Havoc

[Vox]

Maybe you were right...Calamity.

<sub>With your smooth words and nosiness I really should hate you...But Calamity you did speak truths that I cannot deny. Were you right about me? Maybe you are more of a lion that I judged you for at first...

Damn these boring lions...Why can't we have some excitement? A little? Is it too much to ask?

Growled the attractive femme that paced in rust-colored robes. A grace surrounded her, only a dancer had such grace. Long, lithe muscles and high, gaunt cheekbones addorned her pretty visage. A yearning filled her heart. A yearning to be free of this pain. It surrounded her and came down, crashing down by her ears. Her walls were firm, but useless. Calamity had said that her walls only kept her from having fun and 'mingling'. Did they? Yes...Maybe they did. But they also guarded her from pain and lies...But was life worth licving if it was going to be lived in fear? For the first time in her life, Sileree actually wanted a good friend. Not that she had not wanted one before, but this time it was a yearning, the feeling overwhelmed her. It was a need to express herself, as she had never been able to before.

Sileree choked, a small sob arising in her throat. She coughed a little. Then kept coughing, they racked her body and made her double over in pain. For minutes she was in agony, her lungs feeling as if they would burst. And she thought they did for a moment as something, hot, dark and sticky started in her mouth after a particularly hard cough. Blood? Her throat was on fire and when she tried a small sound, she heard a croak. Landing with a soft thud on the marshland bed she just lay there. Occaisional coughs making her throat burn even more painfully. She felt as if she was going to be sick. Sticky blood, salty and unpleasant in her mouth coated her tongue. It made her feel dizzy, and she dropped off into an uneasy dose.

Looking like she had dropped from the sky, Sileree lay spreadeagled on the ground, coughing a little and breathing raggedly. Some people say that when a person feels helplessly stifled they get sore throats. Often famous dancers get sore throat before performances. These illnesses are tossed aside as 'stress problems'. They're not just 'stress problems'. After thousands of dollars worth of therapy, a psychiatrist will realize what we have known all along. Dancer's sometimes feel as if they are being silenced and stifled because dancing is a completely non-verbal way of expressing oneself. Sileree was a dancer, and she was feeling very stifled. The same process is with coughs. Why does a person cough a little? Well sometimes people do it to gain others attention, a polite 'ahem'. Other times it indicates skeptism and is delivered with an elegant snort 'huh...pfft..' Sometimes people get sick with nasty coughs when they feel they are being ignored. Both of these symptoms together form how the beautiful lioness is feeling. It's tough, not being heard despite all your best efforts.</sub>

[Valid]

C

[/size]alamity
ashes, ashes, they all fall[/font]D O W N
_______________________________________________[/center]

You know he had met some people along this way. This way less traveled, or this way often adverted. This way that some walked but quickly where getting off. He pondered why they left this road, what was wrong with it other then it was not the common. He suppose it was true one couldn’t be a bachelor forever and yet, why exactly not? Yes, one day he would not have his youth and he would be old like Crow. One day he may not have an attractive face or a decently chiseled physic, one day he would just has his charm and often then not that did little with ought his rebellious poise and rough and tumble way of looking.

[/s]
After hitting a brick wall every time I have tried to write for my kitten, I’m not gonna make you wait any longer and just take him out. X.x -gets gun- xP[/sub][/blockquote]

[Lassiel]

A
THORN
in your side.

With the young, confident stride of a male happy to be on his own, Thorn quickly traveled through the marsh. To say that he didn't like it would be an understatement. He hated the feeling of mud and water squeezing between his toes--hated having to swim every other minute. Honestly, who would live in a place like this? The mud splattering on his coat was a constant annoyance, and when it dried would be a pain to get off--especially if it stuck in his mane. No, Thorn wasn't the vain sort--but he did like to be clean!

Coming to another patch of water, he growled under his breath. Figures. Well don't worry--whoever lives here--I won't be staying for long. Entering the water, he quickly found it went deeper than he thought, coming up to his chest and soaking his dark mane. Wonderful. Just. Wonderful. Strong legs grabbed at the water, pushing him toward the other side where the ground rested in heavenlike splendor. With another low growl, he reached the edge and hauled his body upwards, claws gripping the moist earth.

