Party On The Range, [AW] (with good reason, see OOC intro)

[Solstice]

(OOC: About the All Welcome tag - this thread is open to anybody who wants to join, however bear in mind that it's in the Range terretory, so members of other Prides, particularly the neutral or dark ones, would not be invited. If you can think of a good reason why a character from another Pride would be present then that'd be fine, but it would have to be plausible Feel free to contact me via PM if you want to discuss possible angles on this.)

It was some time after that cold day on the outskirts of the Pride terretory, the day when Solstice had first become aquainted with the loner Eclipse, that the PM had found the time to organise the get-together the two of them had spoken of. What with the continuing Sparra problem and other matters clamouring for her attention (coupled with a short trip to the Gardens to see Sanu), the chilling, icy grip of winter was actually beginning to weaken slightly by the time she finally came to plan it, and the air was just beginning to warm up as the first hints of spring began to show. Perhaps in some ways this would be a good thing, she considered as she discussed the matter with some of the Pride Elders. More would be likely to show up if the weather was slightly more clement, and perhaps the spirit of the party would match the atmosphere around them in it's increasing warmth and welcomeness.

That was the purpse of the event after all - to form and strengthen bonds between the newcomers from the old lands and the native inhabitants of the area, and assist with their intergration process into the local poppulation. A little late perhaps, she thought ruefully - how long had they been here already without such an event being planned? She had been so buisy it felt like mere weeks, but she knew it was far longer than that. Still, such an event was better late than never, and hopefully this party would be instrumental in finally breaking all the lingering predjudices on both sides and forging much stronger unity among the Range Pride, and perhaps even the other Prides in the area too. She had sent word to the PMs and other dignitaries of the Light Prides, offering them a place at the celebration also should they wish to attend...wether they would or not was yet to be seen.

Whatever the case, the Elders had largely welcomed the suggestion, and arrangements, once put into motion, came on appace. There was lots to consider - a large hunt to plan in the early afternoon to ensure there was sufficient food for all, entertainment in the form of singers, dancers and storytellers to entertain both in the evening and long into the night, wood collection to fuel the numerous fires that would provide light and heat as the early spring sun dipped below the horizon - but fortunately it all came together relatively swiftly. The event was planned for the last evening in the week, when hopefully the atendees would be at their most relaxed and happy, and word quickly spread about the gathering.

As the day itself dawned, Sol's hopes rose far higher than she could have dreamed. The weather was unusually clear and warm for that time of year, the sun high in a sky almost completely free of cloud. Preperations were running very smoothly and on schedule, and the whole Pride seemed abuzz with the excitement and anticipation of the evening's events. It was quite wonderful to walk through the central Pridelands and overhear gleeful laughter and animated discussion about the games that would be played and the sociallising everyone was looking forward to, and Sol couldn't help but think that even if the party itself turned out to be a relatively quiet affair, the hype before it alone would have to some degree acchived her aims. Of course, she still hoped for grand things that evening - hopefully plenty would turn up and the gathering would be a roaring success - but anything more now would be the extra petals on a flower, the bonus in addition to the basic aim.

She stationed herself at the location of the party in the mid afternoon, well before the festivities were due to begin, so she could be seen to be taking an interest in the proceedings and the Pride, and also to welcome the arrivals as they came. It had been decided to hold the event around the Azure Oasis, a small lake almost directly in the center of Range terretory surrounded by a small glade of cactai, shrubs, and a couple of tall, graceful palm trees. As well as being a meeting place for the Pride Elders and the spot where Sol had taken to hearing and ruling on important Pride matters, the body of water was a natural focal point for the local poppulace to converge, so it made sence that the gathering would be held in such a location.

