Death on the horizon. [OPEN]

[LAD]

Just a quick response to Stella seeking Seph out in the crowd.

Sepheral


Sepheral's gaze had pretty much stuck on Stella the entire time, and when Stella finally searched her out, she saw the pleading in the other 'ess' gaze. It made her heartbroken, because no one truly knew what was going to happen. She stood then, and took just a few more steps closer, but still staying a good distance away, however, she placed herself on Stella's 'side' of the trial. Sepheral was telling Stella by this that she was here for her, and she dipped her head.

[/blockquote]

I'm assuming it's like Nerante and Ryssor are on one side and Stella on the other if a line were drawn between them btw... And Seph is keeping her distance, just kinda moving like two/three pawsteps closer x:

[kahara]

everyone \o/

[/b], meant everything.

The sound of distant thunder momentarily grabbed everyone's attention. A storm was brewing.

Caine felt like an idiot being guarded by the red loaf with wings. He wanted to be out there, to hear the verdict, and to hopefully see the witch who had ruined his family taken down for her crimes. There wasn't a doubt in Caine's mind that Nerante couldn't have done any of what Stella had accused him off. Not a single doubt. Caine was a grieving grandfather, and possibly, grieving mate.

Geminor let out a rough laugh as they looked up at the throne. "Perhaps it's not a primary expedition, but remember to take time to.." They trailed as the thunder boomed. Their gaze flickered from Grenade to the nearing storm clouds. "Hell!" Spat out Geminor, as if angry that they had been interrupted by the nearing storm.

Novocain had scurried his way over to his brother as Firenze had gotten caught up in the cub herding. He didn't want to leave his brother alone. Novocain offered a shrug as he caught Firenze's question. "I've no idea, but it sucks.." He said with a sigh.

Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, they would have to wait no longer for the results of the scouting party. As Circa and the chosen returned with nothing to show. There was no sign of Viciado. This information was relayed to Cocaine and Funeral directly. Circa was invited upon the throne, though little did she know, Funeral and Cocaine had already discussed the outcome of the trial. Soon enough their captain would be in the knowing circle, but there was a time and a place. Everyone had waited patiently, and the time had come.

Cocaine moved forward and grabbed the attention of Meurtrier's gathered. The weight of the world on his shoulders. He had to make every word count.

"The evidence, as discussed by Funeral and I, is inconclusive. Circa's scouting party found nothing of Viciado. However we have decided that it is in.." He looked down at Stella, and prayed to Dante that Cocaine was making the right decision. "..We have decided that it is in everyone's best interest if Stella left Meurtrier. And so I will personally escort her out. She is granted a moment with her children." He said sternly, and gazed around the gathered felines, as if to challenge them to oppose their word.

It may appear in the eyes of the pride that Stella was guilty. An unstable ex-mate of the commander kills the wrong cub in hopes of ruining the lives of the Commander and his new mate. It seemed likely; more likely than heart-broken, talented healer killing his own cub.

Cocaine wouldn't let up on Nerante though. The healer now looked pleased, or perhaps, relieved. Internally the commander scoffed. You're not in the clear yet, big boy. Not yet, Cocaine thought.

The decision rang loud and clear, and the verdict was, in Caine's mind, obvious. Stella was guilty and Cocaine took pity on her. This really got worked up. He began to pound at the walls of the den with anger. Stella deserved nothing but death!

Novocain heard and his fur bristled in alarm. "What?!" He said and pushed past the others, running for his mother in confusion.[/ul][/blockquote]

(I'm really sick guys, I tried my best. Sort of wish I could do better with this post.. meh, it's fun in the end, sad, but fun.)

[Caylis]

Caylis & Evangeline

The Hallowess dipped her head with a sigh, shaking her head. Where could the seasoned healer be? She and the others had tried their very best to seek out Vicadio and they found nothing! She growled with frustration before looking up to Coke with a look of confusion.. yet... a bit of sympathy for Stella.. though it was masked on her expression.

Evangeline gasped and looked to Cocaine and Stella.. but.. Stella, in her opinion didn't seem to do anything wrong! Why else would she be trembling with fear?!

Rose lifted her head and gave Kodiac and Caine a sympathetic gaze. She sighed before watching the scene from the top of the den, just peering up with sympathy. She wished she could have done something but.. she was no use. She looked sadly before going back in the den, smiling at her swollen belly.. at least the children would bring happiness in her life.

