The Mire King knew all too well that those that traveled through their arms of the Passage more than likely wouldn't be seeking a swamp. Given his history of places he had lived, a swamp would not have been his first pick but it was a place that he was happy to build a life upon. Some place that was inherently his as well as those that chose to belong there even if it was temporary. Jafar was happy to give them a safe place so long as they remained respectful of those around them though looked at them, he felt like he wouldn't have to worry about the two males. A brave assumption but one nonetheless.

A very similar brotherhood that he felt in relation to @Roan who he would have to pay a visit to simply to address further that he had taken the crown back from Jewel. That she was still within his pride, her son his Heir in training and that they would still continue to be an asset to one another should he wish it. Though, it was a time not meant for the present as the two rogues must desire something a little more from each of them. Choosing a pride was a big decision. Kazimir, he nodded his head and repeat the name as he looked to each lion as he spoke their name, Ilarion. A pause as he considered his words carefully but knew that there would always be honesty. Ecrosia Mire would certainly be a place of growth, as we intend to grow bigger so that we can weather whatever comes together. Whatever your fight, we will be there at your side. Whatever you need, we will be there to help you obtain it. Just as he had addressed to Jewel, he was going to defend those that followed under his reign and then some. He wasn't a coward and he didn't intend on abandoning his pride any time soon.

@Kazimir @Ilarion @Roan @Cassandra

He takes the initiative here but leaves room for his companion to step forward; @Ilarion does not take the bait though and stays quiet throughout. Folded ears twitch but he does little else, as soon enough the representatives steal his attention. Listening attentively as they go through, one at a time, as they explain thsemvles and their clans. Their silas, too, are noted -- especially the ones that are here. The other two were intriguing but ultimately fell short -- not that the youths were incapable, but he'd rather meet with the leaders themselves. It was easier to hear the words and ideals from their own mouths, rather than second-hand.

It was hard enough, after all, to forge their own path here.

Especially with him at the helm.

Curiosity flits across passive features as roan mentions someone with their name. Kin? Here? Not from their scouting party, so some far-flung group then -- but it bode well. ty znayesh' yeye? ( do you know her? ) he asks, ruby gaze shifting to his companion. Kazimir had never been good with names; this one did not spark any familiarity but ilarion -- with his father and connections -- might know more.

Regardless, there was more to discuss.

He makes a small noise in the back of his throat, an acknowledgement of everything they've said here. Especially roan and his mention of another. Kak vy dumayete? ( what do you think? ) he drawls, looking back to ilarion. vse oni zvuchat khorosho, no... ( they all sound good, but... ) truthfully they all sounded similar, as well. Their values had been echoed back by all of them; strength and unity, a clan not divided but brought together. Bonds that could be forged -- not here, but seeds that could be planted.

ya mog videt' nas v lesu ili bolote. ( I could see us in the forest or the mire. ) he liked roan but the idea of living underground made his paws itch. The forest would be nice ( and the closest to home ), but he did not want to come back here; if the girl was a bad representation of her sila, then they'd be back looking for a home. He waits then, patient as he can manage; he would not let ilarion stay quiet now.

@Roan @Cassandra @Jafar @Madelina

It would seem the two were together, and the other pride representatives would speak their pieces, but while she would be the last to speak about her pride, one of the rogues - @Kazimir - would address @Roan with questions in a language she didn’t understand at all, and then continued to speak in that foreign tongue. "“The Cove might not be what you’re looking for - if its a forest or such that you’re looking for. We are fair, and tend to keep a neutral stance when it comes to wars and such. Ranks other than our leadership tier can be challenged for, but we do not allow claiming unless it is for the safety of the lioness or cub. Everyone is treated as an equal, regardless of rank, physical ability or anything else of the sort.”" She said, flicking her tail as she spoke.

It wasn’t likely that the Cove would appeal to them, since the Mire and the Rainforest were both good places as well. And it would appear they were more interested in those two prides based on the attention they were giving to the other three. This wouldn’t be a long visit to the Passage, that was likely for sure. Should be interesting to see how this turned out.

@Ilarion @Jafar @Madelina

actions. "speech." thoughts.

