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Post by Lassiel on May 6, 2008 17:12:22 GMT -6
Determined eyes lifted toward the darkening sky. The sun had nearly set, and the only light left splashed across the horizon in a painting of soft pinks and delicate purples. In the clear, cloudless heavens, Lothril could already make out the stars. The slightly cooler air as the sun's heat left would make for a wonderful night--perfect for calling a meeting and seeing the entire pride at once. Finally, they could meet as the family they now were and get to know one another. They couldn't be a very good pride if they didn't know what each other looked like, now could they? The Queen's compact body moved steadily toward her destination--a large rock that was only given the description because there were few others around to compare it to. She remembered it well--it was the very one Deimos had stood upon to claim the land all those months ago, and the same one she herself had taken to resting upon. It was another new beginning for the Akina, and the discolored stone would see it, too.
Just like all the other times before, Lothril jumped to the top, strong legs easily getting her there. Her gaze flew over the landscape around her, and although it was already darker, it posed no problem for her. The problem was, it would be hard to just wander about and find her pride in a land as vast as this. There was only one way to to let her plan be known to the others. A slight smirk appeared on her face, before the Queen let out a forceful roar. It carried over the land, and she knew it would travel far enough that every being with a predator's ear would hear it. It really served two purposes--to let her fellow pride members know she was calling for them, but also to reaffirm that Kinamasi belonged to the Akina. Bad-intentioned lions, packs of hyenas, leopards that wouldn't hesitate to pick off Akina cubs--this single roar served as the only warning they would receive. The tawny gold lioness waited a moment, letting this initial signal echo before letting two more in quick succession. Now, all she had to do was wait. Lowering to a straight and regal sit on the rock, Lothril watched with expectant eyes and ears, tail twitching lightly beside her.
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Post by hawksong on May 6, 2008 17:32:10 GMT -6
[shadow=red,left,300][glow=red,2,300]Rath: New Arrival [/glow][/shadow]Rath scanned the landscape, her walk with her adoptive mother interrupted by the Akina queen's bellowing roar. She had been here for only a few hours, an Akina for less than that. She knew that this was her chance to prove it to the Queen that she was an Akina cub, destined to become a great warrior one day. It had been only hours since she had faught a mother hyena and three cubs with Rayen by her side. They were triumphant. The small cub had sustained the scar of a warrior before her first year had bloomed. A perfectly streight wound ran it's course down her small face, from between her ears to the tip of her nose. The dotted line made her look like a masked parader. The cub moved easily through the reeds, always checking to see if Rayen was behid her. Her black tip bounced as she bounded towards her new Queen. Rayen? Are you coming or what? The cub was rude with excitement, although she'd be courteous with Lothril. The lioness babe let out a squeaky roar to announce her presence as she sighted the lioness looming on the rock a few yards from her. She skidded in to presence and bowed her head respectfully, awaiting her caregiver's pawsteps beside her.
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Post by daystar on May 6, 2008 21:32:26 GMT -6
Perfect, as Lothril's roar cut through the air. It beckoned to them and Rayen smiled as she looked at Rath. Rath already had picked up that it was none other then the Queen's roar. Rayen couldn't deny that upon finding the cub such a short time ago she had been apprehensive about accepting her as her own but in the short hours she'd been with Rath she'd worked her way into not only Rayen's heart but her entire way of thinking. Rayen was no longer just a lioness, but lioness and cub. When she reacted it was now only after Rath's best interest had been taken into account.
It had been less then a day since the hyena attack and like Rath, Rayen had a fresh cut across her shoulder though it wasn't deep enough to leave a scar and it didn't hurt unless touched. Perhaps it was the struggle that bonded her so quickly to the cub. Rath rudely addressed her and Rayen smiled. It made her happy to see Rath so excited and in truth the excitement mirrored in her own mood. Rayen was just as excited to finally have a place that felt like home and a pride that felt like family. It was a first for Rayen and she greatly appreciated it. And now she'd share it with Rath.
She wondered about Rath's manners but she was young enough that she doubted anyone would take a rude action or remark to heart from the little cub. Though she bowed her head respectful as a princess and Rayen quickly caught up to stand beside her. She smiled at Lothril and her respect for the cat showed in her demeanor and weighed deeply in her voice. "Pleasure to see you again, Lothril. I'm very much enjoyed my home." She sat down, she too bowing her head for a second in a respectful greeting. Her voice softened as she began to speak about Rath. "I met an orphan cub here in the marsh. I know she'll be a great addition to the pride if you'll allow it." She looked up at Lothril as she spoke the last words to her sentence.