[Jason]

Two shadows returned to the Veldt, though one was soon to leave. They talked softly as they moved through the flora, neither looking particularly happy. "I am falling apart at the seams, Neo. I need to talk to him. I would like you to watch my children. Besides, you missed the birth of your great grandchildren." The pair of brothers moved as one and their bodies almost constantly touch. Few could ever boast at having a bond of blood so strong.

Neo simply shook hi head, before accidentally locking horns with his twin. "I have no intention of stopping you. But I suggest you find his soul before you resurrect him. If it is in limbo, it will require more energy to retrieve." Jasper nodded and stared ahead coolly as he pulled his horns from his brother's. Both perked at the sound of voices and stopped moving, two pairs of eyes set toward the throne. "Chardonnay said we should come quick," Neo mumbled softly, appreciating the attentiveness of his brother's companion.

Upon arriving, they stayed on the fringe, listening to Cocaine, but utterly confused. "My dear," Jasper murmured as his rabbit appeared. "What has happened?" As the french tumbled from the rabbit's mouth, Neo's eyes narrowed a bit and both brothers looked over to Nerante. Neo looked incredibly suspicious and Jasper looked bemused. Neither expression boded well for anyone in the pride, however, considering that the pair usually had an approach to things that was both unconventional and unethical. "Keep me informed, brother," Jasper whispered before taking off into the air. He had a decent distance to travel, not to mention even more hunting to do.

Neo remained as a dark spot in the lush, colorful area, Chardonnay crawling into his platinum streaked mane of sorts. He sent a question gaze toward the leaders, but said little outside of that. Caspian did appear after a while, approaching his uncle cautiously.

"Why did dad just leave, uncle?" he asked, looking over his shoulder to see Dante approaching. Dante laid down nearby, but he was more focused on the events at hand. Corvette slunk out as well, but the shark was not quite sure what to make of the entire ordeal. Alfwin walked out, supported by Adelaide.

"He has business to attend to, but tell me, what happened?"

[TheWG]

Circa

A solemn face downed her outlook. She had failed to find any trace of the medic that the pride held dear, and the conclusion had already been made; that Stella would have to be escorted from the pride. She gave no protests, there was literally nothing to go on, anyhow. After all, it could be worse than an escort out, but luckily; it wasn't. Watching the children was the hardest part, though. Thinking they only had a short time to say farewell to their mother... It was a sad scene, and the lioness hated watching it, but there was nothing she could do anymore to help the situation but silently watch, wrapping her tail around her paws with a heavy sigh. "A shame to loose so many members, not even in a dignifying battle... But by murderous deeds."

[/size][/blockquote]

[Noa]

Kahara's sick, posting on behalf of her.

ASESINO, NERANTE, CASPER, KEJETHAN-DARAH

[/i] She asked as she licked the top of Caspian and Dante's heads. Casper moved to stand beside Caspian, eyes on Neo as they waited for Neo to reply.

Kejethan had returned just as Jasper left. He carried four plump hares by their ears and placed them down as he landed. They rested with the other kills. It didn't take long after he placed them down to notice Cocaine had stood beside Stella, and one of her cubs had come over to her.

He wasn't sure what he missed, but what he was sure of, was that it was drama and unnecessary. Nothing Kejethan really wanted to get too wrapped up in. Nerante had been pushed aside, and Neo stood with some of the family. Kejethan favored seeing what family was up to rather than the commander.

Kejethan-Darah strolled over to the gang and gave them all a nod. He was unaware of the questions presented to Caspian from Neo, and from Asesino to Neo. Keje' remained quiet as he stood. [/ul][/blockquote]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,20,true][atrb=width,450,true][bg=3D0002] RYSSOR, FIRENZE

[/size][/font]

For Ryssor and Firenze, the whole world seemed to go silent around them. Hearing Cocaine say that Stella should leave.. well.. they both had their ways of dealing with that revelation. Ryssor just looked up, first time ever since she saw her dead son and fastened eyes on the female. Her mind filled with emotions, her stomach knotting and her heart wanting to burst out of her chest.. despite all that, she wanted to protest that Stella was innocent. It wasn't necessary.

What was wrong with her? Mercy? To her son's killer? Well.. there was no evidence. No one knew and they all had Nerante's word. It was the best they could muster at the moment. Her eyes gazed to the returning scouting party briefly as they reported that Viciado had not been found. Two potential deaths on their paws.

What a morning.

And then, something pierced the atmosphere.. at least for her. Firenze had called, screamed, as his father made the decision to all. "NO!" He cried, shoving past his brother, shoving past everyone and confronting his father. "You won't do this! You are not going to make mother leave!"

