Akith’ki Terosh | Apprentice | Mentions:

Kethryll’ia, Sarolta (Dir.) Cyrus, Alvaerelle (Indir.)

Space saver for replying to Keth’s response.

His eyes dragged carefully over the heir, purple irises slowly being taken over my the growing expanse of his pupils. Listening to each word intentionally, committing this to memory, when he felt that slice of ice down his back once more. He knew who it was. Akith’ki’s head raised from Kethryll’ia and striking eyes met his own, sending a shock through his nervous system. Muscles tensed, feathering the fibres in his arms. The deliberate gesture to the space beside her, he was being called. Something akin to a trance washed over him, polluting his previous expression.

“I apologise, I must go. It was a pleasure to dance with you, Kethryll’ia.” Akith’ki’s voice was lowered, bringing out the harshness of natural sound, eyes guided back towards the heir for a moment. Then he quickly removed himself from their interaction, he did not need to form a coherent thought to reach his destination. Sarolta was like a magnet, dragging him into her orbit. His eyes remained trained upon her as he made his approach, the previous heated feelings began to cool into something sharper. She commanded his attention and he would oblige.

“Sarolta.” Akith’ki’s single word rolled from his tongue with great care, pronouncing each part to honour the name with the respect it deserved. He did not stand in front of her, instead he took up post exactly where she had indicated. Despite his side on view, Akith’ki craned his neck to the side to keep his eyes focused on her form. She looked formidable, even in the casual festival wear.

Her sudden snarl ripped Akith’ki from his own head, snapping his neck around to look where she was. His muscles drawn taut, prepared to leap forward, she had seen something that warranted that reaction, he should be ready. Purple eyes flashed with a savage gleam as he stared out across the clearing, it didn’t take long to see what she was so angry about. His own ears slicked back against the sides of his head as he watched his father with Sarolta’s relative. His back hunched slightly, waiting, he would not intervene if Sarolta wasn’t going to. His father was seething beneath the queen’s words, he strained to listen.

Akith’ki’s arms went limp as he managed to make out Alvaerelle’s words, his slitted pupils growing in size, face slack. He almost slunk back into the shadows as he watched her gaze round to meet his own. She meant for him to hear that, it was clear as day. A pang rippled through his chest as his mother was brought up, he had never met her. In fact, it was himself that ended her life. He knew his father did not value him how other parent’s valued their children, he did not receive the love and praise of others his age. Yet, if he had never received it, why would he desire it? You cannot miss something you never had.

Slowly, he drew his eyes back towards Sarolta. He felt like he should say something. “I am sorry about my father.” His voice still kept low, only meant for her ears. Akith’ki settled with the idea that he would dwell on the queen’s words at a later date, he had more to think of in the coming days.

Alvaerelle Wynzorwyn

With her head resting softly against his chest she could hear his heart rate increase. She wondered what possibly could have caused that and perhaps she knew it had been their closeness to one another, though perhaps the walk here would have done it as well. Meh, who's to say it was not both. Her hand followed the rise and fall of his chest and upon the deep inhale she could even hear his lungs fill with air against her ear. Her frown had shifted to a soft smile, as a memory of the first night she and Samblar had done this very same thing years ago as teens. His voice would rise as he’d respond to her praise upon his promotion. She’d offer a thump of her hand on his chest in answer toward his last remark, lifting her head to peer up at him from his chest, pale pools staring ever so softly into his.

“Nonsense. I doubt anyone except for maybe Cyrus would think you to be stupid, speaking of he likely finds everyone to be incompetent but himself, so you of all people would be the last to have to prove yourself to him. He’d very very lucky not to be fucking banished from the tribe after his stunt from tonight.” She’d huff softly, returning her head to his chest allowing the serenity of their childhood hiding spot to flow between them.

She’d nearly started drifting to sleep were it not for the male's voice returning to her ears. She’d allow a twitch to escape her left aud picking up on his vocals. She would bring herself to peer up at him once more, soft eyes following every word escaping his lips.

