Would it even matter?

[Valid]

<sub>This is… my home, an inner voice hissed such words delicately within her ear. It’s tone venomous and toxic as it echoed the obvious. Over… and over the simple sentence was spoken. For she did, indeed, need to be reminded so constantly of her position and her current. Of what had happened and what was meant by it. She needed to… be accustom to this. This… place that was her home. Not that it was hard for her, really… but… It was difficult… at the same time, if that was possible to comprehend.

Asaki, Scholar, Teacher, Huntress, Madame, Doll, Baby, Hun, Sweetie… This is your home
A frown was worn, her black lips gently turning hell-ward as she debated it. Pondered it. Allowed it to roll over, and over, and over as she scrutinized every aspect of such a sentence. Her eyes depicting a scene of discord and such calamity. For things had changed, her sense of being… had changed. For she was one… of a whole. For better or for worse, the voice hissed once more. Enveloping her in words unsaid. “For… better or for worse.” Her voice was quiet, but well pronounced. Almost as haunting as her eyes, but such tone gave much more then the pools that reflected the invalid abyss of her ‘soul’.

Her lips pursed in a way of contemplation. Her mind wondering if she should say more of what she ‘felt’. Her mind wondering if speaking it really meant it was… that if she could say it she could assure herself of it and become comfortable with such a prospect of dubbing these swamps her home. Since when… have I ever been comfortable? A shiver ran up her spine, her ears turning oh so gently as she looked over her shoulder. Intently she stared behind her as far as she could. The eyes of the killer settling upon the mass of crooked trees and plants and life…

Life… and yet… not.
Her tail flicked left and right, to and from, back and forth. A constant movement, one that settled her and clamed her, that seemed so naturally she could barely recall the days when she, herself, was but a child who found the movement of such an appendage remarkable. Remarkable… and interesting to the extent she played with her father’s little tuff of fur… pouncing on it readily and growing with annoyance at how it eluded her so. What fond memories… Nonexistent memories. Nonexistent ones that were so… scattered and confusing. What… was she suppose to feel for them? She felt fondness and hate, and so many other things… so many it was crippling. But that was the course of memories… wasn’t it?

She lounged peacefully on a plot of land above the murky, standing water of the marshes. Her long body laid out casually, elongated fully as ribs gently traced her sides beneath her short growing, tawny fur. Milkweeds, among other plantlike, shrouded the female from the view of many creatures... Not that she was entirely invisible from the eye of her prey that made their way along their path. Watching her skeptically, daringly, dangerously. Daring the lone hunter to try them as the marched along. Not that she wasn't tempted by their powerful, compact bods... but she was idiotic enough, nor hungry enough, to break a buffalo from it's herd and try to execute it on her own.

On her own. She wasn't... on her own anymore, was she? Hmm... a question to ponder, really. She had taking up a 'stake' for the edges of the land. Wandering around them for the most part, seeing as she was... lacking the interest or true motivation to head inward towards the heart of the lands and find the dual rulers. To enter their love nest and be the audience for their little whispering of sweet nothings and gentle, delicate kisses. Though, admittedly that was one of the many reasons she had wandered this way... There would be no brawls over who held claim to the King. Or... would there? It wasn't impossible for her to envision another female waltzing in and trying to be the courtesan... with enough sway in her hips and enough of a goddess' look to get His Majesty panting with desire and Her Majesty steaming with enough hate she was prone to butcher the opposing vixen. Which would defiantly be a comic sight to behold... if not a bit troublesome.</sub>

[wahots]

:: Ibalo walked through the marshlands, insinde very pleased with himself. He was beginning to start a family, and live up to his father's code of behavior. It was something every son aspired to do right? Become bigger, better, and achieve more in life than their old man. It was precisely that, that made Ibalo apprehensive about starting a family. If he was so ambitious...how would his sons react. Maybe the gods would grace him with a litter of girls so he wouldn't have to make such a decision. Nah, it wasn't this litter he was going to have to worry about. It was when he was old, weak, and incapable of fighting back. His tail flicked behind him as he wandered along, paws spreading as his weight was pressed onto them. While he was rejoicing on the inside, his exterior was calm, cool, and collected. It was the facade that everyone else saw while those who knew him, truely knew him...saw his real thoughts. To the outside world he was a smart-ass hot blooded male; it nearly gave him the appearence of having a split personality.

