The dark one enters

[lexx]

Loki had been traveling for a while now. The black lion let out a deep roar as he had smelled lions not to far. He called out in a deep roar seeing if any male lions were near. As he padded through the marshy lands he took the time to look around. He was like a ghost. He was there as golden orbs searched through the dark night. Not even the stars were out this night. He took a deep breath as the large male kept walking. He was almost pure black. Thought to be a demon as his color was not as rare as a white lion but he wasn't common. Least thats what his mother had told him.

He took a loook around the darkness of the night growing thicker. He felt safe though. He stopped again stretching out and letting out a deep roar. He had to find where these lions were. The marsh carried their scent only so far. He roared again in hopes of at least getting one to answer back. But he kept his eyes and ears open for any who tried to sneak up and possibly attack him. Again he roared out but he couldn't help but think of the night his pride was taken from him by the humans. He took a deep breath and there he let out a long loud roar. His lungs pushed the air and his voice carying the sound out. He had to at least know the humans hadn't killed more then he though.

[Lassiel]

<sub>Nights were humid in the marsh, especially during the wet season. That really wasn't all that bad, at least to Lothril, but she hated the insects that buzzed in her ear. It was just so annoying. With a slight grimace, the Akina Queen rubbed the side of her face against her paw, urging the bugs to go away. Her lithe, well-muscled body was laid out on the ground, legs splayed to her side and head raised. It gave the impression of her being alert, but in reality her golden eyes were half-closed in a desire to sleep. But for all her wish to just pass out on the ground, it really was not all that safe to sleep by herself--for the pride or for her. Her rich gold pelt rose and feel as she lay there, mind running all over the place. She liked the night--loved its dark silence--even though it wasn't really silent. There were sounds everywhere, all the time. But all the same, the night seemed to hold a strange form of peace.

She thought about her daughters, and of her pride--wondering how their lives would change. Akina was...a strange pride. No other had gone through as many kings, and she didn't think any other had only one male wandering around. They were, essentially, a pride of ladies--a grand prize to any wandering lion who decided to rule them. The thought made Lothril grimace for a moment. If any male with bad intentions came to her lands, she would not let them off lightly.

Lost in her thoughts, the sound of a roar echoing over the land caused her eyes to snap open, ears perking for the source. It was a lion, beyond doubt--his deep roar held that masculine tone to it like every other. With a quick movement, she pushed herself to her feet, form tense as she attempted to track down the sound. There! In quick succession came two more, the sound asking for any other to let him no of their presence. A smirk curled across her lips. Oh, he would know she was here--but it would be on her terms.

Now knowing where the stranger was, Lothril began jogging toward him, all trace of laziness gone. In its place was the the mind of a leader, one who intended to know of any danger to her family. Hearing the male let out another long roar, she paused. Well, she might as well answer--it wasn't like he wouldn't be able to scent her soon. The lioness let out her own roar, her voice telling the stranger that the one coming to him was a leader, and even holding a bit of warning in it.

She began moving again, coming to the area she thought he waited. Halting, she glanced around, not able to see him at first. But then she made out the larger form of a male, his coat dark and hiding him well in the night. Watching him cautiously, Lothril spoke, her voice calm but with a tone of authority. I am Lothril, the Queen of the Akina pride. Why are you here? The question was not accusing, but it was her duty to know what was going on in her lands, and she was known for getting straight to the point.</sub>

[lexx]

Loki was silent. The night was silent and at least his thick mane blocked the bugs from buzzing in his ears. Though his nose and eyes were their victoms. He grunted sitting down and taking a large paw to his face swatting them off and letting out a soft groan of displeasure. He just sat there the humidity was like his old home. Why in the world had he traveled here? He still did not know. He took another deep breath his heart was beating softly yet it was like thunder in his ears. The sound of the night filling him as he closed his eyes.

Then came another sound. The sound of paws touching the ground. This lion was near. He opened his eyes ears perked forward as he turned his head to the voice. He was always one to show respect as thats how he was tought. He bowed his head ever so slightly in this before speaking. I am Loki, no longer king of a slain pride. I was running away from the beasts that slaughtered my family. I have been running for days now. But I know they follow me not. Coould he be more long winded? Loki stood up in her presence. He was very large for a male though his mane made it seem even larger... or fat. He was well toned musles mostly with hardle any fat on him. A born fighter and protecter.

