Deep Breaths (Open)

[Deleted]

Hepsut stood in front of the empty throne and simply stared, lost in her memories. How long had it been since she was last in Shadow Veldt? Her eldest child, Kimi, had been a small cub at the time, just learning to socialise and clamber all over Caine and Amnesia under the cherry blossoms. The small female smiled at the memory, then closed her eyes as she was struck with a wave of grief. She'd abandoned them. She missed her boys so much. She was the same age as Dante Donovan's oldest cubs, and now his brood bore very little resemblance to the late great male himself. Hepsut had worshipped the very ground he walked on. Was there even any of his blood left in these bouncy new kittens that surrounded her?

The little white cat crouched and bowed her head as if prostrating before an invisible king. She'd been great once herself. Not strong, but quick and clever. A respected warrior and teacher, and she'd given it all up because she couldn't bear to have her precious daughter follow in her footsteps. At least in that she had succeeded. Hepsut straightened up and sat down smartly, focusing on her breathing. She was fine, she could do this on her own.

[Jason]

Slowly did a petite feline move through his land of mammoth beast. Not from caution, but from his general relaxed mood. at eighteen inches tall, he was smaller than some of the cubs here. Too hot. This place was to hot. With such a thick coat of onyx fur and a fiery body, he was always over heated. Despite his discomfort, he grinned, though it was not very noticeable at the moment. He found himself draw to the rose, immortalizing Dante's memory. A grunt slipped past his lips at the thought of the long dead tyrant, whose great reign had left those shaking in the mention of his name. It was in those days where he had felt alive, not simply another ageless beast, forever to feel like an observer. "Ah, those who lived and died in those furious days, and to those now left have parted ways. What misery awaits..." It was a bit dark than his usual verses, but his joy was caused by all things macabre.

A figure came into view, the pale feminine form registering in his memory, but he could not put a name to her face. She had been about Caine, one of Neo's lovers... And that blue and black winged beast, Amnesia. He had never spent much time with the blue one or this white female, so she would likely not know him, even if her were in his more terrible form. "Mourning our late king?" he asked as he approached. While she was smaller than most here, she was larger than him. "Or do other thoughts preoccupy your time? Caine is no longer, and I doubt the blue one is still about." He was incredibly curious about her. Any creature from the past would be able to command his attention better than his own grandchildren, along with most, if not all, of his bastards. "So what brings you back?"

[Deleted]

Icy blue eyes flew open with the shock of an unfamiliar voice. Hepsut’s head snapped around, but she didn’t stand, watching wide-eyed as a stranger approached. ‘Mourning our late king?’
The female nodded, “The first king, yes.” There had been a time where the majority of the Meurtrier felines were red and black. It didn’t seem to be the case anymore, the clan was diluted. Hepsut tried not to stare at the small black cat. His thick, dark fur and diminutive stature reminded her of her son when he was small, but it was evident this feline was much older. She wondered how old, because it was clear he remembered her and who she associated with. She appreciated it. Though they had probably never spoken, Hepsut had always been quiet, he was as close to a friendly face as she would ever get.

She bowed her head, “Can you tell me what happened to them? What happened to Caine?” It stung to say his name aloud. She knew they were long gone, and it was a safe bet that they had perished, but she felt compelled to ask. They had been her best friends after all and she loved them. This male rang a bell, although she couldn’t recall any Meurtrier male being so small. Something beginning with an S? She tilted her head and watched him curiously. “I left because I felt my cubs would not be safe in Shadow Veldt,” She rolled her neck and sighed, “My children are grown and gone now, and I felt like I had no purpose on my own, so I started walking, and as ever I was drawn back to the Meurtrier pride.”

[kahara]

COCAINE & VICIADO

[/i] Cocaine began, with hopes he hadn't startled them. "I don't remember much of Caine, or Caine's son Nero. Born after Dante Donovan's death. I've only ever had tales to go off of. But I've heard Caine vanished, not died." His gaze traveled to Shard questioningly. Yet another stepped into sight; Viciado. She had recently given birth and clearly such conversation caught her interest as well.

"My mother was Flame Donovan and my father Balthier. Such a complicated past." Murmured Viciado. She dipped her head in greeting to them all. "I was around for the end of Dante, but I remember no clear details. I've been told what I know from then. But I do remember Caine faintly, better than Dante.." And then in that moment the mothers' eyes seemed distant.[/ul][/blockquote]

[Jason]

Shard grinned, his glistening fangs bare for her to see. “Dante. A beast who was like a father unto me,” he meowed, getting closer to her. “In the era of great tyranny, when titans roamed and the earth shook in fear. When I trembled in anticipation of bloodshed.” He was certainly loquacious and a bit eloquent. His tail brushed against her as he sat down beside her. “Enlighten me. What name did you go by in the glory days?” Ears twitched as the birds quieted their song as larger monsters approached. The persistent grin only widened.

