He sleeps alone.

[leigh]

Ronan gave a wry grin as Thorn introduced himself. Truly this fellow was a ladies' man. He had called Nadayshana beautiful, and she seemed either flattered or embarrassed by the comment; Ronan could not tell which. Her own remark leaned toward embarrassment. What sort of lioness would confess that she was not beautiful? Ronan studied her features. She was nice looking, with her lovely dark markings, but not beautiful, to his own standards. Beauty was not a subject that Ronan knew much about, and he had never met a lioness that he considered "beautiful". Maybe his standards were too high. Maybe he didn't know what beauty really was.

Nadayshana spoke again, breaking Ronan's rapt comtemplation. The break was welcomed, and Ronan's nose wrinkled as he grinned. Small talk was usually awkward, Ronan always tried to make the best of any conversation. "The only thing you interupted was our discussion of who smells the nicest, and I doubt you'd like to join that discussion. In truth, the two of us had only met when you showed up." Ronan recalled the lioness's question about his scar, and he noticed that she sported a scar of her own. "Perhaps we have more in common that I thought." Ronan said, his voice becoming more serious. His nose wrinkled, this time into a frown. "Humans." He said simply, recalling the rope trap he had fallen into, set by African villagers. He was tied down tightly and could barely move. A dark-skinned man tried to slice his throat, but Ronan had tossed his head at the last moment. The knife missed its target, slicing right across Ronan's face, mere centimeters below his eyes.

The lion gave a sly smile. "I got away, of course."

[Lassiel]

A smirk rested on Thorn's face at her response to his compliment, but he said nothing. The dark colored male expected her reaction--there were very few lionesses that responded in a different manner. A select few though, would answer with only a simple, knowing smile--and these were usually women who quickly discovered his game. Often times, they ended up joining in as well. But despite his shameless flirting, he did care about the ladies' reactions, and if he noticed they were growing too attached, he quickly, and gently, put an end to it. For in the end, a game could only be enjoyed if both parties were happy.

Ronan spoke soon after Nadayshana, and Thorn listened to him intently. An eyebrow rose at the other's simple explanation. Did not want to give more information away? Thorn could understand that, having a dark and difficult past that he did not tell to just everyone. But of course, his inquisitive mind could not help wondering at the details.

Hearing Ronan stop, the dark male joined into the conversation once again. We were also planning to find some water, and perhaps some food. Haunches settling to the ground, he watched her with a charming smile on his face. If that continues to be our purpose, I hope you will join us. I'm sure you will be a much better hunter than either of us . Our manes don't exactly hide us that well.

[nadayshana]

Nadayshana lsitened to Ronan first. Oh. Sounds like fun... She laughed a full laugh. With teeth showing and everything. She felt stupid once again. She sat there and heard him say humans. Her ears perked up and she looked at his scar. Oh. Well i am glad you got away. She looked at Ronan. He was so kind and sweet. He was cute. She then looked at Thorn. He was soo cute. He had the charm and she had a feeling he understood lionessess more then Ronan. But she still had to get to know them.

She heard Thorn say they were going hunting. I love hunting. I was the lead hunter when i was with my old pride. Well... my mother was but i usually caught them. She just showed them to me. She gave a little smirk. She looked way off in the distance. She turned her head back at them. Shall we? she sat there waiting for a responce. She was now glad that they invited her. Nadayshanas eyes twinkled in the sunlight. It was getting towards sunset but still not quite. It was still early, but then again it was kind of late.

[leigh]

Nadayshana seemed to be feeling more comfortable with Thorn and Ronan. But Ronan noticed that she also seemed to be checking them out. Ronan didn't mind. He had never been a favorite of the lionesses back home, so the attention was not unwanted. Of course, Ronan was young, and the idea of "settling down" seemed rediculous to him at the moment. He was his own lion, and he wanted to live life unhindered.

But his growling stomach allowed for only one thing to be on his mind: food.

Ronan glanced toward Thorn as Nadayshana sauntered off. "Shall we?" He said with a smirk. The lioness seemed very sure of herself, as far as hunting was concerned, and Ronan for one was curious if this was more than mere talk. He was a decent hunter, his pale fur allowing him to hide in the tall grass easier than a dark-furred male. Ronan made his way toward the lioness. Thorn was sure to follow, but Ronan stopped halfway to wait for his friend.

