WOLFBANE

There honestly isn’t time to be content; not in the current climate Loess had managed to stir up since his ascension. Looking back now, Wolfbane is hard-pressed to deny a sense of pride at the once quiet kingdom’s burst of activity and importance, but he’s not naive enough or narcissistic enough to forget that it wasn’t himself alone who’d pulled her up by her bootstraps.

There were plenty deserving of recognition and soon enough he’ll get to them all (He must find Titus after this, speak with the upcoming colt about his intentions) but firstly, he’s out looking for a name that had quickly become infamous in the surrounding parts.

Vulgaris: once Paladin now Champion, and long overdue for a proper thanks.

Because Bane is aware that not everyone in Beqanna can fly, he walks - really plods - along a few beaten paths he’s seen the scaled viper tread. His countless flights and border patrol had given the striped pegasus a somewhat concrete idea of just who came and went from their shared territory, so he’s acutely trying to avoid the mare Vulgaris had brought home some time ago.

Nothing was more awkward than a third wheel, and silently the Pirate Lord vows that if he catches wind of them together, he’ll just wait for a more opportune moment. Today though, he’s almost positive that he can find the second-in-command alone and rounding a somewhat obscured bend in the path, he nickers throatily; just a casual hello should anyone be lingering nearby.

|| The Pirate Lord of Loess ||

WOLFBANE

Bane can’t be sure if the tense shape of Vulgaris’s mouth is hiding animosity or embarrassment, the way his scaled counterpart is tilting his head obscures the truth. It’s a balmy sort of day, lucky enough that he hasn’t the need to search far in bad weather (storms out this way threatened every afternoon, bringing flash floods from the myriad rivers and pools). Luckier still to have found the viper alone, but thunderclouds loom all the same in the reflection of the gray’s eyes.

Bane gives a nod at the terse formalities, though together they share a likeness for those stiff necessities to be short and sweet. He hopes one day soon for them to be unnecessary altogether; Vulgaris was deserving of respect and the striped Lord holds him in high enough consideration that he’d give the Champion his undivided attention even when approached in anger or depression.

A mix of the two emotions colors their conversation when Vulgaris takes it for a twist, derailing Wolfbane’s reason for coming here though curiosity is plainly sparked in Bane’s gaze. “Describe him if you would, please.” The pegasus requests, a sour taste fresh in his mouth, “I’ll make it a priority of Loess to seek out that overdue payment.”

He means it. Before the other horse can reply, however, he pipes up again with, “Was anyone hurt?” hoping to have this inquiry answered foremost and praying that it reflected the negative. God help this ‘Dovev’ if the opposite was true.

|| The Pirate Lord of Loess ||

WOLFBANE

Beqanna wasn’t built in a day, and neither will Loess blossom overnight. Perhaps bigger, more pressing issues might suit the raiders in history, but in the present Wolfbane seeks to make every issue paramount. One chink in the armor means death, and as Vulgaris describes this particularly ugly chink with a grating snarl Bane feels the urgency to fix it overwhelming his other thoughts. Especially as the topic twists from Dovev to Leliana, (this must be the mare he’s seen in association with the viper) confirming the bony character to be a dangerous priority.

It must be a pissant of a horse who believes themselves strong enough to attack a mare and expect no repercussion.

A twisted frown darkens Wolfbane’s usually cheery disposition, tugging the corners of his eyes into narrow resentment over his Champion’s boast. There’s reason enough for harboring that sort of animalistic hate (had he not threatened Kagerus in the same tone, when Lepis had been stolen away?) yet nothing can be solved by standing here, despising the creature. “If you can manage to part from Leliana I’d like for us to head north, to Nerine.” The pegasus recommends, understanding that though this might not be the best time for his counterpart to leave his mate, quick action was necessary if they wanted to hunt down Dovev. “I have a few loose ends to tie up there. Give your account of the attack to Breckin and I’m positive word will spread.”

The pale wings hoisted over Wolfbane’s spine shudder at the thought of travel and purpose, his own rage inflamed by the bitter look Vulgaris throws his way. “If we can’t draw him out by whispered threats, then I’ll draw him out in battle myself.” He mutters, a single forehoof rising only to strike the ground in emphasis. “I promise you’ll get redemption.”

In a matter of words peace is converted to chaos, an emotion Loess and Bane both thrive under. He came to thank Vulgaris for the actions accrued in Sylva but now he’s got more to thank the scaled inhabitant for, choosing to hold his peace on both matters until he could fulfill the pact made between them. Throwing a quick nod in the viper’s direction, Wolfbane wheels away to spread his wings and take to the sky.

His eyes often glance down in hopes of seeing a bone-covered, thin stallion.

|| The Pirate Lord of Loess ||