Truly, she believed Lothril would welcome the cub. She wasn't a baby and she was capable of taking care of herself generally, basically she wouldn't cause any trouble. Of course, Rayen had every intention of taking full responsibility. She didn't think she had to 'sell' the cub. She was a cub and that was that, her skills and talents really wouldn't matter in the factor of acceptance. It was simply whether or not Lothril wanted a new member. Rayen didn't think of what would happen if Lothril didn't. She added quickly with a slight laugh, "She's rather clever, I've enjoyed the time I've spent with her."
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Post by Vox on May 7, 2008 13:59:43 GMT -6
She contained her excitement and nervous anticipation behind guarded, locked down eyes. Under lock and key was the little flame kept, to be seen, but not caught or observed for very long. Her stare, piercing and unabashed as it was, took a softer, airier note this evening, and she answered the summons willingly. She did not have a problem following orders, Sileree was not like her niece, she did not show any issues with authority. Pride life suited her, and she had been out of the circle of her sisters for much too long. Much too long...The roar had been an impressive one, she knew she could never have managed one like it. Lothril was so much better at asserting herself than Sileree, and she was more physically able. The rasp that accompanied our lady everywhere she went was evidence of the almost constant soreness in her throat, the incessant huskiness to her sultry tones. It added to her appeal but...It was not entirely painless, and she would eventually rid herself of it. Eventually find a way to shake this illness of...Maybe. Her hips swung from side to side temptingly as she danced through the marsh, thanking the heavens for the slightest touch of moisture on her tired, tired feet. Sore where they, but not quite so much as her parched mouth and esophagus. Padpadpad went her feet, and her yellow, lamp-like eyes lit in glowing sort of way as dusk staked it claim on the lands. She had not been the first...But she did not need to be. She did not want to draw too much attention to herself, she still retained her reserved characteristic, though a few of her old habits had been dropped...And a couple new ones acquired. Her smirk, a familiar trait, was respectful, and not entirely flippant as she brushed confidently and alluringly through a patch of taller grass, slinking in her cat-like manner.
Almost bored looking, she sidled up to the other lionesses, but let the expression dissolve into something slightly more welcoming. A warmer air took her features and a silvery, hair-raising laugh adorned the air as she grinned in open amusement, letting the throaty noise trail off delicately before turning her eyes to the other two. 'Ah...So they Akina remain an all-female Pride, hmm? Suits me, I have no need for male attentions from any other than my Thorn.' Her eyes scanned the other two with that high-born, regal look on her face, neck arched gracefully, and her ever elegant air setting her apart a little. It had always been that way. Everybody being their own person...And Sileree being somebody she thought she should be, in her corner. Always turning into somebody else, always shifting her outside. A secret smile she sent to Lothril, and she respectfully bowed her head to her Queen. The silence on her part, other than the gentle laugh that had rippled her dark lips, suited her. She was as mysterious as always, there was no need to start mouthing off like the other two, and she sent a look of quiet disdain at the other two lionesses, though she doubted they would hold their tongue anyway. Looking at ease, though forcibly inferior, she kept her eyes on Lothril's face, watching for emotion. The sun had begun to set, and the colors of it dappled her rusty coat gold, wheaten and a somber umber. Gaunt cheekbones jutted as they had before, though her curves had filled out more. It was Thorn's influence, no doubt, and she had shamelessly attempted to seduce him and...She rather liked the effect it created, without having made him so pitiful kind of slave. He was much too high for that sort of nonsense, he too was the son of a King, she thought. 'Father would have approved...Though I stopped caring about that old duffer ages ago.'
Which was not strictly true. King Adrian had always loved her very dearly, and she held his opinion higher than most others but...He had not been in contact, he had not made any attempt to find out what happened to his youngest twin after she had left his House. Truth had though, and...You could say she loved him more than her other brothers for that. Before Dancer had gone mad, she had been his favorite, and Hathor had favored her. But Hathor was dead, Dancer was off with several unsavory men, and baby Sutol was found in a river, face down and pale as butter. Yes, her family had certainly fallen apart...Just as the clouds now drifted apart, going their own separate ways, and just as the sun set, sliding slowly down the blue sky that turned darker every minute. She waited, in silence, quieting her mind and her thoughts, patience was something she had learned a time ago. Though it was more forced upon her that taught. Her eyes glinted, and she twitched her tail in expectancy, gazing up at her leader, and tucking her tail around her toes as she sat carefully in a corner, dividing herself from the others slightly, brooding. She would have to speak to Lothril, in private if she could manage it, about Thorn. He was a man of the highest character, and Sileree knew that Lothril would trust him if she met him but...Thorn would never join the Akina and Sileree would never leave it. They would also never part, unless made to by circumstance, and that was the trouble of it all. They needed to keep it secret, for their lives to be safe, but if they did, and they were discovered, it would be fatal for both. He knew that, so did she. Lothril needed to be spoken to, and Sileree hoped the older lioness would understand. She would understand, she had to. Our madame would press the point, she knew she would, and she would bring up the topic of Him, but she didn't want to.
