Shadows enclose the trees of the forest that keeps the mercenaries hidden. In these shadows walks Lakota, lean and silent as she weaves between the tangled brush that is no longer unfamiliar to her. Even the light of Birdsong cannot make her presence easy to discern from the inky blobs that cling to the trees. Sharp violet eyes survey like a hawk, perpetually stony face displaying no emotion. The eery silence of the woods is broken into pieces as a masculine voice bore into her ears. Inwardly hissing at the intruder, she curled sinuously around an ancient tree and began her silent prowl towards the one who dared to call them in a way that any passerby could hear. 

Two have already appeared before her, both of whom she knows but only one being of any interest to her. Phaedra is a spy, and though important Lakota knows the seduction involved in many cases to extract information. Love, fake as it can be in the other mares case, is dull to her. Rafe on the other hand was the one to appear to her when she first entered Helovia. Another warrior, someone she respected if grudgingly. These two are no strangers to her, and so her gaze cuts to the golden brute standing before them. The stallion who called smells of the Throat, but he doesn't seem ill at ease in their home. By his build and stance Kota knows he has seen more than one battle, but that doesn't necessarily mean he is a threat to their lifestyle. What a shame. She was quite eager to try out her magic. Rafe speaks then as Lakota emerges silently from her surroundings, deciding that action is loads better than observation. Cold amethyst studies the newcomer as she posed her own question after the blood bay unicorn. "And what is it you hope to gain from us?" Silky smooth as it comes out, dark chocolate melting over her words. Even so it is said in a both guarded and cold tone. She steps beside Rafe, unwilling to move too close. Personal space is something she highly values. 

'Leander' she had heard Phaedra call him. He is sturdy and almost impassive before the trio, but something painful flickers behind his irises. Oh joy. Lakota liked business better when emotions weren't involved. A simple hire, complete, pay method worked best for her rather frigid ways. Nevertheless if he knew of them then they would at least give him an audience. It was their job to serve the in betweens after all.

Phaedra was not surprised at all when other members of The Grey filtered in, as if drawn by Leander's call regardless of whether they could hear it or not. Rafe was the first to arrive; the only member of The Grey who had really piqued her interest. He seemed to have the capacity to take everything in at once - each minute detail - and store it in its appropriate place. He seemed cold and intense; a challenge she noted subconsciously. The challenge of Rafe, was what was alluring. He would surely be one not to fall for her charms, as least as farm as love was concerned. He was precisely the type of brute to objectify her and use her - to keep her safe. Which, now that Tolio was a memory which needed to be erased, she needed to focus on more.

The mare Lakota was the next to enter, halting by Rafe, by not too close. This was one of the things she enjoyed most about the Grey - that when they did gather together for a business transaction, it remained just that. There was no cooing hello's and bumping noses and I'm so glad to see you's! Phae let her cool green gaze wash vaguely over the two; acknowledging their presence briefly. Her attention turned back to the palomino, who, she had considered briefly before, could look like a brother of hers from a distance. If you were unable to see her bird-catcher spotting, and viewed her wings when they were closed and darker (and when they were not this odd-white colour), their sooty appearance would have been closely matched; she simply looking much more feminine than he.

Miss.. I did not get your name when we last met. Please accept my apology for my actions that day. I was not well then, though that is a poor excuse for such behavior.

Phaedra stood unwavering as he addressed her. This was the Leander that everyone had told her about, that had caused everyone to cast a disbelieving eye on her bloody wings when she spoke his name as her assailant. She would have to thank Tor again for healing her wings, and ridding her of the painful memory of her encounter with Leander, and the fall-out it had caused with Faelene and Tolio...and even Levi. Still, she was glad to have seen that side of Leander; it made her feel closer to him somehow. Like she was privy to some secret that even he would not share with those closest to him. But the demon appeared to be gone now, and maybe that also ended any closeness their encounter could have potentially created.

She told me of your group. After failing to take me captive, of course Leander said with amusement, nodding to Phaedra in relation to Rafe's question. A small smile embraced her lips as a mischievous light flooded her previously vacant green gaze. "But you're here now" She spoke, her voice hinting at the same mischievousness that her eyes revealed. Her mission had been to tell certain key players of The Grey, and the services they could provide. How did Leander know that her plan to be caught, had not been what she intended all along? He was here after all; the outcome was as it should be, regardless of the method.

A distraction, if nothing else. I just put in my resignation, you see. So I have all the time in the world to chat with you and your leaders. And who would I be to turn down such a pretty girl's invitation?

