okay SO! this is a meeting for both Nebrora and Elurin, as well as any lion wanting to join a pride and wants to have a better chance of survival during the winter! End time for replies will be SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH. This thread will also kick-off winter officially starting.

It had been very quiet the last several months. Nothin’ too alertin’ was goin’ on on the Island, and all was well with the pride. Lucien had found himself fallin’ into a comfortable routine: he’d wake up in the mornin’ and go out on a patrol, go find somethin’ to eat and patrol again, go back to his den for a rest and then patrollin’ a final time before callin’ it a day. Maybe he was too comfortable bein’ a ruler of a pride. The Cowboy King hadn’t been keepin’ in contact with his members and, in all truth, he wasn’t really sure how many of them still called Nebrora their home. And the winter that had begun only caused Lucien to feel guilty for bein’ a rather absent and uncarin’ King. That wasn’t him and it made him feel all the more awful.

Not only was it quiet within the pride, it also seemed quiet throughout Velstand as a whole. And this caused for the dun man to take a trip to visit the other prides. First would be the Peaks, settin’ off early in the mornin’ so he wasted no time in gettin’ there. But once he got there would his brows rise: there was no recent scent of Mathias or any other lions, and he wondered if the winter had already gotten to the mountainous terrain and caused for the territory to become uninhabitable. Lucien would move on, trailin’ toward the Bay. Again, no recent markers would be scented and this made the Plains King feel a bit uneasy. Did the Vadorian become uninhabitable, as well? The last pride was the Grove, and when he skirted the border, he could smell markers just enough to tell him that the jungle pride was still livin’ there.

It was gettin’ a bit chilly when he set off to go to the meetin’ spot for the pride, rufflin’ his mane and lettin’ out a sigh of annoyance. The pride wasn’t ready for this winter and it was more than partially his fault for not gettin’ it prepared, and that was what this meetin’ would be about. He’d jump up onto the rock he made his usual spot, golden eyes lookin’ over the expanse of land before raisin’ his open maw to the grey sky above, lettin’ out several thunderous roars that called to not only the Nebrora pride, but to Elurin and to any other lion that heard his call. If this winter was anythin’ like the last, Lucien knew that it would take as many lions as he could possibly corral to get through this season somewhat comfortably. And it would be right after his calls ceased and boomed out into the distance that the first snowfall would begin, soft and silently fallin’ to the ground, announcin’ that winter has come.


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html by castlegraphics; image by sanctuare

Hadley The world was changing. Leaves were falling. Animals were scurrying into their dens. The air bit in a way that it hadn’t before, as if it had become hungrier, more lustful for blood. But the truth was that she hadn’t noticed. Not the crunch of leaves in her ears, not the stale scents of pray, not the pricks and nibbles of the approaching chill. A few days ago, she’d found out she was never going back home. That she was never going to see her family again. That all this time…all this time she’d had it so certain that this was just temporary, that this was her wild child moment. Her mothers open arms were sure to receive her, her absence too great a pain for them to ever be mad at her. Sometimes she would even aim higher, crazier, thinking that her sister would magically forgive her. But that wasn’t a certainty anymore. Hadley had been walking, like a ghost, with no resting place in mind. Until she heard the call that is. She hadn’t seen people in a while. It’s like they crept underground just like the rest of the animals. So curiosity got the best of her. Once she reached the border, her steps grew shorter, her face concerned. The call had been for more than just pride members. Surely, he wouldn’t mind if she took a peek. Maybe it was just that today…she didn’t feel like being the usual sarcastic asshole she always was. Then again, ever since she’d gotten to this curse place, she was so angsty. It was really depressing, not to mention embarrassing. Her brows twitch on her face, her lips pressed together at she stares at the scented ground. Come on, Hadley. You’re a badass, remember? You’re a bad bitch and you’re gonna stroll up like you own the place. Hadley smirked, and skipped over to the meeting spot. Of course, when she actually reached the meeting spot, she wasn’t feeling like a badass bitch. More like a helpless cub, actually. “Hey…buddy.” We’re off to a great start, aren’t we? Then again, we’re badass so we can’t really give in to authority or adults or any of that boring stuff. “Where’s everyone?” She swallows. “It’s like everyone disappeared into thin air.” An awkward laugh. “And I took a bath yesterday, so I know it’s not me.” “Speech” Can't turn back, now I'm haunted

