With a determined stride, Rakia made her way along the border that was marked by a crumbling wall, her piercing gaze fixed on the path ahead. The early spring sunshine warmed her silver blushed coat, providing a welcome relief from the frigid winter air. As she walked, she could feel the snow melting beneath her paws, revealing patches of damp earth and sprouts of green emerging from the ground. The air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the unmistakable scent of new life and renewal. But there were other changes in the air that Rakia sensed, ones that she had been preparing for since her arrival on this new continent a season ago. She knew that she may encounter familiar faces and challenges along the way, but she felt confident in her preparations and ready to face whatever lay ahead. With a deep breath, she continued on her journey towards the Saxe empire, eager to see what fate had in store for her. She wouldn’t deny the apprehension that coiled in her gut - how everything she had trained for culminated in a moment that was quickly approaching. She often wondered what it would be like- but caught herself before slipping down that rabbit hole now.

The walk was long, but Rakia, with her sheer determination and focus, seemed to barely notice. The wind rustled through her thick coat, making it ripple like waves on a lake. She paused now and then, her sharp ears picking up the sounds of nature around her. The chirping of distant birds echoed across the barren landscape, a gentle symphony of life amidst the chilly, lingering grasp of winter. The silent whisper of the wind through the skeletal trees formed a quiet serenade that caressed Rakia’s senses, stirring within her a sense of calm tranquility. It was the calm before the st

"Rakia Perreau"

For several weeks, Rhazien had been keeping a secret. Even Medulla was unaware of the news he received from his brother- of the gift Apollyon was sending for his son, to congratulate him on his achievements. A bride worthy of becoming The Syndicate’s Sultana. Weeks ago, this would have been joyous news to the Sultan- a new, shiny wife to play with, while releasing his frustrations and depravities on his Sidi. But things had changed; Aurelia was murdered by Sephiran’s paws, his children given to Absinth and Aresenn to raise. Since then, he’d spiraled into a cycle of madness- even Rhazien was struggling to regain control of his nephew.

With the recent events, Rakia’s impending arrival had slipped his mind; it wasn’t until the start of the Spring season, that Rhazien recalled his brother’s message. She will arrive in the spring. The older Saxe wanted to intercept her before she arrived at the Syndicate- he wanted to warn her of Sephiran’s rule, and the dynamics of their kingdom. She’d need to pass through the wall to reach the north- he knew he’d run into her eventually if he patrolled it more often.

Arriving earlier that morning, Rhazien instructed his companions to work alongside the ravens, and report any strangers they found. Several hours passed before Zemir tracked down a female wolf, claiming she was a loner walking the length of the wall. Rhazien slowly tracked her down, finding her on the other side of the Wall. Apollyon hadn’t described the girl, other than her age. And this girl looked close enough. “Hello,” He called out, approaching her with his usual, disarmingly affable demeanor. His lips are pulled into a charming smile, his aura exuding confidence and charisma. “Enjoying the scenery?” He attempts small talk, wanting to see if she will take the bait before he delves deeper.

"Speech"

She had felt the presence of another before he made himself known, her hunter's senses keen and alert as she gracefully traversed the taiga. The brute that spoke emerged from the shadows of a towering rock wall, his form imposing against the dark backdrop. His greeting was met with a usual cool gaze, icy blue eyes flicking to meet his as she stopped in front of him. “I am,” she answered simply, her voice carrying the faintest note of amusement beneath her breath. Rakia offered him a measured, half-sided grin - her tail swaying leisurely behind her. Her sleek fur rippled in the gentle breeze, its shades of silver and white shimmering like moonlight against the blackness of the wall. “Nothing quite like the stunning view a wall has to offer,” she replied smoothly, the corners of her eyes crinkling subtly in amusement at their unusual meeting spot.

"Rakia Perreau"

As Rhazien approached, his gaze was taking her in, inch by beautiful inch. A girl full of youth, notably conditioned and likely a trained specimen. Her movement is lithe and graceful, her pelt adorned in creamy colors, accented in a rosy hue that was appealing to the eye. Icy, blue eyes were set into an angular, feminine face. A beauty indeed. “Mmm,” He hums, agreeing with her statement. “The Wall itself isn’t appealing.” He begins, his lips curling into an inquisitive smirk. “But its meaning - a symbol of strength against the test of time - is interesting.” An ear flicks on top of his head. “This monument separates the North from the rest of the world…” He’s scanning her face for any subtle changes in her expression. “… and you may find the North is far more exciting than this dull tundra." He falls silent then, wanting to spark curiosity in the girl.

"Speech"

Rakia regarded Rhazien with a sharp tilt of her head, her icy gaze lingering on his expression as she processed his words. Her tail stilled behind her, the sweeping motion ceasing as she focused on the enigmatic wolf before her. "An interesting perspective," she admitted, allowing a note of intrigue to color her voice. "You've given me something to think about." She considered for a moment, watching Rhazien with an unreadable mask of curiosity and caution. Her ears perked forward at his words, the winds whispering tales of the North into her receptive ears. She pondered his words, contemplating the feel of the chilled Northern wind on her face, the crunch of ice beneath her paws. The tone of knowing in his voice. Recognition glimmered in her gaze, as she noted his appearance. The masculine strength that rippled under his shadowed coat. She had been given instructions- told stories about the key players in the new kingdom. And from what information she had, she felt that she might recognize this man. “Rhazien, I presume?”

