Rebirth.

Was that not an interesting subject, especially recently? The re-appearance of familiar faces, whether alive or dead, had come in waves within the last few months. For long-time members of the island, it was a shock. Even Tanglewood's leader came to proclaim their concerns about the undead rising. The experience was not far from home either. Faces like Sojourn, Bryiath, Ninazu, and more arrived on Romulus' doorstep without any warning or explanation except: 'I'm back.' Needless to say, the events were peculiar, yet timely. 

The unnatural phenomenon strangely loomed near the Coalition of the Condemned's annual event, the spring equinox. The equinox represents the rebirth and revitalization of their home. Romulus couldn't help but ponder if the event was a coincidence or a timely plan from the heaven's above. Despite his concerns though, he tried to embrace what came upon him in such a short time. Mother, sister, and wanderers alike were back in full swing to celebrate the Coalition of the Condemned's resurgence.

Spring's equinox marked the end of their cold climate though. Grey snow storms within the clouds were beginning to shift into white, delicate flurries. With the bright sun beginning to peak over the horizon's edge, specks highlighted by golden hour began to glitter and shine for all to see. Soft, yet pliable, the snow was satisfactory for the kingpin's plans. The fantastic weather was only beginning.

Sunrise marked the start of the event. A roar echoed from the central island's inner circle. "WANDERS OF THE COALITION OF THE CONDEMNED, GATHER," demanded the kingpin's call. "FOR IT IS TIME FOR THE SPRING EQUINOX!" The lion's voice spread quickly throughout the nearby area to his pleasure, causing him to drop to the floor. His tail curled around his large paws that were patiently tapping away at the ground.

Thankfully, a crowd gathered. Satisfied with the turnout, Romulus continued in a quieter tone and deeply spoke out to them. "Rebirth is upon on us. It is time to start moving past the harsh winter and into the warm summer," he stated firmly. "Let us find new beginnings within this times and revitalize old relationships with one another by rejoicing together." There was multiple ways to do so. Some tradition, some new.

"I would like to start within our own borders first." A dark paw moved upwards and out towards the territory, gesturing widely across the area. "We should start by cleaning our homes, reviving the territory, and making sure things are in order for the upcoming months." His paw pointed back at the stone homes before them, only to take it's final bow onto the ground moments later. "Decorating, painting, gardening-" Someone had to handle the border's flytraps. "-and other ways to bring that fresh feeling upon us." The kingpin planned on assigning tasks if no one stepped up to the plate, while also handling some himself.

He let them take in that information for a moment as voices rose out through the crowd and then dipped back into silence, allowing him to continue. "I would also like to take a moment to reconsider our neighbors on the mainland." Romulus did not hesitate physically, but in the back of his head he knew some would be displeased. After all, considering the last reigns before him, his was rather neutral. The returning members had not watched their group evolve and change under his grip. That could come with conflict, unfortunately. Nevertheless, Romulus studied their features for reactions as he spoke with confidence. "The Coalition's recent endeavors have been impartial. I would like to expand our horizon by taking the opportunity to visit groups we used to consider enemies." Tanglewood, The Typhoon, The Pitt, and others who clashed with them before were all planned.

The kingpin's straight face continued to survey the crowd for reactions, but rather than waiting, he continued before someone could interject. News regarding outsiders was not finished. "While I will be heading to these group's myself to talk first, I would like to introduce an ambassadorship program and have candidates visit their territories with me." The lion locked eyes with a few trusted individuals for a moment. "If you are interested, please come to me privately." The chosen individuals would plan their visit from there.

A smile began to breach his maw. "If anyone has any issues, comments, and suggestions, you're more than welcome to come to me after our events." Large paws pushed away from the ground and rose Romulus up to a standing position. "Instead, let's begin with our festivities," he mused.

EVENTS:
All members are open to creating a Spring Equinox thread! Include an OOC comment in your post below and I can add your thread on this list! Romulus, if asked ICly, can also assign your character with a prompt.
- Ambassador Program Sign-Ups
- Tribal Paint with Plexus
- Casting Objects Into Fire with Ninazu
- Flytrap Management with Bryiath
- Meet n Greet with Bryiath
- Nursery Decorating with Inferno
- Herb Organization with Zuriela
- and more! Just ask to add on!

BURN
BRIGHT

Ninazu sat down and wrapped her short tail around her malus flytrap. She was so proud of Romulus; the circumstances his ascension to leadership were likely difficult. And she’d played her part in making them worse; she should’ve been strong enough to step up as Kingpin, yet… she hadn’t. It bruised her pride to know that, without Stryker, she’d collapsed.

And, still, she hadn’t rebuilded. Rebirth might’ve brought her back into the flesh, but it hadn’t mended the mind. Not even time in the ground had muffled her grief.

After he concluded his announcements, Ninazu gritted her teeth. Alliances were certainly needed, but she wouldn’t volunteer. She had no talent or skill in negotiations, and most groups probably had at least one member who remembered all the violence she’d committed over the years.

“I’ll help with an event,” Ninazu said. That, at least, she could do for her son and the group.

© MADI

Voices started to break free from the crowd. His eyes landed on Bryiath at their call first. The lion was always protective of his mother's flytraps, but he nodded along in approval. Bryiath was an old friend. He believed he could trust him with the border's beloved plants. "You may," the kingpin simply said.

As for Inferno, the larger feline looked down in thought. They were smaller than most. A simpler task for their height to prove their worth seemed suitable. "Head to the nursery and get new supplies for the upcoming litters of Spring," he requested. "I'm sure Brutei and the others would appreciate it." The season often brought an abundance of new children, especially for those hibernating in the winter. Staying inside all the time led animals to get desperate, after all.

Unlike the others, Zuriela was younger. Their request was a surprise, but Romulus was pleased by their willingness to step forth, despite their age. His gaze narrowed on the small fox in thought. They were going to need something easy. "Can you help organize some of the guru's herbs?" He momentarily looked around for Plexus. "The piles are a mess and in an emergency it'll be impossible to find the right thing." Most things were green, after all. For a child, it should be relatively easy though.

His mother was the last person to capture his attention. He did not know his mother's feelings towards his leadership, though Romulus hoped that they were positive. The reign he followed was quite different to his own. He could only hope the changes made were better and made her proud. The lion merely acknowledged her request with a short, validating nod. "Let's let go of the past and move forward with the future, shall we?" came his inquisitive request. "How about burning objects of our past to make way for others?" The shortcomings of their lives should not hold them hostage, but push them forward, after all.

He offered a nod of approval towards the both of them, although he did crane his head at Inferno's ghastly shriek of joy. What an odd one. Nevertheless, he shook it off. Romulus awaited for any further questions before moving along.

//Updated links!

Ending event is here! Come enjoy some pheasants and admire the COTC's flora.