[Retro to tropical storm.]

The cave had become a mess over the last few days. In between planning for the autumn equinox and planning out a special gift, items were sprawled across the area. Books laid open, papers etched in ink were crumbled up in a pile, and various metals were thrown into a corner for careful consideration later on. Needless to say, Romulus was busy. Even now, his head was over a book and staring at the pages blankly, caught up in his own head. Not a single word was read. He was merely staring. Absorbing his thoughts, letting them wander, only to break free moments later with a sigh.

A dark paw closed the book with a slam. His head lowered slowly into his desk and a groan echoed throughout the cavern, frustration overtaking the lion. Things needed to be perfect. The autumn equinox was a big event for the Coalition of the Condemned, as it led into the harsh winters, and the supplies needed to keep them afloat was going to be astronomical. Along with this, the gift he wanted to propose to Merlin was something meaningful. With a bunch of designs swirling around his brain and a bunch crumpled on the floor, Romulus had already explored the majority of his options.

Tail swishing in annoyance, he pulled away from the desk and shifted towards the pile of blueprints on the floor. His paw hovered over a piece of paper, grabbing it lightly and unfolding it carefully with his claws. So far, this design was his favorite. A simple pair of wings made out of pure gold that was found within the Coalition's own caverns, one that Merlin and Romulus first met in private within, even though it was in tragedy. He laid it down on the floor, splayed out to see and narrowed his gaze. Maybe this was the one... but it needed something else? Maybe? With an unclear mind, Romulus felt like he needed to come at the situation with a different angle or perspective. Perhaps even a second opinion.

Ears propped up and swiveled towards the entrance of the cavern. His head followed suit. His gaze spotted Saturn at the entrance with a satchel thrown over their chest and a careful, caring aura to them. Romulus, already aware of the presence of the other, couldn't lie. "Yes, yes," the lion responded back. In a quick attempt to appear tolerable, the lion licked the top of his paw, leaned back, and ran it across the top of his mane to create his signature bangs and slick back the rest. Claws quickly brushed out the rest. With a quick glance to the mirror nearby, he continued warmly with his invitation to Saturn. "Please, come on in!"

As they padded in, the lion attempted to shove the design out of sight and into the pile, but the paper had already crossed the Xenosmilus' gaze. Surprised by their response, periwinkle eyes looked up at them. "Really?" came his intrigued reply. "You don't think it needs more... His dominant paw fumbled with the air around him as he tried to come up with a word. "... finesse?" His other paw placed down on the blueprints before him, claw tapping on the wing's edge. Maybe a chain to dangle off the ear? A ring? Maybe another piece? There had to be something more.

The lion listened with careful consideration, nodding along with Saturn's words. A chain was an interesting concept and the solution he was looking for, although he thought gold was a better choice. After all, the golden jeweled lion was biased. With a paw, he reached to his jar of ink and went to dip a claw in the characoal liquid contents, only to pause as the other continued to speak. He froze in his spot. The question was going to be asked eventually, but that did not mean he wanted it to arrive. Hesitant, he tried to answer. "I don't quite remember if you were there, but do you remember Merlin?" he asked gently. His periwinkle eyes looked for any confirmation in her facial features, only to continue on whether or not she knew. "She was the one Jormungand took from Tanglewood and, with her wings, he..." He grabbed at the air and made a ripping motion with his two paws. "... ripped them off." A snarl left him as he finished off.

Cooling himself off, the kingpin cleared his throat. He held a lot of disdain for the past situation, but was clearly trying to move forward and make a difference. "It's for her," came his conclusion. He looked away from the papers beneath his paws and up at Saturn, looking at him with a subtle smile that began to form on his lips. "While it cannot replace what she lost, I hope it can at least be loved. Thank you." Their words brought comfort to his doubts. Romulus, often emotionally indecisive in private, needed the support.

An unsatisfied hum left Romulus. For him, any day could bring a new start, but the end was always nigh. Learning a new skill could not wait and, in response, the lion rose to his feet.  "Why not today?" he questioned curiosity. "Would you like to help me create this piece?" He had the materials and the power ready, after all.