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 Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 7:32 pm
He didn't have any intention for the day as he wandered, having only recently left his home and still battling the homesickness that typically hounded him for the first few days. It made him feel like a ridiculous cub, but for all the emotion that stormed and boiled in him, Talamo appeared entirely at ease with himself as his large paws carried him over the savannah. He seemed completely unbothered by the heat of the sun above or the insects that buzzed about at their leisure. He was a knight, roaming far from home but still rigid with the years of training. Not unfriendly, but any means, nor unapproachable, but not foolish or over emotional.
To a King, he was the perfect ambassador. The idea still terrified Talamo, but love for his pride and his king had driven him out of the pride lands and out into the world to spread the word. Tete'boma was looking for new members, and Talamo was here to make everyone fall in love with his home. His stomach clenched and an anxious shudder slid down his spine. What if he should fail? What if no one came?
Easing his tense shoulders with a gentle roll, Talamo shook out his dark mane and continued across the savannah, completely unaware that he was drawing near another feline...
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Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 11:37 am
 with cameo by Bacarudo! 
Frightened stare like the hazy blue that clung to the highest mountaintops flicked in every direction, reluctant to meet the hard eyed glare that pinned her in place. The young lioness wondered even now how she'd gotten involved in this ugly mess. Pinned with her back against an outcrop of rocks in the face of a very hungry and particularly livid lion. His mouth still had the taint of blood upon them as lips wrinkled to reveal his gritted teeth with a severe growl. The zebra mare that had been his prey had gotten away with little more than a few scuffles that would heal in time. This wouldn't have happened though, if he had chose his prey more carefully!
Are you touched in the head?! Stupid lioness! His voice broke her concentration, causing Asali'kama Chai to flinch with the way he seethed. He really was furious wasn't he? But she wasn't about to apologize! Lifting her head bravely in the face of conflict, despite that it wasn't something she had ever encountered before. She could only imagine what her mother might have said to see her this way. Protecting the savannah game, the look of wounded confusion she was bound to have worn. Being the great huntress she was, Chai didn't expect her mother to understand entirely. She'd yet to come across anyone who did.
I--No! But she has a nursing foal! It.. it's not fair to stalk her because she's an easy kill! I think it makes you no better than a scavenger! I think it makes you too lazy to do any real work! Silky voice cried out in protest against the injustice of it. Maybe that was the way things were, but that didn't mean the naive lioness had to like it. And though Chai certainly wasn't about to become a vegetarian she didn't believe in taking mothers or completely defenseless prey. She didn't believe in taking anything that couldn't be killed quickly and most importantly she didn't believe in causing anything to suffer any more than it had to. Watching the big cats toy with their prey until they were ready to kill it made her stomach churn.
She shivered as his brows furrowed and his eyes burned a little darker. Her slender backside pressed up against the sun-warmed stone as the larger figure pressed in closer, lifting his front paws to smack against the rocks at either side of her head. His face close enough to cause her fur to ruffle with eerily calm breathing. Tone so menacing that it chilled the young rogue's blood. But he knew, no matter how innocent she looked she was far more capable than even she seemed to realize and the claw marks in his haunches were proof enough of that! You want to know what I think---? You're going to taste a helluva lot better than that zebra, little girl.
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 6:00 pm
... or even two!
The sounds of raised voices reached his ears and he recognized the rolling growls of another big cat; a lion, like he. He also caught the softer voice of a female, raised in alarm, and his brow narrowed as he turned his bulk towards the source. Talamo was a Farasi, after all - a knight, and though he lacked some charm that many associated with such an occupation, he had the bulk and fighting prowess that it entailed and then some. His muscles bunched and rolled beneath his pelt, tense and ready for whatever he found as he approached.
And he wasn't completely shocked with what he did find. A male pushing around a female - or to be more precise, a male who'd backed a female up against the wall. Talamo caught enough of the conversation to determine that the lioness had done nothing to warrant this sort of treatment, though he couldn't imagine what a female could do to deserve such (but then he had never really been one for corporal punishment when the softer gender was involved, to be honest; call him sexist or whatever you wish), and the male's last words filled his ears til his own eyes flashed red.