[Lassiel]

A full-blown grin spread over Thorn's face as Nadayshana agreed to hunt with them. With a lioness about, he was sure their success would be much higher. And quite frankly, Thorn was a very hungry lion at the moment. Tone smooth and rich, he spoke. I'm sure you will do great. The dark lion was a firm believer in flattery--though he truly did think the lioness would do just fine in hunting something down. And if not, well, even the greatest ones out there failed sometimes.

Spending a few moments watching the two walk away, Thorn only moved when his friend turned back with a question. Rising to his feet, a roguish grin crossed his face and his eyes twinkled. Swiftly joining Ronan at his side, he spoke with all the confidence young males seemed to exude. We shall. I'm ready for some action.

Even as he spoke, Thorn's mind worked furiously on how this hunt would go. Being the darkest of the three, it would probably be best to let the other two do the stalking--he'd only get in the way. But Thorn was not such a fan of letting others do the work, so he wondered what his purpose would be. Maybe the prey would be chased to him? In their panicked state, they may not notice his dark, albeit small mane, and the similar coloring.

He glanced at Nadayshana. Ah well--he was not the hunter here. In the end, he would follow her lead, seeing as how she probably had more experience than he.

[nadayshana]

Nadayshana walked forward some more. She then realised that they were behind her. Slow pokes. She was just teasing them. She heard some zebras coming. She got low to the ground and walked slowly towards them. The Zebras were turned around, so they had no idea that she was behind them. She watched her every move and chose them wisely. When she knew she was close enough, she let out a roar and jumped on the biggest one. It put up a struggle. She jumped ran and jumped on it neck and brought it down. She bit on his neck making it harder for it to get up. When it finally stoped moving, she looked at the lions. She smiled her big smile.

Nadayshana dragged it back to the tree. You got it. Or do you think you need help? She laughed and waited for an answer. She wanted to see what they got. She sat down and looked at all of the Zebras in the distance. She wanted to see who was going to go first. She was excited. She stayed sitting with a huge smile on her face. She crossed her paws. Now this is goignt o be a show She said out loud but soft enough where they couldnt hear her.

[leigh]

Ronan was ready for some action as well. Today had been a lazy day; sleeping, talking, walking... he was ready for a good chase. But he, too, wondered how this hunt would go. He alone had never killed anything larger than an antelope, but then again, he had never tried for anything larger. Ronan was not a great hunter, but he was certainly not a poor hunter. And Thorn? Thorn's dark color would make him a wonderful night hunter, but the mid-day sun beat down on them, and there were few shadows for the dark lion to hide in.

Nadayshana looked back at them, calling them slow pokes, and Ronan only grinned a crooked grin. "We'll catch up. Show us what you're made of." He was joking, but suddenly, Nadayshana took off without a word to Thorn or himself. She was going to bring down a zebra without help. How odd, Ronan thought. He assumed the three of them were going to work as a team! But Nadayshana hunted... beautifully. Her muscles rippled as she sprinted and leaped at the zebra. The hunt itself was so fast, demonstrating so much skill. Ronan was beyond impressed. Her remark at the close, however, made Ronan's ears droop. There was no way he could even match Nadayshana's performance, much less all alone.

But a small creature stood out from the herd, it's large ears twitching as it watched the lioness with her zebra. The hare was too distracted to notice Ronan launch himself at it. With one fluid motion, the golden lion pounced and snapped the hare's neck. It died instantly, without pain. Like a kitten carrying a toy, Ronan pranced back to Nadayshana with the hare in his mouth. He set it down next to the zebra and smiled at the lioness. "I had hoped we could share."

[Lassiel]

To say that Thorn was surprised would be an understatement. More truthfully, he was astonished. From watching the lionesses in his birth pride hunt, he was fairly certain that hunting was usually a team effort--but perhaps Nadayshana came from a land where things were done different? Well, it didn't really matter. At the end, she had hunted wonderfully, bringing down a zebra any lion would be proud of. The real astonishment, however, came from Ronan, who was suddenly leaping away onto a hare, bringing down his own prey.

Well, isn't this just peachy? A smirk rested on his face even as he tried to work out a way to bring something down without embarrassing himself. Even if some otherworldly being decided to drop down and give him all the help possible, Thorn seriously doubted that he could pull this off. Truth was, he did do most of his hunting at night. And sadly, his luck was not so good that an unsuspecting hare would hop on out. A frown of concentration marred his face as he glanced from the zebras in the distance to Nadayshana. How to get out of this predicament while keeping his pride intact.....