Didn't want to insult Lothril, bring That up. How could she? Lothril had given her a home when nobody else would have. She had considered the Village Ruins Pride, Yaizux, but she knew she wouldn never fit in...Because would have either flirted with her, and she had never fancied a man of the war as she knew he was, or that Kishkir would have always been with him. And she despised that lioness, from all the things she had heard. 'A woman is, to her man, completely loyal and steadfast! Silence must be learned, and error must be accepted with grace! If it is any other way, you are but a man who has shaved his whiskers and bowed his head, not a woman! A woman is so much more, and she should live up to such a standard. Such a sow can never be called a lady, not in my mind, nor in any man who is of a clear head. Because is obviously mad, or touched in the skull, I hold him in very low esteem indeed...' Were her harsh, angry thoughts, viscious in some eyes, and just in others. She would hold her head proudly in front of any man, but not his. He was blind, he was a fool, and though she knew he must have had his excuses, she had vowed long ago never to be taken in by such a light, merry man, who was truly nothing more than a lecherous beast who knew less than a child of the worth of a lady. Lothril however, was the sort of lady whom any man should have been glad to have, to be accepted by. That Crow had once fancied himself along side her, Sileree thought, but he was trash, Lothril deserved more than that. It wasn't as if it was her business to decide who was good and who was not suitable for the Queen, that was her decision, but as an affectionate, loyal subject, the lioness wanted her leader to be happy with a man who was as truly good, and strong, as she was. Though she doubted that day would every come.
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Post by Lassiel on May 14, 2008 20:34:56 GMT -6
ooc: Sorry for the wait everyone. Even on the days I didn't have to study for a test, things just kept popping up this week. I really wanted this to be much longer, but I thought you all had waited long enough, so forgive the rough ending!
She waited silently upon the rock, body tense with eagerness and excitement--and it was not long before she saw movement coming toward her, the grassy reeds swaying slightly. Rayen, it looked like, but....Lothril's eyes narrowed as she noticed another, much younger lioness. A cub, to be exact. Confusion reigned in her mind for a few moments. The Queen was certain Rayen had no children--she had caught no trace of one and the younger lioness had said nothing of cubs. Yet here Rayen was, watching her companion with the same expression Lothril had worn whenever her daughters were near. The cub had no fear, and the corners of the Queen's lips twitched as she bounded up to the rock, bowing her head enthusiastically. Her own head tilted curiously, studying the young one in front of her before looking up at Rayen's approaching footsteps, following close after the cub and quickly explaining the situation. With a smile directed to first her, and then the cub, Lothril leaped lightly off the rock--preferring to be at eye level with her sisters--and spoke without hesitation. There really was no question in the matter. She was a young cub in need of a home and Lothril was not one to deny that. Perhaps another pride would think taking in a cub would only weaken them, but when it came to something like this--what could very well be the life or death of another--it did not really matter to Lothril. If there were any problems waiting in the wings....well, she would deal with them when the time came.
"Of course, young one. The Akina is your home now--as long as you need us. I am Lothril, and that--" She nodded toward Sileree, who had come up silently behind the two, and her mind flashed to Nari for an instant, wondering where the lioness was. She suppressed a frown. This meeting was meant to be a chance for all members to at least meet everyone, if not get to know each other better. But perhaps the lioness was simply too far away to respond to the summons. . "--is Sileree. She has been with the pride since before we disbanded. The words were said for the benefit of Rayen as well. Her amber gaze turned to rest on the graceful lioness, and Lothril's head dipped in a quiet greeting, allowing her joy to shine in her eyes. "I am glad you have returned, my friend." Simple words, but they were true. She watched Sileree for a moment, taking in her silent respect, but noticing something seemed to be on her mind. Understandable, considering what had happened with the pride, but it was strange to catch the quietly proud lioness showing her thoughts. In all probability, it was something that Lothril did not need to trouble herself, and she would not butt into another's business. But if it was something of importance to the pride--something Lothril needed to be aware of--the Queen trusted Sileree would let her know.
