|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:13 pm
He walked the lands like a ghost, a silent figure slipping from shadow to shadow. He kept to the terrain and only crossed an empty expanse where deemed necessary. Now, after days of endless walking he had arrived at the outskirts of the Pridelands.
A few days ago he had crossed the border of the Kusini'mwezi where he had come across a young female. She had been weeping, crying her heart out, and he had done the gentlemanly thing and had paused in an attempt to console her. The conversation that had ensued after had troubled him deeply. The words she had spoken to him still lingered in his mind, repeating again and again until they threatened to drive him mad. Murder. Even when done in the name of justice. Was it the right thing? He had always thought so. Now, however, he wasn't so sure. Was everything he had ever been taught a lie? Some terrible thing that had forced him to become a sinner without even realising it?
Now, however, those dismal thoughts were being drowned out by his thirst. His throat was dry and he was desperate to find a waterhole to quench his thirst. The stretch of land he had crossed had barely held a scrap of water and now he was reaching the point of desperation.
That was why he was dwindling by these lands today. That was why he was moving across the borders into unknown territory. He knew he shouldn't have. Knew it was dangerous. But he had no other choice. It was this or die of thirst. There was no option. He had to do it. So he was. He moved across the landscape ever silent, moving low to the ground. However, here in the revealing sunlight his dark form was painfully obvious. And, to make matters worse, there was a stretch of empty land between him and the water he so desperately needed.
Okay...carefully does it now...
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:01 pm
Intent on, maybe, seeing some lions nearer her own age for a change- she was looking for somewhere popular but not that busy. Worst case scenario, she could relax and just look around. With so many lions in the pride, there always seemed to be something interesting going on. Her family would be very interesting and funny to watch from the outside, she figured.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:10 pm
 With a quick glance around him he dared to make a dash for it. He'd be there and away before anyone was either aware of his prescence! Quick-footed, the assassin darted across the empty landscape towards the water.
He could smell it from here! It hung in the air, tickling and teasing his nostrils, enticing him closer despite the fact he knew this was wrong. Trespassing was a very, very bad thing. He knew this because his old pride had killed any trespasser on sight. It might have seemed harsh, but the pride had secrets that needed to be kept. Anyone left alive would have the chance to spread rumours.
He slowed as he neared the water's edge and leaned over to peer at his reflection in its murky surface. The water was far too dirty to enable him to look at his own face mirrored there - but dirty or not, it was a welcome treat.
Slowly, Altair lowered his head to drink.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:18 pm
Lucky for the trespasser, the Pridelands were not a paranoid group of lions- despite many instances in the past where they had possibly been given reason to be- and welcomed almost anybody. Angavu's logic for why this was was mostly that there were so many lions in the pride, it would be hard to know everybody anyway. You'd be harassing pride-mates half the time and not outsiders. Even if they developed some kind of code or signal, with so many of them it wouldn't remain secret long.
Angavu was one of the lions who wouldn't even be able to pretend she knew everybody, or even exactly how many 'everybody' was. When she spotted the dark lion rushing by, she had no reason to be suspicious- except that he was moving very quickly. It was either suspicious or worrisome, and whatever the case, Anga was interested. So she followed after him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:28 pm
Gulping water as fast as physically possible, Altair was at first not aware that someone watched him. He had been trained in being aware of his surroundings. Trained in knowing exactly where people were and what they were capable of doing.
Sadly, his thirst had driven those instincts away...until it was too late.
The fur prickled along his back and with a start, he turned to face whomever was approaching, choking on water as he did so. For a moment he struggled to catch his breath, sucking in gasps of air when he could. Then, when he was close to suffocation, his lungs seemed to clear and he saw who the approaching lion was.
Not lion.
Lioness.
His first thought was of Samar. His beauty. The beauty who was not his beauty, but his brother's. Anger stilled his heart but it was quelled almost instantly. This female certainly wasn't she and he was glad of that. However, he also realised he'd been caught red-handed in foreign territory.
This would not bode well.
When he spoke his voice broke from his recent scare. "Ex-excuse me, Lady of these unknown lands. I did--did not see you there."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:41 pm
"Surprise," she said with a short chuckle when he turned, realizing she had snuck up on him and watching him choke on the water when he realized she was there. She couldn't help it, it was rather funny- and he recovered quickly enough that she did not worry too much about his choking. When he spoke, it was clear exactly why he had been in a hurry. He wasn't a Pridelander, and while he seemed to realize he was in pridal territory, he didn't know exactly which pride it was. Which was quite the surprise to Angavu.
"So that's why you were hurrying along like that," she commented, and tilted her head, smiling the whole time, "You don't know where you are?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:53 pm
He gave a pained expression and hesitated a moment before replying. By the way she spoke he had a funny feeling he should know exactly where he was. Should he be worried or glad by that? Was this pride famous or infamous? Well, either way, he was about to find out.
"Apologies, Lady, for I do not know these lands. I come from a place far from here, a land that none in these parts have ever heard of - not even in whispered rumours."
His eyes darted from her to the surroundings, making sure that she was alone. It seemed she was for now. But how long that would last he wasn't quite sure. "I have been travelling day and night now, without food, water nor shelter. The scent of water was too much for me to ignore. If I do you any ill will I shall leave immediately. I know my actions could bring grave consequences upon me."