The lion passed the herds of buffalo moving on their way. However, he'd just eaten and gave them no more acknowledgement than a passing glance. They kept a wary eye on him, but knew such nonchalance wasn't a threat to their existance. His tail flicked slightly, a gentle breeze passing through his dark and full mane. It suggested that more rain could be in store for tonight. He hated the wet season in the marshes; which for the majority of the dry season retained some water. But all the muck and mud made travelling even the shortest distance a pain for him. So when he decided to wander to the outskirts of his territory to check up on the only other member of his pride, it took a great mustering of mental energy on his part.

Ibalo passed through the milkweeds and grasses, which tickled pleasantly and then annoyingly at his underbelly. That was always the way with tickling, first it was enjoyable and then you just wanted it to stop. Blech. He made no attempt at being quiet, not like he was being noisy either, but the soft parting of the foilage told of his presance. The male lowered his flanks to the ground, his tail wrapping around his hindquarters as he gaze at the same stream of prey that he had passed earlier. He offered a sideways glance at Asaki; who puzzled him immensely. Her body language suggested she was relaxing in the midday sun, but the frown on her face clearly stated that her mind was not resting as easy as her body was. After a short time, he moved his gaze back to the herd, not wanting to be accused of staring. He didn't say anything however; he wasn't all-that talkative and certainly wasn't going to break that trend right now. Instead he waited, ever mindful of the lioness who lay just a foot or two away.

[Valid]

<sub>Having a female go after the King would be almost as troublesome… as annoying, as a young rouge fighting for his rights for the pride and a dashing fellow getting the Queen off her tush. Such disturbances weren’t beloved. Interesting, oh heavens yes, but what did they cause? What were the ripples of such interferences? It would grow boring, then it would grow annoying. As it usually does… Mind flickered back to the scene of children being slaughtered.
New Kings always ripped open wounds… always got the blood river flowing. But, that was how it was. And who was she, who was anyone, to stand and object to the ways that they had been raised by? Besides. Who wouldn’t kill the children of the competition? Simply wouldn’t do to settle in as king and have to stare, have to live, with the previous rulers’ lot of kids. Kids who wanted you dead since you killed their father. Funny, it was. For shouldn’t those kids be hating their father, not the new ruler? Their father was weak. Too weak to protect them. Too weak to carry out one, pathetic little job. Which was… ultimately the case with every man… however you lather their defeat in sugar and sweetness it all came down to their failure to do their task.

She heard him coming. Her rounded ears flicking and twitched as the mosquitoes and other nasty, annoying insects came to flutter about the herd of beasts and the two carnivorous predators. He made no tries to disguise himself, but then again would he have any reason to? No. And yet…

Her head tilted and her eyes wandered towards him. Waiting, patiently for a moment as she quickly took in the fabulous little, petty details that was. He was healthy, no cuts or scrapes. Seemingly in a good mood? Perhaps? Perhaps not. Hmm… Her neck was perhaps ridiculously exposed as it arched to aid her in a better view of him. But, that to was done and known by the mistress. Her reasoning obvious, and, to her knowledge, unflawed. She was one of his pride. Why would he kill her? Take advantage of her exposed vital? He wouldn’t… she was mighty sure. If he did, he would have wasted his time and why would he have bothered doing that? To some killing is pleasurable. A contradiction that could throw things off… But to say he was one who lusted for death would be a very unlikely possibility. He has a wife. A wife without the markings of one beaten by their husband. If he lusted for blood she would not be excused from his wrath. Hmm… And yet, another contradiction lurked. She and the Queen were different. Very different. Perhaps what the queen had that was different from all others spared her from this possible lunatic. If he was a lunatic.

