As the first hint of dawn appeared on the horizon, the forest of Ardens Glacies became bathed in faint, ethereal light. A starry night gave way to tinged pinks, oranges, and purples that spread across the celestial canvas, brightening the world around him and beckoning him from his slumber. Birdsong filled the space outside of the cliff-side den, a cool morning breeze rustling the branches of the trees, carrying the scent of pine and greenery. Soon, the sun would make its grand entrance, rising above the mountain range in the east and welcoming him as he emerged from the cave.

Shaking his pelt, Sephiran begins his first patrol of the morning- heading down into the gutted valley that led to the heart of the dormant volcano. The gleam of light against the lake’s surface was almost blinding- the freshwater lake was fuller than ever in the Spring season. Runoff from the forest above filled it to capacity, and it was warm, given the geothermal activity deep in the volcano- imbuing the water with a soothing quality, steam rising from hotter areas along the shoreline. He completes a lap around the parameter, returning to his starting point before walking into the shallows of the lake, allowing the warm water to wash over his shoulders.

"Speech"

Code by Sea

The first rays of the rising sun glinted off Rakia's silken fur, casting molten gold highlights over her rose-tinted coat. Her icy blue eyes- so akin to crystal-clear lake at the center of Arden Glacies- beheld the unfolding beauty of the morning. She stood atop of the ridge, overlooking the descent into the heart of the dormant volcano. Her keen gaze settling on the solitary figure below – the Sultan, himself. The sight of him in the tranquil morning light stirred something within Rakia, a sense of calculating admiration. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her pupils dilating as she processed the sight before her. She remained poised on the ridge, her tail rising and falling with the rhythm of her breath - slow, measured, careful.

She began her calculated descent into the valley, her padded paws moving softly over the dew-kissed grass, leaving barely a trace of her passage. Every rustle of leaves; every chirp of birds; every whisper of the wind reaching her perked ears with startling clarity. The scent of wildflowers peppered the air alongside the earthy fragrance of pine needles warmed by the sun. The resonating pulse of life, reborn anew with the dawn's arrival, hummed rhythmically within her senses, an experience only privy to those who tuned in and paid attention.

The insight Rhazien had provided reeled through her mind- but of course there were was only so much that could be done in preparation. She had spent the majority of her life preparing. But now, she could see the power radiating off him. Indeed, Sephiran was a powerful figure, his regal bearing blatantly obvious even from the distance she was closing- And she craved the opportunity to test her mettle against his. The power he could offer her. She wanted it.

The moment of truth was upon her, Rakia realized as she neared the lake's edge. Coming to stand on the ashy beach just beyond the reach of the water. She watched him, tracing the outline of his masculine frame with her steely gaze. After a silent exhale, she cleared her throat to speak- drawing his attention to her. “Sephiran?” She asked lightly. She wanted him to look at her, to truly see her. The tension in the air thickened, but it was all par for the course. Her icy blues fixated on him- searching for any hint of a response she might get.

"Rakia Perreau"

Despite his keen senses, Sephiran did not notice the woman’s descent into the valley. The lingering scent of sulfur masked her perfume, her footfall softened by the sandy shore of the lake - but his falcon companion - the ever-preceptive bird of prey that watched from the skies - screeched to announce her arrival, pulling Sephiran from his thoughts. His head twisted upon his shoulders, turning to look behind him, amethyst and emerald eyes narrowing at the slender, feminine silhouette approaching the shoreline. Sephiran stiffened, musculature flexing beneath his pelt as he twisted to face her, his ears perking forward as he assessed her with a perversely wandering eye.

He took in every detail of her appearance- the creamy pallet of her coat, her angular, defined features that boasted her femininity. Beneath her pelt was a toned build- a physique attained through countless hours of training, lithe and agile, the embodiment of a proper huntress. His head cocked slightly, chin tipping upward, his eyes settling on the icy, glacial eyes that were set into her slender face. There was a look of interest on her face, and Sephiran wanted to know why.

As they stood face to face, the air between them was crackling with electric tension- a silent battle of wills, Sephiran daring her to break beneath the intensity of his gaze, the dominant aura radiating from him suffocating and oppressive. But the woman did not falter- she spoke his name with confidence, questioning his identity and Sephiran fought back the urge to sneer. “Are you the gift my Father sent me?” Deep baritones split the silence between them, his tone wielding his authority like a weapon, each syllable a command that demanded obedience. If she were the woman Rhazien spoke of - the gift his father bestowed to him in celebration of his rising to power - then Sephiran owned her.

"Speech"

Code by Sea