Once on firm ground, the lion gave a great shake, almost like a dog. Water and mud sprayed around him, but some still clung to his coat. Casting a disdainful eye at the offending dirt, he muttered under his breath once more. I hate this place. Deciding to forget about his lack of cleanliness for now, Thorn turned his attention to his surroundings. As was quickly becoming the norm, muck and water stood around him. But...there was another shape among the bunched of grass. Cocking his head curiously, he took a few steps nearer before chocolate eyes widened. A lioness! But...she did not seem to be well. The sounds of small coughs and ragged breathing came to his attention. Had she...almost drowned?

Unashamed flirt that he was, many would think that he would not care what happened to others at all. But that was not the case. A short jog brought Thorn to the lady's side and he look down worriedly, though his practiced eye did not miss her sleek, feminine form--which seemed to be too dry to count an almost drowning as a reason for her difficulties. Do you need help? For this moment only, he tossed away his usual way of talking, instead concerning himself with her well-being.

[Vox]

Focusing on her breathing, Sileree's ragged breaths grew into soft wheezes as she tried her best to keep her burning throat open and her lungs working. She sensed another presence but only fluttered open her lids and let her dark lash meet again as she closed her eyes and coughed up more of the hated blood. She attemtped to get up and valiantly continued to try and make her legs go straight, but she collapsed and her breathing was evidently harsh in her chest and strained. She heard a male voice, was it Deimos? No...He had been gone for a long while now. She peered up at the form, face a little damp from the mud that had splattered her body as she fell. Sileree propped herself up painfully on her legs, her form emaciated yet still as muscular and shapely as ever. Even though she was extremely skinny this new gauntness improved her looks greatly, her cheek hollow and eyes still alive despite her exhausted posture. Her eyes were bleary and it was apparent that she had eaten little and drank less in the past few days. She had not been very hungry for a few days and eaten scantily but now she wished she had choked down some form of food to give her energy. Looking at him, slight fear in her eyes, she was too tired to pretend. For the first time in her life she was being herself. 'Wow...I thought I would rejoice in the moment that I could be myself...Being me feels like shit! I wish I could pretend now...' Another voice reasoned that she was not a shitty lioness, but considering she was sick she would feel like animal dung because she was simply weakened. Sileree accepted this and said in a hoarse voice due to lack of water,

Deimos? What...What do you want with me? W-where's Lothril? She went to claim Beseni...I had to stay and protect the marshes...I-I...Where's Vishar? And Nkira...Deimos?

She sounded confused and scared, but he face was made more beautiful by her lack of usual guardedness. Tones as sultry and soft as always, her voice was a little huskier because her throat was inflamed. It was still attractive though, for she was finally not acting. Mind filled with too many things to permit walls, she put herself in a very vulnerable position. The color flushed on her nose as she became slightly fevered. Eyes watery, she opened them and itched them with a paw irritably. Looking clearly at the male, who was obviously not Deimos she froze. Opening her mouth she mouthed wordlessly at him, blinking her eyelashes in confusion.

I-I-I--What? But...Who? And--you? But then!? Deimos--gone...Lothr--Tari! Who...you?

She spluttered stupidly, she took a deep breath and kept her mouth tightly shut. This could not happen. She couldn't be losing her cool around a male of all things?! The shame of it all...Sileree wished she could just curl up and die somewhere...

[/blockquote]

[Lassiel]

Deep chocolate eyes widened at the red liquid that the lioness coughed up. He could not imagine what was happening to her, or why. What sickness had found her that caused blood to be expelled in such a manner? The gaunt, though beautiful body despite the illness, struggled to rise, gathering her feet beneath her bravely, but failing all the same. A flash of respect passed through Thorn, but there were more important matters at hand then how he felt about her. Breath harsh and ragged, her eyes met his, showing a little fear in them. Frowning, though not at her, his tawny body crouched to the moist earth, trying to show that he posed not threat. When she finally did speak, her voice sounded dry and maybe even pained--but it still held a beautiful tone to it. If the situation had been different, Thorn would have gone straight to flirting with this lioness.

Every word she spoke sounded confused, and she said several names that he did not recognize. His brow furrowed when he realized that she seemed to think he was someone else, and he wondered vaguely if a dominant male patrolled the area. However, the lioness appeared to quickly notice that he was not this...Deimos, and her lithe body froze. Unable to help it, a smile grazed his youthful face, which a small, not yet fully grown mane framed. A slight wind ruffled the dark hairs, brushing a particularly annoying piece over his eye. A quick toss of his skull threw it back in its place and his attention rested on her frightened appearance.

