Wanderer

[dawnpelt]

A lioness slipped through the marshland weeds, shaking her pelt free of mud. Her dark honey brown coat blended in with her surroundings along with the unwanted mud. She was nervous, for she was in the territory of a pride that had no knowledge of her. Padding slowly through a clump a marsh grass, she peered out to where a pride of lions were. Cubs played with each other while their parents watched on. Indescion clouded her mind. Should I really go out there. What if they attack me like others did. The thought made her shiver with nervousness. Collecting her thoughts, she stepped into the pride's view.

[Lassiel]

Skull resting on her paws, the dark gold lioness was for once giving herself a few moments of rest. Running a pride, no matter how small, could be difficult by oneself. And really, that's how it was. Even though Deimos had claimed the marsh as his own...she hadn't really seen or heard of him since. Not that it bothered her. Eyes closed lightly, a small frown crossed her face. Yet again, the Akina pride may loose one of its leaders--though admittedly, this one wouldn't be as hard to bear. Lothril had no connection to Deimos, save that of being a fellow ruler. She did not love him, nor did it look like she ever would. But Ibalo...she had loved him, and though she hated to admit it, still did. Despite the pain he caused her, despite the anger she now felt--she still loved his memory. And having still not found the time to properly grieve over him--much less speak to anyone about it--her emotions built up inside of her until they became almost too much to bear. It was beginning to become hard to hide, even Almira and Tari were noticing...Stop it! Do you really want to give up this rest you have finally found?

So once again, Lothril pushed away her own worries in order to put on a strong front. Leaders could be nothing less--they had to be strong, to never show weakness. An ear rotated toward the sounds of her cubs playing nearby. No matter how tired she was, the Queen could not afford to loose track of her children. They were so very precious with their innocence and the future they held inside. But for her, they also embodied the past--the past when he was still around.

Tari sprinted toward her sister, grin on her face and short legs stretching as far as possible. The pattering of her small paws in the shallow water echoed the fast-paced beating of her heart. Mud splattered her side and belly, promising a thorough bath from mother later. But that thought did not deter her. As usual, they were playing a game of tag, though she could easily turn into the prey at any second. Her sister had the habit of hiding in the grass and springing at her when she least expected it. As determined as she was to not turned into the hunted this time, Tari's slower speed quickly caused her to lose sight of Almira in the reedy grass. Slowing her pace as she arrived at the last place she saw her, Tari looked around anxiously. She would not be surprised this time!

Almira laughed to herself as she ducked behind a tall bunch of grass. Tari would not see her here! Turning around, she peered through the blades, watching her sister look around. The worried expression almost made Almira laugh again, but she bit her lip to keep it from escaping. Deciding to circle around and sneak up on Tari from behind, the older cub slunk away. Her head was low, but when she heard the sound of another beast stepping in the water, she looked up. Meeting her gaze was a large, strange lioness. Her eyes widened and she crouched closer to the ground, not knowing what her intentions were. Her voice came out small and unsure. Who are you?

[dawnpelt]

Jayvia looked at the frightened cub, crouching in the mud. Her frightened gaze penatrated far into Jayvia's heart. I am Jayvia. I come looking for a home. I am sorry if I frightened you. She approached cautiously hoping not to make the cub panic. Jayvia leaned down and gave the she-cub a lick on the ear. Who might you be, Little One. Jayvia watched the she-cub for any reaction. Sighing, Jayvia plopped down next to the cub and gave her another lick, encouraging her to speak up

[Lassiel]

The lioness, Jayvia, did not suddenly leaped on her as Almira expected. Her calming voice and reassuring actions gave the cub the courage to straighten and greet her properly. As the oldest daughter of the Queen, she couldn't let the kind lioness' first thoughts of the pride be that they were rude. Sitting up straight, Almira watched Jayvia stretch out on the ground. I'm Almira. My mom is the Queen of these lands. Her voice, like always, was proud. Not the 'I'm-better-than-you' pride, but the pride and love a child has for her mother--the unique adoration that only children or lovers could give without anything in return. She's back there--I was playing with Tari, my sister, before I ran into you. If you want to join, I can bring you to her. She hoped the nice lioness would join--her mom always seemed so depressed lately, maybe a new friend would help.

[dawnpelt]

Jayvia smiled at the she-cub. Her voice had a tone that expressed care-free happiness that made Jayvia feel at home. The cub would be great at proclaiming to strangers that her pride lived here. She gave the cub another lick before standing up and shaking her pelt free of mud. I would love to join your pride, Almira. We should not keep Tari waiting for you to show yourself to her. She must be wondering why you have not appeared in some way. Will you please show me the way?

[Lassiel]

Almira grinned as Jayvia spoke and stood up. Tari will be fine--we do this to each other all the time! Turning to lead the way, she stopped and glanced back. Oh, just so you know, my mom doesn't trust really easily--so don't feel bad if she sounds mean. Without another word, Almira bounded away through the grass and mud, splashing through water without a care. Catching sight of Tari, the cub crouched down so she wouldn't be seen. Slinking a few steps forward, she then sprung toward her sister, batting her on top of her head and laughing.

