Dorin may have been king, but sometimes he had more to do than make gradsweeping changes. Today, those tasks werewalking with hissonEiunarr.
Einarr, whom wasold enough now to begin picking up some skill besides admittedly excellent storytelling, and Dorin was emerging from the forge area with his son and shopok himnself out.
"And that," Dorin finished, "Is why there's usually a Surtr firewatcher."
"I mean, Ilike that..." Einarr admitted. "But it's kindof hot. And--" Einarr paused ashe looked towards the entrance to the area the dwarves called "Dvergrheim". A large cavern decorated with ancient paintings, while many could enter, fewdared. Some found proximity to the volcano unsettling, however the dwavcesdid accept any brave enough, so when there was movementm, it drew attention.
Like now.
Dorin'searsflicked curiously as Einarrmoved tostand beside his father, no less small, but a bit mnore lithe as the younger prince tilted his head in curiousity. Dorin hummed.
"I wonder who that might be...?"
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2026 6:50 pm
Mzaha had settled quite nicely into her role at the Queen of the Dwarves. Initially, as a rogue joining, she had felt intimidated by the detailed traditions and specific clans and roles within them, which were dictated by the color of your coat, rather than your personal mettle. And while she didn't agree with every tradition that had been passed down, she quickly came to realize that as the Queen, she had sway over new traditions that would be made. She got to studying up on the laws and stories of the pride's lengthy history, and along the way, she had a litter of four beautiful cubs, now grown.
Grown, and already discussing their future engagements!
Aurum, the firstborn and therefore the heir, had approached her and his father about beginning to seek his life partner and future queen. Mzaha had been pushing Kulta to send his traders further towards the pridelands to seek if they had any interest in an alliance, or a political marriage and had received back the news that they had an eligible princess of their own, or a Lady, as they called her.
That alone was so much to plan, so much to consider, so much to negotiate... She had been spending her day picking apart minds of her historians in Durin about common practices for alliances, when she was called away by the news that there was someone who had come to the mountain from the roguelands: a lioness who claimed to come to discuss with the leadership matters of her own pride.
There was no time to glamour herself up to take in the guest. Once her husband learned someone from another pride was seeking his counsel, he'd go straight there, and so should she. She had enough time to swipe her tongue over her paw, and her paw over her ears, before hurrying down to their receiving platform. Not immediately seeing her husband, she moved further down the mountain and found him standing closer to the entrance. She flowed down the remaining steps like water and came to stand beside her husband, and her youngest son.
"Dorin, Einarr, we have a guest." She said and moved over to Einarr, licking his mane to make him more presentable. She would not bathe the King, but her cub was not as fortunate. Once she was satisfied, she turned around and muttered. "I've heard she comes to speak to us, Dorin, from another pride. Einarr, sit up straighter if you're going to be joining us." She told him under her breath, before turning her gaze to the newcomer.
"You may approach, stranger. By what name do we call you, and from where do you hail?"
Misha had placed one cold paw in front of the other to get here. The journey had been long and cold, she traveled along the mountains, at least the cold was something she was familiar with. At least they were still in the mountain ranges, just not hers usual one. She had waited in the darkness of the entrance and her pets made her barely visible, watching the royal family adjust themselves, their queen fussing over what must be her son. She adjusted her shoulder some, the soft leather bag on her shoulder didn’t make noise but it has a little more than a message inside. She had enough time to groom some before she heard movement in the royal hall, ridding her fur of melting snow and cleaning her fetlocks of ice that a built up in the fur. She had no more gotten done when the movement had stopped somewhat closer to the entrance where she stood. She shook her pelt one last time just straighten most of the kinks out and ran a curled paw over her head a time or two. She was as ready as she was going to be.
