[19:24] {NARRATION} True to their prior declaration, the Thornberries march onto Crafthold within the year. The merchant city clearly hasn't accepted the surrender offered by the group's leaders - and when the Thornberries' raiding party arrives at the gates of Thalassia to plunder whatever they can of the city's treasures, they're met with a ready and waiting defense force made up of the city's Gehennan allies and the Crimson Company.


THORNBERRIES VS. CRAFTHOLD
Ashalle vs Laemor
Ashen vs Sugarboy
Ahmir vs Tototl


Danger Cap 1 unless otherwise agreed by both parties; ahelp your results.
[19:32] When does one's ambitions get the best of them, and their aspirations become far too much to even understand a semblance of what it is they desire? Ahmir's life was one that'd been steeped in strife, though certainly had it built upon the hunger which convinced him the danger, and chaos was well worth it.

A once youthful Valerius then stood amidst these fields as a child against the waves, and now? He was the one whom sought to bear down upon the opposition with his own might. Water pooled from the earth with every gentle step, the gehennan's will made clear for the surrounding life to bend to his influence, to fuel the power which brimmed at every opportunity.

When he reaches a clearing, there's none other than Tototl that he stares down, the spear which rests upon his shoulder kept within his tight grip as he offers but a single grin.

"I came here expectin' any body ta' come here an' look me in th' eye, knowin' that if I told them ta' kneel... They would. But ya'. Keh, ya' got somethin' I want Tototl. Th' more I see it, th' more I feel as if I deserve it. Th' title of Chieftan, best left for th' strong. So.."

The Valerius lifts his chin, a wild grin adorning the sharp focus of his jade gaze as he stares the elder down.

"Give it to me."
(Ahmir Valerius)
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[19:38] There the Chieftain was, fighting another war for another land again. Was it for the money? No. That had never been a focus for the Gehennan. One last glance was cast towards the fateful lighthouse that stood tall among its beaches.

What a pleasant device.

The jackal's gaze turns back towards the Thornberry before him - Truthfully, the only Thornberry he enjoyed talking to if at all. Well, that was until he set the title as Chieftain as an equal of strength. That made the Gehennan's lips contort in disgust.

"Strength. Chieftain. They hold a tad bit of similarity, sure, but any brute as Cruxati's head is something I can't let slide. I'm here to protect Crafthold for the sake of an alliance and that lighthouse among its shores."

Ethereal hands slowly form behind the Chieftain, that heavy concentration of mana beginning to pool out over the battlefield. Cyan soon clouds over green, grassy plains as Tototl's form sinks into the forming fog. "If you want it, however."

"Show me how badly." What's last to be seen is Tototl's flaming, cyan orbs among the smog of ethereal magic. The world howled with the Spirits about Ahmir - Fight or fall.
(Tototl)
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[19:55] "What good is a leader that can't keep their own? Ya' can't say it isn' one in th' same.. I'll show ya'. How I'll keep it all.."

The Valerius growls, perhaps today's Gehannan had been far too coddled by the thought of friendship. The mere thought had forced a grin upon the male's countenance as he pressed forward. The waves at his command rose, mana-infused crystal blooming with every step that'd imbue his step with a sense of grace that left him just beyond the chieftan's reach. When the opposition felt the need to advance, he thwarted their movements, and when they bounded back, he chased them in tandem.

The waves which beat against Tototl were nothing short of crushing, inch after inch of the battle field stolen away until the victory was decisively in the Valerius's favor.

His crystal infused spear chunk away at the male's cloak, chipping at his armor, nicking flesh until the chieftan was no longer able to bear the onslaught of magic that battered against him in combination. That want, it pulled at every shred of energy he had within him, it showed the reaches of how hunger could truly impose itself upon those that were content.

In Ahmir's eyes, there were none that'd topple him. None, that'd escape the grip he'd hold when allowed to flourish. He sweeps Tototl with the blunt javelin manifested from crystal, his spear jutted forth in an attempt to pierce Tototl's chest.