The large conical piles of wood that would be lit as bonfires as the light began to die were already scattered about the place at regular intervals as she arrived, awaiting the spark to set them burning, and at the head of the lake next to the large boulder which had become the PM's council seat a large section of the shoreline had been covered in moss and dead leaves, marking it out as a kind of stage on which the entertainment acts would perform the the watching crowds around and across the water. Sol had to admire the industriousness of the workers preparing the area, she thought as she hopped up atop her rock and lay down lightly, awaiting the first of the guests arriving. So many of the Range were such hard and honest workers who were so driven to assist their community and their friends, and in many ways she really couldn't ask for a better Pride to lead. It was that spirit, above all else, that this party this evening would be about, and she dearly hoped that such a spirit would be fired to new heights by the gathering and everyone would be brought together in friendship and cooperation. Certainly she was looking forward to reconnecting with her friends too, whomever would be able to come - San, Titus, Eclipse, Vixan...she had sent word to them all.

Despite her being early on the scene, she wasn't waiting long before the first families began to arrive in the area of the oasis, respectfully offering her a greeting as they approached before looking for a place to settle down and wait for the festivities to begin. She welcomed each of them warmly, bidding them a joyful evening and encouraging them to mingle and meet some new friends, all the while keeping her own gleaming cyan eyes alert for any faces she recognised in the slowly gathering crowd...

[Eclipse]

Finally, the day of the party had come. Eclipse bounded out of his cave (he had recently moved back inot it, now that the warming weather had dried it out) and shook his feathers, stretching luxuriously in the morning sun. With a stifled yawn he surveyed his own appearance. It could be better, he decided. He would need a bath.

Two hours later, Eclipse was polished and preened. His onyx feathers gleamed in the sun, his claws were sharp and shiny, and he carried a small bunch of bluebells in a forepaw-an offering for the lady Solstice. He was ready, and so he took to the air whistling, to begin the journey to the oasis.

As he drew closer, Eclipse was surprised at how few guests were there, and decided he must be early. There were workers still scurrying around preparing various props for the events, and only a handful of gryphs milling around excitedly. Eclipse circled above and spied Solstice. A wide grin spread across his beak as he closed his wings and swooped gracefully towards the ground, landing a respectful distance from where she was perched on a rock.

"Greetings, my Lady," Eclipse called out, trotting forward on three legs. With a very slight blush he offered the flowers with the fourth. "I know your beauty far surpasses the beauty of my meagre present, but I should have felt bad if I had not brought a gift for my mistress, after all the work you have done for us." He ended tis obviously rehearsed speech with an embarrassed bow and an uncertain smile.


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Meanwhile, another gryph in another part of the land was also preparing for the party. Although not normally one for socialising, especially with a strange pride, Vixan could certainly not refuse an opportunity to see her good friend Solstice again. Despite their rare meetings, Vixan felt a deep bond with her, and had recently been missing her good-natured company.

Evening was close when Vixan decided to depart. She had faced a dilemma earlier-should she leave early, and risk being the only one there for a time, or later, and possibly arrive last, when the whole of the range pride would be there to judge her as she landed among them? But Vixan hoped she had chosen a good time to go, when some would be there, but others would not yet be there.

Unfortunately, Vixan hit a snag as she finally flew over the border to the pride (the sentries let her through immediately, perhaps Sol had told them of her invitation). She knew that the party was at the Azure Oasis...but she didnt have to foggiest idea where this oasis was.

"Ah" she said aloud to herself, afraid to let loose the usual torrent of profanities in case there were other range gryphs nearby. That could be a problem. She would have to find somebody. So Vixan flew back toward the border to find the sentries she had passed earlier. Perhaps they would be able to show her the way.

"Excuse me," She called a little uncertainly as they came within sight. She landed respectfully, not wating to put anybodys back up. "I'm a little lost...could you possibly show me where the Azure Oasis is? Lady Solstice is expecting me..."

[Cornelius]

"So, you're sure you're up to this?" Saren sat on the border of her prideland, watching her friend and guest as he prepared to leave. It was still dark out. The sun was just barely shining the first few rays of the day over the horizon. "I could go with you..."
Cornelius finished strapping on his gear and began preparing for flight, "No, you know that probably wouldn't go so well. And if this works out, you'll have your chance anyway." He gave her a sideways grin.
"I suppose you know them better than I do." She gave him a nod. "Good luck."
"Hopefully I won't need it. Never saw myself playing the part of ambassador though."

