Typically Erebus didn't go out of his way to target his next 'victim', but this time he decided on one the moment he heard her speak. He was sure that she didn't take notice of him, but she had his full attention. She was sitting under a tree with a group of other lions and other felines. He was near the water, pretending to drink, but actually listening in on her conversation.
He couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes again and again. It was lions like her that made him grind his teeth. He lifted his head away from the water and turned toward her. She was pretty though, he had to admit. He stood up and started to walk over to her. For now he would keep an eye on her. Once she was alone, he would make his move. He listened quietly as she spoke. Despite the fact that he wanted to frown, he had a smile, understanding smile. He didn't want to appear rude. That just wasn't him. For now he needed to seem like a kind, ignorant lion, just like the lioness talking.
Naida had recently made this place her home. There were a few other felines living in the area. They were sure to make her feel at home. In return she thought she would share some of her stories with them. She wanted to help them as much as she could. “I had to climb the mountain side to save him. The poor dear leg was hurt and I couldn't leave him there. I thought about going to see if I could find someone else, but I worried that it would be to late. Once I reached the kit, I picked him up and carried him back to the top.” She said, enjoying telling the story. She was just grateful that they seemed interested. After this story, she had volunteered to do some hunting.
“I kept him with me until I was able to find his mother. She had been in such a panic, but once she had her kit back she was able to calm down.” She said with a smile. It had been someday. She had traveled around trying to find the mother, while the kit road on her back. “I will tell you more about it, for now I think it is time for me to go hunting.”
There was a groan from some of the younger felines, but they were quickly gathered up. Naida was standing up when she spotted a lion she hadn't seen before. She gave him a friendly smile before walking away.
She was going on a hunt? Perfect timing. “I will help.” He offered as he followed her. This might be the perfect opportunity to sink his claws into her, to show her just how wrong she was. She seemed to be the sort that he couldn't stand, kind, naive oblivious to those around her. She probably had a perfect image of how the world was, how everyone was sweet and caring. But he would open her eyes and show her how the world was.
“Thank you. It is always nice to have someone to assist in hunting.” She said with a smile.
Even her voice had that innocent voice. “How long have you been here?” he asked, trying to sound curious. “I've been traveling for sometime and this place seemed like a nice place to rest.
“Oh I've been here for a bit now. I decided that this is the place I want to make my home. Everyone is so generous here. I've just felt that it is time for me to settle down. How about you? Planning on staying long?” She asked. Something about him was rubbing her the wrong way. She couldn't pin point it though. For now she would keep a close eye on him. He seemed to eager to help and their was an air of fakeness around him.
In the distance she could see gazelle. She ducked down in the grass. They would have to catch at least two or three to feed everyone. She just hoped that this lion was a decent hunter. It hit her that she didn't even know his name. “I don't think I caught your name. Mine is Naida.”
Everything was going well, Erebus thought. The more she talked the more he was sure that she was the right target. He gave her a shrug. “I might stay for a bit, though not long enough to over stay my welcome. While I am here, I will be sure to help out as much as I can. It is the least I can do after all.” He said.
When she ducked down into the grass, he followed suit. His eyes were locked on her, instead of the gazelle. He would let her take the lead in the hunt. Since he was young, he had always been a hunter. His parents taught him when he was young. When he was on his own, he would hunt for others who weren't as skilled at hunting. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. He had once been helpful toward others, assisting without expecting anything in return. How foolish of him, he thought. Everything came at a price.
“Nice to meet you Naida, I am Erebus.” He said with a nod.
She nodded. Until he proved to be untrustworthy she wouldn't act on her haunch. She would still keep an eye on him, but nothing more. “On the count of three we'll go.” She said softly, she glanced over at him and saw that his eyes were not on the prey, but on her. His stare wasn't that of one listening, no he looked at her like she was his next prey. But his expression quickly changed. He smiled and closed his eyes.
“Sorry I was concentrating.” He said with a quiet laugh. He could slap himself. For a split second he had let his true feelings show on his face. He could not do that again. Instead of looking at her, he looked at the gazelle. He needed to get on her good side.
Her eyes narrowed, but she decided to let it slide. “Alright, Three two one,” She jetted forward, keeping low to the ground. When she was close enough she pounced, jumping up high and bringing the prey down. She looked over to see how Erebus was doing. He had also taken down one. She gave him a nod, watching the herd run away. Quickly she darted after them, Erebus following suit.
Together they managed to bring down two more.
Erebus hated to admit it, but she was a good huntress. He hated those who were needy. She wasn't like that though. He was sure that she could take care of herself. It would be curious how she would react once he finished his plan. “That was a good hunt.” He said, the fur on his face dripping with sweat. “I guess we need to bring them back to the others.”
She nodded. “We work as a team, help each other. I told them that I could hunt, so they had me be one of their hunters.” Naida explained. “If you stay, they will probably ask you to help with the hunting as well, it seems like you already are good at it. Though, if you had other skills, you could use those to help the group. But that's only if you decided to stay.”
“I can carry two of them on my back, that way we don't have to take multiple trips.” He offered, bending down so she could put them on him.
“That's a lot of weight, will you be alright? It's a bit of a trip back.” She asked.
He gave her a nod. “I can handle it. The sooner we get them their, the sooner we can feast am I right?” He said with a grin. She laughed and placed two of the gazelle on his back. He stood back up and balanced them. “I don't plan on staying by the way, so if I were you, I wouldn't get used to me helping you.”
She rolled her eyes. “I was doing fine before you got here and I'll do fine once you leave.” Naida said before grabbing the gazelle with her mouth. He laughed before doing the same.
WC: 1,405