“Do you want something, Your Lordship?” She addressed him with title, only, despite the knowledge of his name. But, then again with formality being her way… Was it really a surprise? About as surprising as he patience for him to reply and her obvious intent on hearing one. Or would there be one? She could find little reason why he would come all this way if he didn’t need to. So… Spill it. We both know you have better things to do then talk with me. And perhaps she was right. He wasn’t here for her sake or for her chatter. He was here to observe the buffalo. Now that seemed logical, reasonable…</sub>

[Lassiel]

Lothril followed slowly behind Ibalo. The slow pace though, was no indicator of her mood. She was happy, ecstatic even, and she was not about to let anything, even the presence of the other lioness she knew very little about, keep her down. The marsh grass brushed against her, sometimes tickling her black nose and once causing her to sneeze. Although the buffalo knew she was there, the sound caused them to look stop and stare at her. As if she would try to hunt them now, exposed and full from her last meal.

Ahead of her, she could see Ibalo sitting next to the lioness. They knew so very little about her, and here he was, so trusting, to her at least, of one he barely knew. At times, she wished she had that ability to trust, or at least tolerate, almost complete strangers...but to do that would be giving someone she knew little about control over her health. Lions could allow that from females--they could easily overpower one if need be--but Lothril could not risk that--especially when she could soon be carrying cubs.

She caught up to Ibalo, her haunches settling on the moist ground. She eyed the lioness carefully. Her quite ways were strange, and slightly unnerving...but if that was how she was, then there was little Lothril could do about it.

[wahots]

:: Ibalo's thoughts wandered away, far away. He'd been raised right, his father had kicked him out on his butt when he was old enough...but his mother had raised him right. No; he wasn't in a habit of beating on his lionesses...regardless of their personality. He rarely got emotionally invested enough in his pride members for that to be a concern. Furthermore, beating was a sign of weakness -- you lack self-confidence so much that the only way you can raise yourself up is by bringing others down? It was pathetic and Ibalo was mentally stronger than such foolishness. He was in his prime, had years of leadership ahead of him that he intended to enjoy every second of. Sure he was a bloodthirsty killer, but it wasn't for her type...however tantalizing that neck of hers was.

He was here...to observe the buffalo? That was a remedial task, something that amused lions who were nearly braindead. Buffalo were naiive and predictable, stupid creatures that relied on groupthink mentality to get them through their lives. They wandered the same path every year, despite the obvious misfortunes that lay before them. Their was a reason lions hunted this lesser species; and it wasn't because the gods had a sense of humor. No, Ibalo found nothing amusing in watching the buffalo. It should be observed at this point in time that anything logical and reasonable was never a reason for Ibalo doing what he did. He was rational sure, and while he may flirt with insanity from time to time he never developed a steady relationship with it.

His ears swiveled to recieve her tones, but he made no verbal acknowledgement that she had spoken at all. Instead he turned his head, his amber eyes taking in the form of the lioness before him. He didn't know why, even though all lionesses had that same golden brown color, they all were very distinguishable from one another. She was nothing like Lothril, nothing at all. All the same she was oddly intruiging, something clicked in his head that made him want to investigate further. He came to a realization that he had no real reason to be here at all; it certainly wasn't for the damn buffalo...of that he was certain. Instead of addressing the question, he simply resumed watching the buffalo before deep tones were emmited through his parted jaws. His tones held a certain air of nonchalance with the entire meeting and certainly an undertone of sarcasm. I was unaware that we weren't operating on a first-name basis with other members of the pride

[Valid]

<sub>“I wasn’t aware we were operating under anything but titles.” She replied steadily, simply. Her eyes wandering away from him and onto the opposing female. She, Asaki, was not intriguing. She was… the product of a different method. A different method that gave the same result. She was simply another one of those cold hearted, for lack of better, appropriate word, women. Give or take a few… differences. A, she had no interest in seducing. And, B, she didn’t find it overly amusing to watch blood drip. Killing was not interesting. It was simple. As simple as pulling the trigger. But… the thoughts, the reasoning, they ‘why’ factor… now that… was interesting, intriguing, tantalizing. Why? Because she could-would never understand. The same way His Majesty would be the interest of many others, and why his Pride would be as well. They would be fascinated by it, because they could never have it. Or... They wouldn’t be able to have it without a touch much of difficulty. If what she presumed of that sculptured chassis was, indeed, correct. If what she presumed of those scars, was indeed, correct. But… admittedly it was a touch hard to ‘fake’ brawling scars… Not that she hadn’t heard of young boys trying it to make themselves look tough enough so they would never have to prove how hardcore they really were.