And with that he took to the air, heading northwest. It was an uneventful trip for the most part. It took awhile to clear the distance, but it was a steady speed. He had left early so he could arrive at the Range at a decent time. A good plan in theory, but he hadn't been awake this early in a dog's age. Add to that he was traveling such a long distance and he felt rather exhausted. He stopped for a quick break at a small lake in the neutral lands. He touched down on the shore, panting heavily. He wasn't overweight in the least, as you could tell just by looking at him. But he could definitely stand to be a bit more fit.
I should stop sleeping so much and actually exercise every now and then I guess...

As he quenched his thirst, a reflection caught his eye. He looked up to see another gryphon flying high overhead, in what seemed to be the direction of the Light pridelands.
He recognized her as one of his pridemates... Vixan, if he remembered correctly. Although he couldn't remember if he had actually talked with her before. He followed, keeping his distance and making sure she stayed just within eyesight. He flew low. She wouldn't be able to notice him unless she looked directly behind her.
What was she doing so close to the Northern lands? At first he was sure she was going for the Debonair Gardens, who's resident pride Cornelius in particular didn't trust. But as she passed by its boundaries it became clear that she was headed for the next Northern territory over, and his destination as well: Clymetur Range.
His former pride. Well, part of it at least. He hadn't made contact since he left and joined the marsh pride.

He snapped out of his thoughts as the Range border came into view. He hadn't realized he had been moving so quickly. This brought on a second realization: he had lost track of Vixan. He slowed down and scanned the airspace ahead of him, but saw no sign of her.
"Damn." he muttered to himself. Not that it was important that he kept track of her, but he would have liked to know what she was doing here.
Ah well, her business is her own I suppose.
He felt better at least knowing that she had come here instead of one of the other Light prides. Even though he was neutral in the whole Light/Dark feud, he just couldn't go against his old pride. If not for the Moorland pride joining with Clymetur, he would have joined the Southern prides from the start. He had actually been invited to as a matter of fact.
Remnet Orchard and Clymetur Range: the only other two prides in this whole land that had a lick of sense, in his own personal opinion of course.

He saw figures on the border, most likely the sentinels on duty, so he headed towards them. No sense in trying to avoid them as they would question his motives when they found out. As he drew nearer he saw that Vixan was talking with them. He landed a few yards off and stopped, giving a nod in greeting.

"Halt." the larger of the two guards stated.
"I did."
The guard eyed him threateningly, "I don't like your tone. What's your business here?"
"I came to see Solstice."
"The pridemistress doesn't see just anyone. Were you invited?"

It was then that the second sentry jumped into the conversation. "Cornelius! What brings you out here? Haven't seen you in forever!"
Cornelius recognized him immediately and gave him a grin, "Reave, it's been awhile. I need to see Solstice."
"Sure thing," Reave replied, "Shouldn't be a problem since-."
"It is a problem," the larger gryph interjected, "All outsiders without prior notice must have an escort. No exceptions."
"But.."
Reave looked as though he was bout to start an argument, but Cornelius spoke first. "That's fine. I don't mind."

"Very well. If you'll follow me then." the large gryph huffed and turned to Vixan. "Lady Vixan, you may accompany us as well since we're all going the same way."

On the way there, Cornelius took the opportunity to survey what he could of the land. It was the first time he had visited the Range, but... there wasn't much to see. Lots of sand. And it was much too hot and dry for his liking. Perhaps he was just too conditioned to the marsh's climate.

There were quite a few people at the oasis they landed at, many of which he recognized. The sentries approached the large rock that Solstice occupied. There was another dark-coloured gryphon nearby as well.

"Lady Solstice, there are guests here to see you."

This post has been edited by Cornelius on Jun 15 2009, 03:09 AM

[Sparra]

Sparra knew there was a party today. She had heard the guards outside her home talk about it. She knew she wasn't being invited. Someone would have visited her by now and told her about it. It's been what... A few weeks since someone visited me? Sparra thought to herself, in the very back of her cave, sitting by the underground river in the darkness. It was early, and was still dark out, so regardless of where she was, it would be dark. It was annoying, no, infuriating for her to know that a party was being arranged and she wouldn't be invited. "So much for Solstice letting me out eventually..." she muttered coldly to herself. Even worse, she couldn't even have her own party, even if she wanted... Unless she wanted to invite the rocks over and talk to them. But they made poor party mates, and normally didn't talk back.