Art by Amphispiza | Table code by Zodiac

Clarification came, as @Madelina rattled off some more titles and then a name he did not recognize. While it meant little to him, it was an answer - something he'd requested - so he would simply nod and blink; a vague attempt at being polite. The Rainforest seemed pleasant, for the most part, and would certainly appeal to them in terms of room for growth and lush foliage; something they were used to in their old home. Perhaps a little tropical, though - Ilarion was not built for warmer climates and neither was his dear companion.

Still - nothing was perfect.

@Roan did well at promoting Obsidian - it seemed like a tight-knit group, filled with the strong and with plenty of opportunity to climb ranks. That wasn't exactly Ilarion's thing; he did not feel any need to prove himself to these strangers, nor the strangers he would end up sharing a roof with, but the chance to best a few of them in combat and get something shiny at the end did seem.... amusing. If he had nothing better to do then perhaps he could. Mention of an Avreya would cause his brow to furrow, recognition - a faint one - tugging at the back of his mind. "Neskolko. Odna iz samykh doverennykh moich ottsov, iz togo, chto ya pomnyu - ona pokinula gruppu davnym-davno. Ya nay vstrechalsya s ney liczno boleye odnogo eli dvukh raz; ya byl ochen molod." Then, clearing his throat, he'd shift his attention from @Kazimir and over to the Obsidian leader. "She is a distant cousin." That was... an easier description; besides, they did not owe him nor any of the others any details. "We are a family that travels. Sounds as if she has moved on again, hm?" A tilt of the head, and a gentle probe to see if Roan would confirm, though his use of language implied that Avreya had disappeared again. No matter.

In the meanwhile, his attention shifted over to @Jafar and @Cassandra as they, in turn, made their pitches. Ultimately the Mire and the Rainforest appealed to him the most, and so when @Kazimir addressed him once more and revealed his own preferences Ilarion would smile, pleased that their choices would align so closely. "Ya by vybral boloto." Attention settled back on Ecrosia's High Sovereign once he lapsed into silence.

ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY DEE

@Ilarion is not shy with answering -- at least, not with him. Ears twitch as he answers, giving a small roll of his shoulders. No one they needed to be concerned with then; even if this rurik was still here, their missions would not align. Indeed it would be better if she'd already moved on -- as that meant they could stay here to regroup and get their heads settled.

And that's exactly what they plan on doing, and Kaz will drag his companion along, kicking and screaming if needed.

While he might've hoped for more of a consideration, ilarion at least gives him his opinion. One or the other, a toss of the coin that lands on -- You, he says, looking towards @Jafar. Commander of the mire and their new king; however queer a thought it was. A wolfish smile slants his lips, an excited drawl rumbling in his throat. We will go with you.

And if it did not work out, and his mire was not right for them... then they would be back here.

dunno how i missed kaz choosing but editing :)

The young royalty tried as hard as she could to keep her expression clear and confident. Wanted to convey her pride as best she could because she knew that her pride was great and that the two of them would likely enjoy it even more so than she did which said a lot. Madelina couldn't speak for them but she imagined Obsidian Hollow and Ecrosia Mire were probably really nice prides, too, but she had never lived anywhere as perfect as the Rainforest. Hollow was a nice underground pride -- sounded scary -- but she also imagined that it might be pretty comfortable, too. Didn't get too hot or humid, likely always a nice chill. If she had really considered her words that she had said she might've realized that she needed to work on her selling points for Firnen first.

The near-to-her-age lioness from Caladan spoke nice and concise, saying everything wonderfully to the point that she saw nothing wrong with the way it had been conveyed. She'd done a great job of displaying her pride through her own eyes and giving it to another. Unfortunately for Madelina, the two rogues began speaking almost entirely in a language that she could not begin to follow. Words that were jumbled together and thick, unrecognizable no matter how hard she tried to follow. Not knowing what was going on exactly she tried to look to the other two male recruiters to see if they had any idea as to what they might've been saying but getting nothing out of them, either.

As it seemed, they would not be choosing the Rainforest today and while she did feel a small fraction of disappointment (as she was still young and the idea of rejection was frightening), Madelina did what she could to suppress such an immature emotional response. Shoving it down as deep as she could possible shove it before nodding her head, good luck to the two of you. Not that the pair likely needed it but she didn't know enough about the Mire or it's High Sovereign to really have a true estimate as to how they would fair. In the very least, she was happy to have gotten the chance... at least, that was what she told herself over and over again as she departed.exit madelina

@Kazimir @Ilarion

+5 - Learn something interesting about a pride or family (Obsidian Hollow is an underground pride led by Roan Hodari)

table by sentinel / lion + forest

The bronze king listened in the quieted silence around them as he watched them converse in what was their own language. One he wasn't familiar with but it didn't bother him in the slightest for he was quite comfortable with the idea that there were some things that were only meant for its partners ears. Just as the many times that he had talked with his family in Spanish while others would stand around knowing so little about what was being said.