A grin suddenly flourished on his face, one that spoke of a great realization. Tempering the toothy grin to a pleasing, almost cute smile, he strolled over to Nadayshana. Summoning the most pathetic look possible, his deep voice rolled out. I fear, beautiful lady, that my dark fur puts me at most unfair disadvantage. With the prey already aware of our presence, I cannot even hope to sneak up close enough to catch one. He paused, the grin almost showing itself again. Once under control, he spoke once more. Perhaps you can run one toward me, so I can bring it down? I would not dream of asking you to tire yourself out just to catch a zebra on my behalf.

[nadayshana]

Nadayshana sat there waiting to see what was going to happen. She watched as Ronan got his prey. Nadayshana watched in impressement. He was fast yet controlling. She clapped as he came walking over. Her ears twitched as he spoke to her. He tail gracefully swayed from side to side. The wind blew back and forth. She giggled. Nadayshana wasnt even thinking of that. Now she felt stupid. She looked down and then back at Ronan. Wel..... We still can. Nothing bad about left overs. She had to comke up with soemthing. She was creative...and..that was the first thing that came to mind. She smiled and looked behind to see what Thorn was doing.

Nadayshanas ears twitched. She watched as Thorn came walking over. She heard every step. Thats how quiet it was. Everytime he took a step, you heard a little crunch from stepping on the grass. She smiled and raised an eye as he made his way over. She listened as his words rolled right off his sand paper tongue. Of course. She stood up and her legs cracked. She shook off and walked next to him. Ready? She stood there and waited before she left. She wasnt going to do what she did last time.

While standing next to him, she didnt know who she liked more. She didnt know if she liked Ronan or Thorn. Thorn was more of a charmer. But Ronan was nice and sweet. She wasnt saying that Thorn wasnt. He was. He was also the cuter one. But looks didnt really matter sometimes. Its really whats on the inside. She was confused. Well more about who liked her really. She might like Thorn, but he might not like her. She might like Ronan but he might not her. She kept smiling while thinking this. She looked at Thorn and smiled.

[leigh]

Ronan grinned his crooked grin when Nadayshana mentioned leftovers. "I thought you'd say that. Surely you couldn't eat a whole zebra. But a couple of fatties like Thorn and me..." Ronan winked. A single zebra was more than enough for three lions, Ronan imagined, plus whatever Thorn managed to bring down. The trio would sleep with full stomachs tonight, that was for sure.

Thorn seemed to comtemplate going after a zebra, but then thought better. His eloquent words impressed Ronan. Thorn was either very quick-witted or very well rehersed. He seemed to be trying to woo the lioness, but she wasn't taking the lure. Ronan wished him luck; Nadayshana had caught his interest at first, but Ronan wasn't looking for love just yet. He sat down next to his hare and prepared to watch Thorn work with Nadayshana. Maybe he could learn something.

His mind raced back to Nadayshana'a hunt. Never had Ronan seen such skill, and at such short notice. Prehaps Ronan could do with a few hunting lessons in the future. He had no intentions to join a pride and be beaten around by the lead male, so most of his hunts would be alone or in very small groups, like this situation. He watched Nadayshana closely, his eyes waiting for her first move.

[Lassiel]

Thorn grinned back at Ronan as he spoke of "the couple of fatties." So first I smelled, and now I'm fat? He snorted. Frankly, I'm getting a bit tired of your insults, Ronan. And you know what? Just for that, I'll eat my share and your share of the zebra. The dark-maned lion smirked, shouldering his friend in a good-natured fashion, before facing Nadayshana once more. A slight raise of his eyebrows was the only clue to his surprise. She seemed to agree to that real quick, without even noticing his flirting. It had been a...long time since one hadn't shown any interest in his compliments and what not, and he wondered if he was already losing his touch.

...nah. Sileree had caught on real fast, and then played the game with him too. A feeling of warmth bloomed in his chest, spreading to the rest of his body as he thought of the copper-furred lioness. Their conversation, which at first consisted only of casual touches and compliments meant to allude to feelings that weren't really there, surprisingly turned into something more. And...he was so very happy it did. Although he still flirted with others, he knew--and was almost certain Sileree knew as well--that never would he betray her trust. So perhaps he should feel blessed that Nadayshana did not show any sign of a reaction his words.