In that split second, he hoped to acquire it all. To take everything, had the chieftan not been quick enough to prevent it.
(Ahmir Valerius)
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[20:09] Well shit. This was a change.

Ethereal fog acted as brush for the Chieftain to strike out of - Extensions, even, for ethereal hands to blast bursts of mana from. Tototl did his best to keep that gap closed, lash out against the Thornberry in their blind spots.

It was a vicious game of cat and mouse, and sadly the Chieftain was going to be washed out in the end of it all. Waters and crystals continued to plague the field about him. Plains are consumed inch by inch by Ahmir's waves, each one gradually knocking the breath out of him.

Strike by strike he's forced back - Cuts and gouges opening up along exposed skin, dents and scratches forming in his armor from the spear's tip. They sought to claim his title, to claim land.

They'd get it this day.

There's barely a lick of that cyan fog among the battlefield. As the spear's tip juts forth towards Tototl's chest he conjures up a last-ditch shield of mana. It bounces the spear's tip back, stuttering Ahmir just long enough to charge a piece of mana into his own blade. It's cast backwards towards safer lines, and with a slight manipulation of his own mana he goes rocketing on after it. Battered and bloody, Tototl found defeat yet again this day.

Safe, but at what cost?
(Tototl)
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[20:17] {Item} You drop Rage Potion.
[20:17] {Item} You drop Swiftness Potion.
[20:17] {Item} You drop Wood x40.
[20:17] {Item} You drop Shovel.
[20:21] Dropping down to the ground, he'd grind his heel against the ground as he watches Taiga join the festivities.

"You're joining us, mmh?"

How exciting.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[20:22] Kamui says, "Bottoms up."
[20:23] Taiga, notably, does have a bottle of alcohol in his hand. Despite this, he hasn't so much as downed a single drop of it thus far. The cork is still on and everything. He looks to Niklaus, brow furrowed.
(Taiga Rowan)
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[20:23] Niklaus Rowan asks, "Hmm?"
[20:27] {NARRATION} The first line of Crafthold's defense by and large crumbles, and the Thornberries' raiding party easily breaches the city gates; the hoarded wealth of the city is laid bare before them... but only for a short time. It doesn't take long for the merchant city to assemble reinforcements and force the bandits out of their vaults - but not without a pilfered stash of arcanium taken for their troubles.


THORNBERRIES VS. CRAFTHOLD
Ashalle vs Laemor - CRAFTHOLD
Ashen vs Sugarboy - THORNBERRIES
Ahmir vs Tototl - THORNBERRIES
THORNBERRIES 2 - 1 CRAFTHOLD

[20:27] Chronelius Leverd Nina says, "Hello Syracuse."
[20:27] Syracuse Fengari says, ". . ."
[20:29] Chronelius ' golden gaze stares at the Neries on his side. He gave his usual neutral expression.
(Chronelius Leverd Nina)
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[20:29] Syracuse scarlet hues shifted over towards Chronelius. Then he simply looked away.
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[20:30] Chronelius Leverd Nina whispers something.
[20:31] Syracuse Fengari says, "No."
[20:31] Chronelius blinks twice,
(Chronelius Leverd Nina)
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[20:32] Chronelius Leverd Nina asks, "Do you feel like talking about it?"
[20:32] Syracuse Fengari says, "No."
[20:33] Chronelius Leverd Nina says, "Oh."
[20:33] Chronelius Leverd Nina says, "Hm..."
[20:37] {Item} You picked up Luminite Seeds x12. Dropped by Crown.
[20:37] {Item} You picked up Sinka Seeds x5. Dropped by Crown.
[20:37] {Item} You picked up Luminite Seeds x19. Dropped by Crown.
[20:37] {Item} You picked up Sinka Seeds x6. Dropped by Crown.
[20:38] High off of her mined riches, Amalka barrels into a fortified, stone tower with the momentum of a falling meteor.
(Amalka Tval)
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[20:39] Sior takes advantage of the chaos and slips inside, snatching a single gold coin and snickering to himself. What wonderful chaos! And a trophy to boot.
(Sior)
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[20:39] Ahmir Valerius says, "yeet"
[20:39] Niklaus Rowan says, "Yeah."
[20:39] Sior says, "huh"
[20:39] .