Put in his resignation? Phae thought incredulously. For a moment her mind whirled to Sohalia and Note, the two she had matched to fulfill a quest from the God of the Earth. Phae had brought Sohalia to Note in the Dragon's Throat. Surely she would join, to stay with her new love...and if Leander's resignation had anything to do with the herd...Mentally, she vowed to overcome her dislike of the herd of pegasi, and visit her..friend? If that's what they were, and ensure her safety. Leander had also referenced their 'leaders'. Phae had only seen Ktu briefly, when she brought home Apollo, and of Ophelia, she had heard and seen nothing. But she was confident that they would come; they always seemed to.

And who would I be to turn down such a pretty girl's invitation? Was he trying to bait her into something? Perhaps this was some backwards play to get The Grey and the Throat at odds? If it was, he had picked the wrong bait. Phae was only oh-to flirtatious by nature, and after feeling heart-break for the first time, Leander's words rolled over her like a calming rain. Attention As he winked at her, her lips curled upwards in a demure smile, feigning modesty. Her eyes on the other hand, told a different story; she had been intrigued by Leander's dark side, and now began to wonder if there might be something more under that shiny prince charming appearance. She was a spy after all, perhaps she would force another visit upon him.

Her smile however, was the only response she would give to his flirting; this was business after all, and although it was hard to believe, Phaedra did have the capacity to keep from being flirtatious all of the time. She did however, have to bite her lip to keep from creating a sexual innuendo out of the golden stallion's need for a distraction.

I did my best, it wasn't much.
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you.
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Golden stud seems to have done harm of some sort to Phaedra, of what kind Lakota doesn't know. She doesn't babysit the young mare, after all. Even so the thought that this stallion, conscious of his actions or not as he alludes to being, has hurt a member of the Grey boils something inside her. Violet eyes narrow in a minuscule fashion. Hardly noticeable to anyone other than herself. The Grey will never replace her real family, but they are fast becoming an awkward sort of second. Everyone is awkward in some way here, but they are no doubt close. Loyalty to even those she doesn't know makes her desire for equal exchange of pain flourish. But this is Phaedra's battle, and she seems to be handling it well. All these emotions are kept inside, transpires in the safety of her mind where nobody can see and does not reflect on her visage. Lakota has perfected vapidness. 

His amusement at Phaedra's failure only makes a cold smile stretch her lips. She knew of the orders sent out to the whole group, to inform herd members of the Grey. It would seem Phaedra had done well, then. Silly little stallion, assuming as he did. Phaedra seems to know this too, replying. Lakota cares not for what she says, for he rolls his eyes as he turns to her and she sneers. What a little brat. Thinking he can act in such a way when he is in their forest. A distraction? A place to chat? "This is no homeless shelter. We are no silly band meant for distracting or babysitting petty runaways." She senses another then as she lets it slide from her lips, insulted that he thinks of them so lowly. It is Ophelia, and violet irises turn to her snowy form. When she speaks she echoes both Lakota's thoughts and words, though her tone is soft where Lakota's is cutting. Allowing far more leeway than Kota. So far she is not in the least impressed by this foolish man, flirting and being overall disrespectful. He is childish in her eyes, but Lakota has always been a rather fierce and unforgiving judge. It isn't easy to make her like you. Ophelia allowing him to stay, for even a tiny while, is enough to dig beneath her skin. She for one will not tolerate his presence. He could go galloping off with the other bird, she couldn't care less. They are mercenaries, and their visitors should be hoping for business, not a fling to keep themselves entertained. No matter how she feels she keeps her face still and cold. Refusing to allow him the satisfaction of knowing she wants him gone, the bird brain. She isn't kind like Ophelia, especially not in her thoughts. With his cocky attitude she would sooner show him her backside than entertain him. Rafe has gone silent and she follows suit, eyes sharp as the gem they take after. She may not like it, but she would do as her leaders said. But if he even stirred the waters one bit he would regret it. This wasn't the best group to play with after all. Because they didn't necessarily "play nice".

Another appears, this time beside him. Telling him not to move into their midst. Lakota coos in her mind, quite pleased by her proposal. Yes, do as she says. For the love of my Goddess please take your ugly smug face away from my home. When she says he is fit to lead she is caught between wanting to snort or laugh out loud. She merely smirks to herself instead, amused. Him, a leader? Lakota had only seen arrogance so far. Then again she only knew him for a few short moments. Did she care? Not a bit. She was a judgmental bitch and she knew it. The femme seems to be a leader but her scents are a confusing mix of Foothills, Throat, and the woods. What in the world? Kota falls to the background, amused by this turn of suddenly dramatic events. 

