Soon (OPEN)

[kahara]

This happens two days after Odysseia's birth. It's the big announcement and explanation. I didn't want to crowd up the other thread anymore than it was. Keep posting in that one if you want, though!

And PLEASE try to keep your time lines in tact!!

---

ODYSSEIA, COCAINE, CARNAL, WALTER, KEJETHAN, KODIAC, ASESINO, CASPER, GEMINOR, NERANTE, CAINE, NERRY

[/i]

She haunted him like a terrible nightmare. The Commander couldn't count how many times he'd dreamed in the sun of ripping out her throat. La Morte's queen had made a terrible mistake by making it personal with the commander of Meurtrier. The ruthless, violent commander and father. He wanted revenge and he would get it if it was one of the last things he'd do. That was for damn sure.

Cocaine hauled his ass up onto the throne and tossed his head to the sky. Gray clouds, again. That was the usual lately. Somehow it seemed fitting. He lowered his head and called for Funeral, Odysseia, and Circa. Odysseia was nearby in the dens with her children, so she heard the call almost immediately, but refused to move until she had someone to watch her children. They were only two days old and still needed constant care.

"Carnal?" She had tilted her head out of the den and called for the other mother. Carnal gave birth almost a month before Odysseia had. She would be capable of handling the young. And out came she -- with a line of little cubs following her. Carnal had been teaching her children good manners and how to follow rules in the pride. She stopped before Ody's den and tilted her head, not moving when Walter, her young boy, had bumped into her leg from not paying attention.

"Yes?" Carnal asked. She didn't like being bothered, especially when the weather was colder and the children more active than before. Plus... she sort of felt.. bitter. Odysseia had taken the place of Najisi, and despite Carnal's burning hate for her mother, Odysseia... nah. Carnal shook her head and forced a smile.

"Could you watch the newborns..? I need to go. Cocaine's called for the superiors." She said. Carnal hesitated, but eventually, gave a nod and headed into the den. She used her body as a divider between her young and Odysseia's younger, making sure her own cubs didn't hurt the newborns. Odysseia headed out and made her way for the throne. She'd almost forgotten just how cold it had been lately. Winds from the north didn't help their situation. "Cocaine."

He lifted his head and gave Odysseia a nod, glad to see the queen and new mother there. Now all they needed was Circa and Funeral..[/ul][/blockquote]

[TheWG]

Circa & Kazbek & Mok

Kazbek followed out behind her mate at Odysseia's call, walking at the end of the line to keep a cub from darting out, which wasn't uncommon. He looked bright and happy though, watching the little ones pad in front of him, still the littlest puffballs in his eyes. Occasionally he would reach down and brush the closest one- Mok- on the head to tease him. The little male would jump and squeak at the larger male, getting into a bow as if he was ready to tussle. Kazbek would simply laugh and put his son back in line. They would play later. For now he looked curiously at his mate as she talked to the Queen, waiting for the conversation to finish before he got up to nudge her flank. "I can watch the older ones while you care for hers." He offered before she went in, no biggy, he could handle the mischievous four.

Circa emerged from outside the camp, only dipping into hunting when she heard the call. A slight groan rumbled in her throat; she was hungry. Oh well, it would have to wait. As she emerged into camp, her paws quickly took her to the throne and gathering place, eyes scanning around for her mate briefly before she arrived next to the Commander and the now appearing Queen. Instead of speaking, she nodded to them and sat patiently- waiting for the announcement. Her claws clicked on the ground slightly, no doubt there was at least a little worry welled in her mind about what it was about- if not about the arrival of the Queen's cubs. Although, it had been a month.

[LAD]

Vitanali, Vespera, Devyn, Samara, Shinku, DarkMoon, DarkStar, Donato, Malluce, Caitlyn

Vespera squeaked as her mother's figure move, but another took her place, she crawled over one of her brothers and settled there, promptly falling back asleep.

Vitanali glanced up when her mother moved and stood, stretching out before falling after Carnal and her siblings. When Walter bumped into Carnal's leg, she bumped into Walter. Shaking her head, Vitanali sat down and yawned loudly.