The sound of small feet sprinting across the ground caused Tari to turn, but not in time to dodge Almira's attack. Before getting a chance to retaliate though, she saw a strange lioness where her sister had come from. Almira, what have you done this time? I hope you haven't got another lioness angry, like you did with Harleigh's mom. But no, the lioness looked to be happy and not looking to seriously injure someone.

Lothril was enjoying her light nap--she so seldom got to have them. The sound of her cubs playing caused a small smile to cross her face, and she opened her eyes to watch them. Immediately, her serene expression disappeared when she saw a strange female close to them. Instantly heaving her body to her feet, a quick jog took her toward her cubs, not even bothering to stretch her spine. Who are you? Her voice though, mistrustful, was not threatening. It was easy for Lothril to see that Almira already knew her--and the cub seemed to have a good idea of lionesses that could be trusted and those that couldn't. And quite simply, the Queen didn't know if she had the energy and will to rule a pride anymore.

[dawnpelt]

Jayvia took a step back as the Queen approached her. She did a lion bow then straightened herself. I am Jayvia. I wish to join this pride. Almira invited me when she came across me on my way here. Jayvia glanced at the cubs before looking at her paws. I mean no harm to the cubs. I only wish to stay here. Almira and Tari are beautiful cubs. You are very lucky to have them. Jayvia sat down, unsure about what to do now. She was gld Almira had given her the warning about her mother or she would have become as fidgety, like a hyena with fleas, with nervousness.

[Lassiel]

How nice it was to see someone go straight to the point, to not dance around their desire. It seemed there was too much of that these days. And not only that, but respect was shown as well. It was really a pet peeve of sorts, to show respect--not only to leaders, but to everyone. The new lioness seemed unsure of herself as she finished speaking, and Lothril allowed her posture to relax. Jayvia had say so herself--she meant no harm, and the Queen believed it. You are welcome to join the Akina pride--though I must warn you, it is not the most stable of prides. A sad smile accompanied that statement. So many losses....was she just cursed? Or was it chance? And thank you--those two, I fear, are the only enjoyment I have left. I am Lothril, by the way.

How wrong it was for her to be so young yet so weighed down by worries. It was not time for that yet, she had barely lived compared to the other leaders in the lands around her. Perhaps it was for the best though. Her usual cold greetings were becoming gentler and less hostile. Weariness, perhaps? Or maybe, in experiencing the pain loving someone had caused her, she was retreating to the safety of her fellow lionesses? It does not matter...

The golden lioness turned her attention back to Jayvia, trying to escape from her morose thoughts. She was still young--at least in spirit. For wasn't Lothril herself still young? But only in body... How did you come here? I do not need to know your life story, if you do not wish to tell it--I just like to know where my fellow pride members come from.

[dawnpelt]

Jayvia watched Lothril as she finished speaking. She understood what she was going through from her own experiences. It is an honor to meet you Lothril. I can understand why you would be curious about my past. I was born into a pride but we were always constantly frightened. Our pride never had long term leaders and most of the cubs were killed by them except my sister Symia and I. When we grew up, we left together, not wanting the hardships of a tormented pride. We traveled far and wide looking for a new home. Different prides excepted us and we were separated. About a year later, we met again as loners. I was hungry and she had a kill. We fought until we both realized who the other was. I left searching for a home while my sister was content with how her life was at the moment. I came across many prides, but none excepted me and I heard there was a pride in the marshlands. I have beening traveling here ever since. Jayvia's eyes glazed over as she thought of her life before; it had been torn and beatened with many hardship and as a cub, her main thought all the time was wondering if she was going to die. She glanced at Lothril, wondering what she would say.

[Lassiel]

Almira grinned as her mom welcomed Jayvia to the pride--the cub liked her and didn't want her to leave. But hearing the lioness' story erased the smile. With her own father gone, she knew what it was like to be afraid....but it was nothing compared to the fear Jayvia must have experienced. Almira couldn't imagine constantly worrying over whether you would live to see the next day or not.

Tari's feelings were the same as that of her sister--though she didn't hold the exact same adoration Almira did. But Jayvia seemed to be nice, and her mother apparently thought the same way. That was enough for Tari to like her as well. One thing bothered her though...How could you let yourself be separated from your sister? Her voice was quite and curious, and she did not know if anyone heard her. But...she could not imagine letting anything come between her and Almira.

I am sorry for what has happened to you--but I'm afraid I cannot promise a pride with long-term leaders. Although I will stay, we seem to be having trouble keeping a male ruler. Her voice echoed with sadness--that seemed to be all the emotion she could show lately. But was she supposed to act happy? Ibalo gone, Label gone, Deimos gone....everyone gone. Yet--she could not let her feelings effect her ability to rule. Doing such a thing could cause her pride's ruin. No...she must protect and care for the pride, and that involved keeping them happy. I know what it is like to lose a family member. And I know the worry that can consume you, at times. If I ever hear word of your sister, I will let you know.