Do not worry--I have no desire to harm you. A kind, though still slightly flirty smile accompanied this statement. I am Thorn, and if you are well enough to speak, I would like to know your name and if there is anything I can do to help.

Now that her coughing had subsided, Thorn took this chance to examine her more closely. The lady looked to be only a little older than himself, and her form held a graceful, foreign strength to it. Speaking of which--her voice, though rough right now, had a sultry trace, one which he wished to soon hear more of.

[Vox]

Another fit of coughing racked her body but she swallowed the blood with a grimace and cleared her throat before saying in a voice that was marginally smoother.

My name is Sileree, and I don't know how you can help me, I myself don't know the sure for this horrible cough.

Wincing as she felt a cough come up she masked it in another throat clearing, eyes watering she shook her head and seemed to come to her senses. Getting up quickly she snarled and pressed her body to the ground.

Why are you here? You shouldn't be here! Lothril will get angry! She doesn't like strangers in her lands.

Eyes narrowed, Sileree looked at him. It was her duty to look after this territory until Lothril got back, sick or not. If this cough brought her to her grave, then at least she would have protected it from wanderer's for the time she had been alive. Sileree thought morbid thoughts, at the same time as she reflected how good-looking he was. Her two sides battled for possesion of her face, fierce loyalty against flirtatious interest. The expressions flickered and tugged at her and she finally sat and said finally,

I can see you don't mean me any harm, and that's good enough for now.

Flicking water from her paw she looked down disdainfully at the wet marsh and tried to keep her tail from getting too wet. Unconciously flicking up a graceful, musclar if thin paw she licked it fastidiously and grimaced yet again at the bitter taste of the mud mingling with the saltiness of the blood. Looking interestedly up at the male she allowed herself a sultry smile, though less suggestive than usual. After all she didn't even know him that well...Yet.

[/blockquote]

[Lassiel]

Sileree? A beautiful name, one with a foreign taste to it, much the way her body held a foreign look. An eyebrow arched as her demeanor suddenly changed and he took a step back. Not out of fear, for though her form held muscle to it, she was ill and he felt confident he could overpower her if need be. No, he took the step more as an action of respect--it'd be quite annoying to be trying to recover as a stranger stood over you.

A smile that infuriated so many spread over his muzzle as she continued speaking, all the while contemplating how to have fun with this one. She seemed to be doing fine, and with that crisis gone, he was wiling to find something to do that would be more...fun. Finally given a chance to speak, he settled to the moist earth, a quick expression of displeasure crossing his face upon feeling the wetness. He shrugged, lifting his shoulders in an uncaring way. Honestly, I have no clue why I'm here--sorry babe. But I'm glad you've decided I'm not threat. Would hate to get in a fight with you. Be a disaster to mess up such a pretty face. Speaking of which...said face was giving an enticing smile at the moment--one that promised him a great time in the future, if he kept the beautiful Sileree from getting angry.

OOC: So sorry for the crappy post--I think I need to trade my muse in for another. *goes off searching*.

[Vox]

<sup>Chuckling at the smile, Sileree found it quite attractive actually, the lioness coughed a little. It was a soft cough, talking had seemed to make her feel better. Her smile still in it's firm place, the lioness said slowly and teasingly,

I'm glad you don't wish to fight with me, for I too have no desire to fight at the moment.

Then she stretched her aching body, which had been filled with kinks it seemed since she had gotten ill, with a small sigh. The beautiful femme felt as if she had been butchered and then sown together by a man, clumsily and carelessly. It felt as if she was splitting at the seams!

So... She said almost carelessly What do you want with 'babe'? Smirking at the pet name he had given her, Sileree noted that if she had been in a pugnacious mood, or rather if she had not been sick, she would have warned him from using such language around her before they knew each other better. But Sileree liked the flirtiness about him just now, she had yet to see if he had a serious side though. An intelligent one.

|ooc| Better than my posts! |</sup>

[Lassiel]

The devil may care grin widened as the beautiful female spoke, sultry tone caressing his ears with promise. Oh, this was going to be fun! And really...he could think of a lot of things he wanted to do with her--everything about her was intoxicating! Intentionally ignoring the question for a moment, hind legs pushed him to a stand as he walked off, brushing lightly against her side as he passed her and then casting a teasing look back before continuing on. His black and tawny colored mane ruffled in a small breeze, and for once he was happy that it had not yet reached its full size--the heat would be stifling beneath it! Halting at the edge of the water, he finally spoke over his shoulder, voice casual but with a hint of something else. The young male could play this game too.

