CRUEL SUMMER [open + joining]

[Matias]

Who would've thought that deserts could be this big? Sorbet felt like he'd been walking for days, although night had yet to fall, so it was probably closer to hours. Time was weird like that sometimes, especially if one wasn't paying attention. Sand clung to the canine's paws as he pushed himself through the dunes, slowly bringing himself towards the canyons he could see on the horizon. He knew that solid ground beneath him would be a relief. His pace quickened slightly as they drew nearer, speeding up before finally bringing him upon the edge of his goal. The sensation of rock against his paw pads brought a triumphant smile to his face, and he took a break to brush the sand off him and shake drops of melted frost off his coat. Finally he could see the rainforest, the very one that had brought him out here in the first place. Apparently it was some sort of group, a bunch of animals living together to make life easier. Why not join? Isolation was never much fun.

The vegetation of the forest was pleasant, even more so than the smooth rock he'd just left behind. It felt like ages since he'd heard the melodious sound of bird calls, or the faint trickling of water. He brought his tongue across his dry lips, angling his ears towards the tempting sound. First, though, he should make sure that he really wasn't the only one in this odd oasis. "What's up?" he called into the flora, vaguely aware of wing beats above him as he scared some kind of bird away. "Anyone home?" It would be a shame if he'd walked all this way for nothing, but sometimes life was like that. If he could walk here, there was no doubt that he could walk back. His paws froze the plant matter beneath him as he trotted further into the undergrowth, searching for any signs of intelligent life.

[sephiroth]

SEPHIROTH

MALE — ROSEBLOODS — LORD — HOVER FOR TAGS

[div style="background-color: #292727; color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto; width: 500px; height: 340px; padding: 10px;"]A quiet rumble of acknowledgment is what greeted Ryan from the deep foliage of the jungle.  That was soon accompanied by the emergence of the large pale lion from the shade of Rosebloods territory, eyes sharpened chips of blue green luminescent ice as the Lord settled his gaze on the stranger to the land he ruled.  Sephiroth's eyes flickered over the form of the shiba inu as he studied the newcomer before he spoke once again.  "...I suppose I am."  The lion's deep rumble served as a response to Ryan's greeting, one of his pale ears twitching in his well kept mane as he addressed the stranger.  "What is your business here with the Rosebloods?"  If Sephiroth was anything he was professional and to the point.

#psychosocial.

[purgatory]

Hearing the sound of voices - both familiar and not - was like a summoning for the young child. To him, the territory was quite large and he was more than ready to explore every nook and cranny for the best hiding places and secret areas to call his base. Large clumsy paws carried the albino snow leopard towards the sounds, eager to see who Sephiroth was talking to. Maybe they could be friends? Koda could always use more friend in his life. People to joke around and have fun with. To play games and make flower crowns and play pranks on each other. Oh! They'd also watch movies together and not laugh at him when he cries. Grinning, he scampered over to join them but had to stop midway and pick up the notebook that fell out of his mouth from him smiling too much. Gathering his possessions once more, Koda continued towards them, slowing as he neared. As much as he enjoyed meeting new people, he couldn't help but feel a bit weary of them first. After all, they are strangers. Who knows what they're thinking! Koda was adorable after all. Big blue eyes, fluffy soft fur, baby fat and all... He knows if predators were given the chance, they'd swallow him up in one gulp. Perhaps he was putting too much thought into it, but it was still a possibility. Inhaling slowly to calm his nerves, the wildcat stood close to his leader as he wrote down a greeting in his notebook. "Hello."

[align=center]✯ "speaking" / "writing" ✯

[Matias]

The first guy to appear was real fancy looking. He hadn't ever seen a lion before, but he had definitely heard of them and their manes and their powerful roars. It was easy to recognise the species as the lord appeared fully from the foliage. Sorbet made unapologetic eye contact as he was studied, his eyes just as icy as they clashed with those before him. His face was blank aside from a self-assured smile, and the frost that had melted off his fur in the heat of the sun had begun to solidify once again under the protection of the shade. By the time Sephiroth had finished talking, his fur was once again spiked and glittering with tiny crystals of frozen water, stolen from the moisture in the air. The canine sat back and scratched briefly at his choker with the icy claws attached to his back leg, scrunching up his face. "My business?" He snorted, finally putting all paws back on the ground. "Ain't this place open to havin' people join?" Why else would he have walked all that way, if not to have a place to stay? Sorbet wasn't aware of the other groups yet, so he had no reason to believe that he'd come here for any other reason.

