Riad'naim:
It hadn't been that long, since he'd left the pride. The first time, when he barely had a mane, it had taken him months. He'd fully developed his roar and his mane had been fully grown and already completely tangled by the time he'd returned triumphant. Riad'naim sighed as he picked his way carefully through the dense jungle vegetation, being careful to avoid hidden wines or roots. He was disappointed - he didn't really know why. He knew that things like this took time, and that you couldn't rush them. It was just...he'd expected to find it easier. He'd already done this once before, and he knew the general gist of how things went. He was anxious to return to Adina, and so of course he wanted to find a female as son as possible. But he wanted to do it properly, and otherwise it wouldn't really count. It just...it was just taking longer than he'd expected.
This jungle was killing him, too. The insects, the constantly damp fur, the lack of warmth from the sun. Why had he chosen this place? Sighing loudly, Riad continued forwards begrudgingly, keeping a close lookout for a watering hole. He could do with a drink.
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
Jivu was laying on a branch not too high above the ground, in fact, she was so close to the ground that when she flipped her tail off of the branch, right into the face of a rather large male lion. Damn, he was big, even more so that her father, which was saying something. She was more of her mother's size, just a little bit bigger, so most other lions were larger than she was.
Her snake companion, ironically named Mwandani, lifted her head slowly from where it lay on her back. With a sigh, the snake slithered off onto the branch and curled up.
"You're going to get into trouble one of thessssse dayssss," 'Dani replied, closing her eyes again in a sunny patch.
Jivu only snickered as she looked down at the male below her.
Riad'naim:
Riad was surprised when a bushy tail sudenly brushed up into his face, his natural instinct being the freeze, and lash out with a paw, though by that time it was already flicked away. He blinked once, twice, glancing around his immediate area for the source of the intrusion to his personal space, before finally looking up, surprised to find a cat in the tree. His first instinct was, of course, a leopard - they were the natural tree-climbers. But upon closer inspection he was surprised to find a lion - and not even just that, but a lionness. Perhaps his luck was looking up.
"Excuse me?" he asked, polite as ever, confused by the hissing voice he'd heard. She hadn't moved her mouth...was she some sort of magician?
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
"Excuse you, indeed. It's rude to stumble about in someone else's territory without permission," Jivu purred back, her emerald eyes narrowing a bit, but she smirked down at him as she spoke. She drew her tail back up onto the branch and tilted her head at him.
"So, who are you?" she asked, considering him. He looked rather miserable, so he must not have been used to the jungle. She was, very much so. When she was younger, she learned that not many other lions knew how to climb trees like she and her mother and some of her siblings could. Plus, males had those manes. Probably got lots of sticks caught in it.
Her smirk grew in amusement.
Riad'naim:
Well, perhaps not a pleasant lionness as he'd first thought. Riad'naim had been lucky, in life. He'd been granted three sweet, obedient Banu who'd been happy to carry out any request he asked of them. There were Pads such as Tariq, and Faiz with that Beybanu of his, that weren't nearly as fortunate as he. Perhaps this would be his first expereince with such a lionness.
"I was not aware I was in a territory," he commented bluntly, no hint of politeness but at the same time no hint of rudeness or attitude. He had to assess the situation first. "My name is Riad'naim. May I ask yours?"
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
Jivu tilted her head a bit more, thoughtfully. Interesting fellow, but he seemed a little irksome. Of course, he wasn't giving her an attitude.
"Jivutatia. And my friend, whom I'll assume you heard earlier because for a snake she's not very quiet, is Mwandani. Now that that's out of the way, just what ARE you doing here?" She was a very sarcastic-sounding female and her smirk almost never left her features. She liked pushing buttons, and was rather good at it.
Riad'naim:
Jivutatia? Interesting name, he hadn't heard it before. "Pretty name," he commented once more, tone still giving away nothing. There was a snake? Well, that explained it. Riad frowned - he'd never seen a snake before. But he still couldn't spot her snake, and so pushed it to one side for now. What was he doing? The male chuckled, smirking a little. Ahhh, what an interesting question. "Would you like the truth, Jivutatia?"
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
"I'm not fond of liars, so that's your choice. Either lie and lose respect, or tell the truth and... well, remain as you are, I guess," Jivu replied and sat up on the branch, looking very stable and in her element. Her tail curled around her legs and she flicked her "mane" out of her face. Unlike her mother, who let hers always fall in her eyes, Jivu always liked to see who, or what, she was facing.
Riad'naim:
Not fond of liars? He chuckled again. My my, this lionness certainly was a handful. Riad'naim was impressed...and intrigued. He'd never found himself impressed by a lionness before. Proud, fond, yes. But impressed...it was something new. He almost liked it. "Well, Jivutatia. I belong to a pride, far from here, named the Ukuucha'Wafalme. In order to prove my worth as a lion I am searching for a lionness to capture and return with. In return they receive love, security and safety in my harem."