Moving a bit fast, aren't you? How would I know what I want, if we only just met? Muscles rolled smoothly under pelt as he turned to face her, blatantly letting his eyes rove over her in a way which could not be misunderstood. Bringing his eyes to meet her gaze, he then spoke in all seriousness. I believe we both know exactly what I want...and it wouldn't be too much of a guess to say you want the same thing. Confident smirk reappearing, he took a few steps nearer. I've been lonely, ever since the old man kicked me out--and I doubt you would be....returning my affections if you didn't have the same goal in mind.

Another shrug of the shoulders, and his body rippled as he slowly stretched to the ground, inquiring look on his face. But maybe I'm wrong? I'd hate to make any assumptions about such a beautiful and cunning lioness as yourself. Though the words were teasing, they were honest. Never would he attempt to force a lioness--such a thing was despicable and deserved a quick death--and he actually held a soft spot for all females.

[Vox]

Lifting an elegant eyebrow at his advances, Sileree didn't move as he brushed against her which she suspected was not what most lionesses would've done. Dancer, for example would have started in fright and chuckled a little in nerves. But no...What was the point? He was just playing her game. But she wasn't that easy to catch. The rust colored lioness would make him work a little more, and if he got bored as she led him away into the dark...Then they probably would never have been good together. Full of mysteries and intricate patterns, Sileree wasn't exactly sure which one of her sides to put on for him. Serious? No, would ruin the mood. Proud? Well he had technically already offended her by brushing against her, so that was out. Casual? Hm...Possibly. " I'm gonna wing it...Never done that before. There has always been a plan behind my actions...And yet I feel a sudden urge to do something that is unexpected to myself. "

Sileree moved away from his touch a little, she saw him move his eyes over her. To her astonishment she felt her fur prickle a little in discomfit. When had she started getting self conscious?! She couldn't let that happen! Another small cough made her wheeze a little but she recovered her silence and watched him move. A handsome enough lion...But she wasn't sure if this toying manner would ever wear off. If he stuck around, she would have to stop flirting with him in this exorbitant fashion eventually. But was he the sort you could talk to normally without having ones mind drift off to...Other matters?

He moved to the water and he spoke. Sileree caught his words with a flickering smile and replied easily before he turned.

"I merely assumed you had something in mind. It's not ever day I get called pet names by lions I barely know."

There was a rolling quality to her tones, Sileree had always had a knack for making her words seem easy in such situations. But there was a slight bite to it as well, telling him that whatever his intentions were, if they were the slight bit to her displeasure she would not react with an innocent stare. Their eyes met and she heard his words, and she was disturbed by the fact that she didn't know what she wanted, really. They had an odd relationship. She was nearly dying of a cough, which still plagued her, he found her and they began to talk. Already they were moving to this subject?! As he said...They were moving a bit fast. And yet, she had never been one for tradition. In fact, she had defied it at a very young age.

Deciding on the spot that she would play along, for the time being, and then get out of the relationship sharpish if things got nasty, Sileree smiled again. It was not as sultry. She had gotten bored of that smile for this conversation. Her smile was a little guarded, and yet still pleasing. It made her feel safe, and it would make others feel warm. It was appropriate for the conversation.

"For the purposes of conversation, what exactly are these intentions of yours? Body language is very precise, but I like to ask stupid questions simply for the sake of clarification."

It was a simple enough question, but depending on how truthfully, how sincerely, and how suggestively he answered it she would find out more about his character.

[/blockquote]

[Lassiel]

A smooth transition from teasingly playful to nearly cautious as her smile changed--not to something less enjoyable...just different. He chose not to comment on her earlier statement, not to explain that such a name was only one of many which he bestowed upon lionesses. Though maybe 'Babe' didn't fit her all that well. She was most definitely an intelligent women--not one of those air-headed, shallow princesses he seemed to meet so often. The name suited them....but not her. A frown pulled at the corners of his mouth for a quick moment--he would have to find a new name, one that fit her better.

