Absinth moved with lithe grace, each step purposeful as she led Flare north. The landscape around them gradually shifted, the plains, the dense woods thinning out to reveal the rugged, wild beauty of the northern territories. The air grew crisper, carrying with it the scent of pine and frost. Her pace was steady, her confidence palpable as she navigated the familiar terrain. She glanced back at him occasionally, her emerald eyes twinkling with mischief and something deeper — like a wordless promise of what lay ahead. Shadows lengthened as the sun dipped lower in the sky, by the time they reached the Syndicate; it was early morning.

The border of the pack's territory was marked by bones and various mutilated carcasses; strung up or set upon pikes. Ah the creative nature of the Saxes. Absinth stopped at once such effigy, turning to face Flare with a grin that was equal parts challenge and humor. Her tail flicked playfully behind her, the charcoal tip brushing against the ground as she regarded him.

“Here we are,” The monochromatic fae announced, her voice carrying notes of excitement. “Like the decor?” Even as she spoke, steadily a gathering of midnight black birds began to converge above their heads, but the woman was at ease; one raven alighting down to her and perching upon her spine.



wormwood

Flare followed along after Absinth, the unfamiliar terrain falling away from their easy stride. He hadn’t been on these shores long, but already his life seemed to have taken a rather unexpected turn. He would judge this meeting carefully, and take from it what he wanted. If that meant joining, he would ensure that this was a pack in which he could rise.

They arrived at the border, which seemed rather clearly marked with pikes and carcasses. That caused a raised brow. “Do they get sick of replacing them when they start to stink?” He asked, mildly amused. He would be surprised if they didn’t have an issue with scavengers and bottom feeders enticed by the rot.

Looking past their little show, he looked into the pack’s territory. Wondering what it would be like to set up in these lands. He didn’t get a chance to look too far before ravens started to converge on them. A glance at Absinth told him she was at ease in their presence. “Friends of yours?” He asked, watching as one landed upon her back.

"Speech"

In the horizon, the sun is starting to rise above the towering mountain range, casting an ethereal glow over the Polar Sound. The thick layer of snow on the forest floor glimmers in the light, reflecting the orange and pink hues. The early morning air is crisp, thick in the scent of pine, frost, and decay. The morning sun is bathing the Sound in warmth, a welcomed change to the overnight frigid temperatures. The Polar Sound was quite beautiful indeed- but Sephiran cared little about nature's magnificence. He found the persistent snowfall to be bothersome.

Even in the early morning hours, he’s walking along the borders, completing his first patrol of the day. His panther is at his side, his serpent coiled around his neck and his falcon hovering in the sky. So far, nothing of interest caught his attention- at least, not until his falcon started to screech, alerted by the ravens that something was occurring on the Eastern border. Changing his course, Sephiran follows his falcon, traveling beneath the canopy of pines. As he closes in, he notes the increasing number of ravens in the trees, converging near the source of interest and cawing out their alarm.

Emerging from the treeline, Sephiran sees two wolves at the border— Absinth, and a large, unknown male at her side. Stranger. Stranger. Stranger. As he strides forward, the Sultan exudes his usual air of dominance, his demeanor marked by arrogance and superiority. Each movement is calculated, deliberate, and causes a shift in the atmosphere. He stops at a conversational distance, his posture erect, shoulders squared, head tipped upwards as he shifts his gaze between the two wolves. The expression on his face is clear. He commands unwavering attention and respect from them both.

“Absinth.” He says, breathing her name through deep, rumbling baritones. The ravens in the pines become silent out of respect for the Sultan, but their attention stays on the unknown male and their keeper. His panther lingers behind him, ready to attack if needed. “Have you brought me a gift?” His piercing gaze turns to the male, and he roves it across his larger frame in interest. A new Sidi to play with?

