|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:31 pm
 He was still a bit hungry after the fact. Considering how long lions could go between meals and how long he had been going without before that incident with that moron it said a bit about either Mwali's endurance or his patience. Prey in the Firekin lands weren't usually as large as could be found out in the rogue territories but it never stopped him from taking the challenge.
Finally he had a name for his companion, who by now he had finally admitted was more than just a companion. He'd definitely come to feel both territorial and protective towards her, amazing given the short span of time in which they'd known one another. He had always been one to appreciate the silent skill of reading body language, it said so much more than words ever did, and trailing her for the last two weeks had certainly given him quite a bit of insight into the "kajira" that he'd met at that dirty little watering hole.
He paused, lingering for a moment to sniff at the air, not in the silly way that dogs did for his nose didn't twitch or snuffle, but silently as their kind were known for. A quiet and brief flare of his nostrils told him all he needed to know. There was prey near by. A herd of buffalo to be exact. A full sized bull would certainly last them both for a few days... It was decided then.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:33 pm
----------------------------It might not be the right time.
--------------I might not be the right one.
---But there's something about us... I want to say.
---------------------Cause there's something between us anyway.
I might not be the right one.----------------------------
It might not be the right time.--------------
But there's something about us.. I've got to do.---
Some kind of secret I will share with you.---------------------
-----------------------------I need you more than anything in my life.
I'll miss you more than anyone in my life.
I love you more than anyone in my life.
I want you more than anything in my life.-----------------------------
How quickly a situation could change. It seemed to be the thought on both their minds as Shiva walked at a brisk pace beside Mwali. Her movements light and airy and completely effortless with her shoulder near completely healed. Apparently that crazy leopard had known exactly what he was doing and she had been in good mind to allow him to work on her. Hardly the sort not to acknowledge where credit was due, she had already spent a fair bit of time considering just how she would repay the traveling healer and herbalist.
It was something she would return to again, when Shiva could concentrate on something other than Mwali long enough. Since the fierce battle only days ago with some uncouth rogue her mind was still reeling with images of that proud, powerful body. Muscle rippling beneath his dark coat. Claws and fangs unsheathed and threatening. The intimidating sound of his voice as violent roars split the sky. It was easy to believe that he had had lived as a soldier for the pride he hailed from. No effort went wasted, no motion needless. He was precise and sure and fearsome and he had fought to protect her and the kill she had proudly taken. That was the thought that made her fur ripple with a delight she made every effort to disguise. It was the first time she had seen him act like a true Pad. Like her Pad, though she didn't breathe such words out loud.
There was no such thing out here... and eventually he would desire to leave this ruined place and return to the home he had left behind. Allowing him to take care of her would only lead to disaster when Mwali was no longer around to lean on and falling for him... well, that was an accident just waiting to happen.
Drawing up to stand beside the noble figure beside her, Shiva watched him breath in the warm air. Lifting her own nose, though mostly to enjoy the sun that washed over her face and the rustle of a gentle breeze. But.. no one said I couldn't enjoy being with him for now, right? Nothing wrong with that.. is there?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:36 pm
If Mwali were to think back on that skirmish that day it would probably just serve to remind him of the anger that he'd felt towards the unfortunate male that had crossed their path. It wasn't bad enough he'd opted to attack a female who had rightfully won her prize, and it wasn't really that that made his blood boil so much as the fact that it was... HIS female. When he'd started thinking of her that way Mwali honestly could not have told you even if one managed to get him to admit that he had (any more than one might get Shiva to admit that she thought of him as her pad actually). It just seemed like it had been that way since the watering hole, if he had to try to put a time frame on it, because it was in that first meeting that he first felt so taken with her. He knew little of the far away lands that she hailed from, just what was important. He knew nothing of the pad that had rejected her, but if he'd known about all of that he might have reassured her one day that her beauty was every bit as striking as she thought it to be, and more. It wasn't JUST a physical attraction (because the fiery male couldn't deny that he found her attractive even if her colors were the exact opposite of everything that the Firekin deemed acceptable colors), but her spirit. The second she had dared to oppose him, no, the moment she'd refused to cower in the face of his rage, THAT was the moment that the trap had snapped shut.
