On Wings Like Eagles

[zaire]

The dark golden lioness had been wandering aimlessly for the past few hours through lands that she had taken little notice of. Having recently made a suitable kill, she barely glanced at nervously grazing antelope in the distance. She was parched, thirst coated her mouth and throat like sand and an unpleasant taste had accompanied it. A watering hole seemed not too far from where the lioness sat and she eyed it carefully. She set off at a reasonably slow pace, on the lookout for rouge lions and elephants. Seeing no life other than some stray antelope, she picked up the pace. As she neared the watering hole, a strong, pungent scent hit her like a brick wall. She stood, stock-still, smelling carefully. This was definitely pride land. She took a careful step forward, her unusually lean body stretched taunt, all her muscles bunched and tense. The lioness was cursing to herself, she had entered pride lands without permission, who knew what danger could befall her. She thought of her brother, Sundiata, who had died a vicious death at the hands of another pack. He had only been a year old when he accidentally set foot in another pride's territory, innocently looking for water. He had been torn to shreds. She had been blamed for the death, her mother, Meeka, had set her daughter, this lioness, on duty to watch her younger brothers. Poor Zaire, this lioness, had not even noticed when clever Sundiata slipped off. Zaire was only a year old herself, just a couple minutes older than her brothers. Zaire was incredibly tense, as she gazed longingly at the water hole. It seemed so near, but Zaire knew that leaving the very edges of the pride's borders would be incredibly stupid and dangerous. "But you're parched, Zaire..." A little voice whispered to the deep gold lioness. "it's better than being dead!" Another voice said coldly. "You will be dead if you don't get some of that cool...refreshing...water, Zaire..." The first voiced coaxed her, and won her over.

With a swift leap Zaire bounded off to the watering hole temporarily letting down her guard. Her amber eyes quickly scanned for lions that lived in this land and then put her paws in the pool. The water wasn't exactly cool, who could expect it to be with the scorching heat? But it was water and that would keep Zaire alive. She drank slow sips, never keeping her eyes on the water. She raised her head and surveyed the grounds carefully. Nope. Nothing. Only a couple of crows and some other birds wandered around, in the same aimless way as Zaire had. With a sigh, Zaire felt quite lonely. No one had come yet, and a severe sense of abandonment filled Zaire, and quickly. She had had little feline contact since leaving home and two and half years old. Attempted rape, on several occasions, had left her mentally and physically scarred and now, she was reliving those moments, just waiting for a larger, crueler lion to attack her and strip her virginity from her. The three year old lioness yawned and laid down by the pool, her paws crossed, her head resting serenely. She was still tensed however and keeping a constant vigil. It was dangerous for her she knew that. In another's land with no permission. When would another approach her?

[charli2008]

The ground was parched and so was everything around it. Even the flies were drowsy. It was a fine place to be, at a water hole. Of course the water wasn't as cool as everyone hoped it would be but who could help that? A good hiding place too, around the water. The long reeds made perfect cover for a single lion. And the cover was taken. A tawny male lion lay in the reeds. He came here early in the morning, made a kill and lazed around for the rest of the day. Usually nothing came his way but some antelope. Today was different. The scent of a lioness had been in the air for some time but far away. As he turned his maned head, scarred aplenty, he saw her. He smirked as she let her guard down. He could have easily leapt on her. But instead he stayed hidden, watching intently. As she lay down beside the water a thought came into his mind. He should go and introduce himself.

Not caring anymore about staying hidden he swaggered straight out of the reeds, his tail swinging nineteen-to-the-dozen and mane fluttering in the light wind. As he got a few paces away from her he sat down. He groomed his side for a moment so she knew he didn't want to hurt her and then looked directly at her. He could sense the fear in the air. Composing himself the male spoke Hello there, madam. What are you doing in such a place as this? he said with a tone of power, mixed with curiosity.

[zaire]