I think Ronan may have the best suggestion. I am sure this zebra and his hare will be enough for the three of us. Flashing a grin toward the other male, Thorn continued. And if not, then Fattie Number One over there could stand to lose a few pounds. Allowing himself a small chuckle, he faced the lone lioness expectantly. He hoped she would agree to this, as he did seriously think that the prey would be well-aware of their presence by now and the hunt would probably not go as smoothly as it did the first time.

[leigh]

ooc| Naday has relinquished her turn this time, I say.

ic| As Thorn spoke, Ronan made a very sad face and wiped an imaginary tear from his eye. "Please forgive me, old chap. The insults were only made in jest. I would hate to lose my share of the supper, but to lose our friendship would be even worse. Could you find it in your heart to forgive me, handsome?" Ronan batted his eyelashes, giving a small, sweet smile. He then nibbled gingerly at his hare. It was a bit gamey, but tasty nonetheless. Plus, he figured that Nadayshana deserved the first share of the zebra, seeing as how her superb hunting brought it down. Thorn spoke again, and Ronan beamed as the dark-furred lion recognized his idea.

Ronan noticed that something seemed to be on Thorn's mind. Was Thorn trying to woo Nadayshana, or was there another lioness who had already stolen his heart? Ronan's brow furrowed as he recalled his own father, Chael. King Chael's mate wasn't Ronan's mother. His mother had just been a... spring fling, so to speak, and when she found out about Chael's other family, his real family, she was heartbroken. And Ronan? Chael payed no attention at all to him. All the King cared about was his dear daughter, Ronan's own cousin. "Family" was not a word that brought about fond memories for Ronan. He took a side glance at Thorn, hoping earnestly that his friend's flirting would not lead to.. something stronger.

[nadayshana]

(( Sorry.... Didnt have the muse before.))

Nadayshana sat there and listened to them bicker. SHe laughed a little. Nadayshana watched them. They were both so perfect. Well to her they were. Nadayshana was falling for Thorn a little more. But Ronan was sweet. She wanted to...Well she didnt really know. She sat down and looked around for a while. She laughed as Ronan answered him. They must have been god friends. She thought. Having fun? You look like it. She couldnt stop laughing as she said that. She rolled her eyes playfully. Afterall, she wasnt that hungry. She would just let the pigs have them. She laughed to herself even more as she was talking about them in her head. She stood up and stretched. She shook off and looked at them. Her tail was flicking back and forth.

Nadayshana yawned and sat under the tree. Her back was up against it. She just sat there and waited for either of them to say something. She didnt really care if they ate it. She oculd a;ways catch something. She ate before she met them really. She picked her paws up so she was balancing on the tree. They were sore and they hurt a little. She didnt really care. She just wanted to give them a little rest. She put them back down and layed down. She crossed her front paws and looked at Ronan, then Thorn. She went back and forth a did a quiet sigh. Oh well...This is harder then i thought. She was hoping that it would be easier then what she was really doing. She didnt care as long as at the end she liked someone more. She put her head on her paws. She yawned and then looked at them.

[Lassiel]

<sub>Taking Nadayshana's silence and smiles as an invitation, Thorn grinned gratefully before crouching next to the zebra, taking a bite that wasn't quite as ginger as Ronan's. He wasn't a complete beast though, and waited until after he swallowed before making a mock show of thinking. Mmmm.....well, since your apology is so heartfelt, I believe I can forgive you. He cocked his head, dark mane falling across one eye roguishly as he stared at the lioness. Well of course we are having fun. Why don't you join us? There is room enough for a small lady like yourself. With a final grin, he turned back to the meal at hand, this time fulling tucking himself in.

As he ate, Thorn found himself reflecting on Sileree and what he was doing more. From the glances Naday kept throwing his way, he couldn't help but wonder if she understood what he was doing. It was not meant to turn into anything serious, and seldom did such a thing happen, as most other ladies understood that though he was giving truthful compliments, the whole thing was really just a game. With his muzzle hidden by the zebra, he allowed a little seen frown to mar his face. Maybe she was more innocent in these things than others? If so, he had made a mistake, and it would need to be remedied. She was a nice girl, and though his name implied a desire to annoy, Thorn was in no way cruel. He sighed softly, flicking a glance toward Naday, and then Ronan. He would wait until they were alone, perhaps, as that would make it easier. Until then, he would just have to tone his usual nature down and try to make this as gentle as he could.</sub>