I am sorry if i disturbed your pride ma'am. He did not want to cause any trouble. I wanted to find the leaders of this land to ask if I could hunt here. I have not eaten in a while and feel I am growing to weak. That was sort of half truth. He wanted a place to stay even if it ment he had to join the ladies on the hunt or hunt for them. He'd do anything at this point. It was always a fear... the fear of being alone.

[kishkir]

Crow had been walking with Vishar. He had been wondering where the young female was. "You have been gone...many days. And your queen has been worried about you." He said. "I've been...busy." She said. "Busy doing what? Trooping?" He asked. "No, meditation." She answered. Crow looked up at the roar. "Another male. Stay by me." He said and trotted off in the direction of the sound. Vishar followed very closley. She halted as the large black male came into veiw, and Lothril. Crow stepped forward and watched Lothril. He wanted to make sure she didn't get into any trouble. The male in question looked like he didn't want to cause any trouble, but one could never be too sure. Vishar on the other hand walked slowley up to her queen. She sat down and watched the stranger with interest.

[Lassiel]

<sub>The lion faced her, meeting her golden gaze with his own before lowering his head. She returned the nod, recognizing the motion as a sign of respect, and then met his eyes again as he spoke, standing up in the process. He was bigger than her, and though it was common for males to be so, he appeared exceptionally large. Her gaze softened slightly at his explanation, well-able to imagine the pain of losing her pride. Good though, that the murderers were not following. He was speaking again, explaining even more, and she felt a small stab of gratitude that he wanted to gain permission before hunting.

We are...without a king, at the moment, so I am the only leader you will find. Her form had lost some of its tenseness, though she did not yet sit down. Upon hearing two sets of footsteps approaching, Lothril glanced away from Loki for a moment, quickly catching sight of two other pride members. A soft smile graced her face for a moment upon seeing Vishar--it had been awhile and she was glad the lioness had come to no harm. Vishar had been with the pride from the beginning, and when Lothril's mate disappeared, she had been a great comfort to the worried queen. Her attention turned to Crow next, who was standing and watching her with an almost protective air about him. From the day he had joined Akina he had pretty much sworn to protect her, and though Lothril did not really think she needed protecting, the gesture was touching and appreciated.

Turning toward Loki once more, Lothril spoke again. So long as they mean no harm, I do not turn away those who need help. You are welcome to hunt here for as long as you need. Though... A smirk pulled at her muzzle. You may have some trouble hiding in broad daylight. The smirked then turned into a truly grateful smile as she became serious once more. Thank you for taking the time to ask permission, even though you are in need of food. And...I am sorry for your pride--I know it must be hard.</sub>

[lexx]

Loki nodded to her. Then two more came. Another female and male. At first he thought this lion was her king her mate and then he soon realized he was not. It was her words that said it. Loki almost smiled with releif. He knew how males could get when defending thier family and cared ones. I am honored you will let me hunt. Thank you. It was short and simple. The pain will never go away and maybe one day I can join or start a new pride of my own. But that day I think is still far away. I will cary on their memories... He closed his golden eyes as he held back from even thinking of crying. His heir his son was only a few days old...

So who are these two? He inquired just out of curiosity o get off the subject and pain of his loss. He bowed to both of them. I am Loki. He said introducing himself to the others.

[kishkir]

A rumble lightly shook Crow's throat. It was barley loud enough to hear. Vishar turned and watched him. She then turned back to look at the male. He was not of the pride but he had been accepted to possibly join them for a hunt. Vishar watched the new male, her eyes glowing vibrantly. She turned towards Lothril. "My queen, I am so sorry for my absence!" She said bowing. "I have missed the pride. I have been...cleaning up someone elses mess." She said bowing again.

Crow was watching the other male. He had not taken his eyes off of him for one moment. He just cared for the saftey of Lothril and the pride. He turned as Vishar gave him a look. He smiled at her and looked back to the other male.

[Lassiel]

<sub>The pain of losing loved ones...she understood it--had suffered it herself. And as such, she recognized his attempt to avoid the subject. Besides, who truly wanted to discuss such things with strangers? Her gaze landed on Vishar, who was speaking. An eyebrow arched at her explanation, a silent statement saying that she would like to hear more, though it didn't have to be at this moment. I am just glad you are back, Vishar. I have missed you as well. Her tone as warm, as it often was with those she trusted.