@Lucien

With the oncoming winter it seemed there had been a shortage in individuals all across Velstand as a whole. Which was honestly becoming really concerning to the Casimir. Hell she hadn't even seen her brother Gwyn and nothing could kill that guy. Literally.. nothing. It was enough to make her on edge and because of that she was a lot more guarded then she normally would be. It was only natural after all in wanting to protect yourself. When Lucien had called out Adrestia thankfully wasn't very far from him. She altered her course quickly, making her steps swift as she headed in his direction. Everything about this was familiar, he would often call them here for plenty of other meetings. Except this time it was just him and a strange lioness she had never seen before. Where was everyone? Hopefully they would arrive shortly. "The numbers are steadily dropping, perhaps others were not as prepared for this winter." She spoke mildly to both Lucien and Hadley as she moved to take a seat alongside the left side of Lucien. Of course he hovered above her on his perch upon the boulder but being close to him was priority, especially considering her rank. She sat stiffly, waiting to see if others would arrive. Though it wouldn't surprise her if they didn't.

notes: here she is, pleasant as usual lol
@Lucien @Hadley

ADRESTIA CASIMIR

code to twesh

The phantom passed silently through the sparse trees of Nebrora, noting that while the territory was still inhabited, it did not teem with life as it had in the summer. The island had wilted in the weeks he'd traveled. He had left without a word before the sunrise, without explanation to any of those he cared for or who cared for him in turn. He had no expectations of a warm welcome upon his return, but the lifeless, hollow look in his eyes suggested he had little emotional energy left to take anything to heart. He had left without explaining himself because he had always known, somewhere deep in his heart, that he would never find what he'd gone searching for.

And so, as the defeated ghost made his way home, he too had ventured past the other territories, and having found them abandoned, he began to suspect the island was preparing for a similar onslaught as had nearly killed him a year before. Strange, how much a single year could change things, could change a man. He felt as though he'd been hollowed out like a rotten tree, his only drive to survive and find a purpose to cling to, so he returned to the only purpose he had yet known.

The silver wraith slipped into the familiar clearing, finding comfort in the image of Lucien perched atop his throne of rock, as though nothing had changed. But the mood that hung over the few who had yet to arrive was not the lighthearted carefree attitude of Nebrora past. Instead there was a tinge of dread for what loomed on the horizon. The decay around them and the dry, cold bite in the air felt the beginnings of a noose around their throats, for now only a macabre necklace.

He vaguely recognized the younger lioness from the mysterious party months ago. Adrestia was more familiar, and seemingly loyal as she had ever been, sitting comfortably near her King. Dresden kept his distance, still unsure of his welcome, sitting down and wrapping his tail around himself. He would explain himself to Lucien when the two of them were alone, but for now he simply said, "If this winter is anything like last, being unprepared is deadly." His features were already gaunt from lack of rest and consistent meals as he'd been on his own for weeks. Anyone who tried to go it alone was at a very real risk of not seeing the spring.

table by ferus, art by driftyworks

@Lucien @Hadley @Adrestia

Magdalena Mansi

It was now more than ever that Magdalena felt quite uncertain of what was to come and ultimately, of herself. She loved the Grove and was determined to keep it going strong throughout the winter but by a show of hands, she was doing worse now than she had been before. The Grove was quite smaller than it had been months ago, Genevieve being the only one that had shown her face recently. For that, Magdalena would forever be thankful that at least she wasn't alone. Genevieve had shown her loyalty and Magdalena would be sure to reward in whatever way she could. Though, for now she was simply eager to call for her one-lady and relocate to the Plains as Lucien called for them.

