Strange Companions

[Lassiel]

It had been some time since Virgil had traveled with others. So long, in fact, that he had forgotten how much they could slow you down. Being a driven man with a purpose in mind, that tended to irk him a bit. And it wasn't as if he could just leave them--not that Ysega or Bakar could stop him. No. He had to stick around because he refused to let himself leave until he discovered his answers! Really, it was an absurd predicament. But whatever the case, they had finally entered into the southern lands some time ago. Virgil had found the pride--based in a marsh, of all places--and silently observed them for awhile. But as time passed, he could not see what power the Queen held over her people to keep them there. Irritated, he led his little group away, and now here they were.

A wide, muddy river (home to crocodiles Virgil has already seen) lay before them. Although their side was fairly easy-going, on the other rose a steep bank that would require some time to get over. Of course, that was just where they were headed. For now though, even Virgil needed some sort of break--especially if they were going to be crossing such a deep river. Padding toward a small tree, he slid down to rest underneath it. Large, pale body spread out in what appeared to be a lethargic manner, all it took was one glance at his cool eyes to know that he was not the least bit relaxed. At any sign of trouble--or a petty annoyance, in Virgil's case--he would be up and moving. Silently, he waited for Ysega and Bakar to join him--or whatever it was they decided to do. Frankly, he was surprised they had stayed with him this long.

ooc: It's short, I know. >.< I tried to make it so it felt like they had been traveling together long enough for Bakar to grow a little.

[Kamaria]

OOC: We'll say Bakar was about 6 months in the last meeting, to make it a little more even.

They had traveled for a long while, nearly three months. Virgil had led them to a marshland, where a pride of lionesses resided, and he had kept watch on them. At first, Ysega had thought he wanted to take over the pride, but he had stayed just outside and out of sight of the pride. Bakar had grown very quickly, now Ysega's size and still growing. She was teaching him how to hunt whenever she could, which wasn't very often when Virgil had them moving.

As they came upon the river, which was muddy and screaming "Danger", Virgil apparently decided that they were going to stop. She hoped they weren't going to cross the river. It was the wet season, and the river was rather deep. Plus, as she had already observed, there were ambush predators lurking there. But, of course, that was what the white lion had planned. He wouldn't have brought them this far if they weren't going to cross. She sighed and decided to take the opportunity to give another lesson. There was a rather large herd of impala feasting on the leaves of the trees, perfectly unaware of their presence.

Bakar, who was growing ever more independent, had gone to exploring the area. He wandered around the trees, climbing on rocks, and carefully avoiding the herds of antelope. He made his way to the river, glancing at Virgil, who had plopped down under the shade of a tree. He had aquired a growing disdain for the older male, though common sense told him he would do well not to get in his way. He didn't like traveling with Virgil, not only because of the natural balance that said two male un-related male lions could not stay together, but simply because of the way the white lion acted, especially toward Ysega. They seemed to have many disagreements; it was a wonder they had been able to restrain from fighting for so long. But Ysega seemed to be used to it, though that never stopped her stubborn personality from being heard.

He crouched by the water's edge, watching the top of the water, watching the crocodiles that were ever present. His mother had tought him to be wary of rivers like this, because the predators there might be right under your nose... literally. He lapped a quick drink, and then moved away at his mother's quiet beckoning. She was watching a herd of impala in the distance. They weren't too far away; though obviously far enough not to see Virgil's give-away pelt. Ysega nodded, and whispered to him. "I'm going to separate one from the herd, and you'll stay right here. I'll drive it toward you, and you have to ambush it. Make sure it doesn't see you." He nodded silently, and crouched in a patch of tall grass nearer the herd.

Ysega prowled around the outside of the herd, her eyes always on the impala, already beginning to single one out. She glanced back at Bakar's hiding spot, and then chose which one would be easiest to manipulate in that direction. When she had chosen, she crouched down as well, and crept toward the herd. Just as her target moved a foot or two away from the herd, she lunged. She made sure to land short, so that she wouldn't ruin her son's chance at making a kill. It panicked, of course, and ran right where she'd wanted him, further separating itself from the herd. She chased it as it bounded still closer to Bakar.