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Post by hawksong on May 15, 2008 16:12:28 GMT -6
The cub heard the spoken words and bowed her head in thanks. She knew she didn't deserve such an honor, but readily accepted it with much pride and pure joy. Her tail stilled as she stood, becoming no more than an extra limb with which to cover her silent pawstep prints. The cub's eyes shined. Thank you, Madam. For this new chance to prove myself. Speaking of which, the babe continued, sounding like she was trying to be a dignified adult, You really should consider this lioness for border patrol. She's defended me from the hyenas and is quite a good fighter. She loves the taste of the demons....... the child giggled and looked at Rayen. Rath turned away from the femme to look to Sileree. She seemed to sense the connection between the two females. Why was the graceful lioness so distraught? This had her in a pickle.
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Post by dakota on May 15, 2008 21:00:32 GMT -6
Cilan the red stain of blood still left a mark around her blackened lips, and tightly clenched jaws seemed to signal how full she was. Her stomach was round from eating, her legs wobbling slowly underneath her tiny bodice. Her eyes were closed half the time she was walking around, her hearing and her smell picking up where she was going. Faimiliarity was not something you could say she felt for this place. Her home land got even hotter, but it was still moist, and the dry season was not nearly as long as this ones. There were more trees, reservoirs, animals. The prides were bigger at home than they were here. Soon after she embarked on her journey, she stopped for a little and ended up falling asleep in the high grasses of the savannah. When she awoke there was a small gathering of lions ahead of her. She blinked out the boogers from her eyes, stretched her claws and yawned, showing her lethal teeth. She stood and ambled her way over to the group, her tail swishing,the black ring on it began to look like a bug. Her golden eyes were tired and she was standing lopsided, but her tail had come to a stop. It was the heat, she told herself, and muttered a 'Im Cilan.' To make up for her awkward intro.[/right] |
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Post by daystar on May 15, 2008 22:21:23 GMT -6
OOC: Sorry guys, my computer is having random malfunctions. So my posts might not be of the best quality until the problem is fixed. We don't know what's causing it because different random things keep happening. I'll try to keep in on this post but if I've missed a few days or something feel free to skip me and I'll get in when I can. I hope my computer genius sister gets a chance to look at it this week. fingers crossed.
IC:
Rayen smiled as Lothril approached so friendly. She had expected Rath's instant approval from the Queen but she couldn't be too sure. Though Lothril quickly put her unrest to ease. As Lothril spoke of her, Rayen noticed the other lioness for the first time. Her eyes traveled toward Sileree, and then back again. She wondered if she was the only other pride member but Rayen was glad that Lothril had found, or had been found by, one of the 'old' pride members she had spoke of. Remember the name she told herself as Rath began to speak again. She shook her head in amusement, yes, border patrol. Her smile widened slightly but she didn't speak. Abruptly, she noticed yet another approaching lioness. Cilan, she offered a welcoming smile unaware of whether or not she was a member of the pride. She certainly didn't have the grace of Sileree and Rayen contained her curiousity as the lionesses awkward stance. She turned her attention back to Lothril wondering if this was just a head count or if she planned to lay some ground rules. Rayen couldn't be sure but she also couldn't hide her excitement, she was easily excited. In the back of her mind a voice screamed. Welcome to your first pride meeting, these are your first pride members. For the first time in a long time, a youthful glow entered her eyes. As she was actually interested in everyone and everything around her. They had a relation to her because she was part of something and she liked it.
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Post by qazelle on May 17, 2008 14:16:44 GMT -6
 I miss my home
I miss my life
I wanna go-
I don’t know the way-
Back.
Dark was falling when Nari heard the lioness’ call. She rose and trotted, seemingly world-weary, towards Lothril and the meeting place. She had not been here long, but she had been here long enough. The pride was growing swiftly, and Nari was worried. The tawny cat knew that she could not stand groups. She had always been the outsider, even in her birth-home. Looking at the sky, Nari could tell that it would be perfect weather tonight for stargazing. Stargazing. That innocent little thing had gotten her into trouble in every pride she had even joined.
Stargazing always reminded her of what her parents had thought. Everyone that has ever died, Nari, is somewhere, watching you. Everyone. The cubs she had not saved. The lions she had not helped. The lions she had deceived. That she had betrayed. Yes, she was a traitor. The lioness had not meant to, in the means of being a spy or a double-crosser. She had been forced, but that did not change the facts.
I miss my friends
I miss my family
I knew everyone-
I wanna go back-
There.
