Trial. [OPEN]

[TheWG]

Circa & Kazbek

Circa looked in disbelief at Cocaine, and her gaze whipped to Funeral. Suddenly, this seemed very one sided- her gaze to the leader was obvious the way it spoke itself. Are you going to let him do that, use your son as a pawn? But she dare not utter those exact words in his face, but she did have something to say. "So we're giving one of our warriors to La Morte? Why can't we give her Zenith? That seems like more of a fair trade than Osic." Although she knew better, Osic probably wouldn't fight even in La Morte, the point was still there. They were selling out Osic to get Cocaine's cub back- she suddenly doubted the benefit of this to the pride, it wasn't only her inner feelings. Zenith was the cub that they themselves took and held as prisoner, was that not even? As Ryssor came around and voice her opinion, she nodded furiously, agreeing with the her. There had to be another way, surely.

Kazbek on the meanwhile, looked among the group for his mother... Where was she? Did she not come back with them? Worry prickled into his soul, and he looked toward the three higher-ups conversing. He hadn't heard what they had said between themselves- that his mother had been captured, he was too busy buzzing around the returning members. He caught the very faint speaking of his mother's name, and immediately he moved his way to them, alerted. "Where is my mother? Why has she not come back with you?" He demanded, and Circa turned, face down turning. It had just hit her that Caylis- her friend- was also captured. Turning back to the Commander, she looked at him for an answer. How are we gonna get Caylis back?

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[kahara]

COCAINE, ODYSSEIA

[/i][/color] He lowered his voice more, this was only for Circa and Funeral's ears. "Do you dare think me thick, Circa? You should know me better than to do a simple trade." He snorted. It was clear by the tone of his voice that Cocaine was very tired and in no mood for arguments. And then Kazbek showed up. Cocaine groaned and turned to the boy. "Captured." Cocaine muttered, then looked back at Funeral.[/ul][/blockquote]

[Caylis]

Evangeline Caliver

Evangeline's ears pricked as she heard her brother's name, she grinned, running up to her mother. "Mother? Is Atryn back?" she said before her face faltered as she heard Cocaine's words. "He's.. not here.." she murmured, her eyes looking up to the group that had went on to save her brother. They.. they failed. This made her clench her teeth and snorted before walking away from the group, lashing her tail angrily. She made her way past Cocaine, Circa, Funeral and Kazbek without a word or glance taken to them.

[Noa]

RYSSOR[/font]

When Cocaine growled at her, she stood tall and indignant; granted she wasn't the best at greeting weary travellers home, but he didn't even hear her out! He just.. ignored her and told her to shut up. Well that shit never flew back home, and it sure as hell wasn't going to fly here. As she opened her mouth to protest, a small voice caught her offguard.

Possibly saving her from instigating a bigger fight.

She bent down to Eva and nuzzled her daughter gently. "No honey, not yet.." She took an aside glance at Odyessia, not wanting her daughter to witness something so gruesome. "We're working it out though.. well, your father is.." But her words fell on deaf ears as the little cub suddenly stomped away. Although this took Ry by surprise initially, she knew what Eva meant. Ry too was disappointed.. and slightly angry at what they were willing to do, considering she disagreed entirely with trading Osic away.

But she knew Cocaine once his mind was set. She gave a small sigh as she watched her cub disappear, not even bothering to chase after her. She had the fury of her father, so she knew better to just let her clear her head on her own terms. Instead, she let her mate do his planning and slowly approached Odyessia.

"H.. hey." She murmured, loud enough for her to hear her from such a distance. She looked like she could jump up and bite her head off at any moment.[/color]

[LAD]

Donato, Devyn, Shinku, Samara, Malluce, DarkStar, DarkMoon

Donato glanced upwards, watching the few up above before stepping back from Odyessia's brother as she approached. He dipped her head to her lowly, knowing what the loss of a sibling was, and turned and walked to where he spotted his own little family, but he paused then, not knowing what was fully being said among the dominants. He spoke loud enough to be heard by all three of them. "As tired as we are, it might be best to let the entire pride know what happened while we were there at La Morte." His voice was tired, his body slumped over from having carried Fracture the entire way. Then he turned and continued his track.

"Welcome back." DarkMoon murmured softly, brushing against her son and purring. DarkStar greeted him next.

Samara stuck to Ryssor's side as she rushed out, but then paused and deviated when Ry went to go greet her mate - Malluce was there. She purred softly at his return and nuzzled him dearly. But she could see something was different about him, even as he gently nuzzled him back. Something had happened on their journey. She frowned softly and opened her mouth to ask but Malluce shook his head. "I need time Sam." He told her softly, then turned away himself. The ripping of the tongue had actually gotten to him worse than he originally thought.

Sam returned to Ry when Malluce left, and found her close to Odyessia. She slowed to a stop, her eyes glancing back and forth between the two.