(Kamui)
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[20:39] Laemor says, "Sweet.."
[20:39] Ashalle says, "."
[20:39] Ashen says, "Yeah."
[20:39] Ashalle says, "SFDFsdf"
[20:39] La'Ahad is alright.
(La'Ahad Muhim)
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[20:39] Kamui exclaims, "WOW!"
[20:39] Hums.
(Sior)
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[20:39] sgdfsfsdf
(Ashalle)
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[20:39] Laemor brup
(Laemor)
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[20:39] Yeaaahg.
(Ahmir Valerius)
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[20:39] dab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabsdab violently dabs
(Taiga Rowan)
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[20:39] Amalka Tval says, "Stop that, idiots."
[20:39] What.
(Jacob Singer)
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[20:41] Syracuse Fengari whispers something.
[20:41] Cecil Voss whispers something.
[20:41] Taiga Rowan whispers something.
[20:41] Ethan Hawke whispers something.
[20:42] Ethan Hawke whispers something.
[20:42] Cecil Voss whispers something.
[20:42] Taiga Rowan whispers something.
[20:42] Taiga Rowan whispers something.
[20:42] Cecil Voss whispers something.
[20:43] Taiga Rowan whispers something.
[20:43] Cecil Voss whispers something.
[20:43] Ethan Hawke whispers something.
[20:43] Ethan Hawke whispers something.
[20:47] Sior snickers to himself... He follows off after the fleeing war party!
(Sior)
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[20:51] Niklaus Rowan whispers something.
[20:58] Sior floats around Ashalle's head!
(Sior)
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[20:59] Ashalle asks, "...Another fae. What do you want?"
[21:00] Sior asks, "Was fun!- Why attacked the craftholding?"
[21:00] Sior asks, "You like shinies, yes?"
[21:00] Kamui says, "Pay the toll."
[21:00] Ashalle says, "We attacked Crafthold because they're cowards and we want to take over."
[21:00] Ashalle says, "And it depends on what you mean by 'Shinies'."
[21:01] Sior looks around for the one called toll...
(Sior)
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[21:01] Sior exclaims, "Oh, these shinies...!"
[21:01] Sior points up into the air... Orichalcum starts raining down.
(Sior)
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[21:02] Ashalle says, "...That's not good enough for me."
[21:03] Kamui says, "Yoink..."
[21:03] "An utter, an' complete waste'a time. Shiny rocks ain't what I'm lookin' for. I'd sooner settle for Tototl's life. I've a point ta' make, not fuckin' rocks ta' collect."

Ahmir growls beneath his breath. It was but a dream that could be realized had he been just a few seconds quicker.