Ironically, Sparra wished that someone would visit her, anyone really... Even Solstice. After all, misery enjoys company. "If only I could go..." she murmured where she laid, the only sound being the river softly bubbling as it ran through the small cavern. "Perhaps if I can't be invited to the party, I could join in anyway!" She sighed. "But what use would that be... I'm stuck in here." Splashing at the river with a paw, she suddenly had an idea. Looking towards the source of the river, she grinned in the darkness. "All rivers have a source... This has to lead above ground sometime or another!" Getting up, she stepped into the river, the cold water reaching up to her belly, shuddering as she did so.

Sparra had good night vision, but even the gaping maw that was the entrance of the river was dark. Put simply, there was no light, and she'd be going in blind. "Well, it's worth a shot..." she muttered, crawling into the hole. Sparra found out that she fitted quite nicely in the hole, provided that she crouched. The water went up to her neck and occasionally splashed over her face as it ran by her, but Sparra waded up the steady river. Moving slowly, the gryphoness didn't mind the darkness one bit... She could feel that the tunnel the river had carved seemed to be getting smaller, but she figured that was her mind playing tricks on her in the dark.

However, she came across a point where the ceiling sharply dipped, so much so that there would be almost no room for Sparra to keep her head above the water! Stopping, she nosed the tunnel in front of her, trying to get an idea of how low it went, as well as how far... But all she could find out is that she wouldn't be able to keep her head above the water... The tip of her beak would poke out, but opening her beak would flood her mouth. Despite being soaked, and shivering slightly from the cold water piercing her coat, Sparra felt compelled to keep moving forward. She went this far, why turn around now? ...Not like she could turn around anyway, there wasn't enough room!

Do I really want to go to this party? ...Yes. I want to be with someone other than myself. I want to have FUN and enjoy a day instead of being cooped up in my home! Well, here goes nothing...

Taking a deep breath, she plunged her head underwater and kept pushing forward. As she went on, the tunnel became shorter and shorter, and it wasn't long before Sparra's belly was dragging on the smooth river floor the tip of her beak raised to feel the ceiling. Progress was literally painfully slow, as her body began to ache for air, colors starting to fill in the darkness, making her disoriented and confused. Forcing herself to keep going, the gryphoness pushed against the current, which seemed to be getting stronger... or was it her body that was getting weaker?

She almost mistaken it for her mind trying to trick her... A small beam of light was in front of her, alluringly small. Her body was now screaming for air, and she fought back the urge to take a breath, her lungs desperately trying to use whatever was left in her... It was like she was instinctively trying to suck her beak in. Panic soon set in, as she could see her goal, but her body didn't seem to be able to make it, giving her a burst of desperate speed.

It was then that her body betrayed her.

Against her will, despite all that she tried, her beak snapped opened and immediately was flooded with water. Sucking it in, Sparra clenched her beak shut and struggled to stop from coughing the water back up. Everything was going hazy now, but she knew it couldn't be more then a few feet... Giving one lunge, her head somehow managed to poke out of the hole, and she stood where she was, coughing and gasping for air. Strength was slow to return to her body, and she slowly pulled her weak self out into what looked to be a small oasis. It wasn't much, a small lake that formed before running off into the hole she just crawled out of. Splashing out of the water, she hauled herself to the shore and plopped down on her side, breathing heavily. For the first time, she could look up and see the sun, feel it's familiar warmth seep through her body... Despite being oh so very tired, she was elated with success. Oh Solstice, I want to see the look on your face...

After resting for an hour or so at the oasis (she doubted it was in her pride's territory), she washed the sand off herself and took flight for the first time in quite a while. Looping and rolling through the air, it wasn't long before she spotted her home, a tiny dot on the ground. Giggling as she flew by, she made way for the nearest oasis... Azure Oasis. It made sense that the party would be held there, it was almost in the center of the pridelands, and one of the larger oases to boot. Her guess turned out to be correct as she spotted quite a number of gryphons milling about the area. Scanning the ground, Sparra was looking for a particular gryphon... And she found her, sitting on top of a rock.