"Sephiran Saxe"

Absinth chuckled at Flare's comment, her grin widening as she glanced back at the gruesome decorations. “The scavengers do the work. We just have to.. Restock every so often.” She replied with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

She watched his gaze shift past the border, scanning the territory beyond. When the ravens began to gather, she didn't flinch, her comfort with the creatures evident. “Yes, my dear friends~” The monochromatic fae answered, a hint of pride in her voice as the raven settled on her back. “They're the eyes and ears of the Syndicate. They know the land as well as we do, if not better.”

Absinth tilted her head slightly, studying Flare's reaction. “These lands are wild, unpredictable, but they have their own kind of order. Just like the heathens. You'll see soon enough. For now,” She added, her gaze locking onto his with a blend of challenge and curiosity, “Let's see how you handle your first impression. Ready to make your mark, Flare?” Now all they had to do was wait.

As the first light of dawn cast an ethereal glow over the Polar Sound, Absinth felt a familiar chill in the air, a blend of anticipation and wariness. The beauty of the scene was lost on her as her attention shifted to the arrival of the Sultan. She stood tall, her posture relaxed yet alert, her emerald eyes never wavering from the imposing figure that emerged from the treeline. Sephiran’s presence was undeniable, each step radiating authority and arrogance. His falcon’s screech had been the first warning, and now his panther and serpent added to the air of intimidation that followed him. Absinth's expression remained impassive, but her tail flicked with a subtle mix of defiance and amusement. Perfectly Absinth, keep them guessing.

“Sephiran,” She responded, her voice smooth and steady, the hint of a smirk playing on her lips. She offered only a dip of her chin, but her gaze did not lower; she was shorter than him anyways. What did it matter? The woman met his eyes with her own steady stare. All around them, the ravens remained still and silent. Waiting to hear. “Have you brought me a gift?” Sephiran’s deep, rumbling voice broke the stillness, his gaze shifting to Flare with predatory interest.

Absinth’s grin widened, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. She had to step in here, just as Aresenn had for her those seasons ago. “Consider it more of a...potential asset,” The fae replied, stepping slightly to the side to give Flare more space in the Sultan’s scrutiny. “Flare here is looking for a new purpose. Thought he might find one among the heathens.” She glanced at Flare, her expression hard but layered with unspoken caution. This was a test, both for him and for her. “He comes from the same mold as I. What I have survived, so has he.” Absinth continued, her tone carrying a mix of delight and provocation.

Her eyes flicked back to Sephiran, her body language relaxed but ready. This was a delicate dance, and she was keen to see how both males would navigate it.


wormwood

He huffed a soft laugh, looking at the flocking ravens once more. So they had a dual purpose, did they? They must enjoy the snacks left out by the wolves that roamed here. He wondered if any of their victims were left alive, staked to the ground where the ravens could feast. Interesting birds, ravens. Perhaps he needed to get himself one.

He turned his attention back to Absinth at her question, and he grinned. “Dying to.” he agreed, this was either a new start in his lift, or the end of a chapter. Regardless, he knew his life would change after this meeting.

It wasn’t long after that that the wolf Absinth was clearly waiting for arrived. An array of colours richer than a sunset greeted him. a gift? Ah, he was accustomed to being a curse. Which would he be for this wolf? He looked to the other and Absinth spoke first. Her words held caution, but Flare was a gambler, and he wasn’t above a little trouble. “Flare Nightingale. I’ve trained as a warrior, and I’m not above being an arrow in the heart of your enemies.” He winked at the Sultan, and waited for him to make the next move.

"Speech"

There was a mischievous glint in Absinth’s eyes, a subtle mix of amusement and anticipation crackling beneath her monochrome pelt. She was prideful in her presentation of the fiery man, ready to offer him to her Sultan- and Sephiran was eager to accept.

Only, he wasn’t being offered as a Sidi- but instead, an asset to his empire. Cocking his head slightly, he shifts his gaze to Flare, immediately reassessing him, deciphering how this male could be an asset. He was woven from the same cloth as Absinth, or so she claimed. But that didn’t mean anything to the Sultan- he was a man of action, not of words. If she believed this male had a place in his empire, she’d need to prove it.

