As the sultan’s Effendi-Muqatil, Elysia had more responsibility on her plate than ever. Sephrian’s kingdom was growing in numbers quickly as more and more family members turned up out of the blue. And more Sidi were being claimed. They were running out of space to house their population. And that is why after a late night conversation with Sephiran, Elysia was bringing some of the syndicate’s fighters with her to survey a possible expansion today.

As the sun began to rise above the horizon Elysia stepped out of her new den. One made for her rank, not her. She’d spent the night there deciding which area would be best to look at first and debating who to bring with her. Throwing her head back she let the summons ring out.

When those joining her would arrive she would explain to them the conversation she had with Sephiran. And that they were under sultan’s orders for the day to look over the land and should it seem worthy of the syndicate to push out any other large predators that may threaten Sephirans empire.


"Ely & Ezekiel"

Kai didn't need to answer anyone's summons but Sephirans. Lucky for Ely, the lavender fae was bored. She'd patrolled the border of the Sound already, moving along at a hot clip. There hadn't been anything of note to even run off or investigate, unfortunately. The kill den was pretty packed full, thanks to herself and Riot. What else was there to do? Roll around in furs. Take a nap. Eat a snack. Or... she could see what everyone else was up to.

The smokey woman made her way towards Ely's call, stopping to stretch and yawn when she saw her. It was always best to limber up before going off to fuck around, eh? As her cousin explained the situation, Kai nodded. Running off some predators from the new territory would kill some time. She was in.

"Speech"

Aresenn had already been awake, his eyes set on the horizon anticipating the rise of the sun. His thoughts had been engaged in a silent dance, creating and discarding plans for potential future endeavors. At the sound of Elysia's summons, his ears perked with interest. Here was an opportunity, and he had never been one to shy away from a challenge.

He strode towards the gathering group, his eyes meeting Elysia's from across distance. Anticipating a mission of some significance given the early summons, he approached with a ready sense of determination and general intrigue. As Elysia began explaining the situation, he ran through tactical approaches in the back of his mind, swiftly calculating the potential risks and rewards. The idea of expanding their territory, of warding off dangerous predators, was a task that resonated with his proactive nature. He carefully observed Elysia as she spoke, absorbing every detail of the mission at hand.

When Elysia finished speaking, he stood tall, his gaze unwavering. "I'm in." His voice was firm, his assertive nature reverberating through those two simple words.

"Aresenn Praetor"

As the sun kissed the sky with hues of amber and gold, Absinth emerged from the shadows of the forest, drawn by the compelling call of Elysia. This was her first task then as lead militant, and Absinth was eager to see Ely in action. She sauntered towards the gathering, her emerald  eyes gleaming with excitement as she made her way to the gathering of warriors.

Upon arrival, Absinth dipped her head in acknowledgement, her ears perking up to catch every word spoken.

Listening intently, Absinth absorbed the gravity of the situation. Sephrian's kingdom teetered on the brink of expansion, the burgeoning population threatening to tip the delicate balance of available resources and space. As Elysia outlined their mission, Absinth felt the thrill of the hunt stirring within her. She did love these group escapades. Call it the wolf in her.

With a low growl rumbling in her chest, Absinth pledged her services to the cause just as they set out to complete their task.

wormwood

The day is barely beginning and already Ezekiel is in a foul mood. He was tired, cold, and missed having his sister to curl up with a night but he would not demand that she change anything just for his comfort. Still, a sigh rolls past his lips as her summons reaches into the early morning air and he slowly plods his way to where a group is gathering around El.

Staying quiet, he listens as she explains about the Syndicate wishing to expand and that she, and by extension them, have been tasked with clearing out any large predators that might be hanging around the new land. Dipping his head in agreement, the grumpy man follows after the group hanging back slightly as Zeke tries to his sour mood in check until he can take it out a predator.

After all, killing or horribly maiming a creature is a great way to relieve stress.


"Ely & Ezekiel"

Elysia was proud of her turn out. Her head was held high as each body had arrived before her. Giving each of them a nod of welcome before she began telling them of the task at hand. Each listened intently. Most seemed to silently accept the quest. But Aresenn verbally acknowledged her. With a smirk she turned toward the pine and motioned for them to follow her.

It was a strong group that surrounded her. She had killed large predators with each person. And some of them together. They were a lethal unit as a whole. Leading the group deeper into the pines she easily found the tracks of a group of coyotes. Vermin the lot of them.

Turn her head back to Absinth she gave the monochromatic woman a playful smirk as she remembered what the two of them alone could do. She could wait for the show to begin now.

Taking off she followed the tracks and the scent until they came into view. Five or six of them in total, some laid sprawled about, the others eating or playing with each other.

