Strength in Differences

[catalyst]

Today was the day that would change everything. It would not only change relationships for years to come, but it would also change the people within the relationships. Two enemy tribes merging together? It was almost unheard of. Sure, in times of desperation and need perhaps the two tribes would give each other tips or hints on certain things; however, there would always be an underlying ultimatum of mischief. But in times of war, actually merging? Together? Talk about a once in a lifetime chance to see either a possible great peace, or a possible great chaos.


Jahidi Vern'an leaned against a wall somewhat away from the crowd, his bondmate laying lazily beside him, her pale yellowish green eyes observing the crowd. Jahidi really had no thoughts on this merge other than it would boost their chances with their common enemy. As long as both tribes kept their word and there was no trouble with his people, then he didn't really care. He could be civil - to those who were civil to him. Keledra, on the other hand, actually found this to be quite the adventure. She wondered if there would be... decent enough people from the other tribe that she could tease. But if they were just grumpy old farts then she didn't want anything to do with them.


The two chieftans were meeting now. There was a large gathering of both the tribes as they waited for the decision to be made. Although they were near one another, they were split. Only a handful of people talked amongst the separated tribes as most were talking just amongst themselves. But it was loud with the bustling activity, everybody talking about the merge, wondering if it was the right thing.

 

[Lazyhellion]

Tyrion was watching everyone with a hawk like vigilance. He was stationed right outside the tent where the two chiefs were collaborating. It was his job to make sure no one interrupted the meeting between the leaders of the two tribes, and to his left a guard from the opposing tribe was eyeing him suspiciously. He didn't really mind the look of blatant mistrust, because he knew it would take awhile for anyone from either tribe to feel comfortable with the merge. Moving fluidly, like water cascading over the rocks, Tyrion approached his dubious watcher. "I know I'm breathtaking, but I give you permission to look elsewhere." He smiled in a charming way, that was meant to show his dimples.


The rugged man he was speaking to sputtered, and looked away to preserve his dignity. And a rumbling chuckle escaped Tyrion. The oldest discipline he learned from his job as right hand of the chief, was to watch. Learn. And decipher what would unsettle his opponent. And then while they were off balance he was supposed to strike. Leaning companionably against one of the poles that was upholding the tent, his gaze trailed over the warrior in front of him. Different from him, this tribesmen had a dark verdigris and deep hazel eyes. He was toned from years of honing his fighting skills, and manual labor. And although he held a spear in his left hand, his right hand was most likely his dominant hand because it was slightly more toned, and had the most accessories.


And the man's reaction to his flirting told him that although he was old enough to have bedded many suitors, he was too focused on his job, to bother with a love life. All of this Tyrion processed within a few seconds, and he used it to his advantage. Quick as a snake, he liberated the knife that was hidden in the man's belt loop. "This is well made. Did you craft it yourself?" He asked diplomatically, mentally comparing it to his own set of twin blades.


The uncomfortable expression on the man's face faded at the change of subject, and he looked considerably more interested in talking. A conversation about weapons commenced then, that ended with Tyrion drawing his own pair of blades, and holding them along side the guards. They were trying to measure who was the better craftsmen. They would have talked more, if the shrill neigh of a horse didn't pierce the clearing. The guard glanced around confused, but Tyrion recognized the sound. Sheathing his blades, he left his post in front of the tent, and broke into a run. As he darted in and out of the crowd, a low hiss reached him, and Sabor, his bondmate slithered out of the grass, and circled around his leg. The feel of scales inching up his side, and wrapping around his torso was a familiar one, and the great cobra bounced against his shoulder as he ran. He felt a slight mental nudge, as his bondmate explained what was happening.


One of the new tribesmen tried to ride Rannoc.


No one can ride that demon horse. Tyrion grumbled mentally, vaulting over a young child with unusual agility, and sliding to a stop in front of a crowd of people. "Scuse me. Let me through. Get out of the way." He pushed and shoved his way to the front where he could see Rannoc's magnificent outline, rearing. Legs kicking angrily at the air. Steam furled from the beasts nostrils, and he could see the horse's muscles trembling as he prepared to Bolt. "Rannoc!!" Tyrion all but roared, lurching forward and trying to calm the angry steed. Dodging a stray hoof, he wrapped an arm around Rannoc's neck, trying to steady him, and keep him firmly on the ground.


"I could always bite him?" Sabor offered, the mental hiss sounded strained, like the cobra was trying not to laugh. and Tyrion was not amused.


"Don't." He grunted, struggling to keep the horse from rearing again.