The truth had always worked for him.
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
Jivu frowned at him. Something THAT ridiculous couldn't be false.
"Well, if I were you, I wouldn't say capture if I were you. Not all lionesses fancy that kinda thing." Her tone had a hint of incredulousness. Love, security, and safety, huh.
"Plus, you're kind of assuming that lionesses don't already have security and safety on their own. And what would they have to do in return for your love, security, and safety?" She finished with a question, curiosity in her voice. Mwandani opened one eye with a frown.
Riad'naim:
He chuckled at her frown - she believed him, then. Her comments amused him further - he was astounded at the way she addressed him. Accustomed to polite young Banu, Riad'naim was completely taken aback by Jivu's...well, not exactly rude tone, but certainly not respectful. It was almost a refreshing change from what he was used to. He was beginning to understand why Faiz might enjoy having such a character as his Beybanu. "I'm only repeating what the pride believes - but perhaps I shall put your suggestions to the Sultan?" he offered jokingly, blunt exterior fading as he offered a warm, charming smile.
"Whilst some in our pride captu-- I mean...hmm, escort their ladies somewhat forcefully, I prefer a more gentle approach. I would never force a lionness that doesn't wish it." He was making assumptions, it was true. The curiosity in her voice confused him a little, though. She seemed far more interested in this than he'd thought she would be. "Why, be good Banu of course. The lionness' are expected to hunt, heal, entertain..." Bare cubs was the thought that had instantly entered his mind, but he kept that to himself.
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
Jivu blinked and looked a bit amused.
"So, you're saying you protect the pride lands and the females hunt and be nice to you? Sounds kind of boring to me," she admitted and jumped down onto the ground. Mwandani slithered down as well, landing on Jivu's back and curling up, staring at Riad, her tongue flicking in and out. Jivu had to wonder it that was all "banu" did, but she wouldn't question it.
Riad'naim:
Boring? My my, was she trying to get him to show anger? Show more emotion than he was? It certainly seemed like it, and the way she was going about it he could see himself getting angry. But of course, now he'd noticed what her intentions were he'd do his best not to show any anger or irritation. He didn't feel any towards her anyway, not really. He was more amazed, intrigued at how a female coule speak so freely without feeling remorse. But this was the rogue lands, not the Ukuucha'Wafalme. Anything was possible outside of the pride lands he knew and loved. "It depends. Some lionness' enjoy the safety we offer and embrace the lifestyle. Others...not as much."
He took a step back to allow her more room as she jumped to the ground, glad to finally get a good look at her. She was pretty - larger than he'd expected, well built. The snake finally came into appearance and he eyed it testily, before bringing her gaze back to meet hers. "So, Jivutatia. Where are you from?"
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
"From here. I was born in the jungle and haven't really had a need to leave," Jivu replied. She started walking around the larger lion, getting a better idea of him. When it came to living on the whole, she was pretty laid back, the type to easily move from one place to another if she had to.
"You do know how to hunt, though, right? Just too lazy to do so when the females are around to hunt for you?"
Riad'naim:
Here, in the jungle? Riad'naim couldn't hide the small wrinkle his nose instinctively gave at the thought of living in such a place. It was crawling with insects, you were forever tripping over stray roots and vines, and finding a watering hole was like finding a needle in a haystack. He didn't like it, but he supposed if you learnt the ways of the terrain it could be a very rich area for prey.
He chuckled at her questions - he could just imagine the reaction of Tariq. He'd smack the lionness one for such insolence. But Riad'naim didn't hit any females. Ever. "Of course - how do you think I've survived the past few weeks whilst out searching?"
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
Jivu wrinkled her muzzle right back at him. So, he didn't like the jungle. His loss. Living there made her more skilled of a lioness. She had to learn different ways to hunt, so she knew how to do so in both open and closed grounds, could find water easier than others probably could, and was quite good at traversing closed areas, having learned how to run swiftly on the jungle floor as well as in the trees.
She shrugged, a smirk remaining on her face.
"Got lucky and found others to help you out? I've help out some really pathetic hunters before. Sad, really, how helpless some creatures can be."
"Oh, you're ssssssuch a humanitarian, Jivu," 'Dani hissed sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
Riad'naim:
Got lucky? Riad chuckled, shaking his head a little in disbelief as he looked down to the ground. The snake hissed a little more and he found himself eyeing it again, cautious. He'd heard stories of snake bites killing an adult lion in minutes, but it seemed she had it relatively well trained. He'd have to trust her, he guessed. An odd concept, especially after the trauma of his past. Still with a charming smile, Riad'naim sighed, glancing up at the sky before finally back down at Jivu once more.
