Welcome to Gaia! ::

It was a serene night in the Outpost. Clear skies mottled the swamp with patches of creamy light, and the air was perfumed thickly by the scent of swamp flowers. It lent itself to the sense of quiet urgency that surrounded tonight; the night of the Initiative's summons.

The town council hall, otherwise known as the meeting tree, was centered at the heart of Salamire. It's windows were ceremoniously glowing with the telltale sign of activity. A rope ladder dangled off the balcony- fastened at even intervals up it's length were handled coloured glass bottles, illuminated by batches of fireflies. An invitation for all to come in.

Inside, mismatched chairs and benches were lined in neat, arched rows, facing the back wall where the ancient 'Town Council' sign still hung. The hall was humble, not impressive in size by any means, and the seating was notably crowded. Experienced, more perceptive rebels may have noted the arrangement was different than normal- two opposing sets of chairs instead of a circular arrangement. It seemed to be a change made out of necessity due to space. That didn't deter some of the officer's habits, however, as jammed in one of the corners was a tiny table packed full of towers of cookies that threatened to topple and a punch bowl resting neatly on a lace doily.

The second group of chairs were lined against the back wall, designated for the rebellion's officers. At the center of them was Byakko, arms crossed over her chest, eyes trained on the entrance. She nodded silently in greeting to each troll that wandered through the front door.

The meeting will begin shortly! Take a seat and mingle until things get started, and feel free to approach Byakko.

Voscil was pretty excited, all the latest buzz around the swamp was centered around this town hall meeting. Her eyes gleamed with wonder as she moved hurriedly from one point to the next. Whatever this was about, she wasn't going to miss out.

Never one to be slow, she had tugged on Reemus's arm with a wide childish smile. "Hey! Reemus! I'm going to get us seats I'll be right back, okay?" The lightning psionic had grown taller over the last few months, she was nearly past her matesprites chin now, not all that long ago she had been just at his shoulder height. An impish grin spread across her face, causing her cheek marks to stand out. Arching up on her sneakers tiptoes she pressed a kiss to his lips, pausing to touch the other side of his face with an affectionate smile. Blushing she knew the quick action would likely catch him off guard. She was pretty good at doing that.

Just like that, she let go and stepped back just enough to not be concerned with shocking the other yellowblood. In a flash of energy, Voscil darted into the town hall meeting. In her excitement a few chairs rustled, some even fell over. Voscil peered at Byakko before quickly righting the chairs...and laying claim to two of the seats near the middle. With any luck, Ephias and Etsali would also sit close! She had a mind to claim more seats...but didn't want to cause more of a scene then she already had.

Darting back to the door she poked her head around the corner. "You coming??" Voscil pestered, knowing, of course, he wasn't as fast as her. That didn't stop her from asking, however.

"Evening," was Aprife's generic but friendly greeting to the group as he joined everyone who'd already gathered. Muerte was—or should've been—right behind him, but he strolled across the room to where the officers' seats were lined up and dropped a thick, heavy file folder down on one of the chairs. He didn't actually sit.

"Byakko, Stryke," he greeted a second time to only them, his smile a touch mischievous as he gave his fellow yellowblood a lingering look. "Crowd's a little thin. Guess it's early still."

Crossing his freed up arms, he took a quick look around. At least the other two taking their seats and enjoying the refreshments seemed energetic tonight.

Stryke glanced to those that had already gathered. He swallowed down the lump in his throat. Everything was fine. He kept reminding himself. He wasn't sure why he was so nervous, it would pass eventually Stryke figured.

Seeing Aprife walk towards him his eyes flickered to the large file. Curiosity made him want to open it. He was sure it would be brought up soon enough.

Tilting his head back almost ridiculously so in order to look up at the taller troll, he caught the others lingering mischievous smile. "ah. hello aprife. its good to sssee you." The younger yellowblood replied, eyes widening slightly at the smile. His expression was sheepish as he looked back down at his lap.

His gaze then flickered between Aprife, those gathered and Akko for a moment. "mm. agreed. more will come." He chuckled softly shaking his head. "the kids will without quessstion, not to mention the others of course. patiences pays off, usssually." He drummed his fingers on his knee idly in consideration.

More missions. More stuff to do. Another chance to get out of the swamp for a bit. Even if it was more of the space stuff.... That hadn't ended well last time. Reemus wasn't sure if he could force any enthusiasm, infectious as Voscil's attitude was and all. He approached the meeting pretty quietly, nearly hesitant, until Vos darted off. "I- wh-"

And there he was, left with the ghost of a kiss. All Reemus could do was touch his lips and process it, blushing a little. Maybe it would be okay. With Vos there. He lumbered on, a little faster, but of course he'd never match her speed.