Pulling his lips back over his fangs, he cut in with a snarl, "Want to know what I think?" He closed the distance between himself and the pair with only a few broad steps, his tail lashing behind him, "That you ought to pick on someone your own size, sir --- or larger, in my case." His snarl became a bit more of a scowl at that, dark eyes not leaving the other.
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Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 7:59 pm
His breath was scalding on her fur, but Chai tightened her maw. No matter how painful it was, she wouldn't give him the sickening satisfaction of hearing her cry in pain. Trembling with the terror she knew he could smell as he shifted his weight to lower a heavy paw, pressing rough pads and thick claws into her shoulder to hold her still. Long before his teeth could find her throat though, the burr of another rich, masculine voice caught them both off guard. Golden eyes lifting from the tiny female he held in place to drift towards the source, though he appeared unimpressed even in the face of what certainly appeared to be a formidably larger lion the color of shadows.
Bacarudo's ears pinned, he hardly needed an interference from some nosy traveler who happened to stumble across the scene in passing. Making sure to keep his nails firmly lodged within the pale lioness' shoulder to blatantly taunt the stranger. He didn't want her going anywhere before he made sure she paid her pound of flesh for his loss. And why exactly should I give a s**t what you think? Move along now like a good boy, there aren't any damsels in distress for you here mister hero. This runt deserves what's coming to her!
She had thought maybe, with the distraction she could slip beyond his notice, but Chai's earthy brown assailant had prove himself more observant then that. Biting her tongue as she winced in pain the moment slender frame had attempted to shift beneath his grasp only to find that his claws flexed and sank deeper into soft sinew in warning. Well, if this wasn't an awkward position to be caught in. Right up there with being spied rolling in the grass, not that the young rogue had any experience in that area! Almost ethereal blue eyes hesitantly drifted towards the new comer while she tried to hide any sign of pain or embarrassment or even the shame and doubt that was slowly blossoming in her chest. She tried to put on her most indignant face. I didn't do anything wrong!
It was true wasn't it? Not according to the brief look of violence that darted towards her in response to her protest. Though he appeared uneasy enough about the presence of their company not to want to keep his eyes off the unfamiliar lion for too long. And what was his opinion, Chai could only wonder grimly as she took in the menacing black pelt, she'd never seen a lion so dark before. What would he have thought of her if only he knew the whole story, if he didn't already?
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Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 12:23 pm
To be perfectly honest, though Talamo recognized that he was larger than the average lion certainly, he hadn't really taken the other male's size into consideration. Upon further investigation, of course, he now noted that he was, indeed, larger, but that didn't seem to spur any particular reaction in the brown lion. His apparently adversary seemed completely dismissive of Talamo's bid to involve himself, and his own eyes widened slightly at the only response that he was given. A deep growl rumbled like thunder in his chest, but it was low enough that it likely went unheard by the duo against the rock. It was mostly for his own benefit, a warning against his temper.
It didn't seem to matter if it flared or not, truthfully. This male didn't seemed concerned one way or another and appeared to be ready for bloodshed in the end. Rolling his massive shoulders as he took a step or two forward, as if in a mock charge, he assessed the possibilities. The earth-toned male had a firm grip with his claws on the female, so it was likely that if he was knocked off that she might be wounded. Then again, it didn't seem likely at this point that she would escape unharmed either way. To not involve himself, however, seemed a likely way to result in her eminant death. Not something he was comfortable with. He didn't grace the male's words with a response, instead focusing on the female as he respondedly distractedly but civilly, "I don't doubt you, miss."
Snarling impatiently, he took a few more menacing steps foward. He really preferred not to resort to violence, though if he was left without much choice he was resigned to do so. Halting, though his shoulders were tense and his legs slightly bent as he prepared to either meet an assault or to start his own, he ground out between grit fangs, "I ask that you let the lady go, sir, one more time." He didn't bother tacking on a threat; that much was obvious.