"Rakia Perreau"

She seemed to be an intelligent girl, perhaps even inquisitive, and enjoyed cryptics like himself. Interesting indeed. He nods, flashing her a smile laden with curiosity and charm, pleased with her response. “If you’re looking for a tour guide, I may have connections.” His tail flicks behind him, and his head cocks slightly to the side. He’s trying to draw more information out of her- if she was a native, she’d know about the North already. But an exogenous wolf would be curious- internally, he wonders what her response will be.

Recognition starts to shimmer in her gaze, and she’s looking him up and down, taking in his appearance. Rhazien doesn’t move beneath her scrutinizing gaze, instead, he feels a wave of heat roll through his frame. Who wouldn’t want a pretty woman checking them out? Though, her assessment was more of an analysis than anything. And that spark of recognition in her eyes…

His name fell from her lips in even syllables, and Rhazien’s suave smirk morphed into something more.. uncanny. “You’ve heard of me?” He banters, cocking a brow at the girl. With the little information he had, he couldn’t assume she was Rakia just yet. He needs more information from her, or an outright confession.

"Speech"

Rakia let a slow, languid smile unfold on her maw, a delicate nod of her head following suit. “I would think that you would already know your name precedes you," she replied, a soft layer of amusement filtering through her words. The glimmer in her eye danced, icy blues meeting Rhazien's gaze. It was a guess, really- but she had several context clues. She could all but smell the rotting carcasses that littered the Syndicate’s borders from here - the same odor that blended with this man’s musk. And as far as she was aware, Rhazien- while not old by any means, was certainly one of the oldest Saxe to assist in setting up the satellite. The Sultan’s brother. Or uncle, she supposed, in the new world at least. It wasn’t difficult to draw the connection between the dual colored emerald and amethyst marbling behind his calculating gaze. But a guess, no less. “My name is Rakia Perreau,” She began, offering her own introduction as she subtly shifted her weight, her delicate pink-tinted tail flicking behind her. Her tone was as smooth as the glossy snow under their paws, laced with unassuming confidence and a hint of intrigue. “And I’ve come to serve the new Sultan- to provide assistance where he may need it." She finished, looking for any sort of Rhazien’s own recognition as he may offer it to her.

"Rakia Perreau"

Deep, baritone laughter resonated from Rhazien’s chest, a single brow cocking at the girl as he basked in her comment. Either she’d heard about his Casanova tendencies from others in the area, or she was the girl Apollyon was gifting to his son- both options were interesting nonetheless, piquing his curiosity.

Thankfully she was the latter option, introducing herself as Rakia Perreau- the same name Apollyon had given in his message. She voiced her purpose, vowing to serve beneath the new Sultan’s rule. And Rhazien flashed her a delighted smile. “Rakia Perreau,” He echoes her name, reaching a paw out to her, wanting her to place one of her smaller, more delicate paws in his. “Your beauty precedes you,” He says, bowing his head slightly to greet her. She may become the Sultana someday, after all. Getting on her good side would be beneficial.

Stepping back, Rhazien releases a small sigh, his demeanor shifting as he takes on a more serious expression. “Sephiran Saxe has taken control of three territories- the Sparse Pines, the Polar Sound, and Ardens Glacies.” He explains, motioning beyond the wall with a flick of his muzzle. “His rule is similar to his father’s, but,” His voice trails off slightly. “He’s far more maniacal and labile than his father… more dangerous.” Although his tone didn’t show it, Rhazien was warning Rakia. She was about to step into a monster's domain. “Come, walk with me. I’ll tell you about our dynamics….” A short pause, as he motions her towards him with a wave of his paw. “… and some recent events you should be aware of.” Rhazien was a cryptic creature, a man who enjoyed mind games and exploitation. But for Rakia, he would not withhold the truth. She needed enough knowledge in her arsenal to survive what was coming.

"Speech"

Rakia observed Rhazien's reaction, his voice rolling with deep laughter and his brow arching in recognition. She sensed the change in the air, attuned as always to the nuances of interpersonal dynamics. Her clear blue eyes watched as a delighted smile spread across Rhazien’s face, his paw reaching out to her in an open gesture of acceptance. She would use this gesture, leverage it to her advantage. As delicately as she could, Rakia placed her paw into his, the black pads rough against her own smooth fur. Even the most minute touch was a move in the intricate dance of power they played. Her icy blue gaze never wavered from his as he complimented her beauty, her expression betraying nothing. She inclined her head, accepting his greeting but refusing to be swayed by flattery alone. “You’re too kind.” wry amusement coloring her words. There was a subtle edge to her voice, hinting at a mind sharper than any physical weapon.

Rakia took in his words, her icy blue gaze steady on Rhazien. She noted the shift in his demeanor, the seriousness that fell over his features as he spoke about Sephiran Saxe. Internally, she catalogued the territories under his control, already formulating strategies in her mind. His warning did not faze her; on the contrary, it proved she was on the right path. Dangerous or not, she would not be deterred. This is what she had prepared for, since she was a child. She had been groomed to fill this role- and she wouldn’t balk now. She moved gracefully toward Rhazien, her pink-and-white tail swaying gently behind her. Each step was precise, echoing her resolve. Every detail of her body language was calculated: showing respect without submission, interest without fear.

"Thank you, Rhazien," she said, her voice as cool and smooth as a polished stone. "Your information is valuable. And any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated.”

-end thread-
"Rakia Perreau"