"It's damn upsettin'.
(Ahmir Valerius)
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[21:03] Kamui says, "I'm dissapointed."
[21:04] Ashalle says, "It's fine."
[21:04] Ashalle says, "There are ways to make Crafthold give up."
[21:04] Sior continues to float around, swirling in the air energetically as murder is casually mentioned. What fun!
(Sior)
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[21:05] Ahmir Valerius asks, "An by th' time that happens, what'll be worth takin' in that city?"
[21:05] Ahmir Valerius asks, "More arcanium?"
[21:06] Ashalle asks, "...Then what should we do?"
[21:06] Ahmir Valerius says, "I'm goin' back ta' what I intended ta' do."
[21:07] Ahmir Valerius says, "I'm puttin' my efforts inta' Crux, Crafthold ain't worth it. It's puny, n' feeble."
[21:08] Ahmir Valerius says, "If all it's worth is six chunks of Arcanium, then sad ta' say we got more stowed away in a fuckin' box, Ashalle."
[21:08] Ashalle says, "Yeah...It's pathetic."
[21:08] Ashalle says, "But it won't just stop there."
[21:09] Ashalle says, "At this point, we'll be facing the entire western world."
[21:09] Ahmir Valerius says, "Hmn. Ya' ain't wrong, so what do ya' propose? We keep goin'? For Crafthold? Keh."
[21:09] Ahmir Valerius says, "Then we ask Dawn fa' help, n' become Quincy jrs."
[21:09] Ahmir Valerius says, "Workin with th'undead an' vampires."
[21:09] Ashalle says, "At that point, it'd be becoming Dawn's citizens."
[21:09] Ashalle says, "...I'm not for merging with that place."
[21:09] Ahmir Valerius says, "I'd rather die."
[21:09] Ashalle says, "Same."
[21:09] Ashen says, ".. We are not part of Gehenna, Dawn, or Huangzhou."
[21:09] Ashen says, "We are Thorns."
[21:09] Ashen says, "We are our own unity."
[21:10] Ashalle says, "We'll take everything."
[21:10] Kamui says, "We'll take everything on our own, if we need to..."
[21:10] Ahmir Valerius says, "I want everything."
[21:10] Ashen says, "I refuse to sully my name with becoming one of theirs."
[21:10] Ashen says, "Falling in line to reach our goals."
[21:10] Ashen says, "I belong to no one. None of us do."
[21:10] Ahmir Valerius says, "I don't want rocks, I want Tototl's fuckin' head in m' hands."
[21:10] Ahmir Valerius says, "An' th' Sugars."
[21:10] Ashen says, "So let us stray from thinking that joining up with another settlement will bring us closer."
[21:10] Kamui says, "The Sugars can die."
[21:10] Kamui says, "Tototl can die."
[21:11] Kamui says, "They constantly let us down... CONSTANTLY."
[21:11] Ahmir Valerius says, "Hmph."
[21:11] Kamui says, "That isn't Gehenna beneath us, that's a cesspool of cowards."
[21:12] Ahmir Valerius says, "Keh, ya' ain't wrong."
[21:12] Ahmir Valerius says, "Ran by a Gehennan' that can't dream of beatin' me."
[21:12] Kamui says, "He's no Gehennan in my eyes, just a disgrace."
[21:18]
{LOAD GAME}

[21:25] Cecil Voss asks, "Yesss?"
[21:25] Ashalle says, "Toll, two hundred coins."
[21:25] Cecil Voss says, "But... I paid the toll once."
[21:26] Ashalle asks, "...When?"
[21:26] Cecil Voss exclaims, "Last time I came through!"
[21:26] Ahmir Valerius says, "Pay it again."
[21:26] Cecil Voss says, "When you were all speaking with that pink haired necromanc-"
[21:26] Cecil Voss says, "Oh my."
[21:26] Cecil Voss says, "I am being... Held at staff-point as they say."
[21:26] Ashalle says, "Yes, pay it again.."
[21:26] Cecil Voss says, "Hmm."
[21:26] Cecil Voss asks, "I'm a bit short, could I simply pay the old price? One hundred coins is fair, yes?"
[21:26] Ashalle says, "Sure."
[21:27] Cecil Voss says, "Mm."
[21:27] Ashalle says, "You're free to go."
[21:27] Kamui says, "It's not a one time payment."
[21:27] Kamui says, "It's payment to pass through or lounge here."
[21:27] Cecil Voss says, "Wow. Quite a hefty toll..."
[21:27] Cecil Voss says, "Well, I'll be on my way."
[21:27] Kamui says, "Mhm."
[21:27] {Item} You drop MythrilLegs.
[21:28] {Item} You picked up MythrilLegs. Dropped by Ahmir Valerius. .
[21:29] "Thorns! That's what we are. Each and every one of us make up the thorn in Agartha's foot as it walks through each year. But if you leave a thorn, soon it'll fester." Ashen steps forward into the center of the Thornberry camp as the raid had concluded. Few had lost, many more had won. The claim to their prize was a rightfully won satchel of expensive, lustrous Arcanium.