Then she was addressed by the Queen who nothing slips past and she took a breath, speaking to royals and nobility took a type of panache she had to keep in mind. With her head up and the aurora gleaming across her dark body she took one smooth step after another into the light, once completely in the room she lowered her head in a smooth bow, her forelock falling over her face a little bit, with her head down she started to speak, her voice as a little higher pitched one, it was a stable solid tone and had a clarity to it, befitting a Harold or messenger. She wore a soft brown leather bag with golden filagree sewn into it on her shoulder, it also had the snowflake insignia, which belonged to the Snowglades royal family crested on the front of her bag. “Greeting from Kilimanjaro your majesties. I am Misha, messenger and Harold of the Snowglades Royal Family.” She lifted her mask marked face and offered a polite and confident smile, her blue starburst eyes only combed the group a moment before she continued, her eyes lingering a moment on the Prince who indeed was one strapping and handsome lion, but her respect showed nicely as her eyes didn’t linger long and corrected back to the royal pair. The Queen was so beautiful and had such power, if nothing else she had to keep from staring at her in awe. “ King Frost Fall and Queen Shiva have sent me to offer invitations to those who Rule Under the Mountain. I also bring homage to gift to His Majesty King Dorin and to Her Benevolence Queen Mzaha.” Her eyes had a certain sparkle of admiration whenever she mentioned the queen, pale rose pinks and softened whites only made the queen‘s purple gaze feel more piercing or even possibly honoring. Misha did not stammer, her voice was clear and her words did not fumble, She wasn’t cold and empty, and it didn’t sound recited. There was a smoothness to her, an ear mark of one who dances with shadows, but ending her statements to the Royal family with a soft nod and a smile gave the feeling of what she said a welcoming feeling, and it showed that she is not without charm, even if it was being dialed down. Being used to dealing with royals, makes one able to swallow the nervousness that they feel and act upon moving forward with your best paw first. She knew Royals like to speak and wish to be informed of things quickly. Their time is valuable so she waited for their response if they were to accept homage and wished to be handed their message or some Royals have someone that approaches you should take parcels. She has no idea what to expect. These are dwarfs.
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 7:58 am
"SoIsee!" Doriun beamed to huis mate with a bright, wide smile. Helovedcompany - really, Doriun just loved everybody. While thestocky,smaller male was more than capable of battle, he was generally affable otherwise, andalweays gave the benefit of the doubt first. He gave Mzaha a loving lick - a kiss to her ear really - and pranced to greet Misha.
"Welcome to Dvergrheim my dear! Please, make yourself comfortable. Are you hungry?" A pause. "Ah. Forgive me. I am King Dorin, of the Dwarvenlands. Please, make yourself comfortable, nop sense not taking a moment to rest. Einarr--"
Einarr sighed. He knew hisfather was the affable sort,and heapproached, boiwing politely.
"I'm Prince Einarr. Welcome to Dvewrgrheim." Einarr greeted, then relaxed with 'boring duty' done. "We don't see a lot of travellers! What brings you here?" Einarr asked curiouslky. The onlyt rogue he knew to come regularly was... Motte3's mate?And frankjly, Mioyo kind of freightened him, too.
Mzaha fixed her gaze on the stranger and her expression cooled. Her queenly mannerisms slipped into the appraising of one rogue to another as she took in the appearance of the lioness that approached.
Thick fur, dark purple coloring, light blue eyes. bag across her shoulder. Were the things that immediately sprang to mind, and if they needed to track this stranger down later, it was the description that she would provide her pride mates. She perked her ears forward when the other lioness began speaking and let her expression fall into stony consideration. She would betray nothing of her thoughts, though it was clear that she was sizing up the stranger and listening intently to her words.
Such fancy words, it's too soon to tell if this is the language of her pride, of it she's brown-nosing. She reflected to herself. She's confident, at any rate. She feels assured by the pride she comes from, so this message of hers may not be seeking aid, so much as trade? It makes sense for others to approach us, we have many riches I'm sure others would want for themselves.
Misha had answered her question and spoke of her role as a messenger and had mentioned invitations from a King Frost Fall and a Queen Shiva, but did not specify what those invitations were. An invitation for trade would be welcome enough, but you could just as well invite someone to war, however formally. She opened her mouth to speak, and her husband cut ahead of her. She closed her mouth and gazed at the pair of her boys. Einarr, at least, had spoken his bare minimum script. For a bard in training, you think he'd remember all of his lines. I shall pull all of my cubs into another training session on their manners, we cannot relax in front of strangers so easily. She wondered vaguely if behavior was learned from their jubilant father and considered pulling him into a lesson about this too.