All the same, really, her gaze had wandered onto the opposing female, giving a nod of slight respect out of sheer courtesy and acknowledgment. Eyeing her casually but with curiosity she allowed to be obvious. Oh, something happened aye? Girls could tell when girls were different. And, though, she hadn’t ever really encountered Her Highness… was it valid to say she had a sense? She felt the sparks. Nice little sparks. You, know, the little sparks you feel when your all happy and cozy inside but your trying to hide it but people can feel it anyway because your just so dang happy? She felt it. But she couldn’t really decide what to make of it. Not… especially. It could be children, aye. But was that something for Asaki, herself, to be thrilled about? No. All it would mean is hostility and aggression…

Her eyes flickered back to the King, viewing him with a slight sense of skeptical tempering. He hadn’t answered her question. So what did that mean? He came here for lack of anything better? Glad to be your last resort for amusement. But… she wasn’t a hostess. Not an anti-social but… the fact of the matter is… she had nothing to say and no reason to rack her brain in search of something to say. Besides, why should she? I’m not your plaything. And that was apparent. She wasn’t here to do a song and jig just to get these two to smile. She was not here to be loyal, to be faithful, to be happy, to be nice and kind and sweet. She was here because it was beneficial. If she was in a pride, she wouldn’t have to worry about finding a safe place to go before dark. Wouldn’t have to think about watching her back and worry about the possibility of being forcefully shoved into anything. Though, admittedly… to say she ‘wouldn’t have to’ was a lie. She did, she always had to, for it was always a possibility but… It was less likely now. Especially now. If Her majesty was having children His Lordship would be even more hostile. And that was nice and dandy with her. It meant better protection. And, what girl could admit that they didn’t needed security? Well… some could. But those some found it fun to play the slave… the used and abused. Which, one could conclude easily didn’t fit Miss Asaki. At all.

But what else could fit her? What else could they conclude of her? At times she couldn’t help but ponder what she gave off, what she gave off without knowing, to others about herself. She couldn’t keep track of everything… nearly everything, sure, but not everything. And those somethings she could not keep track of said things, as everything did. What did they say? What did they add to the big picture that made up her? She found that one’s perception of one’s self was usually vividly different then the view others had… Mighty different. To… put it simply… To say she didn’t care what others thought of her… would be a lie. But to say what others thought of her, did anything great such as move her into a different path… was incorrect. She found it amusing, a game… but it did not have enough weight to do anything more then to produce a smile from her [which, then again, is a very hard feet to accomplish in and of it‘s own.]

Fiddle dee dee, fiddle dee dum, little missy, oh what have you done? A frown would have creased her face once more at the thought of the changeable rhyme. But, alas, she was aware of her company and the emotion that seemed to swell was subdued with fatal… and perhaps oddly powerful ease. She was use to restrictions, it seemed, use to keeping herself in order… A question; Where had her impulse gone? Not that it mattered, really but… it was… sad, maybe? To have everything based on numbers, theories, logic, statistics. To think of things in such a way and allow things to be butchered and chop to simplicity… “The Savannah and Ruins have been claimed, do you think they will pose a problem?” She was no exception to the fact that there were…indeed some things she didn’t like to talk, or even think, about. Some things that should be left alone and thought her aspirations differed and fallowed a more intellectual path… Some things were better left, instead of pondered. For, you see… She was piece of china. Meant to be set in the cabinet and not used. She was a piece of china… so elaborate but easily shattered. She looked stable, but who ever said that the bomb that didn’t look like a bomb, wasn’t the most dangerous?</sub>

[wahots]

:: Ibalo stopped looking at her once she had spoken. Her tone was curt and suggested that she was pissed of that he had infiltrated her alone time. It wasn't that he cared that he had done so, but he wasn't exactly happy with the response. He resumed watching the buffalo, eyes narrowing on the stupid creatures that bleated and frolicked in his sightline. He had no problem with them thinking that they were safe, it was the way he liked his prey. Oblivious. The art of suprise was so much more desireable; and if you had that coupled with brute strength and a sharp mind. Then, and only then were you unbeatable. Ibalo had a mind for battle tactics, though you wouldn't know it from his appearence. His fights were well planned out, resulting in the fact that his body didn't bear the normal medals. Each fight was a mental challenge for him to plan out, and he took great pride in his victories, and learned from defeats which even he had to say were few and far in between.