She could have saved the cubs if she had spoken to their mother, if she had stopped her. She could have saved those lions if she had helped them, if she had not run. She could have saved the pride if she had not told, if she had warned them. Why? They would have killed you then. The survivors did a close enough job. Nari told herself. It was true. That was how she had gotten her scar.
She had changed a lot over her life, hadn’t she. She had grown into a beautiful lioness from a mewling child. She had gone from obeying every order to running from her future. Yes, you ran. Ran from your duty, ran from your family, ran from your home. You can’t go back now, can you? You can’t change something you’ve already done, can you? No. her conscience hissed. Nari was tired of this. She was lost, hundreds of miles from home, with lions she did not know. Probably would never really know.
I miss the old ways
I miss the old places
I was so-
I am so-
Different.
The lioness realized that she had finally reached the gathering of lions. There was a young cub Nari had not seen before, probably a new arrival. Lothril was there, along with two other lionesses. Uncomfortable, Nari hung back, listening. She did not speak, or move. |
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Post by Vox on May 20, 2008 23:27:52 GMT -6
The languid stance did not shift as the others came, and moved, and breathed in their way. She stood relaxed, yet poised, easily, but with a stiff alertness to her profile and tail which she allowed to show through. It wouldn't be polite to appear completely bored in front of her leader, and it wouldn't be true either. Sileree was very interested in the goings on of the Akina; her niece, who she had not seen for quite some time, would have chided her for not having a stand down with Lothril for either the leadership or a higher position. 'But where is the sense in fighting Lothril for a better place in this Pride? I am a traitor...I break it's laws. And what sort of benefits would I reap? More food, I eat little; more influence, if I had not enough already then I should never like to increase my voice with a mere position; more power...? More responsibility, more trust...That is what I wish. I know what I am good at, hunting, gathering strays together...Teaching maybe? But the idea of being near young ones...Makes my heart ache. I could not teach the youths, anything but that. But does the Akina even have higher positions? Perhaps not. Perhaps they judge by age and experience rather than by willingness to serve...' But how she wanted to prove herself! It was foolish, she knew it was, to be her age, an adult, and be so eager to approval from Lothril but...She did want it ever so much. The thoughts flitted across her mind, but her face was an inquisitively haughty mask. Breath-taking in it's beauty, and laden with sarcasm, her body oozed animal attraction, and she wondered if, in her current condition, that time would ever take her again. Lothril's words floated over to her, and her ears pricked at the praise. A dull flush started inside her, but her nose did not darken, and her tender flesh stayed the same shade as she showed a slightly broader smile. The grin turned less prideful, more familiar, and her eyes danced with little flames, carefully guarded as they were, like torches in brackets beside locked dungeon doors. There was fear in those eyes. Not entirely noticable, not in her confident movements, nor her sultry demeanor, nor even in her husky speech, but in those eyes...Those two jewels sunk in slightly bruised flesh, she was not sleeping well these days, sparkled with wariness, as she eyed the new sisters, wishing she would not have to speak soon. Her shoulders calmed themselves ever so slightly, and she gave an elegant lionesses' flick of the paw, a small bow, more mocking than respectful. For Lothril, she would readily die without question, for the others...She would reserve judgment, and for now...Only extend her loyalty to a certain point. A private laugh echoed in her mind, as she remembered her first meeting with the Queen of the Akina. 'That 'Crow' turned up...And I was quick to defend, so ready to defend that one I had not yet learned to trust. Foolish, young, but...It was the right thing to do. If that trout Vishar had not interrupted, perhaps my introduction would have gone down better...' Her thoughts were slightly tinged with bitterness, as she tried to think when Lothril had ever wronged. Sileree...She was filled with problems, issues, dilemmas, and she brought them to her sisters. Her eyes found Lothril, and she tried to send across a more humble presence.
