Namir

It was raining, and the day had plunged into night when the tawny cougar made it to the outskirts of the basin. It had stopped pouring now, and the lightening and thunder had mostly passed onward, leaving a steady, chilling drizzle in its wake. Several hours ago, just before the storm had started, Namir had killed a Shadow Haunter who had in turn nearly killed a friend of his. It had taken him nearly half a day to drag the corpse from the Breve Ridges, out across the lowlands, and back up to the basin, yet he'd managed it with several rests along the way. Muscles that had been burning after hauling a wounded Liseli back to the Aspen Grove were worn near to exhaustion at this point, but all this work had been done for a reason, one that he sincerely hoped he wouldn't regret.

Namir unclenched his jaws, letting Larsan's cold, lifeless form drop down against the sodden earth, a few dozen yards away from one of the entrances to the basin. It was there that the cougar stood and waited, knowing that his scent would soon alert the pack's sentries of his presence. He could only hope that they would ask questions before attacking, and that if his plan worked as he hoped it would, it wouldn't cause a backlash later.

Bandit & Kamari

It was Kamari who spotted the cougar, her eyes, mismatched blue and brown, set to sentry duty on one of the few entrances to the Basin. She was on a raised pile of rock and boulder fragments that bordered the entrance to the home of the Nuova Alba, acting like a tower on a castle gate. The Nuova Alba's fortress home has been carefully planned by Velvet.

The black and tan hybrid was on her paws quickly, head dipped as she levelled the approaching intruder with a suspicious stare. The cat was dragging what looked like a body. She tested the air, and no other unknown scents came to her other than those of the pair before her; it appeared they were alone. Kamari called to her half-brother, for although they were not facing a threat, the sight of a body being dragged to their home was not a welcome one - this canine was not prey to be eaten - and the cat seemed determined, which could only mean he was seeking them out intentionally. To wander into the home of the Nuova Alba unaware was a very silly thing to do.

Bandit was rounding Kamari's make-shift guard post not long after Namir had dropped his body. The tan hybrid with his signature black cape pattern had been ghosting around the Basin and surrounding areas, trying to figure out what the groups next move should be. They had been quiet and dormant for too long; they needed to make their move on the Valley if they were to see their ideas realised. Spotting the cougar, Bandit's posture shifted, becoming that of a leader, his thick neck tucked, and ruff splayed. He was not a welcoming sight, and seemed less than pleased to see a body by the cat's paws. His golden eyes were narrowed, and while he didn't show any aggression, he didn't give the cougar any reason to believe this would be a friendly encounter.

"What do you want?"

There was no need to throw around empty words and pleasantries - Namir knew who they were, and had seemed to have come for a reason. Bandit wasn't one for dragging out small talk.

Namir

Namir spotted Kamari after she's seen him, and wondered how many other eyes and ears might be in the vicinity, just watching the lone cougar. His heart began to race faster, knowing that if his presence provoked an attack, the only possible way for him to survive was to turn and flee, and hope that they couldn't catch him. The big cat took a slow, deep breath, trying to maintain the outward illusion that he was calm and confident, even if his stomach was twisting and his heart was thundering like a jackhammer. When the Commander of the Nuova Alba showed up, Namir immediately took note of the brute's size - like Larsan, this massive hybrid appeared to be heavier than himself, and with a powerful jaw structure that could cause the cat some serious damage. And though Namir was confident of his skills against a lone wolf, he was smart enough to know that Bandit was not alone.

"I come on behalf of the Aspen Grove. A friend of ours was attacked by the Shadow Haunters last evening, by this one here." A large, furry paw was placed on Larsan's silvery side, "And a few days back, the alphess of the Aspen Grove was killed by a rogue wolf. Her name was Nachi, and I'm sure a few of you here might be familiar with that name." Whether they were or not depended on how long they had been a part of the Haunters before splitting from the group, and whether or not they ever saw Nachi with her brother Cavan. "As a result, I fear that our pack is in imminent danger of an attack, and we have no hope of holding ourselves against them. So I come to you, offering you my services in exchange for the Aspen Grove's protection." It grated the big cat to even ask this, for he was extremely leery of the Nuova Alba to begin with, and wasn't so sure that they weren't the greater of two evils when compared to the Shadow Haunters... but one thing was clear, the Aspen Grove could be wiped out if and when Cavan found out his sister had been killed, and one of their powerful warriors had been slain. It was the chance encounter with Velvet two years ago that even compelled Namir to consider asking them for help. "I brought this wolf here to you, as proof of my abilities, and proof of my stance against them." Namir took a step back, in case Bandit wished to look over Larsan's cold body. As he waited for a response, he could not help but feel unrest rise in his gut at the very sight of Bandit and his powerful, unfriendly posture.