The King is there to make decisions. The Queen exists to box his ears if he makes the wrong one. She reminded herself and let some of the tension leave her shoulders. There's nothing wrong with being friendly and offering a traveler food. She thought And all this fancy talk is making my head spin anyway.
"Misha, was it? Speak on the invitation you've brought us from your royal family. We shall see you fed and warmed before the day is concluded, but I should like to know of your intentions before you are welcomed into our mountain any further." She told the stranger and moved forward to brush her pelt against her husband's, a loving, tempering gesture. "Sit, if you should do desire. It sounds like you've come a long way to reach us."
Eos Galvus
Tagging Dorin and Einarr
Nefarious Muse
Tagging Misha
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 1:02 pm
belloblossom
Mzaha fixed her gaze on the stranger and her expression cooled. Her queenly mannerisms slipped into the appraising of one rogue to another as she took in the appearance of the lioness that approached.
Thick fur, dark purple coloring, light blue eyes. bag across her shoulder. Were the things that immediately sprang to mind, and if they needed to track this stranger down later, it was the description that she would provide her pride mates. She perked her ears forward when the other lioness began speaking and let her expression fall into stony consideration. She would betray nothing of her thoughts, though it was clear that she was sizing up the stranger and listening intently to her words.
Such fancy words, it's too soon to tell if this is the language of her pride, of it she's brown-nosing. She reflected to herself. She's confident, at any rate. She feels assured by the pride she comes from, so this message of hers may not be seeking aid, so much as trade? It makes sense for others to approach us, we have many riches I'm sure others would want for themselves.
Misha had answered her question and spoke of her role as a messenger and had mentioned invitations from a King Frost Fall and a Queen Shiva, but did not specify what those invitations were. An invitation for trade would be welcome enough, but you could just as well invite someone to war, however formally. She opened her mouth to speak, and her husband cut ahead of her. She closed her mouth and gazed at the pair of her boys. Einarr, at least, had spoken his bare minimum script. For a bard in training, you think he'd remember all of his lines. I shall pull all of my cubs into another training session on their manners, we cannot relax in front of strangers so easily. She wondered vaguely if behavior was learned from their jubilant father and considered pulling him into a lesson about this too.
The King is there to make decisions. The Queen exists to box his ears if he makes the wrong one. She reminded herself and let some of the tension leave her shoulders. There's nothing wrong with being friendly and offering a traveler food. She thought And all this fancy talk is making my head spin anyway.
"Misha, was it? Speak on the invitation you've brought us from your royal family. We shall see you fed and warmed before the day is concluded, but I should like to know of your intentions before you are welcomed into our mountain any further." She told the stranger and moved forward to brush her pelt against her husband's, a loving, tempering gesture. "Sit, if you should do desire. It sounds like you've come a long way to reach us."
Misha gave greatful bow of her head and had a seat, relieving her back paws of pressure for a while. She wasn’t sure if papers meant anything here but she hopes the invitation and gifts she was ordered to bring land well. She doesn’t waste time, she begins speaking of the invitation and or the options being presented, “ Yes you’re Majesty. An invitation to meet and enjoy a banquet provided by the King and Queen of the Snowglades Pride. The place can be somewhere on neutral ground or even an escorted trip back to our snowy lands of Kilimanjaro, to dine before our warm hearth. They wish to talk of peace and of trade your Highnesses.” She paused a moment and her stomach growling has the younger lioness tilting her ears to the side a moment “ uhm yes, I would be most grateful and honored to eat and rest a while before I leave.” She is a rather young lioness, average sized but she didn’t look like a rogue, her fur was thicker, she was almost long coated and the fur came to a point on her ear tips and looked like a lion of distinguishable genetic traits. They didn’t see, interested in what she brought from her King and Queen yet, but it will have its time. The King sent something to their King, something only found in Kilimanjaro. Queen Shiva sent something to the Dwarven Queen. Something made personally for her. Misha waits for the topic to be made if at all, her back toes stretch slightly, still partly numb.
