When Cifarelli expressed to him that he had an interest in navigation, Sephiran felt compelled to assist his brothers in his travels- not because he felt he needed a chaperone, but because Cifa was his brother. More than anything, his actions were fueled by his possessive nature- wanting to maintain control and act as a vice in the progression of his brother’s moral depravity. And, if his brother wanted to achieve something, he would stop at nothing to ensure he achieved it. That’s what family did, after all.

And so, the duo left the sanctuary of the plains, heading south with Cifarelli leading the way. The sun had dropped behind the mountain range in the distance, bringing some relief from the midday, summer sun. The night sky was clear, allowing them to use the stars to help navigate- though, this territory wasn’t out of the ordinary. A simple forest, lush with foliage and small prey. The only oddity was the overpowering scent of sulfur, and the heat radiating somewhere off in the middle of the forest.  

"Sephiran Saxe"

Merizi never left his body. If she wasn’t around one of his ears, one could find her perfectly circling the thickness of his neck. Forever nestled in the warmth he provided to her chilled scales at night. Today wasn’t any different as her new owner proceeded to venture from the heaviness of darkness. She found it quite odd how everyone here had either a dirt, stone or cave den. Yet, this male chose to sleep out in the open of life. It didn’t bother her none. If anything it made the serpent far more curious of this beast. His steps were barely noticeable. Strides that of define predator. Silent in their placements the more they walked. Another having beckoned them for assistance of some sort. This one stood extremely large and bulky. Though the two almost compared in size. It was their height and coloration difference which told any that they were siblings. Tongue flickered across his chin where her head currently pressed up against. His response? A low grumble which vibrated her entire body. The black plague scanned the area. Eyes sharp, keen on the new surroundings. So many scents assaulted his nose. One in particular causing him to groan in anticipation. Sulfur filled the air of these lands. A thick fog rising from somewhere ahead clouded most of the area in its invasion. Had it not been for the night sky and the various stars which lead them here, he surely would have been slightly confused on where here even was. Gaze shifting to take a glance at Sephiran. No words left him as he pushed through a gathering of bushes. What Cifarelli saw nearly made him snarl on victory. Holes. Endless holes with steam bunched in the center of this area. Their waters slightly bubbling from whatever rested beneath the surface. Immediately, his mind filled with boiling many victims that dared crossed him or the Saxe band. A quick flick of his tail called Seph over. "What sort of place has Uncle Rhazien brought us to? Did you know about this?" "Speech"

[/quote]

Cifarelli seemed intent on finding the source of the sulfur scent, evident by his trek deeper into the territory. Of course, Sephiran continued to walk at his side. His ears flicking in his brother’s direction, eyes occasionally shifting his way. He’d noticed the serpent about halfway through their journey- a small viper, coiled within the thick fur of his nape. High in the sky, his falcon was surveying the area from above. And Sephiran’s rattler, had been left with Aurelia that morning. They all seemed to be picking up useful companions.

Pushing through the foliage, the duo finally arrived in the heart of the territory. A large expanse opened before them, adorned in various holes littered across a stone ground. Steam rolled from each one, having been filled with hot, bubbling water from a different source. It only took a few moments of recognition- these were hot springs. What sort of place has Uncle Rhazien brought us to? Did you know about this? “I doubt Rhazien knows about this.” He says, moving past his brother, and approaching the closest pool. Toes hanging over the edge, as he peered down into its depths. “Though, I’m sure he will bring his whores here, once he finds out.” A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. Maybe he could bring Aurelia here too.  

"Sephiran Saxe"

The mention of women drew silence from Cifarelli. Having yet to find one of his own that drew him in like Aurelia did Seph. It wasn’t as if he were jealous. Perhaps, envious being more like it to describe the feeling which choked him into quietness. He chose best not to respond. Only giving a sharp nod as he, too, stepped to one of the closer pools. A single paw rising to test the heat of the water. What came next left him baffled. Eyes widening in surprise at how warm it felt. The idea of boiling his victims alive now a distant dream by such temperatures. Ugh! Features twisted into one of disgust and complete disinterest. This place surely was only meant for others like his brother and uncle. He had no business here; except to having discovered its existence. "This place has only one job. To heal wounds and seduce females." Cifa’s voice sounded much as he felt. Drawing away from the centered area to maneuver further around the area. It seemed these holes traveled along a path. The scent of something hung in the air. What? He could not pinpoint it. However, he did not stop there. Gaze rose to the stars. Their twinkling lights in a different position from what last led them to these place originally. He titled his head. Choosing a set which led directly down the structure he’d found. "Shall we see what else lies ahead??" "Speech"

[/quote]

His gaze shifted towards his bother, eyeing him with a stoic expression as he reached out and tested the heat of the water. Cifarelli didn’t scream or writhe- meaning, the water was a comfortable temperature, depending on which pool you inspected. To Sephiran, it meant he could use this place to relieve the ache in his muscles, after a hard days training or a vigorous battle- but, based on the disgusted expression on Cifarelli’s face, whatever fantasies he’d had about the pools, faded away. Sephiran couldn’t help but wonder if his brother was hoping to use the pools to singe enemies alive. Which was a delightful idea. But alas, it wasn’t possible, unless they found a pool with a hotter temperature. The underground lava streams in the north would be a better fit, for such an idea.

To Cifa’s musings, Sephiran nodded his head in agreement. Shifting back to look at the pools one last time, and observing his appearance. He sauntered away from the hot spring, gravitating back to his brother’s side. Together, they followed the path that wove between the pools. Stopping to inspect anything of interest, before moving on. Cifa seemed to be using the stars as his guide- the trait of a true navigator, Sephiran mused. Which pleased him.

-exit-

"Sephiran Saxe"

Once Sephiran agreed, Cifa turned his attention back to the set of stars which twinkled the brightest. Their positioning captured his focus the most as he began to follow them. His paws never once wavered without confidence. Leading them both along the path separating the giant steaming pools of water. There was much more to get from these lands. He could tell. So much potential screaming at the Saxe males to explore. And he knew they would. He, himself, wanted to be the best infiltrator. To slip in and out without being detected for better advantage for their band. They weren't a pack yet. But, when they became one, he surely would do all that it took to become a lead scout. Cifarelli felt a swell of pride in his chest as he continued forward. A little bit more pep in step as he ventured over a clutter of rocks and disappeared into the covering of trees. The stars here could barely be seen. But it didn't matter. Whatever lay ahead, he would surely discover regardless of their help. -exit.- "Speech"