A flower for the lady

[leigh]

It was time. The seasons were changing once more. Leaves and flowers budded on trees, awaking from their long slumber. The rivers flowed once more, running with the might of a thousand years. All around her, things were coming back to life. Reaquainting themselves. Those that had died last fall were being replaced with new life – the dead soon forgotten.

The same could not be said for Vyess.

Her father’s death still haunted her, even after a year. She could not forget. The sweat, the terror. The rage. She had fled then, ashamed and afraid, and a year of trekking through impossible valleys, mountains, and plains had hardened her once thin and scrawny limbs into slender, strong legs that propelled her long and fast. Her coat was short, as expected for a lioness, but had a certain shine to it that only came from sweat and toil. Her bright eyes shined with life and strength; she was truly free, belonging to nothing but earth – and in a way, Vyess loved that feeling.

Still, time had come for her to find a new civilization – to find her true place. She couldn’t wander forever. She had been watching from afar, this new pride or lions. They were led by a kind king. He seemed to be calm and laid-back. Perhaps in him she could find a balance to her own personality- or maybe not.

A small sigh escaped her as she turned back toward the pride she had discovered after her long journey. They certainly had a good view – the plains were fully accessible to her from here. Bright blue eyes scanned the lands for signs of life – lions, all appearing to be close to her own age. All were enveloped in their own conversations, their own happy lives. There was nowhere for her.

Thus, Vyess made herself content watching, her eyes sweeping the land, taking note of the lions’ appearances, marking them for later. She watched behavior. How they seemed to all fit in so well with each other. She had been away from civilization for too long – she had forgotten the wonders of speech. Well, not forgotten – but it had been a while since she’d had polite conversation. Mostly exchanges of threats to foreign males.
So immersed was she in her thinking that she would not hear the scrape of claws on stone.

[shadie]

The large lion closed his eyes allowing the rays of gentle sunlight that filtered through the trees to hit him. A soft happy chuff came from deep within his chest. A rumbling sort of sound vibrated his body and the ground around him. Soft carmal colored eyes wandered his territory. The rain had done good for the lands, prey grazed everywhere. Anything from small gazelles to elephants called this place home. It was a good place to call home. The soft humm of happy voices could be heard, the high pitched sound of cubs calling to their mothers who anwsered back just as franticly. The land was alive but in a second it could all dissapear. The lions blent in well with the grass. The wind blew a new scent to his nares. A wanderer.

It was his duty to check out any potential members and welcome them into the pride. It wouldn't be long until they needed to have a new meeting to recognize the lower members moving up, pick a council and let the cubs meet everyone in the pride. The time was soon.. Asan would just have to decide when. He pushed his frame up and sauntered over slowly to the new femme.

"I am Asan, king of the Sujaa pride." his voice was soft and warm with a familiar sound to it. He dipped his head in a greeting before raising it back up high enough to watch his land. His gentle eyes met hers. "What is it you seek?"

[ooc] mom is kicking me off short post -.-

[leigh]

ooc| It's no problem. ^^ I totally understand.

Vyess watched the large male approach her. The fur on her neck rose, instinctively and involuntarily. The last male she had shared a conversation with had been her father. The thought of it made her shiver. The lioness clenched her eyelids shut, trying in vain to force the memories away.

The male's scent invaded her nostrils, and then all other thoughts left her mind. You must protect me, she thought, you must let me stay. And then he spoke. The sound of his voice was nothing like her father's. Vyess liked it. He posed a question, and she answered, only hoping that he would speak again.

"I seek the things all lost creatures seek. A home, a pride, a family."

Vyess's own voice was soft and light. In the past it was strong and beautiful; when Vyess laughed, the wind would laugh along with her, and when she sang the world would stop to listen. But there came a time when she... said too much, and for a long time after she did not speak at all.

The lioness dipped her own head in a low bow. Asan's position demanded respect, even if the male himself did not require it. She met his eyes briefly before looking away. There was something about this male... something that made Vyess feel very strange. She wanted him to accept her, she wanted to become his friend, but he frightened her. So many thoughts, so many feelings. Vyess spoke again, hoping to take her mind off everything.