Ryssor just stared at the little boy, defending his own mother. She had no words, nothing to feel for him. She wasn't angry with him. He didn't know better. Well.. he didn't know anything. And she didn't either.[/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/table][/center]

[FJ]

Grenade Donovan

No sign of anything... The lead weight of this suspicious, illogical situation pressed against his back, making heavy his legs and his heart. It was for but a moment where he'd let himself feel this irrelevancy of emotion, the acrid taste of a situation neither he nor the pride could grasp. Something was so very wrong about all this, deeper than claws could reach and pry. Geminor did cause a subtle chuckle however.

He listened as the judgement was made, and sentence was handed out. Stella, to be sent away. Not killed, but exiled as a traitor, her mark of shame cast down upon her kin as he could clearly see from their upset. The will to fight, handed from one Meurtrian to another, promising even in cubs--and yet they, inexperienced, bucked at their authority. Questioned it, out of love, one of the greatest motivators.

Today was indeed a sad day.

But he questioned Stella's story; swallowed by the ground? Was she playing with them? Nerante had said nothing of his mother, and nobody had asked. He bowed his head to Cocaine and Funeral and descended the throne, coming over to the 'grieving' father and looked him in the eye, sadness in his own and audits somewhat flattened. Sympathy for his nephew, though he didn't know the sting of losing a cub. "Did you see Viciado? Any trace of what might have happened to her?" He wanted to spend time during his rounds to look for her too, to hunt for any trace the others may have missed--though the chances of such were slim. He didn't doubt their capabilities, but he wanted to be certain.

Zenith Kain

Little ears perked at the agitated voices and shouting; she wondered what was going on, but was too reluctant to try to escape her den. She knew enough that she was a hostage, that she had either done something wrong or her pride had--but this didn't fall into Meurtrier's favor. She was scared of them, instinctively, and wanted nothing more than to run the other way and go back home to her mother and siblings.

"What happened...?"

[Silverfang]

The King returned to the Throne's edge with Cocaine, having discussed the matter in private and coming to a conclusion. His expression did not falter, and he did not let anything be known as he glanced over the members another time. A nod in Grenade's direction, if not for greeting or relief or something akin to this. Within his chest welled softly as he spoke. War brought death - within and outside.

As Caine entered, his body would tense. The intense words as heavy as they were were just as Cocaine had said: understandable. His claws had unsheathed, ready to leap as the brute went for Stella but quickly found his gaze to Kodiac as the flier brought Caine elsewhere to calm himself. Unfolding his own wings, the ebony coated King would turn his attention back to the scene, and when their Captain came back empty pawed, had turned to Cocaine as he took care of it all.

"Make it fast." Inky lips separated briefly to speak before closing once again, catching the relief in Nerante's expression just as Cocaine had and could not stifle a wrinkle of his nose. Disgusting - if he had done it, then...

Attention was brought back to Cocaine and Stella, and the children that filed in. His look did not intensify nor did it show any sympathy. His eyes were perhaps darker than they had been in some time, the dark clouds beginning to role in and the shadow already cast over his gaze made him look almost soulless. His body erect, shoulders firm, the King stood in his place with Grenade as he watched, assuming Cocaine would take care of the dramatics. If not, he would come in and aid it.
__________________________________________
The small child had followed where her siblings had gone when she felt a foreign coldness at her side without them there. A yawn escaped her tiny jaws as she stumbled out on growing legs, her blurry eyes adjusting to the scene in front of them before some words from her siblings were heard. Huh?

She shook her head briefly before sleepily heading over to where her siblings and parents were. She glanced at Novocain and Firenze, brows furrowing while one rose in confusion. "What's going on...?"

[kahara]

everyone leol

[/i] He whined and turned back to face their father. "You can't do this, she's innocent!" Novocain narrowed his eyes. If not for the brown color of his fur, the young lad would look strikingly alike Cocaine.

"It's for the best. You'll understand better, someday. Come now, say goodbye to your mother, I must escort her from the territory." He said and began to coax the group farther away from the throne. Funeral needed some breathing space and probably a good lay badly. His eyes fell on Victoria, the strong daughter. She and Novocain often followed his movements like curious hawks. They didn't miss a beat. Firenze, though, loyal son to both mother and father. Of the three, it may impact him the most.

Even after Cocaine took care of all of this, he would still have more to do. Reassure Ryssor, check their other cubs and reassure them, and even then he would have more to discuss with Funeral and Circa. His day was far from over; farther than he thought, even. As in that moment one of his cubs had been taken from right beneath their noses, by a spy, Jericho. Thankfully Vitali was on the case, but for how long? Cocaine, unaware of this, would be hit hard by the cold reality soon.