She was both infuriating and stunning in that first meeting and had yet to disappoint him since then, never wavering from that.
There's a herd near by. I'm going to hunt. He informed her, looking at her. He didn't say WHAT the herd consisted of mainly because he didn't feel the need to, and doing so-- though Mwali didn't really care to give it this much concern --would have sounded an attempt at boasting anyway.
Besides, she'd likely be able to tell if she'd ever encountered buffalo before. Big, fierce beasts; they had been known to kill lions before on those horns, and it often took an entire pride to bring just one down. Even with it's full body weight most lions were dwarfed by the sheer bulk of the beasts, but Mwali wasn't just some rogue. Any buffalo that tangled with him was pretty damn likely to meet it's maker in the end.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:38 pm
Going to hunt? Pale eyes opened as she tilted her head gently, just enough so that she was looking at him instead of the beautifully blue sky above them. It took every ounce of control not to jump on the chance to offer him her aid. Instead turning her attention towards the distant scents that were carried on the currents, breathing in the aroma of Cape Buffalo. Undeniable by the musk of layers of mud they coated their dark bodies in to mask the sun's violent rays.
She sniffed a little more deeply, hoping to find another herd on the air to no avail. Were her senses not strong enough? Or was he seriously going to attempt the impossible? A Cape Buffalo? Are you serious? It certainly wasn't her place to question Mwali and though Shiva couldn't help but admire his bravery and the vibrance of his spirit, she found her heart a little uneasy at the thought of him doing battle with such a creature. Something told her to have faith in his judgment, but how could she when he said things that were so obviously insane?! Trying desperately to mute the concern in her voice when she finally spoke, ...I don't suppose you'll let me help?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:39 pm
As she had taken a few wiffs of air he had taken a few steps, finding the best direction to approach from, fully intent on getting close enough that his plan should work. His answer was a low rumble, though not at all scolding.
That won't be necessary. He saw the risk as unnecessary, more specifically. Granted her shoulder hadn't been enough bother when she'd taken down her own impressive kill, but he didn't plan to chance her going in against a Cape buffalo with the wound still on the mend. One wrong move and even an experienced hunter or huntress could meet a painful end. The fur on the back of his neck pricked at the thought, and though certainly not afraid to face fears the former soldier banished the thoughts all the same. No need to dwell on the possibilities if there were none. He'd protect her, not just from ill mannered rogues and damaging her pride and lowering her standards either (not that he'd been too worried about the last one honestly). There was also, he'd admit, the slightest bit of pride (slight... yeah right) at the notion of providing for her this time.
He slipped into the grass downwind of the herd, used to having much less to work with and having been out in the rogue lands long enough to learn how to move silently in such noisy surroundings.
It was his intention to get close to the herd, close enough that they'd have no choice but to run or stand their ground when he was detected. Likely the lead bull would stay behind to do just that, and that would be Mwali's target.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:40 pm
No. Of course not. How silly of her to think that he might have taken her up on the offer. Truthfully, Shiva had known better before she'd even asked, but one could hold out hope on the off chance of being wrong. Swallowing the urge to sigh outright, quiet gaze watched him stalk off with the stealth of a grass snake. Reluctantly resisting a purely selfish desire to follow.
Instead, petite frame weaved through the grass, careful not to disturb Mwali's hunting or alert his prey to his approach as she sought out the crest of a hill to watch him from. A smile gently touching the corners of her muzzle while admiring shapely hindquarters. Not that there was any denying that Mwali was easily the most handsome creature she had ever laid eyes on. That had been obvious from the very start and any female would've had to have been completely oblivious not to sense a primal, physical attraction. Granted, despite her upbringing, the thought of him with other lionesses made her fur bristle with a sense of possession.
Laying low in the scrub brush, Shiva's attention was once more drawn to the figure encroaching on the edge of the herd. Biting her lower lip. Don't do anything stupid, big lug..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:41 pm
He could feel her eyes on him as he started off, but once he began to focus on his targets that awareness dulled a bit to make room. He did a quick glance and sniff to make sure there were no other predators and that the wind hadn't shifted too early, maneuvering his bulk further, closer.