They needed to eradicate them. Send a message that this land wasn’t theirs any long. It belonged to the syndicate. Lowering herself into a crouch she turned to watch as her group got into position. They’d attack as a unit and make quick work of this group.


"Ely & Ezekiel"

This was Ely's show. Kaino and the rest were simply here for support. As her cousin led the group out into the thickest batch of pines, Kaino scented the air. Coyotes. She could smell their musk thick on the air. It wasn't uncommon to have coyotes and other predators within wolven territory. It was difficult to keep them out. A group of them, however? With the imminent arrival of pups, the lesser canines were too close for comfort.

The quintet of wolves stopped at the edge of a small clearing, all of their eyes locked on their prey. The coyotes hadn't a clue. Not for a long while, anyway. Eventually one of them noticed and sounded the alarm. All play ceased and those that were asleep quickly woke. Five or six of them total... until more came out of the den behind. The lavender and smoke fae grinned, teeth flashing. Ah, she loved a challenge. The more coyotes, the bigger the reward when they all lay dead around them. And they were all bonding! How sweet!

"Speech"

Watching the entire scene unfold before him, Aresenn’s stone-cold eyes narrowed, a cold smirk playing at the corner of his lips. He had been silent, the whole journey through, choosing to keep his thoughts to himself as he observed his team, taking note of each of their expressions and reactions. The prospect of a fight did nothing to excite him, but it gave him something to do, something to focus on.

As the unsuspecting coyotes went about their business, Aresenn’s attention was redirected by Elysia’s playful smirk. Meeting her gaze with a half-hearted grin of his own, he nodded in understanding, his dark eyes flickering back towards their targets. Flexing his nails into the ground, Aresenn took a slow, deep breath, feeling the chill of the midday air fill his lungs. The adrenaline had begun coursing through his veins, a sensation he had grown familiar with over time. He could hear the steady pounding of his own heart, the slow tick-tick-tick of a clock before the strike of the hour- before Elysia gave the signal.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Her heart beat in rhythm with the anticipation moments before action, primal excitement coursing through her veins. She watched briefly as Aresenn flexed his nails into the ground, the tension building in the air between them all. Elysia's signal was imminent, and Absinth knew it was time to channel that horribly bloodthirsty part of her now.

With a quick glance at her comrades, Absinth gave each a smirk – emerald eyes filled with a mix of mirth and eagerness. “Let's give them something to remember!” She cackled, her voice low and filled with determination. She was dying for Elysia to give the signal, every muscle ready for the hunt. She could feel the unity of the group, each member contributing to the strength of their pack. The coyotes would never know what hit them, until teeth snapped and bones broke.

wormwood

They listen, they walk, energy crackling around the group as their thirst for blood becomes an almost palpable thing. Excitement courses through Ezekiel, filling his veins with liquid fire as they stalk toward the doomed coyotes and he has to hold himself back from simply rushing in and killing. They wait, watching the five or six coyotes multiply as they sound alarms, filling the area with the thick, sour scent of fear.

A wicked smirk tugs at his lips as he waits, holding himself in check until his sister signals their release. Only then will Zeke descend open the pack and tear them limb from limb until only bloody hunks of meat will be left in the area. Duel-toned eyes move to where Ely is, eyes flashing with his desire to be unleashed.


"Ely & Ezekiel"

Elysia waited as the coyotes cried out in alarm and more bodies joined their ranks. She almost wanted to laugh. They thought they were stronger. But she knew her group, while smaller, had the strength to make the group red with the vermin’s blood. So she turned back to her family and met each of their thirsty gazes before she nodded once.

The slaughter was on! Launching from her spot like a spring that had been coiled to long, ely lead the charge, fangs bared as she aimed her attack at the closest coyote.

The sounds of bodies colliding, teeth snapping, flesh tearing became her battle symphony all around her. Basking in it she let herself go. Focusing on the coyote she didn’t intend to toy with it. She just wanted to feel its life slip away.

Using her size and weight, she slammed into its body, teeth seeking purchase in the flesh of its throat. Crunching down on the flesh as blood seeped onto her tongue. She could have purred. But now was not the time to savor it. She’d have to wait. Yanking on the coyote’s throat she felt the flesh tear open and blood splatter down the front of her. Spitting out the flesh in her mouth she watched as the first coyote fell to the ground gagging on its own blood. Fear of death, fear of her in its eyes.

Turning away from it she moved onto another Coyote now.


