It sounded so easy...[o]

[Kamaria]

Her father had been entirely too possessive. She still didn't understand why he'd reacted so severely. It was difficult to think about it now. She had kept her secret for so long, but secrets have ways of coming out, especially the heaviest ones... She thought bitterly of her father, for he had taken from her the one thing she had to herself. It had been a battle of passion, but in the end, fury won out over love. But she had found a way around it. Even if her lover was dead, she still had something to live for, something her father couldn't take away without bringing death upon her as well. This something--or somethings--could be found at one glance at her. The baggage she carried, her swollen belly, to be more precise, was the one thing she absolutely had to keep going.

That was why she was here. She had spent her whole life in a pride, and because of that, she wouldn't survive on her own, even if it was just for a couple of weeks. She would have to return to a pride sometime, or her unborn cubs would surely perish. And she wasn't going back to her father's pride, that was for sure. She knew what would happen if she did. That was another garuntee of death for her cubs, going back there. No matter how much she loved her mother, she wouldn't go back while her father was there. She would ask for a place here, for a place to be safe when her cubs were ready to meet the pride... if they let her in.

She waded through the murky water, wondering how safe this place was. Were there crocodiles to ambush her cubs? Was the water shallow enough so that the little things wouldn't drown? She shook the thoughts out of her head. She would stay here as long as the pride would let her, because there would be more lions to look out for the cubs and it would be safer than them wandering off and getting eaten by scavengers. She kept going, looking for someone, anyone, from the pride to speak to. She wondered if they would reject her, simply because she was pregnant. She hoped not. It would mean that she would have to travel more, and she didn't have time.

She sighed as she pushed her way through the water, giving the buffalo a wide berth. She didn't want them getting angry and injuring her. That was another thing she could not afford now. She moved onto dry land and proceeded that way, wading across the strips of water that crossed her path. She would find someone, preferably the queen, and beg for acceptance if she had to. She couldn't leave without the promise of a safe place for her young.

[Lassiel]

She stood still and silent, eyes closed and head upturned toward the sky. The dim water of the marsh rose to nearly her elbows here, but it bothered the Lady of Kinamasi little. What did bother her, however, were the clouds being blown in by the wind. They were dark, angry, and sure to flood any area with even an ounce of water. Although infinitely better than the parched heat of the dry season, such storms could be dangerous as well. With a soft sigh, Lothril lowered her head and continued through the water and reedy grass. Hopefully, she could make one last patrol through the land before the rain finally hit, though there was no such guarantee in this season. Storms nearly always hit swiftly and without warning at this time of the year.

Upon reaching drier land, the golden tan lioness moved much quicker, instinctively following paths that few--if any--knew better than her. She hated to admit it, but the Queen was lonely. It seemed a silly thing to say, when she had two loving daughters and a wonderful pride, but that was just the way it was. But it had been that way for a long time--or at least, it seemed like a long time--and Lothril had grown use to it. And it was not as if she wasn't happy. In fact, besides that one niggling problem, she was rather content. A tiny smile curved her lips. What a thing to be thinking of, especially when she had duties to see to this day. Now was not the time to be daydreaming or pondering life's deeper mysteries.

Deep amber eyes surveyed the marshland, taking in every detail. A flock of white plumed birds rose into the air, though they stayed low and landed a short distance away. Their appearance brought to mind yet another thing to be accomplished today--dinner. Having already spotted her, however, the birds would be a difficult catch. And bringing down a buffalo was completely out of the question by herself. At that moment, the wind that pushed the incoming clouds also brought the scent of more suitable prey to her--zebra. The chances of bringing down an adult were slim, but a juvenile....

Lothril easily slipped into a hunting frame of mind. Quickly picking out the small herd, the lioness began to stalk closer, slipping easily through the grass. At the moment, the herd was moving in a deeper part of the marsh that would slow them down some when they began running. Of course, it would slow Lothril down as well, but hopefully she would be near enough that it wouldn't be too much an issue. Not to far from her prey now, the lioness stilled her movements, watching the group intently. Finally, a young male wandered from the herd. Although no longer a colt, he yet lacked the stature of an adult. A perfect target. She crouched closer to the damp ground, silently padded forward a few more feet, and struck.

