ORIGIN

Rift paced around just outside of the roots of the tree, the cage that held Blackberry hidden in the darkness behind him. He looked almost a little agitated, his tail lashing behind him and his ear pulled back. Slitted eyes raked the garden for Orlaith and Huckleberry. It should be obvious for them that he was looking for them now - after they'd given their report, he'd ordered them to wait while he got Blackberry properly settled into her cage.

After a moment of pacing, he stopped and cleared his throat. If they were nearby, then they should approach now. He motioned in the direction of Orlaith for her to come close and glanced at Huckleberry, a clear sign to stay away for now. He'd talk to him later.

Rift watched as the tiger approached, trying to keep his expression as impassive, neutral, and level as possible. He stared down at Orlaith, noticing her submissive posture. Perhaps she thought she'd done something bad. He sat himself down, curling his long tail over his paws, whiskers giving a single twitch before going still.

He glanced back towards the cage behind them before looking back. "Well, Orlaith, I must congratulate you on your and Huckleberry's capture of Blackberry. Truly...a great feat. How do you feel about the capture? I'd like to know your honest feelings. And...what do you think of her?"

Rift took a deep breath as Orlaith finished speaking. The tip of his tail was twitching, the only sign of his weakening composure. He cleared his throat again to get out any sign of trembling before he began to speak. "Ah, I see. So, you only feel bad about accidentally hurting a friend. Not that both you and Huckleberry directly disobeyed my orders and went off after Blackberry alone? Or that you initiated an attack against a person I specifically told you not to attack? And attacking someone in the first place! It goes against everything this Kingdom represents!" He snorted. He'd tried to keep out of Kera's talk as much as he could, to give the two a bit of privacy, but he had heard much of the conversation, thanks to the sensitivity of his right ear. Somebody that didn't know Blackberry, like him before that conversation, would probably say something like that.

"Yes, you at least have the right idea about the trial. Unlike some others. But you obviously do not understand the purpose of our guard. We are not here to scare or intimidate or prance around the caves like we own the place! We have no authority outside of Eridanus! You weren't supposed to attack, only to bring her back as peacefully as possible and only only attack if she endangers your lives!" His composure was broken now, lip curled slightly and his tail no longer peacefully draped over his paws but lashing behind him with agitation. "So...what do you have to say for yourself?"

Rift continued to stare down at the tiger, tail flicking behind him. He sure hoped that she wasn't just saying this to appease him. "I want you to be more then just ashamed for me - you are a member of the Kingdom of Eridanus and you represented us poorly today. You may still come to the trial, but you'll remain a Citizen for the time being. If you have anything else to say, now is the time." He flicked his tail and paused, staring carefully at the tiger.

Rift stood, then, his expression softening a bit. "Go on, then," he said, gently. "I know you thought you were doing right and that's why I'm allowing you to stay. But you must understand that our claws are our absolute last resort. If you feel the need, sit within the Hollow and reflect on your choices today. Meditation on peace is a good way to clear your head." He rumbled and flicked his tail, a clear signal that she was dismissed.

*exit