Though it is a bounty in and of itself, it is a paltry amount to an actual city at their fingertips. Ashen climbs atop a boulder, now standing high upon it as the Kaor looked down at friends, family, and allies. Each and every one of them meant something or some other to the demon-

It was a miracle they made it out unscratched. A hard won victory, for sure. But it isn't enough. "Gehenna thinks they can stand against our desire for claim! Agartha is full of nothing but ripe conquest, but that isn't my aim. It shouldn't be our aim to fuel the cycle of war and blood and killing that Agartha is known worldwide for. I do understand the need in this conquest, and so I assist in hopes that we'll soon be able to hunker down and become working towards our own betterment."

The Kaor leans down now and plates their arm upon a raised knee, resting some after the huge battle they'd just partook in. It was exhausting, and it shows on the demon's face after the year of preparation that they had gone through and adjusted.

All so that their group could safety attack and leave in one piece.

"But one this is clear- We're no closer to our goal than we were a year ago. We have taken their valuables, and let them know we're coming- But we cannot siege the city and claim it to begin growing what the Thorns can truly become without numbers. Force. Alone, we the Thorns lack thepower to turn the ownership. So I ask you... Every Thorn here. What is our next step? Next goal? I have several ideas in mind, but surely...

… None of you can be truly happy with this, yes?"
(Ashen)
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[21:30] Chum says, "Hell no."
[21:30] Chum says, "I want to burn that shit to the ground now."
[21:30] Veigas Terre says, "LOL"
[21:36] "My focus is solely on fixin' Cruxati, long since I've made th' realization that my home ain't such anymore, my eyes have been on that. I'll do anythin', take anything for them ta' realize what's missin'. But if ya' can convince me there's somethin' greater, then I'll consider it. But... I know what I want, an' as such, I'll continue ta' take it, piece by piece until it's mine."

He hums, his gaze tracing up to the large beast in question.

"Ye', we're closer. We're always steppin' closer, but time ain't so gentle ta' us. People prepare when they feel threatened. Ya' give 'em time ta' rally, an' they act. So th' next decision needs to be that one. Much else, bneyon' that... Is irrelevant."
(Ahmir Valerius)
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[21:36] Sior exclaims, "What fun this all is! First to say Cluckle will gain a boon!"
[21:36] Ahmir Valerius says, "Cluckle."
[21:37] Sior flings empowering magic at Ahmir! The creature snickers under its breath.
(Sior)
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[21:37] Ahmir rubs his chin, boy does he feel great.

Angry, but good.
(Ahmir Valerius)
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[21:57] Ahmir Valerius says, "zoom"
[22:16] Ashen takes their long needed break with an arm up on their knee, breaths come in and out and eventually- The Kaor looks back up past the others an all around. As Chum calls out to burn, the demon answers. "While burning and pillaging was the idea today, it won't be in the future. No. We need to build and better ourselves for the Agartha to come. Crafthold is to be claimed and captured, not eaten alive."

The Kaor takes in a deep breath and once more stands tall. "Though if no one has any ideas.. I have plenty. From the day you all raised me, you pledged that demons loyal to the Thorns would be treated not as monsters or beasts- But as another race to welcome or respect alongside all other things. I have faith that still stands true." Ashen turns around now and points to the Dreadwoods behind them.

".. Across Agartha,there are demons in every nook and cranny. We don't have a place to call home. We are abused in Dawn, killed in Huangzhou, and barely allowed in Gehenna. I say we bring them together. I will pool them together from the Dreadwoods, from the volcano, from places all across Agartha into one mighty military for us. While we build a demon guard, safely integrated into the Thornberries- We'll need more than just this tower. We need identity, more so than just the group who taxes people by the tower. We need a place to call our own, a headquarters. One way or another, we need houses- Roads- More fortifications so that more come to live here with us."