Bakar leapt out, claws extended. But he was too early. The impala turned sharply, and Ysega went after it. Bakar recovered quickly and followed suit. It had gone back in the direction of the herd, and Ysega knew she couldn't let it get too close. She would have to start again if it entered the safety of the group. She growled quietly to herself, hoping a new strategy would work. She veered toward the herd, cutting off the impala's route. It turned away again, and Bakar leapt on it. He brought it down, and locked his jaws around its neck. Ysega trotted up to him, no longer in a hurry. She held the impala down, carefully avoiding its thrashing legs. When it had stilled, she let go and looked down at Bakar. "You were early. But you'll learn how to time your attacks, in time. A nice kill, anyway." Bakar smiled slightly, and grabbed the kill by the neck, and dragged it away.

He took it back toward Virgil, dropping the heavy load in the shade of the tree. Ysega followed, looking at Virgil. If he planned to cross a river, no matter how much nap-time he had, he would not get there with an empty stomach. "Eat, Bakar," she said, eyes still on Virgil. "You'll need it soon." The juvenile did as she said, needing no second invitation. Ysega joined him. She knew that lead males always ate first in a pride, but they were by no means a pride. They were just a group, and Ysega sure as hell wasn't going to let Virgil decide everything, or go first. Maybe when they crossed the river, he could go first, but that was different. She kept her eyes on his white pelt, daring him to protest.

[Lassiel]

Watching Ysega and Bakar for a moment--it appeared it was time for a hunting lesson--Virgil's calculating gaze moved back toward the river. He knew well that it would be dangerous to cross--the depth of the water notwithstanding. The crocodiles would be the real problem, as they would enjoy an easy meal. And as skilled a warrior as the ivory lion might be, even he could not stand up against a crocodile in its element. A shallower end would have to be found, so at the very least his small group could see the predators. His thoughts paused at that. His group? Since when had they become his? A corner of his black lips turned up at that thought. He did not think Ysega or Bakar would appreciate that sentiment.

Just as quickly though, the expression slipped away as he thought on it harder. After three months of travel together, it was not unexpected that he would grow a certain...attachment...to them, though even that was too strong a word. But the feeling was disquieting, at the least. It was surprising that they had not left him yet, especially with the way Bakar seemed to be forming a rather low opinion of the white male. So long as he did not cross him though, the younger male would be fine.

He glanced back toward the very two that occupied his thoughts, observing silently as they worked together to bring down an impala. He had been extra careful to keep his emotions in check since the fight against the hyenas all those months ago, but memories that were once closed off were still returning. Small things--such as Ysega praising her son for a good kill--became something else in his mind. A lightly colored lioness, her smile warm and loving, congratulating her son for his accomplishments. But, during the few hours Virgil slept, those memories shifted. The lioness would appear again, and though always was there love in her gaze, there was disappointment and pain as well. And when Virgil awoke, he was always more irritable than before.

The hunt had been successful and Bakar, with Ysega behind him, was now dragging his prey to Virgil's tree. Restraining himself from rolling his eyes at the lioness's challenging gaze, he instead offered his own mocking advice toward Bakar. "You will never be able to survive on your own if you do not learn to kill without your mother's help." Dismissing the small family with a turn of his head, he again surveyed the river absentmindedly. Virgil had never been one to rely on the skills of others in order to survive, and that came down to hunting as well. If they wanted to gorge themselves before crossing the river, so be it. He, on the other hand, would find something much smaller. Or, if worse came to worse, go without. For now though, the white male would be content to watch and wait.

[Kamaria]

Ysega raised a bloodied muzzle, wondering if the white lion really was just that stubborn. If he would turn down a meal simply because someone else caught it, he was one of the most stubborn and uncooperative beasts she had ever encountered... Besides herself, of course.

Bakar ate until he was full, and then sprawled out in the sun. He followed Virgil's gaze to the river. He desperately hoped they weren't going to cross right here. Even Virgil must be intelligent enough to know he was not invincible. Of course, Bakar would never say this aloud. He was still too young and too inexperienced to go making the murderer mad. Yes, Bakar knew, though he hadn't shared his opinions with the others. His mother obviously didn't know, or didn't care to know, or both. Perhaps she thought it best to know only so much about someone, and leave out what was unnecessary. Of course, Bakar considered this bit of information very necessary, but perhaps Ysega had already attempted to discuss the white lion's past...