A few moments later, his matesprite reappeared to tease him. Reemus huffed, but smiled. "Didn't know it was a race!" A little while after that, he finally got to the other yellowblood and tipped her chin. He kissed her back, still enough outside of the door, then said, "Sure like to play dirty, don't ya?" But he still felt better.

Reemus took her hand and squeezed it. "So where're we sittin', love?" He glanced in at the other trolls in the building, and back to her.

Stryke's jittering nerves did not go unnoticed by Byakko. "Mmm..." humming thoughtfully, she leaned back in her seat. Stryke's mention of 'the kids' prompted Akko's eyes to flicker over at Cynril. He seemed to think he was hidden, conversing under a chair with a rock. Getting the younger rebels amalgamated into the military's system early was crucial, but she couldn't help but wonder if they were ready. She comforted herself with the knowledge they'd have supervision.

Byakko suddenly sat upright, turning toward Stryke with conviction seemingly drawn out of nowhere. Her voice dropped to something above a whisper. "You'll do just fine. Right now your biggest obstacle is yourself." Reaching out, her palm hoovered for a moment over Stryke's knee before giving him a very awkward pat pat. She drew back hastily."If you'll excuse me a moment, there's someone I must speak with." Standing, she brushed down the fur of the long pelt she wore drawn over her shoulders and turned towards Cynril.

"Oh." Craning her neck down to bore a stare into the top of Muerte's head, Byakko feigned surprise at his entrance. "I hadn't seen you there. Hello, Muerte." She enunciated with deliberation. "Glad you could make it tonight." She lingered, allowing him a short window to respond, before nodding to excuse herself.

Byakko padded over to her charge's hiding spot, taking a seat on the chair he was huddled beneath. "Cynril." Doubling herself over so her head was between her knees, Akko waved mechanically at the other mutantblood. "I see you brought a friend. A new recruit?" She pointed a clawed finger at the rock he clutched.

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Stryke wondered what Byakko was glancing at. From his current position he didn't have a clear line of site to Cynril, and his rock companion. Raising a brow he almost asked her what she had her sites, on but her suddenly sitting upright caused him to blink rapidly several times in surprise.

The sudden surge of conviction in her determined features made his pump biscuit tighten. Stryke faced her, quietly meeting her gaze with his own uncertain expression. Byakko's whispered words were ones he would not so easily forget, now or ever. "...you are right. it'll be fine." Only he could stop himself. As they usually did not share such exchanges it wasn't expected when she patted at him. "thank you." He murmured back, his hand gently touching her arm in return as she passed by.

Honestly? Stryke felt wholeheartedly calmer than before. Oddly enough, his fears and doubts washed away just like that.

Exhaling he almost was content to just remain there, calmly seated. Of course, Meurte set his teeth on edge. His eyes narrowed on the greenblood, his gaze fixated on him. you. He crossed his arms over his chest, looking like a sour child who had something important stolen from him. (Which was more or less the case). He returned every ounce of that full frontal stare. Stryke growled softly at the other when he realized the shape in his pocket was very likely HIS pocket watch. "you ssstill haven't given that back...it's mine." he whispered, hissing in annoyance in a soft voice so no one else would overhear them.

Voscil still had the fear of the unknown deep down in her pump biscuit stemming from the madness at Busthind, and the Space Race. She had been upset enough that she simply didn't have the energy to even try for the publicized media frenzy..not to mention it would have been too dangerous. However, her way of handling the situation was to keep her spirits up. Both for herself, and her matesprite. She knew he had been down lately...who could blame him? This was her coping mechanism, not his after all. Being cheerful and happy gave her something to focus on...instead of being scared and nervous.

This moment she didn't have to force or pretend to be overly enthusiastic. She was excited to know what all the fuss was about...and it would mean they might get out of the swamp. Hopefully, none of this tied back into Chiara...the girl was still blackmailing her. Which meant she would have to look into seeing her sooner than later.

For now, she focused on Reemus, and being here right now. Giggling in amusement, she watched as he lumbered closer. "Always a race." She teased back with a wink. Feeling his firm grip on her chin, she let him do as he wished. Her eyes fluttered closed for a long moment as she placed a hand on his chest. "Mm..?" She asked, blinking a little in a hazy manner as she laughed sheepishly. "Maybe~ Doesn't that make it fun?" She shrugged with a small laugh that followed.

Holding onto his hand, she looked back the way she had come. "Come on." She tugged, leading the way to the middle row as she plopped down. Leaning back she still hands a hold of his hand, waiting for him to sit with her.