Velvet & Others

The day was hot, and the locusts were droning loudly across the canopy when Velvet and Tyrant returned to the Ruins. The lioness moved slower than normal, both due to the heat, and the extra weight she was carrying. But her steps were strong and sure, and though her head was low and her mouth agape as she panted, her eyes were bright and alert to the land around her.

She crossed through the dry moat, half-wishing that there was just a bit of water in the empty trench to cool her paws, then climbed up the opposite bank to enter the Ruins. Without a moment's pause or hesitation, she went directly for the alter and leaped atop it with grace, despite the weight that pulled at her gut. After a moment to catch her breath, Velvet uttered a roar, calling all Nuova to her.

Tyrant

Tyrant own mouth was gape panting as he followed her moving to sit beside her. Whether it was cause he actually liked liked velvet or because she was carrying his cubs well no one knew. He did like like her despite her ways.

Nemu was close by and got up stretching and yawning. She moved right up and sat down. Azula, Zuko and Katara with her.

Kovu and Nuuka came toward her still a little uncomfortable with the new dynamic of the group but it was fine he could easily take full control of his little pride if he needed to, but neither he nor nuuka could breed to Sarabi or even mensa since they were all related. The brother laid down with each other.

Sarabi had listened to the ones in dima's temple till she heard the call. She calmly called for her cubs before heading to the gathering moving to be by her brothers.

Mansa and Leo followed.

Neferyt stayed close to sunny despite lupe saying she needed to go with her. She did not like lupe. Sunny though she did. She was more willing to go to this meeting due to knowing she was going home.

Velvet & Others

It had always been rare to see Velvet accompanied by another so frequently, especially a male. But the crafty, velvet-furred lioness had not so much as bared a fang at Tyrant and the close proximity he'd kept to her in these past many weeks. Whether she was simply tolerating his presence for her own gain, or actually enjoyed the company, it was just as hard to tell as Tyrant's true motives. Whatever the case may be, Velvet flicked her dark gaze to the big brute that settled himself beside her on the altar, giving him a most curious look, "That went better than I expected. I do trust Senka, and I know Tersek is loyal to a fault to his pack - but what of the others? Do you think any of them will be problematic?"

Leomar was not long in arriving, and made his way over to Kovu and Nuuka. He didn't directly approach them yet, but he did make a point to casually yawn and show off his canines before settling down onto his belly and stretching his hind legs out beside him, just a few yards shy of where they were. It was his passive attempt at showing them just how powerful and able he was, without trying to be threatening or intimidating to the new males.

Zanarah watched this display and held back a chuckle at her cousin's antics. She had no problem padding right up by Sarabi and sitting beside her and the cubs. While waiting for her aunt to address them, she whispered to the other lioness, "How are you settling in so far? And the cubs?"

Sunburst had since left Dima's Temple and brought Neferyt out into the main courtyard, away from the lagoon where the alligator lived. For the youngster's sake, he kept himself between her and Lupanare, to avoid any further stress on the pup.

Tyrant

Tyrant was calm for now as he sat beside her one ear on her while the other twitched. I do not know we don't discuss the nuova ever, as we had moved on in lifeHE said calmly.

Nemu and her children just relaxed.

Kovu and Nuka watched the other out of the corner of their eyes but made no indication of feeling threateed or intimidating however both did yawn right back, whether that was to show thier own or just cause yawns were contagious would be up to the male.

Sarabi ear twitch in her directionquiet well thank youShe said.

Neferyt stuck to sun.

Velvet & Others

"Hmmm." Velvet hummed, considering his answer. "It's better than them talking with hostility about us. Perhaps enough time has passed to temper their emotions and make this transition back to the Ruins a smooth one." That was her hope anyway, and had to admit that she did feel more secure with Tyrant at her side. Whatever faults she saw in him, he was very loyal to his causes, and she was certain he would quell any aggression that might crop up.

From his peripheral vision, Leomar watched the pair yawn in turn, but make no sort of hostile gesture. Satisfied with this simple, wordless display between them, the big male turned his attention back to his aunt as she lifted her chin and addressed the group.

"Thank you all for your promptness. I have two rather important matters to discuss with you all today, starting first with the young pup, Neferyt." She paused for a moment, scanning the crowd until she spotted the little one with Sunburst. "We will be returning her under the explanation that our attack was a mistake, and meant for an enemy attack. Furthermore, we will be seeking an alliance with the Parnassian Meadows, so for the time being, they are off limits."

The lioness gave those words a few moments to sink in before getting to the larger news. "Secondly, we will be shedding the title of Nuova Alba, and reclaiming the rightful banner of the Shadow Haunters. I have reached an agreement with Senka and Tersek - they and their followers will be rejoining us here at the Ruins in a few days time. I know many of you are not familiar with them, but I expect everyone to welcome them back as Family."

Tyrant

He listened to her calmly as h ewatched the group gather. He brought a paw up and licked it and ran it over his head momentarily before placing it back down.Only time will tellhe said.

Nemu looked up. so they did meet with her half sister. That was good but she also assumed that meant Velvet would be stepping down as lead cause she knew her sister was content in her position as the leader.

Neferyt ears went back at the mention of her but returned to normal when it was nothing bad.

the others listened.

Velvet & Others

Seeing no dissension among the many facing peering back at her, Velvet sighed a breath of relief. She honestly didn't think it would be a major deal for Nemu and her kin, but she was happy all the same when none of them so much as batted an eye at the news. The main concern she had now was for Kovu and his pride, and it was the male whom she turned her attention to as she spoke her next words, "Kovu, I know the name Shadow Haunters has no meaning to you, so let me explain and prevent any confusion when it comes time to merge our Families. There are more cats joining us, but there are also a number of canines and a few horses." She glanced to Tyrant, silently requesting his help in detailing what other animals the lions should expect. "Just know that whomever carries our banner is part of the pride, and not to be harmed."

