[Nightbane]

Rather be the hunter than the prey // And you're standing on the edge, face up 'cause you're a
Natural

       The sun was starting to dip into the sea and the colors of the dying sun mingled with the darkening sky creating beautiful shades of purple and red. The waves beat against the cliffs with a roar that rivaled that of a lion as it was high tide now that the sky was darkening.

       A peculiar hybrid walked a few paces away from the cliff with a pelt that looked like it had been infused by the colors of the night sky with dark fur painted with lighter blue and purple hues. A pair of sabres hung from their jaws though they were much larger than most sabretooths and notably possessing the tail that most didn't. A partially-formed mane ran down the feline's neck and stopped at their shoulders while parts of it wrapped around their neck though not fully like that of a lion's. Their gender was a mixture of both masculine and feminine scents and they didn't seem to lean towards either side appearance-wise. The cat's long tail swished back and forth as they stopped where the scent was the strongest.

       Nightbane had been looking for a place to finally rest their paws, to no longer worry about where they would be sleeping next or the next job to accomplish. They had seen a lifetime of battle, violence, and pain, even at their young age and wanted to be more than just a hired soldier or guard. They wanted to have a normal life, one that no longer revolved around work and survival, to be a part of something. And through word of mouth, the night-furred mercenary found these lands, the lands of Stoneclaw that welcomed those of the feline persuasion.

       With their back to the cliffs, the sabre-lion stared out into the lands in which they seeked entry to. Contemplating for a second, waiting for some kind of sign to tell them to turn around and return to the life that they had led for so long. But there was nothing to suggest such a thing and the dark-colored cat knew that this was the path they should take. Finally, they let out a roar, calling for entry, acceptance into these lands.

OOC: Finally got this up! Here's Nightbane on the western borders~

[Shai]

There was something about the cliffs that made them both fascinating and frightening at the same time. Shai held some reservations about walking along the edge of them, but also couldn't help doing so every so often. It was the equivalent of not being able to look away from something one knew they shouldn't have seen. He still kept a respectable distance from the drop where the ground showed signs of erosion, for fear of being thrown down with a part of the cliff. Also because the wind here was unpredictable and could have pushed him enough to cause him to miss a step.

That was all it took in some cases.

But to those brave enough to walk the edges of the cliffs, what a rewarding view. The sea stretched out below as far as the eye could see, sometimes gently lapping against a beautiful beach, other times crashing violently against the jagged stones of the cliffs themselves. Shai may have felt some unease at leaving the leadership of the pride to another, but he had to admit it gave him more time to admire the simple moments and sights of the world around him.

He almost gave a groan when a call pulled him out of the moment. He was getting older, and though he knew it was best to keep himself active rather than just sit around and wait for his inevitable end, he was starting to wonder if the younger cats were being as productive as he. And if not, well perhaps his son should give them a firm talking to so they'd start pulling their weight around. He would have given them the talk himself but he was in no position to do so.

Truth be told, he was still a little sour about the fact Roderik had given him the rank of elder when he felt he should have been up there with the decision making higher ups... Roderik had probably done so out of spite, due to the argument they'd had over his ability to lead. Yet another sign he wasn't ready, as far as Shai was concerned.

When the elder's steps finally lead him to the author of the call, he found himself pausing and staring at the other in a moment of mesmerizing curiosity. Their pelt was the color of skies and storms littered with stars, and he couldn't quite tell if they were sabre or lion for they had both the particularities of long fangs and a mane. Shai shook his head and made his way closer, hoping he hadn't passed off as rude for staring.

The other came from the lands of the western borders, which surprised him, for he had heard they were home to many bears and other potentially unfriendly creatures.

"Travelers from the West are not a common occurrence. You're a fortunate one if your journey was free of difficulties."

Perhaps the spirits of luck lived among the stars in their pelt...

"A pleasure to meet you, Stranger. My name is Shai, former monarch of Stoneclaw. What is your purpose here?"

[Nightbane]

Nightbane

       Nightbane didn't have to wait for long as their call was soon answered by another of their own kind. Well part of their own kind as it was rare to find a mixed-blood like themself but they could be wrong. The galaxy-furred hybrid waited patiently for it was one of their strengths. They were cool and collected as always like the night that had graced their pelt. Unreadable as always, they sat regally but when the Stoneclaw member came into view, the hybrid rose to their feet and dipped their head in a respectful manner.

       The night-furred mercenary found themselves greeted by a formal monarch. The former general kept their head lowered as the man spoke to them, a carryover from their old pride. The speech however was more casual than any of the other leaders the fighter had met but they kept their head dipped in a sign of respect.

       I am here to join Stoneclaw, the multi-colored mercenary said, getting straight to business. And then they started with a greeting that was customary of their old pride. I was once one of the pride of the Kthyr Walida. My initiate mother was Skycatcher. I am the scion of Dawnrunner. Then, they added something that was not part of the customary greeting, in the pride, connections were more important than names. Their initiate mother - the female that was the equivalent of a godmother - had been a general and that was what Nightbane had rose to become. My name is Nightbane.

OOC
Sorry for the wait and the crappy post~ Nightbane's greeting was inspired (totally based off of) Furiosa's from Mad Max: Fury Road.