"Forgive me for my lack of familiarity. It is truly an honor to meet you, milord. You see, it's... I've had..." How could she tell him? A stranger? "I have been on my own for a while, now. You may or may not know what it's like to be alone, but it's not the life I would choose, given a chance."

"Please, let me stay with you!" Vyess wanted to cry out. But her last outburst had ended in disaster, so she said nothing. Meeting Asan's caramel eyes once more, the femme gave an earnest smile. At least she had made it this far without sounding like a fool. But still, the pit in her heart was deep. Each distraction that crossed her mind was welcomed.

[shadie]

A flicker of interest crossed his features. She must have had some broken past like most of the lionesses in his pride did. Of course all of them had gotten over it and were now less fearful of everyone in the pride. All of the members seemed to be friends. Since the new need for territory had arrived Asan had started accepting males, only mates to the girls in the pride, for he trusted their judgement. It wasn't like he was going to have her not join because she had some horrible past that scared her. It was what this pride was built on, things gone wrong and it showed how love and trust could change it all.

She seemed a little afraid of him but at the same time tried to draw near. This confused him. She would have to be the weirdiest of the nutcases he had taken into the pride. He loved his nutcases. He flicked his tail in the tall grass, little did he know the flicking was attracting something. The male's perked sensitive ears caught her words. "You are welcome into the Sujaa Pride but be careful of the new mothers." his voice was gentle and mind warning her about them. They weren't so trusting now that they had cubs.

Sharp claws dug into the tip of his tail, he whirled around and knocked a furry bundle down with a playful half hearted growl. He picked Lithium up by the scruff of her kneck dropping her inbetween his front paws. "I understand. This.." he pointed to the cub "Is Lithium."

Dark brown eyes watched the tail flicking back and forth. She crouched low in the grass pushing her body down. 1..2..3.. SPRING! She caught his tail but was knocked off with a growl and a paw. Lithium returned it flattening her ears and baring her teeth in a growl that was loud for a cub. When she was placed infront of the stranger Lithium looked up at her with bold, brave eyes. Her tone questioning. "I'm Lithium. Who are you?" her voice wasn't mean or unfriendly she was just a demanding cub and one with very high energy. It was hard for her to sit still but she knew if she didn't then she would get in trouble.[/left][/sup]

[leigh]

Asan spoke again, and Vyess held her breath in anticipation. She smiled again; he would let her stay. Maybe now, Vyess could put everything else behind her. Maybe she could start over, start a new life, make a new name for herself. Maybe. Again she bowed her head. Vyess was genuinely greatful.

"Thank you, Asan. I swear... I'll prove myself to you somehow." And she meant it. Vyess did not want anyone to pity her, she wanted to gain Asan's respect, and the pride's respect. Things could take time, she knew, but she was willing to devote everything for the good of her new home. As for the new mothers, Vyess did not really understand what they were going through. Her only mating in the past had been unfruitful. Thinking about it made her sad, but the sight of the playful cub cheered her up instantly.

Her eyes opened wider, and Vyess chuckled at the sight of the cub attacking Asan's tail. "She is ferocious," Vyess joked. "Is she yours? You're very lucky." She lowered herself to the cub's level when Lithium spoke, swishing her tail happily. "It is very nice to meet you, Lithium. I'm Vyess."

ooc| I'm leaving town 'til Sunday. ;-; And my mom's yelling at me, so that's all I got.

[shadie]

Asan looked at the lioness he had yet to learn her name after introducing himself and one of his cubs. The male decided to prod for it because he didn't simply want to now her as "female", it seemed rather rude in his eyes. "What is your name?" tones were simple, short and questioning. He just wanted to know for his own purposes.

It seemed that when Lithium spoke Vyess became happy. Asan smiled, there were 6 or so cubs around here plenty for Vyess to cuddle with and teach how to hunt. More then their mothers' needed he was sure. When Lithium did not anwser Vyess, Asan prodded her with a paw as big as she was until the little cub realized what was going on and decided to reply.


The lioness infront of her seemed nice but the tangling bits of Daddy's mane were far more interesting. Each time he would speak of the wind would blow they'd be moved. Everytime that happened Lithium got caught in a war with his mane. Batting at the pieces of hair with claws unsheathed. She could hear the mumble of talking but decided to ignore it, it would only make her game harder to concentrate on. When a large paw hit her Lith stopped playing with the mane and quickly left the cover of her Dad's legs. She stood beside him looking a lot like a dwarf. "It's nice to meet you too."