“Curious for a bit of history? Would you like stories? And here I thought you might not like me. Or perhaps it is just skepticism of how one of my stature could possibly be of use to this pride?” He laid down and rolled to his back, exposing his soft underside. It was yet another sign of how completely at ease he was in this place. “I am unsure of what happened to Caine, my brother would know better. They were lovers for a brief period of time. A year or two. As for Amnesia, I have absolutely no clue. While I watched much that went on and have began to again, he was not someone I investigated actively.” He made a face, a frown, not terribly serious, just something to show concentration. “Bah! He’s still hunting that lass. Can’t get an answer out of him.” He was unlikely to illuminate on that little outburst. He looked over the new female carefully. “Didn’t your mother leave the pride at one point? I remember Balthier was with Blitzkrieg, and quite close to a male named Ripwave. Blue mane, tan pelt.”

[Caylis]

Brynneth

The lioness had just seen the new member,--Shard, was it?-- Cocaine, Vicadio & Hepsut in front of the the throne. Her paws led the 'ess to the four and her ear twitched at hearing their conversation about this 'Dante Donovan', she had no clue who he was, but it seemed that he was well respected by Meurtrier. She asked questionably, her green gaze gleaming with interest, her tail curled neatly beside her paws as she sat down. "I'm sorry to interrupt this conversation but who is Dante Donovan? Sorry, I am not pride-born so I don't know the full history of Meurtrier but hell, I wish I was a pure blood. I have a bit of Meurtrier blood, however since my father was born into Meurtrier."

[Deleted]

“My name is Hepsut,” the white female stated as the male sat beside her, drawing herself up a little higher. “And you?” She never had been anyone of note, but she still had her pride. Hepsut nodded as the little male mentioned Caine’s lover, “I remember him better than I remember the mother of Caine’s son. I left not long after Nero was born.” So much time had passed, everything was different now. The approach of the youngsters, regardless of the fact they towered over her, left her completely unfazed. She was long accustomed to huge felines stalking these lands. She sighed and closed her eyes, “Perhaps he is alive yet, as old and tired as I am... Or maybe, more likely, he has followed his father’s path.” Caine had not been the war-mongering tyrant his father was, he had shown little interest in politics. But he was still a Donovan and they had a nose for trouble. Hepsut opened her eyes and regarded the new female.

Her eyes sparked. “I remember Flame,” she murmured, smiling sadly, “Troubled young thing...” She nodded in agreement with the black male beside her, a little amused he was rolling over. At least he meant her no harm. “Can’t get an answer out of him.” Hepsut blinked, confused by the non sequitur, but he was soon back on track. Balthier and Ripwave were familiar names, even if she hadn’t known them personally. In hushed arguments about Flame and Blitzkrieg, she had heard their names. She changed tact and looked at the newcomers, “And who are you two?”

[kahara]

COCAINE & VICIADO

[/i] Began the 'ess with wings, folded so close they seemed to blend with her fur; if not for the feathers. "See, that's the thing though. I know so little of my mothers early years and what happened between her and my father. I've been spun a few tales on them but never.. grasped the truth, never found it. I had attempted.. a way, of sorts, to have Flame herself tell me. But it didn't work as planned." Viciado said quietly. She shook her head much like Cocaine did, in such a way that it was as if she was trying to shake away bad memories; but for her they wouldn't go and it was clear she wasn't going to speak of them. "I only know that mother claimed they loved each other. And they had to have, at some point, otherwise I wouldn't be here surely."

It was then that Viciado looked at Brynneth. Her eyes were kinder than that of the captains; a mother's gaze, one concerned and amused. "Dante Donovan founded this pride. He was, as it's been told to me, a strong leader. He fathered many as well."[/ul][/blockquote]

[Jason]

“I go by Shard these days. It is short for Shard of Shattered Jasper. A play on the name I was known by. I would not expect you to recognize me like this, dear.” He lifted a claw and unsheathed it. It slid three inches until it was fully extended, a great length for something so small. He the scraped it across the fur on his right shoulder, showing the beautiful rose that he had carved into his own shoulder. It was a unique mark, and was something he had been notorious for carving into others in his alter ego as Jasper Crimson. “If you do now remember my old name, please don’t use it. It has caused quite a stir in the past,” he grunted. He removed his paw and the fur grew back in. He had been careful to keep his scar facing only her, using his body to block it from everyone else. Once again, Shard lay down, the black cat’s eyes flicking to the rather ordinary looking feline. He assumed she was some variation of an African lioness.

“Dante? I am surprised you have not heard stories by now. But I have not the time in a single day to describe such a magnificent creature.” Nero… That name kept coming up. Caine’s son. Apparently, he had not been a very good one… Many had disliked him, or at least, his brother had mentioned that he had many creative ways to kill him. “Dante had so many children… It was hard to keep track of them all, so I will be of no use to you there. The war with Blitzkrieg was quite an ordeal. I remember… Well, that’s a story for those who enjoy violence and pain. With a passion.” For some reason, those last two sentences sounded incredibly sinister, as if he were about to start talking about eating cubs next.