Bandit

At the first mention of the Aspen Grove, Bandit did not react. Although the Nuova Alba were made up of seasoned warriors, trained under the old Haunter schemes by Risen herself, they were not of a size yet to rival either of the Shadow Packs; because of this, Bandit had little time to care much for any outlying packs that presented very little threat to their ultimate goal. Yet, when the Haunters were mentioned, his ears folded backward, and his eyes narrowed as he fixed a stare of disgust on Larsan's body. When his eyes raised to Namir once more, they held a flicker of admiration. Namir went on, and it was clear Bandit recognised Nachi's name, as his ears snapped forward, and his head was cocked to the side.

"Nachi is dead?"

Bandit did not look happy about this news, but neither did he hold any real remorse. Cavan had remained with the Haunters, despite being one of Risen's closest companions, rather than breaking with Bandit and Velvet. The aging wolf had fallen out of Bandit's favour, and he had always found Cavan's sister a little...odd, on the few occasions she had actually been around the Ruins. As Namir continued, Bandit moved forward to inspect Larsen's body. He dipped his muzzle, fearlessly pressing it into the fur of the body to drink in the scent that would confirm he was a Haunter. Seemingly satisfied, Bandit's eyes began noting the wounds the cat had inflicted, but when Namir offered his services, Bandit couldn't help the amusement that rumbled from him in a chilling laugh, and laced his next words. "Oh, really? Well that is a very interesting offer."

Bandit barked to Kamari, who jumped down from her platform at once, and was directed to drag Larsan's body further into the Basin. The stench of his rotting body at the entrance would act as a warning to any enemies who dared enter their home. With that done, Bandit turned his full attention on Namir. "The wolf that killed Nachi, it was not of your pack?" Any amusement was gone; it seemed the Commander was genuinely curious. "If not, then surely you have nothing to fear? Or are you afraid Cavan still holds a grudge against you for what Vestige once stood for?"

"As skilled as you are, Namir, I am having a hard time seeing why I should risk my family to protect your pack that some of the Nuova Alba were once hell-bent on destroying. Even with us at your side, our numbers are no match for the Haunters if Cavan rouses the whole Haunter Army."

Namir & Velvet

Literally being in the 'lions den', or close enough to it anyway, Namir was using every sense he had to monitor his surroundings. And he was paying particularly sharp attention to Bandit, the de facto leader in this group, along side the lioness. But since he couldn't see Velvet anywhere, it was all done to Bandit right now - one word, and the wolf could have Namir chased down and killed, offered a truce, or any number of other possibilities that Namir had no say in. Thus the cougar noted the lack of interest when the Aspen Grove was mentioned, and the curious tilt of the head when Nachi was brought up. The way Bandit's ears moved, and the tone of his voice. Every little thing was soaked up like a sponge by the big cat, and analyzed for any hint of potential trouble.

"Yes, killed by an unknown male, from what we gathered of his scent." Hearing the mirth from Bandit, Namir had to struggle to keep his tail from twitching with irritation. The humor that the Commander displayed cast further doubt on Namir that his bid for help would be taken up, and the little seed of dread in his belly began to grow. It was too late to turn back now however, so he plodded onward in an even tone of voice that didn't betray the fear he truly felt. "I believe very much that Cavan holds a grudge against us. Vestige's death.." The cat paused, "..his sacrifice is what saved the Aspen Grove. And it would have continued to do so had not one of his sons gotten into a relationship with Cavan's sister. And now that she's dead, that is all the motivation Cavan needs to bring the wrath of the Haunters down on us again, and yes, to put an end to what Vestige had created with the pack during his time, and which still carries on to this day."

Namir didn't immediately see the sandy-furred huntress that had slunk into the scene, prowling along the top of the rocks that formed the barrier of the basin. Velvet was a soft-footed and sleek as her name suggested, and had climbed her way up onto the rocks without making a sound to catch the cougar's attention. Sharing Bandit's humor, albeit in the privacy of her own mind, the Oracle watched and listened with rapt interest as Namir tried to appeal with Bandit again, "You are right about that... the Haunters are still a large force. But what if you were to attack their Temple while they had their warriors diverted to the Aspen Grove? You could land a decisive blow against them, their mothers and pups, and retreat before they had a chance to draw back from our lands. If coordinated right, it could be a win for both of us."

Bandit

Bandit's heavy stare did not waver from Namir. The hybrid was clearly interested in what the cat had to say, and he did not interrupt or give much away as to what he was thinking. He remained expressionless, cold, but it would be clear to Namir that Bandit had not dismissed his offer, and was genuinely thinking it through. It was true, to have the Haunters distracted at the Grove while the Nuova Alba struck them at their heart and home would be a great victory, one that would bring their family out of the stagnant state it had found itself in. Yet, he found himself concerned that the Haunters would not quite play into their paws the way Namir was suggesting; who was to say Cavan would take all the warriors with him to seek vengeance on the Aspen Grove?

