Zoticus ,
And so he comes.

The thought had been on his mind for weeks now- all through his healing. He had the time to dwell on it, to feel the bitterness growing inside him, planting waves of venom throughout his blood for the need of revenge. He’d made a promise to @Vermier , and now, Zoticus was looking to collect. His family was in the Hollows, safe. He’d talked to @Avaneira about her caring for his family in the event he lost here today, and it was that assurance that he felt ready to come to seek his vengeance.

He hadn’t come back to the lands of Wolfbron since his defeat. Trekking forward to the lands, he felt odd as he stared at it from a distance. For once, he couldn’t just cross over the borders. Couldn’t patrol them and ensure their safety like he had so many times… because right now, in this moment, he was the threat. Acidic eyes gazed upon the borders with a distaste- the smell of them reeked of Vermier, when it should of been his scent coating the lands. All of his past rushed to his mind- how ironic it was, wasn’t it? It seemed history had a way of repeating itself. Zoticus thought maybe it was karma for it going back for his sisters. Karma for having been so selfish his first few years of life. He’d lost his home once in his past- him and his father being exiled, his sisters and mother stuck… and now he stood a stranger outside of his old home.

But this was different.

Zoticus had cubs now, children. Four little beings that would look to him for guidance. He had a nate to protect, a family to raise- but with this bitterness, this hatred and rage gnawing at him… he couldn’t. Something had to be done and he was prepared to die in an attempt to do it.

A roar finally slipped from his lungs, echoing out over Wolfbron as he demanded the audience of @Vermier . He wondered if the lion would show- or would he hide and cower away in the lands he stole? Would he not be brave enough to face the wrath he brought upon himself, for wronging Zoticus? A few more chuffs left him in summons and Zoticus prowled the borders, eagerly awaiting his chance to shed blood, to find justice.

Zoticus vs @Vermier for death
0/7

^{code & manipulation by wallflower. lion & texture from unsplash.}

Kyros was unhappy in the Hallows. He didn’t like how quiet his mother was, or how upset his father had become. He didn’t like the dark caverns and the unfamiliar smells. When he noticed his father leaving earlier that day, the boy hadn’t hesitated for a moment to follow, keeping enough distance to not let the older man know he was there. Zoticus seemed lost enough in his own thoughts that Kyros figured it wouldn’t be too difficult.

When the Bluffs came into view, the boy felt a spark of hope, wondering for a moment if they were finally returning home. He still didn’t fully understand the events that had led to their relocation, that Wolfbron was now home to an enemy. Seeing his father stop at the border drew him to a stop as well. Quickly, before he could be spotted, he found himself a spot behind a boulder, his head peeking over the top to watch whatever it was that was about to happen. Anyone approaching from behind would be able to spot him easily enough, but he was at least hidden well enough to avoid catching his fathers gaze for the time being.

The sound of the call his father let out sent chills down his spine. He couldn’t explain it, the sense of dread that suddenly washed over him. Zoticus’ intentions here were a mystery to the boy, which was both a blessing and a curse. For the moment, he was able to watch with an innocent curiosity, but when the reality of what was about to happen crashed down around him, it would be that much more horrifying.

"Speech"

never has úlla thought that her next death match would see the familiar figure of her noble and friend in the battle ring. vermier is detestable and she figured someone would go for his throat, but she never thought it would be zoticus. úlla cannot stop what is already happening as she makes her way to the bluffs for the second time. her paws feel heavy and her face cold and bereft of any emotions. she's not sure if she will be able to say anything or even look at anyone except the battlers. and yet, this is what her god wants — a match to the death. in some ways, úlla looks forward to it as a sigrún. but as just a queen, she doesn't wish to see her members fighting a battle that may end in their loss.

table by ferus

And so, once more, he returned to Wolfbron. Not much time had passed since Zoticus' deposition, and yet the Xanthos had made his intentions clear. His throne for his life. And so the call for death would come, and Magnus would make his way across the borders, lumbering gait slowing only once his sister came into view. So far, there was not much of an audience; he would move to sit next to @Úlla, pressing his shoulder to hers in subtle greeting before shifting his attention to the enraged Noble. A fallen King, desperate for revenge; time would tell as to whether or not he would manage to get it. @Kyros, for now, went unnoticed; all of Magnus' attention remained on @Zoticus. On Zoticus, and the horizon behind him.

the finest fury is the most controlled

code by corvus

The golden playboy had been out and about when he had noticed something odd. A lion. Well the lion wasn’t odd, but what was, was the young cub who seemingly was following him. Eyebrows raised as he stayed back and down wind from the pair following himself. Staying low he was curious as to what going on he made his own way carefully across the landscape. Than his ears pinned to his skull as the lion (@Zoticus) that the cub (@Kyros) had been following let out a roar challenging the leader of this red land to the death. Pride lions and their political fights. It sickened him. Why bring a cub to such a fight? In any case Newt settled down in a hidden ledge of the land with some cover of some brush to hide in. His purple gaze watched the cub protector like, maybe due to his fatherly instincts kicking in with him going to be a father soon. Every now and again his eyes would dart to someone else as someone new arrived before traveling back to the boy. All these pride lions and he is the one babysitting. Though he also watched for signs that the fight was starting as well.

( Newt is hidden )

+5 Follow a character without getting caught 1/2 - Outlaw
+5 Explore a new territory and find something useful 1/2 - Outlaw

GOLDEN PLAYBOY

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code by corvus

She had not been among these lands for long when she heard the summons, a call for battle to the death. Violence was no forgin concept to her, it had become quite commonplace in her homeland the last few years before she left, and so she was immediately drawn in. So wrapped up in the excitement, she didn’t recognize the voice that should have been sickeningly familiar to her, not until she arrived and the raging figure came into view.

