i am the mace, the map, the fall and the high
It does not take long for Nashua to arrive in the company of another pale pegasus, and with those final additions, it appears their group is complete. Or nearly, though the bird who had followed Nash had arrived inconspicuously and settled itself into a nearby tree. It is Rune who had alerted him to his presence from where he drifts above. But then, it seems creatures like him have a curious way of picking out those who are similar.
Reave isn’t terribly concerned about it however. If it's attached equine wishes to spy, who is he to tattle?
Cheri greets them with confidence wrapped around her like the mantle she has taken on. It brings a small, brief smile to his lips. He had encouraged her to step into it after all, and he is pleased to see her taking that advice.
He had wondered if she would ask the right questions of them today, but it seems she would not be asking questions at all. A pity. Still, it would not stop him from addressing them. Very little would stop him from addressing them. Obscene had assumed correctly when he had surmised that Reave would not bend beneath these edicts. His desire for Cheri’s success had not been feigned. She is one of only a few who can claim a spot in his fickle affections. Even so, he would not sacrifice his own ambitions in the face of hers.
When Cheri finishes her speech, Reave glances only briefly at his brother, a wry grin on his lips. Perhaps the pegasus has a better understanding now of why Reave had been so demanding in their earlier conversation.
Shifting the sharp clarity of his gaze to the woman heading the meeting, he lifts his head slightly and speaks. “Taiga is the North’s problem to deal with,” he replies firmly, a dangerous smile edging onto his mouth. Perhaps he should have let Nashua handle this one, but a part of him sincerely doubts his brother would eliminate speculation on the territory quite so firmly. Though he's positive Nash wouldn't want the territory dissolved, he would want to think about it first, and as far as Reave is concerned, there is nothing to think about. “And it’s being dealt with, I assure you.”
“As for the rest…” Reave’s piercing blue eyes sweep the assemblage in assessment before returning to his cousin. “You imagine we would be strengthened by turning our two forces into one.” Any lingering smile slips completely from his lips then. “You’re wrong. One well aimed strike to lop off the head, and the rest would crumble. As two, our enemies are forced to divide their attention.” Perhaps enemy is a strong word. Nothing has been declared yet, but Reave would not demure now. “We are much better served finding ways to solidify an alliance and using our strength to crush them between us.”
Reave is no older than Cheri, so perhaps not the elder she had been looking to for advice. But Reave has spent his life ruminating in volatile situations. He has come to this meeting well prepared to get what he wishes from it.
reave
@Nashua