Velvet & Others

In the hours that followed the take over, Velvet had been busy organizing her fighters and preparing defensive measures for the counter assault she knew would be coming. A large portion of the Haunters had been absent during the fight, and there were more allies scattered throughout the Valley that would come to their aid - they would not stand idly and accept defeat, this as much she knew. What the Oracle needed to do now was keep her group vigilant, prepared, and ensure their new home was secured.

The outer moat had been entirely drained, and the dam fully dismantled to prevent the recurrence of any River Monsters that were not loyal to the Nuova Alba. The inner moat in Dima's Temple had been left intact, after the resident alligator and his remaining offspring were made to swear allegiance to Velvet and the original order that Risen had established. And continuing the vision of their late leader, Velvet ordered the heads of all the fallen Haunters be removed and displayed along the outer edges of drained moat, where they would remain a gruesome, bloody reminder to any returning Haunters of what price disloyalty was. The rest of the bodies were left to fill the bellies of her hungry warriors.

Shaded Grace, Callholm, and Arochea had been sent out shortly after the battle had ended, both to secure the perimeters of the Ruins, and to cover a few loose ends.

Nemu

Nemu hated having to do this to her own half sister. Senka had taken care of her half of her life till her sister showed up and she decided to leave. She had commited the ultimate betrayle of kin and it didn't really sit right with Nemu.

Gargoyle and the other lions patrolled.

Velvet & Others

"Nemu." Velvet called out to the big cat as she approached, padding out from the depths of the basement where a young pup and a few prisoners were being kept. The Oracle's keen perception hadn't missed the way Nemu seemed troubled, and how she lacked the intensity and drive that the other fighters had during the fight. There wasn't much pride or joy in her friend's eyes. "Come, and speak with me." She nudged her head along Nemu's shoulder and cheek, a friendly, bonding gesture from the lioness. "Tell me what's on your mind."

Nemu

Nemu had left only because of her full blooded sister, it had been the hardest choice she had to make. She never expected this take over of her half sisters home. Her head turned when she heard Velvet speak and she rubbed righbt back against her and got up and moved to walk with her.I just don't feel right about doing this to Senka, I didn't leave her because she did anything wrong or even that the haunters did anything I didn't agree with. I left because of Dusquei and wanted to be with my sister. I just don't feel right totally betraying Senka especially when she finally has taken over and become a leader of a pack pride like she always wanted toShe said softly.

She'd never lie to anyone, no lieing got you no where and bottling up your emotions made things alot more worse as well. She didn't know how Dusquei thought of this take over but she didn't think her sister cared for Senka like she did.

Velvet & Others

The lion moved at a slow, leisurely pace along the inner edge of the moat. Now and then one of her rounded ears would switch back or to the side, listening to the various felines move and speak around them. Without Bandit, Velvet had become the sole leader of the Nuova Alba, and without the aid of her missing Commander, it took a considerable amount of effort, vigilance, and authority to ensure that her family remained happy and cooperative. Some of that effort was going to Nemu now, always striving to keep the pride working in unison and ensuring no fissures developed amongst their ranks. "Senka was not at the fight today, and that means we may yet have the opportunity to speak to her without bloodshed. She is a strong individual, and would be a great boon to the Nuova." Velvet came to a stop and turned her almond eyes to Nemu, "If we do not receive further word from the Haunters after today, I will permit you and one other Nuova to seek out your sister. Encourage her to join with us - with you - back where she belongs, with the rest of our Family here. Now that Bandit is gone, the position of Commander is left vacant, and she would make a fine replacement."

Nemu

Nemu stopped beside her as she listened to her speak and her tail flicked. If you don't offer her that spot when and if we see her I know she wouldn't accept joining us as she has worked hard to get where she is now and she would refuse to be consider under you or anyone. That is just senka she is a born leader something I am not able to beShe said and sat down. Despite her being larger then most of the large cats in this pride and pack she was never a dominant cat. But she'd need alot of convincing to abandon the haunters unless they too are convinced to join usShe said softly.

Velvet & Others

"I suspect as much. And I would not consider offering her such a title if I wasn't sure she had the strength and intelligence to bear it honorably. For all that I've known your sister, and all that I've seen and heard of her in the time since we've parted ways with the Haunters, I believe she can fill the role as Commander." Whether there was more to Velvet's words than she was letting on, the lioness spoke with confidence about Nemu's sister and held nothing back about her views of the Haunter's current leader. "As far as the convincing; that is why I am trusting you to seek her out, if she doesn't come to us first. Convince her to come here, alone, to speak with me. From there, we can discuss the fate of the Haunters; I believe that if Senka were to join our ranks once more, many of her followers would do the same."

Nemu

Nemu listened to her and she knew Velvet wouldn't just lightly agree to being someone's equal and pretty much giving them as much command over the pack as she. But she Knew Senka would not join them at all or wouldn't even consider joining. I hope you are right, however; convincing her to come alone will be hard, she not stupid Velvet. She knows that coming here alone with our whole pack here could turn deadly for her. She may refuse to come here alone. But IF I can I'll set up a meeting area and then perhaps each of you would just bring one or two others perhaps?She questioned.

Velvet & Others

"A very wise idea." Velvet answered back with approval, "Some place high within the Canyon would suffice." The lioness suggested the rugged, steep cliffs as a potential meeting place, where two felines would feel more secure in the lofty heights, and where each would have a good vantage point to ensure the other didn't bring unwanted backup. "If Senka would agrees to this meeting, I would like you and my mother to accompany me. Senka can chose two of her own Haunters to stand by her. No more, no less - and no tricks. A simple meeting to negotiate where we stand, and how our futures should play out."

Nemu

Nemu listened and nodded. She was unsure of what her sister would think especially since it would be a tough thing seeing as they chose to attack first instead of trying to negotiate on things..That would be wise to bring meSHe said and then nodded. When would you like me to seak her out?She said

Velvet & Others

The Oracle of the Nuova Alba always put great care into her thoughts and decisions, and she hadn't chosen Nemu without good reason. Whether Nemu would be a deciding factor in Senka's decision, and whether the leader of the Haunters would even be up for negotiations... well, Velvet would have to wait and see on that. But for now, she had the upper paw, and was not going to sit back and let it go to waste. "Give the Haunters a few hours to regroup and reconnect with those at the Aspen Grove. At dusk, seek her out."

Nemu

Nemu hoped that she could convince her sister to join them and forge their packs together. But she knew Senka would be difficult to convince after all this.alrightShe said.