The effect was nearly instantaneous. Water and mud flew into the air as hooves tried to find purchase in the marshy earth. Still on relatively hard ground however, Lothril charged forward at her full speed and was able to launch herself a few feet into the elbow-deep water. The young male was still struggling forward, unable to find momentum as he turned into an even deeper part of the marsh. If she did not catch him soon, she would be unable to follow. With one final lunge, Lothril's extended claws latched onto his back, throwing off his balance and causing him to stumble. Adding more of her weight to his, he fell to the ground. Immediately, strong jaws locked around his throat, careful to stay out of the way of flailing hooves. After some time, the zebra finally stilled and Lothril loosened her hold and readjusted her grip in order to pull her catch toward land.

Once there, Lothril paused to look around, panting lightly. She was splattered with muddy water, but it did not bother her. Now she was simply looking around to make sure it was safe to eat. And speaking of which... The lioness stiffened as another scent came to her. A lioness. And not one of the pride. She glanced at her recently killed meal, unwilling to leave it to scavengers if this should take too long. A frowned crossed her face. She could always catch something else, but if this intruder endangered the pride because of her negligence, she would never forgive herself.

Leaving the kill, she swiftly moved to overtake the other. The lioness was not very far away and Lothril caught sight of her before too long--and concluded she was probably not a threat. Heavily pregnant, the lioness immediately caught Lothril's sympathy. If she was alone--as it appeared when no other lion's scent came to her--then this could be a very trying time. Stepping forward, she smiled warmly, albeit cautiously. Greetings, stranger. Although the words were few, she kept her stance open, showing she was no threat. But until she knew more, Lothril would keep any information to herself.

ooc: o.O Dunno where that post came from. I was all "let's have Lothril go hunting!" and look what happened!

[Kamaria]

The sounds of a kill nearby--splashing water, a dull thud, and more thrashing--alerted her to the presence of another. Raising her head, Amara caught a faint scent of another lioness. She stood there for a moment, wondering about what to do. If she went toward the kill, the other would likely take her as a threat, and Amara was not a fan of conflict.

She stiffened slightly at the sound, and then sight, of the other lioness coming toward her. Amara looked at the other, wondering exactly how she would react. At first, the lioness seemed defensive, but, probably upon seeing her swollen belly, relaxed and spoke. Amara, likewise, relaxed, glad to see that she wouldn't need to be quite so cautious now. "Hello." Her voice was soft and flowing, without any authority, and letting her body show that she didn't want to cause trouble. "I am Amara." She hesitated, wondering just how straight-forward she should be with this lioness. She didn't ask for the other's name, just let her own linger on the damp atmosphere.

She sighed once, still unsure of herself. She smiled silently at the lioness, who stood there quite openly, welcoming. Amara wondered if this was a chance to say what she had come for, or if she should wait to be prompted by the other lioness, who obviously had some form of authority in the pride. She decided to wait for a while, wait for the other to ask why she was here. It seemed a lot safer that way. But, then again, it had seemed like life on her own would be easy and safe... But she had been wrong. "Who are you?"

[Tyra]