Landing a fair distance away, she walked up to Solstice from the side, savoring the moment. Although she didn't bring any attention to herself, when she saw Solstice notice her, she grinned. "How rude of you to host a party and not invite me, Pridemistress..." she smugly stated.

[Solstice]

"I know your beauty far surpasses the beauty of my meagre present, but I should have felt bad if I had not brought a gift for my mistress, after all the work you have done for us."

Sol's eyes lit up with joy at the sight of Eclipse and the gift that he brought, her paws rising to her open beak for a moment as she searched for a sufficiently greatful comment with which to respond, no easy task. "Oh they're wonderful, thank you!" she exclaimed at last, taking the posey with a delicate touch and sliding their stalks into the long, whispy strands of fur that ran off down the back of her neck from her right ear, causing the flowers to sit neatly atop and to the side of her head like a corsage, their sapphire petals mirroring her glittering eyes. "And you do me far too much favour." she continued with a coy grin, dipping her head slightly as she looked at him with a sidelong gaze. "I forgot just how skillful you were with words Eclipse. You must warn me beforehand the next time you make an entrance like that, give me a chance to prepare!"

Her smile swiftly became more serious and warm however, as she raised her eyes to fully meet his face, and she hopped down from her rock to take his paw in greeting. "It's great to see you again though. I trust you've kept well since we last spoke?"

As they conversed, the two visitors to the Range arrived along with their escort, and the Sentinel smartly awaited a gap in the discussions before clearing his throat to announce their presence. "Lady Solstice, there are guests here to see you." Solstice looked round at the call, and immediately her eyes alighted on Vixan stood close by she raced forward, throwing her arms around the tawny Huntress' shoulders with a welcoming hug.

"Vixan! I'm so glad you could make it! Welcome to the Range." Eventually she stepped back from the smothering embrace, allowing the two to look each other in the eye, but the PM's beak still bore a wide, almost childish grin as she spoke again: "How have you been?"

Pleasentries exchanged with one Marshlands Pride member, she then turned her attention to the other, and her already large eyes grew considerably wider as she recognised his amber fur and scarred face. "Sir Cornelius! It's been a long time." she murmured, giving him a respectful curtsey. "This is a pleasent surprise! I'd wondered what happened to you after the exodus from the Moors, I hoped you'd fared okay."

Seemingly satisfied that the newcomers had been accepted in the area (however uncomfortable he may have felt about it), the Sentinel cast another sidelong glance at Cornelius before saluting the PM smartly with his wing. "If all is well with these visitors' presence here, My Lady, then with your permission I'll retire back to my post."

Sol gave the figure a nod. "Very well, thanks for bringing them to see me. By the way, before you go, I assume guard duty has been worked out between you and your companions to allow each of you some time at the party?"

"Yes ma'am. I'll be coming back here in a few hours when I'm relieved."

"Good." The Sentinel spread his wings, preparing to take off into the bright late afternoon sky, and Solstice watched him lift off for a moment before turning to speak to Cornelius once again. She had intended to ask the Medic about his welfare, and inquire as to his purpose for visiting the Range, however before she could return her irridescent azure gaze to face him once again her eye aught sight of a rusty red movement approaching out of the gathering crowd to her side. Her head snapped round to face the new figure, and her body immediately tensed as she blinked a few times in shock, as though not quite believing what her eyes were telling her.

"How rude of you to host a party and not invite me, Pridemistress..."

"Excuse me, my friends." Solstice murmured quietly towards Eclipse, Vixan and Corn, her beaming smile no longer gracing her concerned, hard features. "I will return to see you all as quickly as possible, but I'm afraid a small matter requires my attention. Please make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the festivities." Then, squaring her shoulders and taking a deep breath, she stepped calmly and purposefully towards the red shadow. "Sparra...I wonder if you'd be so kind to tell me how you got out of your cave?"