Flare introduced himself, and Sephiran tipped his head back slightly, exuding an air of dominance, of oppression. Without warning, he suddenly grabs the handle of his blade between his teeth, unsheathing it and yielding it toward the pair. The obsidian glimmers in the morning light, enhancing the tangible shift in the atmosphere, as a wave of impending danger consumed the space between them.

Moving forward, Sephiran approached Absinth, his eyes gleaming with feral intensity, as if he were going to issue an assault. But suddenly, his head twists and he’s throwing the blade at her paws, lips pulling back to reveal a flash of stained teeth. “Show me what he can do.” His intentions were clear- he wanted to see them fight, needed to see this ‘arrow in the heart of his enemies’ defend himself against a merciless woman with a blade. Stepping back, he shifts his gaze to the male, a look of interest flickering in his gaze. Will you manage to impress me?

"Sephiran Saxe"

Absinth's eyes gleamed with anticipation as Sephiran unsheathed his blade and threw it at her feet. The morning light caught the obsidian, casting a sharp, ominous glint. She met Sephiran's feral gaze with a smirk, her posture shifting subtly into a battle-ready stance.

“Mmm.” The monochromatic fae purred, her voice carrying a playful, yet dangerous edge. “With pleasure.” Turning to Flare, she shot him a wicked grin, her eyes never leaving his. ”Flare.” She said, her tone challenging and fiery. “Let's see if you're as good in a fight as you are with words.” She bent down, picking up the blade with a graceful, fluid motion. Taking a step back, she crouched slightly, her muscles coiled and ready. Come on then, Nightingale. Her emerald gaze said it all, the light in her eyes filled with provocation and excitement. Show him, Flare. She knew he could do it. He had to.

Absinth's grin was wild, her eyes dancing with amusement and determination. This was the moment of truth, and she was ready to push Flare to his limits. She rolled her shoulders, and shot forward at her childhood friend with all the brutality of a killer, intent to mangle him clear in her movements. She had to be serious, so that he could prove his worth as she had all those seasons ago.

She aimed a harsh slash at his throat, teeth gleaming through her wild grin as she held the knife betwixt her jaws.

Absinth vs Flare for Dominance
Round 1/?
Age: Over 1
Size: Large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Knife bracers
Defensive Battle Accessory: leather armor
Companion 1: Raven, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Raven, Male - Battle
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Juggernaut

wormwood

Well, here was his chance to prove himself an asset. He didn’t just intend to join, he intended to make something of himself. This deeply purple wolf was the one to prove himself to. He gave them a steady nod, and turned his attention to Absinth, who bent down to pick up the blade. He adjusted his stance, making himself limber and ready. A spark of excitement told the world he was an adrenaline junky, ready to take his next shot.

He wasn’t left waiting long as Absinth shot forward, intent on battling, and not holding back her blows. Good. He turned his head, judging swiftly and carefully so that her strike hit the leather armour encasing his neck. In the same moment, while her attention was forward and on his upper half, he raised a paw and attempted to drive it down hard upon her foreleg. Twisting his knuckles so the metal caps across his nails would be at the forefront as he made the attempt. He shoved his chest forward, attempting to knock into her, and compromise her balance in the same motion.

Flare vs Absinth
Round 1/1
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Metal claw caps
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather neck armor
Companion 1: Red Goshawk, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Corsac Fox, Male - Battle
Mutation 1: Saber fangs (Offensive)
Mutation 2: Thicker fur (Defensive)
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Hunter
Specialty:

"Speech"

And the winner is...