DarkMoon's ears flicked at the call - it wasn't for her no, or for anyone else of being a regular member really. But she had a feeling she knew what it entailed. And as her early rising son turned his gaze over to the throne, DarkMoon's suspicions were slightly confirmed. It was time it seemed for explanations on what happened - and time to discuss. Her belly was round, not too noticeable unless one were looking for it - but Donato had already confronted her about it, and had already grown excited over the prospect of having new little siblings. However Donato had kept it to himself that he wasn't sure how much longer he would live. The female he'd killed back there - it had been one precious to those higher in La Morte if the attack by that guy was anything to go by. He shook his head and moved closer with his ma, but not too close. DarkStar - the lazy oaf he is, remains dozing.

Samara, too, had been awake. Finally speaking with Malluce as she could. Both had already been close to the throne - out in the open of the clearing so they were away from the dens and wouldn't wake others up. Shinku sat off to the side dozing.

Caitlyn had tried to make her presence known to her father when he'd come back, but he had been too tired, too stressed it seemed. She had gotten the story later on of what happened from another and it disheartened her - but made her curious too. What happened to her mother? Her eyes flicked around then. Would any of her siblings remember her? Would her father remember her? She cleared her throat softly and shook her head to dislodge those thoughts. Her gaze flicked upwards in any case when she'd heard his voice, and she stayed in her place directly across the throne where the base of another mountain lay - for now.

[Silverfang]

The call was not ignored, but the King had been hunting. On his way back, actually. He quickened his pace at the call, and when he turned the corner from behind the mountain placed behind the Throne, he dropped the carcass of a doe and shook himself off.

He climbed up to where Circa, Odysseia, and Cocaine were, a nod to each of them in turn before glancing toward the one he knew had called for them all: Cocaine.

[Vee]

Alighieri kept a low profile throughout his time in Meurtrier, approaching few individuals to learn about the ranks and happenings, revealing himself to only one for now. The Ash Leopard felt a drive that came with the recent resurrection, but as of yet saw nothing to work towards... He gained a better understanding of the war throughout his time and realised there may be no need for deep intervention.

Still, he attended the gathering. Standing nearby the others gathered. His crimson eyes studied Cocaine the longest, if even for the familiarity of someone precious. And... The unusual hierarchy presented.

[kahara]

ODYSSEIA, COCAINE, CARNAL, WALTER, KEJETHAN, KODIAC, ASESINO, CASPER, GEMINOR, NERANTE, CAINE, NERRY

[/i][/color] He had kept his eyes on the changing moon and knew it would arrive soon. That was when they would approach La Morte for the safe return of Atrn.. and hopefully Caylis, too.

"As you three already know, the chase went on for nearly a month. It took two weeks to find ourselves at La Morte's new doorstep. They've made home in a place like Shadow Veldt, but it's more elaborate than that. We attacked, and with the help of Jasper, barreled through their ranks. I headed straight down a mountain ally path and found myself before dens with cubs, and Jericho with Atryn." His voice was low and only for the ears of the other superiors. The official announcement had not yet been called.

"I fought off many of them, and got as close as I could to their dens. Najisi then ordered Atrn killed.. I didn't think she'd follow through with it. She's too soft for that. But the guy holding Atryn? I wasn't sure. And I wasn't about to risk it, either. We made plans to meet again on the full moon, to trade Osic for Atryn, but.." The Commander rolled his shoulders and tilted his head back and forth, letting the bones pop. "Well if any of you know me, you should know by now I don't like giving up quite so easily. Now I assume La Morte will bring back up regardless of our agreement. And all the same, as will we. I expect Circa to follow with most of the fit warriors and to stay hidden until I give the okay. If possible.." He glanced out to their pride members.

Some of them were still recovering. No doubt many were tired of fighting. They all deserved a break. Cocaine could only push them so far. If they felt the job in order was unnecessary.. well, it was better to avoid a revolution. A civil war. He had doubts that one would happen, especially under Funeral's firm yet fair leadership. Best to play it on the safe side, however.

