|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 12:21 am
Patrolling was something that Hantu often did - she loved the thrill of going out by herself, and enjoyed the newfound freedom that had swiftly arrived upon her adulthood. Ah, yes, this was how she loved to live! Tonight, the moon was oddly brighter than usual, which especially delighted Hantu - after all, it was so much easier to patrol the boundaries of the Pridelands when you could actually see things with your own two eyes, rather than being reliant on the nose alone.
And so, the lioness streaked through the grass, silent as a spirit. It wasn't long before she caught the scent of something interesting riding the wind... yes, someone (or something) could well be approaching the Pridelands tonight.
She sunk to her haunches, lowering herself caustiously in the grass. If the stranger arrived, she'd be ready.
(( ORP, welcoming some new members to the pride, I hear (Kieko's lioness and a male). XD Feel free to join! ))
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 9:29 pm
Concerned with how Kei would take the pride, Shiri barely noticed the lion nearby. Her scent would have easily caught the female's attention, but the striped lioness was focused on more important things. Shiri had returned to Kei weeks prior, but only recently told him about her joining. She felt no shame in the pridelands, but simply worried that her choice might have offended him. She did not mean to make the choice without him, but couldn't be given the chance to change her mind. It had been too long that she had longed to join...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 10:00 pm
The dark colored male embraced the night's lack of light. Even though the moon was shining brightly his pelt took to his surroundings almost perfectly. Kei was happy for this. He wasn't exactly jumping for joy at the thought of visiting the pridelands. And as he followed slowly behind Shiri he rose his mis matched optics to gaze upon her. Her news of joining the pride had hit him hard in the gut. Of course they had not be mates and they had known each other for only some time, but he had hoped that his opinion was worth something to her. With this thought though, Kei knew he was being selfish. She was her own being and knew what was right for her. If she wanted to be a part of the tribe that had done nothing for his sickly mother then that was her own choice. He could not promise her that he would do the same. What he did promise her though was that he would visit and meet the members of the pride.
Kei let out a slight sigh, inaudible to other's ears and stopped as Shiri looked back to him. Had they reached the border? He hadn't been paying attention. She spoke and the most he could muster was a soft nod and a small smile. He wasn't sure what else he could offer. He wasn't particularly excited about this little venture of their's. It was then that he caught the scent of another and glanced about.
" We aren't alone, Shiri.." Was finally his reply.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 10:20 pm
Hantu had now been watching rather intently in the cover of the long grasses, taking in the spectacle. These lions were strangers to her eyes - she had not come across them before, though the golden lioness's scent seemed vaguely familiar... yet still, in a way it was distant to Hantu. It confused her.
She watched the two exchange their greetings by gesture - they both seemed rather uncomfortable, yet there was an interesting air about them. Perhaps, Hantu wondered, they were in a relationship?
She pressed herself lower to the earth, watching and listening with curiousity. She hadn't thought to mask her scent, nor had she taken precautions to make sure that she was upwind.
"We're not alone."
The silver Pridelander blinked... who were they refering to?! She raised her head to look around for another lion... and realised that she, herself, was that third lion. Blushing, she got to her paws - staring at the strangers cautiously.
"Good evening," she said, more awkwardly than she would have liked to sound, "I was just... ah, passing by. I didn't mean to disturb you, though it's my duty as a Pridelander to patro..."
She quietened herself down. These lions may not have been asking for an excuse, and she felt it was not lady-like to blather on like an idiot.
"Sorry... a-are you looking for anything in particular?," she asked, averting her gaze, "... Other than peace and quiet?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 10:39 pm
Shiri looked forward now, silently thankful to revisit her new home. She had been a member for roughly a month and yet she spent only a few days total in the lands. She met wonderful friends including Chunuka and Chu'mana, but they did not know the extent of her double life. She hoped that the pridelands would grow on Kei and that he might share her same opinion of the lands. There was so much within the lands that Shiri had to explain to Kei. How she believed her parents could be there somewhere.
Shiri was about to speak to Kei when his voice explained that there was another nearby. How had Shiri not noticed? Looking about quickly, she worried that perhaps another rogue had followed them. She heard of rogues that threatened the borders and had to be taken care of by those that wandered the borders. Soon after Kei pointed it out, Shiri caught the smell. It appeared to be a female.