Sunburst was all ears for this meeting, anxiously awaiting the time when Velvet would send him on ahead to Parnassian Meadows. In the meantime though, as he waited for the Oracle to give those orders, the little hybrid put his tongue to work grooming Neferyt's fur to help calm her nerves.

Tyrant

Tyrant sat there and licked his paw which then went to clean behind his ear. Oh well if Koray comes we'll also be joined by a bull with a strange taste for meat currently, they are trying to get him back on grass. From what my mother told meHe said putting his paw down.

Kovu looked up at his name. He had come to understand this was a strange pride dynamic.we can learn to accept any who join here it may take time to get use to prey animals being apart but its doablehe said.

Velvet & Others

"I do appreciate that." Velvet answered Kovu back. "I think you'll find in the long run that such cooperation is beneficial to us, and gives us an edge that other prides and packs do not have." One of her ears twitched and she turned fully to Tyrant, a most curious expression twisting her soft face. "A carnivorous bull? Mmmmmhh, interesting." The lioness was intrigued by the idea. With the elephants and other larger beasts missing, the addition of a bull - and one with a craving for blood - would make a nice addition to the group.

Velvet swept the group once more with her eyes, looking for and seeing no disagreement about the Haunter's reunification. "Does anyone have any concerns about this merger? Any questions?"

Tyrant

He shrugged.it seems his humans vanished or something and he did what he had to to survive but he done it for so long that he aquired the taste but we don't know how long he'll be able to survive on it since their stomachs are different then oursHe said calmly.

Kovu nodded.

Velvet & Tersek

"Nightshade can help with that." Velvet proposed, catching the buck's attention. The melanistic deer had been standing in the background of the gathered felines and canines, keeping his distance from the newer pride still, until he was certain that they would do him no harm.

The lioness continued, "He can help the bull forage and increase the green in his diet. That does lead me to another issue, one that I've been meaning to bring up; it may be time to investigate the deer herds around here, and see about rounding up more scout and guards for the Ruins. Nightshade is all we have left of the deer." As she spoke with Tyrant about this, she kept a rounded ear angled towards the pack, just to make sure no one had any lingering objection to the merger of the Shadow Haunters.

tyrant

He nodded. Then tilted his head.we could try, they may not want to if they've grown to like the way they are, but perhaps they would agree when we offer to protect them from predationHe said calmly.

Velvet & Others

"If they're reluctant, we may have to start a new herd of our own like we had before." Velvet foresaw a potential snag here, not knowing how far Tyrant and Senka were taking the no-pup-napping rule, and whether they felt the same towards prey species. In an effort to avoid confrontation, the lioness suggested something else, "We can find any orphaned calves and fawns, and-"

"Sorry to interrupt." Lupanare raised her voice, and waited with perked ears until the lion looked back her way. The caramel-coated canine stood up, bright eyes flicking between the oracle and Tyrant, having come to accept the big male's place in the pack. "Having deer as scouts and guardians is good, but as far as our food supply goes, why don't we take calves and lambs from the humans? Raise them in one of the nearby territories - they would provide us with more food, and it would be a better life for them than being cooped up with the two-leggers."

This caught Nightshade's attention, and cautiously, the ebony buck offered his two cents. "I would be willing to help with this."

Tyrant

He listened to them.we could do that, but we would need a prey animal to teach them how to live on their own as well as they are use to being hand fed by those things. They would not make it evne without us predators feasting on themhe said.

Velvet & Tersek

Intrigued by the proposal, Velvet pondered on the idea at length, allowing Tyrant to be the first to answer Lupa back. She had concerns for the humans, but... eventually, one day, they too would have to be dealt with if the Shadow Haunters were to truly take over the Valley. "An interesting proposal. Tyrant does have a good point though, I doubt they have the survival skills to feed them through their first winter, and that's without worrying about predation from outside our pack."

Lupanare took their concerns in stride and answered back without much delay, "Nightshade would be an excellent teacher for them. He was raised with the herd in the Golden Rose Canyon, and he's served us as a scout and defender since he was barely a fawn. And if that bull Koray found joins us, I'm sure he could help as well." Her tail swayed a little, "With the rest of the Haunters joining us, we'd have enough bodies to take turns rotating guards out there to keep them safe."

Tyrant

He nodded. he did enjoy thinking of taking the humans animals. Give them freedom. Sounds good thenHe said calmly now standing up and rubbing right up against Velvet. Let us wait a few days however , there no needing to rush thisHe said.

Velvet & Others

Velvet was somewhat caught off guard by the physical affection, but did not object to the touch when he offered it. Rather, the lioness actually leaned her cheek into him, scrubbing against his blue-gray fur. "A few days then. And once the rest of the Haunters are with us, it would be a perfect opportunity to send a few of them with a few of ours to work on this mission cooperatively." Velvet rose to her paws after saying this, wincing subtly at the discomfort it brought to her belly. "If no one holds any objections or further comments, the meeting is adjourned."

Tyrant

Tyrant may of disliked her ways it didn't mean he actually disliked her. He knew how to differentiate these things. Perhaps she really would hold to her words, it would be folly to go against them now that Senka would be bringing everyone here and essentially taking over. Unless Velvet was looking for a new internal war. He watched as the others now got up and vanished. Indeedhe siad.