"A little help please???" He asked the air, hoping someone from the crowd would assist him. It usually took two people to take Rannoc to the stables. And the people from his own tribe enjoyed watching him struggle a little first.

 

[catalyst]

For the most part everything was going swell. There was hardly, if any, negative ruckus about and Jahidi was just fine if things were kept that way. But unfortunately, that was not the case as a loud neigh rang through the air. The dark-skinned male clicked his tongue and moved off from his stance on the wall, dark brown eyes scanning over each head and trivial thing in the background.


It was then that the Vern'an spotted something... a bit annoying. He wasn't sure if it was just a horse or if it was someone's bondmate, but the creature was about fifty feet away and seemed very upset. Jahidi moved immediately, weaving through the crowd of people. He heard a deep voice as he got near, one that sounded strain from effort, and he pushed past the last couple of people two see a man from the other tribe trying to steady the horse. Jahidi never stopped moving; he swiftly knelt beside the horse's back and put all his weight against him, careful of the kicking feet. A hand rubbed soothingly over the horse's stomach in an effort to try and calm it. He muttered something incoherently before he felt Keledra's tail brushing against him as she passed him and made her way over to sit a couple of feet away from the horse's face.


She had taken her time in trailing her bondmate, and as she sat in front of the horse she just gazed at him. He was definitely someone's bondmate, but she had a feeling it wasn't the blond male holding his neck.


"Anything you'd like?" She asked the horse, cocking her head to the side just a little bit as her soft cry filled the ears of onlookers. He might not have been able to understand her, which is why she kept her tone easygoing to at least try to help the two warriors calm him.

 

[Lazyhellion]

One could almost see the whites of Rannoc's eyes as he fought Tyrion's grip. The horse struggled like a beast possessed, and the physical excursion was wearing his handler down. Tyrion's strength and flexibility helped him avoid injury, but they didn't help him deter the great lummox from bucking, and rearing angrily. It took an obscene amount of effort to avoid being trampled.


However, a hiss from Sabor distracted him from his task, his bondmate was warning of him someone's approach. He opened his mouth to the thank his fellow tribesmen for joining him, but he was surprised when he noticed a lean man, that bore the same marks as the guard he saw earlier appear next to him, and began soothing Rannoch--Tyrion blinked in confusion the horse actually responded to the ministrations. The soothing words, and placating gestures. Sides heaving, the horse hobbled left and right in confusion, but stopped in front the nameless tribesmen. Relaxing for him.


Tyrion's hands fell away from the horse's neck, unsure of what had just happened. "What kind of sorcerer are you?" He asked, his voice a dissatisfied grumble. Rannoc immediately calmed down for this new warrior, and it had taken him several minutes just to approach the beast. It was hardly what one could call fair.


"He's a better beast tamer than you apparently." Sabor muttered mentally, and the snake had to coil beneath the grass to avoid a swift kick from Tyrion. Incessed beyond words, he turned his attention to the man who had offered him assistance. Falling back on the formal way to show thanks he placed his fist in his open palm. "Thank you for your help." He said graciously, sliding into a sweeping bow. "I owe you a debt." He intoned seriously, his sense of honor climbing to the forefront as he spoke. He opened his mouth, He had more to say, but the sound of a Ram's horn being blown in the distance made him pause. The meeting was over, and the two chieftans were done convening. Which meant Tyrion had about ten seconds to get back to his post. Sending the nameless man an apologetic glance, he bowed again. "I will have to repay you later." He smiled. A low chuckle escaping him. "Perhaps if this merger goes through we can discuss this further..."


The words were said off handedly, but there was an amused twinkle in his eye as he spoke. "Lets go. Sabor. Rannoch...Go out to graze." He commanded, his voice turning hard as he addressed the horse. He didn't linger. or stay to chat instead, Tyrion turned on his heel, and began running back to his post. He needed to be nearby when the chieftans made their decision. Just incase he needed to put down any dissension in the crowd.

 

[catalyst]

Ah, it seemed to be working. It took a lot of struggle, even Jahidi beginning to pant by the time the horse had calmed down, but it worked and that was all that mattered. The last thing he needed was for a small creature or child get trampled on by the horse and have this merger go down in flames. No, he was not going to let that happen.


"Good horse," Jahidi murmured to him as he patted the strong creature. Hearing a voice near him, the dark male turned to face the other who had been trying to tame the horse in the first place. He rose a brow, looking at this blond warrior. His words clued that this horse was not usually tamed in such a manner, but Jahidi didn't take pride in his act. He just merely acted as he saw fit. "Not a sorcerer," he finally said with a hint of a smile.