".. Well. I'd like to avoid conflict if possible. But if it comes down to it, we greatly outsize and outnumber La Morte. I'm going to demand Caylis returned to us and Jericho, the one who stole our cub. I plan to use intimidating tactics. Jasper and Neo at my sides. We're probably the biggest brutes Shadow Veldt has to offer right now. Without raising a paw, a message is sent." He had spent the entire past month thinking about how this would go down. Commander Cocaine really wanted to avoid conflict, but if it came down to it, he had no doubts over Meurtrier winning.

"Now, about Osic.. this is his test. He can stay with La Morte, should they leave or fight, or he can come back with us. I won't force him to fight his .. 'mother' .." Cocaine put a snarky emphasis on the word mother, as he hardly felt Najisi deserved such a title. "But should he pick the wrong side, I won't hesitate to order him attacked." He looked at each of them, daring them to claim he was being unfair or too harsh on Osic. Then his gaze flickered out over the throne. More had gathered. They would need to turn and face the crowd soon, to make their announcement, and plans, official.

Someone did catch his eye. Caitlyn? Cocaine would have to check that after the important meeting...

---

Carnal smiled at Kazbek and nodded. "Yes, please. I'd really appreciate that." And with that, Walter hopped over his mother and ran around Kazbek's legs, eager to do stuff with his father. Even if Kazbek was.. his brother.

Kodiac got up and headed for DarkMoon as soon as he saw her. He wanted to make sure she'd been okay. The bloodbeast had been so busy lately with his children, and with trying to help the pride, that he really never had a chance to see how DarkMoon was since their first encounter. He also knew a meeting was being held among dominants and so on. Kodiac wanted to take a glance at that. Maybe they were planning for a meeting soon.

Kejethan found his way to the area out front of the throne. Caine, Nerante, and Nerry all sat outside of the healers den. Nerry looked around for his mother, Ryssor. Asesino walked along with Geminor at her side and Casper tailing not far behind. Asesino had begun to show a little - she was pregnant again. Not many had gathered properly yet. She looked among those there and decided to sit near the new guy. Alighieri. They talked once before and he seemed to have an understanding of how things worked, and it made her curious about him. Casper sat with his adopted mother, and Geminor flopped onto her side, panting heavily. It was a miracle that the hermaphrodite had made it this far..[/ul][/blockquote]

[TheWG]

Circa & Kazbek & Mok

Circa's ears were fully perked, listening this time without protest, she was eager to hear Cocaine's idea. It was a long speech, but after it was finished, a look of satisfication drew on her face. She felt bad for doubting the Commander's motives now, but that was an issue for another time. A snort came from her maw. "If La Morte attacks- I will rain hell upon them with our warriors- shall they stumble on their agreement." She muttered, agreeing with Cocaine's plan. Now Osic... That was the most pleasing part of his speech. Surely, her mate would choose to stay, with her, in Meurtrier, would he not? There was hope for them after all... She couldn't wait to tell him.

Though now, more important matters were at stake. "I agree, we should let Osic choose his side. Though we should let him know beforehand I think, It would be a shame if he wasn't even aware he had such a choice... However, I'm not sure how La Morte would like us taking our part of the bargain back..." She paused, blue gaze scanning across the other dominants. "I know Osic, he does wish to stay, but what if Najisi won't let him return with us? Do we just abandon him? Leave it up to him to convince his mother?"

Kazbek smiled, scooping up Walter playfully and placing him beside Mok, using his tail to round up the other cubs that may have gotten past his large paws. "Alright squirts, mommy's busy- so we're gonna stay out here okay?" He chuffed, and Mok leaped forward to bat at his paw playfully. "Teach us how to hunt!"

He chuckled, but shook his head and looked toward the group of dominants conversing. "Not today cubs, seems the dominants may give an announcement soon. It might be about the next battle." He purposefully emphasized the word to get the cub's attentions, and it sure got Mok's. His eyes widened in interest, and his attentions turned to the adults on the throne momentarily, before he smirked and leaped onto Walter to play-fight him, "Just wait till I'm old enough, I'm gonna give our enemies the ol' one two!" Kazbek snorted amusement, he was eager as well for what they had to say, but for another reason. No doubt he was going to ask to be there, and no one was to stop him- he was going to make sure his mother came back with him.