Straining her eyes, Shiri attempted to see whomever it was that seemed to be watching them. The lioness almost spoke out, to call towards the stranger when a quiet voice greeted them. The lioness appeared from the pridelands and stunned Shiri. She was incredibly beautiful. An elegant silver with striking eyes and pale purple coming up her paws. Shiri was surprised at how much variation there was within one pride. Smiling, Shiri took a short bow and introduced herself. "Hello.. I am Shiri." And though she was tempted to introduce Kei, she felt it might be something he'd wish to do on his own, "I am a pridelander and simply wish to introduce my friend... I was unsure as to whether I needed permission or.." Shiri looked embarassed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 12:10 am
The voice of the hidden lioness reached Kei's ears and he glanced up in time to see the femme come out of hiding. She certainly was not hard on the eyes and Kei took a small step forward, though remained behind Shiri. Kei's trust did not come easily. That statement could have been challanged though, do to how quickly he grew attatched to Shiri. Yet, after her sudden departure he was working his trust for her up again. This pridelander thoguh was certainly more of a reason for Kei to be on gaurd. As Shiri introduced herself he took a deep breath and remained silent momentarily. It was obvious Shiri was not about to introduce him and quite frankly he was not up to the task either.
With his low husky voice the male spoke. " Kei.." He revealed his name to the silvery hued lioness, his one golden eye and one blue eye locked on her movements now. One could never be too careful. It didnt matter to the rogue how trusting Shiri was of these lions. They had done nothing to prove to him that they were even worth his time. He was fine on his own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 4:30 am
Hantu let out a small sigh of relief. It seemed that the lady lion was alright - by her body language, Hantu read that the stranger didn't perceive her as a threat. So, this woman was a Pridelander, too?
Well, that explained the familiar scent. It wasn't strong, but it was there, and it became more apparent as Hantu drew closer.
"Good to meet you, Shiri," she dipped her head, signifying respect, "Uh... well, I'm Hantu. Sorry for spying on you again, I know it wasn't very," she paused, looking uneasily at the male, "... well, polite of me. I didn't realise you were a Pridelander, Miss Shiri."
She bowed again, sweeping her head to the floor, and then looked up, squinting her eyes. She really hadn't seen this lioness before. Ah, well, the Pridelands was a large place, and she had not met everyone. Perhaps she'd come across Shiri only in passing?
"I'm... not sure if I'm the lioness you're after. I mean, I'm only a cuh-" she started, but she stopped herself, and her chest swelled with new confidence.
After all, she was an adult now, which meant...
"Actually, scratch that. I'm sure I can help you out concerning pridal matters," she grinned proudly, trying her best to look at least a little helpful, "It's nice to meet you both, of course, and I'm sure we can organise a welcoming party. Is Kei... joining?"
She shot the male lion an unsure glance, scared that her question might be taken as offensive. The male, after all, still seemed uncomfortable, skeptical, even, and that kept Hantu on edge. His eyes seemed to watch her, judging her and even the very territory that stood on.
"It's nice to meet you, Kei, by the way," she replied, forcing an unsure smile, "Would it be wrong for me to say 'Welcome to the Pridelands'?"
She hoped that her assumption that the male was joining was a correct one, and that she hadn't dug herself into a hole.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 12:00 pm
When Kei spoke his name, Shiri smiled a bit awkwardly. It was all he offered and she understood partially where he was coming from. Living as a rogue was difficult. It forced you to be strong, independent and untrusting. With so many other lions stealing your food, challenging your temporary territory and simply causing problems, it made sense to be weary. When Kei opened up to Shiri, it was clear to her that he may do the same for the pridelands. It would be difficult, it would take time and it would not be easy, but it was possible.
Shiri hadn't taken Hantu's behavior as spying, but when the lioness apologised, Shiri found herself blushing. How long had she been watching? Not that it really mattered, but it was somewhat strange to think of someone spending their time watching the two of them. Was there really anything of interest to watch? Perhaps they were just being careful? Shaking the thought from her mind, Shiri nodded at Hantu's introduction. "Nice to meet you, Hantu."
As Hantu asked if Kei was joining, Shiri made a strange expression. She hoped Kei didn't see and worried what Hantu might ask of it. Glancing back to Kei almost worried, Shiri spoke gently, "Well.. not yet, right? But you want to look around?" The golden lioness did not wish to speak for Kei and so asked him instead.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 10:27 pm
Kei gave a slight snort when the other female had asked if he were going to join. Certainly he would not be joining a land he had barely set foot on. One he hardly knew. That made no sense to Kei and he was about to reply, maw opening with a smart comeback on the tip of his tongue when Shiri replied for him. Shutting his maw with a snap of his jaws Kei narrowed his gaze on Shiri in a slightly irritated manner. Perhaps he was on edge because he was uncomfortable. Shaking his head, silver mane catchign the moon's light, Kei took a step forward and glanced sideways at Shiri momentairly before returning his gaze to Hantu.