[leigh]

Vyess chuckled once again at Lithium's antics. She was so enthralled that she almost didn't hear Asan's question. Snapping back to reality, she looked back at the king. "Oh, I am Vyess." Had she not mentioned her name to Asan before? How silly of her. The many events of the day, though not physically straining in any way, had exhausted Vyess. The past few months had all been the same. Monotonous. Wake up with the sun, bathe, find a drink, nap, catch a few mice or a hare for lunch, walk a few miles, and sleep when the sun went down. She could not remember having sharing so many words in a long time. Not since her father's death. There was the occasional vagabond who would travel with her for a day or so, but the conversation was minimum.

Talking with Asan and Lithium had rejuvinated Vyess. She was comfortable with Asan, and very content with this place. Hopefully the other members of the Sujaa Pride would be easy to talk with.

Little Lithium seemed bored with the adult's talking. "Let her run and play, Asan," Vyess said sweetly, directing the words more-so to the cub. "We'll only be speaking about boring old-folk things anyway." She flashed a quick wink to Asan, hoping he would catch on to her ploy. "So, my king... the sand here is very dry, you know?"

[shadie]

He drew a breath. Asan had not seen Serena in a while, longer then he liked. Maybe she had gone missing. He had no clue and his restless mind could find no peace, would find no peace until he found her. Dark golden orbs floated over to Lithium, he was glad she was finally eating meat. If he couldn't find Serena, if something had happened to her (which he prayed didn't), he would always have Lithium to remind him. Optics danced over Vyess she was pretty (he had to admitt) but if he lost Serena he would mourn, of course, but he would love again. His heart was too big not to love, without it he was sure he would die. It wouldn't be old age that would kill the kind old male it would be a broken heart. Someone was going to deliever the fatal blow, someone he was close to. It was just a matter of which lioness it was that he drew close to his heart. Who would it be? He turned and looked at Vyess thoughtfully. He had let Lithium go awhile ago. "So.. Vyess why is it you decided to be Queen of these lands, this pride?"

[leigh]

ooc| I'm glad you're back. (: I hope things are going well for you and your family.

ic|

Vyess studied Asan's face after Lithium went on her way. He was such a thoughtful fellow, but something seemed to be troubling him. The sorrowful look upon his face was familiar to Vyess, she had made that same face many times. When her father died a year ago, Vyess was lost. Lost in her own guilt and sadness, as the incedent had been entirely her fault. But after the rain always came sunshine, and what was left behind after the floods always lived on.

Asan then spoke, and Vyess did not know how to reply. Becoming queen wasn't so much a choice to her as it was an obligation. She felt that a pride needed both a king and a queen. Asan may have been enough; his heart was twice as kind of any lion she had even encountered. But... a pride needs a queen.

A king needs a queen.

"Why? Ruling a pride is a weighty job, too weighty for a single lion. Even you, if you don't mind my saying. I would help you, Asan, when you needed. I would be there for you to talk to, to laugh with, to cry with, even to yell at." She smiled at the lion, an honest smile. "I would devote every fiber of myself to you, and to the Shujaa Pride... if only you would ask it of me." Vyess would not take on the role if Asan didn't want her to. He had taken her in and given her a home; that was enough for her. As his queen, Vyess could do more for him, although she didn't think she could ever fully express her thanks.

[shadie]

I've been dying inside -- little by little
Nowhere to go -- I'm goin outta my mind
An endless circle -- runnin from myself until
You gave me a reason for standing still


He shifted his weight onto his haunches taking a sitting position. Auds swiveled in the direction of the nearest noise. The slight flick of his tail told Lithium to leave. It was time to discuss things that might get in the way of their ruling together. Asan wanted to put it all up on the table. Vyess would have equal rule, if and when they agreed on how to govern the lands.

Of course he felt as though he should have a bit more say then Vyess. Asan had governed these lands well without her and they should flourish with her. Still he felt it would be unfair for his way of ruling to be thrown up in the air with the arrival of a Queen. Dark honey colored orbs glanced at the territory for a minute. A quick sweep made sure that no intruder was there.

