Post by Lassiel on Apr 15, 2007 2:55:51 GMT -6
Lothril wandered into the Marshlands, all her senses focused on her surroundings. The ground beneath her was soft and wet, clinging to her paws as she lifted them. After some time, she came to a deeper pool of water. Without hestitation, she entered into it, the murky water coming up to her chest. The wind brought the sent of buffalo, and in the distance she could see their dark shapes. When the water was so shallow that it no longer covered her paws, she stopped, smelling the air. There were no other lions here, of that she was certain. This land will be mine. She let out a great roar, startling the birds into a flock that rose high above her. Then she waited, wondering if any other lions would hear her and come.
Ibalo wandered aimlessly through the marshlands, the tall water reeds poking out of the soft ground and tickling his underbelly. There was a slight squishing sound that announced his presance to the nearby inhabitants caused by his weight on the ground. His tail flicked and he stopped immediately as a flock of birds emerged suddenly from a patch of the swamp grass. A deep rumble resonated in his chest, and his ears rotated back and forth. Someone else was here. He rolled his eyes, hoping that it wasn't a cub or something he'd have to be burdoned with. Muscles rolled under his strong shoulders as he started moving again, this time towards the source of a roar, confirming that it was something more than a cub. It was a lioness, of that he was sure. He pressed his head and eventually his body through the swamp grass and saw the golden lioness. His tail flicked once again as he offered her a formal greeting. Hello, I'm Ibalo.
Lothril spun around at the new voice. A large, golden lion stood there watching her, his tail flicking. Although she heard the formal tone in his voice, she was still startled and she gave a low growl, warning against coming closer. Silently, she cursed her stupidity at roaring so loud--she had not expected another to come so soon, let alone a lion! Well, she couldn't escape from him now, so she might as well deal with it.
She sat on the wet ground, bowed her head and carefully said, "Hello. I'm known as Lothril. I guess you heard my roar, didn't you? She kept a wary eye on him. One could never be too careful with strangers.
At her low growl, Ibalo sat down, showing he really wasn't interested in causing trouble at this point...a day of traveling would do that. At the same time, he wasn't about to be intimidated by her, so he just casually lowered his haunches to the ground. He tilted his head once more, inquisitively looking at her and gathering what he could from their limited engagement. As she also sat, he exhaled softly, also knowing that you couldn't be too careful with strangers...but she seemed to be nonthreatening at least for the moment. His ears swiveled forward to catch her name. Lothril. He stored that away, as a smile poked threateningly at the corners of his mouth when she asked if he heard her roar. Indeed I did, and I'd be willing to bet I wasn't the only one. He flexed his paws once or twice in the moist ground, not exactly a fan of how water slowly seeped into the gaps in his paws when he flexed them. He then shifted his big golden eyes back to Lothril, his nostrils flaring to memorize her scent as it passed around him on the breeze.
She was relieved to see that he also sat. No matter how strong Lothril was, she would never be able to match Ibalo's strength. Aware that he was studying her, she returned his stare, noting his curious glance and the way he tilted his head. She also caught sight of the smile and seethed inside. He was laughing at her! Her tail twitched as his answer to her question only served to annoy her further, if only for that fact that it was the truth. She shook her head slightly, realizing she should have known better than to do that. He was looking at her again, his golden eyes just a bit unnerving. A little embarressed at her early antics, but not willing to show it, she thought despertely for a way to get the conversation off her. Ah. Well, hopefully it won't come back to haunt me. And what are you doing here, anyway? For all you know, I could have a mate around here. Hoping her distress was not easily noticed, she casually flicked her tail, ears turning to catch the sounds of the marsh around her.
He arched an eyebrow as she returned his stare; good to know she had some spunk in there as well. He normally didn't like annoying other lions but he had to admit he did love getting a rise out of her. He stood up and shook his pelt, a little water flying off as his tail flicked. Nah, I don't think it'll come back to haunt you. And now here she was interrogating him, as if it wasn't obvious that he was looking for a place to live. He wasn't the wandering type, he liked security and structure and any lack of it kind of annoyed him. His eyes sparked, he knew full well there wasn't the slightest scent of a male lion here beside his own. So if she did have a mate he was long, long gone. He started walking towards her, and pushed his body up against hers as he walked past, before turning around and rubbing up against her again on the other side. He then sat beside her and casually glanced over. Somehow I doubt that...