Zaire didn't expect anyone to show up in the heat of the day, and yet, there it was! A scent punctuated the air sharply, catching the lioness's attention. Her tail rapped the ground nervously and she sat up, her nicked ears flat against her skull. It was the definite, heated scent of a male lion. Zaire sniffed carefully, her amber eyes now in sharp focus searching swiftly for the intruder. Intruder? Wait. She was the intruder, not this fellow. Nervousness engulfed her. She was naturally afraid, she didn't want to be caught off-guard, and venerable. She took in a deep breath, her tail rapping more quickly now. She stood, the scent was coming closer, and yet she did not see him. "Curse these tall grasses!" She thought angrily. Once, a million years ago they helped her, now they turned against her and worked to the advantage of the unknown lion nearing her resting spot. Her tail whipped behind her unconsciously and then she saw him.
He was a quite a bit bigger than her, as lions usually were, as she was born small. He stopped a little ways from Zaire, to groom his side, a gesture showing he meant no harm. It was little comfort to Zaire however, since when have lions cared about their female counterparts? A slightly curious and slightly frightened look was smeared across Zaire's pretty face, and she backed up a step. She was about to mutter an apology and high tail it out of there, when he spoke first. "Hello there, madam. What are you doing in such a place as this?" He said, in a powerful, but not unkind, voice. he was curious, as much as Zaire was, and this made him seem a little bit less intimidating. She lowered her head, keeping her eyes steady on him however, and spoke in return. "I...I heard this was the best watering hole in the land and I was thirsty so I came here, I'm sorry... Is this your home?" She stopped herself from rambling on and on and hoped he wouldn't think badly of her for her nervousness.

[zaire]

anyone?

[Lassiel]

<sub>ooc: I'll bring one of my girls in here--but be warned, I may not be able to reply as often as usual.

She...didn't do well in the heat, to put it lightly. And today seemed to be especially hot--well, for Africa, at least. Not only that, but her paws were sore from wandering and she herself was becoming depressed...well, the closest thing to it, considering she was one of the happiest, carefree lionesses around. After the leaders of her previous pride just...disappeared, Asminia spent her time wandering, lost without another lion to guide her. When Asuka left without a word, it was a blow to the naive girl, who trusted easily and saw the world as a kind place overall.

The lioness sighed softly, wearily picking up her paws again. She was so thirsty! Her tongue felt thick and dry in her mouth, rolling out past her teeth as she slowly continued across the sands. Pausing for a quick moment, Asminia lifted her head and scanned the horizon. To her astonishment, and great relief, she could see a greener spot in the distance--and mingled with it the cool blue of water! Her heart lifting quickly and spirits rising to the way they usually were, Asminia took off toward the sight. Without a thought, and without looking at her surroundings, the lioness splashed into the water, laughing with childish delight. Bending, she lapped up a few drinks of the blessed liquid, feeling it make a cool trail down her throat. Young eyes flashing with girlish delight, she glanced upward--and immediately shrank back upon seeing the male and other lioness. Swallowing, Asminia glanced at them with worried eyes, waiting for them to speak first.</sub>

[Vox]

He had left him in charge and apparently the git had run off. " Never trust anybody but oneself for ruling ones own land, Truth. Daddy told you that, you prat. " It was not the Truth, but he was a little angry at his son for abandoning his post. Xirin was with Aamira, so he could not guard Suali. Last he had heard his son, 'Eddie', was off philandering. As per usual, the blame fell squarely on Truth's shoulders.

No he does not live here. Or rather, he may, but he is not part of any Pride that is allowed to reside here. I am Truthl the King of Alethea. At your service, Madame.

A small smile, and a low bow followed his words, and Truth. Yes, this was the best watering hole in the land and he had control over it. He was happy that there were strangers on his land, which seemed odd. But only if you were not as diplomatic as Truth was. To be frank, blunt and honest; Truth had one of the best lands in all the regions. It had great prey, excellent water and remained cool and moist even in the dry season. Eiroka was warm and yet not uncomfortably so and it was excellent for the health. If you had a sickness, you could make your way there and be quite at home. Bask, hunt and laze around. He was not intrusive, even if he appeared to be. It was his land, his land that they were trespassing on. So he did have a right to ask their business. He noted with satisfaction that he was as fit as the other male. Maybe even fitter. He kept himself trim, it was his job. Turning his clear gray eyes to the male, in an inviting way, he asked him wordlessly to share what he was doing on Alethea land. It was a look that made fur ripple in slight discomfort, and yet also seemed to warm the air a little. It was an open invitation to join the Pride, or to leave the land within twenty four hours.

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[zaire]

[ooc: felt like I should post]

The golden lioness was frankly bewildered by the sudden arrivals of the other lions. Well. Lioness and lion. The female didn't intimidate her so much as having two potentially vicious males at her paws. Her amber eyes closed briefly and she fixed her lovely face into an emotionless expression, even though she was writhing with fright on the inside. She took a small step backwards to distance herself from them, should she need to flee. "You idiot..." She thought anxiously, wondering at her stupidity. "You never never go into another pride's lands without an invitation! Not after what happened to Sundiata... Zaire's mind panicked. No. She wouldn't think of her brother's mangled body. She wouldn't think of the wicked smiles on the foreign pride's faces. She wouldn't think of her mother's fury at her for not watching hyperactive Sundiata. No. Images filled her mind, of her brother's limp, bloody body, twisted at unnatural angles. Her mother crying, desperatly hoping he was still alive somehow. The brutal beating her mother gave her. The scars still stood out on her ears and maw, when Meeka's harsh teeth and claws tried to kill her own daughter.

