Attikias's fist, laid over his mouth still, clenched for a moment before he dropped it. "They're hard to control, but they haven't struck out at the Elenyas, either. They've stuck around for food, mostly- I've tried to teach them what I can, and they know about the caves- the Masters, the basics, of self-sufficiency." He looked to Erebos, too, hands clenching and unclenching again, uncertain of what he should say. They were a feral animal, at times, but one that could be directed and taught through example. Yes, there- "They're better at practical lessons," he added.
He looked between Vargas and his child. If he knew of the stone's origin, it would make more sense- and, perhaps, it would be ironic for where it'd end up. He did want to mention the Elenyas' move, but this wasn't about them. Later, he'll mention it. Right now? It was Erebos his mind was on, watching them once more and stiffening slightly at the increase in volume.
He'd never seen Vargas particularly teach- the leading, yes, but how would Erebos respond to his style instead? Would they prefer to listen to brute force..?
Rules. Everything here had rules. The only rule it knew was to survive- and, yes, to not bite Hunter again, but that wasn't a Forge rule. Or- okay, don't bite anyone without due cause.
Shitty rules, if you asked it.
But, a Master's rules? It would obey those, and it perched itself up at that, captured by his authority. No harming outside of spars- oh, so it could harm in spars? It could use its claws, its tail? Its eyes widened even more and its tail thumped hard on the ground, dragging back and forth with clattering. "I can obey. I can learn. I will learn," it assured him, balancing up tall and stretching itself higher than Attikias.
"I will fight in spars. I will fight properly." It would become more than it would ever have been alone. "I will be strong." The last word was a guttural hiss. A promise, one it would fulfill under Vargas's steady hand.
@Vargas
Attikias let out a sigh at Erebos's affirmations. It seemed they responded better to Vargas- though, the willingness to spar worried him. He supposed it was only natural; Vargas's group did seem to be more aimed towards combat as opposed to the elf's gentle teachings.
When Vargas posed the question, Attikias waited for his child's response. Personally? He would've liked to stick around for the tour. With the way Erebos was posturing, though, it was clear what decision they'd make. While Attikias imagined the two of them- he and Vargas- could speak while their offspring sparred, it may be best for the Leviathan to keep his attention on this entrance exam before delving too deep into business.
And, at the mentioned offer, Attikias's head turned towards Vargas. Maybe they would be speaking. "What is it?" Did the Leviathan, too, want his design, like Alpha had..? While he'd told Dip he was done with children, it would be hard to refuse an offer from a Master. Or- training? He'd be okay with that. The move to Cepheus would help. Something else?
For a moment, his mind rolled with possibilities, his hands coming together and fidgeting just slightly.
If Erebos could get even taller, it could. Yes! Sparring! Nevermind the tour- it was grinning hard under the mask, its tail thumping even harder. "I will spar!" it declared confidently, head raising and shoulders squaring. It would show this Master what it could do- and it would impress him.
Tensing its fingers, it elected to ignore whatever Vargas was doing with Attikias, wheeling on the Sentinel. Would it attack with its halberd, then? Could Erebos use it against him? Dropping down on its front limbs with a heavy thump, its eye glared across the way to its opponent, tail dragging across the rocky ground below it.
Wait. Politeness. Attikias had drilled this in its brain, back for that one lesson with shields or... Something. "Will you spar?" While posed as a question, it meant this as a warning- it would spar the Sentinel, once given the word.
@Vargas
Attikias's eyes lingered on the spar, his tail flicking just slightly with concern. They would be fine. Still- he would watch as he talked, turning his gaze back here and there at a few odd statements. Expecting death- he couldn't see that. Vargas was large, and he was loud, but he was helpful. He set the elf on the right track when he was but a teen.
He was a little surprised, too, that they didn't already have houses. Wasn't that an essential part of living? He'd made his camp long before he even adopted his first kid, and he folded his arms at that, thinking. Yeah, they needed houses. At least, some kind of covered nest. Did it rain in Draco?
"Guess it's good you're coming to me with this- I've started work on a home over in Cepheus- a proper one, not the tents the Elenyas have over in Eridanus. I'll be close enough to stay there and work here, probably." He tapped his chin as he continued to watch the battle ahead of them, idly thinking. "I can bauble and such, and it'd be good if some of your members knew stone magic, but wood could still work. Where're you thinking of building them?"
Rewards and Astraea's lessons, he kept those in the back of his mind, as well, stowing that away for a later date. He'd have to come to the meeting, probably- that'd be fine. He'd have time while he was working on his home with breaks and all. "I can direct people into building by hand, too," he added, "and light shouldn't be hard. Just a bit of baubling and we'd be good." Attikias glanced up to Vargas, his hand still at his chin as he thought in his head, figuring out how to approach the offer. It was one he knew he'd take- but how? What would he do for it- be its architect, and tell the others what to do? Maybe that'd be best, especially if it was housing for larger gembound.
It had begun.
Erebos fell full swing into combat, pulling back into that more bestial side that was reserved away for moments like these. It hadn't been long since that last fight with the Cetus monster- and yet, its tactics did not change. Scratch with nails, twist about Erebos and squeeze, but it would certainly not be a match for anyone trained.
And the Sentinel's distance angered it. Where it was lagging and slow, solid as a tank, the Sentinel would have easily been able to get in and out, driving Erebos to try and defend itself instead of using the same method it always used. Even with it using its tail as some sort of flail, it wouldn't be able to get a grip on the guardian of this cave- he was simply dodging too much for it.
And as the fight went on, it would get desperate. It was not practiced or calculating like the Sentinel- its only method of fighting was going until it stopped.
And so it would keep fighting. It would not kill, no- but it would fight like it was the last fight of its life.
@Vargas
- THE LEVIATHAN -
Vargas studied the combatants idly as he spoke. He took in the practiced maneuvers and their effects on the untrained younger snake (worm?) creature, and how its actions grew increasingly desperate, flailing.
"I will gather," he began, to Attikias, "you and other interested parties soon after our meeting, then, and you can discuss your ideas. It would be along the western wall, along those ridges, and cliffs--more ground to work with, that way. And out of the way of the effects of the Black Spire on those not accustomed to it." His gaze travelled over Erebos and he raised his voice, calling out to it. "Do not grow impatient! Watch your opponent and learn from them. If you lose yourself to emotion, you will only waste your strength and grow tired, and fail."
Vargas looked back to Attikias. "Will I see you there, then?" he asked.
@Attikias (unless you'd like to post erebos again! i'ma skip sent for now)