Literally. It began to drizzle. A light rain.

Caine, in the den, had almost forgotten that Zenith stayed in there. She was a prisoner that Viciado looked over. While not many were aware, Viciado would care for the child almost as if she was her own cub. Zenith was considerably lucky. He turned to her when the rain began.

"Stella killed Nerante's son." He said. Caine would not even hint at the possibility that Nerante may be guilty, because there was no doubt in Caine's mind that his son could not do such a horrible thing to his own. He turned back to face the den opening. "And she's been sent to exile." Caine added on. Kodiac remained on guard, but his gaze swept the crowds for his children. He wanted them badly, to welcome them into a warm nuzzle in a happy den. So much tragedy served a bittersweet reminder, that life was short and unfair.

Nerante had prepared to head back for the healers den. Some weight had been lifted, but the gazes of those who thought him guilty did not pass his vision. He wasn't out of the rain yet. In fact, he'd only just stepped paw into the storm. A storm he created.

Grenade was before him though. Uncle Grenade. Sometimes Nerante forgot just how big his family was. At least, close family. Technically anyone with Donovan or Iden in their last name was related. A bit too big for Nerante's liking.

He raised his head to make eye contact with Grenade, which Grenade was already intent on doing. Not once did Nerante falter as he stared the older, more experienced male in the eyes with a frown on his face.

"Like I said, the last I saw her was when we split ways this morning. It's normal for us. Now.. excuse me." Nerante said and then brushed past Grenade. He felt no obligation to stand before and repeat the trial to his uncle. He stood in front of Ryssor, and dipped his head. "Ry.. I'm so sorry. Seeing Stella go into exile will never be enough. If it were up to me, I'd.. I'm just very sorry." He stopped and looked up at Funeral. "Will we hold a vigil for my son?" Nerante asked.[/ul][/blockquote]

[Canicas]

Stella could have sighed with relief but the fact that she faced her children in goodbye before they even were teenagers tore at her heart. Her eyes became watery as she neared them, letting them fall down her face as she choked up. The last time she had to leave her cubs....well, she didn't want to ever do it again and here she was saying goodbye to the loves of her life. The last litter she had with someone she had once loved dearly. She pushed her face into her young cubs, licking them and purring loudly. "I love you so much, my children. Yous have no idea." her heart was being crushed under the weight. She licked each one on their heads and said to them in a whisper. "Never let them turn yous against me..I'll always be here for yous no matter what..." she straightened up and seen her son staring at her with his yellow eyes. She nodded at him, and knew he understand. She would have taken Kururu with her, but he had a job here he had to attend to.

The male was staring at his mother, he'd arrived late but had the jist of what happened. Kururu knew his mother better then most as he was the closest cub to her. He nodded at her when she did to him, he knew he would be his younger siblings care taker. Sure, Cocaine was here but he'd love his little brothers and sisters more then either of his parents. He would make sure of that.

She turned and followed Cocaine, she didn't say a word and walked beside him. Words weren't exchanged she didn't feel them necessary. But at the edge of the Vedlt, the last of the Meurtrier territory she turned to face Cocaine. Thank you...she thought to herself, her eyes said it all. She took a breathe, and poked him with her nose in a small affectionate way. This was her goodybye to everything Meurtrier. The air of freedom was now around her.

[LAD]

Posting this on behalf of Kahara. ♥

COCAINE CALIVER

Sepheral

She watched closely as they parted ways, and stood herself, stretching her limbs. She must follow them. Glancing around, she saw her brother, Grenade, questioning Nerante. It was his job to do so. She walked over to him - he seemed to be in high regards with Cocaine, and nudged his shoulder after Nerante had walked past. "I'll be back later, just need some space." She told him. She had never been close to her brother, and she regretted it on some level, but she really did wander if she would come back. She turned away without waiting for a reply, flicking her tail against his flank as she did so with one glance back at him to nod. No one knew of her newest bond with Stella, but she made sure to walk in the opposite direction that Stella and Cocaine did. As soon as she passed that mountain side, she broke off into a sprint, slipping around each and every crevice she could, staying hidden well. She knew these lands. Knew how to hide, and she made it to the border of the direction that Cocaine and Stella had gone in quickly enough. She waited, hiding behind a large enough rock as they slowly approached - they had been walking it seemed. And she was stiff with anticipation. And then she looked away sharply, swallowing as the Captain shared his last moment with Stella. Yes, they had truly been close - but she had not been privy to that moment. It made her feel guilty a bit.