Zaire focused her gaze on the new lion. "No he does not live here. Or rather, he may, but he is not part of any Pride that is allowed to reside here. I am Truth the King of Alethea. At your service, Madame." The lion, named Truth said warmly, with a bow. Again, this bewildered Zaire even more. A bow? Did Kings bow to meager grovelers, outcasts like this lioness? Zaire took in a shaky breath, but when she spoke, her voice was quite steady.

"I am sorry for trespassing on your lands, M'Lord." Zaire cast her gaze to the ground in respect, her golden tail still and drooped in submission. "I am in need of a home, Lord Truth, and I would be most honored to reside here." Zaire raised her eyes to look at the King of this waterhole, to let him search her eyes for lies or deceit. Although she wasn't thinking of any such thing, she was a master of disguising those "windows to the soul" called eyes. Nothing but innocent sincerity filled her amber eyes and she took a breath, frightened of his reply. She glanced to the lioness and to the first lion, and hoped desperatly that this wasn't a ploy to distract her so that they could attack her, rape her and do whatever terrible things to her. She kept her muscles taunt and tense, her eyes steady at the three felines paws.

[Lassiel]

<sub>Another lion entered the scene, and Asminia's worry grew. When he spoke though, it was a tone that assured her and her confidence began to return. He was a king--he would not harm a wandering lioness like herself. And...it seemed that the other lioness was a wanderer too. Suddenly sure of herself, Asminia walked around the shore, nearing the King and lioness. She was the picture of innocence, her steps springy and a curious look in her eyes. And it was not a disguise, but her true self, for Asminia was but another name for naivety.

With a pleasing and content smile on her face, the lioness settled her haunches to the ground and watched the two, forgetting about the other male for a moment. As the woman spoke, her brows furrowed in concentration. Should she be asking for a home as well? She had had a pride, once, twice actually. But neither worked out. Should she really risk it again? Would another pride even take her? Her birth pride had kicked her out, and the other one just dispersed without telling her. Maybe she was just a drain on them...And why not? She couldn't hunt at all, and what use was a lioness that couldn't hunt? It was a miracle she had survived this long on her own.

Her body language reflected her nerves, though she was not aware of it. Truth was...she would not survive another season her own. Her form was already skinny, with bones sticking out where they shouldn't. She at least had to try. Licking her dry lips and swallowing, Asminia looked at the King. I am a wanderer too, my lord, and... Her gaze lowered nervously, and her last words were more of a mumble. ...I desperately need a home as well.

ooc: I know it's not very good, but I thought I should go ahead and get one out there.</sub>

[Vox]

It was the thing he both loved and hated about being a leader. They all thought he took himself seriously. Should he be tougher than he was? Would they still think him a suitable protector if he was not more selective about his members? Wudever...He did what he thought was right, and that should be good enough for everybody. Taking his eyes from the first lioness to stare at the bolder of the two, Truth looked deep into her eyes. From her scent and her appearance, which was rather bedraggled and even a little hangdog. Naivety stared back at him, and a smile twitched his whiskers. She was not what he would consider an ideal member, but he didn't need any of them. They were pompous, strong and generally unruly. He liked to help those that needed assistance, show them that they could trust him. When they did, they would become the ideal members. Except that they would be on his side. They would be loyal to him. A small, barely perceptible nod moved his head and he turned to the other. Truth stared at her just as intensely, and then looked away. She was frightened, and deceitful. There were lies inside her that he did not feel he had the right to tap into just yet. But not harmful ones, not something to worry about.

There is no need to feel intimidated, I would be honored if two able lionesses such as yourselves joined the Pride. If that is indeed what you mean by 'home'. I'm sure that we can find a use for you.

His eyes twinkled, their dark stormy gray lightening a notch. Flicking his tail calmly, he switched his gaze back to the bold lioness and allowed an appraising look to cross his features. There was definitely very little experience in her. She would need plenty of training, that was for sure. He was tempted to tell them to drop the 'lord' part of his title, but refrained from doing so. Not yet. They were but newly initiated members and he didn't know them that well yet.

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