Ysega stood from the half-eaten carcass, leaving it to whatever fate it had acquired. Whether Virgil would finish it or not was no concern of hers, and she certainly wasn't going to tell him to eat. She smiled, glad that her son had either ignored Virgil's comment or hadn't heard altogether. Of course, she would teach him how to hunt for himself. She didn't expect him to stay with her forever. She knew he would eventually have to part from her, but it was still too soon for that. He wasn't even a year old yet.

She looked at Virgil for a moment. Smirking, she moved past him, speaking as she did. "You know, since you have so many suggestions about the way I teach, maybe you should teach the boy a bit about combat." She walked down to the river to have a drink, aware of Bakar's wide eyes. And she soon became aware of his voice as well. "What?" She chuckled as she lapped at the water. She turned around, skirting away from the water, and looked at them both expectantly.

[Lassiel]

What broke in a man when he could bring himself to kill another?

Bakar made no reply to his statement, and Virgil wasn't quite sure whether he should be annoyed or grudgingly impressed. In the end, it made no difference. He was not one to beat a dead horse, so to speak. Mother and son finished their meal, leaving the carcass to any who would have it. Weighing his options for a moment, Virgil eventually decided not to eat any of it. There would be no more traveling tonight, and they would not move again until around noon of the next day. That was the plan, at least. Later on today, he would search along the river for the best place to cross. Perhaps he could find something that wouldn't be quite so likely to end in death.

As Ysega slipped past him, Virgil's blue eyes followed her, watching the smirk that appeared on her face. Wonderful. Whenever that look appeared on her face, it seemed as if they were about to butt heads...more than usual at least. At her suggestion, the only show of his surprise was a slow blink. He doubted Bakar would notice it, if his surprised exclamation was any sign. Ysega, however, tended to have a better grasp on Virgil's personality and could, perhaps, recognize it for what it was. But no matter the surprise, the white male was never one to be caught of guard, and he answered with a slight tightening of his eyes. "I would, but you do not know what you ask." A disparaging tone entered his words. "The only way such a lesson can be truly learned is with the involvement of life and death." The ice in his gaze grew, a clear warning to what such an instruction would involve. "And I have yet to meet a mother--" his thoughts briefly flew to his own, knowing what her beliefs would entail--"who would have her son learn an assassin's arts."

It was the first flat-out statement of Virgil's...less than savory occupation, though it didn't take a genius to figure it out earlier. Still, there was a certain chill in the air when the words were actually spoken. He studied her face intently as he continued, his lowered words deadly serious. "And that is precisely what he would learn. It is not a thing to be taken lightly." Gathering his legs beneath him, Virgil shifted to his paws and strode away, dangerous nobility in every step. Because, in the end, that's what he was. A warrior prince that escaped from the pain of his past, joining a murderous pride only to become its king. The assassin's way was not learned underneath the tutelage of a loving family, but instead beneath the eyes of a perilous group that would kill at the first sign of weakness. He traveled only a short distance--not even out of hearing range of the two behind him--and settled into an aristocratic sit, an ear turned back to hear their reply.

[Kamaria]

Ysega listened for Virgil's reply, and it came soon. Her eyes narrowed as he stated his reason for not obliging to her suggestion. She sighed, watching him stubbornly. Waiting for him to finish, she leaned to one side, taking her weight off her front leg, which didn't bother her at all, but had become habit when she was agitated. The scars were already covered with fur again, though it was misplaced and uneven where the wound had cut her skin.

When he clearly stated what he was, her ears flattened, though it was no real surprise. He was, obviously, some sort of murderer. She had known this from the very beginning, and yet she had carried a conversation with him, and was now even traveling with him. Ysega wondered why this was. Why had she invited him to come along with them if she had known that he was capable of killing--and not just capable, but willing? She shook the thoughts from her head as the white lion stood and walked a short distance away, menacing grace in every step. It was this, his manner of movement, that had warned her at their first meeting of his nature. But perhaps it was her stubborn streak that had even allowed her to speak with him.

