i do not need you.

[Lassiel]

<sub>She smiled gratefully as Rayen nodded, and it grew when the younger lioness voiced her agreement. How happy Lothril was that she had helped someone--perhaps even given her that one little nudge that pushed her to a permanent home! They were such social creatures...really, no one should have to wander alone.

Lothril's head dipped enthusiastically. I am certain you will do fine in a pride. And as you said, most times living with others makes things easier. She paused then, briefly considering her next statement. The Akina Queen would be happy to provide a home for Rayen--even if only for a little while. But she did not wish for her to think that Lothril's only purpose in talking and trying to help was to gain a new pride member.

Watching her words carefully, she spoke. You are, of course, welcome to join the Akina and travel with me. Studying Rayen closely for her reaction, Lothril continued. But there is no need to feel obligated about it--I am only just now reforming the pride and it can only offer little protection. A friendly smile flitted across her face in an effort to reassure. If you would rather not, however, I can try to point you in the direction of another pride.</sub>

[daystar]

As Lothril was speaking, Rayen was still thinking in her head. She was evaluating all the pros of this new decision, already mapping out scenarios. She would be a good pride member. Never would she watch from the sidelines, hoping things turned out alright for the pride but never daring to help or offer her own suggestions. Not in her new pride, she'd listen, she'd think, she'd act. She could be valuable if she tried.

Though as Lothril continued speaking and the words registered to Rayen her train of thought wrecked painfully as she choked back panic. A pride so soon, she looked at Lothril. She liked Lothril, she was kind and Rayen knew she must be a great leader. That Lothril cared about her members probably even more so then she cared about her own self. The downfall of Rayen's admiration is that though she couldn't think of a more accepting leader to be in Rayen's 'first' true pride, she couldn't think of a leader she would hate to let down more then she would to Lothril.

She still hadn't answered Lothril not even with a nod or even an acknowledgment that she had understood was Lothril had said. "I'm tired of being alone." she thought and just as suddenly had made up her mind. She wanted to be in a pride, Lothril was a wise leader, Rayen had already decided that. It would hurt to be worthless to Lothril, even more so then it had when the lionesses of her birth pride deemed her worthless. But she had run from them and she could run again but she couldn't win if she didn't play and joining a pride was the beginning of the game.

" It would be a privilege, Lothril. I am so thankful to you for giving me a chance. I..." she paused only for a second before continuing. "I won't let you down." She would try her best to live up to this promise. She smiled widely as she began to think again, her first thought as a pride-having lioness was that she couldn't wait until she got to meet a new cat, she'd introduce herself as Rayen of the Akina Pride. The thought amused her and for the moment she pushed her fear and anxiety aside.

[Lassiel]

<sub>Rayen had not said a word or given a single motion of acknowledge for a few moments. Lothril hoped her offer had not hurt or otherwise offended the lioness, but she waited with an outwardly patient facade. Inside though, the Akina Queen was anxious. The choosing of a pride, however, was a momentous decision, and she refused to rush Rayen in any way. The younger women was kind, even if it seemed she had trouble believing in herself. Whatever it was she thought of herself, Lothril imagined she would do fine in almost any pride.

And then, Rayen was speaking and agreeing to join the Akina. Lothril attempted to keep her enthusiastic grin at least somewhat contained, but she wondered if she failed miserably in that task. When the younger lioness smiled at her, the Queen's own grin broke out fully. Her voice held the same excitement when she spoke, though it also was filled with reassurance. I am honored, Rayen. I certainly could not make you join the Akina. I am honored that you chose us. She rose, stretching her back and legs before looking at Rayen again. You'll do just fine. For now, we should head to the marsh. Her black lips pulled up in yet another smile. If the Akina is to be your family, you should learn the paths of Kinamasi.</sub>

[daystar]

She caught Lothril's genuine expression and it fueled her best attempt at calmness. To Kinamasi, or rather, home. She took a deep breath of relief, as Lothril began to stretch before Rayen would go...home. She felt a happiness grow throughout her. Rayen was no stranger to happiness, she took pleasure in the smallest of joys on a regular basis. Life was hard and if she didn't rejoice at every possible chance life might become too hard.

This was different though. This was all over-happiness, this couldn't be taken away so easily. It had the potential to last forever, to be one of the best decisions, one of the best opportunities ever to happen to Rayen. It sparked a feeling that was new. Similar to the familiar feeling of happy but in it's own brand new, better. She liked it. As she stood and moved she felt lighter as if this happy feeling made her body move easier.

Her family, the Akina...at her home, Kinamasi. She wondered how many Akina there were. She wasn't sure how all this worked. Would the pride sense her coming and rally around as she crossed the borders? She wondered if they'd judge her...but no, no reason to get upset just yet. They were probably busy, doing things. She might not meet them until a chance encounter. She was already working out a game plan in her head. She didn't want to appear weak nor arrogant. So she'd make every attempt at sincere friendliness when she met them.

She was jumping ahead of herself, she wasn't in Kinamasi meeting her family. She was still in Johari with Lothril and she was pretty sure she'd already made a decent impression on Lothril. Now wasn't the time to worry, this new turn her life was taking was goodness. She turned her head to Lothril, doing her best to mask any trace of fear and offered a return smile. She didn't want to sound silly but she wanted to ask so many questions. It would be best to wait and see, so she fought back her tangled words and settled on a simple statement. She let her happiness, and excitement shine through her voice, her eyes, and her body language. "Let's go home."

[Lassiel]

_{Hmm hmm, do you think this sounds like a good place to finish the thread? Seems to have a bit of finality to it.}

[daystar]

Yep, that's what I was thinking. And the two lionesses walked side-by-side into the sunset...or something xD

[Lassiel]

_{Lol! Sounds good! Shall lock the thread the now.}