your words, my mouth / joining

[emil]

[align=center][div style="width: 600px; padding: 10px; height: auto; overflow: auto;"][div style="width: 550px; padding: 0px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify; font-family: arial; font-size: 9pt;"]The trek through the desert was not one she enjoyed. She hated the heat. She had been raised in it, forced to grovel in the sand, do whatever task was instructed of her. Only after she had been turned did she find her claws. She overthrew the place that had treated her as a slave, ruled it for some time, before leaving it to the wolves. Power was always something she had craved, but controlling a mere village of sexist freaks was not enough for her. She wanted more. Carmen had her eyes set on bigger things.

She had slept for a long time before coming all the way out here. A couple hundred years she believed, but such was not a big deal. It had invigorated her; fed the flame within her that craved control, and after some traveling, her path was set on the Pitt. A little desert group filled with little warmongers, falling a bit short from what she had heard as of late. Carmen could fix that. It would not be easy, surely, but she could definitely fix it. All it took was some cozying up to the top dog for a while, working her charm, then slitting their throat. It was definitely a good thing the woman was patient. She would bide her time until the moment came and make her move.

The cougar was significantly relieved when she finally came upon the jungle. A quick, refreshing change from the horrid sun burning into her back, to the coolness of the biome. This was much more her taste. She rolled her shoulders and paced forward a few steps, holding her chin up high and regally. "Pittians," The woman rumbled out, a pierced ear twitching. "My name is Carmen. I'm interested in joining your ranks."

[LUCKY LUCIANO]

[glow=#000,1,400]BUT YOU WERE BORN UNDER A BAD SIGN — TAGS[/glow]

Lucky craved power and respect. Ever since his relatives had convinced him to join their bloodstained ranks in ruling their city through fear and brute force, all Lucky strove for was validation and reverence from not only his family but from the world around him. He longed for the attention that his own father neglected to give him in his childhood. Everything he did was for his own self-gain, to prove to himself and to everybody that he was competent enough. He genuinely believed that he deserved and demanded commendation, if not now then with time.

While control over a group such as this sounded appealing to him, Lucky would not assassinate Stryker in order to get what he wanted. He would brave through the physical and mental tests that were thrown his way and would earn the respect of his peers one way or another. Then, perhaps in time, he would be able to take the reigns of the Pitt. Perhaps if Stryker proved to be unfit for leadership, he would... take care of him.

It was true that the hot and dusty desert was hellish and nearly unbearable, especially to those who were not used to such a harsh environment. Lucky was sure relieved that the Pitt dwelled in a lush and scenic jungle rather than a plain, sun-beating desert. The canine twitched his triangular ears at the stranger's introduction and weaved around the leafy undergrowth, making his way towards whoever this was. The large hellhound fixated his gaze onto the woman, fiery hues observing her. A big cat, obviously, and like him, she also was adorned with several pieces of jewels and bracelets. While Lucky wore emeralds and silver and gold, there was no doubt that this lioness was much more decorated than he. There was something goddess-like and regal about her, something that one could not ignore. However, she stated her business here in the Pitt, and he was obliged to answer her.

Usually, he would not be one to be welcoming with open arms. He knew that there were things to be suspicious of, especially in strangers, but the Pitt really had no test of loyalty when it came to new members. Lucky, personally, would implement such a system. However, if Stryker allowed just anybody into his ranks, then so be it. It wasn't his problem to be concerned about, especially if he wasn't deathly loyal to this place. [glow=black,1,400]"Welcome. Name’s Lucky."[/glow] Although a rather funny alias, there was a deeper meaning behind it. [glow=black,1,400]"The pyramids are back that way. I think you'll find them much cooler."[/glow] In temperature, that is. Although the jungle could be quite humid at times, nothing was as hot as a desert.

[emil]

[align=center][div style="width: 600px; padding: 10px; height: auto; overflow: auto;"][div style="width: 550px; padding: 0px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify; font-family: arial; font-size: 9pt;"]There was a time in Carmen's life in which she had yearned for the approval of her family and the others in her village. A yearning for validation and love from the old man that time and time again pushed her down. Eventually, she grew tired. Exhausted from work and the beatings, on the brink of death from the stress of it all. A bitterness in her soul was what drew her to the caves of a vampire, falling upon her knees and begging for the strength to overcome. Power was something that came easily now. By any means she would gain control, and any obstacle in her path would be put down. No longer would she kneel before others. She was royalty. She was a god. She was a woman.

Upon sighting Lucky, she decided to give him the benefit of doubt. The jewelry adorning his body certainly caught her eyes and earned a slight liking, but as he drew closer it become obvious he had several feet on her. It was always annoying to be smaller than someone. She turned her chin up higher as he came to stop before her, narrowing her deep maroon eyes. Carmen remained quiet for several moments after he spoke before responding.

"Lucky," She tasted the name on her tongue, before a sly smile graced her features. "Thank you for the tip. Perhaps you could escort me?" Carmen strode forward and aimed to bump him lightly with her hip. She didn't need an escort, nor did she need to be led there, but it was never too early to begin weaseling herself into the relationships of others.

[guts]

[align=center][div style="width: 51%; text-align: justify; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: -1px; font-family: georgia;"]Power was not something she tasted often, but in the few instances she had, it had tasted sweet. It had tasted different, much different from anything she ever had before. To say she didn't want more of it would be a lie, but she didn't strive hard to have it again, either. She had her morals, unlike many of her clan-mates. She was too kind, too giving and soft. She knew this, and it brought her shame. Sometimes she pondered her role here, especially without her healer rank.

Cosette approaches after Lucky, keeping a safe distance away from them both, watching through wary eyes. She didn't trust newcomers. No one could ever be sure of their motives, and so she was cautious, only really arriving after someone else did. She made it a thing not to welcome anyone on her own.

"[glow=black,2,300]Cosette.[/glow]" she says, somewhat quiet, as she didn't want to cut into...whatever this was. This girl was making a move on Lucky, but from her inexperienced view, she couldn't be sure. She didn't bother with a smile or anything warm and welcoming, really, simply staring ahead with an almost blank stare.

"[glow=black,2,300]speech[/glow]"