He followed the gaze of Asaki as it moved to Lothril; who was now carrying the first heirs to his name and his pride. He felt a great sense of pride in the occasion but it also had put him on extremely high alert. And as for Asaki? She didn't have to like it here, he wasn't about to turn his pride into Candyland's Hit Parade in an attempt to make everything better -- but loyalty he needed, and for that matter respect was necessary. He'd protect her, but he wasn't going to risk his own neck protecting something that wasn't loyal to him. It was simple stupidity to do so. As for respect? He couldn't tell if Asaki's indifference qualified as disrespect, and he wouldn't pin that on her until he was sure. So when she asked him about the nearby pridelands he simply shook his head once, his eyes never leaving the wandering prey as he spoke deliberately. Not likely. It's not to say by any means that I take my neighbors for granted, however they're just as newly claimed as this land is. The initial task is always to find strength in numbers before conquering.

On the subject of loyalty... His gaze shifted to the outstretched lioness, remaining just as narrow as they were on the buffalo. How was it that she was so wise in the ongoings of the other pridelands. He made a mental note never to speak to her on matters of foreign affairs again...at least until she could prove that she was trust-worthy. Maybe not even then. Ibalo wasn't one to dish out trust buffet-style. It was delegated to whoever deserved it, and he'd be the first to admit that those lions came few and far between...and he had no stomach for treason. Though on the subject of China, and Asaki's resmblance to it...that he could attest to...but not in the manner she saw herself. He saw it as something that was so asthetically pleasing that you just had to look at it, not only because the design was intriguing but for something more than that. Those thoughts battled on in Ibalo's head as he lifted his skull a bit and rolled his shoulders before shifting his gaze back out to the marshlands.

[ooc: *rolls over and dies at the end*]

[Lassiel]

Lothril gazed steadily at Asaki upon hearing the abrupt tone taken with her king. Although it would come as no surprise if she talked that way to everyone, surely she could be more...respectful with the one giving her protection. But then again, perhaps that was her way of showing it. A strange way, no doubt--but this was coming from the lioness who spent the majority of her time alone. It was dangerous really, knowing so little about a pride member, about her past and her loyalties. For the protection of her cubs, Lothril would have to learn more, preferably before they were born. If Asaki was to pose a problem, it would be prudent to know of it beforehand.

She turned away, her sight once again falling on the buffalo. They were watching the three predators carefully, but they seemed to not be as worried. It really was about time. That they truly thought the pride would hunt them after they'd been exposed for so long...the stupidity of prey astounded her. She moved her eyes from them to look at the horizon. In the distance could be seen the beginning of more rain, but nothing like last time--probably just a light drizzle.

Black lined ears flickered to her side when Asaki spoke again. Was she worried about the neighboring prides? Or was she just finding a topic for conversation? Just where was her loyalty? To be strong, a pride must be able to trust its members--but how could that be done if one avoided contact? Again, Lothril's thoughts fell to her cubs. She would have to leave them at some point, to hunt or perhaps to warn off an intruder. Could she trust Asaki to care for them? Her eyes narrowed. This problem, this uncertainty, had to be addressed.

Her head turned, staring at the lioness with the cool gaze of an annoyed ruler. Tell me, Asaki, are you loyal to us? It may have sounded sudden and rude, but with the safety of her cubs in mind, Lothril was taking no chances. You keep yourself apart from us and we know little about you. Why should I trust you?

[Valid]

<sub>Oh, come now. Her? Angry with the handsome devil? Hmm… let us put it this way. She wasn’t necessarily mad that he had come to break the self-inflicted solitude. But, she was… agitated that he did such without reason or cause. He had no purpose to come, so why did he? Such things gnawed at her, annoyed her. Things… all things should have a reason. And a simple ’because’ would never suffice. True, she didn’t have to understand the reason… but she wanted one. She deserved one. Don’t you think? Having managed to live this long did she not deserve answers to such minor questions? And decent responses as to why she was bothered? To see her response to his coming should be a sign for him. A sign that would allow him to see the fence, the ’mindset’ that surrounded her. He, they, anyone should come prepared, or never come at all.

