an eye for an eye 乂 Tanglewood

[Romulus]

Eyes like daggers shifted and chiseled features whipped around as Agrimony approached with their defense. Romulus' ears swiveled upward in interest and listened intensely, only to be disappointed. A low growl rumbled out. Claws caressed at the soft dirt below his feet in contemplation. Force or negotiation? Romulus knew both would work, but ultimately chose the option that reduced any gripes. Paws shifted forward one by one as he grew closer. He raised his head and straightened out his posture, looking up at the other as he paused in his movements. Periwinkle orbs looked up at the other dully. Unamused, the lion started to speak. "Your reason for killing an innocent man is a pathetic," he bluntly asserted.

His unwavering gaze continued to stare up at the other. Slitted eyes watched carefully, awaiting any fidget or finnicky movement that would come. "Let's reassess." A multicolored tail flicked backwards at Plexus and Byriath, subtly thanking them for their information and loyalty before he continued. "Inferno and you set out on a romantic escapade to Tanglewood's borders for... something." A walk? A hookup? Whatever it may be, the kingpin would only scoff at their feeble excuse. "An unfamiliar face approaches you. One you do not know, obviously, and accuses you rightfully of trespassing, I assume?" His head started to crane to the side, questioning the other's stance. "Knowing Inferno's sharp tongue and your false superiority, I bet you both shot back snarky comments until it exceeded into a skirmish." He'd nod to himself. That sounded about right to him, even if it was an assumption. "So, a fight breaks out within Ximen's home and he defends it, only to die at 'your' paws." He had his doubts about Agrimony being the only one to throw a killing blow, especially with Inferno's previous violent behavior. Nevertheless, she was not here. That could be dealt with later.

"Your plea for innocence is that you trespassed into another territory, one I would like to align with, after I announced peacetime." A ragged snarl began to rise from the back of throat and out towards Agrimony, viciously making his point. "You then engaged with one of their members who chose to justly defend their territory, rather than let two delinquents pass their borders who were only there to fuck around." Romulus' gaze narrowed. "And then you two slaughtered him for that." Unsheathed claws dug into the floor, letting his intellect take it's hold before moving on to harsher methods. "Right? Is that what I'm hearing?"

Shaky breathes echoed out as he let go of his stagnant presence over the other. His attention veered towards Merlin. "You may stay," he reassured. "The punishment will not be light and-" He looked up at Agrimony momentarily. "-they will be apprehended." If they chose to ditch their punishment, exile with the threat of slaughter on sight would be suitable. Romulus hoped he would not have to deal with that, but with two exiles in his lifetime already, he knew they always had a moment of cowardice eventually. He'd keep his eyes peeled.

"The offer extends to you both also. We will offer suitable housing and whatever you need during your stay," the lion continued with a gesture towards Kiara and Corrupttimelines. They were all welcome to watch him work on the gravestone also, as it would be more peaceful than the punishment lined up for the two criminals.

With his spiel finished, the lion turned back to Agrimony one last time and violently shifted his paws across the rigid floor. Romulus attempted to use his earth manipulation on the ground below the horse, only to have it rise upwards and encase their legs in stone to keep them from moving any further. His current approach was merciful. Any resistance would be detrimental to everyone present.