There had once been a time he'd wanted nothing but to be alone for a while. There was even a time he nearly got that wish. To begin with, he had questioned why he had turned down that oppurtunity, but now all such questions were gone. The truth was that the two year old hated to be alone as boredom quickly settled in at such times, and boredom was a curse. So, in hindsight, he was glad to have run into his bundle of fluff, his tag along, Adia.
He still had no idea exactly where she had come from, how she had come to be on the borders of his ex-pride's territory, but he knew one thing for sure- she would not have lasted long there. She was too sweet, too set against violence. That pride had thrived on violence and if you couldn't fight for yourself. Well, you were a hopeless case according to them.
He, however, never had and never would hold the virtues of his birth pride. Why? Well, simply because he had seen a different side to life. Being holed up in the ice den had given him a lot of time to think and he just couldn't see why lions couldn't be nice to one another. Afterall, that was what family was meant to be about. Not that he remembered much of his family- he'd had very little access to them and the only one he'd really got on with was dead. But that was his mother's fault. He'd never forgiven her for that.
So step by step he entered the lands, taking note mentally that they were crossing into pride lands and stopping for a moment, turning his huge head to glance behind him, smiling to see Adia trotting up to him. But that itself was a confusing thing. How did the pair see each other? At times he thought of her as a great friend, at others like a sister and at times like this he acted fatherly. It was confusing but... It worked.
That was when he noticed what she was doing, the playful little thing started sprinting towards him and pounced, crashing into his side and then laughing as she attacked his paws with her own. He shook his head and turned, carrying on walking with her hooking her paws around his as he walked and catching his tail in her teeth.
Smiling, he pretended not to care, then suddenly jumped around, pushing her body to the floor. It was hard to tell she was six months old when he did this... She was so small compared to what she ought to be and that made him all the more protective of her- she didn't have the strength nor the will to defend herself. She would never lift a paw against another lion. Prey was different, she was forever chasing rabbits and trying to catch them, often unsucessfully, but she had no desire to cause harm to another lion in any way.
He sighed, pushing her up with his muzzle and licking her head, she rubbed against him and darted forwards, chocolate eyes sparkling, a slender girl though much smaller than she ought to be. She gave a playful look back toward Maston and darted off. Maston followed, pretending to be struggling to keep up as was the game then suddenly returned to his normal walking pace (which looked as if he were on a mission though he was not) when he saw Adia sat watching two lionesses from a safe distance. Maybe he had managed to teach her something since he'd found her.
He walked to her and nudged her, and she obediently fell to his side as he paced toward the lionesses carefully, muscles slightly tensed as he was prepared to defend the cub if need be. He shook his developing mane (which was but a shade darker than the rest of his pelt if you did not include the scar, where the wiry hair was growing much darker than the rest), paused a second, then continued, trying to appear calm.
"Morning ladies" he greeted, "I am Maston, and this is Adia. At this point Adia bowed her head in greeting.
"Hello," she said, voice bright and friendly, "Sorry if we are intruding, I was playing and ran a little too far. Maston gave me a good speaking to and insisted we came to apologise." She shot him an innocent look, and he shook his mighty head.
"As she says, we are very sorry to be intruding, nd shall leave if it is what you wish." he glanced at the cub, then to the pregnant femme. "Though I would rather stick around, not to prey on your hospitality, but to get some rest, if that be at all possible." He licked Adia's head and she lowered her haunches, her head tilted slightly, curious. She had never been in a pride, didn't understand it, and found it rather curious for there to be two fully grown females in one place.

[note:
Maston's speech
Adia's speech
Only short, trying to get used to Adia, and playing Maston as a lion so my apologies]

[Lassiel]

She seemed polite enough--this Amara. A little hesitant and unsure perhaps, but then Lothril would be too, were she in her position. It did not hurt to be cautious, but the Queen's first impression said this encounter--like most others--was harmless. Dipping her head slightly in greeting, Lothril parted her lips to answer, but hurridly shut them at the sound of others moving toward them. Looking toward the sound--and now scents--the first to catch her eye was a large, lightly colored male. Immediately, Lothril's muscles tensed once again. Strange males were rarely a good sign for her pride--a group that had long been without a king. In the shadow of the lion walked a young cub, small and golden in color. The two, in short, looked nothing alike.

Shooting a curious, and now even more wary, look at Amara, Lothril wondered if her initial assessment had been wrong. Did this lioness have a mate, as well as a cub? Was this her family? The thought worried the Queen, as the last time this had happened the male had every intention of ruling the Akina. However, she did not keep the pride together this long by jumping to conclusions all the time, so she kept her peace and waiting for the two to join them. Her concern was quickly appeased, as the lion--Maston, as she now knew--appeared to not know Amara and greeted them kindly. Lothril could not help a soft smile at Adia's innocent voice--she'd always had a weak point for cubs--and relaxed a little as the male continued to speak.

Shaking her head, Lothril answered quickly. "No, you are not intruding. In fact, Amara and I have just met--I was just about to introduce myself." In an attempt to lessen any anxiousness that might linger between the four--Maston did seem somewhat protective of Adia--she lowered her haunches to the ground. "I am Lothril, the Queen of the Akina. You are, of course, welcome to relax here for a time." Glancing at Amara, before turning her deep amber gaze back to Maston, the lioness continued. "We do not turn away those in need."

[Kamaria]

Amara waited for a moment to hear the lioness's reply, but it never came. She caught the scent just after her aquaintence, and turned to see who was coming. Her gentle eyes softened more at the sight of the small cub, who looked to be not much older than four or five months, but spoke like an older cub. Amara smiled, hoping that her cubs would be like this, sweet and charming. She turned her eyes upward as the male spoke.

He rasped his tongue over the cubs head once, and Amara wondered if he was her father, or maybe a brother. She looked down for a moment. That was the kind of father Trissan would have been. He would have been kind and protective. But, of course, he wasn't here now, and he wasn't coming back. She pushed away those thoughts and looked up again. Maston and Adia. They were quite the pair. They looked nothing alike, which immediately scratched out the relation Amara had guessed. She wondered just what sort of relationship they did have.

