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 Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 12:59 pm
That just meant her true love was out here somewhere, and it was her mission to find him! The absurdness of her search as well as awareness of her own naivity was not a burden Jazi had to bear. Her life was all promises, rainbows, and good things. Every cloud had a silver lining, and you could count on Jazi finding it, not to mention believe it was there no matter how hard it stormed. It just was her nature.
Today was a fine day, which made it even easier to feel hopeful and optimistic. The sky was a clear blue, the few clouds were fluffy and light, and Jazi was traipsing down a prey patheway, humming to herself and determined to have a lovely stroll.
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Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 1:23 pm
It was only when she would come to stay with him that she would be trapped. For then she would be his banu and he would make sure she stayed. Convincing her to leave would be the tricky part and Rahim wasn't about to use force to drag her away. No. He wouldn't use his brawn, he would use his brains, his intelligence. He would convince her to stay by her own volition and then . . . THEN he would be considered a Pad!
But that didn't mean he wasn't always keeping an eye out for other females. The sooner he established his rank, the better! The sooner he was proven to be a great lion the sooner he could finally make his father proud, and furthermore, perhaps be found worthy to take on Suha as a banu! Surely she wouldn't object, though she was young yet. Being away from his friend made him miss her even more . . . and made him all the more anxious to want to return with a banu!
What did the spirits have in store for him today? Loping lazily down the savanna, red eyes stayed alert and his ears open for any sign of life. The roguelands weren't nearly as exciting as he had once believed them to be. . . and finding anyone worth his time was even more difficult!
But the spirits were on his side this afternoon, for as he continued through the plains, he caught sight of movement far ahead of him. Past a small group of tree there was what appeared to be a lioness! And she was, amazingly enough, green! This was big news to Rahim, because only his mother and a few of his siblings sported such a colored coat. To meet someone who had such coloration had to be a good sign!
At least sign enough to get him to approach. Changing the direction of his walk, he kept his gaze fully on the green lioness. He wasn't rushing, but in case she saw him, he wanted her to be sure that his attention was on her. His smile was lazy, and his body language relaxed. Hopefully she wouldn't be scared away!
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Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 2:38 pm
It wasn't long of coruse before she spotted the figure approaching her so directly. She raised her head with interest and padded just a little faster. Company was always welcome, no matter who it was. Jazi was a rather social lioness, and considered her solitariness as she searched the price she paid for her happily-ever-after.
The nearer they got, the more she could pick out. It was a male, looking to be about her age. He was much broader than she, perhaps as tall or taller. It was hard to tell from a distance. But his color was pleasant, and his markings eye-catching. At ease, she drew up close enough to talk.
"Why hello there!" she called breezily. "I am Jazi, who might you be?" Her smile was sunshiney with lack of guile, her manner entirely trusting. Even with having been abandoned by the one she'd declared was her soulmate, even though the betrayal had led her to leave behind her sister, she still managed to be just as naive and warm with strangers. "And where are you from?" she added with interest. She had had no way to pick her direction for travel, and this could be of some help in her decision.
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Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 3:15 pm
Rahim was pleased to see that his presence didn't disturb the splotched female. In fact, when she noticed his approach she didn't hesitate a moment to bridge the distance between them! At least she wasn't skiddish or coy!
Yes, a spot of conversation would be fantastic. Not only could he better get a look at the female, but he could get to know her personality. Rahim wasn't entirely picky about looks or appearance, to him it was brains and intelligence that mattered. He wanted his banu to have some sort of personality, something to keep him intrigued in having them around. Perhaps the spirits were bringing him good fortune after all these weeks alone.
As Jazi spoke, he was pleased to notice the subtle markings that donned her coat. Some brown tribalesque markings and swirls along her back, and pretty brown eyes to match! She certainly passed a test of physical looks. Now, about her personality and smarts. . . He'd find that out all in due time.
"A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Jazi," he greeted with a low chuckle, red eyes bright with humor. "I'm Rahim, and it's nice to meet another friendly face. These roguelands can get mighty lonely sometimes, especially for a pride lion like myself!" Sitting down to face her, he wrapped his tail about his paws. "I'm from a pride far form here, to the south east, a couple days journey from here." Ah, the Ukuucha'wafalme. Part of him yearned to return, so he might finally take his place as a Pad. But until he had a female in tow . . . he couldn't return. "What about you?"