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Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 10:57 am
The heroic stranger's words, no matter how distracted, were a welcome relief to Chai's ears. At least she could be certain that one of the males was on her side--even if she might not have particularly deserved it. Her quiet eyes watched his broad frame approach in a series of half surges and imposing strides. His steady approach gradually bridging the distance that separated them causing her to acknowledge, now that he was only half a stride from herself, just how impressive he was.
Chai's assailant seemed to notice as well as she felt the tension in his body grow exponentially with second thought through the connection of his paw. Bacarudo was reconsidering his plan of action now that the rogue had made it blatantly apparent he had no intention of leaving until the issue was resolved. Sienna ears pinned in frustration at the nosy male. This was hardly any of his business, yet he insisted on getting in the way of Baca's teaching the brazen lioness a lesson. He felt his fur bristle along his spine at the idea of it. It did seem that a female with a pretty face was capable of getting away with murder. Hawk-eyed stare pinning Asali critically as he pressed his face into hers. Run away and I promise you won't get far.
Growling tone warned in a quiet breath meant only for the pale female's ears before removing his paw from her shoulder in order to face the shadow colored lion. Bacarudo didn't give her the decency of retracting his claws before he shifted his weight, instead tearing sickle shaped hooks from her flesh. Leaving in his wake five thin crimson grooves within Chai's shoulder which wept crimson tears. She trembled under the weight of his warning and fought the waver of pain that threatened to show upon her lips, visage turned with her cheek to the stone at her backside to keep her face as far from his own as possible. But then his weight was lifted from her and slender youth found herself free of the brown lion's cruelty.
Having drawn himself onto all fours she watched Baca square off against her savior with a cold look in his eyes. He definitely wasn't as large as the other, but his frame was squared and staunch, thick with muscle. It would have been foolish to underestimate him simply for not being the tallest male on the savannah.
I'm getting really tired of your self righteous attitude. What makes you think you know anything about anything, huh? Why don't you just shove off?! Bacarudo snarled as he reared up on his hind legs and lunged forward in an attempt to push his opponent backwards with large paws.
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Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:00 pm
A grating snarl slid up from Talamo's chest and through his throat, the gravely sound low enough that it rumbled his rib cage in a sickeningly comforting manner as he noted the wounds in the lioness' shoulder as the male heaved off her. His confidence was emboldened and swollen by the harsh, masculine sound that ground and rolled about in his chest and past his wrinkled muzzle. The sounds were low enough that they seemed quiet, like thunder at a distance. He was angry, but he was shockingly surprised that the male was choosing to resort to violence all the same. He had been prepared for it, maybe even wanted it, but he hadn't expected it.
His eyes raked the others form briefly, accustomed well enough to the moments before combat. The old Ufalme Konokubwa had enjoyed occasionally pitting his Farasi against one another in bloody matches and though they rarely ended in death, he knew of a number of knights who had been permanently scarred. That didn't include the altercations in the roguelands, though thankfully they were few and far between.
This one, however, seemed unavoidable. That assumption was sealed by the sudden upward movement of the other male as he reared up in prepartion of a lunge. Talamo was caught off guard enough that he was uncomfortably cuffed by a large paw of the brown lion. Swinging to oneside, he chose to remain wordless despite another growl as he reached back one large paw and swung out, claws bared. Typically he might choose to retract them, but this Bacarudo had proven that leniancy could be devastating.
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Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:36 pm
Bacarudo's own growl was gritty, thick and low in response to the one that seethed from his opponent. The effort placed into the sound made his bones rattle unpleasantly and unlike the other he didn't find comfort in the rolling timbre, just frustration. The surprise in the nosy travelers eyes made him snort irritably. What had he expected when he went off shooting his mouth and injecting himself into another male's business. Was Baca expected to just take it lying down? Because he wasn't about to. Fanged grin was tight as he caught the stranger's shoulder and unsheathed his claws in order to slice deep. He was staggered and at such a close range Bacarudo had the upper hand, but only for a moment.