"You'd be beaten for such insolence, were it any other Pad here but me," he joked, eyes sparkling. This was some of the most stimulating conversation he'd had in months, "I can assure you that I can look after myself, though."
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
Jivu's smirk faded to narrowed eyes and a frown, her ears flicking back in warning.
"They would try," she returned, her voice having a bit of a growl in it. 'Dani raised up and struck the back of her head, much as a snake would strike another creature to bite it, but 'Dani didn't bite, just hit her friend. The lioness flinched and glanced over her shoulder at the cobra.
"What was that for?" Jivu growled, trying to smack the snake with her tail.
"Can't you behave for oncccce?"
Riad'naim:
Oh, perhaps that hadn't been the wisest thing to say. He hadn't meant to anger her, but he certainly wasn't going to show submission. He had morals, and while he'd never hit a lionness, he'd been taught to ensure he never showed them weakness. The snake suddenly struck at Jivu's head, though, and Riad found himself relaxing his stance into one of defense, a growl rumbling loudly in his throat. Had the snake just bitten her!? He'd known, he'd known you couldn't trust them...
But she seemed fine, even chiding the reptile. He blinked, eyebrows furrowing in confusion as he glanced from the snake to Jivutatia, then back. "...Are you alright, Jivutatia? It...It didn't bite?"
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
Jivu and 'Dani both gave Riad looks of part surprise and part confusion.
"Bite me? She'd never bite me. I'm like her mom," Jivu said with a snort, losing her anger as her amusement at him grew. Well, it wasn't really anger, it was more defensiveness. She would never let another creature, male or female, hurt her or 'Dani. And saying she'd be beaten for her words definitely sounded like a threat.
Riad'naim:
Ohhh, now he looked like an idiot. He looked a little disbelieving at the mother comment, but straightened himself up none-the-less, shaking dust from his mane. He sighed, seeing no other option but to dip his head in an apology, despite the embarrassment rising in his cheeks and turning them pink. "I apologise. I...misread the signs."
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
Jivu reached up and tapped his nose with the pads of her paw.
"Everyone thinks she's so dangerous, I like it that way. Don't want others thinking she's something they can eat," she said with a shrug, stepped away and sat down. 'Dani curled around her neck and shoulders, moving her head so that it rested on top of Jivu's.
"I found her egg and raised her. Only now she acts worse than my own mother, always telling me to behave," the lioness added, rolling her eyes while her companion smiled.
Riad'naim:
Her tap on his nose surprised him, Riad blinking before taking a step backwards, not wanting to give her the message she could do whatever she pleased. It didn't work like that, even if she was rogue. He could see her point, though, charming smile returning along with a small chuckle. "She's your safety, then?" he commented, finding the idea interesting. He'd never have thought of something like that himself. She was a smart one, this Jivutatia. He nodded as she gave the history, offering a smile to humor her as he turned his eyes to the sky once more.
"I should be leaving," he sighed, a little disappointed. He was enjoying this conversation, "I need to find a den for the night."
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
Jivu shrugged again.
"I donno. She's helpful to have around and it's good to have someone to talk to, even if she's usually chiding me," she replied and looked around. Getting a quick bearing of the area, she pointed to her left with a paw.
"If you go that way for a bit, there's a small cave and a pond." That said, she stood, turned, and launched herself up into a tree, shimmying up to the first branch. She walked out along it and looked back down at him.
Riad'naim:
He nodded in understanding - he wouldn't have minded some company, on this long journey. But that was part of the challenge. Being alone for such a long period of time, it could change you. Make you a different lion. It was all part of the quest, and the proving of your true self. However, her directions left him confused. She was helping him? He blinked in surprise, though a genuine, warm smile spread over his maw as he inclined his head once more in gratitude. "Thank you, Jivutatia."
He clambered back up her tree, and he had to crane his neck to look at her once again, "Our conversation has been intriguing, to say the least, and I've certainly learnt a lot. I've enjoyed it, too..." he trailed off, thoughtfully, before his smile widened, "Perhaps we'll meet again."
Jivutatia & Mwandani:
"Perhaps," was all Jivu said in response before turning and heading away into the trees. She'd keep an eye on him while he was in her territory, observe him a bit. She was letting him use her rain-den, anyways. To be honest, she liked sleeping in the open, if that could really be considered in the open if she was in a tree. But when it rained, like it had a couple of days ago, she would use that small den to keep from getting soaked.
Perhaps she would see him face-to-face again. Or maybe she'd watch him until he left.
Riad'naim:
Riad'naim watched as she left, waiting until he thought she'd left before he dropped the smile, chuckling to himself as he shook his head, mostly in disbelief. "What an intriguing lionness..." he muttered to himself, small smile returning as he turned and headed off in the direction she'd indicated, keeping an eye out for roots and vines once more. In a way, he did kind of hope he ran into her again...
