An ear flicks towards the sound of another coming through the cold chill of the unmoving trees, but Maugrim’s attention continues to remain on the viridian woman that has encapsulated his interest - her outward attempt to appear calm and collected draws him like a moth to a flame, keeping him closer to her than to anyone else of the group. A giggle erupts from the darkness and though Maugrim immediately recognizes the voice, his ears fall flat against the dampness of his algae-green and off-white skin. Jackal has always been a quizzical creature to him and that fact remains true now as she sashays into the group, focusing her wild gaze onto Arthas.

Arthas picks up the conversation yet again and Maugrim’s moist lips grapple at the dry air between his mouth and the woman’s flank, tempted to taste her. They talk of kings and successions, of kingdoms and allies and being stronger together. It does not appeal to him (not in the way that it appeals to Arthas, or even appeals to Sinner) and so his expression remains museful and mild, feigning interest only for the sake of remaining in the midst of the palpable tension caused by the forest-dwellers close proximity to those of Loess. 

There is a low and amused hum that reverberates in the recesses of his throat, his lips closing into a sideways smile as his eyes fasten to Arthas. The hum becomes more poignant and grows into a deep chuckle, sinister sounding as the air waves ripple through the thin air. Even now it is possible that they do not realize who they have come to bed with - a demon, a psychotic woman with a perchant for blood, and a thoughtless killer - but their realizations were not any of Maugrim’s concern. Their lack of judgement perhaps has opened the door for an opportunity that Maugrim would not have thought to seek himself, but the way his brows prick upwards at Sinner’s proposition, even the two-toned poseidon could not help but become truly interested. 

Maugrim’s thoughtful smile cracks into a wry grin, waiting with bated breath to hear what Arthas will consider. “Oh, we’ve just begun,” comes Maugrim’s sickly dripping voice, directed at the young winged stallion who has only just joined the small collection of horses deep within the throes of shadow and blackness. Maugrim’s eyes snap to the woman who still captures his full attention, careful to be sure she does not slip away from his closeness. His ivory tail flicks at his own flank as hers snaps against his chest, a sharp snort of amusement escaping the pale of his nostrils at the small act of defiance.

“You know the answer to that question; do you find me to be lesser than?” His grin is mischievous and revolting at the same time, sickly sweet and disastrous. “It is you who came seeking us,” he drawls, closing the few inches that is between them and ghosting his mouth across her smooth flank, “is it not Loess who seeks control of the forest?” Maugrim pauses, muscles tensing beneath his skin, knowing that his closeness will not go allowed for much longer. 

“Or do I still mistake your intentions? Perhaps you should stay awhile and show help us to understand, dearie?” 

It is at this final word that a small, unwanted kiss is placed on the slope of her hip - his eyes sparkling madly like black diamonds. Maugrim moves quickly then; not lingering behind her but using the same breath that was once pressed against her green flesh to move beside her. A well-aimed bite to his face or neck would be more appealing than a kick to his chin - either way, a reaction out of her would satisfy him completely.

m a u g r i m.