“You are not a monster Ivan. You never could be, even if you had tried.” As he continued expressing his own sadness for her deceased mate her ears would droop a bit, a small smile etching itself across her mouth.

“You as chief and Samblar as your lieutenant would have been a pairing to have conquered worlds that extended well past our very own. You shouldn’t carry that guilt or burden alone. You are the eldest heir, you had other more important things to attend to. Us warriors know we are expendable. We are raised knowing that each patrol might very well be our last,” she’d state strongly, vocals failing to falter regardless of the sensitivity of the topic.

She would reach her left hand to grasp his face so that the male would see her, even if he had before, but actually meet her face head on. “Don’t ever be sorry for talking to me about anything and everything, Ivan. You and I have always been this way with one another. Your pain is my pain.”

At the mention of being teased for losing a battle she hadn’t even known Samblarhad ultimately won, her cheeks would flush and she would grow hot, ears would pin down in submission before lifting once more, and her gaze would falter, slipping to the side as she’d allow a sheepish smile to paint her face. Her gaze would soon return, hand still on the side of his face soon drifting back down to his chest, fingers thrumming softly against the muscle that laid beneath their very tips.

"Well, that's out in the open now. I never could manage to shut up around you."

She’d allow a soft laugh to escape her and merely smiled at the male. Her eyes burned upon him. Despite the madness that had happened earlier this time with him had made up for what a shitshow it had been only moments ago.

“I feel dumb for being so clueless. Admittedly, I should have known you two had been competing for my love. Perhaps I was too blinded by duty and my own work ethic to have seen it.” She chimed in softly, once more.

"Vae... I know you've got an army behind you, and you've already successfully raised plenty of children on your own, but if there is room for one more assistant, I would move heaven and earth for you and your triplets. I'm not leaving anyone behind ever again."

At the shift of his tone and the furrow of his brow her own facial expression shifted to one of more seriousness. Her eyes had nearly welled up at the request. She reached her hand against his cheek again and smiled.

“You know it takes a village to raise children, I would be more than honored to grant you that role.” She’d raise herself on her right elbow severing their body contact for a moment. “These three helions are especially going to need it. I can already see them now - one fumbling with a bow, the other shooting into a nearby tree, and the third aiming straight towards nowhere and an arrow flying across the practice area.” The mere visualization brought a laugh to her face.

She had wondered what their children would look like. Would they be identical to one another, look like a mixture of the pair, or look nothing like their parents at all and take after their grandparents. She envisioned a red fiery haired boy with tan skin and green eyes, the next a slightly paler boy with lilac eyes and white hair, the third for whatever reason she envisioned with charcoal midnight black hair and tan skin with blue-grey eyes (taking after Samblar’s mother). She didn’t know why but perhaps it was instinct, or some delusional idea. Perhaps the Gods wanted her to believe this is what her children would look like but nonetheless she thoroughly enjoyed the idea.

“But, I think you know just as well as I do that, this decision is up to my daughter and niece.” She’d add.

Ivan knew she was referring to Esen at the mention of having a daughter. She had been fairly young taking on the role of the girl's mother and juggling training as a warrior. So much so, there were Queen’s she’d give her life for, helping her raise Esen by giving Vae advice on how to best nurture the child. In a way she knew not to be too pushy on the girl, allowing the blue-haired violet-eyed child to manifest her true nature and personality when she was ready. Fostering the child in a much more docile and nurturing environment rather than one of complete and utter chaos and force. One she knew Sarolta thrived in. It was odd watching the pair play together one starkly different from the other but it allowed Vae to truly appreciate the differences between the two, fortunate to have handled the less fiery one, by the strained vocals of a Koa who had managed to say the wrong thing and have food items, plates, toys, and all sorts of items flung at him over the years.

"I cannot remember if you had the chance to ever feel them." She'd state, peering down at her belly, a small flutter alerting her to someones intent movement.

Cornaith Iliven

“I’d expect even Cyrus to be rewarded with the position before I ever would be considered, honestly. It’s not something I truthfully push for or desire all that much anyhow. Perhaps the Elders and Gods find my inability to settle much like Elariel has, as an immensely undesirable trait. Who's to say.” He’d remark earnestly, shrugging his shoulders.

