|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 6:42 pm
Sora had been in the pride for a few days now... She'd spoken with the leader, some white cheetah... She seemed nice enough. And after a day or so, Sora decided that she would stay. For how long? She wasn't sure... Until she got bored, at least. And who knew how long that'd take. She still insisted that she would leave sometime, but the more time she spent here, the more that event seemed more and more distant...
But, either way, she had to pull her weight while she stayed here. So there she was, trotting through the thick grass towards the borders of the territory, eyes flickering around on the look out for a certain male cheetah. Today would be her first day or training. ...Hmph. As if she needed it...
Zikomo waited at the border of the coalition lands, sitting up tall and proud as though to give Sora something to look up to. Their last couple encounters left Zikomo feeling rather uncertain about himself and though he knew the female did not need his training he hoped there was something he could teach her about their traditions. He had come to the place they were supposed to meet a bit early to ensure that he'd be the first one there. He had looked over the lands beforehand and made sure that things were as they were supposed to be. It would be awful to have something disastrous happen on their first day together.
Once he was certain that things were as they should be, he waited and thought to himself about what he might say first. As he pondered he noticed a reddish-brown female padding towards him. Zikomo's fur bristled at the site for a moment, but with a quick shake his furs returned to their normal position. "Good afternoon, Sora!" He called out, trying to start their day positively.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:04 pm
Sora smelled him on the wind, and turned a little to move towards his direction. Then she saw him... For a moment she looked a little amused, glancing over him as he stat strait and tall. Was he showing off? Surely someone didn't sit so nobily all the time... But she put on a more serious expression, not willing to let him see her smiling. She was beyond those silly emotions.
"Good afternoon." She mutters, trotting up beside him. She sat heavily and let out a breathm glancing out of the grass. Then she turned to him with a hint of impatience. "Well, let's get this over with."
Zikomo laughed inwardly to himself when Sora responded. It was good to see that life amongst the others of the Duma'Chama hadn't softened her up at all. Lifting himself to his feet and making a gesture with his head, the male began the training. "Well, one important thing to know as guard," He began, finding it strange that he would be the one to teach others about the coalition. It felt as though he had only just stumbled across the group of cheetahs, eager to prove himself and desperate for something to occupy his time. Now that he had found his calling it seemed far too easy.
Continuing to pad along the land's borders, the male continued, "Is where the borders start and end. I figure we'll stroll along the entire perimeter as I explain to you your responsibilities as guard." Though Zikomo primarily kept his gaze forward, he would continually glance behind him to make sure that Sora was still following, or perhaps simply because he had grown attached to the female and enjoyed the view. Had it been the latter, he likely wouldn't tell her.
She fell into line with him, quickly shifting to match his steps. She wanted to make sure she kept up. If anything, the female was eager to prove herself... Her head occasionally bobbed up and down, letting out a soft grunt or two in understanding as he talked.
"Fine." She mutters, her eyes mostly focused on the grass around them, looking out for any larger predators or things that shouldn't be there. Like him, her eyes would occasionally look back at him, but more just to keep up with him than to eye him in... that way.
Though Sora's clear dislike of their situation was a bit uncomfortable, Zikomo was glad to hear that she was at least willing to go along with it. The male knew that Sora was capable, he just wanted to make sure she was prepared to put aside pride for the good of the coalition. There was a clear difference in being able to protect one self versus protecting an entire group. Independence was acceptable as cheetahs, but those that held higher positions needed to set that aside and think of everyone.
As far as neighboring territories, the Duma'Chama had been set up in a land far from other groups. It was thought that if they did not meddle in the lives of lions and other species, the other groups would in turn leave them to themselves. As they made their way along the perimeter, however, it was clear that the lion prides were slowly coming closer. Glancing back towards Sora, Zikomo winced. "It won't be long before we share a border with a lion pride. They are increasing in numbers and forming a surplus of new organizations."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:49 pm
She was silent, her mind slipping away to old memories. Memories she didn't much care for. She knew of lions... The whole race could die a painful death and wander the earth without mercy for all she cared. In fact, if she were a more vengeful female, she might have tried to send them there herself...