[LAD]

Vitanali, Vespera, Devyn, Samara, Shinku, DarkMoon, DarkStar, Donato, Malluce, Caitlyn


Vitanali glanced upwards at Kazbek briefly before his tail swept her closer. She giggled slightly, but did nothing more than flop over said tail and closing her eyes momentarily... Until the word battle made her perk upwards. "Battle?" She glanced upwards with wide eyes, a small grin tugging at her lips. However her eyes downcast to her siblings and she shrugged herself off Kazbek's tail and then lunged at the two of them. 'Don't forget about me!" She called out. "Ima be the best fighter ever!"


Devyn stayed in place, eyes searching the fields for Osic. If Circa were here - shouldn't Osic be with her? Or did she leave him in a den. He shrugged to himself and then looked over as Carnal disappeared into Ody's den, and then noted Kazbek caring for her first litter. Part of him told him to go over there, but the other half of him stayed put - he needed to speak with his father. It was a must. He had to go and see Najisi. He wanted to put a stop to all this madness - because he had a bad feeling about what was being said up there. The same feeling that pricked at his pelt when Cocaine called Osic a bargaining chip the first time.


DarkMoon and Donato both looked up at the newest presence. "Kodiac." The one word greeting, though soft and warm, escaped DarkMoon's mouth as she sent a glance at Donato out of the corner of her eye. Donato didn't yet know this was the male that would be fathering the cubs, but he was soon to find out. However, she knew Kodiac had more pressing matters. Startling blue eyes flicked back up to the pure bloodbeast. "How are you faring? And your kids, are they well?" She knew Caylis was the mother of his three eldest jewels and with her being captured she did worry for them though she had yet to meet the lot of them. Her tone stayed warm and her gaze remained soft as she looked Kodiac over - and then she wondered what exactly was going to happen. She knew Meurtrier had not lost it's old spirit - and Meurtrier sure as hell wasn't going to go to this 'bargaining chip' deal and just hand Osic over. There would possibly be a fight she knew. She worried if Kodiac and his kids would go - and then would they come back. Donato sat close to his mother, his pelt nearly brushing hers as Kodiac came within hearing shot and he eyed the male briefly before nodding at him when his mother began to speak. Introductions could wait it seemed.


Shinku joined Malluce and Samara as they spoke quietly among themselves. He was curious of what happened and they allowed his presence and his thoughts to join them.

Caitlyn stayed where she lay.

DarkStar awoke at last, stretching his body and then glancing around at the gathering crowd. He noted his daughter and grandson being joined by another. Giving them a nod he walked past them and sat a little ways away - still within ear shot, but enough to keep an eye on everything going on. The anticipation was clear in the air.

[OnyxOryx]

After some events in Arelth occured and as the days drew closer to the new moon. Najisi had become nervous. She had a feeling things wouldn't go as smoothly as she hoped. She knew better when it came to dealing with Cocaine. So, not so long ago, she had sent her spy into the Shadowveldt. The Phoenix. FireEye. The bird was to hang about the lands and see if she could gather any info on the trade.

Today the bird hit jackpot. A small gathering was irresistable. Acting as just a normal bird of prey would, FireEye circled overhead, pretending to be hunting a mouse or hare. With no trees to perch on besides the distant sakuras, the Phoenix knew this would be difficult. But FireEye was smart. She dove down near the throne, her talons bared but aborted seconds before crashing into the ground a practice many raptors did when losing their prey. From this single dive she gathered 'back up regardless of our agreement. And all the same, as will we. I expect Circa to follow with most of the fit warriors and to stay hidden until I give the okay.'