By the time he had gotten close enough to comfortably spring forward he was already making his next move.
Shiva need not have worried. If there was one thing that he'd learned during his training under his great grandmother it was to know his opponent, and from sparring with others he'd learned a lot of other valuable lessons about underestimating them and moving prematurely. He had his mother's cunning and patience, instead.
At just the right moment he purposely let his paw come down on a twig. When it snapped the herd immediately spooked, and he sprang from his place with a great roar of challenge. Even the head bull initially tried to flee at that terrifying cry. He'd expected as such. With claws unsheathed and fangs bared Mwali was a black and red train barreling towards his targets. Muscles coiled and released, rippling fluidly beneath his dark flame licked coat. He looked for all intents and purposes like a demon, a harbinger of death set out on the poor stupid beasts.
They beat a very hasty retreat, and finally the head bull came back around to defend their escape. The Firekin slowed and stopped only then, clearly not intimidated by his opponent. They were on eye level, easily, and he snarled.
You'll die this day.
There was a stand off, briefly, before Mwali made his move, coming seemingly head on. When it lowered it's horns he ducked down and dodged nimbly to one side, seeming to barely avoid being gorged by those sharp horns. His pulse raced though not with fear. At the same time as he dodged, it seemed, Mwali went springing his weight upwards and sideways, however, while swiping a paw to sweep it's front legs, he was able to tackle the beast down onto it's side. He slammed a massive paw down onto the beast's neck near the back of it's head, digging in his claws and pinning it's legs with his weight. As it brayed with fear and anger he went in for the kill at last, biting down on it's muzzle so that it would suffocate within the next few minutes.
The dust from the retreating herd settled, they stood a ways off uncertainly, but unable to do anything to help their fallen leader.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:43 pm
Uncertain of what to expect and anxious for the battle ahead, the deceivingly tiger-striped lioness felt her own blood race with the exhilaration of such a spectacular hunt. Paws and unsheathed claws kneading the dirt beneath her as Shiva wiggled in place. She wanted to be with him! To share in the glory of his masterful abilities. To make such a difficult encounter that much easier for him. Perhaps it was the beybanu in her peeking through, wanting so desperately to be useful to Mwali.
In the desperate stillness the sound of a snapped twig was like a shot gun blast, even Shiva jumped in surprise and clung to the edge of the hill crest. Ears twitching and folding forward as the herd broke into a thunderous stampede. What happened? Had something gone wrong?
With her heart in her throat unblinking gaze watched Mwali charge after the group to face off against the largest buffalo as it decidedly whipped around on its haunches. Surprisingly agile for a creature with so much bulk. Reeling mind was struggling to catch up with the events that seemed to be happening quicker than she could process them. Had he... planned this? Not only to take on a full grown, healthy Cape Buffalo on his own, but the lead bull to boot. Damnit Mwali!
Shiva cursed in annoyance, displeased by the sensation of helplessness that overwhelmed her. This was a war of domination between two males that were the Kings of their world. For the first time truly acknowledging the size and power of the lion she was traveling with as he faced off with the beast of prey. Their duel unraveling in an epic dance choreographed by a determination to be the unrivaled victor. A dance Mwali was proving to possess more finesse in turning in his favor.
As the earth quaked with the collapse of the titan, the little queen lost her footing on the edge of peak of the landscape, sliding down the sweeping decline. Leaning back on her haunches to keep from thumping right into the pair where her companion's kill still struggled to desperately cling to its life as the breath was literally stolen from him. From the safety of several feet Shiva could barely believe what she was seeing. A feat she had known no male to have ever accomplished. Jaw slack in awe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:45 pm
He couldn't have lied and said it was completely easy. Choosing the lead bull meant that he had taken down the strongest, and he had to be mindful not to let his guard down for even a second. That would be all it took for those sharp horns to find purchase in him, even though his thick mane would protect his throat, really. His claws kept the beast pinned and his ears rocketed to alert, his nerves alive with concentration on his surroundings. It was Shiva coming down the hillside that had caught his attention, in fact. Without removing his jaws from their death grip he directed the gaze of his right eye in her direction, looking to meet hers as the bull twitched and tried again to pull away to no avail.