He was being honest. While he knew he might have had the potential to make an excellent lieutenant he never truly strived to take on that role. He knew the work that came with such a position and while he knew he could manage it he saw others more suited to the role than himself.

“It’s beginning to sound like you want it to be true, Cornaith. And if it were true, I doubt you would do anything about it.”

The male would allow a deep hum to rumble in his throat toward the female's statement. She seemed to be testing him in a way he hadn’t been tested before. He’d allow a wicked grin to spill across his face as he turned his head to meet her own face.

“I would beg to differ, Catori. I wouldn’t dare cross that line with you. Unless,” he proposed in a deep purr, “that is something you’d like me to do.” He’d add tastefully, lowering his skull and giving it an intrigued tilt, canines poking out as a smirk now laid itself upon his lips.

“You have far easier quarry to hunt down than myself.”

His gaze would follow hers as it drifted past their conversation. It would initially land upon Clisteoeska and a small frown would etch itself upon his face. Perhaps it was time he’d end things with the female, even if she had been a rather tasteful bedding partner. Then he’d notice her gaze shift towards Koa. A single brow would rise in peaked interest. Was she trying to tell him her interests were elsewhere? He had seen the pair dancing earlier, actually envying the male for such an opportunity to be granted. He’d have to give him props and ask the male how he managed to do so. Koa was like a brother to Naith, the pair would be eyeing females carefully, wary of which ones to avoid and discussing which ones seemed rather promising. They’d also be very compatible warriors when placed side by side with one another. They shared similar battle strategies and thoroughly enjoy each others company when it comes to patrols. When her gaze met his own he’d endure his facial features remained neutral though could have passed as boredom.

“No male enjoys easy prey, Catori. In fact, perhaps we prefer a much more difficult quarry.” He’d gesture simply, the wicked grin he once had now returning once more.

“Perhaps, we would much prefer a long drawn out hunt instead.” His pale gaze would burn a deep and vibrant pink against the red of the firelight beside them.

His pupils would dilate, falling upon the emerald green of her pools that glowed deliciously against her obsidian facial markings. He’d lean in once more, allowing himself to expose his broad chest toward the female. This would serve as an initial form of dance for the pair, one he knew he could withstand and proceed cautiously.

“I know that I personally do not mind proving my worth, if the outcome were to result in something much like what Elariel has.” He’d finish, baritone vocals tastefully dancing against her ear once more, roving as though being dragged against hot coals.

He’d been fighting the urge to sroll his tongue against her ear, that or even sink his canines into her neck, anything for the slightest taste of the female before him. His restraint was all he had at this point, so the closeness would be enough to suffice his craving for now. His onlt promise to the female that he wouldn’t go past this unless she obliged was whispering sweet playful nothings into her ear.

He’d hum softly, allowing his tongue to lick his lips once more, the heat of his muscles body likely radiating against her at the closeness of their bodies. His gaze would slide to peek at the female beside him, his body still firmly held close against her ear, his grin plastered upon his face.

“I am not sure if anyone has properly complimented your attire tonight, lieutenant. You are absolutely ravishing this evening. Your paint accentuates your eyes rather beautifully as well, dare I say.” He’d draw his pools forward before adding, “Your eyes are truthfully the purest of emeralds.”

For a moment, he’d allow the closeness of his breath and scent of sweet vanilla, rum, and pink pepper to dance across her skin and intermingle with that of her own, before returning once more to his seat. The softest growl escaping his own throat as her scent lingered within his nares, his eyes closing briefly taking in her perfume to the fullest extent possible, before returning his burning gaze upon her. A more sensual gaze now flickered upon his eyes, refusing to dismiss itself, revealing his true desire for the female. She likely knew it and perhaps not, perhaps he’d purposefully chosen tonight especially following the brief mishap into the night. He’d known she’d been tired of having to wear all the duties and responsibilities of the tribe, so what was one night to just be herself. Live a life not so constrained to appearing so serious. The previous chief very rarely allowed an ounce of severity to litter his being why should she. If anything, the previous chief had been so consumed in fulfilling a prophecy that proved itself more difficult to fulfill than any other. Why should she have to sacrifice her very being to juggle a role she likely felt completely unprepared for. To hell with it.