'I know she is perceptive...Let her hear my unsaid thoughts. I must speak with her sometime...' "It is my pleasure to continue to serve, oh Queen, it is I who should thank you, for such a successful regrouping of this Sisterhood." Her eloquent speech trailed off slightly, her grateful, throaty tones hinting at an alluring purr. And she went on, a slightly mischevious spark in her eyes, turning her face to the whelp for the first time. Her tone came before the last lioness, after the cub and before anything else. "Your guardian could be facing more than just the painted clowns, sweet, mayhaps." The sing-song tone she took ended in a soft laugh, her eyes left the young one's face and searched for Lothril's as she went on. "I have scented three others on our borders, m'lady. It is the Great Wandering Eye of His ex-Majesty that I refer to, of course, along with his stunted pups. Haydor, and Nikita; the lap-dog's bairns." She spat the last words out, but not in a vulgar, ugly way. Face smoothed, no emotional snarl formed on her face. She positively drawled the offensive words off, as if she had learned them by heart, and couldn't be bothered to put any real emotion in them. Despite this, there was a definitive note in it. It was scornful, filled with derisive laughter, and hardly hiding her disgust for the sheer disloyalty and disappointment Deimons and his spawn had shown this most Noble Lady, but in a lady-like way. As if it was hardly worth her time to get worked up over it, but she would have her say about it, and it was not a say that was pleased with having Deimos on the borders. "I need not say anymore, however. It is not my opinions that count, and I have been...Lax with laws governing my tongue." Her tone was slightly apologetic, though not grovelling, and she arched her eyebrows, as if disdainful of her own small outburst of speech. She noticed another come, after she finished speaking. The scent, the sight, and the sound of her paws was unfamiliar, and she did not see that it was much her business to do anything, but she felt a slight twinge in the region of her gut. 'It would be proper to make her feel more comfortable...Discard your pride!' Her tail swished, and she moved towards the back of the group, to settled herself nearer to the newest member. An easy smile, the waft of exotic spices, and the dark ripple of her fine muscles accompanied the movement, and she nodded at the other. As this happened, things went on in their usual way. Enough movement governed the front of the crowd so as not to bring full attention onto Sileree and the other. "How do you do? I haven't seen you around here before. I take it you are one of the new additions?" It was charming, the way she grinned openly at the one she would come to know as 'Nari'. Endearing the way her ears pivoted forward. But not welcoming. She was not inspiring a confidence, she was not either creating a gap. It was...A statement, and a slightly more inquisitive statement. That was all. That would do.
out of crackers; ...need s'more. xDD Haha, kidding. Sorry this jumps about a lot, if you can't keep track of it all, just let me know, I'll try to edit it.
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Post by hawksong on May 21, 2008 18:44:54 GMT -6
The cub listened to the older lioness. Yet the demons made me who I am! She retorted, even surprising herself. She bowed her head before picking up feet and moving in shadow of the big rock. Rath pricked her ears as she looked around. Territory was hard to claim, so how had this one become theirs? No males? She didn't see any. The Sisterhood? That's what the Akina were? She had so many questions. Too many were hard to answer, some irrelavent. Rath looked around with the appearence of a hunter. She looked as if she were looking for prey and there were no weak animals to feast apon. Although, this wasn't any herd of wildebeast or anything. This was her pack now, she was proud to call them that. She would have a birthday soon, and she would become part of the bigger pride. Rath would be the best hunter the pride had ever seen.
Rath heard the thunder crashing in the distance and looked to see te rainy season moving in on them. She smelled the rain and electricity of the storm and wondered, Is this only my first rainy season? I felt like i've lived for a lifetime of those here in Kinamasi, what with the constant mud and all. She moved in to the openness of the clearing and lay down to enjoy the electricity prickling on her skin. |
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Post by Lassiel on Jun 2, 2008 20:11:27 GMT -6
The Queen’s head tilted slightly as she listened to Rath speaking so enthusiastically, eyes flashing with amusement to Rayen’s face who also seemed to find joy in the cub’s words. Border duty, then? Perhaps so, if it was something the lioness enjoyed. It would give her something to work toward—something to prove her worth, as she seemed to think she needed to do. It looked as if both had come from battle relatively unharmed, and perhaps Rath would join her. Although Lothril was hesitant to allow such a young member to participate in such duty, she appeared able to take care of herself, with Rayen’s help. And it would be a good learning experience for her. She…reminded Lothril of her Almira, her oldest daughter, as that age. Willing to do whatever was needed to help out—no matter her age—and unafraid to voice her mind. As Rath grew older and no longer spent her time around the protection of older members of the pride she may have to learn to watch everything she said though. Lothril remembered, all too well, the incident that endangered the lives of both her daughters when Almira’s mouth ran away with her. Her blood pounded at the memory of Angel’s attack on her younger daughter—it had come so very close to a fight then. Much closer than Lothril liked. She believed herself capable of taking the lioness on, but her mate had appeared later. Angel’s mate—Hathor, yes, that was his name—had been much more even tempered, but she had no doubt he would have attacked if he saw his mate in a fight. And then…Lothril knew she could not have fended off that. But even with that knowledge, I would have still fought for my daughters if they were threatened.