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Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 10:52 am
"Oooh, a pride?" Her eyes brightened with genuine interest. "What is it like?" She sprawled in a relaxed posture, gazing up at him with the whole of her attention. There was no doubt she truly wanted to hear about where he came from. But at his question to her, she laughed lightly. "I'm not really from anywhere. We had a small family group traveling together, but true love called me away." Her eyes went all starry and distant, and she unconciously sighed in sweet wistfulness.
She made the perfect picture of youthful dreams and desires, before the bloom of life has been withered by reality. To her, life was still all adventure and romance. She was completely unaware of the dangers that might befall a pretty young thing like herself wandering alone. Naive even after her own misadventure with love, one could see the immature and yet lively gleam of youth in those faraway eyes.
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Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 6:13 pm
Rahim was pleased to see the stars sparkle in her eyes as she asked about his home, his pride. She wished to know about it, which meant he could tell her, and romantacize upon it. More and more this meeting seemed fated to his wishes and whims. . . . Hopefully, he could manage to return with her. He just had to find the right angle. . .
"My pride is a place I yearn for, and will never be able to truly desert. It's called the Ukuucha'wafalme and it is a terribly wonderful place, albeit perhaps a bit old fashioned. The banu of the pride - that's what we call the females of the pride, such as yourself - are taken care of and protected by the Pads - whom are adult males, such as myself." Puffing out his chest a bit, the red eyed male gave a small smile, "In turn for such security, the banu help rear the cubs and many of them form friendships and sisterhoods with each other. It is a pride full of love and dedication to one another. Many of the pads form close bonds, a sort of brotherhood, but are also dedicated to making sure their children and banu are cared for. The banu bond with each other, the children, and usually a particular pad. . .Ah, but perhaps I am the only one who can appreciate such romantic traditions and styles. Perhaps that makes me a fool."
Oh, he had turned on the sap and it was almost too much for him to handle. But, why not play a romantic shmuck for awhile? It was different, and allowed him a different sort of view. Besides, the sooner he could get a banu home, the sooner he could be reunited with Suha, and perhaps ask Aali if he might be able to care for his dear friend, and make her a banu all his own.
But . . .patience was first needed. Jazi was new, and he needed to learn more about her before he tried to somehow get her back. Besides. . . "True love?" Rahim canted his head, before glancing about. He heaved a sigh before forcing a smile, not wanting to look too jealous. "It doesn't surprise me that a lovely lioness such as yourself might be swept up and taken. Is your mate away elsewhere, I presume?" Damn, damn, damn! Even if she had a mate, that still didn't mean he couldn't try to pull her away but . . . that certainly complicated issues.
Leave it to the fates to toy with him.
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Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 4:23 pm
She listened attentively, curious on how seperated the genders sounded. It certainly was different! But he had mentioned that there was some bond between males and females. Surely she simply was unable to grasp the details about the pride from his brief description. She easily shrugged it off, smiling at him. "Oh, that sounds lovely," she generalized, not actually having any one thing that appealed to her, but feeling it was best to also put a positive spin on whatever it was she didn't understand.
She caught his shift in expression and attitude, though he attempted to mask it. Her ears pricked curiously, then she broke into a merry, whole-hearted laugh at his assumption that she had a mate. "Oh, I haven't found my true love as yet! I am out here searching high and low for my one true love!" Her hide gave an all-over shudder of appreciation for the thrill of the idea of finding such a person. "He is to be my soulmate, and we shall give all our love to each other unabashedly!" Oh, how her eyes shone again! How she struck an epic, romantic pose! Her whole being was wrapped up in this idea, and it showed.
For her, there was not a more ultimate idea of perfection than this imaginary mate. Once she found him, life would be as a dream. The sun would shine golden on them, the nights gleam brightly, with never a cloud to dim their days together! Her heart fluttered and her eyes slid closed with a private smile of hope. Surely he must be out here somewhere!
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Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 6:21 pm
Rahim watched as the lioness before him suddenly seemed to transform from a friendly, and amicable lioness in to one full of dreams and enchantment. She was so transfixed on this idea of a soul mate, of some true love that even Rahim had to find himself . . . for the most brief of moments . . . jealous of this make-believe-ideal. Was love something that was so great. . .? Was it something that Suha yearned for or something so powerful and ever changing?
Love.
It was an interesting concept, and for a moment Rahim considered what it meant. To be in love . . . The olive colored lion wasn't the most sentimental of creatures, at least not truly. He could say the right things, he could pretend to feel affection or care but usually it wasn't true. There were only two whom he had allowed come close. . . His mother, Ukoo, and Suha, his childhood playmate. Still. . . no matter how he felt, the shudder of bliss that seemed to overcome Jazi was almost infectious.
