The cave of the kingpin was a popular place for wanderers to come in and out of, despite his desire for isolation. Just like leaders before them, their time was precious and at every opportunity, he tried to take time to himself. Stryker had taught him that during his own reign, often leaving him to fend for himself while his father did his duties as leader. Independence and alone time, in hindsight, was a luxury to leaders. Fate found no sympathy with him today either.

A thump echoed across the walls as the lion collapsed into a pile of blankets and soft moss. Ready to relax before duties restarted, he lowered his head to the floor with a tired sigh. Finally, some time to rest. His eyes started to close and fade into the dark of his eyelids when a series of knocks rang out from the entrance. A singular eye opened back up, peeking out at the vines that hid the entrance of his modest home. Byriath. Thankfully, a familiar figure. One he could appreciate dearly.

Rising up from his spot, he shook out his shaggy mane and walked to the entrance as the guru finished their statement. 'Brother?' That was new. In a moment of shock, he paused and craned his head, only to continue instantaneously. Why not embrace that title? "Yes, I am," he rumbled as he peeked out from the greenery. "You may come in." A paw gently moved the acclimated vines aside for the other, beckoning him inside his humble abode.

Once inside, the other would see that his cave was a simple clearing. The area wasn't necessarily clean or the most pleasant, but he called it home. It had been his for years, ever since his parents let him pick a place on the inside to stay after leaving the nursery. After all the years, he managed to gather furniture to populate and decorate the moss-laden cave. A shelf was placed in one corner, keeping books and trinkets together to admire. Perpendicular to it, a short wooden desk to work at with a mess of papers spread across it and books splayed open that the kingpin studied from. The antique, rustic look was finished off with a long, golden mirror sitting crooked against the wall for him to adjust his fur and piercings within. There were a few other things here and there, but not enough to point out specifically. A bear rug across the floor, a few plants here, an animal skull there... you know, the usual things.

If the other followed him inside, he'd turn around and offer a furrowed brow in response. "What brings you here, Byriath?" The kingpin dearly hoped it was nothing concerning...