[callmemasterchief]

harley

She was bouncing as usual, prancing through the Veldt with absolutely no care in the world. Until she heard voices, then Harl sped quickly towards them. She needed some excitement, at least something to keep her busy than singing a mindless rhythm of 'la la la's' while prancing 'round. Once she got closer the adolescent dipped down her head, spotting her father, Viciado, Brynneth, and two others she didn't know. They looked like regular 'ol house cats, the newcomers. This immediately interested her and she stepped forward onto the scene, her smile big and bright as always as she crept to flank her father. They were talking about Dante, the beast most of the old Meurtrier stories revolved around. Him and his mighty reign she heard a lot of. They were stories and memories built into the ground itself, that one rose a reminder.
"Blitzkrieg?" Harley absentmindedly piped up, not originally meaning to jump into the conversation. Her plan was to just come say high and bound off again because she figured these were just regular members. But no, these were new members who had interested her to the ends of the Earth. Harley dipped her head and cocked an ear towards the black one, hoping he'd explain.

[Caylis]

Brynn looked over at Hepsut, dipping her head in respect to the old warrior, the white feline had lived here before she, she deserved respect. "I am Brynneth, call me Brynn. I am a new warrior and I am trying my best to get better, as you can see, I have no perseverance." she said with an awkward gaze, she talked too much. "I see, well I am sorry for Meurtrier's loss and he is respected from those who knew him."

[Deleted]

It took a lot for the rather antisocial little female not to cringe away from this assault on her senses. So many voices, so many strangers talking at once. She went wide-eyed as she finally recognised the male beside her, but did as he wished and didn’t utter his previous name. “You’ve changed,” she muttered with a coy smile, looking away. Caine had borne a similar rose scar on his shoulder, although Hepsut distinctly remembered that was self-inflicted. Deciding take on one at a time, Hepsut looked to Viciado, “I’m afraid I’m not the person to ask,” then she clarified for the sake of the young ones, “Blitzkrieg were our rivals for a long time, there were many bloody battles and feuds between us, but judging by the way everyone talks about them, it sounds like they fell,” she gave a satisfied smile before she continued, “Flame Donovan was very elusive and secretive while she courted Balthier as he was one of the enemies. She might have told her siblings something..." Caine and Flame had something of a love-hate relationship, they’d never quite seen eye to eye, particularly when Flame was cast out, but out of all Dante’s children they’d spent the most time together, “But she would have most certainly never confided in me about what was such a betrayal at the time, no offence intended, my dear.” She gave Viciado a sympathetic look.

Hepsut looked at the rose memorial and sighed sadly, “That war ultimately took our great leader’s life. But such is to be expected. In Meurtrier, our lives are short and bloody. I so happen to be one of the lucky ones.” She gave them all a weary look, “I would not change the past, aside from keep in contact with my friends. But remember this, if you are too cowardly for this life, like I was, then by all means leave. But I guarantee it will be the hardest thing you ever do.” And with that, Hepsut dipped her head and closed her eyes as if she were winding down clockwork. She didn’t usually talk this much, and she was spent from the effort of trying.

[kahara]

COCAINE & VICIADO & KEJETHAN-DARAH

[/i] She said. Despite Viciado's older age, and wisdom in the world of healing, she was not as knowledgeable in the past. Ask her about history and she's about as wise as a cub to it.

Someone else walked up on the scene. Dark in color, but bright eyes. His wings folded close to his body, almost as if they molded with it. If one were to squint they would be able to tell the different between feather and fur. The sound of a decent conversation caught his attention and he sat nearby to listen in. He was new to the pride, but not unfamiliar with it.[/ul][/blockquote]

[Caylis]

Brynneth Sulliveri
(Who's the dude? xD)

She looked over at Harley as she nodded in greeting to her, she turned to the others as she had a sympathetic and triumphant look on her face. "That must've been a hard time for you all, I wish I could've helped back then. I know that there won't be much wars for a long while ecspecially since we kicked Chitor's ass recently. Nobody would dare go near our grounds or Jaaku's, or else they'll get a big ass whooping!" She unsheathed her claws as if she was slicing one's throat or raking her claws against another's fur. Her eyes blazed green fire as she had her claws to their full extend.

[Jason]

Shard rolled to his side and chuckled, kneading the ground and eventually moving to massage Hepsut’s side. He would have crawled atop her, but he did not know so well than he could know she would not smack him or toss him off. “Just a little,” he replied with particular emphasis on the last word. He looked toward the new face, smirking. “Aye Blitz. Should it be story time?” he said, laughing almost madly. “Excellent times! Great times,” he laughed. He shook his head. “You will not last long here if you haven’t any perseverance,” he stated. He stood and pranced in circles, humming now. Quickly he moved into the trees, hopping up high into the boughs and shaking pink petals down onto those below. “I cannot quite remember who it started. But I remember Shatter, the first leader, watching he and Dante fight. I remember another battle where I ripped a female’s mandible free of her face and watched her stain the acid water red as I kicked her into the green murk. I watched Balthier die at Dante’s claws on the island… Many watched that.” He observed as the new face appeared. He looked incredibly familiar. His eyes glazed over as he entered a telepathic conversation with his brother, trying to figure out why this new individual was affecting him so. Thus when he realized who it was, he screeched loudly and fell out of the branches. “Kejethan?” he yowled right before he hit the ground. He scrambled to his feet and stood before the dark male, staring at him.