Cedarwood & Duality

Cedarwood led Katara and Duality along an alternate route to the caverns, bypassing the Prairie entirely as he led them down long the foothills of the mountains and past Pike's Lake. Knowing the land well, he circled high to survey the area and what inhabitants were nearby before gliding back down to earth, roughly a mile from where the Makucha were lairing. Having picked a spot where they were mostly sheltered within the forest, the eagle was confident that none of the lions would have seen his friends approach, much less notice a random bird soaring through the sky so far from their camp.

"Due west is where their cave is." He announced, pointing his large beak in the general direction. "I didn't see any near the trees here, so I think you're safe from ambush. But I'll keep an eye in the sky to be sure."

Duality nodded to Cedar, then looked to her feline companion. "I'll give the call then, if you're ready." Looking utterly calm and focused, despite knowing how very dangerous this mission could get, the grizzle-coated wolf turned loose her howl to the Makucha. It was a call to let them know she was here and wishing to speak, with no hint of anger or threat. After all, the last thing Duality wanted was for the whole pride to respond.

Leaving Duality and Katara to handle this end of business, Cedarwood returned to the skies to keep an eye out on who all was approaching, as well as to look for his mate.

Katara & Tracey

Katara followed the eagle easily and stopped next to DualityGo aheadSHe said.

Tracey was actually high in a tree above them keeping out of site of anyone on the ground. It was best if one of them is never known to the on comming cats after all.

Tuini & Others

Tuini recognized the howl immediately, knowing Tersek's daughter well enough. The lion rolled onto his feet and stood, rounded ears perked and eyes wide and alert, "On your paws everyone! The Haunters have finally figured something out. I want everyone at the cavern now - if the Haunters try to swoop in to relieve us of our prisoners, you threaten them with the prisoners' lives. And if they try to call that bluff... kill Senka first." The dark-maned brute looked across for Layra, the only one in the pride who he had no sway over, as she was his equal in status. With a nod to his alabaster sister, Tuini struck out in Duality's direction, fearless and confident. If the Haunters attempted an ambush, he had three captives to bargain with.

The rest of the pride moved into the cavern, with Spotlight staying closer to Senka, ready to carry out Tuini's orders if it came to it, though he doubted Tersek would risk the life of his own co-lead.

Senka

Her eyes narrowed at his threat. Her claws digging into the earth but she just sat there. She did swipe a paw out at spotlight. Her stomach now well reounded with offspring.

Katara waited looking to the sky occasionally.

Layra got up as well watching the others go into the caverns before joining Tuini.

Cedarwood & Duality

It didn't take long before Cedar spotted his partner high in the branches of one of the old oak trees near Katara and Duality. Not wanting to give away her position or alert the big cats that there were more Haunters about, Cedarwood climbed ever higher and began to circle outward.

Duality hadn't noticed Tracey, though she knew Cedar's mate was somewhere in the area. The wolf focused instead on the tall grasses that stretched before her, spilling south in miles of open prairie and gently rolling hills. By this time in late autumn, the grasses had all but turned brown and tan, with clusters of darkened flower pods and tufted seedheads dancing in the brisk winds that coasted over the land. She watched this sea of monotonous color shift and billow about, until two distinct patterns broke through the dormant foliage. A broad, tan face bordered in a dark mane... followed by one coated in pure white fur.

Duality's eyes widened and her mouth temporarily fell open in a soundless gasp. Tuini and Layra!

Tuini

Tuini's shoulder blades pulsed in rhythmic motion as he loped through the prairie, pushing swiftly through the tall stands of grass and withered wild flowers. A mile was covered in under five short minutes, and he'd not even broken a pant by the time he reached the edge of the forest, where Katara and Duality stood waiting. The lion slowed, his steps falling heavily as he sized up his old packmates, quickly recognizing the duo. "Katara? And Duality, interesting choice for an envoy." The brute continued forward, only stopping when he was roughly two yards from the pair.