Which led one into his protection. For anyone to risk their life for hers was not something that would ever be envision. She never expected great sacrifice to be done on her behalf. She understood that she was just another hunter to fill in the gap in the crowd to anyone, everyone. And with that she would not dispute. Contrary she found it magnificent. For she had too much turmoil within her to be experiencing it around her, to contend with prying eyes and others just dieing to know. Though chaos was entertaining it wasn’t the grounds on which she could stand to live. All in all… She knew he wouldn’t lift a claw more then he had to, and more then what he thought reasonable. Perhaps she was wrong to believe with such vindication this, but she did. And so with silence, without verbal recombination of it, she always figured it in. Always counted on it as reliable. She knew the line well enough to know how far his protection most likely went. And thus she stayed within it, unless there was an absolutely dire need to cross it.

Hmm… I just can’t but think they don’t like me. She remained blank and unforgiving. Her eyes not playing the usual ‘kiss and tell’ that most did. But, then again she had nothing within her that was worth their wild. To them her inner workings would be nothing more then bolts and screws. A bundle of odds and ends. Not that it mattered overly so. As she would never expect Ibalo to never do anything that would endanger himself overly so to guard her, she would never expect someone else to give a sh--. What did she matter to them? There was no promise there would be gold at the end of this rainbow. No promise if they dug deep they would find a ’heart of gold’. Which, made things all the more simpler.
Something this place seemed to understand.
Another reason why she favored this place.

She couldn’t help the smirk that became apparent. The sudden shift in her that caused her eyes to flicker away and her skull to move. She avoided them for a moment, neck arching as she took a moment to stare intently at the ground. Her ears sloping backwards, but the smile did not cease. Did they want the truth? Of course they did not. And yet they wanted something for they could not seem to understand her ‘way’. “Why should you trust me? You shouldn’t. But… you don‘t need to... Do you? See me as a the… Realistic Opportunist.”

Killing your children would be of no benefit to me. All I would have is your man running after me in hopes of murder and slaughter. Is that going to help me? Is that going to make me happy? Having to run? No. Now, being a traitor to the other Prides might serve beneficial momentarily. But in the long haul, can you tell me that telling your secrets to them would serve me well? They will see me as a traitor. I will live as an outcast. Though you may contradict I live as an outcast any way let me correct you - I live such way on my terms. It’s my choice. It’s different when someone forces it on you. Anymore questions? Anything else you want to know? What she thought varied from what she said. Not that the ‘mood’ and ‘temperament’ of what she thought didn’t… oh so slightly, leek out to those who paid mind to the keen details.

“But you ask if I was loyal as well… And to that I don’t think you want the answer.” I am on your side. I have joined your Pride, what more you want? Respect and loyalty, of course. For who don’t preach of their desire to have both? So ridiculous. They asked for such devotion. Did they think she didn’t have a life? She should die for them? She valu-
Valued. Value. She couldn’t… say that. Couldn’t think it either. To say that she had to value her life since no one else did, would be… Her smirk gently fled, her eyes wandering else where before returning to the duo. She was solemn once more, if not tainted. How would they take it? She pondered simply because… it was the truth, the truth she was sure they both knew despite the fact it was voiced. Which made her wonder why Lothril found it necessary to tell the obvious but… Whatever Her Highness wished, to a certain extent.</sub>

[Lassiel]

She appeared to love cryptic answers, something that tended to grate on Lothril's nerves, not because she could not understand--she simply liked to be straightforward. Nothing was hidden, or left unsaid, and for the most part even the dullest being would be able to understand. But...it was just another of Asaki's strange little quirks. Again, the Queen doubted it was something she could change, so she resigned herself to the fact that the lioness was...unusual, to say the least, and that she should just learn to deal with it.

It was not that she didn't, or couldn't, like Asaki--she could very well learn to with time--it was just that Lothril did not know her. It was difficult for her to read the lioness' intentions, and although she trusted Ibalo's judgment completely, she could not shake the wary feeling Asaki gave her. She did not believe the lioness would do something so rash as to attack her cubs. Indeed, to do so would be fatal--either from myself or Ibalo, she would meet her death. No...her worry was that she would have no attachment to the pride. Without such a thing, there would be no reason for her to help the pride when it was needed. Yes, there was Ibalo's protection, but that could be found in another pride, so long as she had not been labeled as a traitor.