He bowed his head, seemingly submissive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 3:05 pm
Angavu made a face, and looked around her and then at her own paws. She certainly couldn't be that intimidating, he could take her no problem. He was either really respectful of pridal territory, or he was dangerous. But Angavu was not the type to back down, and she if she would have to be really talented to veil any threats in her laughing and commenting- it was genuinely good-natured. She wasn't sure if that's how it came off though.
"That's very good of you to offer, but you're here now, you may as well get your drink," she said, still smiling. She leaned a bit to look back to the water behind him, then righted herself again and looked back to him. Her tail waved behind her as she played a potentially dangerous game.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 3:14 pm
Assassin he may be, but Altair was honourable. He would not break the rules unless absoloute necessary and had great respect of everyone who lived their lives well and just. This girl seemed well enough to him and so he would respect her for living her life as a lion and lioness should.
He bowed his head again, gratefully.
"Thank you, Lady. You are most gracious to a rogue like me who has done nothing to earn such kindness." A pause, was he going to far? Lighten up, Altair, it's not as if she were a queen. Or maybe she was. He had no idea.
"I am Altair, a traveller or no great rank or purpose." He would not disclose more than that unless necessary to do so. "Are you a lioness of high standing here in this pride? I would not wish your kindness to bring punishment down around your ears."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 3:22 pm
It certainly appeared as though this stranger had not come across too many prides like this one, but respect would get you far anywhere. She was rather impressed, most of the males she knew were more.. obnoxious. But then she most stuck with her brothers, young or old. She continued to avoid her grandfather though, but he certainly tainted her opinion of males in general. Maybe even unfairly.
The more he spoke, though, the more inclined she felt to end her little game and make him aware of the type of lions he was dealing with here.
"I'm Angavu, and I'm only a huntress here," she introduced herself, and continued to introduce the pride, "Your being here won't cause any trouble so long as you don't. Our pride here is very welcoming to outsiders, and our numbers are so great you might not even be recognized as someone just passing through. Depending on how long you stay, I suppose."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 3:29 pm
He seemed to visibly relax then. He did not think for an instant that she could be leading him into a false sense of security just to get him lynched somewhere along the line. "It pleases me greatly to hear that." He replied. "It is nice to meet you, then, Angavu. Being a huntress is a fine job indeed. Being part of one large circle of roles that work together t achieve something greater. There is nothing quite like it."
A pang of despair caught at his heart and reminded him how much he missed being amongst a society of lions, being a part of something bigger. He'd had purpose and drive before. Now he had nothing. Nothing except for memories of what he had lost.
"Then, if I may ask, do you know this area well? I wish to seek a place to rest and recupperate after my travels." As well as think over the conversation of a few days before. "Nothing - no den or herds - have crossed into my line of vision for the past few days. I was beginning to get worried. It's nice to see I'm not the only one around here." He smiled gently. "Far from it, by the sounds of it."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 3:49 pm
Angavu smiled, but it was an unusual smile. She had never really thought about being in a pride like that, this was just how it had always been for her. It was home, she'd never been anywhere else and she doubted she ever would be.
"I never thought about it like that, but I guess you're right," she said brightly, "This has been my home my whole life, I know the pride's territory quite well. Herds pass near here regularly and there are dens scattered throughout, some near the central lands and Pride Rock and some nearer here, nearer the roguelands. I don't see why you couldn't stick around here to rest if you're not going to cause trouble... and perhaps have someone you know around to vouch for you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 12:49 pm
He looked hesitant to accept her offer, afraid for his own safety as well as hers. Even though she had said that the pride was safe he was still nervous being here. Evem still, he was tired, and the offer was too good to refuse.
So, standing and dipping his head to her politely, he gave his grateful response. "That would be very good, I must say." A pause. "If you are not busy, would you mind showing me to one of these places? I wouldn't want to bumble around like an idiot in case I draw too much attention. If there's something else you need to do first, I can always wait here." He smiled and his eyes twinkled gratefully.
Golden lionesses.
He'd always thought Samar the only one, but he'd meant many on his journey. Many more beautiful than even Samar. Angavu was one of them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 1:08 pm
"I'm not busy," she said thoughtfully, appearing to weigh her options though her mind was already made really, "I can show you where you can stay, and I suppose I could be convinced to vouch for you." Anga grinned at him, then took a moment to consider the options available. There were some occupied dens nearby, where the lions who preferred some peace and fewer social interactions resided. It was probably best not to go too close to those dens, though they weren't likely to bother Altair.
"This way," she decided, walking off in one direction decidedly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 1:13 pm
"My thanks to you, Lady Angavu." He moved after her to trot briskly at her side, lifting his head to the sun. "I must say this is a very green land, full of life. The place I came from was quite dismal and empty in comparison." He turned to look at her from the corner of his eyes, admiring the strong proud shape of her jaw.
"You say you have lived here since birth? It must be wonderful to feel so at home. Since leaving my pride I have felt somewhat torn and distant, not sure where to go or where I can safely stay and rest. This place, this haven, is a good home."
A pause. "Yet, despite my wish to settle I don't think I ever will. Besides, from travelling I have learnt a lot...and now I have much to think about." He gave a wry smile and murmered softly. "The will of justice, indeed."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