[Eclipse]

"You must warn me beforehand the next time you make an entrance like that, give me a chance to prepare!"

Eclipse chuckled at Solstices comment, pleased that she had accepted the gift so graciously. "Believe me m'lady, I was hard pressed to come up with a greeting that befitted the occasion, I spent the best part of three days wracking my brains for it." He laughed again, a musical sound.

"It is nice to see you too mistress. Yes, I have kept extremely well thankyou. I have moved back to my normal residence near the outskirts-you may remember that tree where we first met? My cave has dried very nicely, and the tree is in full bloom now. The falling petals, although beautiful, are driving me mad." He sighed theatrically, shaking his head in mock sorrow, but the somber expression was soon replaced by a slightly impish smile.

"I'm pleased to see you are well, it means we will be able to share that dance later, as planned. Unless you change your mind, I will seek you out later this evening," With a roguish wink, Eclipse sauntered off in high spirits to mingle with the other arriving guests, leaving Solstice in peace to greet her other guests.


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"Thankyou," Vixan said to the guard. She smiled at Cornelius as they flew towards the oasis-she knew him only in passing, but should make an effort to become better aquainted with him. Finally they drew near, and Vixan alighted gently, making her way cautiously to her friend, dodging around the other party goers.

Although a little taken by surprise at her welcome, Vixan nevertheless returned the hug with as much vigour as Solstice put into it. It really was wonderful to see her old friend again, and she said so.

"Its really lovely to see you again," she said with an enormous grin once Sol let her go. "I have been well thankyou, I hope you are too, although I have found nyself missing a certain someones company. She grinned and continued, "Of course, I'm not sure why when that particular gryphon is too damn friendly for her own good!" She laughed and patted Sols arm to show she was only kidding around, but as she saw Sols attention drawn to Cornelius, whom she evidently knew well, Vixan bowed slightly and backed away, to give Solstice some privacy. This was a party afterall, she really should socialise a little.

[Cornelius]

It felt as though his heart skipped a couple beats when Cornelius caught sight of Solstice again. Seeing her again for the first time in so long brought bottled up emotions to the surface. It took him off guard; he didn't think it would hit him so hard.
Her eyes caught sight of Vixan first, whom she immediately pulled into a welcoming embrace.
Vixan. Aside from being of the same pride, he mainly knew of her from the word of Solstice herself. The entire Moors Pride had learned of her in the recounting of the event involving her, Taiya, and Solstice. They had obviously become close during the incident, judging from their reactions of them meeting again.
When Solstice finally let Vixan go and turned to him, it was all he could do to restrain himself from rushing her into another embrace. He felt his nares flushing. Had he missed her so much? He thought he had better control of his emotions, but when she spoke her greeting to him he could feel himself choking up.

"...Solstice." he managed in greeting, and returned her curtsy with a bow of his head.
So formal...
He kept his head down, struggling to keep his emotions in check. He didn't want to be formal. He wanted to meet like a friend would. He wanted to... he felt like he wanted to cry. He was terrible at expressing his emotions - always had been. So it was relief when the sentinel took Sol's attention away from him.
He didn't hear much of the short conversation between them. He felt the glance of the guard but didn't look up. The rush of wind from his take off brought him back to his senses though.

"Excuse me, my friends. I will return to see you all as quickly as possible, but I'm afraid a small matter requires my attention. Please make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the festivities." Solstice turned to address the red-coloured gryphon who had just showed up.

Good, he had some time to compose himself. He shouldn't rush into speaking with Solstice about important things. After all, his purpose here wasn't all that urgent. It could wait a bit.
He may not have been invited to the occasion (which saddened him a bit), but he had been accepted. So he might as well use the opportunity to reacquaint himself with the populace.

And so, after a few moments to recollect himself, he decided to start with his fellow pride member. He relocated Vixan in the growing crowd and caught up to her. He cleared his throat before speaking.
"I don't think we've properly met each other yet, though I assume we both know each other's name by now."

