Blackfeather Woods crude and proud creatures

anger churns within the man as the interaction only continues to sour, save for an unexpected break in which one of their own bows before him. her words are kind, understanding, and he feels almost deceived. was this some trick to lower his guard? vaati's eyes narrow upon allana in suspicion, discerning wether the girl was weak or stupid for approaching someone who was clearly a threat to her brethren with such benevolence. regardless, the warlord considers, her indulgence is a benefit to him and so he tosses skull in her direction.

"she was a respected warrior. bury her in the redgrove if your sentiments are genuine." though his gaze is critical, he decides that if there ever came such a time, atleast one amongst their ranks would be spared.

perhaps their internal assessments of him were correct -- vaati was ignorant, foolishly impulsive, and he often thought without the slightest hint of critical thought nor any consideration of consequences. however, what was often mistaken as low intellect was rather the presence of a value system that simply lacked care for things he felt were beneath him, such as ivory rose. they were not hydra, not caiaphas, or even maegi -- all individuals who had earned a seat at the exclusive table that was vaati's respect. ivory rose was an inconvenience at best and its leader, a pest that stood in his way. he felt he owed their existence nothing, much less the graciousness of his civility.

as the unknown relative answers in a sentiment that is much to vaati's displeasure, a lip upturns in her direction. "blood traitor." the man snarls, spitting as the words leave his mouth. the melonii prized fidelity -- it was a pillar of their brotherhood. "the melonii claim is blessed by mephala herself, you have no authority to decide otherwise." 

before he is able to elaborate his attention is diverted to eldritch, who spouts off about insolence. ultimately, her words are in one ear and out the other for time and time again had he heard the demand of 'heed my warning or perish.' not once had he perished. 

vaati's glacial optics rest upon eldritch's skull, though beneath them a smouldering and ravenous flame burns in ire. "it is bold of you to assume that my family would be ashamed. as if they will not hear of this and return in numbers to reclaim their land. what will you do then, when the force of a dozen god-favoured heathens arrives at your door?" it was a complete fabrication. vaati did not necessarily know that would be case but then he thinks of damien, who was undoubtedly even more territorial and pious than he. if vaati's threats did not scare them, his uncle's would. nevertheless, the intent is not to promise war, rather, plant the seed in their minds that they are -- even for a brief second -- unsafe within the land they inhabited. 

the lack of true cause of all his outrage lied solely in the underlying reason that vaati was a severely proud creature, and the insult was too great to forget. he knows he will not win against the tooth and claw of their entire pack, and nor will he attempt it. but the long game was one he had played before, and was willing to do so again. before the rest of their troop arrives, vaati offers an insincere smile.

"enjoy your stay." the brute chides with snark, and dips his head only a fraction to oblige eldritch's ego. turning on his heels and neglecting offer a second glance. his retreat is swift and the thunder of his paws carrying him away from the dark woods felt all too familiar -- a rush of adrenaline drenched in a bittersweet nostalgia. vaati recalls how he had once dragged blackfeather woods through a war over a reason too insignificant to recall. wolves had bled for his cause, died, and he briefly wonders why anyone had allowed him live at all.

sorry for the wait! gonna pull vaati out of this thread here just because it makes the most ic sense for him to do BUT pls dm me for follow up thread(s) if u would like!!