Ah, but the lady was asking another question? Mirroring her actions, he toned his own smile down--though it still held a hint of roguishness in it. A low chuckle rumbled in his chest before speaking once more. Answer my question with one of your own? We'll be going around in circles if we keep going like this--but no matter. A quick tease, before delving into more serious matters, for Sileree seemed the sort to want truthful answers...and far be it for him to deny her that.

Chocolate gaze focused on her, watching each move and every shift of her eyes. For the purposes of conversation, I will tolerate these 'stupid questions'--but only from one such as yourself. The arrival of a faint smirk so his words would not be taken wrong were quickly followed by his answer and another lift of shoulders in a shrug. But my intentions are simply to have a good time--though how far that goes is completely up to you. I will be happy with just this simple conversation, if that is all I am given.

How would she take his answer? From this quick meeting so far, he was certain she would turn it over in her mind, which really did not bother him--he appreciated a woman who could actually think for herself, one who could have something worthwhile to say. Intelligence--a quality that could be dangerous, but was so very welcoming. Most likely, she would twist and study his words in her mind, almost like a little fox. Perhaps that would be her new 'pet name?' It fit her well--one who was as beautiful and cunning as a vixen. Ah yes, Vixen, that is who you are. So unlike those shallow girls who cannot even hold a decent conversation.

[Vox]

<sub>Interesting boy, this one...Sileree too would have to go over his character soon. Delve deeper into how this 'Thorn' came to be here, and make sure that this 'talk' did not go as disastrously wrong as her last one did. The memory of her chat with Calamity still stung, but it was in the past and it didn't serve her. 'Just like you said Calamity, I found myself a pride. I'm letting down my walls now, we'll see how it goes...' As she thought this slightly mocking thought, Sileree relaxed. Unconsciously she had been carrying herself in a way that indicated discomfort almost that had nothing to do with the damp. Rolling her shoulders a little, Sileree lay down on the scrubby grass that covered the dry parts of the marsh.

The coppery lioness rubbed her back against the grasses and looked up at Thorn, smiling again. A small, barely audible purr came from her mouth with was opened a little to taste the air. After her itch had been satisfied she got up, shook her heavy fur that had still not fully adjusted to the newfound heat of these lands, and peered interestedly at Thorn. She would, as she always did, strike up conversation. Sileree would ready the spark and wait for Thorn to respond. It was an offer to talk about something that brought less suspicion to their relationship.

"As a final address to your intentions, I feel it safe to say that a conversation is something I may offer you at the very least." Sileree said cordially in a tone that indicated that there were a great many things that Thorn could receive other than a conversation if he stuck around. "So, Thorn, what brings you to the wetlands? You don't appear to have a fondness for the damp, and I can tell that you have no relatives here. It doesn't look as if you have come to claim these lands, so you have succeeded in leaving me puzzled as to your..." She paused for a moment and then her sultry smile flickered for half a second on her face before she whispered "...Purpose."

Marginally satisfied now that she had said something, Sileree continued to look at him. Her honey colored eyes and his chocolate ones having a stand off almost. Now she would see what he was here for at last. He could be just traveling, she reasoned. But then she remembered he had said something about his 'old man' kicking him out. That was to be expected, even though her brothers had left before their 'old man' had had the chance to kick them out Sileree had, as she always said, 'been around' and was not ignorant. Her travels were to her advantage and her disadvantage, but she did not regret her wanderings. Now she was ready to be loyal to someone other than herself, be loyal to a pride or community instead of just her previous selfish belief that only Sileree mattered.

Before it had just been her and herself, but now she had reached a bend in the road that was her life that had leaned towards staying still. Yet again the stinging words of the lady-killer rang through her head. 'Join a pride, get a husband...' It had hurt back then, but now Sileree was ready to let herself be ridiculed. Very cautiously, this Thorn had helped her open up she supposed. It was high time to stop hiding and expose herself, no matter how many other lions would make fun of her. A gentle glance, and an inquisitive look adorned her face. Sileree was very curious indeed about the lion opposite her. She was even more curious about the thoughtful look that had crossed his face. A small smile of delight appeared on the lionesses features at the idea that she had made him wonder about her. Good. For that was exactly what she intended. Her inviting look was back and she sat elegantly and relaxed. Waiting for his response and hoping it revealed something more about himself.</sub>

[Lassiel]

Whatever thoughts were dancing behind her eyes--whatever decisions and desires that flitted beneath her gaze, he could not read. Which of course, made the 'hunt' all the more exciting. But it was unlike any normal one in which the prey sprinted madly, wildly away without a thought save to escape his deadly claws. No, this particular chase was being played out by equals, and the game was not ended by death--and hopefully would not be.