Golden eyes focused on Loki again. This is Vishar--she has long been with the pride. And her friend-- Directing a nod toward Crow, who was still watching Loki. --Crow. Her eyes narrowed slightly for a moment--out of concentration, not annoyance. He was watching Loki intently, and she silently hoped that the two would get along. Males--at least most of the ones she had known--weren't always the most welcoming to other males. But she had faith that Crow would not do anything rash, and Loki seemed to have his head on straight too. She shook her head, dispelling her thoughts and turning to other matters instead--like that of her empty stomach. I have not eaten in some time, and you are hungry yourself, Loki. Would you care to join me in a hunt? She glanced toward her pride members, inviting them as well if they had not brought anything down in awhile. Eyes shone as she thought a hunt with all four of them. African Buffalo, the largest prey in Kinamasi, could be difficult for even a large group of lionesses to bring down, but with the added strength of two males...It would be an interesting hunt, at the least.</sub>

[lexx]

Its a pleasure to meet both of you. He said to the others. His dark body shifted slightly and he shook out his long mane. Darn bugs. He snorted swatting at one that bit his nose. He grunted before turning to her again. I would love to join you on a hunt. He said with a soft smile to his lips. He did see the power of the group they had here. And since it was dark, well they would most likely not be seen. You know these lands probably better then any of us my lady. Care to lead us? He asked tilting his head slightly.

He knew one thing was for sure. Crow and himself would be the ones to be doing the power on this. If they went after something big their muscle was going to be needed aswell as the lioness speed. I am going to guess crow and I will be behind you waiting for the single. He more or less stated. He hoped Crow agreed. Loki had offten joined his lioness when she hunted aswell as the others. He enjoyed it actually. Though he was not fast when it came to large prey... a large power lion or lions was a great asset.

[kishkir]

Crow stood and walked over to Lothril. He nuzzled her slightly and looked over to Vishar. "Lets go, all of us." He said and waited for Lothril to lead them into the hunt. Vishar sighed and rolled her eyes at Crow. He was trying to act affectionate, only because a male...the other male was a possible threat. She smirked and stood as well. "Yes, it is a good idea that we all go." She said and stretched as she started to move.

[lexx]

Loki followed the queen and the pride members that were here. He had to admit it felt pretty good to be with others even if they were not his family. Well not yet at least. Maybe he could ask to join as a protector? He mused at the thought. With a soft pur of delight about finaly being able to eat something after a week. He stretched lightly following the others.

He wondered though. Did Crow like his queen more then he let on? He smirked softly. That display a few seconds ago sort of hinted it to him. With a soft shrug he let it pass. He would not think about their personal matters.

[Lassiel]

<sub>Her only reply to Loki was a small smile, one that curled her black lips only slightly, but which gave the answer, Of course. Long tail flicking excitedly, her movement was stopped when she felt Crow nearing, and she turned to look at him expectantly. She was most certainly not prepared for the sudden show of affection, and it threw her off for a moment, though she kept the calm exterior as always. At the feel of Crow's fur Lothril's mind was, for a split second, thrown back to the day when another male sat by her side and warmth began to fill her. But that was soon doused by the cold rain of reality, and what could only be termed as anger replaced it. To this day, she could not understand why Akina's first king--her mate--had left two young daughters and herself behind. At times, she accepted what happened, telling herself to move on with her life since it was obvious he would not return. But at others--such as now--the Queen just could not wrap her mind around it and anger sometimes took over. And she hated the feeling of helplessness that came with it.

Golden eyes blinked a few times as she yanked herself away from her memories, and she gave Crow a smile, albeit a slightly sad one. Quickly though, the mind of a hunter and queen took over, and she flexed her claws experimentally before glancing up with a wicked gleam. Let us go. The statement was short, but any could hear the excitement in it. Long legs covered the ground in an easy jog, heading toward a destination only she knew about--at the moment. I have been watching one particular herd of buffalo for a few days, but there were always too many for me to pick off a sicker one--they are much too watchful. Tonight though...I think we can manage.