As it struggled to take it's last dying breaths and found even those denied Mwali saw the shock in the female's eyes, and finally allowed himself some small pride. Only once the kill was certain did he let go, moving to stand up. He broke eye contact with her after another moment, silently saying in that look that he saw her just as she saw him. His attention turned to the lingering herd, baring bloody fangs with a building growl and menacing step. It was all the motivation they needed to get the hell out of his sight.
Finally Mwali turned back to her again, allowing the faintest quirk of his brow and look of amusement at her surprise.
You seem surprised...
Fishing for compliments? Hardly. He sounded a touch amused at her shock but his voice didn't hold the usual ring of arrogant teasing that it had before chasing Baca away. Confident and strong, yes, but in a way that illustrated a contrast to the killing machine he had just become. Self control. He wasn't a mindless hunter and he didn't need to go roaring about his success for the rest of the world to hear. He set out to do something and he'd done it, and they'd both be well fed to show for it, and knowing that felt good.
It was almost as if it said: "Here's your proof that you won't find anyone that can protect and care for you better than I can."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:46 pm
Mwali's single-eyed glance was met with an uncharacteristically abashed expression from Shiva as her jaw clicked shut and her gaze averted awkwardly. Earnestly apologetic to have drawn his attention from the task at hand even if only in part. It certainly seemed an undeniable defeat for the bull, but in the same instant, until it was dead, even the most insignificant distraction could have caused him to fall into grave danger. There was no way she could allow herself to be the cause of such a tragedy.
Luckily, they were spared any misfortune today as the Buffalo eventually succumbed to its unfortunate but necessary fate. Shuddering in a deep, fully-body quake before falling into an undisturbed stillness. Though not sure what to expect of him, Shiva had expected something more theatrical than the simple rumble to ward off the rest of the herd from attempting anything foolish. He should have ripped apart the sky with his roar of triumph, it was an incredible kill. The finest Shiva had ever seen and he deserved to acknowledge it. To be acknowledged for it. She wanted to roar for him! Perhaps he was too modest to voice his pride, but the little lioness wasn't. All too eager to scale the fallen animal's hip and sing to the savanna of Mwali's greatness in her throaty cry.
However, what she wanted to do... and what she did, were two very different matters entirely. Remaining planted to her spot as she waited for Mwali to enjoy the bounty of his kill. Lilac irises lighting up with a reverence that she had shown no other, not even her own father. Yet beneath her glowing adoration was a sorrow that touched Shiva's very soul. Why now? Why had she found him now that she had lost all worth? Where have you been? I've been searching for so long...
She didn't realize that Mwali's buffalo was a tribute to her, his way of forcing her to recognize him as worthy of her, but that hadn't been the issue for a while. Shaking her head with a gentle purr and a small smile. Gazing at him while trying hard not to see him, What can I say? That was easily the most impressive display of hunting prowess I've ever seen.. you're amazing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:48 pm
Mwali rumbled in response, placing a steadying paw on the fallen beast's side. I don't doubt a female could have done it with more grace.
And ferocity. True, he knew he must be a sight to prey beasts used to smaller lions, but there was something different and more feral about watching a female hunt. Maybe it was the fact they lacked the protective mane but remained fierce and determined anyway.
Let's not have it get cold. He said, watching her briefly, then settling down to take the first bite, as he expected that she expected him to do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:51 pm
A slender brow arched humorously her companion, uncertain of exactly when he had stopped being some stalking stranger and had become something far more dear to her. Tittering quietly as she cautiously lifted herself off her haunches to pace towards him. You know.. finally, when you could actually wear that smug grin without me feeling the need to paw you upside the head... now, you decide to act modest? Explain that to me..