So she desired love, huh? Well then . . . . such was the role Rahim decided he would play! Red eyes softening, he allowed an easy smile to cross his features, as well as allowing his shoulders to relax. "It sounds to me that this male is bound to be the luckiest male in the world. To find ones true love, ones heart of hearts. . . . especially in such a pretty lioness as you, what more could he ask for? To be in love is to truly be alive. I hope I can someday find that special lady, the one I will cherish above all the rest. Unfortunately though. . . I'm just not sure I'll ever be so blessed, thanks to the workings of my pride." His ears pinned, and a sense of reluctance seemed to overcome him. Giving a small shake of his head, he turned his attention back to Jazi and added softly, "I hope you can find your happiness and heart of hearts soon."
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Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 4:10 pm
She blushed appropriately for a fair maiden at the compliment, but was distracted by her heart being pricked by his morose demeanor. "Oh come now, surely you'll find your love! Why, how could your pride prevent it?" Her tone was cajoling, her expression earnest. "Just look! You are out here, roaming the roguelands! What is to stop you from finding your one true love, just as I seek to?" Completely naive to the wiles that males could be capable of, she fell for the line and expressed emotions.
She moved forward and closer to him, clearly with the intention of comforting him. "Now, why don't you tell me what you are looking for in a girl? Perhaps I can help!" As yet, her slightly defocused brain hadn't registered that there was an implied correlation between her own search and what he said he was lacking and wanting. Still, there was hope yet for her to put two and two together. He might just have to be a bit more obvious, as sometimes subtlety was lost on her innocent and blithe nature.
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Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 5:39 pm
Rahim gave a heavy sigh, even as the green female encouraged and pressed him to explain. Part of Rahim truly was unsure what path he walked - on the one hand, he was most certain if he could just stir up the right amount of feeling, perhaps Jazi might return with him to the Ukuucha'wafalme. To return with two banu, and so close to each others own arrival would be quite the feat. With Suha as his Beybanu, he would be the best Pad in the entire pride . . . .
Ah . . .but those dreams were far off. Right now, he had to carefully juggle his acquaintance with Jazi first. Because all his dreams would come to nothing if she didn't get interested. Thankfully for Rahim, she seemed fairly intrigued by matters of the heart. Love.
"Well . . . " He started, allowing his red gaze to linger on Jazi for a moment before glancing away. "This is hard to admit but . . . My pride encourages multiple mates. I have a lot love to offer someone, but unfortunately a lot of females get upset when they realize I'm supposed to take on a couple of lionesses to care for. It's one thing to find a new friend or another female to provide a home for, that's easy. What's tricky is finding a lioness that allows me to be completely honest with her. . . someone extra special . . someone who really is the one. And I'm afraid if I tell her about my pride, she too will flee out of spite."
The black maned lion pawed at the ground, refusing to meet Jazi's gaze. He wasn't TRULY worried about her reaction - if she up and left than so be it, he'd find another female and try a different route. In this case though, for now, he'd try a more honest approach. Or at least be honest about the rules of his pride. "But if I ever could find a girl, I'd hope she'd be understanding about the nature of my pride. About the fact that. . . though I could care and love others . . . my true love would be for her and her alone." Like Suha. No lioness held a lick compared to her. Thankfully though, that was his secret. "After that, I'd love someone who was . . .well. . . not to be too forward to but sort of like you. Beautiful, optimistic, in love with the idea of love, desiring of a family someday, of security. Someone whom could be fun and easy to talk to . . ." He let his 'requirements' drift off as he turned to gaze at her.
Might as well give her time to speak. See what she thought of his pride. See if he couldn't spin a web of half-truths and lies and begin to draw her closer to capture.
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Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 11:21 am
Her eyes were shining as he described the one he was looking for. How romantic! How perfect! Her heart soared with the very thought. Wasn't that the sort of thing she wanted too? She mostly dismissed the odd idea of having more than one mate... it was odd and different enough that she had a little trouble grasping the idea. This poor creature, worried that females would repulse him for the ways of his pride! Why, all he wanted was true love!