Rolling back his shoulders he returned his gaze to Vyess listening intently as she spoke. His words came slowly and were thoughtful, ”It is a never ending task but it is one I do with pride and without being told. Vyess your duty to your pride does not end, and will not stop. There will always be something that needs your, or my, attention. Births, deaths and meetings to keep the pride together. The list grows as the pride does. These things can’t be put off.” he stopped and gazed at her quietly. He had faith in her, which he supposed was good, but all that mattered was if she had faith in herself. ”Can you do it?” tone was kept soft and gentle, light enough to blow away in the slight breeze that came with the sunset. ”You can pick your own heir… but I’m pretty sure my only heir is Lithium unless Serena shows up with the other cubs.” words were pained and tone was lowered even more until the end was barely audible. ”If you have a mate he is welcome to join the pride and will take on the position of royalty but he will lack power and authority. He will be respected but his rank will not come over yours or my own.”

[leigh]

Vyess listened closely to Asans words. They were blunt and to-the-point, and the lioness like that. Asan was a kind creature, no doubt about that, but she was glad that he was also stern when he needed to be. When Asan posed the question, 'Can you do it?', Vyess gave a confident nod. "I can, and I will. Whatever it takes, my friend, I will devote my life to the Shujaa." My life, and my sanity.

Then Asan spoke about mates and heirs. Vyess could not help but to wrinkle her nose angrily as she remembered Falek, her previous mate. The rogueish lion who stole her heart, and in turn, stole everything she held dear. In a flash, the memories that she had struggled to put behind her flooded back. Falak and Chael (her father), slashing claws, snarling fangs, and the blood. Oh, the blood. Kind old Chael didn't stand a chance. Falek killed him, murdered him, while Vyess watched helplessly.

"My mate is dead." She half said, half snarled. But he wasn't. Falek was still out there, somewhere. Rage and remorse flooded through the lioness's veins, and then the tears came.

Vyess didn't know how to stop them.

"Oh, Asan," She whimpered, moving closer to him. "He killed my father, Asan. He killed Chael right in front of me, in front of everyone. There was nothing... there was nothing I could do." Vyess looked up at Asan, but then looked away. How embarrassing this was for her. The sobbing stopped, but slow tears continued to stain Vyess's cheeks. "The night he died, I left the pride and never looked back." Vyess did not look at Asan when she spoke, and her voice wavered slightly. "I ran for an entire year, until I found this place, until I found you." She turned to face the king once more, her expression grave. "And if you think I will ever give up or back down from my duty, prepare to be proved wrong."

[shadie]

^{Asan turned all of his attention to Vyess and what she was saying. He drew a deep breath and looked at her, his golden mane rippling in the slight breeze. "I understand Vyess and I accept you as the Queen of the Shujaa pride." tone was soft but brisk each word not hanging in the air long before it was swept away by the soft breeze. Days like today rarely came, those totally perfect days that he enjoyed so. He was taken aback when Vyess suddenly started crying. Hesitantly he took a step towards her and curled his large dome over her own in a protective manner. Queen or not everyone needed someone sometimes. "It's alright Vyess, I understand." and in all truth he did.His old pride had been killed by men. Each and everyone of them.}

[leigh]

Asan accepted her. She was officially the Shujaa Queen. The thought of it made her feel wonderful, like she was worth more than what she was. She was meaningful in Asan's eyes, and that was enough to finally stop the tears. This sense of belonging was something for which Vyess had searched for so long.

When the king laid his head over her, Vyess wasn't sure what to do. He was doing what any gentlemanly lion would have done in the situation, comforting the sad damsel. "Thank you, Asan." She said, both for his acceptance and his warmth. For a moment she sat still, absorbing her own contentment, and then the lioness lifted her head, rubbing her cheek against Asan's in a sort of lion hug. She could sense Asan's own sadness, diluted as it may be. "The world will break your heart, Asan." She whispered, "But I will not."

Vyess hoped that Serena would return to Asan soon. Although Vyess herself had never met the king's mate, she could tell from Asan's subtle words and behaviors that Serena was a beautiful lioness in every aspect, inside and out. Asan deserved her. And Lithium, heir to the throne, heir to Vyess's own position, needed Serena too.

[leigh]

ooc| Asan is gone, so I declare this topic dead.