Evidently it was a case of converse views, as the kajira couldn't see beyond the exquisite finesse of his skill as a hunter. Shiva had rarely been allowed the opportunity to watch the Pads of her pride hunt. More often then not it was their banu who were charged with the task of bringing home meat, though it wasn't always the case. Atash had always hunted his own game and ate in the solitude of his hunting grounds, rarely ever acknowledging the kills she brought to his den. Then again, he had avoided said den like the plague, carefully avoiding her when he could. He had done a lot of things alone.
Giving her head a shake to dislodge painful memories, Shiva added after she had finally come to a stop a small ways to the left of and just behind his hip. A well organized team, maybe.. but not alone. I don't think there are many males who could accomplish such a thing without a scratch, let alone any females.
There was no masking the praise in her voice, not that she could have even if she'd wanted to. Mwali certainly deserved every ounce of her respect, which in and of itself surmounted any compliment received from her by any other lion. Standing beside his haunches, she barely had far to lean as solid backside was given a gentle lick. While it didn't feel as though he needed her approval, she gave it anyway in the form of the affectionate gesture. A little more demurely than was characteristic of the feisty manx.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:52 pm
Mwali was stopped from taking a bit at that in favor of looking at her, chuckling.
Modest? There's just not much that I can say in reply to that. You've made your point very clear. He smirked, the briefest of shivers rippling down his spine at the queen cat's kiss, however tame it was. She really had no idea just what she might have started just then. When she drew close enough he reached out with one of his paws, drawing her closer, eyes narrowing only a bit, not in anger but another type of hunger. It was apparent that he was restraining for the moment still as he stared into her pale eyes with his own smoldering ones.
And I'd dare say that was concern I heard earlier... He finally said, indicating that he hadn't missed that one at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:54 pm
Oh, did I? Good to know. I don't like to have to repeat myself. A cheeky grin echoed through coolly spoken words while carefully gathering her sophisticated composure. She was certain that their time together was coming to a close, but it was that point that left her with a desire to leave him knowing the lioness she really was. I want you to remember me fondly.
The thought stuck in her mind as an inquisitive gaze followed the roil of muscle and fur that she had caused. Almost surprised by his reaction, but more so amused at the sensitivity of the big, bad warrior. Basking in the warmth of his brewing good humor, her steps were gentle and a little careless or perhaps she might have seen and been able to evade the grasp that suddenly called her to him with little effort at all. Blinking wide, surprised eyes that--for their paleness--possessed a similar bold intensity as those that adjacented her.
For a moment, Shiva was confused. Almost flinching beneath the slight angle scarlet eyes took on as they trained on her. She thought him angry with her at first and felt a momentary ache of despair at the thought of disappointing him in some way, in any way. But that look.. even if she had never experienced it herself.. she had seen her father give her mother that gaze while nesting together on Tariq's perch in the den where she had grown up. Tentatively testing the boundaries of his mood. It seemed certain she would find out one way or the other as she hummed in an ever-so-innocent tone and cast a disinterested glance to one side. Concern? For who?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:56 pm
She needn't have worried any more about how well she'd be remembered, any more than she need worry about him earlier. Even if somehow they had managed to go separate paths there would never be another female that measured up to her, not even amongst his own kind. If ever he shared this knowledge with her then maybe she could even take pride in the fact that she'd swayed his thoughts so well without even actually trying-- or so Mwali thought.
He pressed down, urging her to sit, then lie down beside him as he did the same. The carcass, still untouched probably hid her from view on the other side, but for the moment the meal was forgotten.
Oh? Well while you work on remembering, then--
He returned the gesture from earlier, but if it was an attempt to one up her or simply his mood (most likely it was his mood), Mwali's tongue was behind her ear, a heavy enough touch to make sure she'd feel it, but not enough to be forceful. His fore arm curled, drawing her closer still as he leaned closer, letting his nose brush lightly down her neck with surprising gentleness.
Even though there was a fresh meal to be had it was becoming more than apparent that Mwali's hunger was for anything but food, and his appetite was only getting further whetted by her own little coy game.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
He was still a bit hungry after the fact. Considering how long lions could go between meals and how long he had been going without before that incident with that moron it said a bit about either Mwali's endurance or his patience. Prey in the Firekin lands weren't usually as large as could be found out in the rogue territories but it never stopped him from taking the challenge.