Word had gotten to the patriarch that a large, strange looking lion had taken to resting within one of their tree outposts. He had heard word that one of the grazers had even come face to face with the beast, and it had left her alone. By the sound of it he was not an aggressive sort, at least right now, but according to the Sky-Watchers he had been there for some time and he wanted to make sure that this lion did not hang around for too long. The last thing he needed was for those under his protection getting too nervous with this beast hanging around.
For nearly half a day Nepenthes lay in this small grouping of trees. He was not completely oblivious to the many birds that would soar overhead, circling overhead before disappearing again. This happened quite often through the day, enough times that the god simply started to ignore them. He didn’t know how many birds had come and gone, but eventually he stopped caring. Likely they were some sort of scouts or something, keeping an eye on him. There would most likely be someone coming along eventually. He doubted there would be birds watching him for no reason, but he couldn’t quite care.
Stommerd wasted no time going out to to the outpost, though he took it slowly to keep any curious eyes away. If he rushed off someone might think something was wrong, and the last thing he wanted was for his herd to worry something was wrong. Ears swiveled forward as he neared the outpost, listening intently. There were a couple avians circling around. Strommerd entered the trees, moving as quietly as he could. It was silent within, aside from the sound of bugs and wind, but he heard no sign of anything else yet.
Sure enough the beast was still there. Strommerd stepped silently over the grass, trying to keep his hooves away from any sticks are dry leaves. It was certainly an impressive looking lion, and odd at that. Horns, vines around his body, and a jagged looking mouth light nothing the patriarch had ever seen. Certainly a strange beast, but it did not matter. He wa here to protect his herd, and if it meant getting this lion to leave then so be it.
Finally he heard another beast coming. Nepenthes knew someone would eventually come, and as he opened his eyes he was mildly surprised to see a large, male waterbuck staring over at him. This he had not quite expected, but perhaps it was not too surprising. There was a herd nearby, he knew it just by the smell. What this male was doing here though he was not entirely sure.
The large lion looked over at Stommerd, but made no move to attack. Thw two stared at each other in silence for a time before Stommerd stepped forward to speak. “Lion, you are on the borders of my herd. What business have you in here?” He questioned, keeping a stern gaze set on the lion. The beast was a bit intimidating looking for sure, but this was his pride’s safety on the line, so he wasn’t going to back down just because this lion looked scary.
Nepenthes raised his brows curiously. Never before had he had a prey beast asked him of him intentions anywhere, so he was quite surprised at this as well. This place just seemed to be full of surprises. He stayed silent though, closely watching the waterbuck, until finally he drew out a reply. “Resting. The shade is nice.” He spoke, the words slow and steady.
Resting. This could have been true, though Stommerd was still a bit unsure. The lion didn’t seem to care anything about the herd nearby, and had not left the shade of the trees, but one never knew. “Well you may rest here, though I ask you leave before tomorrow.”
“We’ll see.” Was all the god said. After he spoke he closed his eyes once more, ears twitching idly as he lay there, now ignoring the waterbuck standing before him. This place was nice, comfy, and cool, and he was enjoying his rest here. Hed move eventually, for sure. possibly tomorrow, maybe in a couple days. It all depending on how the lion felt at the time, and he was keen to take his time doing anything. Thus far he had not been in a hurry to get anywhere, and he would not be in a hurry to leave such a nice place as this.
A snort escaped the patriarch at the reply he got. It was not what he was hoping to hear, however he was unsure how well he alone could get this beast to move. Possibly with some guards at his side, but even then this beast was surely no normal lion and who knew how strong it actually was. With nothing he could do for the time being the waterbuck turned and trotted out of the trees, pausing just outside and turning his gaze skyward. “Keep eye on the beast.!” He called up at the circling Sky-Watchers, “Let me know should he move.” The avians called out an affirmation that they understood and he turned to leave, mulling over what he would do should the beast not leave by tomorrow.
Stommerd was worried the lion would not, and what would happen if he and his guards were unable to make him. Eventually the rest of the herd would catch wind of this resting beast, especially with Sky-Watchers flying continuously over this outpost.
Nepenthes opened his eyes slowly and watched as the waterbuck finally turned and left. Finally he could go back to his silence, or at least as close to as it seemed he would get with the birds overhead, and the insects around. It was good enough though. A large yawn escaped his jagged maw and he stretched out further across the ground. It was quite nice here, though he didn’t think he would stay too long with the interruptions, as well as the constant watchers overhead.
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