Already she knew something was up. She made another pass, trying to remain as natural as she could be while hunting a non existant prey item. She flew lower, making several pasesses below the throne, near the group and in the general area. With the passes she caught 'avoid conflict if possible', 'outsize and outnumber', 'and Jericho' and ' biggest brutes Shadow Veldt has to offer'. Well, this didn't really make much sense to her. None of it did but maybe her pact partner could make sense of this jumbled message. Fire knew she had to pull out soon. Just a litttle more. She made another dive. This time hitting he ground near enough to hear them speak. Her feet were going to hurt for a while, not landing on a soft furry animal. She played it off as another failed dive.

She then limped a small distance away and took back into the sky. Throwing a small tantrum to look like she lost her meal before flying higher into the sky to make her return to Arelth. in that final dive she caught 'Osic.. this is his test.', ' stay with La Morte', 'come back with us.', 'force him to fight his .. 'mother''. The politics of lesser creatures made no sense to the proud bird..

[Vee]

His 'daughter', the ill hermaphrodite, and a young male joined by the Ash Leopards side, and he greeted her silently by casting what seemed to be a fond look. He took note of her condition and smiled to himself. Those would be strong children...

Attention returned to those in authority.

[Silverfang]

The King listened, nodding along as the Commander spoke and then the Captain. There was some hesitance at the mention of his son, but a nod was nevertheless given. "I agree. We should inform him of this.. and I agree with your tactics; bring reinforcements for precaution. Hopefully there will be no scuffle, but.. as you said, we outnumber them. I pray there won't be a battle - and if they deem us unfair for Osic's decision, then that is their fault. He may choose whomever, or no one. None of us can force him to do anything-" His attention was briefly averted to that of a nearby phoenix. Diving once before taking into air, several times. Perhaps a failed hunt, but this went on several times over.. and near them. Unusual behavior, especially to be diving straight into a gathering of predators that could easily take it down as it began to land. He stared at it out of the corner of his gaze, keeping his head down. He grunted gently to those around him, eyeing it closely (as it exited the area???).

[kahara]

ODYSSEIA, COCAINE, CARNAL, WALTER, KEJETHAN, KODIAC, ASESINO, CASPER, GEMINOR, NERANTE, CAINE, NERRY

[/i][/color] He shook his head. "What makes you so confident he will stay with Meurtrier? And as Funeral said, if they attack us for Osic's decision, that's their fault, not ours. Attacking us at the meeting would be foolish. Even for Najisi. Then again, I wouldn't past her to be a fool." The Commander snorted and rolled his eyes, and caught Funeral eyeing the phoenix as it began to exit the area. He squinted in confusion and flashed a puzzled look the king's way.

Odysseia shifted weight from side to side. She, too, had seen the phoenix. And much like her mate, thought it was odd for a bird of any sort to fly so many times overheard. The possibility of it being a spy seemed so unlikely though. So she coined it as a mental disability and took nothing more from the phoenix actions. The queen looked over to Cocaine and shrugged. "Better to have confidence than nothing at all, especially in battle. And in war." She glanced out over everyone whom had gathered so far. Good. Let them gather. This was important.

Walter's eyes got big as he wobbled alongside Mok. At the mention of battle, he and his siblings all seemed to leap at the conclusion that they'd all be the best fighters for Meurtrier. "You're looking at the next captain. Me!" Walter stuck his chest out, huffing and holding his head eye with an overly stern look. He forgot to breath, however, and gasped, letting out air with a giggle. Making a serious face was hard!

"DarkMoon." He replied with a grin, giving Donato a nod. Kodiac hadn't really, officially, met Donato, DarkMoon's son. "Thanks for asking. I'm doing well, and the kids are too. I worry about Estevan.. but it'll be what it'll be. What about you?" He tilted his head. Truth be told, he also kind of worried about Iarri working so close with Nerante, but he kept that to himself.[/ul][/blockquote]

[Jason]

Jasper, Neo, Caspian, and Dante walked back from their little bout. Dante had accumulated a number of superficial injuries, and Caspian looked terrified. His first training session had been one of mostly observation, and he would have to admit that he thoroughly disliked it. But he would participate. He was jealous of Dante's already apparent skill, and was amazed by how efficiently he handled battle, even when outnumbered. Yet, Neo and Jasper found flaws in Dante's fighting constantly.