"Ah, but Virgil, I can't help but remember your words just a moment ago. Something about he won't survive if he doesn't learn to kill without me there?" She glanced at Bakar, who had silently withdrawn from the conversation. It was obvious he would rather not learn from the white lion, but he wasn't going to say anything. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to learn to fight from someone experienced, though Virgil had made it clear he would be tought about more than just fighting, but killing as well. And he still wasn't sure what sort of teacher the white lion would make.

[Lassiel]

Her response was quick, and her words sparked a flame in him, anger at the way she so flippantly tossed aside what he had to say. She spoke as if any and all could do what he does, yet Virgil knew for a fact that they could not. As always though, the emotion was hidden beneath his stone facade as he didn't even deign to look back at her. "You are a fool." His reply was curt. "There is a difference between killing to survive and killing for any other reason." A glint appeared in his blue eyes when he turned his head slightly to look at her. "As I said, I would teach him. But you think he needs such knowledge? You think he can learn?" The tone of Virgil's voice obviously said the didn't believe it and it would take much to get him to.

Suddenly, Virgil turned back toward Ysega, though he did not move toward her. With swift, confident strides, he stalked toward Bakar, stopping only when he was towering over the much younger male. "Boy!" Although he did not raise his voice, the word was sharp and commanding. "Tell me--do you think you can kill? That you can murder another without a second thought?" His voice fell to a sibilant hiss, dark and menacing. "When you feel the blood of the slain on your claws and fangs, will you be able to stand it? It is not as easy as many would think."

[Kamaria]

Bakar watched the exchange in words, tilting his head as Virgil called her a fool. He seemed to call her that a lot, and it was almost as if she'd gotten used to it. But he hadn't. He didn't like the way the white lion acted, but as long as he was half his size, Bakar thought he might keep his opinion to himself. He watched as Virgil turned around. But instead of moving toward Ysega, the white lion stalked toward Bakar.

When the young lion realized this, he pushed himself to his feet defiantly, standing tall. He met Virgil's frozen gaze, too stubborn to look away. He wasn't going to let Virgil push him around as his mother did so easily. He listened as the white lion spoke, asking if he would be able to stand killing without a second thought. Bakar stayed quiet, but still didn't look away as he thought about it. He wondered if he would be able to accept murdering someone. He knew he would feel no guilt if there was a reason for the killing, but murder was something he would not do. "Of course I can kill, Virgil. But there are differences between you and me. I would not think twice about murder if there is a reason." He narrowed his eyes. "But I won't do what you do. I won't murder simply because I have been told to, or because I feel the need to. No, only when necessary."

[Lassiel]

To his credit, the younger male stayed silent throughout Virgil's words, standing firm though his height couldn't even hope to reach the white lion's. The boy replied steadily, though his words confirmed Virgil's suspicions that Bakar did not care much for him. It did not matter. His explanation brought no change to Virgil's expression, though there appeared to be some assumptions about him from the younger. He replied softly, an edge to his voice. "Idealistic nonsense. You say you would kill when necessary, unlike me?" The steel in his question was contemptuous as a sneer grew on his pale face. "The only difference between us is what we deem necessary. I do not kill without need." A pause before a decidedly angry tone weaved though his next words. "And I have never done such a thing simply because I was told to."

The moment his words ended, he spun back to Ysega and began speaking immediately, leaving no room for interruption. "You heard your son. He would only kill when necessary. What would you deem as necessary, Ysega? What about vengeance, even at the expense of others?" Underneath Virgil's ever calm tone, there was an urgency that colored the words. He did not quite know why he was so intent on showing them what killing truly meant. It was no business of his whether Bakar murdered another or not, or what the reason was. But he still continued to push the issue.

[Kamaria]

Bakar stood silently through Virgil's words, which held some emotion under the usual frozen calm. Bakar was almost surprised at this, but he didn't show it. Of course, Virgil was right that the differences between them were only what they each thought necessary. But, in that sense, Bakar was right as well. If Virgil chose to kill for vengeance, it was no problem of Bakar's. And if Bakar chose to only kill when someone near him was threatened, it was certainly no problem of Virgil's. So why was he so intent on the subject now?