"You just know how to handle a beast," Keledra snickered mentally as she moved from her spot near the horse and to her bondmate. Jahidi shot her a look before looking back to the stranger who was thanking him in such a formal manner that it felt as if Jahidi had helped save his life or something. This man was just honorable, and he only listened as he spoke before the sound of the horn interrupted their conversation. Well, the stranger's words. Jahidi just merely nodded his head in acknowledgment towards the blond, and as he ran off, he watched after him before turning to Keledra.


"Hm. I guess that's our cue to leave as well."


"Oh, rats. I was hoping to make new friends," she said. Jahidi snorted before replying."Keledra... everybody knows you wouldn't put the effort into that. You aren't fooling anyone."

 

[Lazyhellion]

"Did you see that monstrous cat that man had with him?" Sabor's forked tongue flicked out in a gentle hiss as she coiled comfortably around Tyrion's shoulders.


"I must have missed it." Tyrion grumbled mentally, as he side stepped around the guard he had been conversing with earlier. The two warriors exchanged an understanding look as the tent flap billowed open behind them and the two chieftains stepped out in to the light of day. Their job was to act as mediators between the people and the tribal chiefs. Just in case the upcoming announcement roused anyone's temper.And in order to prevent such outbreaks from happening, their whole demeanor changed. Gone was the lighthearted atmosphere and the friendly banter, Tyrion stood up taller, and his fingers were hovering over his daggers. He wasn't going to project his intent carelessly and have his hands resting on the hilt of his weapons.


Next to him he saw the robust Vern'an gripping his spear so tightly that his knuckles were turning white.


But despite the tension in the air, Sabor wasn't done teasing him yet. "Perhaps you didn't see the beast cuz you were too busy staring at her bondmate." The snake let out a chuckle that sounded more like a string of clucks. Tyrion kept his gaze trained on the two chieftains who had yet to speak, but mentally he rolled his eyes.


"Shut up Sabor."


"Good people...We have reached an understanding." The chief Tyrion served under spoke first, holding his spindly fingers up to silence the crowd. "The Vern'an, and The Akainu will merge together. We will share our resources, our land, our joys and our burdens. And from now on there will no longer be a two chiefs, there will be a council of elders, chosen from both tribes, that will lead us,and make decisions to benefit us all."


Silence reigned supreme after his speech.


The tribes were coming together, and they were losing their chiefs?


This unprecedented turn of events shocked the crowd, and the quiet felt like the calm before the storm.

 

[catalyst]

Keledra shrugged in agreement before yawning, her powerful jaw opening and tongue rolling out before snapping shut again. She truly was a lazy beast when she could be, but other than some teasing, nobody truly minded it because they knew just how serious she could get. The panther and her bondmate walked little ways in order to get where they wanted to be: in the middle of the crowd but near the back. Fights always seemed to make their way known towards the back since people were usually too busy paying attention to the front.


As the chieftans exited the tent, the Akainu chief addressed the two tribes first. It was relieving to hear that they had come to an understanding, but to think of there being no chiefs and instead just a council... it was almost unthinkable, and it was very obvious how hard this news had hit both groups as silence stunned the air.


But it was not a comfortable silence. It was unsettling, and Jahidi's fingers slyly moved to the spear upon his back. He didn't want to send messages of violence to those watching him, but he had to be prepared. And instead of just staying quiet, waiting for that storm, Jahidi was the first to speak.


"An even number of councils from both tribes?" he asked, voice almost like a boom in the silence. "Have you already chosen these elders or are they to be decided?" He kept his voice non-accusing and light, not wanting to bring negativity that possibly might snap the boundaries.

 

[Lazyhellion]

Tyrion's muscles were coiled like a spring, as he hovered between a state of violence, and a state of complete alertness. The tension in the air was thick, and when a booming voice broke the quiet, his grip tightened around the hilt of his daggers. But in the same instant he was ready to draw his blades, he recognized the speaker and forced himself to relax. It was the man from earlier, the one that helped him calm that demon beast. Sighing quietly, Tyrion's hands fell away from his daggers, and he sent the warrior a thoughtful glance.


"He gets around doesn't he?" Sabor murmured, tail coiling around his arm


Tyrion wasn't the only one trying to gauge the speaker. The chieftan's of both tribes were sending him a cursory glance. The Akainu leader, a man of many words, inclined his head graciously. "The elders will be elected by the people...And since the tribes are a similar size, an even number of council members will be elected." The Akainu leader took off his ceremonial head dress, and a heart felt sigh escaped him. He stroked the eagle feathers, that decorated the sides of the head dress, and his lips pursed in a thin unhappy line. "Its with a heavy heart that I resign from my position as chief." He stated, his voice low and pained.