Dorin lit up instantly. PEace and trade were immensely valuable to the Dwarves - it waswhy thne Jalokivi clan was established and having a pride they could tradein safelt when needed would be an asset. And besides, sitting on metal and the stones all the time was wasteful when other prides might benefit. The King of Dwarves was known in hispride for being wont to enjoy a feast and festivities, but he was also smarter than he let on, sometimes, listening to Misha raptly. He was weighing the options - entering their territory was generous. But.
Dorin wanted both sideson equal gropund.
"I think it may be wise if perhaps we went into neutral ground with a couple guards each,"Dorin began. "But so that both sides return safety for the first meeting. I'm completely interested in peace and trade., We have far too many giftsof the earth to keep to ourselves.Friends to gain dome of it would be wonderful."
"Oooohhh... Father? Mother? Could Imaybe tell them somestories? Maybea song or two? Einarr asked. Dorin sighed. His son was trying -- 3wait. Dorin'sear flicked.
"If it would be welcome." Dorin admitted, looking to Mzaha. "Einarr might benefit from diplomaticx practice, dear.Especially since his brother's already beginning as is his sisters."
Though Dorin wasn't sure his daugfhters hadfouind mates... Unlike his eldest.Einarr shrugged.
"I mean. IOt'sfor peace right? You need pleasant things. Not war." Einarr rose,stretching. "Here, miss, let me get you something to eat." And einarr was off. Dorin hummed.
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 3:42 pm
Mzaha's ears perked forward with interest and the prospect of a meeting with the royals of this new pride took her attention. The notion of seeing another pride's lands, traveling there by paw would certainly be a journey. Of course, if they wanted to remain on neutral territory, such a thing would be well arranged. As a former rogue lion, she would be able to aid in naming the meeting place. Though she would hesitate, for both the king and the queen to leave the mountain would not be wise.
I want to go meet with these lions from the so-called Snowglades, but Dorin will surely want to go along too. I'll have to discuss with him before we make a decision about this. She was considering to herself, when her husband parted his jaws and made a unilateral decision without even consulting her on the matter. The fur along her spine raised in indignation and she peered at Dorin from over Einarr's back as he spoke. Her posture was cool, relaxed even, but her eyes were has hard as flint at the base of the mountain land.
"Yes, Einarr, go and fetch a meal, and bring with you two more lions, to bring some comfortable bedding that our guest may rest her paws upon." She instructed her son. "Perhaps you shall get to tell her a story before she leaves; we shall call upon you if that opportunity arises." She told him and waved him off with a gesture of her paw.
She slid her gaze to her husband, breathing a quiet sigh through her nose as she let the fur along her back relax. He was rambunctious as a cub, plunging into ideas without her. Well, she had an idea of her own.
"We could always invite the Snowglade royals to the mountain properly, my love. It would be an occasion for a feast, as well as a meeting place." And most importantly, it would be on their home turf. She turned her gaze to the messenger, Misha. "Do you think your royals would attend such a meeting, or are their terms firm, that it must either be the rogue lands, or the Snowglades? In which case I agree with my King, the rogue lands would be the most ideal for us." She concluded her thought.
She listened with acute focus to every word that was spoken, observing every nuance with somewhat tired but alert crystal blue eyes. She had opened her mouth to thank the Prince for his gesture but soon closed her mouth as the Queen spoke, her attention redirecting to the Queen, altho she held composure, Misha could see the faint signs of agitation in the the Queen. Misha smiled gently and answered the question although the Queen had settled on a thought already and so had the King. “ I was instructed if that were to be the request, then I were to agree to a time and take that information back, they would come if it were asked of them.” She nodded softly, her eyes glance at where Einarr went then back. Her eyes lit up, remembering the gifts she had for them “oh! My Queen Shiva FrostStar has sent a gift, she made it specifically for you your Highness! May I give it to you?” She asks as she stiffly stood, she didn’t want to approach without permission. “ I have a gift for the King from My King as well.” She states a somewhat excited smile, now that’s she sees them, these will look just fantastic on them and She hoped the thought and work put into these garments would land well.
Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2026 7:47 am
"Isee no problemwith us bvoth going." Dorin looked to his Queen, ear fliocking in surprise she might not. "Ir's a good time for our pride to feel some normalcy from diplomacy. Anwar may comobserve, or hewcould remainand rule with theClanLeaders."Dorin blinked." Dorin blinked. To him iot was obvious but... He kept forgetting his mate was not raisedin the pride.
"YesMom." Einarrdrawled then, stretching. He knew at least two other lions in-pride to bring, and turned, trotting to fetch Anand and Chaaya. Both knew the ropguelands well enough to help with both tasks, since it was more likely to find enough out and a littleaway, and they'dsall make ground hunting too.
Doriun watched his son depart -- and then the word "made" made his head snap wioth so much excitement he almost got whiplash.
"Is that so?" He asked, curiousityinhis tone. He actually looked excited. He didn't know of other priudes whom crafted and now he was full of questions. Had some of the ancient lions of stone never been found and if not had they formed their own pride?Or was the Snowglade some other descendant pride of lions from other such lions,perhaps born of snow? The king was Vewry Excited now, eyes dancing. However, he nosed Mzaha to go first. He did want to see her response and her get spoiled first, after all.
Mzaha loved her husband, but in this instance, she couldn't find it in her to agree with him. While she wanted to believe that this was a peaceful meeting that they were going to attend, she had her doubts about them both attending. Still, she knew better than to directly argue with the King in front of guests and so she inclined her head to Dorin.
She thought for a moment of the idea he'd proposed, of Einarr coming to the meeting, or remaining home to... rule with the Clan Leaders? Wouldn't it make more sense for Aurum, the heir, to be this focus? Or... she thought again of the potential that this may not be the safest spot for a royals to attend. She would not compare her children as a mother, but as the queen, perhaps the heir should remain at home where it's safe. She didn't want any of her children to be killed in a skirmish, of course, but the heir should be kept safe... shouldn't he?
I'll work this through when I am not facing down a stranger from a strange pride. She thought. My husband is open-hearted, but I would argue for a guarded approach. If he truly wants to go meet with these strangers, I cannot stop him, but I would will it that my children are not thrust into harms way for their father's enthusiasm. Indeed, it was a tricky disagreement and one that she would give more thought to, when it was only herself and her husband together in their private dens.
Her attention turned to focus at the prospect of a gift - how curious that it was made with her in mind, when she was not yet well known throughout the lands. At least... she had thought she was not yet known. Did rumors travel so fast? Who was spreading them? She thought of the Clan leader of the traders and wondered if he had a paw in it. She made another mental note to go confront him, after talking to Dorin.
"You may approach with the gift." She replied, and waited to see what it was that would be delivered before her.
Nefarious Muse
Eos Galvus
Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2026 6:26 pm
She waited as still as shadows but had such a pleasant expression even though her keen senses could feel the tension brooding within the Queen there for a moment, and the King’s enthusiasm didn’t seem to bring the Queen any closer to a better mood but now with attention fully on the gifts, she feels the need to explain them as Misha presents them, one at a time. It is the Queen that is chosen first and this actually pleases Misha, perhaps if she could approach, could share presence with the Queen she might feel that no harm would ever come from Misha, she just has a more pleasant feeling intent that can be felt just like if she were to have blood lust, which she really does not. Misha’s heart lies on the long journeys, sleeping under the stars and many miles traveled. It has been thrilling to come here already.