Catori Thirle | Stand-In Chief | Mentions:

Cornaith (Dir.) Elariel, Syllivanna, Althaea (Indir.)

Her eyes flashed at his amorous proclamation that he would not dare overstep her boundaries without first receiving obvious permission. She supposed that was why his games were never directed towards her, at least, to any degree of seriousness. Lifting her palms from behind her, she shifted in her seat, angling herself to face him a little more. For a moment, when his features dipped into something monotonous she thought that their game was over, but as quickly as it had risen to his face, a grin splayed over his lips once more. What encouraged that dead-panned look, Catori was not sure. Best not to dwell on the minute.

His words revealed a lot, his perception of courtship and the outcome all laid out like a predator hunting down their prey. Catori was no prey. Her bright eyes met his with ease as he leaned towards her once more, again initiating himself.

Now facing him better, Catori could feel the heat pulsing from his body, as she breathed their chests almost brushed together. Her ears angled down ever so slightly, eyes half closed and staring into the middle distance as she awaited his next move. It was not what she expected, a teasing comment, an invitation to a second location, all she would have expected. But a comparison to Elariel and his mated status was not one she would have picked out. Her hooded eyes opened fully, flicking her irises to the side to look at him from their corners. She was met with the intense gaze of pale irises tinged carnation pink in the fire light. A strange tightening in her chest made it difficult to breathe for the smallest of moments, a hitch in her rhythmic breathing the only indication of her flustered status.

Instead of reacting further, Catori leaned her neck, allowing for a large expanse of her skin to be exposed to him. Taking the moment to think about his words. She had Cornaith pinned as an insatiable man, something she did not perceive as a negative trait, simply that it was how the male was. Nothing more and nothing less. Curious.

Her thoughts were dashed by his next comment, a breezy compliment that flooded from his lips with such ease it caused a wicked smile to slide onto her lips. As he began his retreat from her ear, she lifted her head slightly so that her cheek grazed his jaw as he returned to his seated position beside her. A soft rumble from her throat at the vagueness of the contact, a slow blink and her eyes were trained back on Cornaith. The young woman took a moment to assess him, deciding that if he wanted to play, she would oblige. Catori drew her eyes down to his chest, studying the smeared paint once more. A thought bringing a smile to her lips before she spoke.

“Thank you, but flattery will not be enough to win me over.” Her eyes slowly returned to his, her head tilting gradually, calculated in its decline towards her shoulder. A second passed before she decided it was her turn to lean towards him. A fleeting notion entered her brain, that she should be busying herself with other duties, seeking out Syllivanna to offer words of encouragement, but her body did not want to drift away. She lifted a hand and placed it on his leg, digging her claws in deliberately, only enough to pinch. She placed some of her weight onto that arm to lift herself up closer to his height. Catori was aware of their near foot difference in that department, yet it seemed a lot bigger now she was so close to him.

“I will need more than pretty words to convince me you’re worthy.” She stole the terminology from his earlier comment. “I am no prey to be hunted by you. I am as much a predator as you are, and I’ll need to be impressed.” She kept her voice low, taking her time to make sure each word was spoken with the sultriness she intended. Her eyes departed from his, trailing her gaze along his jaw, a pointed look with hooded eyes before she suddenly snapped them back up to meet his again.

Each breath she took was injected with his scent, the only meaning being that hers was encircling him now. A deep cherry liqueur tinged with a warm spice, perhaps enhanced by use of a few herbs that she bathed in. A quiet rumbling from her continued in the moments between her words, enjoying their current situation more than she anticipated. Her surprise at his bold engagement was likely the most enticing part that encouraged her to push him further.