When the other lioness spoke, introducing herself as the Queen, Amara relaxed visibly. If the Queen was this welcoming, it was likely that she would provide a safe pride for raising her soon-to-be-born cubs. Her relief was further enhanced as Lothril told them she did not turn away those in need. Amara smiled again, becoming her usual self. "What I seek is merely a safe place to raise my cubs. Yours is the first pride I have encountered." She paused, feeling the urge to get away from all these lions and find a den somewhere. "And I'm afraid I am low on time."

[Tyra]

Though they were nothing alike, Maston and Adia had a hugely strong bond. Together they had travelled, with no others for company. To Maston, Adia brought company but something else. Memories. Yes, he would never have admitted it but the youngster was very much like his sister. In fact, he had more than once wandered if, perhaps, his sisters soul had moved into this cub at her death. Was that why they were so close? Was she taking the time he had missed with her?
On the other hand, Maston brought a lot to Adia. A friend, a protector, a playmate, a father. In her mind he was surely the world. She would go nowhere without him, not allow him to enter a dangerous situation, simply because he was her world and she needed him.
Together the pair looked odd, acted odd, and probably had the whole world wandering what the hell was going on. One thing was for sure though, it would take a while for them to part. If they ever did. In fact, Maston had ever wandered what would happen if he ruled over a pride. Would he name her an heir to his throne? More than likely. For though their was no blood between them, it was that in the mind which made her his princess.
The brute looked between the females for a moment after he had made his introductions and saw no sign of threat, and the words which were spoken were reassuring as well.
Upon hearing of Lothril's position, Maston bowed his mighty head respectfully. "It is nice to meet you m'lady." he said. "And thankyou for your hospitality, we appreciate it greatly. Perhaps if there is any way we can help you will tell me, and I will happily try my best." There was one thing you could say for Maston- he was polite when needed. He looked toward the other, Amara the lady Lothril had said. "The same goes for you, I may as well be useful during my stay."
Adia stayed silent while Maston spoke- she had long since learned not to interrupt him as it usually ended up with a slap around the head and that hurt. But once he was finished she rose with a smile, rubbing against the brute before walking up to the pregnant she-cat.
"If you need any help, or you'd like someone to distract them for a bit when they're big enough, just let me know. I'm always happy to help." she told her before looking to the one Maston had bowed to, which had been very strange- he'd never done such a thing before. Of course, she didn't understand it- she'd never been in a pride. "Maston has often told me that though he may look like a big oaf he has great talents in many areas which are useful, so seriously- use him in any way, he wouldn't complain anyway- he likes having something to do."

[Lassiel]

It was comforting to find that none of the newcomers to her lands were a threat--though she wouldn't dream of counting sweet Adia as one. Perhaps she was trusting in their words too quickly, but honestly, a soon-to-be mother and the odd pair that was Maston and Adia just didn't seem to have anything threatening about them at all. Just three who were trying to make it in the world. She wondered, though, why Amara traveled without a mate, but she did not have the heart to ask. From her own personal experiences, Lothril knew all to well how painful the truth could be. Perhaps their stories weren't the same--but the chances of their similarities cautioned her from asking about it too soon. Hearing Amara's request, Lothril nodded her golden head. Discomfort was apparent on the younger lioness's face and the Queen was quick to reassure her. "Than you shall have it. You have free reign throughout Akina lands and I will inform the other pride members of the fact."

And then, of course, there was Maston and his young charge. Recalling the way Adia called the older of the two by his name, Lothril decided they were most likely not a father and daughter pair. Perhaps he was an elder brother? Just because they looked nothing alike did not mean they couldn't be family. But then, the Queen counted her entire pride as her family. Although no blood may be shared between them, they were still just as close. At Adia's words, Lothril had to restrain herself from grinning too much, instead allowing only a small smile to appear, though humor danced in her eyes when she looked at Maston. "Does he now?" Crouching down to the young girl's level, she continued in a conspiratorial whisper, "We'll see how much he complains when I have him doing patrols all night."

Amusement on her face--it had been long since the Akina were blessed with cubs--Lothril turned her attention back toward the young male. "If anything comes to mind, I will let you know. For now, we should find a more sheltered area." Her warm gaze rested on Amara next. "Clouds are blowing in, and it would not do to be caught out in the storm."