But she wasn't, much too caught up in her own self preservation.
She continued to walk beside Zikomo, finally drifting back into the conversation. "Ah... That isn't good." She mutters. "I'll be sure to keep an eye out..."
Sora's quiet, delayed response was enough to cause worry in the male. Though he was concerned, he did not want to create a more uncomfortable environment between the two. Shifting his gaze forward, Zikomo quietly thought to himself just what it was that he had said that had caused Sora to become so lost in her thought. Continuing along, Zikomo finished what he was saying, eager to change the subject, "I only warn you because while our position at this time is simple and typically free of conflict, that may change in the near future. The closer the other prides come to us, the more likely they are to challenge us for our land and resources. We need to make sure that they understand these borders are well patrolled and cared for."
As the pair walked, the scenary changed very little, looking out into the open savannah and still adorned with the small orange flowers that showed where their borders started and ended. "We all have our own responsibilities to tend to, but until the group is larger, we are expected to overlap our duties if need be. For example, Kolo is a hunter, but if he sees danger he has the right to act as guard or scout and report to Aailyah. Even with the title of guard, you're still responsible to help the coalition as much as possible."
Sora nodded towards him, listening as they walked. "Ah, of course, of course..." She glanced him over for a moment, almost looking bored for a moment... But that would be rude, and she didn't want to make him feel bad. Even though she was preeetty sure she had this in the bag. Still... You never know. Maybe there was some secret about the pride that she didn't know.
"I'll be on the look out for other prides, then... I'll make sure they don't come too close."
Zikomo caught Sora's expression and lowered his ears for a moment. Here he was given the perfect opportunity to really get to know the female and he was simply being a responsible cheetah and tending to his duties! Certainly she must have thought he was incredibly boring for not even cracking one joke - though Sora didn't seem the type to laugh at jokes. Glancing off towards the side, the male found that the pair had wandered the entire perimeter and covered all of the basics. He could dismiss her and see her their next time together or he could actually say something of substance. Sora was still new to the coalition, perhaps she was hoping for a simple friendly conversation or a friend? Zikomo unknowingly kept his ears flattened on his head as he fought long and hard with what he could say to her.
Turning back to see her, the male paused and offered a simple smile. He wasn't very good at this, but what was the worst that could happen? Zikomo swallowed hard at the thought. With Sora it was actually kind of intimidating! What if he offended her?
"Well. That's the surrounding area of the coalition," He began, mentally scolding himself for simply finishing the tour. What would keep her beside him? Why would she even want to get to know him? Waving his tail about behind him, Zikomo made a bold move and stepped forward, a bit into the female's bubble. "Sora. I'd really like to get to know you better."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:09 am
She nodded, almost turning to leave now that it seemed to be over. She didn't really see any reason to stay, until she glanced back over her shoulder at him. She raised an eyebrow to see him look so worried and anxious, noting his body language clearly. She couldn't help but look amused, her eyes scanning over him. He really wasn't that bad looking if she really paid attention to him. He had an... awkward cuteness about him.
Her eyes snap to his when he moves closer, her smirk fadding a tad. She didn't like being this close to someone unless she had been the one to close the distance. Still... She thought his efforts were endearing.
"What do you want to know?" She muttered, her voice lowered to a sultry purr.
Zikomo couldn't help but frown as Sora had turned away, fearful for the loss of his opportunity to finally bridge the awkward gap between them. He had thought quite a bit about the interesting female since their first meeting, but hadn't yet gathered the courage to speak up about it. When he was told by Aailyah that he would be training her he thought hard about what he could do to make the day enjoyable for her. Even waking early and going over what he'd need to tell her couldn't prepare him once she padded up idly.