The footsteps she gave were tentative at best as she meandered into a group quite unfamiliar to her but likely only because she the future frightened her. What now, she seemed to ask. Without question or consideration she moved towards Lucien in the hopes to provide a united front that neither prides were anything less than friendly. That there was hope as long as they stayed together. The way it stands now, I am down to one member aside from myself. This knowledge was kept quiet, for Lucien to hear. The last thing she needed was others to question her and it was Lucien who would know how to move forward.

table by ferus, image by rabbit

@lucien @genevieve

With winter came a lot of unresolved emotions and it was with those feelings that she found herself worrying over the littlest things. Through the last few months she hadn't been able to discover what it was that ailed Dresden but there was something. She didn't press, even if she knew it was probably best that she do it but she didn't want to be nagging. He would discuss things with her when he felt it was necessary and it was up to her to tell herself that that day may never come. With the winter creeping in it was all too easy to simply let go and get comfortable. The chilly air that swept through Skaer was inevitable but when she heard Lucien call, her heart beat rapidly within her chest and she prepared herself. The grey woman did a quick gloss over to make sure she looked presentable. Took a little bit of extra time but it would certainly be worth it in the end.

Eventually making her way there with each step quite calculated, she found Dresden first and began walking towards him. On that walk, she braved a look in Lucien's direction and smiled (even if he didn't look, she smiled) before taking a place next to her brother.

@dresden @lucien

Genevieve was relieved that Magdalena was still around. Granted it was only the two of them but it was better than being alone. She kept to the trees as they were a comfort for her, perhaps she had been a panther in her past life. But when her Queen called for her she did not take long to descend from the trees and make her way towards her. She gave a forlorn glance over her shoulder at the Grove, her home, before she trudged in the snow and followed the tracks that Magdalena had left. It wasn't long before she came into sight and Genevieve gave her a small smile. It was all she could muster at the moment. "After you." She spoke reassuringly, she wanted Magdalena to know that she was with her on whatever she ended up deciding. Heading towards the plains was certainly strange but Genevieve knew that Magdalena had a plan and if they could team up with the plains it would only make things easier for everyone. No single individual would be able to brave this winter on their own. She followed closely behind Magdalena, sticking to her right flank as they entered the gathering. There were a few individuals around and Genevieve briefly recognized the one male present, Dresden. They had hunted together back when the weather was far warmer and for that she was grateful that she recognized one face. Her Queen took up alongside Lucien and she took her place quietly alongside her. She remained silent for now, her eyes briefly glancing to each other individual present before shifting to watch Lucien, interested in what he would have to say. text. "speech."

@dresden @magdalena @lucien

Beau Dieudonné

This winter had not been pleasant to anyone it seemed. One second the peaks had been teeming with life and in the next instance everyone had vanished. Beau was accustomed to caring for himself however he could not help but worry about the fate of his fellow pride members, especially the fiery Duchess Tatiana. As he moved down through the peaks he let out a few questioning chuffs, his deep voice echoing across the empty terrain. As he went he left markers, simply so that if she was still in the area she would be able to track him. He didn't believe that Tatiana would disappear without a fight and he had hope that she would find him. He picked his way across the different terrains only to realize that the bay as well was abandoned. He wondered if a plague had swept the land without him knowing it. The chocolate hued male altered his course upon the sound of a call across the land. A call to gather. Being that he was one of the only individuals left from the peaks he made his way towards that sound. Where else would he bother going? He crossed the borders, his muscles tense as he made his way towards the many scents gathered. Upon his arrival he immediately recognized Magdalena and Genevieve from the group hunt they had had with the peaks. Moving to take his stand slightly behind Magdalena he spoke to her, "Magdalena, I am glad to see you are still around." He offered before pulling his haunches beneath him to sit, his gaze briefly wandering to each other individual before glancing upward towards Lucien.

@tatiana @magdalena