ABSINTH

FLARE must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: ABSINTH: Attack Roll: 72 Defense Roll: 60 Agility Roll: 56 Perception Roll: 51 Total: 239 Attack[72] + 55% Bonus[39.60]: 111.60 Defense[60] + 15% Bonus[9.00]: 69.00 Agility[56] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 56.00 Perception[51] + 25% Bonus[12.75]: 63.75 Total[300.35] + 25% Bonus[75.09]: 375.44 FLARE: Attack Roll: 75 Defense Roll: 11 Agility Roll: 84 Perception Roll: 32 Total: 202 Attack[75] + 60% Bonus[45.00]: 120.00 Defense[11] + 20% Bonus[2.20]: 13.20 Agility[84] + 5% Bonus[4.20]: 88.20 Perception[32] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 32.00 Total[253.40] + 15% Bonus[38.01]: 291.41

With the blade thrown at Absinth’s paws, the ball was in her court. As expected, Absinth picked his serrated blade up, and Sephiran leaned forward with interest, ready to analyze the male as he defended himself against the Sultan’s appointed Katil. And as he stood on the sidelines, his gaze was narrowed on the pair, sending a silent message. Impress me.

Absinth lunged at Flare, slashing the blade at his throat, but the male was ready, his armor absorbing the strike. He was throwing his weight into her, trying to knock her over but Absinth’s resolve was absolute, her time in The Syndicate beneath his rule a testament to her skill- she was quick to beat the male and declare herself the victor.

Sephiran raised a brow at her- he wasn’t going to say it aloud, but he was satisfied with her skill. "Enough.” " He calls out, motioning for Absinth to step back with a flick of his muzzle. He waits for her to return his blade before turning to Flare. “You want to become an ‘arrow in the heart of my enemies’.” He says, recalling the male’s words. “But you’re not ready.” It's a blunt, chilling observation, as Sephiran points out the male’s inability to go multiple rounds with Absinth.

His gaze shifts to his Katil, as he makes a sudden decision in his mind. “If you believe he will become an asset.” He recalls her words too. “I’ll give you one season to prove it.” He falls silent then, waiting for them to be grateful for his offer.

"Sephiran Saxe"

As she lunged forward, her blade aimed towards his throat, she noticed his swift, calculated move. The leather armor deflected her strike, but she wasn’t surprised. Flare had always been quick on his feet.

She felt his paw descend upon her foreleg, the metal caps grazing her fur. The pain was sharp, but it only fueled her excitement. Her muscles tensed as he shoved his chest forward, aiming to knock her off balance.

She growled through gritted teeth, the sound dripping with both pain and pleasure. She embraced the brutality, relishing in the challenge he presented. But if she were beaten here, she would lose the confidence she had worked hard to earn from Sephiran. Flare would not be shown mercy. She allowed the momentum to carry her, twisting her body with the force of his push. Her blade flicked upwards, aiming for the underside of his chin with deadly precision, where his armor did not reach. Her eyes locked onto his, a wild, almost feral gleam in her emerald gaze. Stopping as Sephiran’s voice rang out, she disengaged, stepping back and returning the Sultan’s blade to him with cool calculation.

Sephiran was talking to Flare, and then his attention was on her. Absinth’s posture remained strong, her emerald eyes locking onto his. She had vouched for Flare, and now the weight of that promise hung in the air between them. When Sephiran mentioned the season of proving, a spark of fierce pride ignited within her. She nodded, her voice steady and resolute. “One season.” Her gaze flicked to Flare, a silent promise in her eyes, a grin splitting her maw in two.

wormwood

One season to prove it sounded like a chance to prove his strength and worth to this pack. To climb the ranks quickly as he was judged and watched. He wasn’t worried about the thread in Sephiran’s words, and he glanced at Absinth. A season spent with her would do him good. It was clear that she had learnt even faster than he had in the time they had been apart. He’d take what experience he could from her life and integrate it into his own.

“One Season.” Flare agreed just as easily. He would push himself and do better until he could prove his strength. If this was the path he was deciding on, he would make the most of it.

"Speech"