She turned from the two, eyes flitting across the other gathering members before she caught Sileree gazing at her with…urgency? Something in her look gained Lothril’s attention, something more than just the elegant words she spoke. There was something more she wanted to say—Lothril became even more certain of that as time passed—but couldn’t due to the presence of others. Her mind worked furiously as Sileree turned her attention to Rath, but she smiled softly at her words even as the lioness faced her again. The Queen’s eyebrows rose at the tone of her words. Not in annoyance, but more in amusement, for she felt the same way. But…she would be unhappy to learn that the small family was returning—not with her blessing, but with her permission. Indeed, it was something Lothril wished talk about with the elegant lioness. Unlike the others here, Sileree had been present during Deimos’s taking of the throne, and his abandonment of it. To put it lightly, Lothril did not fully trust Deimos, and was certain he still wished to have the title of ‘King.’ But at the same time, Lothril was of the opinion that their strained relationship was partly her fault. Experience and time showed her that she hadn’t been especially kind or accepting of him from the very beginning. At the very least, she would attempt to correct that mistake by giving Deimos another chance to prove himself. The Queen shook her head quickly at Sileree’s final words. ”Your opinions are always important—at the very least to give another view on things.” How could they not be? Queen she may be, but she was still a single creature and could not know everything. Never would she scorn the thoughts of others, and she knew Sileree to be an exceptionally intelligent woman, as well as worthy of trust. ”I would speak with you about him, later tonight.” Yes, she did wish to speak with Sileree about him, but even more did Lothril want to know what was troubling her.
Sileree glanced up then, and Lothril followed her gaze to see Nari approaching, looking unsure and uncomfortable. Her thoughts were distracted slightly as Rath spoke up again and she kept the practiced eye of a watching mother on her as the cub distanced herself from the group. She glanced back up to see Sileree greeting Nari, and Lothril contented herself with allowing the younger lioness to greet the newcomer. Perhaps Nari would feel more comfortable talking to only one member of her new pride. A strange scent came to her then, and Lothril’s head jerked up to see a strange lioness coming among them. Her immediate question of who this stranger was was soon answered. She—Cilin—seemed awkward, if not a bit unsure of herself, and Lothril quickly deduced that she posed no threat to the pride. The Queen dipped her head slightly in greeting. “I am Lothril, and this is my pride—the Akina.” Eyes watched the new lioness cautiously, but her voice was soft. “As this is our home, I have to wonder—what are your intentions here?”
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Post by daystar on Jun 6, 2008 20:17:04 GMT -6
Rayen had fallen into listening, much was being said and some of it Rayen didn't grasp the meaning. Mostly what was passed between Sileree and Lothril was what confused her. Surely, it was of some thing past and so Rayen didn't concern herself with it. Lothril too, ended it with a promise to speak of it later to Sileree. She relaxed slightly, beginning to wonder if this was a body count or if Lothril had a purpose for the gathering. She wasn't sure and it wasn't her place to ask. She let a smile spread across her face, allowing herself to be alert and patient. This was fun and she was eager to watch quietly.
Attention turned to the approaching lioness, Nari. She seemed, nervous at least. Sileree addressed her so Rayen did not feel that she should. Rath spoke again and Rayen nodded in agree-ence. It was obvious the respect and love that Rayen felt for the young lioness, it shone in her eyes and radiated from her very being. As full motherly warmth consumed Rayen, Rath was her child. Lothril offered a friendly greeting to Cilan and it became apparent that Cilan was not a member and Rayen wondered her intentions as well. Another potential member to this sisterhood or possibly a hidden threat regardless Rayen would just have to wait. Her gaze darted back to Rath briefly before she turned back to Lothril.