Katara

When the two came into view she sighed and frowned. So it were old haunters. Why did they care to break apart from them? She forced herself to wonder that later as the two come to halt.Layra, Tuini I would of liked to say it was great to see you but on these circumstancesShe said softly her tail flicking out. She glanced at Duality.You know why we've come, we know you have Senka, my mother and MenaceShe watched their faces calmly. we of course want them back. She said calmly.I think we all want this to end without bloodshedShe said.

Layra stopped next ot tuini.Sure we know why your here, But perhaps you might change your mind, you have a place in our pride if you want it Katara along with your other siblingsShe said then eying Duality.we decided we want an all cat group, relying on mangy mutts for things is pointless they are weak compared to usShe said.

Tuini & Others

Tuini grinned at his older sister, flicking his gaze between her and Katara. "Lay's right. Us cats are the most powerful predators in the Valley, even moreso when in a pride. Here, we have no curs to slow us down or get in our way-" He also eyed Duality with a look of contempt, "-there's no arbitrary rules to follow, or prey that we have to share space with as if they were one of us." The lion rolled his eyes for dramatic effect. "Out here, we take what we want when we want it. It's a good life, much better than being cooped up in those Ruins, being led by mutts."

After helping his sister to pitch the prospect of joining their ranks, the brute glanced over his shoulder in the direction of the distant caves, "As far as our captives, there'll be no bloodshed, as long as the Haunters don't do anything stupid. Senka and the other two will be released in due time, and if they're good, they'll return each with one cub of their own. Really, it's a win win for everybody."

Cedarwood & Duality

Duality bristled and her lips writhed back, showcasing her fangs. Her voice was low but controlled, "Katara will not be joining you." The hybrid would be lying if she said she weren't just a little bit frightened right now, in the presence of two large cats who were utterly calm and relaxed despite having angered the Shadow Haunters. Her fur bristled further when she learned what this group had done to her leader and the others, and a growl seeped into her tones, "And you wont be keeping our Family away from us. They come home with us today." She wanted to go on, to level these cats with an ultimatum, but Duality bit her tongue. Katara was the diplomat, and she didn't want to step on the feline's toes.

Katara

Katara listened doing her best to keep her calm. Her ears flick back at the invitation.Why would I want to join you? You have kidnapped my mother , Aunt and cousinShe said then her ears go back. You don't want a war with the haunter Layra Tuini, Forcing am other from any of her cubs will do that. Senka, Menace and Nemu can leave with us now and we will leave you be or well you know the other option. Senka nemu and Menace won't easily be killed and by the sounds of it their each pregnant with your cubs so unless your fully willing to kill the unborn cubs you won't touch themShe growled. perhaps when the cubs are old enough we will then give them the choice of joining you if you release the three nowShe said.

Tuini & Others

"Like I said, we take what we want, when we want it." Tuini's answer came back with a confident smirk. Doubting Katara would switch sides and join them, he didn't bother trying to convince her otherwise. "And don't be so sure of their safety, Katara. All three are under guard right now, and a single signal from myself or Lyra will see them killed. They may be strong, but they can't fend off an entire pride, especially in their current state." The lion gave his thick mane a quick shake, dislodging a few leaves that had got caught up in its dark masses. "Don't think I'm above killing my own cubs, if it means saving my skin or that of my pride - we have three females, and sacrificing one to make a point is well within the bounds of what I'm willing to do. Be sure to let Tersek know that, too. If we get even the slightest hint that you're planning an attack or ambush, we will slaughter Senka first. And if that doesn't deter you, we'll execute your mother next."

Katara

Katara had honestly thought of how nice it be to be just cats but she was loyal. Her ears go back and she glances at Duality. Wouldn't a more willing captive be ideal?She said. This was a brash decision on her part. Let them go now and I will join you She said. She hoped Duality would believe she was just doing it to free them which part of her was. But she also did not like the ruins.

Layra listened but this would be Tuini call.