But then someone else was approaching, and Sorbet's gaze flickered around a bit before finally falling on the form of Maekoda. Now, Sorbet wasn't the 'eating children' type, but that didn't mean that he wouldn't threaten it if the time came. For now he just stared somewhat blankly, watching confusedly as the kid stepped close to the other guy and scribbled something on some sort of book. Sorbet squinted at the words, diamond shaped pupils tracing the lines, but no signs of recognition registered on his face. "What's that?" He asked, pointing at the word with a blue claw. Throughout his whole life, the boy had never had much of a need for reading. He had plenty of time to learn, considering how much of his childhood he'd spent lying in beds under the care of medics, but he'd just... never really gotten around to it. "Can't ya' talk?" Blunt, blunt as ever, but hopefully he'd be forgiven for his transgressions. Sorbet hadn't exactly had time to get used to socialisation.

[Jiyu Simul Stamus]

Sobert, like the cold sweet snack that she had experienced a few times before? Well if he was named after the item, than this toms name was perfect, her optics catching the patches of frost at his paws. The calico's own feet carried her forward, fading into sight as she neared, flicking her beloved invisibility off. Jiyu had been making excessive use of the power since awakening it during the middle of Sep's last meeting. Mercenaries, he was only going to lead the group to ruin, he was no different than him. The stoic approached the group as the childs lack of voice was inquired about. "Far as we're aware he can not." she had yet to hear any sound from the other member, so it was common place to treat the boy as mute until they had some proof otherwise. Plus, it wouldn't be her first time dealing with a disabled group mate, that wasn't anything out of common place for her. Those who couldn't do everything the same as others? Required a little extra watching, she'd always double checked on such members over the years she served as guard, ensuring all was well with them, even if they didn't know.

"I'm Jiyu Simul Stamus, Adviser. Welcome to The Rosebloods." her voice was completely monotone, static on some television set out of sight, gaze empty of anything. Since the other had not asked for translations, she had no actual reason to assume he couldn't read right away, only that he was confused about the kids writing. "If you can't read I can teach you." it didn't even really sound like an offer, just some statement of fact, no interest or such in her as she expressed the comment. She had numerous litters of kits and to some extent she had taught some of them to read, once she was able to be there for them. Now? She was trapped again, unable to get near those animals she called her children, she was horrible for them. At least, her desire to not interact with anymore children of her own prevented her from being receptive to anyone who tried to court her, it would just be another mate down the drain.

[sephiroth]

SEPHIROTH

MALE — ROSEBLOODS — LORD — HOVER FOR TAGS

[div style="background-color: #292727; color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto; width: 500px; height: 340px; padding: 10px;"]Sephiroth would watch as Maekoda and eventually Jiyu joined the small group that was gathering around before he turned his attention back on Sorbet.  Hm.  Clearly one with attitude.  So long as it didn't cross into insubortonation he remained at peace with it.  Perhaps some time in their fine group would work wonders for the newcomer.  Thankfully Jiyu seemed to step in and take care of the conversation part of the whole procedure, which Sephiroth wasn't quite as skilled in.  He did find himself holding back a bristling response at their attitude towards Maekoda.  If anything his time as leader made him more protective of his groupmates.

"As Jiyu said, welcome."  The lion Lord would dip his maned head in his small greeting.  He kept his eyes on his longer time Rosebloods for a moment before he addressed Sorbet again.  "I am Sephiroth, the leader here.  I you find your time here..pleasurable."  He wasn't skilled at being friendly he would admit.  It was a work in progress for sure.

#psychosocial.

[purgatory]

As far as Koda knew, he didn't have a voice. It never occured to him to use it since he didn't have anyone to talk to before now. For as long as he could remember - which wasn't very long, mind you - he'd always communicated via writing. But how was he going to explain that to the stranger before him. It seemed like an awful lot to write down and Koda didn't want his paw to cramp up. Concerning his inquiry, the child's mind was buzzing with possible replies but like the silencing clap of thunder, everything halted when a small voice whispered. Tell him nothing. I am not obligated to answer. Oh. Not respond altogether? That was weird. He asked a question and Koda had an idea of an answer, so why shouldn't he say anything? That was an odd thought that manifested out of nowhere. Pressing their lips together, he began to ponder why he suddenly decided not to reply to his question. It wasn't anything rude so why such a harsh thought? He was lost in his own thoughts for the majority of the conversation, coming to when Sephiroth introduced himself. He was also somewhat positive he heard Jiyu close by but that could have been a figment of his imagination. He was sure if he's able to have questionable thoughts such as that, hallucinating the presence of another shouldn't be too hard. However, a quick shift in optics proved the Adviser had indeed introduced herself. He figured it was his turn now. Deciding to not mention his inability to speak, Koda merely pointed to his throat and gave a shrug of his shoulder, a gesture that summed up all of this thoughts before writing underneath his initial greeting. "I'm Maekoda but you can Koda works just fine! Or whatever you like! Welcome to the Rosebloods~" And with that, he held it up with a bright but weary smile.

[align=center]✯ "speaking" / "writing" ✯