are you looking for a home, miss?

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despite her patience ( which was waning, and threadbare to begin with ), only one lioness comes. @Úlla seems a serious, stern woman -- prim and proper in ways that talitha could never, ever hope to be. something about her reminds the little angel of mordecai, the seriousness clinging to her bones. an easy smile spreads across her lips though her muzzle quickly shifts, smoothing out into something more placid before trying again. her next smile is more reserved, certainly more matching the sovereign's steely vibe -- even if it sits strangely on the girl, who is meant for flowers and sunshine and certainly more than this. still, mordecai is not here to guide her hand yet she hopes to do her best, and hopefully this woman sees that. she introduces herself and her land ( or, rather, what tali assumes ), and her smile widens just a smidge. yes, i am, she replies, a little breathlessly with excitement -- though this, too, is pulled back and reigned in. when she continues, her voice is much more subdued: i am talitha of nowhere, but i am hoping to find my place. whether that be in a pride or at another's side, she isn't very exact. she just needs something to show mordecai that she is worthy of... well, everything. is that something you can help me with? ulla of obsidian hollows?

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Once again he was out and about. Searching for a member to bring back to the Oasis but it seemed that each time he came to the Passage, @Úlla was already here greeting another newcomer. Fiery jewels would look from the High Sovereign of the Hollow to the woman she was speaking to, catching the last bit of what @Talitha spoke. Clearing his throat slightly, Drakon would dip his head to both knowing that the Hollows was an ally. I hope I'm not to late. He would chip in, But perhaps I can offer you a home in Andal Oasis. My name is Drakon Tollaire.

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the girl is young, her mind still clouded by the innocence that once consumed ulla and her sisters, cousins, and tribeswomen. the obsidian queen cannot deny that she longs to be young, enraptured by flowers and fantasies, romances and adventures. but now she has her own fair sure of adventuring and her fantasies are more politicized. nevertheless, youth is a beautiful yet fickle thing that never seems to last long. yes, of course. my pride is home to many young lions and cubs, and we are attentive to the needs of everyone who joins. ulla has never mentored nor trained any young lions before. she also doesn't think @Talitha to be a fighter; perhaps a medic, or a cleric, or even a nursemaid. something that helps others rather than harm. but, then again, appearances can be deceiving. we are in need of non-combatants that can help us during our times of need. in return, our pride will keep you and yours safe. ulla is interrupted by the sudden appearance of another lion. a pale-coated male smelling of the oasis. she remembers her pact with the high sovereign, but still feels on edge watching him.

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It was true, Mordecai had been keeping himself occupied. But it was not.... anything important, in all honesty. Perhaps if he were being truthful, he might have been avoiding the girls a little; which pained him, truly. The fact of the matter was that Mordecai had been struggling to find his place in this new land. He had set out to pastures new with his little lambs in tow, so determined to make something great; invigorated in his righteousness, in his belief that the Maker would guide his hand.

And now he was here?

The shepherd knew it would not be Him; He would never abandon his followers, his children. It was Mordecai's own slack; sub-conscious, casting him asunder in a new environment with new faces, submerged in political strife and constant shifting. It occurred to him that perhaps - while he enjoyed the anonymity of remaining a rogue - it would behove him, them, to find a banner to live beneath. And so, when picking up Talitha's scent, Mordecai would make haste to reunite with her. This land was evidently an area where many passed through; pride lions and wanderers alike.

With ease, he would make out the shapes of Talitha, and.... Hm. His pace quickened upon heeding not one but two others with her. Protectively he bristled, though easily regained his composure upon reaching earshot. "Making friends, little lamb?" He paused, then shifting his attention away from the black-pelted maiden and towards @Úlla and @Drakon. "Mordecai Caelinus. I see you have already met my Talitha."

There would be no further clarification. His Talitha.

her attention shifts, fluttering butterfly wings, as @Drakon appears. he is light-pelted and broad, smelling of sunshine and sand. she offers him a dreamy smile, hoping to soothe his worries: no, you are never too late. his offer of a home, though, cause tufted ears to twitch -- considering. he calls his home an oasis and surely that sounds wonderful, though she does not think she would like a desert. mismatched gaze turns back to @Úlla as the woman explains herself and her pride, speaking of the young blood housed there. soft, innocent lions -- surely mentioned because she, too, looks soft-hearted and young. talitha smiles to hear it, eyelashes fluttering with the effort. certainly looking more grateful rather than delighted.

before she can say anything, though, they are joined by another. and, oh, she cannot help herself! at the mere sight of @Mordecai she lets out a quiet little mewling chirrup, a happy little greeting -- though her sunny disposition wanes, just a little, when he comes no closer. usually he stands at her side, always close enough to touch ( or, when she's been good, with his hand on her back ), but today there is enough distance between them for it to feel... pointed. even his verbal claim isn't enough to soothe her hurt, though her features remain warm. friends, yes, but also a home! she clarifies with a little sing-song. she looks to ulla, ears tipping forward: if you'll have us, of course!

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So it seemed that he was a bit more rusty than he thought. Another arrived and Drakon looked to @Mordecai, he would dip his head towards the male before taking note of how they reacted to each other. They must be family or lovers, but Drakon was going to go with the first rather than the latter not that he'd judge either. But on that note, Drakon would give @Talitha a small smile and dip his head. I hope you enjoy the Hollows. He would state before glancing towards Ulla and dipping his head towards her to before leaving himself.

exit

irish

the appearance of a second lion isn't surprising. so very often a few characters will watch from afar to ensure the one speaking for them is safe and to find the chance to come out. but ulla is unsure about this new male, @Mordecai, he doesn't hold the same bubbliness as @Talitha. there is something else lurking within, something that ulla isn't sure she wants to find out. though a bit suspicious of the male, she is nonetheless happy that the hollows may have two more residents. talitha may be a good addition, only because she seems nice, too nice, and can be a good lioness to watch over the cubs. as for mordecai...well, ulla will have something to do for him once she's used to his presence if he chooses to join. welcome to the hollows. i will take you, and your partner if he wants, to our pride ulla states, before turning around. [exit w/ tali & mord]

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He is unaware of the fact that his little bird feels slighted by the lack of PDA; alas, he would simply have to make up for it later. Mismatched attention shifted away from the dark woman and up towards @Úlla as she spoke. So they were accepted then? That was quick. Mordecai had not heard much in the way of a pitch, but @Talitha seemed keen and so he would simply have to trust her for now. And if things turned sour and he had to steal her away from her restraints?

Oh, that'd be simple for a man like him.

The grey-pelted rogue would glance in the direction of @Drakon as he took his leave - a man who had been unsuccessful in his attempt, certainly, but did not seem soured by it - before shifting his attention back to the women. The Hollows representative would turn on her heel, making it clear that the pair were welcomed to follow her. And so, with a tilt of the head and a subtle curl of the lips sent down at Talitha, Mordecai would follow.

EXIT