Ysega listened, her head low, to the somewhat urgent words that filled the air. Raising her head slightly when he was done, she replied, her tone quiet, but not at all defeated. "That would be his choice. I won't tell him what is right or wrong. That is his to discover while he's out on his own. For now, he needs to learn how to survive alone. Whether you choose to teach him how to strike first, or how to defend himself makes no difference to me, as long as he knows something." She sighed, looking straight into those icy blue eyes, though not quite glaring. "Just teach him, please." It was the first time she'd asked even near nicely. Something had sliced through her stubborn shell, and left just a sliver of politeness.

Not wanting to draw too much attention to her slip, she turned and walked away, leaving the two boys to whatever they decided to do. She kept an eye on the river as she walked, scouting for a low place to cross while she thought about what she'd just asked the assassin to do. A small group of zebra eyed her as she skirted around them, but they went back to drinking. As she walked away, she heard the call of one as a crocodile ambushed the group.

Bakar watched his mother go, then settled down into the grass again. He didn't look at the white lion, but drooped his eyes lazily. He wondered if Virgil was really going to teach him anything, but daren't ask. He left silence in the air, until someone decided to break it.

[Lassiel]

Ysega walked away after her parting words, and Virgil watched, eyes burning with cold intensity. Bakar was silent next to him, refusing to say anything and waiting for the white lion's decision. Fools. Both of them. Of course, it wasn't of any concern to him what Bakar did with his life. Yet he was already not the type to give his aid to others, and when his words were ignored...well, the chances of that happening were slim to none. Ysega's words echoed in his mind. 'Just teach him, please.' It was a different tone from her than he was used to, and he didn't like it. He didn't care much for beggars either, though the lioness hadn't quite been begging. No, there was still steel in in her eyes--that same stubborn attitude he had come to expect from her. It didn't change anything.

Casting one last bored glance at Bakar, Virgil turned back toward Ysega's disappearing figure. He followed swiftly, eyes glinting dangerously, paws ghosting silently over the land despite his height. Few walked away from Virgil during a conversation, even fewer got away with it. Their three months of travel together would not make Ysega an exception. He closed the distance between them easily, purpose in every stride and a certain urgency in his step. The pale lion would say it came from his withheld anger at Ysega walking away from him, prideful being that he was. Yet other emotions and thoughts tinged it. Still unable to admit what those exactly were, only some higher being would be able to tell another living soul.

He continued stalking after the lioness, uncaring if Bakar followed or not. Virgil did not regret those he killed. In his life, there was no room for regrets or second thoughts. But...he did not delude himself into thinking his life was something Calina would have wanted. And, unlike everyone else to ever enter his life, Virgil held nothing but respect and, yes, love for his mother since the very beginning. A strange concept, wasn't it? That this murderer, this assassin could care for another so deeply. But it was that which began his way of life--a burning need to prove himself, to find his revenge, to show that he was worthy of her warm love. They were feelings Virgil has long ceased thinking about, recognizing them for foolishness and hence weak. He had not always been this way--frigid, angry, haughty. Though quiet, proud, and not exactly kind to everyone, he had not been cruel. But upon leaving his pride he was forced to change or lose his life. Wear a mask for so long and it eventually becomes a part of you. And Ysega, as well as her son, did not understand that, or how easily something that was at least somewhat pure could become warped. Granted, in his pride Virgil did not quite see this either--but there was a feeling, a sense that is was important the two somehow understood.

Moving regally despite his speed--though a mere walk it always stayed--he stopped only when he was at a distance where he could speak without raising his voice. "I hope you are smart enough to know that knowledge without purpose is dangerous. Or if it is used for the wrong purpose." The smooth tones spilled easily from Virgil's lips as he surveyed the woman before him. "You want him to survive? Than teach him, as is your job. But that involves more than just technique." The mocking sneer that usually accompanied his words finally returned when he spoke next, though the words were even softer than before. "I have already done enough by allowing you to stay with me." Again, the volume of his words lowered. 'But you did not answer my question, Ysega, and that I will not tolerate." True curiosity gleamed in his blue eyes. "What, exactly, do you deem necessary?"