[Kamaria]

Amara smiled at the young girl. She was surely much older than four months. Perhaps six, or seven. Amara couldn't help but think that the younger male had tought her well--the cub spoke very properly. Amara bent her head down. "I'm sure you'll be very helpful, dear." She smiled and looked up, chuckling, as Adia spoke about Maston to Lothril. She watched as Lothril crouched down to reply to the little cub. She was sure now that she had chosen the right pride. Well, that fate had chosen the right pride for her.

As Lothril turned her eyes to Amara, she nodded, looking toward the sky. It would be best to stay near the others, but she wouldn't stay too close. It was pure instinct that told her to birth away from others. Besides, she didn't want to get lost in the new lands. She would follow wherever Lothril led her, as long as it was somewhere safe and dry. "Thank you," she murmured.

ooc: blah, sorry it's so short. I couldn't think of anything else.

[Tyra]

[[Sorry for the slight delay]]

Maston smiled at the cub, his Adia. At least, he saw her that way. Though there was no blood lost, the love was too strong for them to be anything but family. But the way she spoke of him! It made him chuckle. Such a cub she was. She seemed to look up to him, and he guessed he knew why deep down. But really? If he'd been a little older and looked more like her anyone would of thought of him as her father!
Then again, was that so bad? He was getting to the age where that was a possibility now. Cubs. That and running a pride. Perhaps somewhere around here? He could form an alliance with this pride, who were so kind. He was sure together they would be strong. Yet, for now, he would stay. Later, he would leave. He just wanted to ensure a safe birth first.
Adia, however, had no thoughts like those of her friend and carer. She was having far too much fun talking with others. She didn't get many chances these days, after all, though Maston had promised her he'd try to change that soon. She had no idea how, though.
Instead, she'd make the most of now. So, as the queen lowered toward her, she tried to rise herself a little higher, afterall it was only polite to try and make it easier for those older than herself. Maston had told her so, anyway.
"Does he now? We'll see how much he complains when I have him doing patrols all night." Adia giggled, smiling.
"He wouldn't mind. He'd just like to ensure you are all safe." she assured the lioness. "He's good at stuff like that. Plus, he won't leave until the cubs, at least, are born." she wanted it to be obvious that her friend was a caring creature, however fearsome he may seem to the eye.
"I'm sure you'll be very helpful, dear." Adia nodded enthusiastically at the pregnant femme, then smirked at Maston who turned her over with his paw and rubbed her stomach with his nose, making her laugh, paws catching at his nose till he put her back on her feet.
"If anything comes to mind, I will let you know. For now, we should find a more sheltered area. Clouds are blowing in, and it would not do to be caught out in the storm." Maston nodded his mighty head.
"A good idea, m'lady. Come, Adia." Maston said in a soft voice, and the cub was at his side immediately, waiting to see which way they would go, eyes flitting between the three adults expectantly.

[Lassiel]

Lothril laughed at Maston's and Adia's antics. It had been far too long since a cub had been on Akina land, and there looked to be more soon once Amara gave birth. It looked as if there were some bright times ahead for her pride. A very heartening thought. And even if Maston and Adia did not stick around and join the Akina, as it appeared Amara's intent was, it was nice to have some relations with others outside the pride. She glanced up, briefly, as thunder rumbled in the distance. The scent of rain was in the air and it would only be a matter time before the clouds finally unleashed.

With a last fond smile toward Adia, Lothril turned to lead the little group to a more sheltered area. Adia seemed to be quite fond of the older male, and the sentiment looked to be returned. It was rather sweet, and it brought warmth to her heart. "If you don't mind me asking, Maston, how is it that you and Adia came to travel together?" She was honestly curious, and she hoped it wasn't something she shouldn't have asked about. As she waited for his reply, her amber eyes looked toward Amara, keeping an eye on the quiet lioness. Lothril ruled a pride not for the sake of power, but because she felt a great desire to serve and care for others. In her mind, ruling a pride meant doing everything possible to keep her members safe and happy. She was there to serve, not to have others serve her.

[Kamaria]

Amara smiled at the friendliness of all of them. It was a bit strange to her, after being with her father for so long. After his controlling and obsessive nature, it was relieving but so strange to be near someone so kind. She liked it here, and doubted she would ever leave.

She followed a bit behind the others, her belly weighing heavily on her body. She listened curiously to Lothril's question, and waited for Maston to answer. She watched the small cub, who seemed to be stuck to her guardian's side. She hoped Adia would be able to stay long enough to keep her cubs busy. She knew it would be hard to raise cubs, even in a pride. She wondered what her cubs would be like, if they would be male or female. But it would all come into play soon. She sighed, knowing it wouldn't be long before she went into labor.

ooc: Again, sorry for the shortness.

