"The wound is not deep, but you know it exists- and that is enough." -Khephri's Sting

An instinctual rumble clawed its way up and out of Valthyx's throat while the waning flames at the center of the room bounced light off his now bared canines. Though initially taken aback by the lack of control over his own body, the lack of control over his own thoughts felt far more disturbing. He swallowed hard to push it all down.

After allowing sufficient time for silence to bathe the space, Radax clicked in amusement, immediately snapping the tension.

"You didn't keep one for yourself did you?" the foggy grey of the older Eliksni's four eyes swung to meet Valthyx, "Stories have circulated of others taking cargo for themselves, some even indulging in particularly, eh, uncouth diversions. I simply did not know you were one of that inclination."

One drawn-out sigh later, and Radax pulled his massive frame up using the arc staff. As he stretched each of his four arms behind himself, he continued, "you know the Kell would have allowed you to have many to yourself if asked - after all you've done to make our access to them so plentiful."

Valthyx's heart stopped momentarily until he remembered that Ysolde did not understand the language of his people and he felt relief. He took a single step toward the one he often called brother, "Radax, you see - It's not that - I..."

Radax finished what Valthyx had started, closing the distance between them and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I will not pry much more tonight, friend," he paused and moved his head until they were side-by-side, nearly touching, and whispered, "just know..." he sniffed again, "I can smell this female."

Waving a hand dismissively, he began toward the exit before calling back, "the scent is intoxicatingly sticky. That's how I knew to follow. Wash well before you return or others will catch on as well. I would hate for our game to end before it can even begin. Another day, I will find your toy."

Valthyx snorted in defiance of the idea. Their relationship had always been characterized by good-natured competition - their clashes and friendly rivalries typically invigorated Valthyx. He and Radax traded blows more often than any other Eliksni he knew - this made their bond strong. However, this most recent challenge Radax issued sat differently with Valthyx. This threat to find, and the insinuation of taking, the female human filled him with a different, less brotherly energy. His glare remain at the exit, intent on assuring Radax's departure. He wore his mood visibly, though he motioned for Ysolde to appear.

"What was all that about?"

Valthyx did not look to her when she spoke, eyes still glued to the threshold.

"Not concern you. We meet elsssewhere from now," he hissed.

"Valthyx, I-"

"Not you concern"

Ysolde was pensive for a moment, shuffling through her thoughts and seeking the right words.

"Valthyx? We are friends. You can tell m-"

"No. We are not thissss," he spat,

"You are human."

"It's fitting, then, that we have weaponized the unknown." - Void

Ysolde was sinking. Though her body remained standing, in truth she had sunk to the iron core of Europa. The hurt that she felt was something unknown to her - an uncharted pain that she couldn't hope to decode. So, instead, she walked.

She could hear his confusion, imagine the way he tilted his head when he needed clarification.

"I am leaving now," she muttered.

"You - ," he struggled for something, "your papersss."

"Keep them," she declared just as her boot crossed the doorway's threshold.

She held herself together just long enough. Weaving through the building, she identified a secluded corner, pressed her back against the wall, and descended to the ground.

Ceres was tactful, gentle, even caring in her approach, "Ysolde. There's something I need to talk to you about."

"Later please," Ysolde uttered.

"I think you will want-," Ceres continued, but broke off when Ysolde lifted her head. The dampness at her cheeks was enough to advocate for 'later' and Ceres understood.

"I know I'm being stupid. Just give me a minute."

With the silence as permission, she then let herself meet fully with the ache.

"The last truth commands me to eat all the light in the sky" - Oryx: Defeated

From the shadows lining the roof, Radax pinned his stare on Valthyx and his pike in the distance. One hand held his spear, another wrapped around a wooden beam, and the last two dangled to his side as he lowered himself from the ceiling scaffolding to the warped floor below. Internally, Radax smirked. Now to follow the scent.

A creak echoed through the building as Radax's foot put too much trust into a single loose panel in the floor. The human stood in alarm and Radax froze dutifully. He had imagined this might happen - no concern befell him.

Interesting, I see no restraints. Does she come to Valthyx willingly? This would make winning more difficult but not impossible.

Calculations ran through his mind after applying this new information. An impromptu change of plan was warranted.

Slowly, Radax bent at the knees, lowering the arc spear in a gesture he knew her kind understood. She appeared to respond favorably, though she remained on guard. Perhaps she recognized him as the one that spoke with Valthyx.

He lowered his body to reside on all six limbs. His approach of her was surgical and the human, perhaps gripped by curiosity, remained in place. Even without standing upright, his head sat above hers. Therefore, when here body jerked just as he came within reach, he was not surprised.

She could go from an object of interest to prey in a beat of the heart, yet she shows so little fear. Brave girl. Perhaps silly, but brave.

Radax maneuvered his snout to the top of her head. He drew in her scent directly this time - yes, it matches the one on Valthyx. Though, it is more salty? He withdrew his head away from hers to make eye contact as he studied her expressions.

"Veeelassk," he attempted.

The human did not reply.

So she couldn't speak Eliksni. If only he had paid attention when Valthyx tried to teach him those useless human words. Well, he would have to find other ways to communicate. Although he was not certain, he had a feeling he understood what Valthyx and this one did when they met.

This one would be his.

He would prove his prowess to this one. His superiority over his friend.

He rose to his full height slowly so as to not alarm the female. He then guided one hand to firmly grip the small of her back and snarled softly to convey his intention. She reacted strangely, as if she were panicking. Perhaps she did not understand his offer. He would remain patient. Human's preferred this. With another arm, he grabbed behind her head and pulled her closer.

As soon as he did, she lifted her hands as if to prevent the motion.

Strange.

He cocked his head and released his grip. Was this not how their kind initiated? He thought these things were relatively universal. After stepping away, he decided to try again with a slight difference in approach. In a blink, he pushed forward with his full weight rather than just an arm, pinning the female against the wall, and exposed his fangs with a lower-pitched growl. At this, the human pushed him off of her with an absurd strength.

He smelled the burning scent of... light?

She was a guardian...

Valthyx you choose only the most dangerous, formidable of mates. I am only more vitalized.

He remained in place, more respectful in his body language now that he was aware of the risk she could threaten.

Radax craned his neck to expose his throat in apology. He turned his back to her in a further sign of trust, retrieved his staff, and left.

This would require more extensive preparation.