Sober lion was quick to gather his wits and even quicker to retaliate. Not that Ru had really been looking for a fight even if he'd instigated one. He had hoped that physical confrontation would drive the point home and force the other to seek greener savanna. To forget what he'd seen and leave Bacarudo well enough to his own business, but that wasn't the case. He seemed equally intent on seeing this out, catching the stout earthy male with a solid connection. His head whipped to one side, body following as his paw slipped from sleek pelt and dark paws skid several steps with the effort to keep form being toppled over, leaving long grooves in the ground.
Baca bared his teeth in an ugly scowl, lashing the thick plume of his tail as golden glare flashed. What the hell was with this guy? He was really going to get into it for the sake of one lousy female? You're an idiot, you know that?
Initially any distraction to allow her enough time to escape would have been accepted without hesitation, but even without the vehemence filled male breathing down her neck Asali's chest still held a tightness not yet relieved. Dropping forward onto her forepaws with care not to place too much impact on her freshly wounded shoulder, slender femme hesitated in the face of the frightening vision of flaring tempers and violent intentions. Clearing her throat as she winced for the sake of her savior and followed Bacarudo as he skid backwards, prepared to jump between them. W-Wait. S-Stop! Leave him alone, he's not the one you want!
Shut up! Snapping irritably as shoulders were squared and his head ducked low, bristling male shrugged off Chai's pleas indifferently. It was almost amusing that she might have thought her cries of mercy would have meant anything to him. His haunches burned with the strain of use and the wounds she'd inflicted. Even if he'd wanted to he was in no condition to duke it out with her rescuer. She wasn't worth it either. Digging his paws into the soil before he leaped into a charge. He couldn't leave without one last jibe, twisting at the last moment before he reached taller figure to throw his shoulder into Mister Chivalrous in an effort to throw him off balance. Snorting at the other in disgust when finally he was ready to depart. Really... I don't give a s**t. She's nothing to me.. so go ahead and take her, but I'd watch my back if I was you...
Bounding backwards the loner sniffed indignant at the pair of them, giving Chai one last, long look before twisting to dart off. You should watch yours too, lioness. Luck might not be so kind on you should we meet again!
Peering after retreated haunches, marked by her claws Chai's own immediate danger had fled and she owed her life and a heavy debt of gratitude to the stranger shadow of a lion. For a long moment she stood stock still, breathless, uncertain what might come next as silvery blue eyes cautiously drifted towards the one whose name she hadn't yet even learned. ...A-Are you alright, stranger?
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Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 12:03 am
Talamo grunted as the stocky male's claws swept vicious, deep gouges in his shoulder with the passing blow. He quickly discovered that putting weight on the effected paw sent burst of pain through his muscles, and though he hissed with irritation, he continued to use the limb. For one, it wouldn't do well to give in to such a handicap in the heat of the moment; for two, the dull throb fueled his anger and kept his adrenaline running thick through his veins.
His own dark tail lashed against his sides and through the air behind as he sized up his opponent, using experience to attempt to discern the other's next move. Snapping his teeth at Bacarudo, he snorted, "Better an idiot than a coward."
The female's pleas reached his hearing and had a different effect on the knight. His ears flicked towards her, momentarily taking his attention off the other long enough that he wasn't completely prepared for the second attack. Though he stumbled, greatly, he managed not to completely fall of his feet. Ignoring the pain in his shoulder and the furrows left in the dirt as he had been shoved to one side, Talamo shook out his thick mane - impatient with his own mistake - and snarled after the other male. "Watch your own!" It was fruitless, the lion was already taking off, but Talamo felt a bit better.
Rolling his shoulder to test the wound, he looked immediately towards the lioness as she spoke. The gouges were forgotten in favor of looking after her and he took a cautious, inquisitive step towards her. "I'm fine, miss. Are you? He didn't rough you up too poorly, did he?"
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Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:30 am
Wincing in realization that her pleas had caused more harm than good Chai was relieved at least that Baca's last show of aggression had been a mild one at that before he turned tail. A quiet smile threatening to touch the corners of her delicate maw at the threat her hero spat after his retreating opponent. And then suddenly his stare was upon her, dark and sober and greeting her own forcing her to realize that she'd been staring at his silhouette rather dumbfoundedly. She also happened to notice for the first time since he'd arrived that there was a snippet of white upon the bridge of his nose mostly hidden by his mane.