The Vern'an chief, a silent, yet intimidating figure followed suit, removing his ceremonial headdress. "I have served the people for many years." just like Jahidi, his voice as a booming baritone that cut through the silence. "And I will serve them after I resign from my position...We have decided to hold the elections over the next few days...But tonight we will feast to celebrate the union of our two tribes." The Vern'an chief exclaimed, holding his hands up enthusiastically.


Tyrion watched the crowd break out in hushed murmurs, and he turned his attention from them to the former Akainu chief. His purpose was to serve as the chief's right hand...What was he going to do now? Why did no one discuss this with him? Frowning heavily, he followed the former leaders silently through the crowd determined to get a word in edgewise before they retired for the evening. At his side, Sabor let out an annoyed hiss. "We're going to end up cattle herders after this."

 

[catalyst]

With that answer, Jahidi was satisfied enough. He didn't know what would happen of the tribes - if they would still be united or if they would separate again - after this war was over, but for now it seemed like it would be all right. The chieftans... while both looked to be suffering over the loss of their titles, there also seemed to hold no other trouble between them. There was... understanding, a shared emotion between the two and while there might be tension between the people of the tribes, there wasn't any between the ex-leaders.


Now, as talk began between the people, Jahidi moved from the crowd. He wasn't necessarily afraid for his job; scouters would still be needed and he was sure it'd be the same for people of the Akainu.


"If anything, there would only be more fun to have," Keledra half purred as she strolled alongside her bondmate. "We should go find that horse you so magically calmed down." Jahidi looked down at her with a look, and she just chuckled to herself. "What? It'd give you a reason to see the rather handsome blond that came with it." Jahidi rolled his eyes to himself, but it was sort of an enticing suggestion. He did want to see how the stallion was doing - Rannoch, was it? ... and if the warrior came by, well that'd just be a bonus.

 

[Lazyhellion]

Tyrion waited for the crowd to disperse before cornering the chief of the Akainu tribe. "What was that?...What are you doing? Why didn't you tell me your plan?" He hissed angrily, his voice dropping to a low annoyed cadence. His hands clenched into fists at his side in a much smaller voice he continued to speak. "What am I supposed to do if you're not the chief anymore." He sounded genuinely lost, because he had trained for his entire life to be the right hand of the chief, and now there was no chief. There was a council, and he wanted nothing to do with them.


Smiling grimly, the former chief put a companionable hand on his shoulder. "A long time ago you gave me your life...But I'm going to give it back to you. You need to walk a different path now."


Brow wrinkling in confusion, Tyrion tried to speak but no sound came out.


He couldn't fathom not having a purpose.


Sending him a look of understanding, the former chief smiled gently. "If you want to speak further..You know where my tent is." Tyrion nodded absentmindedly as the chief walked around the corner. That left the blonde warrior alone with his thoughts. Although he was reminded he was never truly alone when Sabor nestled into the curve of his neck. It was a comforting gesture the snake often did when he was upset. He used the edge of 2 fingers to stroke the snake's head, and his bondmate a soft clucking noise. Not a hiss, simply a concerned noise, one will rarely hear a snake make.


"Lets go to the pastures....It IS your thinking spot, and Rannoch probably wandered over there." Sabor suggested quietly, not one to interrupt her partner's contemplation. Vexed beyond belief, All Tyrion could do was nod, and his feet began guiding him in the direction of the pasture. His stride was different than normal, it lacked his normal confident gait, and his handsome face was stern and withdrawn, showing he was consumed in his thoughts as he walked.

 

[catalyst]

Jahidi had eventually made his way to the pastures. He got caught up in conversation - well, answering questions and giving brief opinions on what he thought about everything - with a few people, but once he was on the outskirts of the gathering, it was a pretty clear steer to the pastures.


As he arrived, he had to stroll a little deeper in order to find the beautiful colored horse. Keledra had stayed at the entrance of the pasture, too lazy to walk any longer. Finding a tree with shade, she laid down and watched as her bondmate approached the horse. She didn't know if the horse would accept him as he did when he was upset, but either way it would most likely turn to be an amusing show.


"Rannoch, was it?" Jahidi asked, voice calm and open as he closed the distance a bit between him and the horse, but keeping enough space between them.