[dawnpelt]

There is no need to apologize for what is troubling your pride. I only hope I can keep the pain I suffered from your cubs. A pride does not need a male leader to be a pride. It depends on the members to be a pride not the leader. A pride is a family and a family does not need a master to be together. Jayvia looked into the distance, her thoughts centered on the small cubs. She padded to the cubs and sat down. She could see their carefree innocence in their eyes. Jayvia smiled thinking of life as a cub when there was a steady leader. Looking back at Lothril, she could she pain and suffering etched clearly into the Queen's face. Cubs seem to be magical in one's life. They have hope in everything and their innocence is strong in the eyes of many. Lothril, you do not need a male leader for your pride. Watch your cubs and study their actions. Cubs are the soul of a pride. When expecting them, a pride is full of happiness and life. Jayvia returned to the Queen, standing by her side. She hoped her spoken thoughts would help the queen in her pain.

[Lassiel]

A pride is a family and a family does not need a master. Was...that what she was looking for now? A master to help rule--not a fellow family member. But--she did have a family, at first. Her, Ibalo, and their cubs. That was her family, but then he left and did not return. He abandoned them without a word, and it tore at her. Was it her fault he left? Could she have done something better? Or...did he just lie and pretend? I am frightened. The thought came to Lothril abruptly, and it seemed as if a veil was lifted. I am frightened of loving again, and so I see only the bad and look for one I cannot love.

She watched Jayvia look at her cubs and heard her speak once more. Soul of the pride? Yes, they most certainly were. What was the point of having a pride, if there was no future? And as such, they must be protected--their innocence and hope must be protected....so all could learn from them.

Lothril cast a glance at Jayvia as she returned, a look full of relief and thanks. It was so very difficult to be a lone Queen. So often such females were ridiculed and few wished to throw their lot with them. And Jayvia not only put up with it, but accepted it. It was...refreshing. Thank you for your kind words--I fear I have forgotten what it means to be a queen--and to be part of a family. Her face shown with gratitude for Jayvia's words. Perhaps she would truly begin to heal now.

[dawnpelt]

Looked at the queen as she spoke. You are welcome, Lothril. I always like to lend a helping paw when I can. Jayvia lay down on the soft ground and studied the suroundings. Plants covered the clearing edge and made all inside feel protected. Jayvia smiled as the cubs played. They were oblivious to what happened around them and it could be quite funny when trying to do something. She stood and nudged Tari and Almira playfully. Can you two catch me? I do not think you can, but I am prepared to be wrong. Jayvia pranced playfully, hoping the cubs would join her.

[Lassiel]

Curious eyes locked on the lioness when she nudged her, a wide grin spreading over Almira's maw at the challenge Jayvia gave her. She loved getting a chance to prove herself. Absolutely adored it. I bet you I can! The young, spirited voice held nothing but joy. Not waiting to hear Tari's remark, the young princess shot toward the lioness who danced so tantalizingly out of reach. This was going to be fun! Although she and Tari often played together, their mother seldom had time for long hours together. Almira did not judged her mother because of this--even she could recognize the pressure Lothril seemed to be under lately--but she did wish they could spend more time together.

Racing forward, Almira batted at Jayvia's tail with a small paw, laughing joyfully and in triumph. But misjudging the distance, her swipe missed its intended target, instead causing her to stumble slightly.

Tari tilted her head quizzically at Jayvia's offer. Play with her? It seemed....strange to automatically want to play with cubs of a pride you just joined. But maybe that was how things went? Truthfully, she and Almira had had very little interaction with pride members--they always seemed to be gone doing something or other. But...that didn't mean she should pass up this chance jsut because she was unsure.

As Almira bounded after Jayvia wildly, Tari instead crouched to the ground. Grass brushed against her soft fur, hopefully concealing the cub as she crept toward the lioness. Just as Almira was the voice of action and never stopped her run through life, Tari preferred to bide her time and wait. She placed each paw carefully--figuratively and literally--in order to make the best decision possible.

Sneaking closer to Jayvia and stopping in what she decided would most likely be the lioness' path, Tari hoped that she would not be noticed. Settling in a comfortable position, but still tensed up, she waited for Jayvia to pass by.

[dawnpelt]

Jayvia leaped away from Almira as the cub raced towards her. Her tail moved teasingly near the cub. Jayvia's eyes sparkled happily as Almira gave chase. Her paws hit the ground lightly as she pranced around. Jayvia trotted at the slowest pace she could manage without being attacked by Almira. Her head went up as she realized that Tari was missing. She slipped through the weeds, padding softly. Her eyes scanned the area around her, while trying to avoid Almira. She gave up and trotted to Almira with her tail twitching in Almira's face.