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The lioness prowled through the open savanna, searching for a spot of shade. The heat of the afternoon was oppressive, but not at all unusual for this time of year. It was times like these that the lioness was grateful for her snow white coat -- granted, it didn't bode well when it came to the hunt in such an open landscape, but she'd be damned if she was't a spot cooler than those with darker pelts.

It was a small luxury, but Isanne was in the habit of being thankful nonetheless. Beggars couldn't be choosy, after all, much as she refused to call herself by such a thing. She was independent, thank you very much, that much she tried to make clear.

Spotting a tree on the horizon, the lioness picked her way delicately over. Any shade would do her well, at least until the worst of the heat passed. Unfortunately though, the shade looked to be occupied. Ears flattening in a moments discouragement, the snow white lioness gave a flick of her tail. Well, anyone would be honored to have her company. . . . Surely there was room to share!

Clearing her throat, Isanne paused a few feet away, not wanting to startle the leopard with her approach. Who knew how friendly this other rogue would be. . .

Isanne could tell she startled the dozing leopardess, though her reaction wasn't hostile. That was a good start. The leopardess was actually quite pretty herself upon closer inspection - a rich, earthy brown covered in a variety of stripes. While she didn't envy the others darker pelt, it was very striking. . . .even more so than her own, which was simple in design.

Simple but beautiful, obviously. She did take pristine care of it. Someday she would find herself settled with a mate to take care of the hunting, and would have a territory all her own. One where she could groom all day if necessary, and never worry about empty stomachs or predators. Someday. . . unfortunately, someday wasn't happening fast enough.

But that was neither here nor there.

Dipping her head cordially, the lioness replied, "Forgive my intrusion, Aggra. I'm Isanne. . . You perhaps wouldn't mind sharing some shade? It's clearly a large enough patch for two." She added, giving a nod at the tree. It was, of course, the only spot for relief in the nearby lands. . . .

So she hoped the leopardess would oblige.

While Isanne was indeed being cordial, she was also known to have a sharp tongue when the situation called for it. There were many ruffians and cads out there, some of them terribly disrespectful to a lady of her rank (or so she liked to believe), and there were moments when civility just didn't work.

Thankfully though, this leopardess was pleasant enough. There was no need to show that uglier side of her, of course not. She was pure and pristine, just like her coat. Thankfully, Isanne didn't often run in to trouble with other females -- it was the men of the savanna that often ruffled her feathers.

Her prince was out there though, and Isanne was more than confident that she would find him.

Smiling brightly, eyes lighting with relief, the lioness was quick to move in to the shade. She settled herself closer to the base of the tree, relaxing now that the worst of the sun was off her back. "Thank you. That sunshine doesn't ever seem to get more bearable, no matter how many years you live beneath it." She added with a small smile.

Glancing down at her paws, the lioness crinkled her nose. As much as she wanted to doze and nap, first things first - she needed to groom. Starting with her paws, the lioness began her task dutifully.

Isanne was perhaps a bit too obsessive about her coat. It was a struggle to keep it as white as she liked, and required almost constant tending. Unfortunately though, she wasn't so self-centered or vain to forget about other priorities - such as eating, drinking, and staying out of trouble.

As much as she wished to live a spoiled lifestyle, deep down, as much as she refused to admit it, that life was a long way away. A pipe dream. . . . But it was hope of seeing that future come to reality that kept the lioness on the move. Love wouldn't find her if she just sat around waiting for it - she would MAKE it find her!

Pausing to critically study her paw, the lioness gave a little chuckle. "I suppose I'd rather the heat than the monsoons though. Funny how this world we live in is nothing but extremes - either you fry during the summers, or are half-drowned during the winters. Really, it needs a lesson moderation." She nodded firmly in that belief, though her eyes were full of good humor.

"I've been a rogue for as long as I can remember, to be perfectly frank. I wouldn't mind settling someday, perhaps in a pride, but have yet to find one worthy of my standards." That was partial truth. She hadn't exactly gone out of her way to hunt for a group either. "What of yourself?"

Isanne's ears pricked when the other spoke of her own rogue lifestyle. So they were indeed kindred spirits! It was refreshing to meet another female who was strong enough to handle a life alone. It was also a bit intimidating when it came to finding prides. . . . Not only did they often impose rules, restrictions, religion, and all sorts of strange things but . . . sometimes the females in the pride were absolutely brain washed.

"Ah, I understand that completely. I absolutely dream of finding a mate to provide for me, and my future family. It would be good to retire for awhile, or at least find someone who would fuss over me as I deserve." She grinned, her words not quite jest. "Maybe then I could keep my coat in better condition. . . "

The lioness found herself chattering through the rest of the afternoon, her pristine coat cleaning temporarily halted by the prospect of a new friend.

[fin.]