Tuini & Others

Tuini was caught off guard by her offer, and turned a questioning glance to Lyra before studying his younger relative once more. "An interesting proposal... but how can I trust you?" The big male stepped forward and began a slow circle around Katara and Duality, contemplating the offer, "Gaining a willing member would be a plus, but I won't lose the cubs that we've spawned." He rolled a few ideas through his head, weighing and pros and cons of each on before offering a concession, "Here's the deal; Khala tells me you guys have new lion blood in your group. You convince at least one of them to join us, along with yourself, and that's a start - the Makucha need fresh blood." He glanced to his elder sister again, to see if she had any suggestions to offer, "...then I'll allow Senka and Menace to leave, but Nemu must stay until she's had her cubs. Once her cubs are born and weaned, she will be allowed to leave with one of those cubs after Senka and Menace have returned our cubs to us." He stopped in front of her, a confident smile playing across his broad features, "Sound fair to you? Honestly, both sides are still winning - the Haunters and the Makucha gain new young."

Katara

Katara tail flicked and her head followed tuini as he walked around her. The first part is possible. But not leaving Nemu behind nor forcing the mothers to abandon cubs. However; I can say that when the cubs are weaned and able to understand things they will be given a choice to remain with the haunters or join us in here. She knew Senka would not abandon Nemu nor would any of them.AS for trusting me, I am one you are many. If i turned on you you could easily kill me, why would I throw myself into the lions den when I could easily be killed. Where as you have three of them and they won't go down easily no matter your numbers.She said calmly. Never did she let a hair raise. Her tail flicks.

Layra paced now thinking. Here's the thing, for a trade you must trade even numbers, and the number isn't just three going to the haunters. We don't know how many cubs but lets assume each at least has two. So thats six cubs and three adults giving a total of nine. So, we'll say you immediately breed with one of our males before you go back with this offer as an insurance plan, But you must come back with six more but preferably young cats or females that will be bred. If you can do that,. We will send Menace back with you if you breed to one of our males as our own insuranceShe said glancing at Tuini. If any of the cubs born from the three want to come to us we will release one of them back to you when that times comes She said as well.

Tuini & Others

Tuini was ready to argue that his pride was more than capable of taking out all four females, but the prospect of gaining her as a willing member held his tongue. Besides, the Makucha were still a fledgling group, and he couldn't risk a major fight any more than the Haunters could right now. Dropping the aggression from his tones, Tuini still oozed confidence as he answered back, "Lyra is right, this is going to be an even trade or it won't happen at all. If you truly are willing to join us, you'll take this message back to the Haunters, and return with additional members for us - cats only." He nodded his agreement to Layra, while his eyes remained focused on Katara. "Tell Tersek also that we don't have to be enemies - I would be willing to allow open breeding between the groups. But don't expect help from us during times of war, unless there's considerable benefit to the Makucha. We aren't Haunters anymore." Tuini was keen about this, not wanting the Makucha to be seen as some branch of the Haunters that could be ordered around by Senka and Tersek. "When you've secured enough members for us, then Senka and the others can leave."

Katara

Katara tail twitched as Lyra's proposal. They'd both have to do an insurance policy, they would go home with Menace but with her pregnant. Then if she didn't return with others equal to what they want... She didn't even think the haunters had enough felines to cover this trade. Her ears go back. I will need to talk with Velvet and Tersek about this thenShe said. If it was just one or two new ones she might of been able to make this decision herself. She wondered if Azula and Zuko would come .

Layra listened.then be fast because they will be birthin with in the next month or twoShe said. once they birth their cubs your screwedShe said.

Tuini & Others

"When you talk to them, don't forget that part about no attacking." Tuini pointed out, "Senka's life depends on you and the Haunters behaving yourselves." The lion honestly wasn't sure what Velvet would say about all of this, knowing the lioness to be rather sly and cunning. As far as Tersek went... well, it depended on whether the old wolf thought he had a big enough force to fight with, but even then Tuini doubted he'd risk the life of his co-lead. Showing not a scrap of concern, the big brute just nodded at Katara, all but ignoring Duality at this point, "Go on then, tell your Haunters our deal. And work quickly... you have a time limit to gather the needed members."

Katara

Katara would not go back on her offer. She just nodds and backs away from them, not turning her back on them.