When she turned back, he had taken his chance. As the male watched her smile fade, he felt his courage go with it. What was he doing? She didn't even know him! Feeling rather foolish about the entire ordeal, Zikomo took a few steps back and tried to cover his mistake with a light chuckle. He couldn't remember feeling this lost and confused since he was a kitten. Though it was not exactly encouraging, Sora's voice caught his attention and he was reminded again why she interested him so much.
"What do you enjoy doing? What makes you happy?" Zikomo's questions were brief, but he was genuinely curious about their answers. What could he do to make Sora's stay in Duma'Chama more pleasant. He certainly wanted her to stay.
She tilted her head, watching him curiously for a moment. He really was awkward... Though she really didn't mind, in the end. It'd just give her more opportunity to control him. She stepped forward, her steps matching his retreating ones.
"What makes me happy?" She parroted in a pensive manner, her head still cocked at an angle, ears perked as she looked him over again. "Mmm, I'm not sure. I haven't really been happy in a long time... Why? Do you want to make me happy, Zikomo?"
Zikomo's courage faded further as Sora closed the gap between them once again. Only a moment ago the tables had been turned and Sora had been the one to look almost awkwardly up at him. He had surprised her then and caught her off guard. Though unintentionally, the male much preferred not being the victim of surprise. She repeated his question almost dramatically, cocking her head to add character. The male watched curiously, seeing a side of Sora that he wasn't quite used to. Perhaps his question inspired something. He almost expected her to huff and walk off, finding him unamusing. Zikomo furrowed his brows when he heard how the female had not been happy. It wasn't that he lived a particularly exciting life, but the male certainly wasn't unhappy.
Sora's final question forced the male to stand his ground and come clean about how he was feeling. He'd been in her company for quite a few days now and grew increasingly fearful about her disappearance. She always said she could go whenever she chose to. What if he wanted her to stay?
Attempting to swallow again before speaking, Zikomo was surprised to find that his throat was dry. He glanced off to the side and then finally locked his eyes on her. "I would love to give you a reason to stay."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:55 am
The female stared at him for several moments, blinking slowly. Was he serious..? She had expected more awkward half-flirting... Not something so sincere. She frowns slightly and straitens her head, her eyes level with his, her gaze more cautious than anything now.
"....What do you expect me to say?" She finally said, the purr gone from her voice, leaving the empty growl that had been there before. "Do you really think that you could be enough to make me stay here if I really didn't want to?"
Sora's response was just what Zikomo was hoping to avoid. The moment she began to stare at him vacantly he realised he had over stepped his boundaries and pushed his limits with her comfort. He didn't know her very well at all, but he felt as though he understood her. There were more similarities between the two than one might guess simply taking a look. When she frowned, Zikomo lengthened the gap between them as he began along the path they had come. He kept his back to her until she responded, growl audible in her tone. "Nothing, nothing. I didn't mean to upset you," Zikomo tried to defend himself, though he really hadn't fully thought over his words. He wanted so desperately to simply dig a hole and bury himself, but there was no escaping the situation. He had royally screwed up their day with one another and he had a suspicion that he wouldn't be able to mend things now.
Zikomo made a gesture towards the coalition in an attempt to change the subject. Before he was able to speak, however, Sora asked him the question that would break him. The male knew she wasn't very social, but had never expected her to say something like that. Zikomo's expression became hurt and he didn't worry about folding his ears back. With a growl, the male furrowed his brows and responded. "No. I suppose not. Nothing will be enough to make you happy Sora and that's because you won't let it be."
She... felt guilty. ...She felt guilty?
It was her turn to let her ears tilt back, watching him step away from her. Was it fair to let her unhappiness infect him? He seemed like a nice enough cheetah, and had been trying to help her. And what had she gone and done? Ugh.
She frowned deeper when she saw his hurt expression, her ears then laying flat, and her tail tucking under a little. She had almost opened her mouth to apologize... Then he spoke. It really was a vicious cycle. Her eyes narrowed a little, though she still frowned. "Don't patronize me..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