She cautiously watched him stand, her pelt twitching reflexively as a few water droplets landed on goldish tan fur. Was he leaving? Surely he did not really believe there was another male around here. And if he did...well...good riddance. She had no need for a lion that gullible. Strangely enough though, his answer did reassure her slightly, at least she didn't think anyone else would come. But him--she was not so sure about him. This meeting could very well haunt her some day. Her muscles suddenly tensed as he began to walk not away, but toward her. She started to stand, half growling. What are you-- His large body was against her then, cutting off her protest. Their fur rubbed together, not unpleasantly, and she leaned slightly into it before realizing that she barely knew him. At that thought, she sprung a few feet away, snarling. She hated it when strangers acted familiar with her. Don't do that! I hardly know you, and look at what you're doing! But...it was nice, and he didn't seem like he meant any harm, even if he did seem to derive some enjoyment from annoying her.
Ibalo smothered the smile that threatened to creep out onto his face, amused at how she had protested verbally but physically her body had welcomed him in with open arms. He would have been lying if he said he hadn't fully enjoyed it...and perhaps wanted a bit more of it...but that wasn't here nor there. As she snarled at him, he pulled back his lips and bared his own fangs, a low rumble seeping out between his parted teeth. Once he'd issued his own protest that he didn't appreciate being snarled at, he called her on her bluff. ....like you didn't enjoy it. He allowed his muscles to relax and stood up as oppose to the offensive stance he'd taken when she'd snarled at him. So why would you lie about having a mate... He had regained his smooth composure and took a few steps forward again. He grinned once before finishing his sentance. ...am I that repulsive?
Hearing and seeing his warning, Lothril was compelled to relax somewhat. No matter that she was here first or that she was the one questioning, when it came down to it he was in charge. And that very thought irritated her to no end. She had barely forced herself to calm down when he spoke. Wonderful. He had noticed that despite what she said, she had still enjoyed it. Why did he have to be so perceptive and sure of himself? As he began walking toward her again, she held her ground, wondering if he would rub up against her. Why would she lie about having a mate? For the first time, a small smirk showed itself, catching his mistake. No matter how small it was and how childish it seemed, she would use it to try to regain her pride somewhat. I never actually said I had a mate, if you would remember. She walked toward him, meeting him in the middle. I was just pointing out that I could have one around, and you were either very bold or very stupid to show yourself. She couldn't help adding the last bit to tease him. And repulsive? Inwardly she laughed as her eyes roved over him, from the thick mane to the golden pelt that covered his rippling muscles. He was the farthest thing from it.
Impalo knew his word would ultimately end up as law, and he wasted no time in implementing what he wanted. His eyes narrowed slightly as she mocked his memory, not in aggression, but inwardly at himself for making such a careless mistake. Okay then, they were even. One slip up each. As she met him halfway, he lifted his head slightly, looking at her. He spoke though it was clearly dripping with disdain at his mistake. How foolish of me. But then he grinned, she still wanted him to believe that there was some threat to his presance here today and from now on. As her eyes rolled over him, he allowed himself the same courtesy and took in every curve in her distinctly feminine form. Stupid eh? He pressed his muzzle forward and nuzzled her slowly and deliberately, before lingering and eventually drawing away. Meeting her gaze with a grin. I'll take my chances...
Lothril did not realize she was staring at him for a few moments, but when she did, she hastily looked up at him, only to find that he was admiring her as well. She had opened her mouth to speak when he was suddenly nuzzling her. Although her first reation was to jump away again, she ignored it, and stayed put. He probably wouldn't let her get away with that this time anyway, and it was kind of enjoyable. He drew away far too soon for her liking though, and she looked into his eyes as he spoke. It looked like she wasn't getting away from this one, and she really didn't want to--despite him being annoying sometimes. Smiling, she took another step forward, rubbing her head under his chin before drawing away and looking at him expectantly. I guess I'll take my chances with being haunted by this as well.
Ibalo wasn't happy when she pulled away initially. Sure, he'd started nuzzling her to prove a point; but he missed the warmth of her head against his...it was a much needed change from the cold and wet surroundings of the marshlands during the rainy season. He tilted his head down to embrace hers as she rubbed it under his chin, and he grinned blatently. He once again closed the distance she had created and let his pink tounge extend to lap at her cheek once and then nuzzled her again, this time pressing his head into her shoulder. He then took a few steps back and stood up, eyeing her teasingly. Well I wouldn't want you to be haunted by such an experience. Okay, that was a lie, he wanted to be so far into her head that she thought of very little else.
A smile found its way onto her face again when he licked her cheek, and she purred soft and low for a few moments, closing her eyes and content at the feeling of his warmth. All too soon, it was removed and at the sound of his voice she opened her eyes to see him looking at her. Missing his touch already, she moved to stand beside him, pressing her feminine form against him. I doubt it will bother me that much. She nuzzled him, inhaling his scent. In fact, I think I'll enjoy it quite a bit.