"Ely & Ezekiel"

Aresenn observed the scene unfolding with detached curiosity. Once the hunt was on, nothing else mattered but the kill. He followed Elysia's lead and dashed forward, his form a blur against the barren landscape. A primal roar escaped his lips as he lunged at a nearby coyote, claws ripping into their soft flesh. The scent of blood filled his nostrils and fueled his drive, painting pictures of victory in his mind. The coyote's cries were nothing but a plaintive serenade to his battle-hungry senses. Aresenn reveled in the fear that seeped from their every pore, the sheer terror in their eyes as they realized their fate. He was a predator, they were his prey and this was nature’s law, as cold and unyielding as the northern ocean lapping at the edge of their territory.

The taste of coppery blood on his tongue was invigorating, a gruesome testament to his prowess. He could hear the symphony of battle all around him - the snarls and growls of his packmates, the screams of the falling coyotes, the cracking of bones. It was the echoing call of victory, a blood-soaked melody that soothed his savage instincts. The world had narrowed down to this single moment, this perfect communion. And of course they were making quick work of the pack.

Aresenn wrenched his jaws out from the body of the fallen coyote, ignoring the warmth that seeped into the fur of his chin, neck, and chest. He looked around, eyes flicking from one skirmish to another with cold detachment. Who would be next?

"Aresenn Praetor"

Kai didn't like to wait, so she didn't. Ely took on the first coyote that came her way, but Kai skirted around the side, blocking off the path of a few that were smart enough to try and escape. The Saxe woman leaped, using her agile frame to cut through the air and slam down hard upon one of the fleeing canines. Jaws locked around its scruff, teeth sinking in until blood poured from the corners of her maw. She gave the lesser canine a shake and then... she let it go. "Tell the others that this land is ours." A bloodied grin was flashed and she released the mangled coyote so that it could have its freedom but would bear the truth of its tale.

As the first coyote ran, Kai easily pounced a second, silver gloved paws mashing it into the ground before dispatching it with a quick rip to the throat. All of the Saxe were a little off, but Kaino grinned while she killed. Not much could sour the woman's mood. Not even something as bloody as this. It was a pity that coyotes were so rank smelling, some of their coats were rather nice.

"Kaino"

The moment Elysia's eyes met her own, signaling the attack, Absinth sprang forward with a snarling, primal laughter. Her lithe form moved with an effortless grace, muscles rippling under her skin as she closed the distance between herself and the nearest coyote. Her senses heightened, she could hear the rapid thud of paws against the earth, smell the musky scent of the coyote’s fear mingling with the scent of pine and earth.

Absinth's first target lunged at her, jaws snapping. She ducked low, feeling the rush of air as its teeth missed her by mere inches. In a fluid motion, she pivoted on her heel, bringing her claws up in a savage arc. They connected with the coyote's side, a spray of blood marking the strike as the creature yelped in pain. The thrill of the fight surged through her, and she couldn't help but laugh, a wild, unrestrained sound that echoed through the clearing.

Another coyote came at her from the left, but Absinth was ready. She leaped into the air, twisting her body to land behind the charging beast. With a swift, brutal efficiency, she raked her claws down its back, feeling the satisfying give of flesh beneath her fingers. It stumbled and fell, but she didn't have time to relish the victory. More were coming.

The pack was a whirlwind of movement around her, Aresenn's powerful strikes sending coyotes flying, while Elysia danced among them with deadly precision, her fangs flashing in the dim light. The chaotic beauty of their combat was mesmerizing, each member of their group a lethal artist in the midst of… creation. Bloody works of art.

Absinth's heart pounded with exhilaration. This was where she belonged, in the heart of battle, surrounded by the sounds and scents of conflict. She dodged another attack, rolling smoothly to her feet and slicing out with her claws in the same motion. Another coyote fell, and she felt the hot spray of blood across her fur, the metallic tang filling her nostrils.

Her laughter mingled with the growls and snarls of the fight. This was life at its most raw, its most real. As she moved through the melee, dealing death with every strike, Absinth couldn't help but revel in the pure, unadulterated joy of the hunt.

wormwood

Ezekiel’s body practically vibrates with the pent up energy while his heart begins to pound with thrill. Gazes meet, the thirst for blood apparent as they all await the signal to move while more coyotes pour out of their dens, yapping and growling at the wolves that linger in their territory. The signal is simple, a dip of El’s head was all it took to unleash the hounds of hell and they all surge forward as one, fear soon replacing the annoyance that had been on the creatures faces.

Teeth snap closed, his maw fills with coppery blood as he attacks, effortlessly defeating coyote after coyote until only a few remain. Duel-toned eyes are dark with a primal hunger as a deep, low growl builds in Zeke’s chest, adding to Kaino’s words the promise of death should they come back. The rest flee, tails between their legs as the dark man turns his gaze over the slaughter, wishing that they had more enemies to kill.

With the fight won, Ezekiel moves to the nearest dead coyote and begins to dismember it in case they wish to post the pieces around their new land.


"Ely & Ezekiel"