A sharp breath was quickly inhaled, any other spectators completely forgotten and ignored as she moved in to spectate. She sat stiffly, her lips pressed into a firm scowl. Part of her wanted to stride forward, to smack Zoticus and demand that he explain to her what the hell was going on. What was so important that he had to put his life on the line? What had changed so drastically in her brother that had caused him to care about something enough to do that, when only a few years ago he couldn’t even be bothered to help his mother and sisters? She knew that was a dangerous game to play, though. She didn’t want to distract him and be the reason he lost, but more so, she didn’t want to get caught up in the middle.

Conflicting emotions swirled within her. Anger towards him for leaving her behind, and now threatening her with the possibility that he would die before she ever even got a chance to speak to him. Relief that he was here, and could make it out of this. Confusion about how the hell he had gotten himself here. Her lazy, selfish, vain brother calling for a fight to the death… If he lived, he would be getting an earful from her.

"Speech"

She'd not even had the opportunity to begin trying to hunt down the location of Zoticus when the beast himself calls out from the Bluffs for the most serious of challenges. That was unexpected. It presented a problem for Lexa, who has found herself with a child under her wing -- a child who has been entwined with Zoticus for some time. And of course, @Madelina wanted to know what it meant -- why wouldn't she? She'd held true to her intentions to be honest, and though the explanation had not been easy, she hadn't sheltered the girl from the gravity of the situation. Together, they had made the decision to go -- if only so that they wouldn't have to wonder when it was over.

Now, with the child by her side, they make their way into Wolfbron territory once more. She is not nearly so excited to watch this fight as the ones that have come before it; whilst the death of either man would mean little to Lexa herself in the long run, the possibility of Madelina facing more loss has her in a more fretful mood than she typically is. Often, she glances to the girl to make certain she's alright as they warily wander their way up the trail.

The Bluffs king has yet to show himself, and the crowd that has begun to linger is small and silent. There's always a sense of dread to these moments, hushing everyone into wordless worry for one man or the other. The only familiar face to her is @Magnus, and she knows an event like this one could turn more brutal than just one fight -- she would be unwise to avoid the relative safety of someone who is on their side. An ally, she hopes. Roarke may have sought to poke the bear simply because he could, but ultimately, she knows that both the Lagoon and the Rainforest stand for Zoticus.

And so it is towards the Scillan king that she heads with Madelina in tow, inclining her chin towards him in a wordless greeting before she settles onto her haunches a few yards away. Lexa turns to her charge, dipping her muzzle close to the girl's ear and seeking to sling a forepaw over her shoulders protectively. "We can leave anytime you want, okay?" she croons against Madelina's cheek, giving her the option of an out. If it becomes too much to bear, they do not have to stay.

The wounds inflicted to her by Vermier were healing. Though the mental scars would probably stay with her for the rest of her life. Even after the False King’s demise. Rather it be by the fangs of Zoticus or another. Hell within confines of her den that day she had thought of ending his pathetic life herself, but that wasn’t a scene she wished for her babies to bare witness to. The death of another was not something to be proud of. The fact that Zoticus had called for Vermier in a fight to the death though was not something she could just sit idly by and do nothing. So she made sure her children where safe and tucked away in their makeshift home. “Stay here and stay hidden!” She sternly ordered. Though if they would listen she didn’t know.

Returning to the Bluffs as an outsider felt weird, but she came with her head held high to support Zoticus. She wanted to support her friend. So without a word to distract him she came and took a seat next to @Magnus. Nothing was said as she just simply sat there watching as well.

code by corvus

Within the first few moments of the goddess' explanation, Madelina felt confused and something in her rattled. A mere moment where the glass simply shattered and she felt her body go rigid; unmoving as she began to understand what was going on. That @Lexa was going to bring her to Zoticus but the circumstance wasn't ideal. That there would not be happiness or a well-rounded hug that she would be met with. That she would have to be still and quiet, her eyes alert and prepared. The same feeling that rattled her now was one that she knew well-enough by the whole sudden disappearance of her own parents and her friend's parents that had tried to explain what had happened. Now that she was older, the pieces all fit together.

So it was in silence that the mauve girl wandered at her caretaker's side, wandering through familiar terrain as they pushed passed the Bluffs line. Her eyes trailing the pathway that she had taken not too long ago in an effort to run and hide. Within seconds she seemed to push herself further against Lexa's side, feeling the fear resonating inside of her. The urge to vomit present as they begin to sit down, the beautiful Lexa swinging an arm over her and letting her know that it was up to her when they left. That if anything made her feel more uncomfortable than she was now that there was no shame in leaving. With a hard swallow, the girl nodded and took in a deep breath. Her eyes looking to @Zoticus and a frown came. Tears welling in her eyes as she closed them, saying a few silent godless prayers to whoever could hear them.

Please don't let the Good Lion die.

table by ferus, art by munk

+5 Follow a character without getting caught (Ulla ;) )
+5 Observe a fight

He had been minding his own business until his watchful eyes had spotted a familiar grey pelt heading towards a call sounding in the distance. He was not fond of the Sigrun, but Ulla was an interesting woman. That is why the giant of a man decided to follow the Sovereign and see where exactly she would end up going.

It came as a surprise when she crossed the border of another pride which was certainly not hers. Was it an allied pride? As the scene began to unfold in front of him, all the while he kept hidden behind the jagged Bluff rocks, his confusion began to clear. The man was standing in the middle in wait much like the grey Sigrun woman had the day she fought for the Lagoon pride. Another challenge. He was certainly behind on the events of the pride lion world, but it wouldn't hurt to catch up. For his own benefit.

bhaskar is hidden