Ashen kneels now and lifts their hands into the air.

"What I am recommending- Is building a village of some sort- Name and all- So we finally have a place in Agarthan books. Known across the isle. We use the built strength, our own identity, to take Crafthold- Andswallow it in the name of our village. And then? We are that. Much. Larger. From there? I care not if we turn to Gehenna, or build up. I know we all have individual goals, but this- These are mine."
(Ashen)
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[22:29] "Demons been th' most pleasant kind ta' cross my path since I've been able ta' act, an' think for myself. If ya' wish ta' employ ya' kind, an' give them a greater name an place, as well as that as ya'self, then I am for."

Ahmir, for one, saw the profit in allowing him to thrive, his curiosity even compelled that he saw Ashen achieve many of the goals so openly explained before his person. Yet, that was simply an individual want, one that would not entirely frame the collective given each thorn were their own person. The Valerius trails a single digit along his jaw, a quiet breath blown beyond his pursed lips as he eyed Ashen.

"Glory, for ya', power in th' form of a place ya' can call ya' own. Or... Our own. Ashen, ya' interestin'. I like ya', an' we're friends n' all."

He chuckles.

"But in th' end, are ya' gonna still be interested in all it is I desire? I can promise ya' competence, n' power. A hand at war that's gonna be rivaled by few. Though I've aspirations, n' wealth ta' cultivate. Are ya' really gonna sate m' appetite? Or are ya' lookin' ta' use me n' make it true?"
(Ahmir Valerius)
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[22:38] "I am glad you agree- This is one of the things I've been passionate about for the longest, of course." Upon Ashen's wrist, red flame start to become azure with just thinking about the idea of creating a new place to call their own. Zealous pursuit and blistering emotion and passion were coming together- In unity, without much effort to try and force it. Soon.

So soon.

"My kind will be with me, co-existing beside the rest of you. Humanoids and demons.. However, I do think you have a point Ahmir. Like I said, every one of us has a set of aspirations. I desire a bigger home for the Thorns, and I think you all desire some sort of real change in Gehenna. When Crafthold belongs to us, I don't doubt that we can also place you in charge of what you so desire. With what wealth can be grown, and people made-

I think your goals can be satisfied swimmingly, Ahmir.You just have to stand with us until the hard fought end. I've never wanted to use any of you- No more than you perhaps may have wanted to use me in the beginning when I lacked intelligence. Does hunkering down for the long haul- Sound acceptable, Ahmir?"
(Ashen)
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[22:50] "Keh, th' long haul it is. I'm takin' ya' deal seriously Ashen. People like me don't come cheap..."

Confidence is all he needed within the moment. These lands were taken on a whim, and made into something that served as a home. He'd miss it when it was gone, but certainly had there been greater aspirations to make way for. Greater leaps and bounds to take when given the opportunity to strive for such.

"As long as ya' make it known whom your own are, I'll take their growth into consideration. Demons are tricky, but with ya'... I got an understandin' with how they tick, and even then.. I ain't gonna dip my hand in ya' business. As for Ashalle, Kamui, Ashiya, an' Amaru. Hmn, well. Ya' ain't gonna have ta' worry about 'em. They'll let ya' know how they feel about it."
(Ahmir Valerius)
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[22:54] "By any and all means- This is my offer and goal to the rest of you. If any of you disagree, or think we shouldn't build ourselves a new village- Name and all- Please speak. A forceful leader isn't a leader at all." Ashen grins wide as ever now and turns to the Dreadwoods, hand extended.

".. But if this is the path we want to follow- We'll need to begin taking trees, stone, and food for what is soon to come. Soon. Very soon."
(Ashen)