Lothril's eyes glittered strangely in the shadows the clouds were casting. So you tell us we should not trust you and you will not tell us where your loyalty lies. She gave a short laugh. Why is something like that so hard to ask for? You have protection, a home. I will not ask for your life--there are only a few I would give mine for and I do not ask others to do the same. I only need assurance that I can rely on you in times of need. That if for some reason I must leave my cubs, there is someone there to watch over them. She watched Asaki curiously. But then...you have already given your answer, and it would be foolish of me to ask you to change your answer. Because how could I trust you when you already said I shouldn't.


OOC: Ah well, I went ahead and posted it so everyone else can write theirs.

[Valid]

<sub>So hard, because it simply means so much. Because, in the end, loyalty leads to one thing after another. Asking for loyalty was asking for a never-end contract. And, let us face it, it all ends in sadness and hurt. Her callousness and lack of closeness would, in the very end, save both parties from tragic feeling. She needed assurance that Asuki would watch the children if something bad happened to befall the mother. Why? Asuki would never be able to care for them ‘correctly’. And the children could survive on their own if that was what’s meant for them. And what of Ibalo? He wasn’t a complete fool; he could raise them. Which led on and on as to why her, why her loyalty was coming to mean so damn much. She was just one. What did just one have the power to do? Nothing. Her answer was her answer. They shouldn’t trust her. But there would be others. Others they could trust with the lives of their children. She didn’t want to be involved. Was that complicated? Was that riddle-free?

Loyalty meant that she would be one of the whole. Loyalty meant she would be counted among them. Loyalty meant reliability and that was one of the few things she hadn’t the will, nor the want, to be for anyone. She wanted no ties, because she predicted the day when one thing would unravel her piece by piece. Piece by piece until she needed to leave or become a tangle of nothingness. It was a hard thing to understand but perhaps such virtues where, despite their willingness to give and receive it, simply too much for her? They expected too much. “Are we finished?” She inquired, steady gaze upon the mistress. Waiting for dismissal. For surely she would be given it, or she would take it. They had nothing else to say.
Figure me as an ally, until the day our desires no longer coincide. Figure me among you until I say otherwise. When I leave, you will only hear of it when I’m long gone. Take faith I’m here, talking. Not here, killing. If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn’t be so damn honest. Leave the complex thinking of ‘perhaps this is her plan’ that ’this is her way of getting us into false security before she ruins us’ to me. I am here because this is where I have fallen. I‘ll be gone soon enough. And with that knowing why should I bother to make ties? For ties would be a lie. It would make you think, perhaps, better of me. And that I do not need. What I do need, however, from you is only the obvious. And from me you need the same, the obvious. This is but a job. Let‘s not make it into any more then what it is.

Her comfortable lay had diminished as words became more serious and body language more depicting. Claws raped the ground as she dragged them closer to her body and she shifted. Now laying on her belly she rose lazily. Stretching lengthy limbs before viewing the two, only for a moment before relaxing to a sit. Her tail curling around her paws as she awaited the beloved ‘Yes, we are finished’ that would allow her, in all formality and 'respect', to leave.</sub>

[Lassiel]

Afraid? Was she afraid of the commitment? Afraid of what would be left behind if the pieces fell apart? Fear was not something she would expect from the lioness...but then, everyone had something they feared, and Asaki was no exception. Perhaps...perhaps something had happened to her, some secret of her past that she refused to give up. Though if it was true, it was not Lothril's place to look for it.

But did she truly think she had no need for ties to a group? She would not have even joined a pride if she did not need them. Although it was mostly lions, there were lionesses who lived by themselves, and Lothril had no doubt that Asaki was intelligent and strong enough to live that way.

The tenseness in the air was palpable. She was obviously uncomfortable and annoyed with Lothril's questioning, and the Queen would be as well, probably. She would discover no more about her here, and maybe never--but she would try...later. For now though...You can leave. She gave a wry smile. But I doubt you really would have stayed, if I had asked you. She bowed her head slightly in farewell before turning her gaze back to the land before her.