[/blockquote]

[Jason]

Neo brushed his wing over his brothers mate and smiled slightly. "Jasper has some minor concerns with current politics. He is going to seek advice. He will return in a few days. You can talk to him through myself if you wish," he stated, his voice flat, slightly bored, but still somehow soft. Chardonnay burrowed in his mane and a soft snort of amusement escaped the beast. She had found one of his few sensitive spots on his entire form. It tickled horribly, but one could never tell from his impassive expression. "And of course, I suspect foul play in this instance, but I am old and jaded, so maybe it is just nerves."

Yet, despite these words, he had no doubt something foul was afoot and that someone was messing with things they ought not to meddle in. His eyes turned onto Nerante as he left, but he knew he was unlikely to force anything from him without getting in trouble. "I'm going to talk to Cocaine." There was something in his tone that suggested intense irritation, but he was unlikely to disclose it. He brushed against his family, appreciating the silence Kejethan always offered. Hie jerked his head as an invitation to follow should he like. Neo took to the sky and dropped to the earth not too long after Stella had departed, not wanting add pressure to something such as this. "I would like to talk to you," he stated quietly. From his stance, it was apparent that despite their differing ranks, Neo was not liable to take a negative answer with any form of grace.

Dante looked up to Asesino and tilted his head a bit, bumping against his half brothers. "What's up with Uncle Neo?"

[Vee]

The air was oppressive here. Not a single bird song. The smell was thick with Meurtrier musk and the weight from the nearing thunderstorm. Ripthier was not afraid of lightning, but its despicable timing combined with his anxiety did nothing to help his uneasy state of mind.

For the most part, the journey here was silent. Very few words were exchanged between Tyzer and himself, and half the time when they were it was to go over the plan. Any reassurance was appreciated, but could not slow his quickly beating heart and the knots that formed around it and his throat.

The closer they got to the actual edge of the territory, the more wary the brothers became. It saw a change in pace, and the lowering of both their postures. They had to be stealthy, not that they blended too well. But the Veldt range has rocky enough to hide them for the most part. The sighting of a dark flying beast caught Ripthier's attention first, and he whispered to his brother to alert him of the danger.

The boy had the eyes of his father. And those bluish grays followed Neo Crimson from afar as he took to the wing. Among that direction, a huge crowd of the resident pride came into sight, but not who they sought. The Iva-mix looked elsewhere. It was then Stella and Cocaine came into sight, and another familiar scent of Sepheral coming from far closer. She was just a few rocks away watching the occurrence herself, not that she could be seen yet. "The red lady is a friend." He whispered, incase Seph should reveal herself to them. They all watched.

There was an exchange of affection, and Ripthier was not quite sure what to make of it. He looked to Tyzer, then the direction of Seph's scent, then back down to the valley below. And without any command or regard for advice, the boy broke his cover and hastily started his descent down the slopes. Time was little; the dark winged beast was flying this way, but that did not make Rips plan any better. As a matter of fact, there was no plan in his actions, just to reveal himself to them, which is exactly what happened.

"Stella?" He called, eyes darting between she and the Meurtrier commander. Mentally prepared to take the dagger out if necessary. As for the anxiety? Well, it was thick, but mixed with adrenaline and the determination to achieve this goal.

[Noa]

Kahara again:

(While post order isn't important, I do feel that we should not move too far on ahead without a post from dingo or cani unless they want to be skipped)

COCAINE

[LAD]

It's about time I got this little guy in here ♥

Devyn Kain Donovan

He had been watching with sharp pink eyes from a far, absorbing the information silently and dipping his head in a moment of mourning for the little cub that lost his life, and for the cubs that were losing their mother. He stood though, and sighed heavily. He had business to take care of. Osic and Carnal were both in the dens at the moment, so he wasn't going to head over there, not yet anyway. He didn't know where his brother Casket went, but he paid that no mind either. They were all old enough to do their own thing. Instead, he moved forward, slow paw step by paw step, until he reached the edge of the throne. He glanced upwards. It was time he found out some answers. "Dad?" He called up, eyes searching for Funeral's gaze. He ignored everyone else, he didn't care for them right now. None of them could give him the answers he sought after, and Nerante, Ryssor, Stella, and Cocaine were of none of his concern - although he did feel bad for the family, and knew that Stella's cubs could now relate to him, but their mother... He was sure they'd get the chance to see their mother again with how Cocaine was escorting her from the territory. He frowned, and looked up for his dad again.

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