Rift glanced back as he stepped out of the clearing and into the thick foliage of the rest of the cave. Since the Kingdom had begun he actually hadn't taken the time to leave his garden alone. He hadn't patrolled the forest like he had before, he was too fixated on bringing life back to his home and making sure the rest of the Kingdom was settling in okay.
But Mercurius hadn't come to live with them. He had elected to stay in his old garden some ways away. Rift could understand why he had chosen to do so but still, he wished a little bit that the lion would come to live with them full time. He was important to many of the citizens, and the hybrids that had once been Bloodberries seemed to rely on him. He sighed. This whole ruling thing was a lot more difficult then he thought.
He was on his way now, though, because it had eventually become a little too much. He was stressed and Mercurius's words were ringing in his head. If you ever have need, Rift, of... a talk and how to restrain yourself and your anger, I'm here. It had become quite apparent to Rift that he wasn't as in control of himself and his emotions as he thought he was. It still haunted him, the bloodlust he had taken on during the fight, the desire to tear apart the children, to rip their skin from their bodies and let them bleed in the grass. And the anger he had displayed once it was over, his impulsive actions. It was at last time to really better himself.
He approached the garden where Mercurius lived and slowed down. Even though he had taken on the role of leader, he still respected the old lion.
As such, he was busying himself: clearing away some of the overgrowth with soft, chiding words; rearranging the number of lights along the edges and half-obscured by tall wheatgrasses; dusting off the delicate snowglobe his son had given him (ah, I hope Arsu is well...); and reorganizing his various trinkets. It was simple busywork, but it was enough to distract him from what the future had to hold, and what bloodshed had plagued the Maw of Mosses. Mercurius hoped, gently, that the ex-Bloodberry children were doing well in his absence, amongst the other members of the Kingdom.
Speaking of the Kingdom--- a soft voice, but clear. It was that of the puma, the green one, yes? The other had a bit of smoke in his lungs. Mercy stopped in his ministrations for a moment, tail flicking idly. Moonlit gaze falling upon the grove's only entrance and exit, he woofed, "no need to wait, Rift. You're always welcome in." Despite knowing little of the smaller feline, the old lion knew he could be trusted. Any cat with an affinity for plant life could allow him to rest easy, knowing that his garden wouldn't be trashed for the sake of it.
Should the puma come in, Mercurius would indicate toward one of the four flattened patches of grass in the grove, "have a seat if you'd like."
@Rift
At Mercy's invitation, Rift ducked into his den and turned his eyes to the lion. He always looked so calm, so peaceful. Rift couldn't help but envy the level of serenity that he always sensed from the older cat. He gave him a respectful nod and settled down in the place that the lion had gestured to.
Well, now that he was here, how to start? He wondered if Mercurius even remembered the offer he had given to him during the formation of the Kingdom. It had been a few cycles ago, after all, and Rift found himself forgetting many things. He could only imagine what it was like to remember everything if he was as old as Mercurius.
His tail curled and uncurled on the ground behind him as he hesitated for a moment.
Anyways.
The conversation began in a friendly enough manner that he was happy to place himself amiably in front of Rift. Dropping carefully into prime loafing position, Mercy shook out his mane. "I am well, yes," he smiled gently, though furrowed his brow, "how are you aware of my sons?" Gears began to turn. "Ah, forgive me, you mean Huckleberry and Yew, yes?" A beat. "I have not seen much of Huckleberry, but Yew tends to come to the garden to sleep with me. I do not want to pressure them, but for them to know that they are always welcome here, for whatever they need."
It was the gentle starts that were the most successful, you see.
@Rift