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Post by Vox on Aug 16, 2008 22:10:47 GMT -6
It seemed she would have her chance, her opportunity--and soon. Lothril met her eyes, and she seemed to understand the gaze. Or was Sileree simply imagining that, because she was so desperate for some kind of reaction, some form or response. Hmm...She was biased; she needed to keep a clear head. A part of her had the mad desire to laugh, cackle maniacally and confess but...That wouldn't do. This 'Rayen' and her 'Rath' were present, and the two new members would be watching. She couldn't do that to Lothril, couldn't scare away possible allies with her own...Internal, suppressed...Whatever you wanted to call it. Gripped by a sudden fear, the female probed her own thoughts cautiously. Was she truly mad? Or...Was it a passing phase of anxiety? Perhaps...Perhaps the impossible had become possible? No, she was definitely imagining that. It couldn't be that, she had always monitored that...ah...'situation' very carefully indeed, given past events. But that wasn't much comfort. In fact, it was more terrifying that ever if it was in fact her mind, and not her body, that was becoming inflamed and unreliably cheerful, and then strangely open. She was a private woman, a lady of affairs that were not revealed to the open, not displayed. Controlled. With this new urge to be open, to share, and to ask for forgiveness...Came a deep uneasiness. More than a tightening of the stomach, or a clenching of the gut, or a contraction of the eyebrows. It was stronger than that. It was a looming threat of another personality change, another upheaval of her roots, another re-potting, another move. Could it possibly be time to change her cold, reclusive, solitary ways? What would Lothril say? Because it all depended on her. If she rejected Sileree, all would be the same. All would be safe. All would be well, calm, cool, collected, as it had been for many years now. But if...If Lothril accepted her without question, then Sileree would be facing more than being kicked out of the Akina which she had grown to love and respect...She would be turning to face herself, with scissors in one hand, and a fresh outfit in the other. An entirely new costume to wear. What fun. What absolute fu--Terror.
She had not been driven to this in quite a time. She had not turned to face what she had become, turned to face what she had made herself into. What a curious thing a mirror is. It shows you yourself, exactly as you are, and not as you wish to think of yourself. A few more blemishes here and there, a few more unpleasant turns to a mouth or brow. Sileree found herself looking back at something that she didn't recognise. 'How terribly comic. I'm like something out of a play now. Scene, in which an aging young lady contemplates herself and her moods, and finds herself and her moods to be quite a shock, quite a disagreeable shock. Hmm. It's something, at least, a work in progress we could say. All we need now is a dashing young knight and a disapproving mother-figure and we're all set for action!' But that was the problem. Now she thought back on it, Lothril was merciful. Lothril...Might understand. Had Lothril not also gone through a certain 'love affair' with a certain gentleman who had walked out on her? Would that make her more willing to forgive Sileree, or more defensive when Sileree stated her case? Shrewd, calculating thoughts flashed through her mind, like rays of lightning over a background of rumbling thunder, her panic. Either way looked at it, the conversation needed to begin, and she found herself--surprisingly--with quite the nerve to do so. It would go calmly, quietly, and it would not happen in front of strangers. This was a private matter, and though she was not an arrogant, or privately petulant woman, she would pull rank if she had to get her way. This would be kept damn well quiet, she wouldn't have it parading around that she had been disloyal. Not that she had been. Really. A twist of fear wrenched something behind her navel, holding it in a vice-like grip, as if she was going to be sick. Her dark-maroon nose went perhaps a shade paler, and then flushed as she realised it had. Eyes flicked lazily away from the one she had been entertaining, and fixed back on Lothril. The words rolled out easily enough, and she was glad to hear that they were perhaps a little drier than usual, but not so much out of the normal way.
"If I may be so bold as to venture a private word with you on a separate, though related, subject, o Queen, anon, I would be much obliged. It is, as one might say, urgent, tho' more so in a personal way, and concerned with affairs of my own, than in a fashion that might endanger the Akina. At least..." She swallowed, trying to keep as calm as possible, though not managing to keep her normally hoarse, husky tone from rasping rather severely on the last words, "At least for now."
She though she had done it rather well. Formal, and rather ceremonially poetic, but tempered with a humbly expectant tone, which suggested she was going through the niceties for her own sake, not because she had committed a great wrong. For the presence of another, rogue male on the Akina territory, however distant he was now, would certainly count as endangering the Pride, however valiantly she might try to prove him harmless to other females and cubs. 'He's different...Not like those other males...Thorn is a gentleman.' A wave of affection for him rose up inside her throat, until it felt more constricted than ever. Breathing became agony for a few moments, but she wrestled down the urge to give a hearty gasp and then sigh, as would have made it easier. There was so much they had not discussed with each other. It had come upon them so quickly, and left them lingering about, hoping for more, and yet half-knowing that it would not work. Love. It was silly, really, but...She had been happier, knowing someone had cared, someone was thinking about her somewhere, and in an honourable way. Mayhap it was simply her being needy, or desperate for approval from one she thought worthy, but...It had not felt like a negative kind of fulfilment. It had felt whole, and warm, and...Well, desperately funny and good, despite its problems. Love.
Another swallow, and the curious absence of any tears or hot prickling in her eyes, calmed her frayed nerves. Patience, she needed it now. Needed to wait for the reply which would be so quick, and yet take so long to arrive at her brain. The most important was yet to come. And, in the case of Lothril accepting her liaison (though they really had done nothing) with Thorn....The eye of the storm was yet to gaze down on her. |
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