Thorn watched Sileree's movements with undisguised admiration. Every movement, every shift against the marsh grass seemed to be Grace embodied. Oh yes, she held much more intrigue than did any other lioness he had met in his short life. Her sultry gaze was tempered by the air of confidence that surrounded her--an aspect that made her all the more desirable.

Thorn's muscles relaxed even more as he splayed out on his side, head still raised and contemplating his answer as he watched her. An eyebrow that had raised itself as at her tone she first began to speak lowered to its original position before he open his mouth. I only hope that I can provide an as interesting conversation for you, as you already have done for me. Heavy tail whipped over to land across his outstretched hind legs before he spoke again, happy to give her an answer. I am, quite simply, a rogue. By status certainly, though some would say by my temperament and nature as well. He flashed a charming smile as he continued. Males don't seem to like me being around, though I can't imagine why... There was an impish light in his chocolate eyes, one which said that he knew full well why they disliked him so. Probably for the same reason I was kicked out of my own pride, which is why you see me here today. A quick, sad looked raced through his eyes, but it was gone as swiftly as it came and followed by a smile that wasn't quite as brilliant as before. Kings tend to be much more lenient when their huntresses mess around with others than when their own sons do the same.

Thorn suddenly rolled to his back, the hot sun warming his belly quite nicely. His flirty nature came over him again as he watched the now upside down lioness and a playful grin once more pulled at his muzzle. And that is why I'm here today! Certainly not to overtake a pride! He snorted lightly, an action that probably looked comical to the lioness from his current position. Thorn's mind flicked back briefly to thoughts of his old pride, but he said nothing more of it. He could be serious, had been serious many times in his life--but there was no need to spill his life's story to Sileree, no matter how beautiful or intelligent she was. But he had given her more than many others.

He rolled back to his stomach and pushed his front half up so he was sitting, shaking dirt and grass from the short mane as he met her gaze again. I guess you could say my purpose here is merely to explore, though I must confess--if not for you I would have already left this watery land. He glanced about himself with open contempt and disgust. I really can't understand how a beautiful creature like yourself came to live in a place like this. It was an opening, one which she could easily take, or just as simply ignore if she did not want to tell about herself. He hoped though, that she would take the opportunity.

[Vox]

<sub>Listening raptly to his words, Sileree noted carefully the tone in which he took with her. It held respect, she approved of that, and a little wistfulness at his past. But that was only to be expected, she could sympathize with the fact that he might regret some things he did. Or was she simply projecting onto him that she herself had regrets. A shadow crossed over her face, pain was shown on it as she heard his words, " Kings tend to be much more lenient when their huntresses mess around with others than when their own sons do the same. " Her throat tightened and her eyes were filled with hot tears in a sudden, irrational moment.

Was he here to mess around with her as well? Like Brock, Elphias and Mathieu had all those years ago? Of course not! Thorn wasn't like that...Was he? Thorn's face was pictured in her mind as she stared down at her paws, and she was brought back forcibly to her younger days. How closely he resembled Brock, with his thin patched mane and his charming face. A small shiver ran up her spine, but she hoped he hadn't seen it. Sileree's formidable presence seemed to shrink a little, and her grace was diminished a little by the memories that pelted at her.

Was it time to tell him about her past? One part of her screamed that she would take her secret to the grave, the other said that it was time she told someone everything. Sileree did neither, she settled on the truth as he did. Thorn had told her the truth, Sileree would tell him the truth...To an extent. Still looking at her feet, Sileree searched her scattered mind that was usually so organized and guarded and found what she was looking for. A large, bloody folder with the words ' Dry Season, First year of my life ' on it. Sileree had been a year old when she had left her parents pride, and what a mistake that had been. She took a deep breath and said in a hollow voice, half reluctantly.