As her body brushed up against the reedy grass and splashed through mud and water, she wondered how Loki was taking the terrain. Few thought of the marsh as a great place to live, but she found it to be an interesting place. Perhaps it helped that she seemed to have an uncanny attraction to water...She allowed herself a small laugh, knowing full well how strange it was for a lion to like it--but she cut it short upon noticing a herd, their dark shapes moving slowly, if at all. Perfect. Immediately, Lothril crouched lower into the grass, belly nearly meeting the moist ground as she waited for the other hunters to appear. The attack would have to be thought over carefully. Even with a group such as hers, this particular prey was always very dangerous, easily able to gore any beast who didn't move quick enough. With this in mind, one ear rotated backwards, waiting for her companions to appear so the hunt could be considered,</sub>

[lexx]

Loki just watched and followed closely. He seemed to almost disapear into the night as he held his head low and a steady pace. He had to admit that the marsh was different but he could get used to it. He was sure they never had any true trouble finding water even in the dry season. He was sort of enjoying it really. Then we must be careful. IIf you target the one we want... don't worry about injuring youself. My pride had once taken down an elefant. A small brag but true. His pride was 20 lions strong... well was. The thought stung his mind as he shook it off.

Then came the time. He could smell them. His body low he knew their eyesight was horrible. He looked to Lothril as his body was low to the ground poised and waiting to react. His ears were perked forward as habbit kicked in. He didn't move but he crouched close to Lothril. His eyes on their prey.

[kishkir]

Vishar stayed back away from the group. She liked to hunt alone. It gave her a chance to think. Slowley ever so slowly she slinked around to the other side of the herd of large, overly aggressive buffulo. She kept low. She would drive the herd right into the other lions in waiting. She smiled and belly crawled to where she could easily see the herd. She crawled forward her body licking the ground, the tan grass's licking the sides of her body tickling her. She laid down and watched. She had hoped that the others had moved into position. Vishar had latley been lost in her own thoughts about the killings that had been going on. The hyena's had been getting dangerously close and she had been off protecting a mothers cubs. How she had been dragged into it, she was unsure. She sighed and turned her focus back to the matter at hand, only to find that the herd had migrated towards her. This was now going to be more difficult. These beasts were too aggressive for their own good. She sighed and propped herself up so that she would be ready to charge.

Crow walked along the side of Lothril. She looked so beautiful when she readied herself for a hunt. He smiled and then looked over at the seemingly invisable Loki. He sighed and breathed in the fresh night air. Something sparked him. He didn't feel the presence of Vishar behind them. He turned only to see that his feelings were right. "Lothril, Vishar is gone." He said his voice barley above a whisper. "Where did she go?" He asked Loki, seeing if he knew where she had gone.

[Lassiel]

<sub>Hearing the others near her, Lothril refocused on the group, searching for any easy picking. The beasts were ambling in an almost opposite direction from the hunters, still unaware of their presence, dark bodies shuffling as they moved from the night. The wisest thing to do would be to pick out one of the old, young, or injured--but even she could not find one with those qualities. A frown marred her features. It looked like they would have to attack one of the healthier, and thus more dangerous ones. As she began to look for a suitable target, Crow's voice whispered in her ear, barely heard even in the still night. Her concentration abruptly snapped. Gone? Swiftly, she glanced behind, having to see for herself if Vishar was gone. Upon seeing nothing of the other lioness, a curse rarely heard from her muttered underneath her breath.

Lothril rose from the ground only slightly, so as not to startle the herd but at the same time be able to search for the wayward pride member. As much as she loved Vishar for her loyalty and just as a friend, this was certainly the most idiotic thing she had ever seen her do. These beasts were dangerous. Far more dangerous than a zebra or gazelle. In Lothril's mind, they were only surpassed by an elephant--and that was simply because they were so large. Unlike some other prey, all the buffalo in a herd would rush to another's defense--even if they weren't family--and were more than capable of driving off an entire pride if things did not go right. For Vishar to separate herself form the safety of the group....it could very well spell her death.

I cannot see her. Her voice was strained with worry and annoyance. If she means to startle them on her own without our knowledge, we will have know idea of where they will run. She paused before speaking again, her whispered tones obviously filled with apprehension now that the safety of a pride member was in danger. They may not even run--they could very well try to trample her! And it would not be unheard of or unexpected. If they saw a lone lioness threatening them....they may decide that it would just be easier to get rid of the danger on their own--by killing her. That thought spurred her to search even more, her eyes and ears scanning the surroundings.</sub>