Belatedly absorbing his question Asali jumped, suddenly beaming as she leaped at the enormous lion, pressing her forepaws against his chest as she leaned up to lick his nose in gratitude. Breathlessly purring with delight despite the ache in her own shoulder, fur smudged with blood. Y-yes! Well.. I mean.. I'm better now that that guy isn't breathing down my neck. I.. I really don't know how to thank you! Are you sure you're okay?
Dropping back onto her paws the tiny female limpingly jogged a circle around impressive looking male, not necessarily believing his all too quick assurance. With good reason of course! The scent of blood was thick in her nose and not just her own, pink nose twitching as she hiffed at him until locating the rends in his shoulder with a sharp inhale. Oh! You liar! You're not okay! You're bleeding here!
Silky voice wavered, choking on a whimper of concern. His fur was so dark it masked his injury well, but precious lioness wasn't the sort to be thwarted so easily by typical masculine brush offs. Stretching to reach the wound with the careful brush of velvet tongue over fresh claw marks, brows furrowed and ears laying flat with guilt. I'm sorry... you had to get involved.. even if I'm grateful that you did. Is that selfish of me?
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Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2010 9:45 am
Talamo felt the ebbing flow of the adrenaline as it worked it's way from his system in the aftermath. The threat was gone, he presumed, and he was left only with the remains. The injuries, and the - how had that lion put it? - damsel in distress were all that greeted him now, thank the gods. He never knew what possessed him in those fleeting moments of aggression, but he was glad for them. He would not stand idly by why the weak were bullied by those of poor morals, but if he were unsure of how to properly use his bulk and gods-given weapons of claw, tooth and muscle, these encounters might end much differently.
He flicked an ear in surprise at her sudden change in demeanor, watching as she bound forward. He did not budge, though his eyes widened, as she propped herself against him to lick his nose. He could hear her purring, and flushed beneath his dark fur. It had been sometime since he'd been so close to anyone, much less a pretty young lioness. He cleared his throat, "I am..."
But then she was interrupting him, calling him a liar and he followed her gaze to his shoulder with a wincing shrug. "It is nothing that will not heal easily enou--" He cut off as she drug her velvety tongue over the gashes, an involuntary shiver of both pain and small bit of pleasure sliding like cool water down his spine. His own ears pivoted back to press against his skull both in embarrassment and concern. He was unused to this sort of interaction.
But he was quick to reassure her nevertheless, not one to lose his composure for too long. He inclined his head as he looked at her, "It does not make you selfish to require help, miss. It makes you mortal."
[[Typist lol: I couldn't say "It makes you human" obviously, but mortal sounded better than lion. :'D ]]
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Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 1:38 pm
Well... I'm glad you feel that way, though I'm not sure if it's well deserved on my part. Admitting a bit abashedly, cornflower blue eyes focused on the gash in his shoulder with great dismay. She didn't know any healers by trade and wasn't any bit as clever as to know how to ease any pain that might have lingered or at least keep it from scarring. Quietly sitting back on her haunches a few inches from him, Chai considered what to do.
This was a real problem. She most certainly couldn't just walk away from him after he had so nobly defended her honor and protected her from a brute who probably deserved to take a few good whacks at her. Though, that part did seem to be covered. A wincing glance drifting to her wounded shoulder as it ached, attempting to lick clean some of the blood that gave her fur a pinkened hue. Chai decided she couldn't complain about the pain, it was more than likely deserved for her rash actions, sometimes it was hard to restrain herself.
After a few moments of grooming and contemplative thought, she finally glanced up at the ominous looking shadow of a lion. Twitching her ears towards him gingerly in a decidedly attentive way once the words had formed and she knew exactly what she was going to do. I guess.. I only really have two things to ask. Where are you going? And.. is it somewhere I can go too?
[ To be continued... ]
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