Shinku dragged himself to his paws upon seeing his father approach, and definitely looking better than before he'd left. He moved his way over to him, his lips quirking at Neo and Jasper's affections, and took his own time to push up against his father's shoulder even though his head still throbbed. He probably had a concussion. "Heya." Was all he said. His eyes flicked around for others of his family but just saw them.

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[FJ]

Grenade Donovan

He had been listening to the going-on and had initially been as astounded as the rest by this strange trade, if not for how bad it sounded, but for the fact they had just held a trial for naught. A hiccup he rather disliked, but as others expressed their thoughts and Cocaine dealt with them, he chose not to question the facts further. After all, he trusted his judgement. They could definitely find some way of using this against the traitorous pride, and having Zenith still would provide them another bargaining chip.

Boy did the group look tired and not in any mood to play around.

"Whatever it is you have planned, I wish you 'luck'." No, that was a joke. There was no luck involved in these dealings, only skill and the absence of such. He would assist them but, as his eyes strayed on Cocaine's, the meaning was clear. His was a card yet unplayed and for now, he was biding his time before reaching out to La Morte and striking them where it hurt.

[Dingo]

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» CROWTHER & CASSIUS

Tired, Crowther moved away to somewhere more comfortable and sunk to the ground. Not much news to him; hell, he had been there. The bargaining part would explain why the battle was ended, but other than that Crowther just wanted to rest.

A somber gaze was cast upon Fracture's body as the queen wept over her fallen brother. He recalled their brief encounter, and let out a sigh. He continued to listen with half an ear to his father as he announced the events. Hmph. Another loss. Cassius didn't think much of it until he mentioned the news of Caylis. At his father's words, he found himself in a cold sweat. "C-Captured.." His jaws parted slightly in disbelief. He turned to stare at his father with an odd emptiness, as if he couldn't quite get it thought his head. Uh oh.. This was very bad news. His throat was dry now, but he managed to call out. "Do you think that they'll.. ah.. kill her? Caylis?" He knew he had just expressed public concern for the female, but nobody else, nobody, could know the reason. He had to keep his mouth shut. His father would have his head. He sat there anxiously, dreading a reply.

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"speech" // thought

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[Silverfang]

As the Commander explained, he took in the looks of the party. Nothing short of exhaustion was clear on them - and he could tell they weren't all that amused, specifically Cocaine. And those that spoke up about it didn't seem to receive patient answers.

A grieved Odysseia rushed forward to her brother; caught in the corner of his eye. A small sigh was given.

He contemplated for perhaps a moment then, looking around briefly before turning back to the head of the party. "We have enough time to speak about this and figure everything out." Gaze spread to those around, landing on his son momentarily. A twinge in his gut which caused him to look away. "For now..," He was directing to everyone. "Rest. Heal. You deserve it."

He turned to Donato briefly, giving an acknowledged blink of his eyes before glancing at Grenade and then toward the party once again, a firm nod given.

[TheWG]

Circa & Kazbek

Circa's eyebrows rose and tail lashed as Cocaine growled at his mate, ears flicking with slight surprise at how tense he really was. As much as she wanted to open her maw and protest on behalf of her mate... Cocaine looked in no mood for debate. Even so, she knew he did have a slight point, he likely wouldn't fight against them. There was a point where she had remember; she was Captain aside from mate, her job was to think of the pride... Osic would be safe in La Morte... she at least knew that, but it tore her heart badly to think that he might be so far away- with the enemy. Swallowing down a sickening feeling, she sat as Funeral's words seemed to let the tension ease. He was right, this could be discussed after the party rested- and perhaps after she saw Nerante to get something for her nausea.

Kazbek wasn't satisfied though, and his nape prickled high at the Commander's brisk reply. A snarl formed on his lips, "Does no one care?" He began to hiss, looking away at Cassius's approach. At least someone else seemed to give a fuck, he didn't care to wonder why. "They better not kill her, or I'll rip another one's throat like I did..." Distress built in him, and instead of trying to get answers from Cocaine- who obviously was to worn to give a shit-, he turned desperately to Funeral. "Please... There has to be some way we can get her back? Arrange for that?"

Before he could receive an answer, Circa padded to his side, brushing against him for comfort. "Kazbek... We'll discuss that once everything has calmed, there's no sense troubling the returning party anymore. She was my friend too, we'll get her back..." The large male wanted to protest, but he couldn't bring himself to yell at Circa- she had known him since cubhood. Instead he turned and padded away, off to vent his own anger. He contemplated going his damn self... But Carnal... no, he couldn't.

[Noa]

ESTEVAN KANNON[/font]

High above it all, the lone male was watching the party debrief and decide what was the plan of action. Tail lulling and flick occasionally, watching all the little ants scurry and debate amongst themselves.. he had no part of it. He was part of the pride, but it was none of his business.