The large male took a breath, not wanting to act on his urges to argue or correct, and spoke. " No, I am not joining - " he began, " Though it would not be wrong of you to welcome me. That would only make your pride seem more approuchable. " His tone was rough, like always, and seemingly annoyed. It was as though he wanted to get this visit over with. Kei couldn't see how Shiri delighted in coming to such a place that made him so awkward.
" A look around would definitely be better than standing at the borders.." He added, tail flipping about behind him as he looked to both Shiri and Hantu.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 2:13 am
"That's quite alright, Shiri," Hantu pressed a forepaw to her chest, smiling, "Thankyou for not taking offense before, by the way... I'm constantly on the alert, these days. Cub-nappings do happen, I hear, and it's a personality flaw of mine - I'm dreadfully suspicious. I'm only new to patrolling, too..."
She paused, and stopped herself from mouthing off about herself again. It was a little strange for her to be so expressive - hrm, it must be the time of evening, or the intense vibrance of tonight's moon that was effecting her. Yes, that had to be it.
Kei, however, did not seem so forgiving, and this kept the silver lioness on her toes. She, too, noticed the rough tone of his voice, and kept herself from flinching as she listened. Not joining? So she'd made the wrong assumption, after all. Her tail flicked in a fleeting moment of embarrasment.
"Apologies, Kei," she replied, retaining her confidence and puffing out her chest in order to not appear flustered, "I jumped to conclusions... you see, I've met a lot of lions lately, out here. Many have gone on to join the Pridelands. It's... really a good place."
She didn't want to go on about the subject too much - for some reason, the atmosphere still was tense, and Hantu felt that breaking out into a patriotic burst would not be appropriate right at this moment. Still, Shiri and Kei must have met at this point for a reason. Whatever that reason was, Hantu didn't know, but she knew for sure that she could be of some use.
"Shiri, you would already know the Pridelands well, wouldn't you?" her voice went up at the end in a questioning upward inflection, "Though, it's my job to, as you said, welcome you here. If you'll follow me, I'd love to take you further to the centre of the lands... or, if you'd prefer to go alone..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 8:10 pm
Kei's snort was certainly noticed by the also nervous Shiri. He seemed so irritable and she knew that it was her own fault he felt this way, but she hoped that he might be on better behavior. What she didn't notice, however, was how he began to speak and she spoke for him. That was entirely what she did not mean to do. When his jaw snapped shut, she glanced back towards him wearily. She couldn't speak, for fear of starting some sort of problem in front of Hantu.
When Kei did speak, he was quick to respond. His tone reminded Shiri greatly of when she first returned and even more so when she first approached him about being a member of the pride. He wouldn't be joining? He sounded so prepared to refuse the pride, with no hint of ever changing his mind. Had Shiri been wrong to place her hope in him? With ears lowered, Shiri's gaze went away from both Hantu and Kei. At that very moment she simply wished to disappear. How could she hide her pain from the two lions standing so close to her?
Hantu's voice continued on in the background. Shiri could not bring herself to pay much attention. She was both embarassed and still ashamed of her choices she had made. Kei did not seem as though he had forgiven her, despite what he had said. When Hantu had finished, Shiri stepped forward and did her best to fake a smile.
"I appreciate your kindness, Hantu. You have been a very welcoming, kind lioness. I think both Kei and I would probably be better to wander on our own though..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 2:19 pm
Kei shook his head when Hantu had began to apologized. It was not nesseccary. Neither was the small speech she had begun to conjure up about the pridelands. Yet, Kei was relieved once she ahd caught herself and stopped while she was ahead. A nod was sent in the silver lioness's direction as a thank you for her welcome and Kei then returned his gaze to Shiri. Unbeknowest to him, he had hurt the lioness. He had claimed he would not joint he pride instead of saying not just yet.
Was it truly much of a shock? He was not one that was much of a lover of the pridelands and was merely following a female onto the grounds because of his feelings for her. It was not something he wished to do entirely. It was something he was doing to keep her happy. The fact that he had followed her this far said enough in itself of how he cared for her. Kei was ignoring his inner voices to turn and flee from the lands in order to please this female. It he was not on his best behavior then it was only his way of coping with the situation.
Shiri then spoke up and thanked Hantu before excusing the two of them. From hr tone at that moment Kei could tell he had done somethign to upset her and he felt his heart crumble a bit. What had he done now? With a sigh he turned to look at Hantu and offered her a short bow of his head. " Thank you for your patience and acceptance, Lady Hantu.." He finalised in his husky tone before turning to follow after the lioness he had grown fond of.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
