Risen .+. Oraiyus

Limping in slowly, the alpha of the Haunters held up her head, her tail held even with her back. She was small, and currently not very graceful: Covered in scars due to her own fights, her neck, and her hind end were covered in scars, bleaching the true color of her pelt while currently her entire right side had become a cake of blood. Baked just right, it was now hard and crusty and tinged brown.

Her eyes scanned the area before her legs folded gently beneath her. Yellow orbs stayed strong in search of her ex-alpha.

Hydras & Pirqua

Pirqua sailed high, her exceptionally keen eyes searching for any ambush or extra Shadow Haunter. If one would come within half a mile of the meeting area, the falcon would see and instantly alert her leader.

Hydras herself was covered in scars, though she carried no terribly fresh wounds. Upon her approach of Risen, the alphess spied the other's injuries and was half-tempted to rush the smaller wolf and kill her. But she held back on two accounts; one, Risen hadn't directly slain any of her members; and secondly, killing Risen would only leave an empty space for the next eager Haunter to take leadership.

"Risen." Hydras barked gruffly, stopping a few feet before the other, head level with her shoulders while her tail was held high. "I hear you are willing to make negotiations?" After saying this, the Lurker sat back on her haunches, signifying that she was willing to put aggression aside and listen to the other.

Risen .+. Oraiyus

The alpha female lifted her head a little, showing that even though injured, she was not afraid to be left alone with the larger female. "I am; But only with you. You see," She paused for a moment, fixing the words in her mind as she most often did."you are a road block in my true goal. You needn't forget what that son-of-a-bitch did to me years ago: He disgraced me in front of many others, no doubt causing their view upon me as weak. I assure you I am well aware that I am not physically adept, but my thinking makes up for that"

Oraiyus circled the group, keeping her eye out as well. Glancing every once and a while at Pirqua to make sure there was no foul play on that end of the sky.

Risen looked up at the birds for a moment, then returned her sights on the other queen. "I have made my offer, leave out of protecting Vestige and I will leave your pack alone. You seem to have declined this offer, what is it that you want to leave that bastards head to me" Her lips curled back at just the thought of Vestige. Slowly they rested again, though her eyes stayed narrow; pupils direct and constricted.

Hydras & Pirqua

Wolvish eyes were fixated on Risen, not straying for an instant as she read into the other. "It isn't that I've declined; but I have my doubts about your sincerety." Hydras offered curtly, her gaze narrowing accusingly for a moment, "You deserted us, stole our members, and because of you, we have lost many from our family." Her voice shivered with pent fury, though she refrained from standing or making any threatening move, "It would be folly of me to accept your deal without first speaking to you. I'm willing to hear you out, but you must compromise with my wishes as well." Hydras forced back her anger, taking a deep breath to still her nerves, "Vestige was never an ally of mine - I want him dead just as badly as you do. So here's my guidelines. I will call off my allies and let you have him. But in return, you must return all those of Lurker blood back to me..." Little did she know, even if this term were met, all but Donte were fully converted and loyal to the Hauntes already, and wouldn't leave their pack for the Lurkers. "...and you musn't harm or harass any of my allies. I don't care what you do with the nuetrals, but my allies are off limits. Kalaber, Lost Valley, Silver Glades... I'm sure you know them."

Risen

“You are truly a power house to reckon with, Hydras, but I have yet to contend with you on your terra near the humans. My plan after Vestige’s demise is to swarm the humans as they have swarmed into the ancient lands. I would ask for your help but bitter backgrounds prevent such happenings.” Golden eyes flashed, but she remained sitting, her aggression slowly subsiding. “Those of Lurker blood? I will let those who wish to return to you, return to you; but just as Kalaber’s sisters: some of the members will not leave by choice… But I will let you and your pack confront them if you wish.”

She now shifted under herself. “We are usually not the ones to attack your allies first, they come in and protect your own enemies, and you have chosen some poor allies such as Kalaber and the Ancient guardians who are solely against us. We will not openly attack on them but if they attack us first we will most utterly defend ourselves.” Again her eyes hardened, propping herself up with the highest of ego.

“As I have clearly stated, I want Vestige dead… and….” A thought struck her head, persuasion; persuasion. “New thought: as much as you would despise it; Help us… Help us kill Vestige, and not only will we leave you alone, we will help protect your pack, from both humans and wilderness alike. We want to destroy the humans inevitably, and when we seize their land, how would you feel being queen of it?”

Hydras & Pirqua

When the first term was met, Hydras shifted slightly with unease. She almost snarled outloud, but somehow kept her fiery temper under control. Coriscan was a defector of the Haunters, and yet he was a defector of the Lurkers as well, refusing to even speak with them. This was troubling news to the aunt, and she fully blamed Risen and her pack for their corruption. But as long as Risen was willing to make these compromises, Hydras knew she couldn't hinder their progress with pointless arguing.

"Very well. We can set up a meeting with them once the issue of Vestige is over." Tall ears listened closely to the next line of business - the Allies. Oh, and Risen had made such a good point... the allies were as complex as they were numerous. She could forgoe her alliance with the Gaurdians if it came down to it, but Kalaber... not him. And never the blood of Aaka. "I will hold a meeting of my own with my allies." The Lost Valley Lurkers would be no problem; her nephew would be easy enough to convince. But the others... it would be very tricky and delicate business getting them to understand the new terms, and much more to accept them.

"As I've said before, I find it hard to trust your words... but I will give you this- You have done something right to have earned such devoted followers." It was agravating, but she had to concede this one point to Risen, even if she didn't agree with the wolf's method of ruling. "I myself can't be involved with the fall of Vestige, as I have allies that are loyal to him. But..." Hydras paused as she gave her idea a moment to settle into words, "...my beta will help you." The Lurker queen stood up slowly, "The rest of my pack will return to our home and await the news. If Ninaki should fail to return home..." Her eyes narrowed as the tips of her fangs were revealed, "...there will be hell to pay. But if he should return, then I know I can trust you."

Risen

Risen's expression buried her satisfied glee as Hydras came to the agreement. Not even did a light show in her eyes when Hydras gave her the subtle compliment. Instead she held her pose and nodded, "Very well, Hyrdas, Ninaki will return safely. When that Bastard Vestige is terminated, you may come and speak with Those-of-Lurker Blood. "

Thin legs soon brought her injured body up, but the aura around her still held what strength her ego provided her with. "Is there anything else that needs to be settled before we part?" Her eyes seemed dull and emotionless, though there was a bit of psychological fatigue, but it was just a hint of it.