[Kamaria]

Bakar stood, watching the white lion go after his mother. But he knew by now that Virgil wouldn't hurt her, except with words, which didn't seem to affect her at all. So he sat in the grass, waiting for them to return, or waiting for the moment when he had to go after them. He tilted his head as he watched the two lions fade away.

Ysega flicked an ear when she noticed Virgil behind her. She kept walking, letting him catch up to her. For once he had had to follow her in order to continue one of their stubborn conversations. It was a small victory, but one she savored nonetheless. She kept it in her head, no trace of a smirk or confident flick of the tail. She waited for him to speak, which he wouldn't do if he had to raise his voice. She kept her pace even, not slowing down to make their strides even, and not speeding up to toy with him. She was going to keep him following, even if it was a simply psychological victory.

When he finally spoke, his voice even and at his normal tone as she'd predicted, she listened silently. After his first comment, she sighed, losing a single stride. But she regained the distance and kept moving. "Honestly, I don't think we're talking about Bakar anymore. Is defense really a wrong reason for knowledge, Virgil?" She turned her head slightly to glance back, before turning her eyes ahead again. She kept her eye on a crocodile lying in wait near the river bank as she past. "Perhaps I will teach him, if you won't." She rolled her eyes as he spoke of allowing them to stay with him. "Of course, that is enough, because you have really done so much by that tolerance," she growled.

Not long after, he spoke once more. What a stubborn little murderer he was. "But you did not answer my question, Ysega, and that I will not tolerate... What, exactly, do you deem necessary?" She glanced at the river. Still no low water. She didn't answer immediately, but watched the river for a while. "Necessity, Virgil, is a very difficult thing to calculate. Necessity can range from something as simple as frustration or anger, to something as complex as defense." She paused for a moment, knowing he would not be satisfied with that. "What I would say is necessary would be anything from defense to protection to revenge. Now, are you going to tell me what is wrong with what I deem necessary, or are you going to tell me why you give a damn?"

[Lassiel]

It seemed this woman would never cease to grate on his nerves. Honestly, it was a wonder he hadn't simply walked away from them yet. And as time passed, he was beginning to think it was time to do just that. He had gained nothing these last three months, save the headache Ysega and her son gave him. Though Virgil had yet to discover why these memories were troubling him, it was becoming increasingly obvious that the answer was not to be found with these two. If he gained nothing, then this entire thing was pointless.

The lioness continued moving, and he lengthened his stride once more to do so as well. It galled him to be following another, though he was not paying attention to it at the moment. Nevertheless, the male subconsciously quickened his pace in order to overtake her, eventually walking so that he was a step ahead of the lioness. A need to be the one in control, to allow no one else power over him, fueled such an action. He had chosen to ignore her remarks on defense and his tolerance of them--though they were the words that irritated him--and instead allowed the heated conversation to continue to other subjects. At least she was answering his question now.

He forced himself to suppress the slight smirk that wished to appear at her question. Instead, he glanced at her briefly before answering coolly, "That is an acceptable answer, and indeed, what I was telling your son. I simply hoped you weren't quite as foolish as the boy when he spouted his nonsense of killing only when necessary." Changing direction in order to walk closer to the water's edge, he examined the slightly narrower part of the river for a moment before adding, "Perhaps you can add that to one of his lessons." The words were spoken with a sharp look toward Ysega, before he deemed the area unsuitable for crossing and continued moving.

He did not speak afterwards, mostly because he didn't know what to say to the second half of her question, though he refused to admit that to her. But in truth, he did not know. And it was the most annoying of thoughts. There was a reason. He knew there was--he simply hadn't discovered it yet. "Why do I show an interest?" This time, he allowed the corners of his lips to turn up, even letting a slight note of humor in his voice when he spoke again. "Because it is necessary." It was the only answer he could give, at the moment, and Virgil vaguely wondered if the stubborn lioness would accept it.

[Kamaria]

She glanced at him when he sped up to be one step ahead of her. She pressed her lips together, wanting so badly to increase her own pace to be back in that rare position of control. But she kept moving at the same even pace, and waited for him to reply. He blatently ignored the first of her comments, and she didn't mind it much. As long as he answered her question, it was fair that she had answered his. She wondered when this little group was going to break up. And she wondered how. She wondered if it would be herself and her son to break off from Virgil, or if this would all continue long enough for Bakar to go off on his own. She wondered...

