They have arrived long before Lakota, who was busy with other endeavors such as patrolling. It almost wounded her to be placed in the position of Earth Medic, but it also had presented to her a whole other world she'd never thought she'd enjoy: healing. Always, she'd been the Poisoner, the killer. Now, she could do both. Even so, she was mildly wary of the possibility that even in a mercenary band she would be underestimated for her position as a healer. Nevertheless, that would be her advantage, and her skills with poison would remain hidden until she needed to reveal it. So when she heard words of threat from a man of rust, slipping like a black jaguar from the shadows, ears flattened and teeth were bared. Aodaun growled angrily at her hooves as they melted out of the darkness like ink, unable to be contained. Archibald and Ktulu made well on his threat, so Lakota saw no need to say anything more. Instead she moved forth to stand between Phaedra and Ktulu, separating her attention between the two while her eyes remained locked on Tonka. Ice cold violet never wavered, and she itched to watch him rot on whatever deathly substance she chose to access. But...no. She would rather him watch his pride, his 'Assassin's', fall to pieces. That would teach him humility. And maybe then, when all of his kin had fallen, she would watch him wither and die from the inside.

Every dark thought was visible on her face, refusing to hide it because there was nobody to shield it from. Archibald was a formidable mountain near her princess, but he was no threat and she inclined her head respectfully towards him, knowing only his name with no personal attachment. Hotaru was left safely with her sister as they had passed by, and so Lakota let Aodaun slip over to Phaedra and paw at her tail, a signal that the mare was looking over the spotted woman without moving her eyes. Lakota would never put the beautiful young twins in harms way, and trusted Phaedra would do the same. Ophelia's voice resonated in her head, and a smirk more twisted than the gnarled trees in the marsh found its way to her lips. Vengeance was a blanket over her irises, death lingering behind her gaze. The Grey could not be imitated, and the Assassin's were foolish to think they could steal from the glory of the real mercenary band. They were also idiotic, thinking the Edge would fall so easily, and though Tonka seemed assured that their plans and position would give them the advantage to win, Lakota knew it was not so easy. The Edge was massive, with multiple highly trained and powerful warriors. Mirage and Thor would never allow them through the first inch of their borders. Predatory gaze turned to Ophelia, and it was washed away like the gentle tide to show nothing but respect and even adoration. "I always stand by you, Ophelia. However I am not one for words, I will remain and help to protect our home while you travel." Simple enough. Kota knew if she went, she'd likely happen to insult someone on accident, or would slip off to find these despicable Assassin's and show them the power of the Grey single-handedly. Neither would she allow their home to be taken so quickly, and Tonka knowing of their plan was already one too many for her liking. She'd rather see him dead, especially for his threat to Ophelia, but it was perhaps better to have some leverage on the fake band of followers. The warrior was never one for politics and diplomacy; they pointed, she killed on command. That was how the world worked for her.