From the second that @Ilarion's eyes moved to him after a few words in their language, he had a small inkling of knowing that he had been chosen. Either that or they were referencing him in some way but by the looks of it, it wasn't negative. @Kazimir then turns his own gaze and words to him and gives him the answer he had hoped to hear from the very start. Thankful that they had taken their time in considering all their options and hoping that this would be a permanent resting place for them both.

Splendid. He gave in his usual gruff tones as he turned ever so slightly to his right in preparation to leave with the two bear-like males. Pleased to have two strong figures in his pride that could serve a bigger purpose than they knew. Folks that might vie for something ambitious and even if not, he'd welcome the testosterone immensely. Let us go before night falls, they had an hour or so before the light would begin to dim and the Mire was a lot nicer in the daylight than in the dark. exit with kaz and ila!

Cassandra would keep half an eye on Madelina, wanting to make sure the other girl was okay. If for whatever reason something happened, she would want to make sure the Firnen Royal got out with little trouble. She doubted anything would happen - but one could never be too careful these days. She felt like she'd presented Caladan in the best way possible, but it would seem to no avail. The looks the two rogue males were giving Jafar seemed to cement what direction her thoughts were going in. They seemed to favor the Mire, and shortly thereafter voiced their decision to join Ecrosia Mire with Jafar.

Madelina would take her leave first, and then Jafar would start to move out with the two rogues - rather new Ecrosia members - and she took that as her cue to leave the Passage as well. ""Good luck in your endeavors."" She said politely, no hard feelings lingering that another pride had been chosen by the two males. Perhaps she'd have better luck next time she visited. The Cove need some new members to fill out its ranks. Though now that she knew there was another around her age in Firnen, perhaps she could make an effort to get to know the girl and give her some advice - or perhaps make a new friend. With a polite nod to the other lions still lingering, the Caladan Heiress would take her leave. Paws turned and padded back towards the Cove, where her other duties as Heiress awaited her within its borders.

"- Exit Cassandra -"

actions. "speech." thoughts.

Art by Amphispiza | Table code by Zodiac

And so that was that - @Kazimir was quick to issue their decision to the gathered party, and the bulky Rurik would glance at each departing representative with a blink and a nod of acknowledgement. Then, as @Jafar turned to lead them away, Ilarion would follow along in a lumbering gait. Their new home sounded as if it would meet their needs, certainly for the time being. While they'd been nomadic for the longest time and had grown accustomed to it, Ilarion had longed for the day where he could settle and recuperate from the long months that had preceded them.

Now, finally, he could; they could.

EXIT

ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY DEE

It was suffice to say that Roan was thoroughly curious as to their relation to Avreya, though the name didn't seem to spark much recognition out of the pair. In the end, his former Rurik leader was nothing more than a distant cousin to these males, leaving the Hodari uncertain if he took relief or disappointment in that matter. If anything, had they known her better, they might have been able to say if she was still around or at least doing well with her role in the family. Alas, there would be no such update on the former Firnen ruler. Roan would simply nod his acknowledgement that she was related in some form to these Ruriks.

After all that, though, the pair decided on the Mire out of all their options. After thinking about it for a moment, Roan took it as a blessing in disguise that he wouldn't be housing @Kazimir and @Ilarion within Obsidian. He wouldn't have to be reminded of the Rurik name so blatantly and thus reminded on how he had let down Avreya, should she ever return to Amaryllis. Still, being in the Mire meant that they would be allies, which was good enough for him. "A fine decision," the masked lion would offer respectfully with a nod his head. "We will be allies then. Good luck in the Mire. It was nice to meet you both." Roan would parrot the same wishes of good luck as the other representatives before then sparing a firm nod to @Jafar as well in departure. Even if the Hodari wasn't walking away with two new members, he was walking away with some new information about the lands around him. And sometimes, that was just as important as warm bodies.

exit Roan

Table & Image by Amanda | Background | Lineart