But then he did seem to want more than one... a true love and a... well, she wasn't entirely sure what. What would one call another love that wasn't... wasn't their one perfect mate? She was a little baffled and caught off-balance. And then he was including her in that image, which made her eyes widen and mouth open slightly in wonder, but in what role was he casting her? Surely... surely she'd be his true love? Wouldn't she? She stammered some wordless reply and came to a halt, looking a little confused and worried. "M-me?" she managed finally, though she still looked more uncertain than pleased. Though his words were flattering, she wasn't entirely sure how she felt about being the second female rather than the first. "But...,"
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Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 11:42 am
Rahim looked up as the female before him seemed to stammer and stutter. Obviously that was a lot of information to take in, but he wondered if she'd reject him quite so suddenly. Well, at least now that she knew of the Ukuucha'wafalme's way, he could sprinkle on just a few more webs of deception.
Heaving a sigh, he deflated a bit, tried to look a little more vulnerable and open. So strange for him to put on such an act. He was mighty curious about how she would respond, how she would react. "I know we just met, Jazi, but . . . I just feel some connection. You seem to understand my desire for love, for a true love, not just a female to care for. You're someone I know I could be honest to. I've . . . I've never told anyone about my pride before." His ears flattened a bit and he pawed at the ground again.
"I think if we spent some time together maybe . . . maybe we could see how things would work out. You see, I . . . I have to be honest. I do have a banu back home, a friend of mine. She's technically my mate but I don't love her. She doesn't make my heart flutter, she doesn't make my heart soar, and that's why I'm out here. I want to find someone whom can be he love of my life but still accept the ways of my pride. I have family there, my mother, my sisters and I . . I can't bring myself to leave. But I . . . I really don't think any female would ever even try to be with me because of it. And I . . I wouldn't expect you to either. I'm sorry, I . . I shouldn't even bring this up, it's too soon I know, it's . .foolish of me."
He looked away, not daring to see how the dark green female would respond. Inwardly, he hoped she too might take the bait, might think enough of him to consider spending some time with him. He'd woo her in any way he could think of, even if it meant making promises that weren't fully true.
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Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 12:55 pm
Her expression cleared as he talked, her confusion vanishing like mist at noon. Why, he was a soul like her, seeking his lifemate! Her heart rose with hope, even as he beat around the bush. And oh, how he berated himself! How downtrodden he looked! Her soft and gentle soul couldn't bear such unhappiness in such a romantic male. Impulsive as ever, she caved immediately, without thought to the consequences or the situation she was getting herself into.
"Oh Rahim, of course I'll come with you!" she cried, flinging herself at his feet to look up at him adoringly. "No trial should separate us, not even the strange ways of your pride!" She was passionate and sincere, even if she was a fool and rather irrational in her decision. "How I have waited long and lonely to find a male like you! Please, will you take me with you?" She gazed up at him, unshed tears glittering in her eyes at his plea and her own, moved deeply by the romance of the situation. At last, she'd found her true true love! No more imposters that would leave her alone in the roguelands!
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Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 3:27 pm
Rahim looked quickly back at the green furred female, surprise coloring his expression. And for a change, it was genuine. Part of the male was absolutely stunned at how swiftly Jazi accepted her role. She didn't hesitate, she didn't blink, she didn't even seem to want to play the coy game and make him woo her! She was throwing herself at his feet, looking up at him, imploringly. . . .
Well. He couldn't resist that! And even though the manipulative part of Rahim condemned Jazi for being so silly, another small part of him found her willingness to please and be loved kind of endearing. It was unusual that she was so eager to suddenly find her most beloved, and even more strange that he was able to just pretend and get her to believe. Of course, he knew he'd have to play his part as well, and woo her he would. That wouldn't be difficult, especially since he was genuinely curious about the female.
Oh Jazi. . .the spirits were truly finding favor upon him! He wouldn't be cruel to her, but he knew he wasn't being truthful about his desire for love. He already had a love, after all, but she was back home. Once he returned with his second banu, then and only then would he worthy of Suha's affections! But that was neither here or there. For now, his attention was fully on the female before him.
"Oh Jazi, would you? I have dreamed of this day, but feared it would never come. Thank the spirits for bringing me here and allowing me to meet one so wonderful as you." He saw the tears glistening in her eyes, and reached forward to gently nuzzle the side of her cheek. It felt foreign, strange, he'd neve had much of an opportunity to express physical affection. Well, at least affection that wasn't given to his mother, or to Suha. But . . . the green and brown female would be his newest banu. He'd have to get use to it, especially since she was his love of loves. "You will be cherished and treasured, from here on out. I promise, I won't ever let you go." Of course, his words harbored a duel meaning. On the one hand, it could be taken in a loving sort of way, a deep protection and affection. But if she knew his true motives, it wans't necessarily that sweet. It was a promise he was very likely to keep.
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