[/blockquote]
Ibalo was happy to see that she followed him, his tail flicking as she moved beside him. He smiled softly, a deep purr audible when they were both quiet. He pressed back against her, allowing their short pelts to blend. So she did enjoy it. He slowly began to groom her, taking special care on her head before eventually moving down her back, his rough tounge moving over the muscles to remove all the dirt and make her hide glimmer even in the restricted sunlight. He then nuzzled the fur dry, and returned back to pressing his muscles against hers.
His rough tounge felt wonderful against Lothril's pelt and she purred softly at the feeling. When he was finished, she stretched up to lick his cheek in thanks. So do you like the marsh? I have always enjoyed water, strange as it is, but I know many lions do not. Placing her head under his chin again, she kept it there, snuggling into his thick mane. In the horizon she could see ash-grey clouds gathering and the scent of rain began to fill the air. She shivered, pressing her head closer to him. At least, I have always enjoyed swimming in it, but I've never liked storms. The clouds were moving swiftly across the marsh. As if to prove her point, there was a loud crash of thunder and she jumped, knocking the top of her head against his chin. She looked at him sheepishly. Sorry.
Ibalo had to admit he wasn't a huge fan of the marsh, though he imagined it was a lot better when it wasn't in the rainy season. ...it isn't the water that bothers me, it's the feeling that Im always sitting in muck. The rainy season was bad enough no matter where you were in Africa, but he felt it was much worse here. When she mentioned she didn't like storms, Ibalo's eyes caught the same dark gray clouds that were growing bigger. He glanced down when she shivered, and was...pleasantly suprised at the strong protective feeling that he felt. He had to admit he loved storms...well, when he was safe from harms way...the tremors of thunder was something he enjoyed listening to. While he was off in his own thoughts, there was a strong clap of thunder and the click of his teeth bumping together brought him into reality. Anyone else, he would have been slightly annoyed with...however, he simply nuzzled her once more before nudging her slightly with his nose. I know it's a long shot, but you wouldn't happen to have any shelter around here would you? Normally he wouldn't even bother with shelter, but she was scared of storms and it was the rainy season which meant this storm could be the breaking point that would cause this terrain to flood. He looked at her expectantly, while remaining close since he was sure there'd be another roll of thunder.
Staying pressed against him, Lothril shook her head slowly. No. I had just entered the marshlands this morning and hadn't yet found any shelter. When another thunder boomed over the lands she managed to keep herself under control enough so that she only flinched. Her claws flexed a few times and her tail flicked anxiously. Even though all storms were awful in her opinion, this one looked to be especially horrid. The clouds were rushing toward them, and she could see the haze of rain that went with them. The wind was picking up, and she reflexivly took a few steps back when a particularly strong blast hit her. She looked up at him and managed to give a wry grin. I really don't want to be caught in this, but I have no idea where to go.
Ibalo wasn't happy that she hadn't gone around and searched through her territory beforehand, but what could he do about it now. What he really wanted to do was get to someplace dry, and safe, but he doubted there were any caves around here. He nudged her as the wind picked up, in the direction away from the oncoming storm. Their only chance for shelter was at the edge of the territory, and they had better get moving. He took off at an easy run, he didn't want to have to panic unless things really got bad. He made sure to keep even with her, not wanting to lose her...and all the while keeping his eyes open for even some high ground as they got closer to the border. His paws were now sufficiently muddy, and there was dark water sprayed up his legs and underbelly. He glanced over at her to see if she had seen anything, all the while the wind getting stronger. After all, they'd get through this...somehow.
As she ran beside him, Lothril's paws sank into the mire and water, making it more difficult to keep a steady pace. She brushed past tall marshweeds, splashing through mucky water when they came to pools of standing water. Dark splotches soon dotted her golden pelt and covered her paws. She flicked her ears back every now and then, listening for the sound of rain as more thunderclaps echoed overhead. The sunlight was almost nonexistent in the darkened sky, save for the low light ahead of them. The lack of light didn't bother her though, and she adjusted to it rapidly as she scanned the land for shelter. They were nearing the edge of the territory when she caught sight of a dark mass ahead of them. It certainly wasn't a cave, but it could be some bushes suitable to hide in. It wasn't the best shelter, but it would have to do. Ibalo! There's something ahead of us that may work! The wind blew loudly, making it hard to hear if he answered. There was another crash of thunder, and then the rain was driving into the ground.
OOC:Well that was a fun bit stuff to repost.