As Virgil answered the first half of her question, she turned an ear toward him. She listened closely, curious to see what he said. She blinked once with satisfaction. At last he didn't have something negative to say about her words. Of course, it wasn't exactly nice, but she took it as a compliment. After so long in his presence, she had started to think of his crude comments as normal. Anything even remotely positive was considered abnormal and a complement. But then, of course, he turned around with something negative again. "I'm afraid that is something only experience can teach him. You should know that as well as anybody." She watched him survey the water, pausing for a moment, until he decided it wasn't low enough. Then she moved on.

They walked in silence for a while, a period during which Virgil seemed undecided. She smirked when he finally repeated her question, but in a nicer form. When he answered it, she stared. He sounded humorous. That was the most abnormal thing she'd seen from him yet. But she blinked away her surprise. She snorted at the words he'd used, knowing they weren't the real answer, and that he was either avoiding it or he honestly didn't know. "Necessary shouldn't be used as an excuse. Use that thick skull and give me an answer." She wanted to be back in control, to be just one step ahead, if only in a mental victory and not physically.

[Lassiel]

He mulled over Ysega's earlier words silently. 'You should know that as well as anybody.' Yes, experience had taught Virgil much, but only because there had been no one else to show him more. Perhaps he had known the tools of survival, but that did not equate with remaining alive on his own. Young and on his own, Virgil's white coat had made it even more difficult to survive. Of course, the proud male was not one to complain about the past, and he was certain he would be less close to his personal goal of attaining power if he had relied on another to teach him everything. It didn't change the fact that Bakar would have to learn to watch his words, or face Virgil's anger. In the end, it had taken a powerful will to get to where he was now--confident in his abilities and capable of handling nearly every problem that found its way to him. Really, he could be likened to a force of nature. No move he made was for the benefit or detriment of others, it simply was for whatever suited his needs at the moment. If that translated into problems or aid for others...well, it was none of his concern.

He could feel Ysega's stunned gaze on him at his somewhat humorous tone, but he kept his own eyes forward, the curve of his lips flattening once more as she spoke. Despite what the lioness believed, it was not an excuse--he simply didn't know quite why his actions were necessary. But Virgil had every intention to find out, or make it so. The thought of doing anything without a purpose rankled his pride and he simply refused to allow that to continue. This woman, however, seemed intent on getting an answer--but Virgil was not one to follow another's orders, too in love with his own authority, as he was. Although an ear flicked toward her beneath the cover of his long mane, the white male kept his gaze forward, blue eyes studying the land before them. Any trace of the amusement that had laced his words before was long gone when he spoke again. "And why should I? I do not owe you anything."

He found a certain joy in dancing around her questions--and keeping control in his hands, of course. If she learned anything, it was because he allowed her to. Appeals to emotion had little effect on him, being the logical being he was. To show what you were feeling was a weakness, and even something as small as a sign of annoyance could be considered as such. Bakar was young, and weak compared to Virgil's years of experience. Perhaps that had something to do with the older male's interest--if the child was going to be traveling with him, then he would need to get rid of that weakness. But then why not teach him, as Ysega wanted? The answer was rather simple, for anyone who somewhat knew him. Virgil, plain and simple, was not the nurturing type. He did not teach.

But Virgil was far from an idiot, and he could admit there was something more to it. And as the two continued their search for a place to cross the river, the answer began to reveal itself. Bakar was but a few months from the age when Virgil left the pride that shunned him. Though usually such a thing would not bother the stoic lion, traveling with the cub and Ysega forced some sort of odd closeness upon them, though it was certainly far from the type most others experienced. And with that strange thing that was but half a step above tolerance came the similarities Virgil could see, though they were admittedly few. When just a few months older than Bakar, he was left without the guidance of another, and though Virgil himself had no qualms with what he did with his life, he knew without a doubt that she would have been upset. Could it be that, in some way, he was trying to make up for the pain he knew his decisions would have caused Calina--the only being he had ever loved--had she still been alive? The thought shocked Virgil, though he kept his features carefully composed in front of Ysega. Perhaps...perhaps this was the reason--a sideways glance toward Ysega--though it would require more thought on the matter.