This post has been edited by Cornelius on Jul 2 2009, 05:34 AM

[Sparra]

"Sparra...I wonder if you'd be so kind to tell me how you got out of your cave?"

Sparra grinned and replied in a sing-song voice "I'll never tell..." then laughed for a bit, then regained her composure somewhat, continuing by stating "I have my ways. And if you're worried about the guards stationed outside my home, they don't even know I'm gone... Granted, they may figure it out come mealtime, but until then..."

The gryphoness left the sentence hanging, looking behind her at the small crowd which had gathered around the Pridemistress. "Quite a crowd you draw, Pridemistress. Quite a crowd... Perhaps you'd like to introduce me to them? It's the polite thing to do, after all..."

[Solstice]

"I'm afraid that won't be possible." Solstice responded, her voice quiet but firm, as though she were repremanding a young and wayward chick. "I must ask you to come with me, please." Walking slowly around the rock she had earlier been sat on, she made her way in the direction of the small patch of palm trees that framed the performance area of the oasis' shore, pausing only once to call to one of the nearby Pawns who was sat nearby with his family. "Excuse me, may I ask a favour? I need you to go out to the mid-terretories, just to the south of the cactus fields. On the plains there you should find some Knights guarding a cave...make sure they're okay, and please tell them to report here to me as quickly as possible." The other responded with a nod, returning to his family to explain his absence before leaping into the air and spreading his wings, and Solstice pushed her way into the surprisingly dense undergrowth between the palm trees' trunks, glancing over her shoulder as she went to ensure Sparra was still following her.

Once they had reached the heart of the undergrowth, the PM stopped, glancing around to make sure nobody could see them. She didn't want to detract from the party spirit in any way by making what she was about to say a public spectacle...far better to keep it as low key as possible. And while the noise of the festivities still continued all around them, and they would have to keep their voices down to avoid being overheard, at least nobody ever penetrated into the undergrowth in such a way as this so as to see them talk.

Her gleaming sapphire eyes came to rest on Sparra as she let out a long, pained sigh. "Sparra, you are not making this easy for me. The story of what happened out in the dunes is common knowledge now, and I cannot have this evening spoiled by fear or hatred that may flare up as a result. Not to mention the fact that justice must be seen to be done, otherwise the entire Pride could break appart." Her gaze dropped to the floor, her brow furrowing as she thought through the situation over and over again. "I do not want any of the Pride to be left out at this party, but I must confess a moral uncertanty at wether an offender should be permitted such revelries while serving her prescribed sentance...not to mention the far more important fact that I must ensure the safety of everybody in attendance, I cannot risk the possibillity that somebody could be harmed in some way." A meaningful pause. "Yourself, as well as others..."

Another sigh, and she tipped her head to the side as her eyes returned to the Huntress, sitting down lightly and curling her long tail around her paws. "What do you think? What would be your solition to this connundrum?"

[Eclipse]

At his words, Vixan spun round to face Cornelius with a slightly bemused look on her face, but it quickly cleared as recognition dawned.

"Ah, yes, Cornelius," she said with a smile bowing politely. "I have heard of you on more than one occasion. Your skills as a medic are quite renowned, I hear. I'm glad to finally have the chance to speak with you in person." She ruffles her feathers a little, and tapped her claw in time with the music that had just started playing, a cheerful melody, light and carefree.

After a moments hesitation, she asked, "Do you fancy a dance sir Cornelius? I must admit my footwork is far from fancy, but this tune is hard to resist." She hoped she hadnt overstepped the line, seeing as they had only just met, but it had been years since she had enjoyed herself this much, and she really did want to be truly involvd in the party.

[Sparra]

Although Sparra did follow Solstice into the underbrush, her strides were slow, like she was slinking after her... Or stalking her. She listened silently to Solstice, an annoyed look on her face, which quickly turned into a dark scowl as the Pridemistress finished. "Justice? Is that what you call it? Practically locking me up in my home for as long as you please? THAT'S justice? Ha!" Sparra spat back at her. "You act like this is a perfect world, where putting me away in some dark corner will magically make everything better. I'm not some used toy to just throw away when you're done with me! Do you have any idea, ANY IDEA what it's like to be trapped in my own home, knowing that no one will visit me? I don't mind solitude, but even I like to talk to others from time to time! Did you ever consider that?"