Eyes,in particular, were on his brother, Kazbek, and Cassius.

Estevan had heard the news too, and seen it with his own eyes - Caylis had been captured. Disappeared from the party, in the maw of La Morte. Figures. Their mother was always one to go out and do her own thing. While he didn't show it outwardly, there was that little twist in that stomach that she was gone. A prisoner of war.

And for a different reason, a certain young male of the Caliver bloodline was concerned too. A small grin came to his face - he'd never pegged Cassius for being such a.. promiscuous being. In fact, although they never really talked, he considered him kindred souls - they were the same in every way. But now he was showing concern, feelings.

He knew why. He had caught sight of the two together occasionally - it was amazing how they never really knew that he was a loner, a spy, and worked behind the scenes.

They were lovers.

Oh, Cassius..

Estevan wasn't surprised; his father had no restraint at all, and didn't love her, so it wasn't really a big deal for him. He would fault her, sure, but when he played the devil's advocate, it made sense to him. Finally, he came down off his perch and glided down to Kazbek. "She'll be fine," He reassured him, listening into his angry words and giving a gaze at Cassius, still smirking. "Mother's tough." But it seemed like his words fell on deaf ears as his brother went away angrily, and he was only left to give an aside glance to the Captain.

"You look troubled, Captain," He observed, although he didn't note how ill she looked as well. "I assume you're not one that has approved of the negotiations?"[/color]

[kahara]

COCAINE, ODYSSEIA, CARNAL, ASESINO, CASPER, KEJETHAN, NERANTE, NERRY, KODIAC

[/i][/color] Cocaine's voice was loud yet heavy, and it hinted at just how tired he was. There would be no room for arguments. "The search party must rest. After I have spoken in full with Funeral and Circa," Not mentioning Odysseia, again, as he was unaware of her title as of yet. "You all will then, and only then, be fully informed of what is going on. I do not want to hear any gossip. So help me Dante if I hear any of that.." He growled and without another word turned to leave. Cocaine pushed past Funeral and Circa, ignoring anyone else who may have come to him, and headed for the path that went off behind the throne.

Odysseia lifted herself from Fracture's body, still in tears, as Cocaine spoke. She'd almost protested as to why she was not involved when she realized he must not have known she was queen yet. Then Ryssor grabbed her attention and Ody, taking a deep breath, looked her way. At first the queen wasn't sure of how to respond. Ryssor was mourning in her own ways, and now Odysseia.. oh, oh poor Fracture. The heart-broken female returned her blurry gaze to her fallen brother and then back upon Ryssor, beckoning Ry to her side with a flick of her tail. Any words spoken would have been, at best, incomprehensible. Bubbly sobs and lost words.

Carnal watched nearby as everything, seemingly, fell apart. Cocaine's mission had failed and that hit pretty hard. At least for Carnal it did. She had always seen their commander as tough, brave, invincible, indestructible. Now he was tired and wanted nothing more than to rest and avoid the gazes of many curious bystanders. Deep down she boiled with rage. It was his duty to present what had happened to them, there and then! Her gaze fell upon Kazbek as he walked off after some fine choice words, and Carnal wobbled over to him, stepping in his path with a frown.

Asesino purred quite loudly as she was pulled into her mate's loving embrace, and nuzzled him warmly in return, quite happy, though not surprised, to see he was safe. Casper was rather happy to have his father back too, and very surprised with his affections, but he didn't object and fell into his dad's comfort. Kejethan was nearby, too, but he kept his distance. Not to say he wasn't happy. Kejethan smiled at how happy his family was. It made him proud to be a Crimson.

Nerante and Nerry had returned to their duties. No doubt some of the search party members would be asking for some sort of aide. In one neatly stocked corner, pre-prepared herbs. In the other, Nerry's flower collection, which he'd likely try to offer to everyone who entered the Donovan-Iden healing-portion of the den. It was adorable, but somewhere deep inside, Nerante couldn't stand how happy Nerry was. No, no that was wrong. Ugh. Nerante wanted nothing more than to tear into his own ears as if to stop the thoughts, to stop the voices that echoed deep inside.

'Can't ignore us forever.'[/color]

A voice like venom from his own subconscious. It was only his son's tugging that snapped Nerante out of it. Nerry pointed outside, and Nerante looked to where Odysseia stood over Fracture. Hm. Seems they would be arranging a funeral.... again.