It was the dry season, I was about a year old give or take a month. I had left my parents pride for adventure, always being the idiotic rebel back then, and I stumbled upon a group of lions. Rogues... They were around two or three years old back then, which was a year or two older than myself. Brock, Elphias and Mathieu they said they were called. They were very polite and ever so charming, like yourself. They had run away from their homes to wander the land for 'wisdom'. Sileree snorted and anger entered her voice. I began to travel with them, foolishly. But I was young and naive and I didn't know any better.

Settling herself into a more comfortable position, Sileree didn't dare look into Thorn's chocolate eyes. She continued, her voice empty of emotion again.

After a week or so, I caught them all whispering after I went to bed. They were planning how best to take advantage of me, and I was scared. That morning I scarpered, but they caught me. Brock had been awake and he-- Sileree's voice broke and she looked away from herself, disgusted.

Her bones stuck out as she twisted her head away, and she suddenly looked younger and less like her old self. More like the scared lioness she had been that horrible day.

All I remember about those long weeks they tortured me was the heat of the sun, which I now hate, the dust on my skin, in my eyes, covering my tongue and the pain of it all. I couldn't take much more, and one day when I had finally collapsed and they left me I felt different. I could feel what they felt, what everyone around me felt. I felt their disgust for me, along with my pain and their anger at the world. I finally managed to escape and I came here. I came to Kinamasi, the marsh, because it was the coolest, wettest place I could find. I never wanted to have the same sun that beat down on me then beat down on me now, a constant reminder of why I hold myself, this capsule of mortality which those rogues saw as a realm of pleasure, in contempt.

Almost shocking herself with how much she had leaked, Sileree looked up finally. Defiantly into Thorn's eyes, daring him to laugh. Goading him to make his move, because she was ready for any move he might make. She starved herself, she wasted away, Sileree was little more than a ghost of her previous self. Her looks were intact, but the same battle raged inside. Even her sultry smile looked forced, compared to the looks she would throw Brock before she found out about his old nature. Would her true self ever come out again? Maybe.</sub>

[/sub]

[Lassiel]

The grin that seemed to be such a part of Thorn's appearance slowly faded away as he watched her expression change. He did not miss the tears that shone briefly in her honey eyes before she ducked her head, staring at the ground. What...what had happened? He was struck with the worry that somehow he had caused this sudden pain. And the tone of her voice, as Sileree began to speak, only deepened this fear. So far, this lioness was proving to be an engaging sort he could get along with and he had no desire to harm her in any way. Not that he would want to harm some stranger--unless they somehow provoked him.

He listened intently to her words, surprised that she was willing to give this much away so quickly. Chocolate eyes narrowed as she spoke of what they were planning, though he believed that it had not taken place. The tip of his tail twitched in an agitated manner and his body tensed, waiting for her to explain more. And when it came, his carefree manner transformed into hot anger. An ugly snarl took over his face, a low growl emitting from his chest as dark ears pinned themselves halfway to his head, as if the culprits themselves were before him. But he held his peace, barely, until she finished speaking. And when she looked up at him with a strange look in her eyes, he exploded.

How dare they! His voice rumbled with clear anger, and he suddenly took to his feet, pacing the land violently in an attempt to control his emotions. Muscles quivered beneath his fur, rippling as he turned to begin stalking the other way. Those despicable bastards! I'll kill them if they ever show their worthless faces to me! Halting his movement suddenly, he raised a large paw before giving a powerful swipe toward a plant, which tore beneath his claws to fly into the water. His gaze focused back on her, eyes flashing with clear rage. To even think such a thing was only reserved for the lowest of creatures. It was unforgivable! No wonder she found the marsh to her liking.

He returned to his place in front of her, though nearer this time, and did not take his eyes away from her. His voice was low and deadly fierce as he spoke. I am not like them, Sileree. He used her name for the first time in their conversation, perhaps in an attempt to show how serious he was. To even remotely think about doing such a thing is against my nature--it disgusts me! Yes, I mess around with others, but never-- He turned away quickly, controlling the anger that was building inside again. After a few moments, he faced her and spoke softer. I am sorry for what they put you through, though I know my words cannot take that time away. They deserve nothing less than death! His voice rose at that last statement and he abruptly stopped speaking, no longer trusting himself with words and instead waiting for her reaction to his rather fierce emotions.