Envy nodded. They shuddered, feeling their quills shudder as they remembered the feeling of pure, unbridled jealousy that had swept over them, driving the words out of them and the tears from their eyes. The weasel felt embarrassment flooding their chest at the memory, and shuddered- but they knew Pride probably wouldn't understand. But what if... What if they could repeat it? What if they could.... make him understand?

They didn't know if the magic they had found could be transferred, but they certainly didn't want it on themselves. "Maybe," they muttered, the end of their tail twitching. "Let me see if I can... Show you..."

Tentatively, the weasel focused in on their magic, trying to bring out whatever had disturbed them at the gathering, and push it on Pride. What would it result in? Would the stag keel over in a fit of jealousy as they had, or would the feeling be different? Envy felt their stomach clench at the thought of the magic resulting in... more pride. There was no way that the deer would understand then, no way that he could be as embarrassed as they were. But at the same time, Envy couldn't help feeling like the emotions they held should be theirs alone. Nobody could know the true extent, not even Pride.

At that thought, Envy felt energy seething through their body, until they were tingling to the very tips of their paws. The jealous feeling momentarily intensified, sending a jolt of fright through their chest- but then, it faded away and left them with only a quickened pulse. They looked at Pride anxiously, wondering if he felt it too.

"He used to be here in Orion. I can lead you?" The weasel felt themselves growing a little hesitant, though. Flight was an unusual gift, and one that they would have liked to keep to themselves.


When I speak.

When I think.



________________

@Pride - i accidentally rolled wrong ;;

Pride tilted his head, blinking. He'd felt the faintest flicker of-... something, something heady and enthralling. He immediately tried to replicate the sensation, shoving his magic forward and attempting to echo it.

The magic caught, sparking and swelling, filling Pride's mind with a flood of satisfied arrogance, with decadent and hazy lust--nothing so specific as to be inappropriate; more a sudden drunken fugue. He staggered, silver eyes widening, and his logic struggled against the sensation. What--is this? Magic, only magic--temporary... focus! A quiet gasp of surprise escaped him, and he stumbled.

He lowered his head, panting, trying to control his mind and catch his breath. Words, for once tumbling over themselves without the controlled precision, escaped him rapidly.

"Intense-... mental manip--no, emotional manipulation--... Targetable? Combined with mist?--no, not physical--combinations-..." Another ragged breath and he fell silent, blinking. He then looked up to Envy, the haze only barely clearing. He seemed to be waiting for it to pass.

"I-... yes... Lead?" The words were weak, and even as he said them he marvelled at the potential of this new magic.

@Envy

Envy clung to the stag's head as he stumbled, a fleeting fear shooting through them. As soon as Pride had stabilised, they considered leaving their perch for a fleeting second to instead stand on the ground. Pride's back had seemed a lot less stable of a perch recently despite formerly being Envy's favourite place to sit. but they liked the feeling of nobility it gave them, how others looking on them could see who was in charge by who had the highest spot. Pride was like a giant, walking throne or a limousine- only losing a bit of dignity as he stumbled.

"I... hope this isn't gonna become a regular thing," the weasel said wearily, as they were finally able to loosen their grip. Soon after, though, they shook their head and got back to business. "How did it feel?"

They were surprised by Pride's stumbling speech- that couldn't be good. but they also remembered their own venture into the same magic- when their only response had been to simply burst into tears. They realized that it could be easily used against them- so they decided to keep their mouth shut for the time being. They nodded vigorously as Pride answered to their offer to lead. But then they thought some more and hesitated. Again, the thought of keeping their flight to themselves drew more words from their lips. Perhaps they needed to think about it more. After all, weren't the birds supposed to be kings, too? They didn't think the red bird would bow to Envy's rule so easily. "...But maybe I should tend to my kingdom first."


When I speak.

When I think.



________________



@Pride

Pride simply stood there for a moment, flicking his tail once or twice but otherwise riding out the wave of magic as it passed from him. At length he stood up a little straighter, and took a breath.

"...Very well. I can think of--many things this magic might be useful for, though... why it manifested then I do not know. Which-... direction is the old one, then?" Pride glanced somewhat wearily toward Envy. He wasn't sure what sort of "kingdom-tending" the King had to do, but he accepted the excuse at face value.

It did not even occur to him that they might be trying to keep magic from him. To him, Envy was a friend, and he was giving all of his time, advice and expertise to aid. The idea that they might be selfish in return did not cross his mind.

"I can make it there myself, though if you wish to be... transported somewhere first, I can do so..?"

@Envy

Envy was curious about the type of things Pride thought the spell would be useful for. "Like what?" they asked, before quickly waving a paw. "Hold on, tell me on the way! - Wait! Don't you wanna start training the Seven?"

Envy made their schedule plainly clear- they wanted to follow Pride's advice right away, making a round of the kingdom and tightening their grip on their subjects. It seemed like the perfect way to assert their authority so soon after the formation- and savour a little bit of time with magic only they knew, of course. It seemed inevitable that they'd have to take Pride to see the Kings at some point, and Envy cringed slightly. What would Pride think of them then? To meet the.... ancient Kings? Maybe the real kings?

Envy couldn't let Pride find them on his own. What if the kings dragged them down and ruined everything they'd built for themselves? But it seemed like Envy would have to take him at some point. At least the journey gave them some time to think.

"I'll take you soon. It means I can uh... introduce you. Since I know them already. There are... three, you see? In one body. And I don't know if they'd be good with strangers. Maybe one of them would be. But..." the weasel raised their chin a little proudly, remembering as Alnitak had spoken- praising them for besting that damned wolf. "...They respect me."

Envy settled down on Pride's head and folded their paws beneath their chest, though they were careful to keep a firm grip. Thinking hard about their plan of action, Envy was quiet for a while- although maybe on the way to the throne they'd chatter as Pride spoke to them. Their manner was lighthearted, although in their heart they were secretly afraid- more afraid, perhaps, than a king should be.

-exit Envy-

When I speak.

When I think.



________________


@Pride

Pride glanced up at Envy, disappointment clearly writ on his face. After a moment, he lowered his head some, exhaling.

It wasn't often that Pride put aside his own desires; usually they were in the right. But this time, he knew that Envy had the right to ask him to do what he'd offered to--it was necessary for the safety of their group, regardless.

Still, it didn't mean he wasn't subdued, as he stepped away, his head lower than usual, ears sagging out some to either side. He'd wanted to meet this ancient Gembound--or multiple, apparently?--and to ask about their magic. And, for whatever reason, Envy didn't want him to meet them alone.

Somewhat sullen, and more disappointed (he'd been excited for once) Pride simply plodded where Envy told him, his sparkling demeanor greatly dampened.

exit Pride