Throughout her rant, Sparra's voice slowly rose, getting dangerously close to be overheard by others passing by. "And you have the nerve to think that I'm helpless if someone chose to go after me! I'm perfectly capable of defending myself, regardless of what the circumstances are! On top of that, you act like I pick fights with everyone in the pride!" By now Sparra was visibly shaking with rage, her bright green eyes burning into Solstice. "And if you want to know what my solution is right now, well... What I will tell you is that you'll be my next meal if you keep up your self-righteous attitude! Pick your next words carefully... I'm in no mood to be insulted!"

[Solstice]

"Attacking me will do little to help your case, Sparra." Solstice murmured in responce, showing not a hint of fear or trepidation at the obtuse threat. "I don't doubt that you can defend yourself if needed, that was not what I intended to convey. My point is that I cannot have fights or disputes break out on a night like this, for any reason. And if one were to occur, I need to be assured that no serious injuries would be sustained on the part of either party...to trust that it would not go too far. That is the key issue here; trust. It has been since that day out on the sands when you were digging your holes."

She let out another sigh as she regarded the much larger Huntress with an air of quiet, reserved dignity. "Now if I can trust that nobody will be harmed tonight, either in attack or defence, then I may be able to let you stay for a time, albeit with a guard close by for your own protection. If any trouble does happen, it will immediately be brought straight to me, not delt with unilaterally. If you can prove that you can be trusted in this matter, Sparra, then perhaps you will be granted more trust in other areas too, such as your confinement in your cave." Her expression dropped to a look of pained concern as she stared sincerely at the other Griff, as if pleading with her silently to understand. "Because it brings me no pleasure to enforce sentance such as that upon anyone, believe me. I do not want to do it, my paw is forced out of nessecity...I would much rather the Pride be a free and happy place for all."

[Cornelius]

"Dance?" Cornelius couldn't contain the surprise at Vixan's sudden request. He had never been asked to dance before. Of course, he usually steered clear of party environments such as this. All the crowds made him feel uncomfortable. Combine that with something that drew attention to him, and he would find himself in quite an undesirable situation.
He looked around. He only knew perhaps a fourth of all the people here. And even then most of them were just familiar faces, not real aquaintances. Strangers. What would he want his first impression to be like? The distant, unsociable person like usual? No...

"I've never before. And I think that all I would accomplish is making us both look like fools." He chuckled nervously. "But I'm willing to give it a go if you are." He grinned, bowing and gesturing towards the clearing where a several others had begun gathering.
This was a party right? You were supposed to have... fun, right?

This post has been edited by Cornelius on Oct 9 2009, 01:06 PM

[Vixan]

"Wonderful," Vixan beamed, a wide smile spreading across her beak. "Do not worry it is is my fist visit here too, and i already feel like a fool. At least I will be doing something to warrant that feeling." And with that, she led the way to the near centre of the steadily growing group of dancers and swung back to face Cornelius, shuffling awkwardly in time to the music. She had not been lying-her footwork was far from fancy, and she knew it. She was unable to stop a self conscious grin cross her face her her cheeks flushed slightly, but she did not stop, instead allowing the atmosphere to wash over her. It was almost intoxicating and she found herself begin to relax a little.
"What brings you to these parts, my lord?" she asked over the music, her keen expression curious as she watched Cornelius beside her.

[Sparra]

"Oh right, because parroting the same few lines over and over will really help things get better for the pride," Sparra spat back at her. Eying the pridemistress for a long while, she finally said "Fine. If you want to post a guard, so be it... But I have a condition of my own, quite a simple one really. All I ask in return is that I simply be with you during the duration of the party... I'm sure your knights are perfectly capable of putting down anyone who isn't terribly fond of me being at this... gathering."

"Sound reasonable enough?" she asked, cocking her head to the side. Granted, she was still irritated at the whole situation, but having a guard following her around is better then just being alone... And besides, it might just prove to be fun loosing said guard...