[Tyra]

As Maston had been stood there, talking with the lionesses and playing with Adia, he had been thinking- considering his options, so to speak. He knew his heart lay in ruling a pride, and that here was not the place to do it. Yet Amara's pregnancy and soon birth would lead to their being other's for Adia to play with. He wanted very much to stay here for her, yet knew that he would be moving on. Perhaps he could come to an agreement with Lothril and Amara? After all, the cub needed a female's influence for a while, and she'd benefit from the presence of other cubs too. He knew that, and all he wanted was what was best for her. But could he bring himself to leave her? Even if it was only for a small time, it seemed an impossible task. Still... It was worth it, for her sake.

But as he was about to ask, Lothril asked him a question, and he felt bound to answer, though the details were not all clear within his own mind.

"Well, having completed training I had been given permission to leave the pride I had been born and brought up within. As I was leaving the lands, I found a cub. She wasn't very old, and she was thin, injured. I didn't have it in my heart to leave her behind. I don't know where she came from, but it can't have been anywhere good."[/color] he paused, eyes grazing over the faithful cub for a minute. "She's like a younger sister to me in many ways, I guess. I want nothing but the best for her."[/color] Again he fell silent, looking at his charge, apologising with his eyes before looking to Lothril again. "Which is why I wish to ask you something, if that is ok m'lady?[/color]

Adia frowned at her guardian's words. What was he talking about? Why the apologetic look? It made no sense. What was he planning? She was sure whatever it was wouldn't be too bad, but the idea that he might leave her here, with no intentions on coming back for her, were ringing in her mind. Warning bells. She didn't want him to leave her. How she knew that was what he was thinking is unclear, but it seemed obvious and she didn't want it to happen.[/size]

[Lassiel]

Her legs covered the ground swiftly, leading the group through the marshy land and avoiding deep water as best she could. A high wind blew the angry clouds closer toward the group, but the Queen was certain they would find shelter in time. Amara was quiet from where she traveled behind them and Adia moved alongside her guardian. She listened to Maston's curious story, refraining from asking more personal questions. What training could he be speaking of? Well, it wasn't any of her business and so Lothril stayed silent. A light smile crossed her face when the lion described how he couldn't just leave Adia alone after finding her. Lothril knew for certain that she would be unable to as well. A mother's instinct, you could say.

A tense aura seemed to fall over the group--or at least appeared over Maston. 'I want nothing but the best for her. Which is why I wish to ask you something...' Although after hearing the story of how the two met, Lothril very much doubted that Maston would intentionally ask something that would hurt Adia, she still felt a tremor of unease. By this time, the small group had made it to shelter--a small enclave with a large pile of rocks on one side and bushy, though short, trees surrounding. As it was at a higher elevation than the rest of the area, the ground tended to be drier as well.

Halting beneath the trees, she turned to look at the three following her before resting her amber gaze on Maston. "Of course you may." There was a curious glint in Lothril's eyes as she glanced toward Amara, adding, "This is one of the better places to rest in Kinamasi--perhaps even a good area for you to stay in, Amara." She was, of course, speaking of the lioness's coming time.

[Kamaria]

Amara listened curiously, watching the ground in front of her. She couldn't help but admire the lion, although certain questions came to mind. She kept her tongue to herself, and glanced at Adia when he turned to look at the cub. From what she could see, his eyes seemed apologetic, like he was about to do something he knew he would be sorry for, but was necessary. And when words left his maw, they sounded almost guilty. Amara pricked her ears forward, noticing the tension in Adia's small shoulders as the question rang through the air.

Without realizing it, Amara sped up a bit, nearly at a trot, scrunching as close to the group as she could without it getting awkward. She wondered what this question was, and why Adia was so apprehensive. She hardly noticed when they came upon the shelter. Only when everyone stopped did she finally look up. Eyeing the small enclave and the surrounding area, she sighed. It looked dry and warm, though she wondered how crowded it would be with three fully grown lions and a cub in it. She looked at Lothril as the lioness's head turned her direction, and nodded gratefully as she spoke, recognizing the small hint in her tone of voice. "That would be wonderful, Lothril." She stood there, shifting her weight, wanting to hear the rest of the conversation, and still unsure about being here.