Phaedra's neutral demeanour broke briefly with frustration at the appearance of another pegasus, one who apparently knew Leander. Leander. Don't join this band. Phaedra rolled her eyes. Was she the only one here who didn't automatically think that Leander was here to join them? But even moreso, she thought the words of this new arrival were shallow and shortsighted. You deserve to be a leader as we both have been. For now, is it not better to wait and see where life's path takes us?. Phae narrowed her green gaze, forcing the hostility out of her voice as she spoke; she would not display such rash and unprovoked emotion in front of Ophelia, who so far, was the only one who believed in her: "True leaders, can lead without a title. Even in a band like this." Phae retorted, her voice slightly icy. Who was this mare anyways? Leander had come to their forest, seeking them. This was not just some free-for-all for every mare who had a say in Leander's life to get up on their soap box. She cast her green gaze to Leander, openly. She did not believe that a title, or The Grey's lack of formal herd-ness would stop him from joining them, they simply weren't what he needed.

As she listened to Leander speak, she could only be grateful that Ophelia had indeed come out of the shadows. If Leander wanted to talk about Intelligence, that was Ophelia's division, Phae was merely a spy. If he requested any of her services, Ophelia would tell her so - she had no more to do here. Besides, the presence of the violet dun was disturbing; her beauty rivalled Phae's own - possibly outshining her, for Phae was enchanting in a common sort of way, whereas this mare's varnish seemed other-worldly. That, and she was starting to think she was some power hungry idiot. At least Leander was taking time to think about things - this mare seemed to have left with Leander, but was all too quick to want to jump back into the thick of things.

Flicking her sandy tail, she gracefully moved towards Leander, arching her neck ever so slightly. Tossing her head to remove her wavy forelock, to better hold his golden gaze with her green. "Maybe someday we will meet again Leander. And maybe talk, and not just speak." She said somewhat cryptically, her voice soft and enticing. As she past him she paused briefly, resisting the urge to touch as his side with her longest flight feather, as was her trade mark move, this was still business after all. "Without such an audience, hm?" She whispered softly, before striding out of the forest.

I did my best, it wasn't much.
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you.
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

I hover above them all in the skies. Quietly finding my dear friend Leander. After all I had left the Throat for him, to stand beside him in a fit of loyalty. Something though was different about him. For some odd reason I had this sick and twisted feeling in my stomach that made me want to stick by him throughout the days and never leave his side but perhaps that was because he seemed to be my only friend anymore. Or well the only friend I could handle keeping, he was worthy and deserved my trust and respect so I would give it. Though his companion... Svetlana I believe she or he called her, I did not trust her. Something about her was all wrong. Revenge and bitterness was sharp on her tongue, she was arrogant by far and I would not stand beside her. Perhaps I was wrong to have so quickly joined ranks within the Throat. The Sun God I believe, was rather upset with my leaving and his traitorous ways. It was too judgmental though, I only left in fear of Kri's rather fiery temper to guide our herd to safety. Even being in that herd was like being an outcast, no ties to the outside. We were bound to fall behind at some point. Especially with her in front, she was the whole reason we were set back.

Even being as new as I was, I could see that, through Leanders words of course. I did get the feeling of being lonely in the Throat, quite often. There was rare action and nothing to interest me. I had already studied the dry grains of sand enough times to remember every one of them... and that huge lake was nothing new. Same thing everyday. I need something to watch. Some excitement to perk my interest. Like the excitement Leander had brought. My wing muscles had ached from stalking him and I so longed to land beneath the trees but instead of entering the meeting I moved on. I was searching for a resting place to calm my wild nerves and sort some things between my head. Svetlana was probably the first that needed to go, I watch as Leander leans his face into hers. A strong pound of anger barricaded my chest and I found myself rocketing to the tree tops. Only to flare my wings one my hooves were close enough to touch the sprouting greenery. Below they probably seen some sort of crazy pegasus about to crash but if Leander was smart enough, he would recognize my colors.

I thrust my wings again and headed in a different direction. The smell of fresh crisp air in my nares was so relaxing my anger went away. Off I go, to find some sort of new place to crash and relax. I wonder if there is an ocean here?...

[ooc- feel free to skip her, just had to make it clear she was stalking Leander because she has no idea what else to do xD]