Whether or not the Commander had noticed the ghostly figure of Velvet nearby was anyone's guess. He may well not have seen her, or he may have been just as careful as to not give her presence away.

"Perhaps..." mused the Commander, breaking a small pause that had stretched out once Namir had finished speaking, "I won't deny it would be something of an interest to us to strike the Haunters at their heart." A flicker of malice lit in his eerie golden eyes. "Your numbers are too small to warrant the whole Haunter Army to come to the Grove though. Valian is related to your pack, isn't he? Perhaps having his forces in your terratory will prompt them to take all their warriors, leaving us to attack the Ruins."

It was not full consent to Namir's plan, but it showed the Commander was at least willing to think over the idea.

"What do you think, Velvet?"

Bandit's eyes remained fixed on Namir.

Namir & Velvet

The way he was being stared at was highly unnerving for the cougar, but he knew he couldn't stare back directly, lest his action be taken as a challenge or show of disrespect against the Commander of the Nuova Alba. Namir settled for staring at the bridge of Bandit's muzzle instead, while the rest of his tawny form remained perfectly still, with muscles coiled slightly should he need to run. "Valian?" Up until that canine was mentioned, Namir had been mostly composed; now he showed a look of surprise and a mark of hesitation. "He's the brother to our current pack leader." Brooding thoughts clouded the cat's expression. As far as he understood, Valian and Starscream did not exactly get on the best, and something about the black wolf that made Namir a little edgy. Yet on the other hand, he was sure Valian had enough compassion for his mother to offer his assistance, if Starscream wasn't enough reason to aid the pack.

Slowly, Namir nodded. If this would earn them the help of the Nuova Alba, he would try it. "I'll see what I can do to arrange protection from his pack. If I'm able to do this, will you-" Short, rounded ears flicked and his eyes darted when Bandit coolly brought Velvet into the conversation. He hadn't noticed the lioness, and was unable to spot her until she spoke in her purring tones high above them both.

"I think that's a brilliant idea, Bandit. It will take some well-timed coordination, but it will make for a nice opportunity to whet the claws of our more inexperienced fighters, and entertain the rest of us." Her long tail flicked idly at the end while she spoke casually of murder, "We can wipe out a whole generation of young Haunters, as well as the den mothers."

Bandit

While Namir may have not spotted the lioness, Bandit was used to their soldiers scaling high above the entrances to the Basin. While there were not many visible sentries, the Nuova Alba were sure to station their members around, silent guards to defend their home. The Oracle was well known for her sly ways, and for being ever-watchful; even if you could not see her, they would always assume she was nearby, especially when such an interesting occurrence such as Namir's arrival with a body was taking place.

"Valian is an ally of ours, and we hold him in high regard, even having one of his daughters in our ranks. If his pack is with yours, Cavan will surely want to have the advantage of numbers, and will take most of, if not all, of his warriors to the Grove. It is then, if the timing is perfect, that we will strike at the Ruins."

With Velvet's approval, and seemingly satisfied himself, Bandit fixed Namir with a hard stare. "We will call on you as we see fit, to uphold your side of our little deal, . . .?" Bandit paused, the inflection in his voice clearly asking for the name of the cat. "Otherwise, we will await your call."

He paused once more, before a sickly smile curled at the corners of his jaws, and a gentle rumble of laughter rolled from his throat, "Perhaps after the events have taken place, we may even pay a little visit to the Grove, so you and your pack can thank us for our kind services." The Commander's ears swivelled in the direction of Velvet, and he turned his head to give her a look that said "That might be fun.."

Namir & Velvet

An ally? Namir cursed himself for not not knowing this bit of information, likely due to the fact that he spent more time alone in the mountains around the Aspen Grove than actually with the pack. What news he obtained generally came from Cortinarri, and he could have kicked himself now for not going to her first with his plans - she could have directed him straight to Valian, and he might have avoided stepping into the potential spider web that he'd just tangled himself in. "If he's already on your side, that'll make my case easier."

The cougar's ears flattened down further when Bandit carried on, and he gave his name when it was requested, "Namir." And he nodded to show he was ready to own up to his end of the bargain, and to let the Nuova Alba know when it was time to strike. But the feline's tail finally switched in an anxious display at the end. That sick smile plastered over Bandit's mug, and the laugh... it made Namir's skin crawl, but he had to swallow what wanted to be a hiss so that his tones would come out evenly, "If that is what it takes to gain your help, then yes." He could only watch as Velvet shared the Commander's twisted look, enjoying the possibilities that were presented to them in this alliance. "I should return to the Grove now. ...I'll let you know when the Haunters begin to move." The cougar took a few steps backwards before turning away and slinking into the undergrowth, not sure whether he felt better after this meeting, or worse...