Kodiac landed with a rather loud thud and took several long strides forward. He was unaware of the end result of the search, as he had been hunting, or so the player assumes as she can't really remember what he was doing. Anyway, Kodiac stands around and observes those present, paying special attention to his children, and noting the lack of Caylis.[/ul][/blockquote]

[TheWG]

Circa & Kazbek

Kazbek was ready to storm out of there, march right on out and go tear up trees- but a quick stopper was put on that. He immediately halted as his mate stepped into his past, and his ears folded back in surprise. "Carn?" His face was curled for the most part, but when he realized he was now directed toward her, he quickly put a cease to it. Letting out a heavy hiss out air through his maw, he lowered his head guiltily at the sight of her frown. "Did you hear what happened?"

Circa's ears flicked toward Estevan, briefly watching at Kazbek left. "A little more talking will need to happen, but for now... No, I'm not sure I'm settled with these terms..." She muttered. She was disappointed that Ryssor had been shoo'ed away- they shared opinions, but she had to trust her commander. She had up until now, perhaps all would pull through... she just hoped Osic wouldn't end up dead, in any case.

[Noa]

RYSSOR & ESTEVAN[/font]

Ry knew that Ody was in a bad place at the moment - it was plainly obvious when even Ry herself couldn't stand to look at Fracture's corpse. And she had seen a lot of things in her time. So when the female beckoned her over, Ry obliged. Not as a pride member to a royal, but as a friend and a confident. They both knew the pain of loss. Losing someone so close.

She head bumped Odyessia firmly, telling her that she didn't have to speak. It was also comfort. Comfort that she knew how she felt. Ryssor shared tears with her queen, showing that she had cared as well. Every loss to the pride was an important one, no matter what.

Speaking of which, she looked up as Cocaine exited the scene, obviously looking off to rest. She wanted to join him, but she knew he wanted to be alone in his rest. He'd dealt with people day in, day out for weeks and her presence and doting and worrying would only annoy him. Annoyance was another thing on her mind too - her gaze flitted from her mate to Circa and Estevan, seemingly talking away.

She gave a small huff; Circa looked horrible. She knew how much she and Osic were friends. How painful it was to lose a friend.

Another sob from Ody bought Ryssor back to where she was, and aside from the small comforting, Ryssor didn't know what else to do to ease the pain. But she knew that Ody would want to be alone, to let out all of her emotions. So with that in mind, Ryssor gave another soft nuzzle of comfort and stood up.

"Be strong," She murmured to her. "Come find me if you want to talk some more." And with that, she padded away slowly and began to make her way to the pair nearby.

Estevan had noticed this - he looked up and saw the grey female coming towards them. Not really in the mood to converse with anyone else, he quickly got some words in before she came into earshot. "Well, I better go chase Kazbek. Seems like he's being the family grump for once." And with that, he spread his wings and took to the skies.

Ryssor watched as the young Kannon boy hit the skies and flew off, her nose wrinkling. That boy is so strange..[/color]

[kahara]

(.. ;u; Guys I really don't know how close some are to Funeral Cocaine and Circa, but they're on the throne and Cocaine was, for the most part, whispering/using a low tone to talk to Fune and Circa)

[LAD]

(That's what I thought honestly... but after a bit I thought maybe I misread it cause so many had 'heard' what was going on xD)

Edit: I know a lot of us skim through posts but we should really make it a habit to read posts carefully so that we don't wrongly respond/have to go back and correct these posts - I myself an guilty of this.

Samara, Devyn, Donato, DarkMoon, DarkStar, Malluce, Shinku

Samara moved over to Ryssor when she'd finished with Odyessia, and nudged her gently, curiously. She wondered about her friend - the absence of Atryn was glaringly obvious. It pained her to see her friend down again. She would remain at her side if it were the last thing she did.

Malluce and Shinku goes to sleep.

Donato notes the change of his mother and takes a glance over her, then notes the roundness of her belly. His ears flicked. Was his mother being lazy? He doesn't comment on it, but instead nuzzles his mother and grandpops once more and turns away to go sleep as well. The images of Asera still flickered in his mind even though it had been three weeks since the incident. He had not the time to find comfort. DarkStar follows after him to keep him company.

DarkMoon stayed for a moment and glanced around, allowing her child and father to go off on their own, something had happened, she could see it in her son's gaze. But she wasn't going to push him for information. However her gaze landed on Kodiac and his children, and she frowned, noting that their mother wasn't with the party. They didn't quite yet know about her, and she figured now wasn't the best time to go and approach Kodiac - although she would have to tell him soon if he didn't figure it out on his own. Regardless, he had his kids to attend to. Her own issue from that night weeks before could wait.

Devyn moved forward, glancing at Carnal in worry but seeing his brother still out in the open, moved toward him as the perfect time to speak to him. He hadn't the slightest idea what was being said among the thrown but wondered about Cocaines words before. 'Bargaining chip' he'd said. It made Devyn swallow. None the less he bumped into Osic's shoulder as Carnal made her way to speak to Kazbek after his outburst of hearing his mother captured. And yet noted the look Osic sent to the Captain's way. "You alright, Osic?"

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