“If you desire an outcome akin to that of Elariel and his mate,” Catori lifted her hand from his leg and trailed a fingertip up his torso to his jaw, carefully not to nick the thinner skin at his neck, and pushed it gently into the skin there. “Then I will need to be courted extravagantly. Something I think you are more than capable of, Cornaith.” She purred his name, making a point to let the name drip from her tongue like her voice was meant to purr only his name.

Catori Thirle | Stand-In Chief | Mentions:

Cornaith (Dir.) Elders (Indir.)

Under the heat of his gaze, Catori was suddenly acutely aware of the shadows the overhanging rock provided them. With their people’s excellent eyesight, they were not invisible in the shade, but at least it may take a few glances to clock what was happening between the pair. Only the occasional flicker of flame lit their eyes in the growing dark, the reflected light of the moon unable to reach them. Before they had returned to sharing the same air once more, Catori had noted the small strike of metallic silver paint that had been pressed onto his jaw. No doubt that her own silver cheek marking had been smeared ever so slightly in order to release some of its mass to decorate Cornaith further.

She had noticed his mimicked tilted head, stretching his neck to expose more of the taut skin towards her. A flash of smugness warmed inside of her. Catori had enjoyed their game, but she was unsure if she were simply another conquest, one that he could sweep off her feet within a few whispered words. Yet, judging from his hitched breathing and slitted eyes, there seemed to be more bubbling beneath the surface that she had yet to notice. Occasional glances in the hottest moments of training, she had caught them, but it was Cornaith. He threw those looks around like it was nobody’s business. It appeared that the glances he had thrown her way held a little more value to them.

Pleased with the shift in his vocalisation as she grazed her fingertip over his flesh, she let the digit guide itself up to the origin of his jawbone. Resting the other pads of her fingers against the skin there. The muscles moved beneath her touch as she caught sight of that wickedly ensnaring grin that lifted Cornaith’s lips once more. The tips of his canines pressing into the edge of his lip, divoting the skin sharply. Distracted by his smile, and the gentle warmth emitting from where her fingers were touching his skin, Catori’s eyes widened fleetingly as she felt the toughened skin of Cornaith’s hand meet her softer skin. Guiding itself along as though it had done it a thousand times before, locking her beside him by the possessive grip to the hair just above her nape, drawing a silky gasp from her parted lips. Her pupils dilating excessively, the smallest ring of green iris now surrounding them.

Her upper body was engulfed by his presence, cast in darkness, suddenly hidden away from the rest of the gathering. Back arching as he spoke contorting the black tattoos that swirled over the toned muscles, as a slow languid smile was drawn onto her lips, her heart betraying her as it picked up its steady beating into something akin to a galloping horse. No doubt in her mind that the increased thundering of her heart was pulsing a flush to her face, ghosting her cheeks with a pink hue beneath the faint freckles that graced her nose. A quiet groan as he finished pointedly with her name. The fingers that were pressed against his face pushed a little further into the muscle as he drew back his hand, she almost let out a whine at the loss of contact. Rather than let the desire within her beat her own mind, Catori managed to keep it contained, instead producing a small sound from her throat as she realised he was moving closer. The feathering of breath that glided against her skin drew a subdued shiver down her spine, her hand falling from his jaw. Now resting her hand at his neck, her thumb hovering by the divot of the centre of his collarbone, her fingers encircling part of his neck.

“Your words are captivating, Naith.” Catori toyed out the shortened version of his name playfully. “I simply cannot wait to see how you will prove them to be true.” Her voice barely a whisper beside his ear, knowingly letting her lips brush against the skin of his ear as she spoke. Her voice consciously strained with desire, willing to push Cornaith to the edge before she felt satisfied in their surprising new connection. Her contorted back could hold her position for longer, but she knew that it would be tender later. Instead of retracting, Catori brought her free hand between them, reaching behind his back. She pressed her palm into his shoulder blade, curling her fingers into the top of his shoulder from beneath. Using him as an anchor whilst allowing herself some relief. Deeming that if she needed to whirl away from him to attend to her duties, she would hear the Elders make the announcement and quickly untangle herself from her partner.