The training was not just battling, though. Tactics, memorization, speed, mobility, all enough to make Caspian wince just thinking on it. Dante looked happy and determined, despite all the struggle he had dealt with in the day. "You want to practice later?" Caspian shook his head. He may have been bigger than Dante, but his brother demonstrated too much skill in all these areas that it seemed terrifying.

As the foursome (lol) approached, each had blood on them, of the many eternal, regenerating opponents offered at the Arena. Jasper and Neo looked pleased, though incredibly messy. They kept bumping heads and Dante butted against Caspian, who looked shaken, but gave a smile. He lightened up with Dante's sense of humor, which was incredibly rude at the moment, but both were laughing, smearing grime and blood on one another. A boisterous bunch of boys.

[Dingo]

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» CROWTHER & CASSIUS

As the pride began to gather, Crowther found himself among them. The male was no longer as sore now, but he certainly wasn't itching to get back up and fight again. Some days he had to wonder what exactly he was fighting for anyway. He took his place in the gathering and sat down, not particularly far from or close to anyone. He wouldn't have minded talking about the battle, but he knew nothing involving the politics and warfare of the whole thing, so he supposed he had little to offer up for conversation anyways.
He held his wings close so that they weren't in anyone's way as his thoughts wandered back to his previous thoughts. He fought.. because it seemed like the thing to do. If the peace of him and his pridemates was in jeopardy, then he supposed that was good enough reason to him. Not for a name or face in particular. He looked around at the other residents and their families. Almost everyone was a relative, but none very close to his little branch of the family. Crowther supposed it didn't really matter in the end. They were all working together now. Common enemies made a pride stronger anyway.
Crowther was one to notice the phoenix as it went about it's hunt, but he didn't think much of it. A perfect model of aviary creatures, a rare one at that. He returned his attention to the throne, waiting to hear what they had to say about the battle.

In the past, Cassius had made it perfectly clear that he had no interest in the governing and current events of the pride. But things were changing for the young male. He had closer ties within the pride now, he could be active in battle, and the most urgent reason.. Well, it went without saying.
What killed him the most was simply not knowing. Why couldn't have Caylis at least dropped him some sort of hint? Shouldn't she know about her own body? He had to be sure. He had to be positive.
Positive. The dual meaning of the word would be lost in this case. There was absolutely nothing optimistic about this situation, at least for Cassius. To top it all off, he was sick now. He couldn't be certain of the cause, but for the past day or so he found himself nauseous and sniveling. As if things couldn't get any worse! Woe was he.
Cassius stumbled to the gathering. He stopped somewhere along the way to smooth down his mane. He had to be cool, it felt like others were staring at him. A stray hair here, fur rubbed the wrong way. He licked the back of his paw to seem like he was grooming, but what he really wanted to do was just bite into it. For his stupidity. For all the ridiculousness building up in his life.

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"speech" // thought

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[TheWG]

Circa & Kazbek & Mok

Circa nodded at the Leader's agreement, but Cocaine's made one side of her lip curl. "You needn't remind me. He may have hesitated because of his mother- but he made it clear, Cocaine, he didn't want to be in La Morte. I at least want to give him the benefit of a doubt, since it seems no one else will." She grumbled sternly, but also caught sight of the Pheonix. Her ear's twitched nonchalantly at the sight of it diving, "Don't see those around often..." She muttered, but drew her gaze away, it was nothing more than a rare sight to her. No cause for worry. Her sky blue eyes focused back on the group around her. After a long pause, she spoke. "Well, are we decided?"

Kazbek turned from the conversing group, laughing as all the cubs showed obvious interest in the trials of being a warrior. That was promising to him, and his chest puffed in pride, reaching out to cuff Walter playfully. "When you all are warriors, you'll be an unstoppable force! But first... Can you handle me?" He growled harmlessly, bowing into a playfully stance as he challenged all of them to give him all they had. Mok giggled and wiggled his bottom excitedly as he leaped on Kazbek's head, attacking his ear with his paws- which felt like nothing but soft butterflies on Kaz's side.