Her bag isn’t just on one side, but on both. ( isn’t really visible on art) It is good she travels with tandem bags, some items take space and or things she find on her trips if she has nothing big she is carrying. She turns her head to the left side and with a tug between her smallest frontiest teeth her left side bag, rich soft worked leather pops open. The stitching of the snowflake is the crest of her Pride and its Gold thread can be seen shimmering in the light. The work on the leather is pretty good, but it is the quality of the tended fur of what she pulls out first, very carefully handling it in a neat and respectful way. In her jaws rolled in such a way where it can be carried, is something made out of a light weight fur, not too thick but not thin either, a medium fur like that of a white fox. Careful tending has been made to the fur and the tips along it in places that is in view at first has been frosted a soft metallic gold like it’s being tipped somehow in gold but it’s not metal, it catches light and shimmers softly as Misha walks up to the Queen in a rightly pace. She stops a few feet away and gently unrolls the garment before the Queen in a way that from the Queens perspective, would make sense to look at. It is a short fur cape with fuzzy collar with a clasp made with hand woven fabric, that’s another thing, it’s lined with fabric, A soft and smooth gold fabric that has such a pristine shimmer on the inside, fabric that doesn’t pull on one’s fur. “ Crafted from the harvest of The fox to the creation of the shinning cloth, this is a Short came paw made by Queen Shiva FrostStar, out of materials also produces by our pride. The cloth ties and the beads are all offerings from the Snowglades Merchants and Pridemates for use in the crafting of this garment. Queen Shive asked that I make note, that she does not know what you look like, so spit is her highest hopes her choice of materials, softness and practicality pleases your Highness.” Her voice is smooth, steady although her throat is dry, as she presents the gift in the soft light of the halls. Misha feels welcoming, she feels relaxed and anything else, a little Bit tired in presence. There is no feeling the way darkness or ill intent feels, no sense of any threat, not in her face, stance nor eyes that were looking at the Garment with a shimmer, it was so pretty and such fine work even Misha who sees a lot of their product, is impressed. It’s seemless.
Dorin knewnothing of hismate'sconcern, but, he'd been raised for politicalniuance and the risks to the throne. He was raised a dwarf,and raised his children as dwarves, even if Einarr wasn't interested in smithing. And there was reason the dwarves lacked formal guards... Well aside theiur mountain home.
Every dwarf could fight as fiercely as any warrior. It was alesson from birth, one Dorin tried imparting to his ownchildren. Einarr was his spare besides -- if Aurumchose not to accepot the throne and abdicated, or was killed, Eunarr was expected to succeed him. Presently, however, he was observing, alloiwing Mzaha recieve her gfidt first. He watched with a quiet alertness. Too quiet for one who knew the dewarf king known for enjoying his share of fermenting fvruit and parties. He wasn't angry, ge was assessing. Watching. Appraising, performing the nuance necissary of a king.
Then his eyes fell on the golden thread. On the fabric. He'ds never known either. Fabriuc, he heard, might once have been elven or something -- the fact was lost to myth. But golden thread... Took a good deal of efffort. Precision. Hestudied it silently, not merely as king -- as acraftsman.
"Remarkjable." Dorin murmured, staring.
"Threadof gold. Fabric. This is... Incredible." His voice wasn't it's usual kindnessand eagerness. IT was genuine awe. It camebearing significant praise.
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2026 5:26 pm
Mzaha watched closely as the gift was presented to her and she had to admit, that it was a stunning piece. She inspected it closely, and grazed a paw over its surface, feeling the softness of the piece. It did not displace all of her caution, but it would take a fool to ignore the work that had been clearly placed into this garment. Her gaze softened at last, and she let her husband speak on its excellence, as she looked upon the garment with something close to adoration in her eyes. When at last there was a moment where she could interject, she raised her gaze to the messenger's.
"May you help me into it? Wearing these sorts of things is unfamiliar, and I should very much like to know how best it's meant to attach to me, lest I try to put it on alone, and somehow damage it in the process." She asked of Misha, and with a smile that flashed sharp teeth, she added. "I suspect you know better than to try anything beyond this, given your gift and tales of diplomacy." And also, with Misha being the mountain, if she did try anything, Mzaha was certain that there all dwarves under the stone would come to her defense. I suspect I am worrying for nothing. There is little reason for her to attack me... Or maybe Dorin's lax attitude is contagious. She thought and stepped forward.
"I know I am eager too, to see what is is that you bring for our King." She added. "If you may help me into this," She lovingly patted her gift first. "Then I would ask that you present his gift to him, shortly thereafter." She requested.
